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…
How to Hem Dress Pants
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…
Easy to Sew Separates for Special Occasion
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…
How to Make a Dog Bed with Piping
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…
How to Sew a Halloween Treat Bag
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…
Easy Two-Piece Halloween Costume Part 2 Capes and Wings
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…
Easy Two-Piece Halloween Costume: Part 1 Hood with Ears, Horns, Etc.
This post has affiliate links to products that I use and always recommend. You can buy them from anywhere but if you buy through the link (and Amazon) I receive a tiny percent back from that mega-retailer to help support this blog. Just letting you know 😉 When I was a kid, I loved thinking […] Read more…
How to Sew Jean Shorts: Jean Shorts DIY
What can I say that you don’t already know about making a pair of shorts from your jeans? Well, I think I can help with a few pointers and tips. Like how to cut so you remain covered, how to mimic jeans thread with regular thread, and how to stitch over those thick seams without […] Read more…
How to Repair the Seat of Your Jeans
Question via email: I have a pair of stretch denim jeans made up of 98% cotton and 2% spandex. The holes and wear are in the crotch. Please advise. My answer: Hello,This is a tricky area to patch just so you know this now 😉Because you only have a small amount of stretch your patch […] Read more…
How to Take in a Lined Dress That’s Too Loose
Note that while this post is about taking in a lined, sleeveless dress along the side seams there are some basic tips for altering any garment included, mostly in the first two sections. Do I Keep It? What to Look for Before Removing the Tags I bought this dress because I liked the style and […] Read more…