Knowing good basic sewing skills always comes in handy. But sometimes, challenging fabrics can still be too much to handle. Indeed, what may seem like simple tasks of folding and cutting fabric can become frustrating –not to mention the difficulties that will be encountered when we start running our sewing … Continue reading
This is the placket pattern & tutorial. A placket is a detail often used in tailored shirts and blouses. This is one of the skills that will raise your sewing to the next level. But first, let’s make sure everyone knows what we’re talking about. According to Wikipedia: A placket (also spelled placquet) … Continue reading
Software for creating sewing patterns is improving all the time. As I invest in some of the new and rather pricey software and the training that goes with it, I’m hoping to create better patterns for you. One of the improvements you’ll see coming up is what’s known as a … Continue reading
So what is shirring anyway? In preparation for a new project this week, I want to introduce you to a technique called shirring (which is sometimes known as smocking) with a simple practice tutorial. According to Wikipedia, “shirring is two or more rows of gathers that are used to decorate … Continue reading
I’ve started to accumulate. Not just fabric, of course, we all need a sizable fabric stash in case of well, a zombie apocalypse or something, where we can’t get out to the fabric shop for a while. I’ve also started to accumulate some sewing tools. Small tools that make sewing … Continue reading
Wool has been a popular fiber for clothing for thousands of years. As a natural fiber, it is breathable and absorbent. Wool is warm even when wet, making it ideal for winter coats and ski sweaters. Wool can also be spun into fine yarn for socks and baby clothing, or … Continue reading
So you have a basic purse pattern or have a pattern that includes a basic slip pocket and you would like a zipper pocket. Not a problem – this sort of thing can usually be added to any bag. You can add them on the outside like in the Nautical … Continue reading
I’ve been working on some new bag ideas and one of the areas of bag-making that has been a bit of a puzzle to me until recently is how to close the top of the bag. Of course, not all bags need to be closed. Some simple tote bags are … Continue reading
When working with lightweight or even sheer fabrics, the best way to finish an edge is often with a rolled hem foot: faster than hand-sewing and a lot easier, if you know how to do it. What? You don’t? No worries! Let me share with you my best tips and … Continue reading
Most garments you sew are going to need some kind of hemline, and there are lots of options to choose from on how to achieve that. Many of them depend on the type of fabric you are sewing. A knit fabric would require a different approach than a wool or … Continue reading
Stress-free Sewing Stress is all around us these days. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can wreak havoc on both your mind and your body. Thankfully sewing can be both a hobby and a pastime that can really be a refuge from stress. We’ve written before about how Sewing Fights … Continue reading
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