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…
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle
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…
How to Mark Your Fabric for Sewing
A pattern piece has a lot of information on it as discussed in a previous post/video “How to Read a Pattern”. You need that information when you are sewing all the pieces together, but you want to transfer that information, from pattern to fabric, at the beginning while the fabric is still on the cutting […] Read more…
Should You Buy a Mini Sewing Machine?
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 😉 I confess Mini Sewing Machines brought out the […] Read more…
Perfect, Easy to Make, Pattern Weights
It took me a long time to switch over to pattern weights from pins – not just because I really liked my scissors but also because I didn’t want to pay for pattern weights. They didn’t look like a good value and only came in ugly colors (at the time). I tried using soup cans, […] Read more…
The Essential Tools for a Basic Sewing Kit
By Mary Earle-Sigler If you’re new to sewing and you want to mend your clothes and do some simple alterations or projects, what sewing tools do you need? I mean what do you REALLY need? Well, it isn’t much and you don’t need a sewing machine. Not yet. If you discover that you like sewing […] Read more…
A Guide to Pressing Tools
Pressing as you sew is the key to a good-looking final project. How many times did our professors tell us this? Any time they could. After sewing any seam go to your iron and press that seam in the opposite direction from which it was sewn and then press the seam allowances open if possible. […] Read more…
Gifts for People Who Sew; The Little Things
Sometimes you need a little gift to give. Maybe it’s for a secret pal, or one more thing to add to a box being sent to a far-away friend, or a little something for a co-worker, or your cousin is bringing his new girlfriend to the family Christmas party (On second thought, give her wine. […] Read more…
Gifts For People Who Sew; 2014
Gift-giving happens all year round – birthdays, Mother’s & Father’s Day, and little care packages when the occasion strikes, but this is the time of year I really brainstorm about gift ideas. As a sewer and someone who is a practical person (a recent realization I have had to accept. The tip-off was my preference […] Read more…
Tool Time: Clover’s Chaco Liner Marking Pen
Marking fabric for darts and pocket placements never installed confidence in me. My marks were never clear. It was like a guessing game half the time where that dart point was exactly. Sometimes marks would be worn off by the time I got to the sewing machine. I found thread tacks a bother. Seriously trivial, […] Read more…