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…
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…
I made a set of cloth linen napkins in 2012. We used them every day and washed them every week. The linen became softer, the color mellowed evenly and so I never thought I would have to make cloth napkins again. Until Atlas joined our family. Atlas is our new Rottweiler pup. He’s a wonderful […] Read more…
Hemming men’s trousers was my first side hustle. It’s a pretty common task and one you can do with professional results even if you don’t have much sewing experience. You just need to follow a couple of easy tips. Note: you will need someone to do the initial pinning if you’re hemming your own trousers. […] Read more…
Because I rarely attend dress-up functions I don’t want to spend weeks sewing something I’ll only wear a little (unless, I really want to make that particular item, or it’s a very special occasion). So my “fancy” clothes need to be fun and easy and, yes, still comfortable so that I am comfortable when wearing […] Read more…
Let me just be upfront: making a dog bed, especially a large dog bed, is not a cost-saving project. Instead, it’s a project for getting exactly what you want, whether that’s a particular size, in a particular fabric, or something that coordinates with the room. This dog bed cover is easily removed for washing thanks […] Read more…
With just half a yard of Halloween-themed fabric and an hour or less of your time, your little goblin or princess will have a treat bag they can use for years to come and unlike the classic plastic pumpkin, it lays flat when Trick-or-Treating is over or can be used all year round for toys, […] Read more…
Costume time! In the last post, I showed how to make a hood that you could attach ears or horns to and now it’s time to make the wings or a cape – because we all need a cape sometimes. This is a simple process and one that can be adapted to all sorts of […] Read more…