Not Sew Intimidating

Halloween

2015-09-23T13:13:00.001-04:00

If you know me, you know I love Halloween! So when I was asked to make a Once Upon A Time "Rumplstiltskin" costume, I was beside myself with joy!!!

It was a bit of a struggle to get the collar right. It required shaping and painting, and even fire. Yep, I burned the edges to take that vinyl appearance away.

And here is what evolved:

I will say though, it was worth the effort!

Next time I'll show you the replica I am making of this costume...

Pattern Review Simplicity 1104 Cynthia Rowley

2015-08-15T10:38:00.001-04:00

So I went to the fabric store looking for some specific Simplicity patterns because they were on sale for $.99. Woohoo! I love when they do that. Course I've probably bought 50 patterns that have never been cut ($50 sitting in my files) but who cares. I saved on each of them. hahaha

Well, turns out the fabric stores are learning marketing tricks from the grocery stores and have placed some patterns at eye-level making them even harder to resist so I ended up with an extra. But I think this was $1 well spent.

See, irresistable!

I had this navy blue and white, houndstooth fabric laying around that I got a good deal on a couple of years ago. This just seemed like the perfect pattern to use it on. (I still have 2 1/2 more yards because when something is on sale, it becomes SO attractive! Am I right?)

And it turned into this:

Simplicity 1104

This two piece outfit looks like a dress when worn but I can wear the top with skinny jeans or the skirt with a white blouse. Versatile is the way to go!

Top Back

Skirt Back with Vent.

Fits pretty well but you will notice I had to add a modesty panel to the top because it cut so low on me. This is the stuff you are supposed to learn with on cheap practice material but whatever. Next time, I'll reduce the depth of the neckline before cutting.

So, about the pattern. It was pretty easy to make. The darts are different than what you traditionally see but made for a good fit, and after rereading the directions a couple of times they made sense. The skirt was SUPER SIMPLE. The most difficult part for me was the binding. I don't do bound edges a lot so it took a while to get right. But now I feel more confident about doing them and they make for a really pretty and smooth hem. Both pieces have an invisible zipper but that is my favorite style so I consider that pretty simple too. As you know, practice makes everything easier.

Overall, I love this pattern. The darts make for easy fitting and pattern pieces are minimal which always makes me happy. I'm the girl who searches for recipes based on number of ingredients so that is quite appealing to me.

Fabric recommendations for the top and dress include not only woven types such as linen, sateen, batiks, brocade, crepe, poplin, and taffeta, but also sturdy knits such as ponte and double knit. My fabric is more of a double knit. It doesn't have a lot of stretch but enough to make sizing different than for a woven so I chose a smaller size than usual and it worked out perfectly. Usually I have trouble fitting the bust area but I didn't have to make any bust adjustments. I did however have to take in the sides. What you need to know is that your fabric choice and fit preferences play a big part with the top and dress. I had to take in the waist area which is unusual for me, but the fabric is a bit stiff so it stood out more than I liked and flared more than I like. If I were to use a fabric like crepe with a softer hand but no stretch, I would go up a size and work from there. It would probably lay closer to the body and the flare would be less of a problem.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this pattern from Simplicity and Cynthia Rowley. It can be fun and playful or dressy and dramatic. Plus the ease of construction makes it especially appealing. Enjoy!

Wedding Dresses Spring 2016

2015-08-08T21:09:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not getting married again. I just love dresses. That should be the name of this blog but whatever. I can't help but look at dresses and dream of wearing them. My favorites are vintage but wedding is near the top too. So, I present you with "My Favorite Wedding Dresses at This Time."

2016 bridal wear is bringing lots of fluff and ruffles, lace and feathers, and swirling layers. Many are quite beautiful but some are just over the top gaudy. Plunging necklines make a huge showing, literally. I have to wonder what a young woman must be thinking or rather her father must be thinking of those types of dresses. Yikes! Illusion bodices run rampant but and that makes me ask, Undergarment anyone?"

I found all these dresses on Brides.com.

Galia LahavAngel Sanchez

Sareh Nouri Victoria Kyriakides

So, if you had to choose, which would it be?????

My Favorite Wedding Dress for 2016

2015-08-08T18:42:00.001-04:00

Well just because I love dresses that's why.

Anyway, I'm preparing a post on my top picks but in the mean time, I had to get this out. It literally has me salivating! So elegant, crisp and sleek. Wow, I mean wow.

By J. Mendell on Brides.com

2015-08-07T15:19:00.001-04:00

For this post, I am reviewing the Brother cs6000i computerized sewing machine.

Brother cs60001

This is the first sewing machine I bought NEW. Previously I sewed on an old Kenmore (also known as Sears) I bought from a friends mom. It weight about 99 pounds and I ran it into the ground because I never once took it for service or cleaning. Now, you can imagine this machine...basic utility stitches and complicated bobbin threading. By the time I gave it away, it was probably only good for spare parts and it sounded like a freight train.

All I can say about the Brother cs6000i , is WOW! This is a trooper of a machine. I have killed it at least three times in the 9 years I have sewn on it and it always comes back. Let me explain...I used to make diaper bags and purses. I even sewed with leather and as you can imagine at the very least, I used heavy fabric and needed to sew through multiple layers. This machine IS NOT for leather and multiple layers of heavy fabric. That is what killed it 3 times. I took the poor ailing machine to be repaired expecting it to be sent home in a body bag but alas, we are still stitching together.

Now, more specifics. It can get a bit noisy when sewing fast but the stitches are consistently pretty and even. The tension is easy to adjust, and changing thread and bobbins are even easier. Being computerized, choosing stitches is simply a matter of pushing some buttons based on the handy chart printed right on the front of the machine. There are 59 different style stitches including 7 button hole styles. You have all the necessary utility stitches and 18 decorative stitches.

Read the manual, get it serviced/cleaned yearly, and when you have to help the sewing arm push down, stop. It is all computerized and the slightest forceful manipulation will make it unhappy.

I personally love Brother products which is why I went with this brand but I can say that this is a great machine and I have been happy with it for almost 10 years now.

Purchase your own Brother cs6000i.

2015-08-03T19:19:00.000-04:00

Today I made some jammies! Woohoo!

I was experimenting with a pattern and using some cheap fabric. Dollar fabric to be exact, from Walmart! But if there is one thing I have learned (really I have learned more than one thing), it is that you can't always picture correctly what a garment will look like once it is made up especially if the pattern only features a drawing of the garment so you make up a cheap version first. Sewing snobs refer to this as a "Toile".

So here's the pattern, Simplicity S0418 or 1112, also purchased for $1. Rule #1, never, ever buy patterns full-price.

Below, you will see two versions I made of the top. The top on the right is as the pattern suggests. It is cut on the straight grain and to me looks and feels like a box. The top on the left is on the bias. You could probably do it either way and get the nice drapey effect you see in the picture with the right fabric. But my fabric, while lightweight, was a bit stiff. The bias gave it more stretch, a better fit, and more flow.

Check out these seams! I've been practicing. Its amazing once you start using these tailoring/couture techniques how cheap some clothes are made, like the ones we buy off the rack, also known as mass-produced. A bound seam or armhole takes more time and working a garment on the bias...also more time but also more fabric. So if you want that quality and fit, you either buy ready made and go see a tailor or you buy custom made. Either way you pay more but I think its worth it.

I totally love this bias stuff. It makes even my crappy stuff look good.

Well that's all for now. If you are interested in learning the techniques I used (French seam and bound armhold), do a Google search. I'd love to do tutorials but they've all already been done so what's the point. I'm just here to prove that we normal people can do it! Really, sewing is not sew intimidating! hahahah, like how I did that?

2015-07-21T18:52:00.001-04:00

Holy Moly! Did I say that already?

Holy moly, I'm back!!! I finally sewed something that wasn't just an alteration. I wasn't hemming or taking in or fixing something because Megan, my 12 year old preteen wants to shop in the Juniors section but is too small.

Nope, I made a dress. Check it out...

I found this awesome site that has reproduced some vintage patterns and they are fabulous. This dress doesn't look vintage but here is the pattern it came from...

Vera Venus Patterns, and it was free. You should see the stuff she has on her site.

So I had to make some alterations to the pattern as I went along and was astonished that I have actually learned something. Yes, I have learned something in the 30 years that I have been dabbling in sewing. Look...

First of all, I had to accommodate the girls. You will find that most patterns are made for B cups. I am not a B cup. Working from Vera's pattern, I expanded where needed, added more gathering and here you have it. Then, because I didn't really want to work so hard getting the straps just right (you know, to cover the bra crap, straps, etc.; I decided that a tie slipped around to the back and tied at the shoulder would be cute. So, I like it. You would think that it is one of those dresses though that you only want to wear when your belly feels somewhat flat but NOOOOO. This dress is cut and sewn on the bias so it drapes over your curves instead of sticking to them and emphasizing bulges that weren't there before you had children.

Anyway, I plan to be back with more to show you. I have some interesting alterations to make and I am in love with the idea of recycling/upcycling old clothes so maybe I'll show you some of that.

In the mean time, find your happy place!

Fashion Upcycle 2

2012-04-27T08:37:00.000-04:00

Well, I finished the lopsided dress. Ya, that was fun. It's not a dress anymore. In fact, it was almost stuffing for my dog bed. Some days are just not made for sewing. That day, every stitch I took seemed to lead to a problem. I should have just packed it away and started again later. But nooo...I couldn't let the bad vibes win. So, here is the result...

Pretty bad huh? ha, ha, ha, ha, just kidding!

After repeated struggles to make the previous alterations go away, I finally gave up. That seamstress even cut the darts and you can't put back what ain't there. So, I cut. Well, first it went in the scrap bin but then being the recycler (cheapo) that I am, I gave it one more try. A skirt. Of course I screwed up one more time by accidentally catching the hem in the serger while finishing a seam. That meant I had to re-sew the hem. Again it went in the bin. And again I fished it out.

Here is the finished product. Stupid dress.

McCall's 6503 Pattern Review

2012-04-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

Summer Dress Expo continued:

McCall's 6503 Review

I loved making this dress. It was as easy as the pattern envelope says. Clear instruction, nothing too tricky. Just read and follow. There are about three parts that call for hand-stitching but you can always use steam-a-seam or other iron-on hem stuff.

I used a brown and white smocked cotton madras print that included silver threads throughout. When using a smocked fabric, remember that it stretches. Treat it that way for sizing.

The dress only required a couple of pattern alterations. It is easy to fit because it isn't supposed to be tight and you don't have to mess around with hips.

The only other change I would do next time is to use an invisible zipper on the side zip.

Wouldn't these shoes look great with that dress? And they are on sale!

Love it!

Summer Tops and Dresses Expo 2012 and Butterick 5485 Pattern Review

2012-04-21T13:20:00.000-04:00

Well I had to give it some kind of fancy name.

I have a plan to sew up a lot of dresses and tops for this summer. This is like my final for Professional Custom Clothing. I'm getting all my practice in and then bring it on! Clothes that fit YOU, in styles YOU want, and the fabrics YOU pick. None of us want to be at the mercy of those evil ready-to-wear companies that think we all have one body shape.

First is my Linen Blend, Kiwi colored sundress. I used Butterick pattern 5485.

This is the result. I didn't like the overlay extending beyond the skirt hem as the patterns goes, so I went back and shortened the overlay hem above the skirt hem. Just one more nice thing about custom made.

It actually fits me better than the dress form. I used a full bust adjustment (FBA) and increased the waist some. Amazingly enough, the hem is exactly the length of the original pattern. Normally I hem shorter since at 5'4", I am just between Petite and Misses sizes. Loved sewing this dress but next time I'll know to be extra careful with the grainline, and pinning and cutting. This fabric likes to shift. It was worth it though because it is a soft, drapey fabric that feels good on and in the summer that will be a huge plus.

Next up: McCall's 6503 using a cotton, smocked shirting in brown and white plaid with subtle silver threads.

Free Shipping on orders of $100 or more from AnnasLinens.com!

Fashion Upcycle

2012-04-21T12:33:00.000-04:00

Whew! I've been busy. Not busy blogging obviously but busy! Anyway, I haven't finished my upcycles yet but I wanted to give you and idea of what I am working on.

This dress is not my favorite but I like the fabric.

I bought it for my honeymoon (10 years ago) and it's been worn once. Don't like the off-the-shoulder or the asymetrical hem.

So....I will cut off the hem to make it even and I'll use the leftover hem to make a strap on the empty side.

All was going well until I tried it on before completing the sewing and remembered (thanks to the tight fit), that I'd had it altered before the wedding, and then I went and had 3 children. Sooooo, now I am picking out the stitches of the alterations (she cut off the excess fabric so now I have very little to work with) and working to make it fit. Fortunately it is cut on the bias so if I can just loosen the bust area it should fit fine.

Come back to find out if the finished project goes into MY closet or Good Will's.

Spring/Summer Wardrobe

2012-03-15T12:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you banking system, thank you Wall Street, thank you self-serving politicians...I won't be buying a new Spring or Summer wardrobe this year. Nope, with a house worth 25% less than we paid for it 9 years ago, the all mighty dollar is going into savings - not my closet.

Never fear! I will not be brought down by the external forces of suckiness. No! God gave me a talent and I will use it for a new wardrobe. Will I buy a ton of new fabric? No! (although I did buy some for about 5 dresses but it was all heavily discounted fabric) Will I steal it? No! That's not a very Christian talent.

Instead, I am going to rework, recylcle, upcycle and alter my current clothes into something new. Follow along as I turn the old into new again. I'll try to post every couple of days. If you see something you like and would like me to do the same, give a holler. I can do the same for you.

Here is our starting batch:

See you soon and when I do it will be with "new" clothes!

My daughter in her birthday suit...ur...I mean dress.

2012-03-04T21:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't done any smocking yet but I did take a pretty good stab at children's wear. Used a little imagination and came up with this:

I already had the little girl, I just put a dress on her. ha, ha, ha. And then she gave me this:

Yes, the "Aren't I a precious little angel?" look. Only it really wasn't a question, more of a statement. But that's okay because her look took the words right out of my mouth.

Gonna do some recyling next. Sha, this ought to be good!

New Year, New Attitude, New Ideas, New Techniques

2012-01-13T20:17:00.000-05:00

My resolution this year is to step out of my comfort zone with sewing. I'd like to try some smocking, hand embroidery, decorative stitching, and other things I can't remember right now due to the Champagne and late hour last night. Best of all, I plan to learn it all using the wisdom of the great sewing bloggers. No books, classes or videos. Just other crafters kind enough to share their knowledge and experience.

Inserting Gussets:
http://scpbanks.blogspot.com/2009/04/fun-with-dots-inserting-gusset-easy-way.html

Once I learn this I can finish that dress I started two or maybe three years ago but stopped because I couldn't get the gusset right.

Shell Stitched Edge:
http://lasewist.blogspot.com/2009/01/shell-stitch-edging-tute.html

I can see this on skirts and table linens.

Madeira Hem Technique:
http://lasewist.blogspot.com/2009/03/madeira-hem-technique.html

here are some how to's of the Madeira Hem/Applique:
http://southernmatriarch.blogspot.com/2011/01/madeira-appplique-tutorial.html
http://heritageshoppe.com/heritage/stitches/pdf/Pin%20Stitching_Madeira%20Applique.pdf
http://www.everythingsewing.net/scollopedhem.htm

Pleats and Smocking:
http://tumblingblocks.net/blog/index.cfm/2008/9/22/Honeycomb-Smocking-Tutorial
http://www.mariegracedesigns.com/marie_grace/2009/04/smocking-by-hand.html
http://vintagethreads.blogspot.com/2008/07/alphabet-adventures-t-is-for-twisted.html

Beaded Trim:
http://scpbanks.blogspot.com/2008/01/midnight-garden-jacket-part-xxxii-how.html

Well, I don't know how long it will be before I come back but rest assured...I am learning new things and returning to blab about them. BTW, why is it called a blog when really we are blabbing? Anyway, I'm probably too old for this stuff anyway.

Do It Yourself Furniture

2011-08-22T17:58:00.000-04:00

I grew up in a do-it-yourself family. My grandfathers could do almost anything. Both did woodworking and made beautiful furniture, cabinets and keepsakes. Both made jewelry. They did their own metal work, cut and polished stones and my Grandpa Rounds even hunted for his stones in the desert. They painted their own houses, took care of their own yards, raised some of their own food and handled many household and automotive repairs. Then there's my Dad. He makes and/or refinishes furniture and has been known to refurbish an 80 year old house all by himself. So when it comes to doing things myself, I have a lot of experience to draw from. Plus I like to think there might be some genetic disposition to being successful with DIY and really that's what gives me the courage to try these things. But really, any of us can learn.

Here is my latest DIY. This was my husband's childhood desk. Well used, wouldn't you say?

I had written the thing off but since we just put the household budget on a diet, I decided to suck it up and do the work.

You might think that stripping, sanding and refinishing furniture is quite a chore and you would be right. However, while there is a lot of work involved, it isn't that hard. Being that I am less than a professional in this line of work, I am not offering a tutorial for furniture refinishing. I simply want you to know that it can be done by the likes of "us". And yes, results are better having it done professionally. If you have a valuable or expensive piece, go professional. Things like this, flea market finds and hand-me-downs, DIY!

Here are the results:

Not bad for an amateur!

Pocket Wall Hanging Tutorial

2011-08-08T11:03:00.000-04:00

Hi! Wow, I haven't blogged in over a week. That would be the week before school starts so I got very little done much less any sewing. But here I am with a tutorial for pocket wall hangings. This is not complicated stuff. It's also not completely original either. There are other tutorials and patterns out there for similar things but I want to show you how easy it is to make these things and to customize them to your needs. This is where you say, "Who needs Pottery Barn?"

It all started with baby slings I was making for my two expectant cousins. Click here for that great tutorial from My Karma Baby.com. I had leftover fabric and decided to make a few more things to go along. This is my knock-off Taggies bitty-blanky.

So simple. Two pieces of fabric with ribbon loops sandwiched in between. Stitch, turn right side out and top stitch. Done.

The Pocket Wall Hanging is just as simple, it just takes a little more work. I designed mine as a quilt because my left-over fabric was in smaller pieces. Cut fabric squares to equal size and lay them out in a pattern that you like. Stitch the squares of each row together and press seams open. You could opt for larger pieces or strips instead of squares or even one large piece.

Now we are ready to make pockets. Decide how many you want and how big. My pockets are simple slip pockets but you can provide more space by cutting the pocket larger, pleating the bottom and adding elastic in a casing to the top. I like my pockets lined so I stitched two layers right-side together, turned and pressed. If I had been thinking at the time I would have laid the raw edges of the pocket along the raw bottom edges of the square and stitched them into the seam. But you can also fold the raw edge to the inside 1/2" and once more to make a smooth hem and then top-stitch the pocket to the square. You can add as many pockets as you like. I choose to just make four.

Next stitch your rows together and press seams open. Now you need to decide how this wall hanging will hang. I made loops out of the remaining fabric. You could use grommets or ribbon or make a rod pocket like for a curtain. Baste your hanging apparatus to the right side of the front piece. Lay your backing piece (cut to the same size as your assembled front piece) right sides together and stitch across the top.

Turn and press.

Finally, baste the raw edges together and bind. Make your own matching or coordinating binding if you have enough fabric or use store bought.

Let me know if you have any questions.

This project has so much potential. I'd love to see pics of your finished projects.

Sewing Mistakes

2011-07-29T16:29:00.000-04:00

Even the most talented sewers make mistakes. After all, we are human. Me, I make mistakes all the time. My motto is, "If I haven't had to rip out a seam and resewn it, I haven't sewed at all."

Today I serged part of a sleeve in with the seam. If I had just stitched it into the seam it wouldn't have been a big deal. But alas, sergers also cut fabric so the sleeve was left with a 2" slit in it. I zig-zagged over it and was grateful I hadn't used good or expensive fabric. You can't see it here because it's on the back of the sleeve. At least I won't have to see it.

I've made lots of mistakes; sizing, put zippers in the wrong seams, sewn things inside out because the right-side of the fabric looks like the wrong-side. That's why you have to be forgiving to be a sewer. I remember complimenting a friend one time on the decorative painting she did on her daughter's room. She said, "Well, it's just paint. I figured if we didn't like it we could paint back over it." That can be very true in sewing too. This top was supposed to be a tunic but the bottom is too narrow. So, I skipped the elastic at the midriff and figured I could wear it tucked in. Now I have altered the pattern to flare more at the hip for next time.

Other times, the mistakes were so unattractive that I just tossed it into the trash. After all, it's only fabric. I'll get some new and start over. "Tomorrow is another day."

Thanks Scarlett!

Back to School Sanitizer Carriers

2011-07-26T16:13:00.000-04:00

An attractive way to carry hand sanitizer. Here is an easy tutorial to make these cute accessories. Attach them to their backpacks or carry on your purse. They can attach to anything the strap can get around. Make the strap longer and they can carry it around their neck. ha, ha, ha. Well, that might not be so funny during flu season.

Any woven fabric will work especially from your scrap pile. Choose a favorite print or for boys, use their favorite team fabric. Guess I'll be making one for Shawn out of Bulldog fabric.

All measurements are for the bottle I am using. You may need to adjust based on your bottle.

You will need:
-One piece fabric 6 1/2" x 4 1/2" cut on the fold (long edge on fold)
-One strip fabric 3" x 7" (longer if you want your strap longer)
-Elastic - I use foldover elastic but feel free instead to make a casing and use 1/8" to 1/4" elastic. This needs to be long enough to really snuggly wrap around your bottle.
-Magnetic snap or velcro, or if you prefer just to use a tie, cut two pieces 2" wide and however long you want your ties. Or, use a pretty ribbon.

1) Cut your fabric pieces.

2) Attach foldover elastic or stitch casing based on the width of your elastic and insert elastic taking at ends.

3) Skip this step if using ties. On strap fabric, install magnetic snap or stitch velcro pieces kitty-corner, measuring 1/2" from the edges.

4) Fold strap right sides together and stitch a 1/8th" seam down the long side. Turn right-side out and press.

5) Tuck remaining raw ends in and slip-stitch closed.

6) Baste strap to one long, raw edge close to the elastic. This will be sandwiched and stitched between the side seam. Stitch closed long edge and finish edges if desired (serge or zig-zag).

7) Center seam in middle and stitch bottom closed. Finish seam if desired.

8) Optional: You can mitre the corners for a more boxy look. Simply flatten out a corner and stitch 1/4" from point. These are so small that if they are slightly imperfect it will be hardly noticeable.

There it is!

But nothing is really finished in craft land until it is embellished, decorated or enhanced in some exciting way. So, I added a flower. I'll do that tutorial later but there are some out there already if you can't wait.

Finally, here it is on my bag.

Let me know if you have any questions and comments are always welcome!

Don't Fear Reupholstering

2011-07-25T15:55:00.000-04:00

I am not a professional but I have recovered several dining room chair cushions. This project involved an antique chair that I inherited from my Grandfather who recently passed away. It was therefore very special to me so I was in a quandary as to who should do the work. I could have paid a professional between $325 and $500 to do this for me but I decided to take a chance and do it myself. The fabric cost $30 per yard so I was a bit hesitant. But I decided spend $60 and maybe screw it up instead of shelling out a minimum of $385 on the off chance that I would screw it up. Turned out to be a good decision. This isn't exactly a tutorial as I didn't take pictures all the way through but I will describe the steps in case you want to attempt this someday.

Before After

Here are some before and after shots to peak your interest.

Tools you will need:
-staple gun and staples
-needle nose plyers
-flat head screw driver and any other screw driver needed to remove cushions
-small hammer
-bandages (ha, ha)
-enough fabric to cover the cushion and wrap underneath
-scissors

The first task is to remove the old fabric. No biggie, just unscrew, remove cushions and start prying up staples. The simplicity of this chair is that the fabric is on two removable cushions. Be very observant as you undo your chair and fabric. Take pictures if necessary so you can figure out how to reassemble the pieces and how the fabric should be applied. You are just copying the previous model.

Once that was done it was a matter of putting the fabric back on and stapling it in place. This chair needed three separate pieces of fabric. The seat and the front of the back cushion were recovered first. Because of the way this chair goes together, I needed the back of the back cushion open to reattach the cushion to the sides. Then for the back of the back, I carefully folded the edges in for a smooth finish and stapled in place. (Stretch and staple) Here are a couple of tutorials:
How to Reupholster a Chair
Classy Clutter: How to reupholster seat covers

I finished the edges with a coordinating gimp to cover staples and a few decorative upholstery nails since they kind of fit the era.

Go on...Give it a try!!!

Easiest Pillow Slipcover, Pillow Sham Tutorial Ever!

2011-07-24T10:59:00.000-04:00

I found this great fabric that my girls just love. It's fuzzy and stretchy. Why do little girls love fuzzy so much? It makes me sneeze. But this is what we do for those we love.

Anyway, most home dec fabrics come 54" wide which is plenty to wrap around a standard or queen size bed pillow. For a standard pillow, using this stretchy fabric, 1/2 yard of the fabric works perfect. For woven fabrics maybe get 3/4 to 1 yard and trim it back to fit.

Since we didn't cut off the selvage edges, we don't have to sew them but feel free if you want a more finished edge.

With pillow laying on fabric, overlap long ends creating the envelope you need for a slipcover. Pin one side along the edges and pull out your model pillow from the other side. Now finish pinning the remaining side.

Simply stitch down the long raw edges. If you are using a fabric that frays easily or is fuzzy as in this case, you can finish the edges with a serger or zig-zag stitch.

Turn the cover inside out and stuff with pillow. You're done! Easy peasy.

And two very happy daughters!

Three outfits in one day Tutorial

2011-07-22T13:25:00.000-04:00

Yep, I did that. But really, I'm not bragging.
Within one hour, I made three new outfits.
It's easy. First, I started with this dress.

Then I cut it in half. Using a cutting board, straight edge and rotary cutter makes this task especially easy and smooth.

For the top half I simply put in a 1/2" hem using a cover stitch machine. If you don't have a cover stitch machine, you can substitute an double needle. If your fabric is stretch, use a ball-point double needle. To make a straight hem from the front side of the fabric, I start with a 1/2" basting stitch along the edge to be hemmed. Be sure you are set for wide stitches because you are using this stitching line as a fold line and will be pulling it out after the hem is in.

Now you are ready to hem. With the fabric heading into the feeders right-side-up, fold the fabric under on the basting line you previously sewed. Continue till you are done, carefully pull out the basting stitch and now you have a new top.

For the bottom I used fold-over elastic. Awesome stuff. Here is a fold-over elastic tutorial for you reference. I probably should have taken the waist of the skirt in a little since it was originally down at the lower hips. I had to do a lot of stretching with the elastic to get it to fit. Just and FYI.

Here are my new outfits:

Thanks so much for visiting!

Sewing Patterns

2011-07-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Let's start with patterns. They are one of the most intimidating aspects of sewing. Some brands are clear and concise while others are too concise. My favorite is Amy Butler. Her patterns are written for new sewers. By that I mean she completely describes the task. It's hard to misinterpret her directions. Also, in my opinion, her methods are easier than traditional ones. Beware though. This comes at a small price. When you open that pattern you will find paragraph after paragraph of directions. Don't let this stop you. The lack of white space means you are getting thorough information. Even experienced sewers can learn something from an Amy Butler pattern. Simplicity patterns are nice and even offer a line of "Sewing for Dummies", "Learn to sew" and "It's So Easy".

I always pull out the instructions and review them before buying a pattern. The envelope will tell you what level of experience is required but I like to see what tasks are going to be required of me. What kinds of zippers, how many pattern pieces, are there a million steps? One thing to remember as you grow in experience is that pattern instructions are not infallible. You can always change the way you sew a pattern. In fact, that can be fun. I often use a hidden zipper instead of the regular kind called for in many patterns. Also, there are a few different ways to sew in a zipper fly or set in sleeves. One time I mixed the top of one dress with the bottom of another. Use your judgment and get creative.

Post your comments on experiences you have had with different sewing pattern brands. I've actually sewn from a pattern that was missing steps. What about you? What are your favorites?

Day One

2011-07-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

Why do I want to start a blog on sewing? Because I love creating things and I want to help you create things too. Most of us today can't spend all the money we want on clothes and decorating our home so it is time to learn to do it ourselves. I also find that it is extremely liberating and self-affirming to be able to make something yourself rather than relying on someone else to do it for you. And they are going to charge you more for it. You can save money by sewing, you can get things in the colors you want and when you learn to fit clothes, you can get things in the length, color and fabric you want.

Why do I think anyone can sew? Well for one thing because I can. Come on, I'm impatient, somewhat dyslexic, have a short attention span and get angry when I can't do something. But I realized the other day that none of that matters. If you want to learn to do something, do it.

My 8 year old daughter has been sewing for two years. She started with this quilt. It was the same way my Mother started me out. Hand stitching with a big needle. She even cut her own fabric. I'll save this forever!

As she got a bit older I introduced her to the sewing machine. Today's machines are awesome. This one has three speeds and so of course I set it on the slowest speed and off she went.

Here is one of her recent projects. Her lines are getting straighter and she is becoming more confident. Now she is constantly asking me what we can make next. So...next on the list is a design of her own. I have software from Wild Ginger that allows us to put the design together and draft the pattern to her measurements. You'll have to come back to see that creation. I'm telling you, sewing is fun!

I'll try to keep this blog moving at a rapid pace so we can keep the momentum going. I'm not only going to help you learn the easy way to sew but also what patterns are easiest to sew, which fabrics work best, and other things to bring out the joy of the craft. There are so many awesome other blogs out there so often times I will just send you to their tutorials. The internet has got to be one of the best things ever invented (well besides "Moms Night Out"). I have learned so much and I want to help you learn it too.

Just remember, there are no stupid questions. Send me anything you are wanting to learn and I'll find a way to help! Man I'm excited!