Sewing Success Sewing Blog

Serger Videos

2008-06-22T15:38:00.006-05:00

Videos - How to Use Your Serger

Hi Sewing Friends:

It has been a long time since my last post. I've been so busy teaching. Plus, I recently moved. I am still getting settled. The new sewing room cabinets aren't finished yet. I don't seem to have enough time and energy to teach, write and keep house at the same time but I wanted to share this with you.

I just previewed some videos online that I think many of you would enjoy. Nancy Zieman of Sewing With Nancy always produces first quality videos to help you learn to sew or improve your sewing. These videos on serging are no exception. So, if you haven't seen them, take a look. Even if you are experienced with using your serger, you may pick up a few tips.

There are a series of three videos - each covering a different aspect of how to serge on your overlock machine. They are called, "Serge With Confidence - Part 1, 2 and 3".

Be sure to watch all of them for some good information.

The first video covers Basic Serging including 3 and 4 thread and the rolled edge. Go to:
Serge With Confidence - Part 1

The second video details Flatlocking and the Cover Stitch. Go to:
Serge With Confidence - Part 2

In the third video, Nancy teaches you how to use some serger specialty feet including the cording foot, ruffler and feller plus, she demonstrates how to serge a zipper in a pillow. Go to:
Serge With Confidence - Part 3

I hope you find these serging videos helpful.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: Go to my Sewing Projects Tips Sewing Blog for a list of sewing videos you don't want to miss.

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Create Your Own Sweatshirt or Tee Shirt Designs

2007-12-29T13:16:00.000-05:00

Sewing Projects - Sweatshirts - Tees

Sewing Friends:

Someone asked where I've been. I haven't posted in a while. What with the holidays, traveling, sickness and working, there just aren't enough hours in a day to do everything. But, I do want to tell you about a fun sewing project that you might want to try.

Deconstructing a plain old sweatshirt or tee shirt and making it over into a fashionable garment is one of my most popular sewing classes. Why is it the most popular? Because it is simply fun!

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an advanced sewist, young, old, teen or college student, makeover sweatshirts and tees is the easiest, quickest way to express your creativity and have a sense of accomplishment.

Make sweatshirt jackets or designer tees for yourself, family, friends and kids of all ages any time of year.

In my classes, students get simple guidelines to get started, but they are the designers of these one-of-a-kind creations. No one is concerned about fitting. The jacket will fit someone. And, there are never any errors. The "mistakes" are opportunities to be more creative. This "design as you go" process leads to some of the most spectacular garments.

The supplies are also simple. All you need is a sweatshirt, a bit of fabric and whatever trim you want to use. You don't even have to sew it if you don't want to. Just use some fusible web tape like Steam-A-Seam. Slit the front open or not. Add a zipper or buttons or a hood or not. Lengthen or shorten sleeves or not. Add ruffles or lace or denim or corduroy or whatever. You are the designer.

A sweatshirt or a tee shirt is a great canvas to practice your sewing and designing skills.

Whether than making samples of embroidery, applique, decorative stitches, heirloom stitches or techniques, fabric manipulation, felting, couching, bobbinwork, sashiko, ruching , quilting techniques, painting, stenciling, stamping or whatever it is that you want to try, I encourage you to do it on a sweatshirt or tee shirt so it becomes a wearable work of art. This is so much more rewarding than a pile of samples in a drawer.

How about making a sweatshirt with decorative zippers or different pockets. I'm considering doing my future demo pieces on sweatshirts. It seems that would be far more interesting than little square samples.

There are a lot of free sweatshirt and tee shirt ideas on line to inspire you. There are also a lot of books, and software available that give you step-by-step instructions on how to create a specific design. There are some wonderful makeover sweatshirt artists like Mary Mulari and Londa Rohling that offer superb instructions and infinite designs. Check out some sewing books.

I suggest that you get together with some friends or a sewing class and let your imagination take over to create your unique designs. You will be surprised how easy it is! The ideas flow in a group.

And, remember that if the makeover sweatshirt fails for some reason, you can always turn it into a bag!

Don't you just love sewing?

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Home Sewing Association Closing Its Doors!

2007-12-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

Sewing News

Sewing Friends:

I am posting this to my sewing blogs because it is important news to the sewing world.

I just received a letter stating that the Home Sewing Association will be closing their doors at the end of the year. It is hard to believe that they will be gone. I have referred so many to them over the years. They will be truly missed.

Here is the letter:

"We regret to advise you that after 80+ years of service to the sewing industry, the Home Sewing Association will officially close its doors at the end of the year.

As your elected representatives, we have endeavored to keep the Association operating to fulfill its mission to "Get People Sewing!" Recent marketing programs - including Sew Trendy, Trained Sewing Educator and the Girl Scout kit promotion have shown great promise. In addition, members and sewers alike have benefited from our informative newsletters and website, together with our range of industry and consumer services.

However, we have not been able to absorb the costs - and potential liabilities - of a wrongful termination lawsuit which was filed against the Home Sewing Association in 1996. The lawsuit was tried before a jury in the state of New York in October 2006 and an unfavorable verdict was rendered against HSA.

The Board has engaged in a year-long assessment of the options available to deal with this unfavorable judgment and the additional cost of an award for plaintiff's attorney's fees in the case. It is our determination that the Association can no longer provide a viable level of industry service given this enormous financial burden.

Therefore, the Board of Directors of the Home Sewing Association has made the difficult decision to cease operations as of December 31, 2007. The dissolution of the Association and its remaining assets, such as the National Sewing Show, will be managed under the guidance of a chapter 7 bankruptcy of the Court of New York. Updates will be provided when information becomes available from the Trustee on the disposition of assets. We will be filing a bankruptcy petition for HSA in that court shortly.

We wish to thank you for your membership support and wish you continued success in your sewing industry endeavors in the years ahead."

The letter was signed by the Board of Directors

I feel like I've lost an old friend. If you want to print out their Sewing Guidelines for future use, I suggest that you do that now and put them into a sewing notebook. There is so much good information there. Also, be sure to check out the sewing projects while you can. These links will soon be gone. How sad for all of us!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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How To Sew Corduroy

2007-12-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

Sewing Tips for Sewing Corduroy

Sewing Friends:

"Do you have any tips for sewing corduroy?" was a recent question I received.

Corduroy garments and fabrics are popular once again. Corduroy isn't difficult to sew, but there are a few tips that will help you achieve greater sewing success.

There are some articles online that address sewing corduroy. I will highlight a few of them here for you to check out. You may find some of the suggestions contradictory. My answer to that is always test on fabric scraps before you decide on a technique. Go with the one that gives you the results you want. Sometimes you just need to use your common sense.

See Threads Magazine article called, "Corduroy" by Andrea Moore. I think Andrea did a very good job of explaining how to sew corduroy. Many of the techniques she covered can also be used in other garment sewing as well. This how to sew corduroy article is a good one to keep in your sewing notebook.

The Home Sewing Organization offers Sewing Guidelines for Napped Fabrics and Working With Napped Fabrics

Shannon Gifford shares her knowledge on sewing corduroy and stretch corduroy in her Sewing Guides found at EmmaOneSock

Sewing Tip

One tip that I would add is about pressing. I have found not only with corduroy, but with many other types of fabrics as well, the absolutely best pressing cloth is a scrap of the fabric itself. It doesn't need to be any larger than the soleplate of your iron as you pick it up and move it to press.

With nap fabrics, be careful to place the "pressing cloth" the same grain and nap direction as the garment with right sides together when you press. Mark the direction of the nap on the back or wrong side of the press cloth. Place a small piece of medical paper tape at the top of piece of fabric and draw an arrow on it to indicate the nap and grain.

You don't want to press the corduroy with the wales on your press cloth going the opposite direction of your garment or you may end up with a waffle effect.

Quality Corduroy Fabrics

There really is a big difference between a good quality corduroy and what is generally available to us. Of course, that is true with all fabrics.

Check out New York Fashion Center Fabrics for some 45 inch wide 100% cotton corduroy at $17.95 per yard. Yes, it costs more, but good fabric is well worth the price for your good clothes. I wouldn't spend this on fabric for a growing child.

Fabric Sewing Books

Here are some excellent guide books by Sandra Betzina and Claire Shaeffer to help you achieve sewing success with all types of fabrics:

More Fabric Savvy: A Quick Resource Guide to Selecting and Sewing Fabric Completely Revised and Updated

Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide (Creative Machine Arts)

Sew Any Fabric: A Quick Reference Guide to Fabrics from A to Z

The following basic sewing book from Threads covers layout of napped fabrics and much more:

Sew Basic: 34 Essential Skills for Sewing with Confidence

With all of this information, sewing corduroy and other napped fabrics will no longer be a challenge for you to achieve successful results.

Try it! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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Sew Baby Gifts

2007-11-30T16:53:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Baby Gifts

Sewing Friends:

Do you have babies or are you expecting to have a baby on your gift list this year?

If you want to sew a quick and easy baby gift for holiday gift giving, see this series of sewing videos on How to Sew A Baby Blanket.

Take it a step further and learn How To Make A Baby Quilt in this sewing video.

How about sewing a baby sling? Here are the instructions to sew a baby sling.

Check out this site for instructions on how to use your baby carrier.

Go to Sewing and Improvising Baby Carriers for a long list of links to baby slings, pouches, and carriers of all sorts. Some of these are really good ideas and don't even require sewing. Anyone can make these with a little fabric.

One of my favorite sewing books for baby items is: Kwik Sew's Sewing for Baby

Here are some other baby sewing books that you might like:

Nursery Decor: Projects for Decorating Your Baby's Room

Everything for Baby: Projects to Make Yourself

Baby Gifts: Simple Heirlooms to Make and Give

Baby Couture

Sew & Go Baby: A Collection of Practical Baby Gear Projects/With Pattern

Amy Butler's Sew Baby hc

The Crafty Mamas: Book of 50 Fast, Fabulous and Foolproof Projects for Baby Gear

Handmade Baby Gifts

Baby Wraps: Quick, Cuddly Quilts

Sew a gift for your special baby this year. If you have no babies of your own, sew something and give it to a charity. There are many babies who could use these gifts. This is fun sewing.

Get your creative juices flowing, use up some of your stash and sew some love! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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Free Sewing Pattern - Pajama Pants

2007-11-21T20:28:00.000-05:00

Sewing Patterns

Sewing Friends:

Last post, I shared with you how to make nightgowns from t-shirts for Christmas gifts for kids. I made a few of these niteys for some special little girls. They are really cute!

I also made a few pajama pants using an old one-seam pants pattern I have. I added appliques to t-shirt, camisoles or sweatshirt tops to wear with the pj's.

Kids of all ages love these cuddly jammies. They are so quick and easy to sew. Choose some fun flannel, fleece or cotton print depicting their favorite sport, hobby or interest.

Today, I got the latest issue of Sew News - December 2007. It includes instructions to make pj pants. The best part is that Sew News has the sewing pattern for pajama pants online for you to download absolutely free. The pattern is for shorts, but the article explains how to lengthen the legs to make full length pajama pants.

Be careful of the size. The small size fits up to a 36 inch waist. The medium/large size fits up to a 44 inch waist.

The pj pants are fun and fast to sew. They can be baggy so you don't have to worry about perfect fit. Put in drawstring elastic waists if you aren't sure of size.

The leg length doesn't really matter either. Make them short, capri, long or whatever you want. Mix and match fabrics for more fun. Add bands of contrasting fabric to the bottom of the legs or how about some ruffles?

Try it! Sew some for Christmas gifts this year.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sew An Instant, Easy Nightgown for Kids

2007-11-18T19:15:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Nightgowns

Sewing Friends:

If you are looking for an ideal Christmas gift, try this. Sew a quick and easy nightgown for kids.

Purchase or use an old, larger than the child normally wears, tee shirt. Add some Christmas flannel or cotton print and you have a kids instant Christmas nitey.

Here are the instructions:

Preshrink the tee shirt and fabric.

Measure the bottom of the tee shirt. Depending on how full you want your ruffle, multiply the width of the tee shirt by 1-1/2 or 2 times the width of the tee shirt hem.

Determine the length you want the ruffle to finish. Add about 1 inch to that measurement for a seam allowance and machine stitched hem. My ruffle is 6 inches finished. The fitted tee shirt I chose was long and the nightgown is for a little girl.

Seam the ruffle if necessary to go around the bottom of the shirt.

Gather the ruffle to fit the tee shirt. I used the serger to gather my ruffle and sew it to the bottom of the tee shirt at the same time. Use whatever gathering technique you prefer.

Machine stitch the hem of the ruffle.

Choose an applique motif from a scrap of fabric. Press the scrap to some fusible web. Center the design motif and cut it out. Fuse it to the center front of the tee shirt.

Add some ruffle eyelet trim around the motif or applique stitch around it if desired. Add a small flannel fabric bow if desired.

Voila! Easy, instant nightgown!

Kids love having a special nightgown to wear on Christmas Eve while they wait for Santa.

Sew these quick and easy nightgowns any time of year. They are so comfy and girls really like them.

If you have boys, fuse a motif to a tee shirt and sew some quick one seam boxer shorts or long pj's to make them very happy, indeed! They don't have to fit really well. Kids love loose clothing.

Try making some long baggy pj's with appliqued tees for the college kids, too. They love to lounge in them in their dorms.

Keep it very simple and have fun!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

Sewing Project - Nightgowns

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How To Sew Padded Hangers

2007-11-14T19:52:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Padded Hangers

Sewing Friends:

Are you busy sewing gifts for the holidays? Here is a quick and easy sewing project that you can make with fabric scraps and it is much appreciated. Make luxurious padded hangers.

I really like to use velvet padded hangers for my best clothes. They are so elegant and support the garments nicely. Try some!

There are a lot of links on how to make different styles and variations of padded hanger covers and padded hangers. I have listed a few for you.

In addition, I will give you instructions to make my favorite padded hanger. This is not just a cover, but a wooden hanger that is padded and covered.

If you sew something for someone, make a matching padded hanger for a really nice touch!

Here are some links to check out:

Padded Hanger Covers by Husqvarna Viking Education Director, Cathy Wilson
http://usaapp.husqvarnaviking.com/education/pdf/PaddedHangerCovers.pdf

Elegant Padded Hanger
http://www.getcreativeshow.com/seminars/padded_hanger.htm

Padded Hangers
http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/publications/conserveogram/04-05.pdf

Luxe Hangers
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00222.asp

Here Are Instructions On How To Sew My Favorite Padded Hanger:

Supplies Need to Make One Padded Hanger

Fabric Scraps
Thread
Wooden coat hanger
Poly fiberfill
Old pantyhose or knee highs
About 5/8 yard of ribbon 3/4 to 1 inch wide

Fabric

Use fabric scraps left over from the garments that you make to sew a matching padded hanger. Try velvets, corduroy, cottons, double knits, prints, whatever you like. You can even mix and match fabrics.

Cutting

Cut two pieces of fabric 3 inches wide by 9 inches long
Cut two pieces of fabric 3 inches wide by 12 inches long
Curve one end of all four pieces.
Cut 2 pieces of pantyhose about 4 inches square
Cut one piece of ribbon about 22 inches long
Cut two pieces of poly fiberfill 9 inches wide by 14 inches long

Construction of Padded Hanger Covers

About 1/4 inch from the edge, sew a gathering stitch around the 3 by 12 piece of fabric. This will be used for the top side of the padded hanger.
Pull the gathers up slightly.
Lay this piece to the 3 by 9 inch piece of fabric with the right sides together.
Adjust gathers to fit the 9 inch piece.
Pin in place to hold.
With the gathered side up, stitch a thread deeper than the gathering thread and join the two layers together.
Use short stitches to make this seam. This will cover half the hanger.
Repeat this procedure for the other half of the hanger.
Turn both cover sections right side out

Pad The Wooden Hanger

Wrap one piece of the fiberfill loosely around half of the hanger.
Turn about 1 inch of the end over itself
Place one of the squares of the pantyhose over one of the ends of the padded hanger.

Put The Cover On The Hanger

While holding the pantyhose on the padded hanger tightly, pull one of the outer hanger covers over the end of the hanger to the center with the gathers on the top of the hanger.
Repeat for the other half of the hanger.
With a needle and thread, hand stitch the two cut edges of the cover around the center of the hanger.

Suggestions to Cover The Hanger Hooks

Sew a narrow bias tubing out of the fabric to cover the hook part of the hanger. Secure the bias tubing with a few hand stitches at both ends.
Use aquarium tubing that you get in a pet shop and slide it over the hook. Cut off the excess.
Or cover the hook with ribbon. First put a line of glue on the hook and wrap the ribbon around the hook.

Finish the Hanger

To finish the hanger, fold the 22 inches of ribbon in half.
This makes a loop of the ribbon. Place this large loop over the hook and let it hang down below the hanger.
Put the ends of the ribbon through this loop at the bottom.
Pull up and tie into a pretty bow at the center.

Hope you enjoy making padded hangers. They really are quick and easy to sew. Give padded hangers as gifts this holiday season.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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How Do I Know How Lopsided I Am?

2007-11-09T22:16:00.000-05:00

Fitting Question

Sewing Friends:

Gee! You gals are quick! I barely got the last post out, when I was asked how I determined how lopsided I am. In other words, how do I know that I am one inch larger on the right side of my hips and one inch higher on the right side? Did I just keep guessing until I got it right? Absolutely not!

That's where my common sense fitting method comes in. If you follow the instructions in my ebook, "Common Sense Fitting For Hard To Fit Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts and Pants", you can determine exactly where you differ from side to side and exactly how much that is. There is no trial and error or guessing at all. It makes sense to measure and fit this way. Try it!

It is so important to understand how much your body differs from side to side to get a good fit. Particularly, as we age, we seem to shift more due to operations, arthritis, etc., etc.

Oftentimes, folks don't even realize they are lopsided. They just know that their clothes are uncomfortable and don't fit. Consequently, these ladies usually choose very loose fitting garments to get the comfort they seek. This causes them to look more frumpy and matronly than they should look. They are unhappy with their sewing results and no longer sew for themselves. These ladies usually wear knits rather than wovens for the same reasons. Knits stretch where they have larger "bumps"!

If you are one of these ladies, please do yourself a favor and check out my Common Sense Fitting Method to learn more about your body, what you need, where you need it and how to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Then, get the Wild Ginger pattern making software and input your larger measurements as your sloper. Print out patterns with your fit already in them for that side and then, after you cut out your garment, trim off what you don't need for the smaller side.

I am telling you that this is so much easier to do than fitting every pattern every time you make a garment. If you think about it, you probably only wear a few basic style garments, like pants, a top, skirt and jacket. Get those patterns to fit you and have fun sewing different fabrics and using different sewing techniques to create different looks without all the fitting frustration you suffered in the past.

Sew for yourself once again and really enjoy it! Good fit is possible! Go for it! You will look and feel so much better. It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing and Fitting Success,
Marian

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Wild Ginger and Me

2007-11-09T14:28:00.000-05:00

Sewing Pattern Software

Sewing Friends:

Wow! I haven't posted anything for a while. But, that doesn't mean I am not sewing. In fact, I recently became certified as a Wild Ginger Instructor and have been sew busy learning and teaching.

I have to admit that I was very skeptical about apparell pattern making software. I didn't really believe that I could input some measurements into my computer and my printer would print out a pattern that would actually fit my crooked body. But, right now, I am wearing a pair of pretty good looking pants and I have three tops that are exactly that. And, they came from Wild Ginger.

Granted that it took a little extra work on my part, but I think I finally have it figured out. I just had to use my "common sense" fitting knowledge. And that is, you put the fabric where you need it!

As I explained in the past, the right side of my body is one inch larger than the left side and my right hip is one inch higher than my left. That simply means that my right side needs more fabric than my left. So, how do I accommodate that especially in pants?

Well, I definitely cannot use a full hip measurement because that puts my center seam off center. The right pulls it off to the right. I needed to know what half of my hip measured front to back on my larger side. From center front to center back on my right side, I measured 20 inches. I doubled that to get 40 inches to put into the computer even though my hips actually measure 39 inches. With the 40 inch hip, the computer places my center seam where it should be on my body. It just makes sense! I know that no one wants to see a larger number on their hip line, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get the results you want.

I swallowed hard when I looked at that pattern and cut out my fabric double layer using the 40 hip pattern. Then, after carefully discerning which layer is my right side and which is my left, I cut off 1/2 inch front and back on the left side of my pants to size it down to what I need on my left side. That brought me back to a 39 inch total hipline with the center seams where they should be in the center of my body. I felt better already! Then, I cut off 1 inch at the top waistline of the left side and tapered that to nothing at the center front and center back to accommodate my lower left side. Halleleujah!

I told the computer to drop my center back 1/2 inch to take care of my flat seat and added a smidge for my tummy bulge at the center front line. That did it! I have my basic pants sloper and I don't have to have a right and left pattern that I have to cut out single layer.

Hope this helps some of you. Now, I will try some different style pants and I want to try some jackets, too.

Go to Wild Ginger to check out all the different software programs that they have to offer. Check out the free demos here.

Download Wild Ginger Wild Things! to try out and discover how easy it is to use. This is free software to easily design and print patterns for Hats, Bags and Other Fun Stuff.

Wild Things! is a fully functional FREE program for drafting patterns for hats, bags, wraps, and footwear.

There are public and private Wild Ginger Community Forums where you can ask questions and discuss Wild Ginger issues, etc.

I will let you know how I progress with Wild Ginger. If any of you have any Wild Ginger tips for us, please share them.

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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Heirloom Hankies Sewing Projects

2007-10-28T21:38:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Heirloom Hankies

Sewing Friends:

It is amazing what precious memories come up when you see or think about a simple old fashioned ladies handkerchief. If you have some of these dainty hankies laying around in your cedar chest or attic, get them out and do something with them.

Make a small pillow, large pillow sham, wall hanging or table runner as a gift for someone special who will appreciate the love and the stories behind all those wonderful pieces of embroidered cloth with crocheted edges.

I remember making handkerchief dolls and tea aprons using printed hankies when I was a kid. I also remember my grandmother crocheting and tatting around the edges of hankies. She also did the finest hand embroidery I have ever seen. I never could make such tiny perfect stitches.

In one of my previous posts, I told you what I did with some of our family hankies. See Sew A Pillow Sham From Vintage Hankies and Old Linens. The pillow shams I made are now family treasures to be passed down to the next generation.

Here is another idea of preserving some family heirlooms by Debbie Cook. Debbie offers instructions on how to create an Heirloom Hankies Pillow.

I agree with Debbie that the hardest part was cutting into that first handkerchief. That was hard. It seemed almost sinful.

If you are interested in more information about vintage hankies, go to Vintage Hankies - More Than Sneeze Catchers .

Don't leave the family hankies stored away. Get them out and enjoy these collectibles. Let us know what you created with your vintage hankies.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sew a Hooded Tunic Dress

2007-10-18T13:57:00.000-05:00

Sewing Video - Hooded Tunic Dress

Sewing Friends:

Isn't sewing fun? Last post, we covered haute hostess aprons and this one is about sewing a hooded tunic dress out of a man's XXL hooded sweatshirt and a little elastic. This tunic dress has short sleeves and an origami pleat in the back.

I think I will make up a sample for the college kids "Sewing Cafe" class. It's definitely not something that my senior citizen friends would wear, but I can see some of the teens in it.

Mike Gonzalez demonstrates all the details on How To Make A Hooded Tunic Dress in his sewing video. He also provides written instructions.

Mike suggests that you wear this hooded tunic or dress with leggings or skinny jeans.

Instead of handsewing, I prefer sewing the seams by sewing machine or serger so that they hold up better in wearing and laundering.

Mike leaves the bottom ribbing on the hooded tunic dress. You might think about removing it and adding a decorative fun trim around the bottom or making a lettuce edge or binding the bottom and the sleeve edges with a novelty print fabric.

Have some fun with it. It's a good way to recycle that huge bulky sweatshirt into a fashion statement.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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Haute Hostess Aprons

2007-10-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Aprons

Sewing Friends:

Just when I thought I had seen everything, a friend sent me this video on "Haute Hostess Aprons" designed by Elizabeth Scokin.

These simple aprons are "big news". Elizabeth says that you aren't supposed to cook in them. You are just to look glamourous. I need more than an apron to make that happen.

The "big news" to me is the "BIG PRICE" that she gets for these hostess aprons. I can't believe that someone would pay from $100 to $300 for a simple apron that requires dry cleaning. But, I guess "Oprah" and "Martha" have them and that helps to make them desirable to folks who can afford them.

When I was a kid, I made aprons and sold them door to door for 50 cents. I know that was eons ago, but still $300 is really beyond belief for a yard of polyester or nylon or even silk fabric and a little trim.

Beginners can sew these aprons in an hour. Get out your sewing machines and stitch up some haute hostess aprons for yourself and your friends. You don't really need a pattern for this sewing project, however, there are lots of patterns available.

Preshrink your fabrics and trims to make your apron washable.

Design your own and give them as gifts. Think outside the box for fabric ideas. Check out the fabrics in Elizabeth's aprons.

If you really want to buy one, go to Haute Hostess Aprons. Or, show the site to your husband and tell hem how much you save him by sewing.

Think I will check my "stash" to see what glam aprons I can sew.

Aren't you glad that you sew? It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

Aprons

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Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Pillow

2007-10-13T08:31:00.000-05:00

Sewing Technique - Tutorial - Pillows

Sewing Friends:

Pillows can be very expensive to buy. You can sew beautiful designer pillows that match your decor and add a touch of pizazz to your home very easily. Pillows also make great gifts.

You can make a pillow out of almost anything. Teens are making tee shirt and old jeans pillows. Here are instructions to Recycle a T-Shirt and Sew A Throw Pillow

Preserve that favorite "blankie" or what's left of it in a pillow for your child to keep. They can take it off to college with them. You would be surprised how many "blankies" go to college.

Shop around the finest home decor boutiques for pillow ideas. Carry a small notepad with you to write or sketch the ones you want to copy. The details make the difference as well as choice of fabric and trims.

Many pillow sewing instructions include a zipper in the middle of the back piece. Instead of a lapped or centered zipper, try sewing an invisible zipper in one of the end seams to make the pillow reversible as in the recycled tee shirt pillow.

Here is another good tutorial on how to sew an invisible zipper in a decorative designer pillow.

Sewing Tip: To help keep the zipper from slipping while you sew it, fuse Lite Steam-A-Seam to the zipper tape. (This is a paper backed fusible web.) Fuse the zipper in place and then stitch it. This technique works for all types of zippers. Try it!

Note: Be sure to see How To Sew Ends Of Satin Twisted Cord Trim On Pillows

Check out this site to Learn How to Prevent Dog-Eared or Floppy Corners on Pillows

Go to this site for sewing instructions for three great pillows by Linda Lee from The Sewing Workshop.

See "How To Sew An Easy Decorative Pillow Cover" to make a pretty Harem Pillow.

Shop Amazon. For some good books on sewing pillows, see: Christopher Nejman's Pillows: Designer Sewing Techniques or Sandra Betzina Sews for Your Home: Pillows Window Treatments Slipcovers Table Coverings Kids' Accessories or Simply Pillows (Simply) or Sew Sensational: Pillows

Search Amazon for more books on sewing pillows.

For tons of ideas for pillows, go to Sewing Pillows is a Fun Home Dec Project.

From beginners to advanced, from no-sew to the most intricate sewing techniques, everyone loves pillows. Follow these guidelines to make your own gorgeous designer pillows.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian Lewis

PS: Share your pillow ideas with us.

Sewing Technique - Tutorial - Pillows

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Sewing Video - Crushing Velvet

2007-10-05T12:32:00.000-05:00

Sewing Video - Velvet

Sewing Friends:

I made a lot of velvet dresses for my daughter and granddaughters over the years. And, I made a lot of velvet skating costumes for my grandson and his ice dancing partner, too. Some velvets weren't very easy to work with, but the results were always rewarding.

Velvet is one of the most luxurious fabrics to wear. It seems we often see more of it at holiday time. It is a bit tricky to sew and press, but if you know a few tips, you can achieve sewing success.

One of my favorite pressing tips is to use a small scrap of the fabric itself as a pressing cloth. I do this with all my nap fabrics. Lay the right sides together (nap to nap) with the grain going the same direction (especially on corduroy or you will get a checkerboard effect) and steam press.

When sewing stretch velvet skating costumes, I used 1/4 inch strips of Lite Steam-A-Seam on the seams to help keep them from shifting. It seemed to work pretty well. The seam allowances were only 1/4 inch and were pretty bulky seams so you may not want that on a more formal garment. My suggestion is to test on scrap fabric. You may find the fusible really does help to solve the velvet and other nap fabric shifting problem. If it works, use it.

Right now, I am very excited about this sewing video by Christine Jonson. She shows you how to crush rayon velvet into lovely designs using only your iron. I have seen other techniques to make crushed velvet, but I think I really like this one better.

Most of the time, when we sew velvet, we don't want the iron marks to show, but in this case, Christine shows us how we can turn those marks into a very desirable look. You will be amazed. You don't want to miss this sewing video on how to make crushed velvet.

Check out "Crushing Velvet" and turn what we once thought disastrous into something very lovely indeed.

I can't wait to try this technique. You can even do it on a ready-to-wear garment. If you have a velvet dress with a bad spot on it, here is the perfect solution to make it wearable once again.

Here is some sites that teach you more about working with velvet and making gorgeous velvet creations.

Burnout Velvet

For information on how to burnout velvet and other fabrics with Fiber-Etch, go here.

Sewing Velvet

Here are some sites with some sewing and pressing tips for velvet.

Velvet Sewing and Pressing Tips

The Art and Technique of Sewing Velvet

Tips For Sewing With Velvet

Crushed Velvet Tips

Enjoy the tips and techniques for sewing velvet fabrics. Hope this info helps you to create some beautiful velvet garments this holiday season.

Sew a velvet dress for that special little girl in your life. Or, sew a simple velvet top or skirt for yourself. Keep the garment seams to a minimum. Let the velvet make the fashion statement for you. You will look and feel so elegant!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing For The Troops - Cool Ties And Helmet Kisses

2007-09-29T14:18:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Cool Ties - Helmet Kisses

Sewing Friends:

We have been sew very busy this month!

Our chapter of the American Sewing Guild and A Stitch Connection (Viking-Husqvarna dealer) where I teach classes partnered together to sew "Cool Ties" and "Helmet Kisses" to send to the US Military in Iraq. This is known as "The Hugs Project".

Our goal was to sew 1000 of the ties and kisses to send for Christmas. We believe we have met that goal at last count. . ties and kisses are still coming in.

We also asked volunteers who helped us sew to write a personal note to tuck in with each tie or kiss. We put the instructions on how to use the tie on a label on one side of a 3x5 card. On the reverse side, we ask folks to write a personal note and sign it.

The response has been overwhelming. Kids and Grandpas have written the most moving notes to our soldiers. Even the local police and mall shoppers of all ages are writing notes and helping us to sew.

All the fabrics, moisture pellets that go inside the ties, sewing machines, supplies, time and effort have been donated.

This has definitely been a worthwhile and fun project. We will all have a better Christmas because of it.

We plan to continue the project even after we meet our goal because so many people want to help. Florida Gulf Coast University students and many home school students have taken this on as a community service project where they not only get credit for their service, but learn how to sew at the same time.

It's a win win situation for all.

Click here to learn more about the Hugs Project.

Go here for instructions on how to sew a cool tie.

Cool ties are great gifts for loved ones at home, too. Remember that they can be warm or cool.

Granma might like one for her stiff neck. I plan to sew them for my husband's golfing buddies this Christmas. This might be a great stocking stuffer gift for most anyone.

Have fun sewing cool ties. It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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How to Sew Obi Belts, Sashes and Scarves

2007-09-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

Sewing Projects - Obi Belts, Sashes and Scarves

Sewing Friends:

If you are looking for quick and easy gifts to sew, this is it. Choose some pretty fabric and make wide fabric obi belts, sashes or scarves. They are very popular this year and can be quite pricey in high fashion boutiques.

Tie them around your waist or drape them around your neck or over your shoulder. Add some beads or fringe to the ends for even more pizazz.

Here is a review on the instructions on how to sew a four inch wide obi belt:

Fabric required: 1-1/4 yards

Cut 2 strips of bias fabric 9 inches wide x 50 inches long
Stitch together to create one long piece 100 inches long.
Note: See How To Sew Bias Strips Together
Interface if desired
Fold strip in half lengthwise with right sides together.
Stitch 1/2 inch seam leaving about a 3 inch opening.
Press seam and turn right side out through the opening.
Fuse or handstitch the opening closed.
Press well
Follow the directions on the video, How To Tie A Wide Belt to learn how to tie it around your waist.

For more ideas, see the Home Sewing Association's instructions for a Beaded and Silk Fringed Scarf

See How to Sew A Magic Sash for a really fun spiral sash.

Enjoy this sewing project. Sew some odd and ends of fabrics together for an interesting scarf. Check out the remnant table for special deals on unique fabrics. Look at catalogs and in boutiques for ideas. With just a little fabric and very little time, you can sew a whole wardrobe of wide obi belts, sashes and scarves and save a ton of money, too.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sew Pillows for Breast Cancer and Other Surgical Patients

2007-09-22T17:22:00.000-05:00

Sewing Project - Ouch Pillows For Surgical Patients

Sewing Friends:

Our chapter of the American Sewing Guild is sewing Anti-Ouch Pouches for cancer patients who have had breast surgery.

Per the American Sewing Guild National Headquarters Caring and Sharing section of their website:

"This underarm hanging pillow is intended to add a little comfort to people’s lives during a stressful, painful time. The pillow hangs from the shoulder, fitting snugly under the arm to cushion the underarm and breast area after breast surgery or during radiation treatment. Its wedge shape holds the arm slightly away from the body when the person is standing. The shoulder strap is adjustable. The fiberfill can be adjusted via an overlapped opening. The design is meant to look like a tote bag, and may be used on the right or left side of the body."

What a gift of love for a friend or family member or even someone you don't even know.

Being a lung cancer survivor, I wish I had an anti-ouch pouch when I had my surgery. I'm sure there are other patients who would love an anti-ouch pouch, too. Much like the "heart pillows", it really helps to have something to hold against your body when you are really hurting. Think about sewing some ouch pillows for gifts this year.

Here are the instructions to sew an anti-ouch pouch pillow.

Whether you sew a "Smiley Face" Pillow or a "Heart" Pillow or an "Anti-Ouch Pouch" all patients young and old alike really appreciate them. Consider sewing pillows for:

Open-Heart Surgery Patients
General Surgery Patients
Mastectomy Patients
Pediatric Patients

Smiley Face pillows are really easy. Here is how to sew a Smiley Pillow.

Make a circle template by drawing a circle that is about 15 inches in diameter.
Using fabric markers, draw a smiley face on the right side of a piece of fabric about 16 inches square. You can also applique or embroidery a smiley face.
Lay a second piece of fabric right sides together over the first.
Trace around the circle template on the wrong side of the fabric.
Use short stitches to stitch around the drawn line leaving about a 4 inch opening.
Trim the excess fabric away leaving about 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Press and turn right side out.
Press again setting the seam on the edge.
Stuff the pillow
Stitch the opening closed.

It is easier to sew along the drawn line and then trim than it is to cut a circle and stitch around it.

Heart pillows for cardiac patients are similar size (about 15 inches) but they are heart shaped. Trace a heart and sew it just like the Smilely Face pillow. Be sure to use short stitches (1.5) and clip right to the stitching at the center of the heart to get it to turn out nice and smooth. A short stitch or two across the V in the center of the heart helps a lot.

Put your sewing skills to good use to help alleviate a little pain in someone's life. Use up some of your fabric stash. You don't have to be an expert to sew these pillows. Get the kids involved. If they can't sew, they can help stuff the pillows. This is a great home school sewing project.

There is nothing more rewarding than to give these gifts of love to folks who really appreciate them. It is so nice to know that someone cares! Make some ouch pillows to aid the healing process! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

Sewing Project - Ouch Pillows For Surgical Patients

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How To Turn Tee Shirts Into Hoodies - New Sewing Course - Tee Hoodies

2007-09-20T13:05:00.000-05:00

Sewing Course - Tee Hoodies - How to Makeover Tee Shirts Into Hoodies

Sewing Friends:

"Tee Hoodies" is available to download right now! Yes, you asked for a sewing course ebook on how to deconstruct and makeover your favorite tee shirts into hoodies and now you have it! I deliver what I promise. I hope you enjoy it!

So many of you have a favorite tee shirt that you just can't live without. And, you also love hoodies. Sew, now you can combine your favorite things into one garment and make a tee hoodie. It is easy and fun to do.

Hoodies don't have to be just shirts. Turn the shirts into vests, jackets, dresses, beach cover-ups, tunics, robes, etc. The ideas are endless.

Tee hoodies are the perfect weight to wear under or over another garment.

Pick a contrasting fabric to highlight your favorite activity, sport, event, animal, holiday, whatever you want. Add trims, decorative stitching, appliques, embroidery, couching, paints, glitz, etc. You are the designer! Have fun with it! Make a unique tee hoodie.

Tee Hoodies are great gifts. Recycle and restyle a favorite tee shirt for your family members and friends of all ages. They will love it.

Get this sewing course with easy to follow instructions and create your own one-of-a-kind Tee Hoodie. It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: Please share your tee hoodies with us. We would love to see them.

PPS: Discover how to recycle or makeover old jeans into a ruffled skirt or a pants leg purse. Check out my post on Sewing Project Tips Sewing Blog

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Sewing Technique - How To Do Couching for A Decorative Look

2007-09-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

Sewing Technique - Couching

Sewing Friends:

One of my students asked, "What is couching?"

Couching, according to Wikepedia is defined this way:

"In embroidery, couching and laid work are techniques in which yarn or other materials are laid across the surface of the ground fabric and fastened in place with small stitches of the same or a different yarn."

This technique is well known in the hand sewing world. But, it is also very popular in the sewing machine world as well. You will see it on a lot of sewing projects.

Couching is one of my favorite sewing techniques. It is fast and easy and it can make a garment truly unique and special.

All you really need to know is how to do the zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. You are just zigzagging on top of some loose threads or yarns to hold them down on the fabric. It is that simple.

I like to use a clear monofilament thread on the top of my sewing machine to couch over decorative yarns or threads. Slightly loosen the tension so the bobbin thread doesn't show either.

Whether you are sewing a garment from a sewing pattern or deconstructing and sewing a makeover sweatshirt or jeans, or even doing home dec, try couching some decorative threads, yarns, trims, braids, ribbons, etc. to really jazz it up and give it a whole new look.

The Home Sewing Association has a great article on couching. Click on the link to get some good tips on how to do couching.

Check out ready-to-wear and home dec items for couching ideas. Now that you know what it is and how easy it is to do, have fun with it. Try couching on your next sewing project.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Tips - How To Match Plaids and Designs

2007-09-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

Sewing Tip - Matching Plaids and Designs

Sewing Friends:

Plaids are popular once again. Whether you are sewing a plaid or any other design, you want to match everything to create a quality garment or home dec project. You can do it! It takes a little more time and a little more fabric, but it is definitely worth it.

Sewing Books

There are several sewing books and articles available on how to match plaids and designs, etc. Almost all general sewing books cover this subject. Most of them say about the same thing concerning matching fabric designs and generally, they are good instructions. Check your sewing books in your library or browse my sewing book store.

In addition, here are a few sewing tips that I use in my garment and home dec sewing to match designs.

Cutting Tips - Single Layer

Personally, I prefer to cut out single layer when I really want something to match perfectly. I lay out the fabric double layer initially matching the 2 layers the best I can. But, when I cut, I actually only cut through the top layer. Then I check the bottom layer to see if I need to adjust it slightly to get a perfect match to the top layer and then cut the bottom layer. This works pretty well most of the time.

Depending on the fabric and design, there are times when I lay everything out single layer and put post-it notes on my pattern to help me remember to flip the pattern over to cut the other layer.

Stitching Tips - Fusible Thread Technique

Put fusible thread on the bobbin of your sewing machine.

Place one layer of the garment with the wrong side up at the machine.

Stitch with a long basting stitch 1/2 inch from the edge. This puts fusible thread on the right side on the fabric close to the seam line.

Then, lay the piece you want to match right side up on the press table.

Fold under the seam allowance on the piece that you stitched.

Now, lay it over the other piece and match it up exactly where you want it.

Stab pin it in place and then press to fuse the thread to the underneath piece.

Flip over the top piece so the two right sides of both pieces are together.

Now, with regular thread on your sewing machine, stitch the seam at 5/8".

The fusible thread holds the fabric in place so there should be no slippage.

You may want to use a walking foot, too.

I always use the fusible thread technique when I am trying to match up flowers or other designs in a garment or home dec project, too.

Steam-A-Seam fusible tape is another product that I use a lot to help me keep things from shifting and to line things up for a perfect match. Steam-A-Seam holds something permanently and you don't even have to stitch it. This is really great for home dec items.

Hope these sewing tips help you achieve sewing success.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

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How To Sew A T-Shirt Top

2007-09-03T10:59:00.000-05:00

Sewing Techniques - T-Shirts

Sewing Friends:

T-shirts are a fashion staple in most of our wardrobes. Prices on ready-to-wear t-shirts vary widely. I can't imagine paying $200 for a t-shirt, but I have seen them for that price.

T-shirts are quick and easy garments to sew. With a few pattern fitting tips and some nice knit fabric, you can sew a whole wardrobe of gorgeous high fashion tee shirts that will take you anywhere anytime.

I consider Marcy Tilton the Queen of T-shirt making. Marcy's sewing tips and techniques are priceless. I encourage all of you to follow her easy to read instructions and learn how to sew a tee shirt that you will love.

Be sure to get Marcy's book, "Easy Guide To Sewing Tops and T-Shirts". It is a must-have sewing book to include in your sewing library.

Check out her article, "Not Your Ordinary T-Shirt" in Threads Magazine.

Also, go to my Sewing Project Tips Sewing Blog and see my post on a Classic Sewing Pattern for a Misses T-Shirt Top that I recommend you add to your classic basic wardrobe.

Make your own designer quality t-shirts that fit you. It's quick, easy and fun and you'll save a lot of money!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Somebody's Sleeping In MY Tee Pee!

2007-08-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

"Somebody's sleeping in MY Tee Pee!"

Don't worry! Granma's just checking out the tee pee for her grandchildren!

Sew a tee pee for your kids! The tee pee, play mat and pillow are all quick and easy to sew. You will discover a ton of sewing tips and basic sewing techniques in this basic sewing course.

A tee pee is a great place to take a nap or have a snack or play with favorite toys. Kids can even use it at the beach instead of an umbrella. It folds up and is easy to store in a corner of the closet or even under the bed.

Granma, keep one at your house for some real fun play time and "no hassle" naps.

Get "Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids" today!

Sew some costumes to go with the tee pee and you are all set for Christmas and birthday gifts.

My grandkids loved their teepees and are saving them for their kids someday! Now, that's more than they can or will do with a video game.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: Thank you, Eileen!

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Sewing Tips - How To Sew Elastic

2007-08-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

Sewing Tips - Elastic

Sewing Friends:

I get a lot of questions on How To Sew Elastic.

C writes:

"I enjoy your blog very much and thanks for all the sewing tips.I would like to know if you could give me some advice on sewing elastic on knits with zig-zag stitch. I've tried with both rubber elastic and clear elastic, but the final result is always a lettuce like edge. If I stretch the fabric and elastic while sewing, they remain stretched (hence I get a rigid lettuce edge). If I don't stretch while sewing, the presser foot has problem feeding the fabric.I've searched on the internet for advice, but it seems that I'm the only one that has problem with elastic.Thank you very much for help."

How To Sew Elastic

You may be using the right technique of stretching the elastic as you sew, but you may have the wrong kind of elastic. All elastics are definitely not equal. Or, you may be using too short a stitch or stretching the elastic too much or not have the right kind of elastic for the fabric you are using, etc.

I find I have better results if I use a stretch needle and a longer stitch length (between 3 and 4) when I sew elastic.

I like Stretch-Rite Sport Elastic and Ban-rol as well as Stretch and Sew elastics. You can find them online. I usually cut them about 4 inches smaller than my actual waist when I am sewing an elastic waistband. This is a matter of preference. You may like the elastic 5-7 inches smaller or even greater. Stretch a length of elastic around your hips. If you can get it over your hips when it is stretched out, you probably have enough. Make a note of what you use so you will know how much you need for future garments.

Don't overlap the elastic. This creates a bulky "bump". Instead, butt the cut ends to make a circle. Then, either wrap this area or place a small piece of fabric or tape under the cut edges. Set the sewing machine for a wide 3-step zigzag and stitch back and forth a few times to secure the elastic together. Test it to make sure it holds before applying it to the garment.

For a waistband, place the elastic just below the top inside edge of the garment and pin at each of the garment and elastic quarter points. These may not fall at the side seams. That's OK. Just divide the fabric evenly.

Now, with the elastic up at the machine, vertically stitch the elastic in place at these points before you begin stretching and sewing. This keeps the elastic from pulling diagonally and you don't have to worry about pins popping out.

Set your machine for a wide long zigzag. You may prefer the 3-step zigzag stitch. Remember that a longer stitch lets the elastic bounce back better. Try a 3 or 4 length.

Continue with the elastic up and stretch and sew around the bottom of the elastic attaching it to the garment. When you fold the elastic down to the inside, this stitching is on the top inside edge.

To complete the elastic, stitch the lower inside edge to the garment. However, if you don't want to see this stitching, some people prefer to just vertically straight stitch the four quarter points (centers and sides) in the ditch to hold the elastic down. It's your choice.

For more tips, check out my article on How To Conquer Twisting, Rolling Elastic Waistbands

You might get some good ideas from this Threads article:

Sewing professionals and designers techniques for The Great Elastic Waistband

Hope this helps.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

Sewing Tips - Elastic

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Sewing Technique - How To Sew A Diaper

2007-08-24T16:25:00.000-05:00

Sewing Tutorial - Diapers
Sewing Technique - Diapers

Sewing Friend:

Sewing your own diapers is popular once again. This is a fun sewing project. I designed and made a lot of really cute diaper covers for my grandchildren when they were babies, but we never really made the actual diapers. My kids preferred to use a diaper service for their baby cloth diapers.

I never thought there would be so much information on the web about sewing diapers. There are a number of sites with instructional tutorials, tips and diaper resources available to you. Here are some to help you sew your own diapers.

Diaper sewing and supply sites:

Go to The Sew Shoppe for all your diaper needs

Sew Your Own Diapers is another good site.

Recycle old clothing into diapers. See Frugal Diapering for ideas.

Here are some step-by-step sewing tutorials for all the Moms and Grandmas that would like to learn how to sew diapers for their babies.

I guess these suggestions and techniques would work if you wanted to make adult diapers, too.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

PS: If you know of a good diaper sewing site, please add it to our list.

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