Sewing Resources Archives | Page 4 of 4

Sewing knits with a sewing machine: Testing foot-tension-needle combos

May 11, 2017

I am sergerless. At Van Handel Headquarters, I’m sewing knits with a sewing machine. And, for the most part, sewing knits without a serger works just swell for me. I’ve sewn scuba knit, sweatshirt fleece, ponte, heavy sweater knit, cotton spandex, and more on my Babylock Elizabeth machine and been happy with the results. And then I sewed my Bridgetown backless dress. And I scowled a lot. That experience inspired an epic sewing experiment. […]

Sewing Resources

How to press scuba knit and more: Tips for working with scuba fabric

March 16, 2017

Scuba knit fabric is having a moment. It’s showing up at my local Jo-Ann, and Threads magazine ran a big scuba knit article in late 2016. I used scuba knit to sew the Victory Patterns Jackie dress. I’d never worked with scuba, and it took some research to figure out best pressing practices. That’s when I decided to write all MY tips for working with scuba fabric. So, dear sewing friends, keep reading to learn scuba knit basics, how to press scuba knit, and more tips for working with scuba fabric. […]

Sewing Resources

Sewing patterns for yoga clothes: 4 yoga sewing patterns, side by side

January 19, 2017

I’ve got sewing patterns for yoga clothes on the brain. That’s because I’m participating in a month-long yoga challenge. (If you’re interested, it’s Yoga Revolution, hosted by Yoga with Adriene, and it’s good stuff! Join the fun!) Every day this year, I’ve hit the yoga mat, and every day, I’ve thought about yoga sewing patterns. […]

Sewing Resources

The over-researched sewing table buying guide for the Type A sewist

December 22, 2016

If you’ve thought about upgrading your sewing table situation but didn’t know where to start — and you’re a Type A personality who loves to do research and make lists — this sewing table buying guide is especially for you. (If you’re a Type B personality who’s a more laid back, you probably won’t get […]

My Sewing Projects, Sewing Resources

Quilting tips for beginners: Do’s and don’ts discovered by a newbie

November 17, 2016

When I started a chemo quilt (see above) for my mom, it was quilt No. 2 in my quilting career. An expert quilter I was/am not. I made a lot of mistakes, which are the world’s greatest teachers. I have to be honest, though — there are many quilting tips for beginners that I wish […]

Sewing Resources

Anorak sewing pattern guide: 3 popular jackets, side by side

October 27, 2016

Along with stirring up autumn leaves, the nippy fall breeze also has brought us anorak patterns! This autumn, there are two new anorak pattern releases on the indie sewing scene: Kelly, from Closet Case Patterns, and Lonetree, the first solo pattern from Indiesew co-founder, Allie Olson. These two fresh jacket patterns join Sewaholic’s beloved Minoru, […]

Deep Thoughts, Sewing Resources

Recap: Field trip to the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo 2016

October 20, 2016

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Sewing machines, quilt patterns, and fabric, oh my! It’s the 2016 Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo is a three-day event that offers workshops, demos, a shoppable trade show, and more. The expo delivers creative inspiration and skill-building classes to sewists in eight U.S. cities. […]

Sewing Resources

Swimwear sewing tips: 8 can’t-miss resources in one place

August 25, 2016

1: Helen’s Closet 2: 101 Creations 3: Helen’s Closet 4: Seamwork 5: SeamstressErin Designs 6: Indiesew Line swimsuit illustration: Closet Case Files I recently wrapped on the Reno halter swim top and high-waisted Dakota swim bottoms from Seamwork magazine. As I sewed, I wished there were a single place to check out lots of different […]

Sewing Resources

Sewing tips: 12 sewing truths for rookie sewists

June 23, 2016

I’m mostly a self-taught sewist. I took one two-hour class at a sewing machine store when I lived in Madison, and that’s been it for formal training. This means I’ve mostly learned by trial and error, online tutorials, and books and magazines. I’ve missed having a seasoned sewist looking over my shoulder. I imagine she […]

Sewing Resources

The easy way to calculate flying geese quilt blocks

June 9, 2016

Last time I checked in RE: Bowie pillow, I shared fabric choices. The next step is cutting triangles for the flying geese blocks. And when it came to calculating triangle dimensions for my custom design, I did it the hard way. Then I did it the easy way. I will show you the easy way […]