Happiness Through Sewing
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…
I have friends who keep their sewing machines in a closet and it’s not because they don’t want to sew. They do. It’s just that sewing on their machines can be frustrating. They wonder if their machine needs fixing, or if they bought a bad machine. Probably neither. Sewing machines are pretty straightforward, mechanical tools. […] Read more…
Sometimes it seems sewing machines can start acting up out of the blue. It’s sewing fine, and then it isn’t. Ug! There is a magic trick to fixing 90% of your sewing machine troubles, and it’s easy. The video demonstrates, in detail, 6 things to check and correct when you’re having skipped stitches, threads breaking, […] Read more…
A zipper sewn in by hand is a beautiful thing. Sometimes it’s a necessary thing too. But never is it daunting or frustrating. I’ll put in a zipper by hand especially if it’s a centered back zipper. I don’t care for the look of two rows of machine stitching going up my back. Stitches, that if […] Read more…