Sew Better, Faster & More Creatively!
Years ago I learned to make coiled projects – placemats, coasters, baskets and bowls. I was amazed at how easy it was and how good the finished projects looked. I recently tried it again but this time, I made mini versions of some of the projects. Tiny little containers to hold small items such as […] Read more…
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional; the intention of this post is to pass along information about the use (or not) of masks in relation to the Covid-19 virus. It also includes directions for making several styles of masks if you choose to do so. The New Normal I think it’s safe to say […] Read more…
We all know how important the needle is to your sewing machine, right? If you are having stitch problems such as poor stitch formation, skipped stitches or tension problems that you can’t seem to correct, the FIRST thing to do is to put in a new needle. Most of the time, it will take care […] Read more…
It’s a new year and we all have a chance to start over! Did you make New Year’s resolutions for 2020? Even though I rarely make it past February with my plan for a new me, I still try to make resolutions for improving myself and my surroundings. One that I make almost every year […] Read more…
Hard to believe we’re already in the middle of this year’s holiday season. Every year I have grand plans of making all my gifts and most of them never come to fruition. But here’s a quick idea that works for teachers, friends, and any time you need just a little something to give. Add a […] Read more…
It’s close to Halloween but you don’t have a candy collection bag for your favorite trick-or-treater! If you have 15 minutes and a couple of Halloween-themed placemat, you can solve that problem. Supplies for a Halloween Goody Bag Two Halloween-motif placemats – I used rectangular 1-layer burlap placemats but any shape will work. Scroll down […] Read more…
Topstitching is a great finishing touch for many projects, from garments to bags to tablecloths. A subtle decorative touch or a way to sharpen and flatten edges and seams, topstitching can be as simple as a straight stitch on the right side of the project. Here are a few tips (use the ones that suit […] Read more…
Presser foot pressure is exactly what it sounds like – the amount of pressure the lowered foot puts on the fabric. This pressure affects the way the fabric feeds under the foot. If the pressure is too high, the foot “drags”, and the fabric does not feed well. If the pressure is too light, the […] Read more…
Edgestitching is often the most important part of a project. It adds a finishing touch on a neckline, the upper edge of a bag or the outer edge of a tablecloth. Edgestitching flattens and defines the fabric edge, giving it a polished, finished look. The trick is to stitch it perfectly parallel to the fabric […] Read more…
I’m always looking for good sewing books and I have an entire bookcase room full of them. I currently have two favorites, one that I’ve had for a while and one that is new. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to say that these are BERNINA books and as the editor of each […] Read more…