Shortening a Zipper Tip for You! If you’re sewing at midnight and need a 7” zipper but all you have is a 20 inch zipper here’s a quick and easy way to make it shorter. The presser foot I use is an open embroidery foot. It has a large indentation on the sole and this […] Read more…
Presser Feet
Two Ways to Sew Perfect Edgestitching
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…
Curl Up with a Good Book
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…
Stitch
Sometimes I just want to sew something simple and fun for no reason. Not something useful, not because I need clothes to wear, not even because I’m making a gift. I just want to enjoy the process of sewing and playing with fabric, color and textures. Usually when I feel this way, I make a […] Read more…
Presser Foot Threading Tip
Here’s a Threading Tip for You! Some presser feet have a slot on the side so that you can put your thread under the foot and out the back. You want to do this because you want to control the thread so it doesn’t get sewn into your project in places it shouldn’t. However many […] Read more…
Modern Quilts
Modern quilts have a unique look when compared with more traditional styles. They have clean lines and simple motifs. Both the piecing and the quilting are simple but have high impact. This post is going to feature one block that fits the description of modern quilting. This is my practice block for a larger quilt […] Read more…
The Secret is in the Sole
Turn the foot over and look at the bottom of the sole of any presser foot. This often gives you clues as to what that foot is designed to do. The list below is a brief overview of what you might find when looking at the soles of your presser feet. Remember, the secret is […] Read more…
What to Sew
Are you new to sewing? Always wanted to learn but didn’t know where to start? I have a few tips to point you in the right direction to help you decide what to sew. Plus there’s two simple little projects that are easy for even the newest newbie! Start Small When learning to sew, don’t […] Read more…
Bi-Level Presser Foot
This foot is a favorite of mine, even though I don’t use it frequently. The reason I like it so much is that when I need it, there’s nothing else that will work. Called a bi-level or “uneven” foot, the shape of the sole makes it useful in situations where the foot needs to ride […] Read more…
Edge Joining Seam
When we think of a seam, it is usually two pieces of fabric placed right sides together and sewn with a straight stitch to join them. Once the seam is stitched, the fabric is opened to the right side and pressed. This type of seam works on most fabrics and projects but there are other […] Read more…