Happiness Through Sewing
When you think bandana you probably think of a black and white printed paisley design with a border. Classic choice. But bandanas come in all sorts of fabric designs and as far as projects go, they may be one of the easiest things to sew. So why not sew your own, in your choice of […] Read more…
This simple drawstring backpack is similar to the type companies give away as a promotional gift. The swag versions are usually made from a nonwoven fabric with a silkscreened name or logo, big eyelets in the corners and shoestring cords for the straps. This is the same basic style I super upgraded for my Super […] Read more…
Backpacks don’t last forever but they can last longer with your help. It’s easier than you might think to replace a buckle, attach a zipper, or replace it, mend a rip, and patch a hole. Three very different packs with different needs were saved in the making of this video and post. While your pack […] Read more…
Recently I received this question via email: Hello, I want to buy a new sewing machine. I have my mom’s Singer- which is a really good machine, but may be on it’s last days. Do you have a process or review system when looking for machines? I’m not necessarily looking for a brand endorsement as much […] Read more…
A few months ago I made a video How to Hem Dress Pants in which I sewed the hem, as I always do, by hand, because that’s how I learned to sew an invisible hem. But then a lot of people asked, “Ok, but can I do that with my sewing machine?” Ahhh, yes, but I […] Read more…
Let’s talk about sewing machine needles. As far as sewing tools go they aren’t trending or cute. They’re probably more of an afterthought – meaning you’ve selected the pattern, fabric, thread, and buttons, and didn’t even think about a needle. People, the needle is one of the most important parts of a sewing machine. Without […] Read more…
Knowing how to do some basic alterations can save you a lot of money. Not only are you not paying someone else to do them but you can keep wearing the item you altered to fit and avoid buying a replacement. One of the basic alterations you’ll come across is Taking In. And while this […] Read more…
Confession, I have an overflowing, extra-large, mending basket. Repairs and alterations always seem more like a chore I have to do while sewing something new is fun and exciting. Until a couple of hours into sewing the new pattern, the project hits a wall with fit issues. The kind that zaps all joy from the […] Read more…
Invisible zippers, also known as Concealed zippers, are just that: so concealed once they are sewn into a garment that they appear to be invisible. Unlike other zippers, there is no outside stitching around the zipper, no obvious lapped fabric or fly. Nothing but a slim zipper pull gives it away. This makes invisible zippers […] Read more…
Forget googling it. It’s right here. A list long enough to keep you looking busy for hours. disclaimer: I have not bought or tried patterns from all of these companies so I can not vouch for the drafting and instructional quality of all of them. This list focuses on women’s patterns and patterns still available […] Read more…