Continuous Bias Tape using your Rotary Cutter
Yes you CAN make continuous bias tape without using scissors! Previously I’ve written about the most efficient method of laying out fabric for making your own homemade bias tape, with the fewest annoying seams; this time I’m sharing a trick that…
Quicker Fix for Coachellas
It’s snowing (a LOT) here in Massachusetts but in warmer areas people are anticipating spring, which means sewing shorts, yay! Last summer I posted about how to correct the “crotch bunching” in the adorable Coachella shorts, by extending the crotch curves…
Updated Free Headband Pattern
2018 Update: I just found a YouTube video showing how to stitch, turn, press this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYGs5f0m88o Who needs a little scrap-buster? Need to make a quick Valentine’s day gift? I’ve updated the multi-size tie-bow headband pattern from this post. The cutting…
Painless Pajama Pants (“no fail” method)
PJ pants should be one of the easiest apparel items to sew: few pattern pieces loose easy fit perfection not required as they not usually seen in public Every winter season, I read online stories of confusion, seam-ripping, and utter frustration…
Revised Pattern: VFT “Matilda”
Previously I blogged about Alpha-testing of sewing patterns, using the Violette Fields Threads “Matilda” pattern as an example. I’m genuinely happy to update that information today. Matilda has been revised! The raglan armscye has been trued at the neckline (original…
Sewing Halloween Costumes
‘Tis the season! Costume season, that is. In the fabric stores, the waiting line at the cutting-table is backed up with moms and their kids, planning Halloween costumes. I love this….there are many great reasons to sew (rather than purchase) a…
Dyeing Fabric and Trims: some tips
Do you ever color-dye your sewing materials? It’s quite helpful if you cannot find the exact shade that you want at retail, and especially useful if you need trims to match your fabric. But I never see dye products marketed for this purpose….maybe I’m…
Sewing with Whites
Do you like sewing solid white garments? Many people tell me they don’t like to sew with white fabric, usually for one of two reasons: It’s boring (“How can I walk past all of the gorgeous prints and lovely plaids and brilliant…
How to Correct a Mirrored Knit Shorts Pattern
Here’s a quick review of a new free pattern that was released today, the Tupelo knit shorts from SewLikeMyMom. Like several other pdf kids’ knit pant/legging patterns, it has a mirrored front/back rise, with instructions to adjust the rise height…
Adding “Pouf” with Horsehair Braid
Previously I blogged about my recent haul from Wawak Sewing supply company, including a pair of 144-yard spools of horsehair braid, one white and one black. Then a friend asked me “Why do you need so much? What do you do…
