As we reach the one-year mark of what was to have been a two-week isolation for Covid-19, it’s hard to believe that a virus could shut down our world, cause schools, restaurants, gyms, stores, and even churches to shutter their doors. So many got sick, lost jobs, experienced feelings of isolation and depression, and even […]
Covid Sewing: Chapter Stories
Central Illinois Chapter The Central Illinois chapter members, spearheaded by Charlotte Cronin and Vicki Ghidina, made repairs to 52,000 N95 protective masks for OSF Healthcare. The elastic in those masks had deteriorated and without their help of ASG members, friends and family, the masks would have been deemed unusable. Instead, these mask angels assured that […]
DIY Table Runner
Run, Run… Table Runners A table runner can be used to add color and interest to any part of your home décor, showcase a display of collectibles, or it can be used simply to protect the dining table surface. You get multiple functions in one! A runner can even be used over a tablecloth to […]
To Boldly Go Where No Quilt Has Gone Before
This is the story of my little lap quilt that ended up across the country, helping people. I’m sure all sewists can relate to seeing a certain fabric that catches their eye and the excitement of seeing that it’s on clearance! JoAnn’s had Star Trek fabric for $3.00 a yard and I had to buy […]
Slick Tricks: Working with Laminated Fabrics
If you’re looking to make that perfect raincoat, try one of the great laminated fabrics on the market today. Colorful cottons with a clear coating are ideal for rainy weather attire, and a host of other projects from cosmetic bags to totes and aprons. And you have options—laminated cottons come with either a matte finish […]
Sewing Basics: General Sewing Terms, Part 2
The projects we want to sew can range from quilts to embroidery, handbags to pillows, and everything in between. This article focuses on sewing terms that are most often associated with garment sewing, but may be used or called for in other projects as well. Note: This is Part 2 of our General Sewing Terms […]
Shower Power: Sew a Fabric Shower Curtain
Nothing’s more fun than sprucing up your home and as sewers, a little refresh is easy to do. So, why not start in the bathroom with a fun fabric shower curtain! Choose a bold print, fabulous stripe or even a luscious solid cotton or polyester fabric. Decorator weights work well and often come with coordinates […]
Denim Dynamics
One of America’s most beloved fabrics, denim can be a delight to sew if you know the tricks. Tools Always use sharp scissors or a new rotary cutter blade to cut clean edges on this dense fabric. On heavier denims, use spring clips to hold edges together for sewing, as opposed to pins which may […]
What I’m Sewing: Itch-to-Stitch Bonn Shirt
Q. Item Created A. Blouse Q. Independent Pattern Designer A. Itch-to-Stitch Q. Name and Number of Pattern A. Bonn Shirt/Dress Q. Fabric Used: A. Picasso Rayon Poplin in teal Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used A. Superior MasterPiece cotton thread Q. Skill level required? A. Advanced beginner or Intermediate Q. Are the instructions easy to follow? A. […]
Sewing Basics: Measuring Tools
Measure Twice, Cut Once We’ve all done it. You cut that precious fabric, and you cut it wrong. Once you’ve made that cut, you can’t undo it. And now you don’t have enough to recover from your mistake. ARGH! Whether taking body measurements, marking seam allowances, or cutting quilt squares, when we sew, we need […]
Fireside Chat: Kimberly Jolly, Fat Quarter Shop
We recently had the pleasure of talking with Kimberly Jolly, owner of the Fat Quarter Shop and It’s Sew Emma. Between those two companies, she covers all sorts of quilting and cross stitching fabrics, supplies, and patterns. It was great fun to hear how this accountant turned creative and made her journey to where she […]
Choosing a Fusible
When fusible products first arrived into the home sewing marketplace, they were stiff and frequently made the fabric bubble or wrinkle due to adhesion issues. Today, these new and improved heat-activated adhesive products are a boon to our sewing tasks. Let’s take a look at some of what you’ll find to expedite your sewing adventures. […]
Sewing Basics: Hand Sewing Needles
Hand Sewing: Needle Knowledge Although some sewists will do just about anything to avoid sewing something by hand, most will inevitably face times when hand sewing will be necessary to complete a project. Knowing which needle to choose for the project makes the task of hand sewing much easier. In this article, we look at […]
Buttons: Attachment Antics
Button, Button Whether you use them functionally to close a garment, tote or other project, or you line them up as a border or trim or even string them together for a bracelet, buttons are definitely a fun sewing notion. You can find buttons made from plastic, metal, bone, rhinestones, wood and a host of […]
Working with Snaps
Snap to it! Snaps, the handy two-part fasteners that we often don’t think much about, offer a multitude of options for garment closures. Look for them in metal finishes (silver, gold, black or some colors) and in a multitude of plastic hues. There are also clear snaps available for greater invisibility and they’re ideal for […]
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