Happiness Through Sewing
With the outside of the tote bag done, it’s time to make the handles. Be sure to read Part 1 here to see how to construct the tote bag up to this point. Your tote bag is inside out and the handles are sticking out as four separate pieces. The top 3 1/2″ of the […] Read more…
It took me years to admit I love those canvas tote bags from LL Bean. Except I don’t really. I love the shape and the size. I love that they’re well made. I love that is an everyday practical item with a smart design to it. I just didn’t care for the color choices. That’s […] Read more…
I like Schmetz needles mainly because they fit my New Home machine. However Singer has a smart color coding system going on for their needle types and sizes. I just had to borrow it. Let’s get the background. There are different types of machine needles made for different types of fabric. A regular point needle […] Read more…
When I was in school I had a professor who always said that after you cut your fabric it’s all down hill, meaning the hard part is over. At first, I thought he was kidding but as the years went by I agreed with this bold statement until today that is when I had a […] Read more…
After the last washing of my favorite knit shirt I noticed a hole in the back armhole seam. Luckily this is a quick and easy fix. How easy? Two steps. How fast? Faster than exchanging the shirt at the store. This isn’t the first time I’ve come across a knit shirt where one part of […] Read more…
Sewing tutorials are abundant and then you lose the one you wanted to try and it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack to relocate it. This time I couldn’t find the tutorial I had printed off months ago for a rectangle shape toiletries bag. I searched and ended up finding a different tutorial […] Read more…
When I pull fabric off the shelf, or out of the dryer, it’s pretty wrinkly and needs to be ironed before cutting. Sometimes it’s still wonky after ironing. The grain is slightly twisting one way or the other. Right here I have an easy decision to make. 1. I line up the fabric best I […] Read more…
Why does it matter if the fabric you’re about to cut is lined up or trued or squared? And wait, what does that even mean? Fabric is made of threads and woven fabric (as opposed to knit fabric) is woven from threads. The looms are set up with lengthwise threads (the warp) and thread is […] Read more…
You know how the sequel is usually a disappointment? This second version of the drawstring bag is even easier to make than drawstring bag I just posted so I’m hoping you will not be disappointed. I’ve made this bag without a button hole. There is no figuring out the placement of the buttonhole or sewing the […] Read more…
Drawstring bags are under appreciated. It’s probably the unglamorous, homey vibe they give off but let’s not judge a book by it’s cover. Drawstring bags are practical, versatile and can be “dressed-up” with fabric choice or even trim but most importantly they are very easy to make. When my kids were little I used them […] Read more…