If you’re a hand embroiderer, you may be surprised to know that you can actually do silk ribbonwork on the sewing machine! Yes, it’s true… You can duplicate intricate hand-stitched flowers, stems, knots, etc. and you can create some decorative machine stitches with ribbons as well. What you’ll need Choose real silk ribbon for your work, […]
Théâtre de la Mode
Paris has been a center of art, literature, and fashion since the 18th century and was the first country in the world to export fashion. By the mid-19th century, Charles Worth developed the first haute couture business in Paris, presenting fashion on live mannequins. Wealthy women came to his shop to be measured and to […]
Say What? Sewing Acronyms
Are you ready to dive into the fun world of sewing and quilting jargon? Every industry seems to have its acronyms and abbreviations, and sewing and quilting are no exception to that. If you’re not familiar with the term, an acronym is a word formed from the initial letters or groups of letters of words […]
Linen Placemats for Dress Collar & Cuffs
To add an easy heirloom look to a child’s dress, use two pre-made, hemstitched linen placemats on the collar and cuffs. Two placemats will provide enough fabric for the collar, cuffs, corded piping, covered buttons, and even a matching headband. Supplies 2 Linen placemats Commercial dress pattern with high bodices front and back Dress fabric […]
Little Bits (of knowledge) to Make Your Sewing Easier
Sometimes all it takes to make a task easier is just a little bit of information or a short helpful hint. As members of the American Sewing Guild, that’s what the alliance is all about—sharing better and easier ways to do things. So let’s look at some helpful hints and tips to make our sewing lives […]
How to Create a Round Tablecloth
Creating a custom tablecloth for your round dining table not only adds a personalized touch to your home decor but can also be the base to transform an “ugly duckling” table to a touch of elegance. Whether you’re looking to enhance your dining experience for everyday meals, are hosting a special occasion, or sprucing up […]
Sewing Q&A: Stay Tape, Freestanding Embroidery, Pinking Shears, & Selvage
I’ve heard about using stay tape when sewing on knits, but I don’t really know how. Can you help? Stay tape is used to keep seamlines from stretching, especially on knit fabrics, but also on loosely woven fabrics. Without stay tape, some seams can ripple and distort during stitching, especially those on the crosswise grain […]
DIY Needle Sorting Pincushion
The thrill of selecting a pattern, snagging that perfect fabric, and retreating to your personal haven of creativity to craft a spectacular piece is unrivaled. Whether gorgeous garment, cozy quilt, chic handbag, or comfy pillow, the journey is the reward. But sometimes we just need that immediate ‘sew’-phoria from a quick and easy project. This […]
Rickrack is All the Rage
You see it everywhere—dresses, pillows, linens, aprons and more. Rickrack is a simple braided trim that forms a zigzag pattern and it’s been around since the 1800s. Fashion historians note that rickrack was originally used on feedsack dresses and to help improve the look of garments made from reused fabrics. Today’s rickrack is usually 100% […]
Neckline Pattern Adjustments
If your necklines gape, drape, or pull where they shouldn’t, pattern adjustments are needed. When working with a new pattern, it’s often a good idea to create a muslin first so that you can make any adjustments that may be necessary before cutting in to your fashion fabric. Try on the muslin bodice to find […]
Sewing Inspiration: Catalog Cues
Some people call them junk mail, but personally, I LOVE to get catalogs in the mail! I’ve signed up to get paper catalogs from a number of clothing companies that I like and they often have great ideas I can translate into my sewing projects. I live at the Oregon Coast where the biggest fashion […]
Elevate Your Projects with Metallic Threads
In the world of sewing, threads are the unsung heroes that hold together our creations with strength and finesse. But beyond functionality, threads also possess the power to elevate our projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Enter decorative metallic thread, the ingredient for adding flair and personality to your home sewing endeavors. Metallic thread comes in […]
Sew…what? Unexpected Sewing Tools
As sewing enthusiasts, we’re always looking for the best tool for the job, but do we always need to look only at the fabric or quilt shop for the right tool? Heaven’s no…any store is fair game! Check out some of these handy tools that didn’t have sewing as their original purpose. Hemostats Medical professionals […]
Sewing Tips from Japanese Tailoring
Japanese Tailoring: What is it? Japanese tailoring represents a distinctive approach to construction methods within Japan’s ready-to-wear clothing sector. This method seamlessly blends the intricate craftsmanship of traditional tailoring with the efficiency and accessibility of modern techniques, resulting in impeccably crafted garments. These are a few of the characteristics found in Japanese tailoring techniques: Fusible […]
Add a Little Bling: Iron-on Designs
Whether you’re planning to bling out a ready-made T-shirt or denim jacket, or you’re planning to embellish a garment you’re constructing, iron-ons can help you become an artist. Iron-on designs are available with small, single motifs, or more elaborate large designs, depending on your preference. Pre-made designs are temporarily affixed to a paper or plastic […]
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