Happiness Through Sewing
I’ve been sewing for 40 + years, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Years of mistakes, successes, and detours taught me not only techniques but also how to approach projects, how to spot and deal with problems, and what my preferences are when it comes to construction, patterns, styles, and fabric choice. I […] Read more…
Sewing is a creative process, yet recently it has felt boring and chore-like. It has become a bit stale, and I realized these feelings in me when I actually considered ditching garment sewing for quilting. Quilting! For someone who still can’t quite grasp why you’d cut up perfectly good fabric just to sew it back […] Read more…
It would be nice, or at least a lot simpler, if the way to hem pants was the same for every type of pant. Of course it isn’t, and the technique isn’t even the same for the same pants if the amount you’re hemming is less or more than 4″. So let me answer a […] Read more…
This post is all about how to move the shoulder seam forward because when a shoulder seam is too far back, even just a little, it’s uncomfortable and creates draglines that nobody wants. Moving the seam line forward to match your shoulder is going to give you a better and more comfortable fit. This video […] Read more…
This post is about how to relocate a bust dart, but this method works to relocate a waist dart as well. Darts on patterns are all too often not placed where you need them. And when this happens the fabric bubbles, and puddles, and strains, and well, just makes a mess. It’s not you, it’s […] Read more…
It’s true that little things make a difference. Hidden details in our self-made clothing, like linings, special seam allowance finishes, and strap guards, take a garment from fine to special. Lingerie strap guards allow you to move freely without your bra straps peeking or slipping out. And I realize some people don’t care about this, […] Read more…
This post is one in a series about getting a better fit from your patterns through simple pattern adjustments. The Small Bust Adjustment, aka SBA, is needed when the garment is too loose across the bust. There is just too much fabric in the front of the garment and not on purpose. Luckily, like its […] Read more…
This post is one in a series about getting a better fit from your patterns through simple pattern adjustments. The Full Bust Adjustment, aka FBA, is one of the most common adjustments women need to make to their sewing pattern. (Did you know the average bra size in America is a 34DD?) Luckily, it’s also […] Read more…
It is said that 25% of your sewing time (or more) should be spent on fitting. Well, let’s keep it to 25% and no more by starting with the size that will give you fewer problems, then it’s a matter of measuring the flat pattern and making some common pattern adjustments before any fabric is […] Read more…
There are a lot of steps to sewing a garment and one of the biggest steps is choosing fabric for your garment. It’s a big step because the type of fabric you choose to use is critical to the look of the finished garment. What with the price of fabric and the time it takes […] Read more…