Sewing reversible garments is a practical idea and can be a fun and creative way to add versatility to your wardrobe. They can also help you to save space in your suitcase when traveling. Making Choices Coats and jackets are logical choices, letting the collars and rolled back cuffs show off the contrast fabric. Vests […]
Sewing Tools: What’s This?
We all know that sewing enthusiasts need certain tools to function—a sewing machine, scissors, thread, pins, etc.—but there are some other tools of the trade that might just be nice to have. Are they a necessity? No. Are they a convenience? Absolutely. Let’s take a look at some of those handy-to-have specialty items. This page […]
Ideas for Redesigning Front Openings (preview)
Are you tired of the same look for the front openings of your tops or jackets? These creative ideas to redesign those openings with different closures will elevate the look of your garments from basic to fashion-forward and are adaptable to a simple blouse, a casual top, or a jacket. When making these adjustments, the […]
Purely Fluff: DIY Chenille
If you love the look of vintage chenille fabric, you can easily duplicate that look for any of your projects. The technique involves layering fabrics, stitching, cutting and fluffing, and the resulting fabric is suitable for garments, quilts, pillows, etc. It’s warm because of the multiple layers, and it’s comfy with a fluffy texture. Choosing […]
Magnetic Appeal: Purse Magnets
If you’ve noticed the details on your favorite handbag or tote, it’s very likely that the flap closure or pocket is secured with a magnetic fastener. These handy pull-aparts are easy to operate, reliable and they’re compatible with all bag fabrics. The magnets come in both round and square shapes, in sizes ranging from ½” […]
Boning and Waist Stays (preview)
Boning and waist stays work because the female body widens both above and below the waistline. Most gowns have a tightly fitted bodice — with or without sleeves, on or off the shoulder — and a full, heavy skirt. We’ve all seen an unfortunate bride wearing a sagging gown. The bodice may be sagging on […]
Sewing Q&A: Eyesight, Visibility, and Scissor Care
Q: As I get older, my eyesight is declining and I’m having more and more trouble threading my machine’s needle. Any ideas? A: Most newer machines have built-in needle threaders, but if your machine doesn’t, there are other options. Try using a fine needle threader, like those used by hand sewers. Note the direction your […]
Special Help for Hems (preview)
Both fitting and sewing hems properly and professionally are the best ways to make clothes feel and look good. This applies whether you have made them from scratch or if you have purchased ready-to-wear. There is more to hemming than meets the eye though and as sewing enthusiasts, we have the advantage and skills to […]
Are You Odd and Compulsive?
Flashback! Donna Salyers from Fabulous Furs shared these delightful observations about sewing enthusiasts during the 1995 Second Annual ASG Fashion Show where she remarked that the creativity in the room was positively electrifying. In addition, she commented that the evening was not only magical, she also believed it was the start of a grand and […]
Buttonhole Window on a Reversible Garment (preview)
The buttonhole window is strong and attractive on both sides of a garment, which makes it ideal for a reversible vest or jacket. If your garment is trimmed with faux leather, suede, or wool jersey, the same fabric should also be used for the patch because it won’t ravel. Buttonholes in a reversible or unlined […]
Women of the World Quilt
Richmond, VA ASG member, Dianne Portwood, recently gave a presentation at a chapter meeting about a quilt she made that celebrates women, titled Women of the World. This is Dianne’s story of how the quilt came to be: Since I was young, I have enjoyed watching people. It could be sitting on the pier at […]
Sewing Get-aways & Retreats
It goes without saying that we love to sew with friends—after all, that’s why we’re members of ASG! But getting away from your usual locale and sewing with friends is twice as nice. Think about attending a sewing retreat. A sewing retreat can be organized by a group of friends, by your chapter, by a […]
Your Sewing Temperament (preview)
The kinds of sewing you do — and do well — have a lot to do with your sewing temperament. For example, do you have the patience and skill it takes to do tailoring? Can you stand the repetitive work required by quilting? Have you ever thought about your sewing temperament? After an informally collected […]
Just Encase
There are times when you want to add a bit of texture and fun to a project, but you may not be quite sure what to do. Think about encasing something under tulle, which serves to hold it in place and protect the addition at the same time. What to encase? Depending on the project […]
Reinforcing & Countering Figure Variations (preview)
Reinforcing and countering are the two most effective ways to control the way your figure appears in clothing and helps you decide if the clothes make visual sense for your figure. Reinforcing/Repetition You can use all the elements of design — line, shape, color, texture, and pattern to repeat and therefore strengthen, emphasize, or neutralize […]
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