Happiness Through Sewing
A wise woman once told me, when we dress for bed we dress for ourselves. I never thought of it like that. We’re not dressing for others. There is no dress code written or implied, or even socially enforced. So why not wear something we truly like? I like pajama pants with pockets (as I […] Read more…
Written by Mary Making a throw pillow with a zipper closure isn’t as hard as you may think. With a few simple seams (in fact, you could sew this pillow cover entirely by hand if you want), a couple of hours, and not much fabric you can transform your couch, bench, camper, or thrown from […] Read more…
Folding your fabric to cut out your pattern, as most patterns instruct you to do, means you obviously cannot see the fabric on the bottom layer. So when you cut out a pattern from folded striped or checked or plaid fabric how do you know if the stripes on both layers are lining up with […] Read more…
What is Fabric Nap and why do you need to know? You may have seen the word Nap, or With Nap or Without Nap, on the back of patterns. And it’s important to know if your fabric has a Nap because it can change the amount of fabric you need to make the garment. You […] Read more…
Most patterns (in America) have seam allowance included. The outline you see is the cutting line and the seam allowance is not marked on the pattern. Somewhere in the instructions the size of the seam allowance will be noted. And hopefully, you don’t have to hunt for that information. This post is going to show […] Read more…
How do you finish the top of a zipper? If you’re following a pattern there will be instructions but if you’re without a set of instructions or you just need some further clarification, let me explain some typical ways the top end of a zipper is cleanly tucked out of sight. But first, a quick […] Read more…
How do you feel about wearable muslins? It’s a thing in the sewing community to make your first attempt of a garment in a slightly, what? cheaper? less-liked? fabric in case it doesn’t work out. After that first attempt, you’re supposed to work out the fit and construction details and sew it up in the […] Read more…
Topstitching by its very nature is suppose to be seen. Whether for construction or decoration, wobbly or straight it’s on display. And you would think it’s easy to sew a straight line of stitches, I mean, there’s a guide on the machine right there, but it simply isn’t that simple. However, there are quite a […] Read more…
All of us have asymmetrical bodies even asymmetrical faces. Yet all the clothes for sale are symmetrical. Usually, our body’s uniqueness can fit into these clothes but for some, especially those with scoliosis, a very common condition in which the spine can form a sideways S or C, finding clothing to fit well and be […] Read more…
We all want to look good. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, if you’re in a satisfying relationship or looking to date, if you are social or shy. If you won the genetic lottery then it’s easier, I would imagine, but not winning that lottery, or having or not having other physical […] Read more…