getcrafty :: popular topics :: sewing :: sew

View entire thread: Dame Couture now offers sewing classes!

Posted by DameJulie on 2004-12-06 16:54:40      Post Subject: Dame Couture now offers sewing classes!



Dear DIYer,

Want to learn to sew or improve your sewing skills? Dame's class
schedule
for January and February is now online at
http://www.damecouture.com/classes.htm. Learn to:

* make a tote bag
* knit
* sew a skirt that fits
* line a jacket

Class sizes are limited to six, so you can move at your own pace.

Already a world-class sewer? Please pass this message on to those less
talented than you.

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View entire thread: looking for a new sewing machine

Posted by rach on 2005-08-08 15:39:45      Post Subject: looking for a new sewing machine

hi all
i'm looking to buy a new sewing machine. i sew A LOT and have a line of bags for knitters coming out in a shop this fall and am running into issues with my machine. I sew with a lot of upholstery fabric and wool and am finding that my machine cannot handle the thickness of the seams i'm creating, no matter what size needle i have. the foot just doesn't have enough pressure. just wondering if anyone has found a machine they love (for similar work) or have bought from a place they would recommend. I want a shop that knows a lot about what they are selling. willing to travel to buy and would also be willing to invest in a semi-industrial machine. any suggestions? thanks!

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View entire thread: One Yard Wonders - call for submissions

Posted by craftyplanet on 2008-07-21 15:34:58      Post Subject: One Yard Wonders - call for submissions

Hey there, Seamster Extraordinaire!

We are excited to invite you to contribute to our upcoming book entitled 101 One-Yard Wonders. Inspired by the success of the One-Skein Wonders series for knitters and crocheters, we are expanding this approach to new, exciting projects for sewing enthusiasts like you! With this book, we are setting out to fill a need that so many of us have: what to do with that single yard of special, coveted fabric you bought on impulse.

For this collection, we're focusing on projects that take no more than one yard of fabric to complete. Yes, you can feel free to add trims, zippers, velcro, buttons, interfacing -- whatever additional stash stuff & notions might be necessary to complete the project. We only ask that your project uses one-- and only one--yard of a single fabric. Sew and no-sew projects both gladly considered.

We invite you to contribute your original designs for home decorating items, baby items, personal accessories, toys, garments (for men, women, and children), outdoors, pets, seasonal projects ... whatever! The categories are open ended, and the possibilities are limitless! We are pleased to be able to offer compensation to designers whose projects are selected. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2008. Projects will be considered and selected as we receive them, so try to get them in sooner rather than later. The only stipulation is that your original designs may not have been previously published in a book or anthology.

If you would like to participate, you have a couple of different ways to submit your project idea(s)--the more the merrier!

1) If you have a completed project, send some good-quality photos of the item, along with a detailed description and the required submission information listed below, to oneyardwonders@gmail.com by August 31, 2008. Be sure to include your full name, email address(es), daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. A short bio of yourself is optional, but encouraged.

You can also mail these to us at:

One Yard Wonders
c/o Crafty Planet
2833 Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

OR

2) if your project is just an idea right now, that's OK too. Send us a sketch of your proposed project, along with a detailed description (both as detailed as you can possibly manage) and the required submission information listed below, to oneyardwonders@gmail.com by August 31, 2008. Be sure to include your full name, email address(es), daytime and evening phone numbers, and mailing address. A short bio of yourself is optional, but encouraged.

You can also mail these to us at:

One Yard Wonders
c/o Crafty Planet
2833 Johnson St. NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418

If we select your design....

1) We will either request your actual, original sample from the photos you submitted, or you will be provided with the editors' choice of fabric in order to produce a sample, which will be photographed for the book and kept for a tour and trunk shows.

2) You will also receive a letter of agreement and consent form asking for the one-time right to publish YOUR pattern in One-Yard Wonders.

3) Upon completion of the sample, instructions, letter of agreement, and consent form you will be paid for your submission.

4) In the published book, you will receive credit, along with information about your business, if applicable.

5) You will be one of the first to receive a complimentary copy of the published book.

Remember, deadline is August 31, 2008.

Please provide as much of the following information as possible with your submission:
(mail, email, or use our online submission form)
http://www.craftyplanet.com/oneyardwonders/submissionform.htm

Personal Info --

Name
Business Name (if applicable)
Address
Phone number
E-mail address
Website

Pattern Info --

Name/Type of Project
Fabric Weight/type (woven, knit, lightweight, heavyweight, etc.)
Width (in inches) of the fabric yardage (e.g., 44"/45", 54", 60")
Complete Materials list (i.e., elastic, ric rac, etc.)
Other special equipment required?
Pattern Pieces (number, size)
Special Layout Information for your pattern pieces
If already available, step-by-step instructions (please use as many pages as necessary, and you are encouraged to include step-by-step illustrations to accompany your instructions)

(Seam Allowance should conform to 1/2" standard)

Has your pattern been previously published? Is it currently or has it previously been available for sale? Describe. Please note that this will not disqualify you.

If you send the completed item as your submission, we regret that we cannot return items that are not selected unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your submission. Please note that selected items will not be returned.

We're hoping very much that you will want to be part of first One-Yard Wonder book, and look forward to hearing from you! Let us know if you have any questions, as well.

With best wishes,

Patricia Hoskins, Editor, One-Yard Wonders
Rebecca Yaker, Editor, One-Yard Wonders
Deborah Balmuth, Senior Acquisitions Editor, Storey Publishing
oneyardwonders@gmail.com

p.s. Feel free to pass this invitation along to other designing friends who
may want to join in!

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View entire thread: Blythe Doll

Posted by beccabags on 2007-12-31 01:00:46      Post Subject: Blythe Doll

Does anyone here sew, crochet, or knit for the Blythe doll? Blythe has become one of my latest obessions.

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View entire thread: good sewing machene for thick material??

Posted by fishinmhead on 2006-06-25 23:05:30      Post Subject: good sewing machene for thick material??

hello. im looking for a sewing machene thats $500 or less that will sew through layers of thick jeans and leather. does anyone know what kind i should get?? thanks!!

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View entire thread: pattern making: a request for recommendations

Posted by cindysue on 2007-06-05 18:04:49      Post Subject: pattern making: a request for recommendations

Can anyone recommend a book along the lines of Sew What! Skirts: 15 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics that addresses pants or shirts? I welcome any input! Thanks for the help!

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View entire thread: Annapolis, MD in the hizzouse?

Posted by diemilkface on 2005-04-01 09:37:04      Post Subject: Annapolis, MD in the hizzouse?

HEEEY Maryland crafters! (and other crafters alike) I'm looking for crafty people that i can... craft with! i knit and sew and have tons of yarn and fabric to swap so hit me up!

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View entire thread: Converting knitting patterns

Posted by Nicole Stanford on 2007-11-27 15:54:53      Post Subject: Converting knitting patterns

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to convert a sweater pattern that is written for straight needles to be used with circular needles - I love knitting sweaters for my kids but hate having to sew them up at the end.

Thanks!

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View entire thread: Hmmm......boooookkkkksssss.....

Posted by bibelots on 2006-11-29 23:41:17      Post Subject: Hmmm......boooookkkkksssss.....

It's hard to narrow down, but my recent purchases I'm totally in love with include "Organic Beaded Jewelry," "Felt," Sew What! Skirts," "Get Your Crochet On!" and "Craftivity. I'm also in love with the new Craft magazine and Adorn's not too bad either!

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View entire thread: Baked Ideas

Posted by Softshoeshuffler on 2005-01-18 23:00:43      Post Subject: Baked Ideas

After much experimentation, I came up with a fool proof, fail-proof tutorial on how to make your own lined cosmetic bag. I find it a very satisfying project, especially for beginners who want to sew something useful.

Well, the tutorial is here.
http://www.halfbaked-ideas.com/tutorial.html, along with some other stuff that I made.

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View entire thread: Spokane, WA and vicinity

Posted by homuncula on 2005-08-13 17:20:09      Post Subject: Spokane, WA and vicinity

Well, I'm finally escaping from the evil Midwest, hooray! I'll be back in my old stomping grounds of Spokane, WA on Sept. 1. Anybody out there? I don't knit (how uncool am I?!) but I sew, quilt, thrift, garden, and try to crochet... it would be superfun to meet up with some crafty gals!

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View entire thread: i need a new yorker to help me sew!

Posted by kkofibru on 2007-02-27 21:35:30      Post Subject: i need a new yorker to help me sew!

Hi, kids - so I signed on to sew sailboat cushions and i need help actually sewing them up.
they aren't that hard but there's a bunch of them.
Is anyone available on Thursday or Friday to help? We will share in the final compensation, of course, and i have space and sewing machines for us to work in.
You can email me offline at kkofibru@gmail.com.

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View entire thread: La fée Coriandre...from France

Posted by lafeecoriandre on 2005-11-03 11:01:53      Post Subject: La fée Coriandre...from France

Hi,

To all of you, my name's Sofia, I'm from France and I love, love to craft...sew, knit, crochet, anything....I'm in.

I created a softy, is name is Coriandre and he's a cat-angel and on my onlineshop you can have a look at all the different Coriandre's and Coriandria's (his wife !).

I also do jewellery, so come and have a look at my crafts...

http://lafeeshop.blogspot.com/
I've also a Etsy shop at
http://www.etsy.com/your_shop.php

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View entire thread: Looking for Volunteers

Posted by shopgnl on 2007-03-23 22:02:58      Post Subject: Looking for Volunteers

Hello I am searching for volunteers for my non-profit organization to ohelp sew, crochet and knit items for Hospitals, Centers and Organizations. Currently I am in need of baby Booties and those who know hot to crochet or knit them are highly needed. For those that would like to knowmore or would like to join our group you may do so at the link below. Thank you for all your help.


Silvia
The Angelitos
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Angelitos/join
http://theangelitos.tripod.com/

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View entire thread: aussiebums

Posted by thedonutlounge on 2007-08-27 13:47:04      Post Subject: aussiebums

if you ever need to buy undies for your man, check out this site: http://www.aussiebum.com

i was wondering why my bf was showing me these expensive undies and didn't think they would be that amazing but i just bought them for him anyway for his bday. and wow, it's like the wonder bra for men. it's all in the way they sew it. and they feel comfortable. haha just thought i would share if you're ever thinking about getting him a special gift.

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View entire thread: NYC: Church of Craft Guild

Posted by Karen on 2004-08-20 12:41:23      Post Subject: NYC: Church of Craft Guild

Get use of a gorgeous studio for your own projects on your own time. Keep a shelf or cubby of your own materials/supplies/projects, use the sewing and knitting machines as well as any other tools and equipment they have to offer, get a Church of Craft sew-on patch, and more.

Membership is $40/month and requires one afternoon or evening of volunteering a month. There is a one-time initiation fee of $40 that will be *waived* until September 1.

Contact Rose White
rose@yarnivore.com
325 Gold Street, 2nd Floor (buzz #2 or yell up really loud)

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View entire thread: Has anyone dealt with the Snuggles Project?

Posted by Clutterbugcrafts on 2004-12-07 02:38:06      Post Subject: Has anyone dealt with the Snuggles Project?

I came across a charity while surfing the internet the other day. From what I can understand, it's a project where people all over the world crochet/knit/sew pads/cushions/mats for the cages of animals in shelters or foster homes. I've felt an increasing desire to try to help a charity somehow. I've been out of work for over a month now & I'm almost out of money. So, a monetary donation is out of the question. But I was thinking that between my love of crafting, my love for animals & my desire to help out, maybe this would be just the thing for me. I was just wondering if anyone else has had any dealings with this kind of thing so that I could get some information. Have a crafty day!

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View entire thread: Sewing Lessons Needed in Jersey City

Posted by craftyfool on 2007-04-28 21:00:26      Post Subject: Sewing Lessons Needed in Jersey City

Hi Everyone! Does anyone out there live in the NYC or Jersey City area? Do you know how to sew? Want to teach me? Pretty please? I have a sewing machine and you can come to my home or I can go to yours.

I have found a few classes in NYC, however none of them work with my schedule, so I thought I would try to find a personal lesson. And I'm willing to pay you for your time!!

If you are available, or can point me in the right direction, please get in touch with me at my website below or at my gmail address with username craftyfool (sorry this is so cryptic...I can't figure out how to add my email address cause it keeps getting deleted!)

Thank you so much!

Danielle

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View entire thread: Hole-y Jeans Project - A lil help?

Posted by visivo on 2005-11-05 22:50:57      Post Subject: Hole-y Jeans Project - A lil help?

Alright so, of course the most expensive pair of jeans (sevens) I own have become unwearable due to a huge hole on the inner thigh (Thank you, Thunder Thighs!) and they are also pretty much unpatchable. Meaning, I patched them before, and the hole got bigger because the fabric is to thin/weak to hold up to stitching or even those little iron on dudes.

I thought about making 'em into a skirt, but the idea of cutting my best fitting pair of jeans up makes me tear up a little, and also I believe that the crotch of the jeans are still visible when you sew it into a skirt... though please, correct me if I am wrong.

A nice little pencil skirt WOULD be nice, or any other ideas you might have would be really helpful indeed! Only advice I would not consider: daisy dukes. ;]

Thanks,
mollie

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View entire thread: Hello from North Carolina

Posted by micrafty on 2006-07-24 18:28:15      Post Subject: Hello from North Carolina

Hi All,

New here (as if post count didn't give that one away). Have seen comments about this site on Craftster, but never visited. I've been on that site for a few years (itscribe) and most often contribute by helping others to improve their crafty websites and give some suggestions on crochet every now and again. I hope to do that here too.

I love the Open Letter To... thread. Every forum should have one of those.

I am a reformed computer nerd and am now a website content writer by trade, love to craft (crochet, cross stitch, sew, quilt, and whatever else looks interesting), and have been craft-deprived working on my websites.

My latest site is CraftyTips.com an arts and crafts directory. It's only getting started, so I would like to invite you to take a look around. In exchange for a crafty tip, craft-related website owners can get backlinks to their site for free.

Regards,
michele

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View entire thread: for DC-area craftrons

Posted by sinisterbanister on 2004-07-06 16:11:09      Post Subject: for DC-area craftrons

Greetings!
I organize a bi-weekly (or thereabouts) craft night, craft/work connexion, in which we make stuff that you can take home that night.

The idea: I know a ton of people who make cool stuff, and everyone would ask us "where'd you get that?" I figured it would be much more cool if instead of asking, you did it yourself. And of course, it's great for networking with other crafters and artists.

So this way, we switch off and teach each other how to make things, hang out, eat snacks and drink beers. Pretty low-key and cool. The idea is to get enough stuff made to have a c/w/c table at Eastern Market by the end of the summer.

Past topics: knit-a-thon, erotic shrinky-dinks, magnets, earrings, felting

Upcoming topics: sew-a-thon, restroying (recycling & destroying) old records, booze makin', collage stationery, spinning, printmaking, soap, more jewelry

Check out the newsgroup or write to me!

Nancy

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftworkconnexion/
sinisterbanister@yahoo.com

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View entire thread: How to mend Jean Knees?

Posted by sun bear on 2008-05-05 10:45:59      Post Subject: How to mend Jean Knees?

Ok so I went rollerskating and I tripped over a small child who I swear was trying to take me out. My knee ripped through my brand new (to me) jeans that my friend just gave me. I am really sad b/c they are really nice jeans (Rock & Republic) and they probably cost her over $300 when they were new. Of course this is why I don't buy nice things for myself...I've only worn them twice :(

Anyhow, to go with the distressed nature (they were distressed, i think that's why the knee gave out so easily) I want to reinforce the rip so they don't be come r&r cut offs, but still have that hole there (b/c I think just sewing it together will look weird).

What are your ideas for reinforcing the hole? I thought I could use some old jean material and put it behind the hole and sew that on, and my b/f suggested i could do embroidery around the edge of the hole. What about a design over it? I would appreciate any ideas to save these jeans, my friend insists that they are my jeans now and she doesn't feel bad, but honestly...what was I thinking? I just imagined 300 dollar jeans would hold up much better than the 10 dollar jeans i normally wear...sigh

jt

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View entire thread: CITY OF CRAFT:celebrating all things crafty in T.O. (Dec. 1)

Posted by hodge on 2007-11-24 20:04:23      Post Subject: CITY OF CRAFT:celebrating all things crafty in T.O. (Dec. 1)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2052350537_e8d4030b2b_o.jpg

In brief:

WHAT: City of Craft
WHO: 60+ craft vendors, community groups, installation artists & workshop leaders
WHEN: Saturday December 1, 2007, 11am-8pm
WHERE: Theatre Centre, located at 1087 Queen Street West at Dovercourt.
WEB: http://cityofcraft.com

In not-so-brief:

Come dive into Toronto's crafty cultural landscape at City of Craft, a day long opportunity to buy, observe, experience, chat about, share and reimagine all things handmade. Not your run-of-the mill craft show, this dynamic happening will feature craft-based installations, demos, and free workshops, alongside a curated craft fair filled with contemporary, stylish, and offbeat handmade goodies.

You'll also have the chance to learn about great local classes, studios, resources, and craft based projects, getting you in the mood to make stuff and make stuff happen. Eager beavers will be rewarded with swag bags designed and screenprinted for City of Craft by local label Schoolyard (Katie Chan and Hilary Dennis ) & chockful of indie craft goodness from multiple vendors and sponsors.

Event highlights include:

* 60+ craft vendors and exhibitors from Toronto and Montreal selling awesome handmade art, craft & fashion and promoting their craft-based initiatives
* Soft City, a plush cityscape that invites Torontonians to reconsider their relationship to the place they live
* StreetKnit's hand-knit house, an inventive endeavor to bring awareness to issues of homelessness in the city (Donations of hand knit garments will be accepted at the event).
* Perusal of Toronto Zine Library's entire collection of zines in the cozy reading lounge.
* Ample opportunities to make stuff:
-a crochet workshop taught by Shannon Gerrard (let's just say it's connected to her latest project) 1-2pm
-a craft materials swap run by the workroom & Sew Be It Studio - 2:30-4pm***
-a make-you-own gift wrap session hosted by Toronto Church of Craft 4:30-7pm

*** To participate in the swap bring fabric or yarn to swap and canned goods to donate the Daily Food Bank. Leftover materials will be donated to charity.

Please share this invite with craft-inclined friends & family, or anyone you know who might enjoy finding unique handmade gifts in a decidedly un-mall-like atmosphere.

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View entire thread: Do your part without knitting or sewing

Posted by blondie16969 on 2008-04-02 15:01:38      Post Subject: Do your part without knitting or sewing

If you don''t want to knit things to donate but you still want to do your part you could always bake treats for the dogs at your local animal shelter. There are tons of recipies online and you can get very crafty in the shapes and decorations. You could decorate leashes and collars for the dogs or cats. There are always so many thing that can be done with animals and too often they get forgotten.
If you like to paint many places that are dedicated to keeping kids off the streets (YMCA, Youth clubs, even Day Cares) are willing to let you paint designs on the windows. I don''t know what kinds of paint you would use for this but I am sure with a little research you could figure it out. You can wash the paint off every few weeks to keep the look fresh.
The elderly always enjoy homemade items. Just about anything you make would be loved. Some places will even allow you to come in and show the residents how to make it themselves.
I recently found a diaper cake that looks like it would be a blast to make. Simple too. Just the cost of a package of diapers and some ribbon and whatever you can think of to add. The local womens shelter or low income hospital would love to get this kind of gift. Or maybe a bunch of creative signs that could be placed on the patients door with a place for the babys name sex and weight. Just remember that a lot of these places have women that don''t speak english as patients so you might want to use spanish or whatever the dominate language is on some signs.
You can decorate picture frames or frame some of your art work and donate it to just about anywhere. Hospitals and other places where there is a lot of time spent waiting are great places to donate if your trying to get your name out as an artist.
Write a childrens book. It is as easy as some tag board folded in half, stapled and some basic crayon drawings and a simple story plot. Doesn''t have to be anything too fancy. Leave it in the play areas of hospitals or health and welfare buildings where many children can enjoy it. A scrapbook of a story of a local child that was sick could be your storyline idea. Kids love textures so go wild.
In all of these ideas be sure to check with the business or organization before spending too much time and money to make sure they will be allowed to accept your crafts. Just take whatever you enjoy doing and apply it to some of these places. It is very easy to do your part. I hope this helped those of you that were looking for ideas. I don''t sew but that doesn't keep me from being creative.

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View entire thread: *Crafting for a Better World!* holiday craft drive

Posted by totinette on 2004-11-19 13:19:28      Post Subject: *Crafting for a Better World!* holiday craft drive

Crafting For A Better World
Portland Super Crafty has set out to save the world, and we need your help! We’re collecting donations of handmade items and craft supplies to give to some amazing organizations around Portland and could use your crafting superpowers. Please help us brighten the holiday and warm up the winter for some less fortunate men, women, and children by giving them the gift of craft!

Types of items to donate:
This is a comprehensive list of what the organizations could really use, but feel free to be creative and send in other items as well!

Handmade:
Dolls
Toys
Baby hats, blankets, etc.
Scarves
Hats
Mittens and gloves
Socks
Pillowcases
Blankets
Bedding
Warm clothing (knit sweaters, etc.)

Craft Supplies:
Non-toxic Paint
Acrylic Paint
Paint Brushes
Canvas
Drawing and watercolor paper
Crayons
Paper
Scissors (kid-friendly especially)
Glue
Glitter
Felt
Craft Foam
Modeling clay
Beads
Fabric
Sewing notions
Yarn
Knitting needles
Duct tape
Tape
Journal/Notebooks
Frames
Ribbons

Donations must be received by Monday, December 15.

Please send your items to:
Torie Nguyen
One Centerpointe Dr., Suite 550
Lake Oswego, OR 97035

Questions? Email us at pdxsupercrafty@yahoo.com. If you live in the Portland area and would like to submit your donation in person, please drop us an email to make arrangements.

*If you would like a receipt for your donation, please include a note with your name, address, and the retail value of the item.

About the organizations:

The Goose Hollow Shelter

The Goose Hollow Family Shelter is a temporary emergency shelter for homeless families in the Portland metropolitan area. They take in anyone who has a child under the age of 18, as well as pregnant women. The shelter currently operates from November to May and is hoping to one day have the resources to stay open year round. In the evenings, they have “kid time” where volunteers lead the kids in various activities, one of which is crafting.

p:ear
http://www.pearmentor.org/

p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.


Community Action Organization
http://www.communityaction4u.org/

Community Action exists to ensure that low-income families have a place to turn for help as they strive to get back on their feet and achieve a better life. They offer the following services: A Kid’s Domain: Before and after school care, Early Head Start/Head Start Preschool, Energy and Emergency Services, Homeless and Housing Services, Opening Doors: Maternity outreach and pregnancy support.


Buckman SUN School
http://www.sunschools.org
http://www.buckmansite.teacherhosting.com

Buckman Arts Magnet Elementary School is one of the community schools serviced by the SUN Program (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods). The mission of the SUN program is to improve the lives of children, their families and the community through partnering with local school communities to extend the school day with a variety of classes and develop schools as “community centers” in their neighborhoods. We are specifically asking for donations for their Winter Craft & Gift-making Night on Wednesday December 15th at Buckman Elementary School. Families are invited to return to school in the evening and create unique handmade gifts for the holidays with the help of parent volulteers and local artists (including the girls of Super Crafty!)

One more organization collecting craft supplies and handmade gifts is La Casa de las Madres, a San Francisco-based group that offers emergency services to women and their children escaping domestic violence.

They have women of all ages there, and children from newborn to age 18, so items of all sizes and colors would be welcome. They would take blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves - all the standard handmade stuff. If you do not knit or crochet, you are welcome to sew any donations. Machine washable is good, so is warm wool, but they are not picky and would take anything. You are welcome to wrap stuff if you want, but please put a tag on the outside indicating what is inside, and the size, etc., and attaching a tag indicating the fabric content, care instructions, and maybe a little pick-me-up message would be wonderful.

They are also looking for donations of art and craft supplies - fabric, yarn, needles, paper, crayons, hooks, glue, markers, etc. NO magazines, they already have plenty.

http://www.lacasa.org/index.html
http://www.lacasa.org/wish_list.html

About La Casa: La Casa de las Madres offers emergency residential shelter to battered women and their children while providing counseling, family-based services and referrals. Our Emergency Crisis Shelter has the capacity to shelter and support 35 women and children per night. La Casa's downtown San Francisco office houses our two 24-hour Crisis Phone Lines, a Drop-In Counseling Center, the Teen Intervention & Prevention Program, and the Community Education & Outreach Program. All services are offered free-of-charge in English and Spanish.

Please send donations directly to the shelter by December 17:

La Casa de las Madres
1850 Mission Street, Suite B
San Francisco, CA 94103

PDX Super Crafty won’t be delivering these gifts, we’re just handling donations for the Portland organizations! Thanks for your generosity this holiday season!

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View entire thread: In chattanooga any one interested in sharing their talents

Posted by Judy on 2007-02-11 14:37:06      Post Subject: In chattanooga any one interested in sharing their talents

Hi
I am a new member from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
I admire people who can sew. I don't know how to sew, but I have been told that I am a great cook. My mother was one of the creative craft person, but unfortunately, I never grew up with her.

Love to sew, I have a sewing machine but don't know how. I do everything by hand.

Any one who is good in sewing and wants to learn how to cook spicy food?
I would love to learn sewing and teach how to cook.

Thanks
Judy

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View entire thread: Newbie here :) Question on making bags and purses

Posted by TheSapphireMoon on 2008-02-22 15:24:36      Post Subject: Newbie here :) Question on making bags and purses

Hello everyone :) I am new, been floating around on the web looking for crafty places to hang out as I try to pursue methods of ''free entertainment'' at my home. Basically, I need to stop spending so much money out and on gas and I have PLENTY of projects I could work on with what is already at my house.

I have a question about bags and purses. When lining a purse, do you sew the lining to the outer fabric first, and then sew the whole bag together? Or do you sew an outer bag, then sew a separate liner bag, and then sew both of them together?

Any help would be appreciated...I am strying to start small with my sewing projects, and I can NEVER have too many purses!

TIA!

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View entire thread: Newbie here :) Question on making bags and purses

Posted by papismami on 2008-03-04 16:31:46      Post Subject:

Hi! Sorry this is a late reply but I just joined today!

To make a purse lining - you have to sew the lining as a separate piece, then sew together at the top opening. When you make your lining, be sure to leave an opening in the bottom or side hem like 3 inches long. Take your bag, then your lining and put the bag inside of the lining - right sides facing each other. Sew them together at the top. Then you will turn them right-side out by pulling them both through the lining opening, then hand or machine sew the hole closed. This confused me for a long time, especially when i started making clutches! Anyway, hope it helped!

-Dari

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View entire thread: Bookmaking question

Posted by alexia on 2006-09-18 09:52:37      Post Subject:

bookboard is very thick, and you probably couldn't sew through them without drilling/poking holes first.

What I've done before is fuse my fabric (that's been pieced together)) to rice paper w/ fusible webbing and use that as bookcloth & glue it to the bookboard.

The other way is to use the bookboard as "stuffing" of sorts - that is, sew AROUND the bookboard. You'll get a sturdy solid core & you'll be able to make your pockets, too. Just make the pockets on the fabric first before you sew the fabric over the bookboard.

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View entire thread: Seamstress anyone?

Posted by Mista on 2006-03-19 16:02:29      Post Subject: Seamstress anyone?

Looking for a NYC seamstress!

I'm an independent designer looking for someone in New York City to sew personalized baby blankets. I can and do sew, but I know my limits! I want to offer the below style of a personalized baby blanket in the "Baby Friendly" section of my new online store - www.katie-james.com

I love working with others and sharing ideas. For example, the aspects I'm debating about this blanket are: unfinished raw edges, washable (but the below blanket is in wool and a cashmire/wool...too pretty and too easy to work with, that I couldn't not use it), could be hung on wall or actually used.

Email Katie if you're interested at kjhellmuth @ katie-james.com

http://katie-james.com/images/caitlinj.jpg

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View entire thread: Sushi Pin Cushions (How To + Photos)

Posted by catmorley on 2005-07-15 14:34:30      Post Subject: Sushi Pin Cushions (How To + Photos)

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushipin1.jpg
http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushipin2.jpg
Make yourself some delicious sushi pin cushions. Chopsticks at the ready.

Instructions
-----------------------------
You will need:
http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/youneed.jpg
- Felt (in various colours)
- Thread (in matching colours)
- Foam (for stuffing)
- Needle
- Scissors
- Paper (for templates)
- Compass or something circular to draw round.
- Pencil

To make kalamaki sushi:

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi1.jpg
Draw out a circle in the size that you want your sushi to be. Draw out a long strip in the height you want your sushi to be.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi2.jpg
Cut the templates and fold the strip around the circle. Cut off any length that is not needed on the strip.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi3.jpg
Using the templates draw out two circles and one strip on to white felt.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi4.jpg
Cut out the felt shapes.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi5.jpg
Using thread that matches the colour tack one circle to the strip.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi6.jpg
Using hemming stitch sew the two pieces together.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi7.jpg
Sew up the side.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi8.jpg
Find a piece of foam that will fill the cup you have just made.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi9.jpg
Now attach the second circle and sew that to the cup.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi10.jpg
You will end up with this.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/sushi11.jpg
Now all you need to do is decorate it.

To make this fish sushi:

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish1.jpg
Take a square of white felt and some pieces of foam.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish2.jpg
Fold the felt over making sure it fits around the foam.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish3.jpg
Stitch the felt in place and using a hemming stitch sew the felt up the side.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish4.jpg
When you get to the edge, fold in the sides and sew it in place. Repeat this for both ends.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish5.jpg
You will be left with something that looks like this.

http://www.catmorley.com/photos/crafty/sushipincushion/fish6.jpg
Decorate it with other bits of felt to make it look like sushi. I made a little fish out of pink felt

For more of my how to's please check out the crafty section at http://www.brokendoll.co.uk

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View entire thread: Bookmaking question

Posted by unique on 2006-09-16 13:41:12      Post Subject: Bookmaking question

Looking for some help, please. I want to make fabric books with pockets but want to sew the edges, and for the life of me i can't wrap my mind around a solution. Heres the thing, I am trying to figure out a good sturdy board that will not warp due to humidity. Since the book it is enclosed in fabric the ones i have made before have all warped. I am using chipboard and it doesn't seem to work. Perhaps i am using the wrong board if so arethere any sturdy boards that you can sew through? Any thoughts or suggestions?

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View entire thread: Chef's Hat

Posted by Anonymous on 2005-05-17 14:47:20      Post Subject:

Here is a free one.
http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/naa051601a.htm

here is one from kwik sew
http://www.smartcart.com/1sew/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=2284ks

mcall's
http://www.smartcart.com/1sew/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=4529mc

these are at sewingpatterns.com

I am not from sewingpatterns.com. I just find this a great place to search for patterns. JUst type what you need into the search box.

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View entire thread: How many crafts do you know?

Posted by beqi on 2008-09-17 11:47:07      Post Subject:

This is a fun thread! I can sew, make patterns, crosshatch, make beaded jewelry, make felt appliques, draw, paint, write prose and poetry, make soaps, take art photographs, make stuffed animals, quilt, and make jewelry by using repurposed found vintage jewelry findings.

I can't knit or crochet, though. Sometimes I want to learn, but I think another craft obsession is one too many. :)

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View entire thread: holiday gift ideas..help me out please!

Posted by mishka on 2004-12-05 15:12:07      Post Subject: X-mas crafts

I'm making chopstick cases for some of my friends that go out for Asian food a lot. I don't have a pattern or anything though, I'm just kind of winging it. I'm going for a wrap, like used for knitting needles or paint brushes.
Materials-
-A piece of pretty 10"x5" fabric."
-A piece of 14"x5" fabric for the inside lining .(I'm using plain linen.)
-Some ribbon for the tie.
-Chop sticks. (I got a bag of 20 pair in the Asian section of the local grocery store for about a buck.)

Fold lining to 10"x5", and sew to create a pocket. (I'm also going to sew a seam about 1" in to keep the chopsticks in place. Pin them together(inside out) with the ribbon/tie in the middle and sew the edges leaving a small opening. Turn it right side out, and top stitch.
Pretty quick & easy, with a total cost of less than $5. (Also a great use for scraps of fabric that you are looking to use, or you can get fabric remnants.)

*edited for spelling*

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View entire thread: sweater elbows

Posted by smudgy_cat on 2006-10-29 13:28:05      Post Subject:

I've seen some people use suede to patch sweaters. Depending on the style, it may or may not look dorky. You could also use some nice wool felt and cut out designs and sew them up the sleeve, with some pattern repeats on the hem/waist/collar of the sweater.

If you knit, I've seen some of the older women use different stitches for elbows and heels in sweaters and socks. That might be a good option for future items.

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View entire thread: Patchwork panels in jeans

Posted by senojzilfg on 2006-10-09 23:03:49      Post Subject:

I would use fabric the same thickness or at least strength as the denim, cut strips the width you need plus seam allowances (maybe 1/2"?). So, if you want to add 3" all around, you need 2.5" wide strips - 3 divided by 2 plus 1/2 plus 1/2. Sew the strips right sides together into long strips. Insert by pinning right side of back of leg to right side of long strip, then sew. The final seams are done with jeans inside out. I would use a strong denim needle and strong thread. I would also experiment with the thread tension before going all the way. Also, don't forget to pre-shrink your patchwork fabric and press as you go along.

Or, you could hold out for another few months and maybe you won't need to alter!

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View entire thread: Do you have a favourite sewing pattern?

Posted by pudding on 2006-07-20 00:47:13      Post Subject: Do you have a favourite sewing pattern?

I've been following a sewing challenge called sew? I knit! and I've found it really useful for discovering sewing patterns I might like to try.

I was inspired to buy Simplicity 4589 and give it a try.

I am wondering if anyone here has a favourite pattern they like to sew that they would recommend to me, a beginner sewer?

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View entire thread: Macrame/chain fence

Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-03-13 20:14:10      Post Subject:

I think it's just a matter of knowing how to macreme that pattern. I don't have too much info on macreme, although I wish I did because it's making a comeback (especially in belts). I'd do a net search of a macreme tutorial.
For the rest of it, you could just sew a pocket for your bamboo to slide in the top and bottom of your fabric just like a curtain. If you wanted to see the bamboo more, you could just sew straps of fabric instead of an entire pocket.
I don't think I helped to much but, maybe I gave you a different idea??..

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View entire thread: welders hat pattern?

Posted by kissthis on 2006-08-03 21:53:22      Post Subject: welders hat pattern?

yeah im cheap, i know, so: i wanted to try here first before i broke down the $12.00 for this hat pattern... so anyone know how to sew a welders hat?

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View entire thread: Need help finding a knitting book

Posted by athena on 2006-04-02 15:18:11      Post Subject:

is it knitting for baby by melanie falick and kristin nicholas? i've made a hat matching that description from this book.

it's a very easy pattern. the original dimensions are 14" x 8-1/2". just knit every row to these dimensions. fold long-ways in half. sew up the sides and top. sew/tack the sewn corner to the folded corner. make and attach a pom-pom.

this fits up to 24 months.

the original yarn is brown sheep lamb's pride worsted on size 9 needles. gauge is 16 sts x 32 rows = 4", with a cast on of 56 stitches for the pattern.

but if you just check your gauge, you can use any yarn and needle you want. i used koigu on a tiny needle (don't remember the size).

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View entire thread: Knitting the perfect costume

Posted by Caitiebear on 2006-11-04 17:07:08      Post Subject: Knitting the perfect costume

So I sew costumes as a hobby...I also knit...so I've decided that I want to combine the two and knit a costume for a convention that I am on staff for in March. The costume consists of a strapless bikini...

Has anyone ever come across a pattern for a knit strapless bikini pattern? I know there are TONS with straps...but I don't think I've ever come across a strapless one. I know that for a while Fairfield was running their KnitCare ads with swimsuit patterns, but they only have one of the three on their website, and I never got the issue of Vogue Knitting that had that particular pattern in it.

Can anyone help me out?

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View entire thread: Roll pillow pattern?

Posted by rratstarr on 2005-03-01 17:13:14      Post Subject: My advice.

The type of pillow you describe is called a bolster. You can probably find a pattern, but then you can probably figure out how to make one pretty easily on your own. Here's my advice:

The circumference of a circle is pi times the square of the radius (and google also functions as a calculator where you can just write the word "pi" instead of using the character).

Don't forget the seam allowances when planning the round end pieces (or when figuring out the radius of the circle).

If you're going to stuff the pillow by hand, sew the flat seam from both ends, and leave the opening in the middle, then sew on the round ends. If you're going to put in a zipper instead, put in the zipper and sew the flat seam first.

Clip the seam allowance very carefully as close to the stitching line on as you can before sewing the round pieces.

Putting piping in the round seams might give the finished pillows a more crisp and professional look.

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View entire thread: Interfacing and stabilizers

Posted by tansuling on 2007-02-14 23:01:19      Post Subject: Interfacing and stabilizers

Hi! I am new to this crafty business. Am learning how to make a bag. The material list indicates that I have to get a heavy weight sew-in interfacing as well as a extra-heavy stabilizer. Can someone tell me what is the difference between these 2? Thanks!

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View entire thread: mini-skirt made from jeans

Posted by laurenmarie on 2006-12-26 14:55:56      Post Subject:

ok so this may not be the most technical way to explain this...but ive done it many times, so bare with me...

1. cut along the inseam of the jeans, up the leg, through the crotch and down the other leg

2. decide the length youll want the skirt, and cut the rest of the leg off. keep in mind that when you put the skirt on itll be shorter than it looks when you cut it, so its better to start off longer and then cut/hem it to the desired length at the end..normally right above the knee is safe.

3. using the fabric from the cut off legs, make a patch to sew into the empty triangles in the front and back of the skirt (crotch-area where the legs split apart when they were jeans). you wont be attaching the two legs together; rather, youll be using the space thats made when you lay the jeans down flat (like i said, a triangle in the front and back)

4. sometimes the immediate crotch area will stick out a little, so you may actually want to cut the entire seam off, or sew it flat to the side.

et voila! super cute denim mini skirt made by you.

heres a link to a website i used to use:
http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/jeanskirt
its for a full-length skirt, but all it takes to make it mini is to cut it at the desired length and hem (if you want)

i like to cut one of the back pockets off...if your jeans are worn in under the pocket will be darker, and it makes for a cool effect.

as youll see, its very easy! good luck!

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View entire thread: new blog

Posted by sewchristine on 2008-02-04 09:19:48      Post Subject: new blog

Hi I''m new on this site and I thought I''d let you know about myself. I live in the UK and I sew, quilt, make bags and blog. I love all crafts although my knitting isn''t up to much! You can see my blog here: http://sewchristine.blogspot.com and currently I have a tutorial for sewing a glasses case to hold 2 pair of glasses. I also try to sell my bags and quilts on Etsy but I don''t sell much.

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View entire thread: Introduction :)

Posted by karlaBOO on 2005-07-21 14:46:52      Post Subject: Introduction :)

Hello. My name is Karla, but I've been called karlaBOO for years. Boo is my daughter's nickname, and it just sort of bacame attached to my name.

I've been posting on the blogs here since last weekend, and I made my first forum post today. Sorry for such a late introduction.

I've really enjoyed looking around here so far. Everyone is so supportive, and helpful.

To sum myself up:
31
2 children, girl/age 8, boy/age almost 13 months
husband= audio engineer/DJ/musician/computer geek
me= former retail genius/make up artist/Aveda lifestylist/current stay at home mom

My craftiness/I make or do:
I make huge, crazy hair poofs from tulle, lace, ribbons, vintage upholstery fabric, and what ever I can find.
I make much more tame, girly, hair ties.
I like to embellish, rip, paint, sew back up old clothes.
I make soap, from scratch and the occasional "melt and pour".
I have a knack, or nose, for essential oil blending.
I am getting this crazy sewing bug. I've always hand sewn, except for one occasion. But, now I want to learn how to REALLY sew.

Other Hobbies:
Reading
Thrifting
Playing with the children
Occasional club DJ appearance
Occasional cocktails with friends
The constant battle to stay in shape/get in shape

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View entire thread: Help! Antique Singer Sewing Machine Problems!!

Posted by emmalouisecherry on 2007-11-29 11:21:05      Post Subject: Help! Antique Singer Sewing Machine Problems!!

Hello,

I hope you can help, I have a beautiful antique sewing machine that seems to be giving up on me...

My boyfriend had it serviced for my birthday last february and seemded to be fine for a while, but now whenever I sew the thread pulls really tight and snaps, or doesn't sew at all. I've tryed playing with the tension but it seems too tight or too loose. Where am I going wrong?

Em-lou xxx

P.S. I'm a complete novice, had to teach myself to thread it out of a book, but a friends checked it and she says its right...

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View entire thread: Sewing thick fabrics/multiple layers with a serger

Posted by kawaiivivi on 2007-12-01 06:31:54      Post Subject: Sewing thick fabrics/multiple layers with a serger

Hey there,
I''ve just joined this community and I really hope one of you can help me out because I''m pretty desperate! >_<

I have a problem with my serger (Toyota SL3335), it doesn''t seem to tolerate thick fabrics (like fleece or denim) or multiple layers of thinner fabrics (everything is ok when I sew 2 or 3 layers though) - when I try to sew this kind of fabrics, or multiple layers, it causes jams.
My questions are :
- is this normal, or can my serger be damaged?
- if it''s normal, is there a way to avoid this problem (using special needles/thread, using my sewing machine before serging...)?

I hope my question doesn''t sound stupid :-/
Thanks for reading!

kawaiivivi

PS - sorry for my bad grammar, English isn''t my mother tongue.

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View entire thread: Sewing machine question

Posted by LRS on 2005-07-19 13:07:26      Post Subject:

Does this seem to be a random thing?

If it happens when you start to sew, after the machine has been idle a day or two, it may be this: the machine has been oiled too much and maybe with something other than real sewing machine oil. The excess runs down and piles up someplace in the path of the bobbin thread. When you start up, the bobbin thread "cleans" the gunk out of its way.

If this is a possibility, you need to take apart everything you can get at in your machine and clean off all the oil and gunk you can find. Use non-linty cloth, maybe supplemented by soft wood pieces - like old fashioned Q-tips with the cotton removed. Then oil the machine with sewing machine oil. Sew with no thread on paper towel to get rid of excess. Let is sit for a few hours and sew again on a paper towel, this time with some thread you'll never use again.

When you're not using the machine, leave a scrap of fabric under the presser foot. Watch and see if anything runs down to it.

If you can't solve it, maybe you can figure out when it happens. When it's due, sew on a paper towel until it's gone.

Good luck!

LRS

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View entire thread: New, sort of.

Posted by Hearth~n~Heart on 2006-10-14 09:10:40      Post Subject: New, sort of.

I had actually registered quite a while ago, but never really introduced myself. I've browsed blogs, been inspired, intimidated, and encouraged. Same here at the forums. I've crocheted the longest, then learned to sew - I'm always learning to sew, and am trying to learn to knit. Although normally it feels as though I'm playing swords with myself - and not all that well, either. Still, I press on.
I have 3 children, though only my daughter lives with us full time. I'm married to, well I think the only man on earth who could possibly put up with all my quirks. Never blinks an eye when I claim the kitchen table for weeks of crafting frenzy, never rolls his eyes when I'm dragging a project with me where ever we go for weeks on end - he drives, so travel time to me is the gift of crafting time :-)
I guess that's about it for me right now.
Patty

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View entire thread: This *@#%^& sewing machine...

Posted by micrafty on 2006-10-01 17:43:05      Post Subject:

Just the standard suggestions...

make sure threaded right
tension right
using the right bobbin (this can cause great problems)

Does it sew the other stitches?

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View entire thread: Venus Zine wants your bag, baby.

Posted by VenusZine on 2008-08-04 13:55:42      Post Subject: Venus Zine wants your bag, baby.

Hey there crafters,

VenusZine, a leading publication in DIY culture, is seeking entries for a cool new contest!

The Compai ladies--also known as Justina and Faythe Blakeney (authors of 99 Ways To Cut, Sew, Trim And Tie Your T-Shirt Into Something Special) — are working on a new book about bags made from recycled materials.

We are looking for people to submit a hi-res image of an original bag (or bags) that you have made from old tires, nuts and bolts, candy wrappers, seatbelts, old clothes, plastic bags, vinyl records, etc. to justina@venuszine.com. Bags can be any shape, size or style so long as they are made from recycled materials. Along with the images, send us your name, occupation, age, URL (if you have one), location and a short paragraph explaining what the bag is made of and your design philosophy.

You could be chosen to be a featured designer in Compai’s upcoming publication (to be published by Potter Craft, a division of Random House), plus win two free copies of the upcoming title. The winner also will be featured on venuszine.com.

Deadline: August 20, 2008, at 5 p.m.
Submit to: justina@venuszine.com with \"Bag Book\" in the subject line.

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View entire thread: Gauze Skirt

Posted by SuperRetroChick on 2005-04-09 20:04:22      Post Subject: Gauze Skirt

well It's Spring Now and I've looked everywere for a cute ankle length gause skirt but I can't find one. I was gonna make one but I don't want it to look messes up like everything else I attempt to sew. So do you guys know were I could find a cute Gauze Skirt?

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View entire thread: Craft labels

Posted by brdgt on 2006-01-14 17:41:07      Post Subject: Craft labels

Anyone have a favorite vendor for those cute little sew-on "Handmade by..." tags?

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View entire thread: Newbie!! I have pillow project & cording with a lip. Hel

Posted by MarthaA562 on 2006-11-26 23:02:07      Post Subject: Newbie!! I have pillow project & cording with a lip. Hel

I am starting to sew, and instead of my intentions to get simple fabric and stuff it, I went a little wild at the fabric store. My materials are:
nice (expensive, but had coupon, so don't want to mess up!!) fabric, suede fabric for the back, cording with a lip, and an 18X18" pillow form. I guess I need to do some kind of overlap opening in the back, and have no idea how to sew the cording so it looks good. I heard that you use the zipper foot... I dont know!! Please help!!!

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View entire thread: Help needed with attaching Conchos to Elvis Jumpsuit

Posted by steveelvis on 2006-08-27 13:41:48      Post Subject: Thank You

Hi Stella, I pretty much figured that was going to be the answer. That is the only way I see it myself, I was just hoping for an easier answer than having to sew between all of those conchos, lol. But thank you for your reply I really appreciate it, the help and comments to help are always great. I appreciate it, Take Care, and have a great week.
Steve R
ETA
TCB

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View entire thread: Tuxedo shirt: how to make?

Posted by deborahthecraft on 2004-09-01 17:09:42      Post Subject:

VERY easy infact.You can just embellish a button up or t-shirt.
Make strips as wide as you want the ruffles.Make them about half again as long as you would want them.Hem or searge the edges.Double baste stitch down middle of strip loosely.Pull basting threads to ruffle up the strip.Sew onto shirt down middle of strip.Remove basting threads(or leave thim if they arnt noticable).

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View entire thread: Help needed with attaching Conchos to Elvis Jumpsuit

Posted by stella on 2006-08-25 12:42:45      Post Subject:

you could use a strip of bias tape or just a folded piece of fabric to thread through the concho slots, then sew the fabric or bias tape to the costume. it's kind of hard to reach behind the concho with the needle, but it's do-able.

you could also attach them with velcro, if you want to be able to remove them for washing, but you'd have to make sure the velcro would be strong enough.

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View entire thread: messenger bag pattern?

Posted by kdaum on 2005-03-23 14:12:10      Post Subject:

I don't know how confusing the bag your thinking of is; but I could help with the lining issue.

If you are not using a facing, which if you don't know what it is...you probably wouldn't use it...then the lining is really easy.

Basically you cut out of your lining material the exact same pieces and sew it up as you would the bag. Then put right sides together and sew, making sure to leave an opening so you can turn it right side out.

You should probably then iron all of the edges to make sure that the lining doesn't poke out and sew or tack it if you wish.

Remember that if you are including handles, those need to be attached to the actual bag before you sew in the lining, so when you flip it rightside out...they are not inside.

I hope this helps a little, you could always buy a cheap pattern even if it is not exactly the bag you want...if for no other reason then to see how the lining thing works.

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View entire thread: stupid question about sewing

Posted by archer95446 on 2007-01-27 17:25:44      Post Subject: stupid question about sewing

Hi, I''m new to this site. I have a really stupid question, what kind of knot would I make at the end of a peice of sewing thread? My grandma taught me to sew but I really didn''t pay close attention to how to tie off the thread. I know, that was stupid of me, but hey, I was only 6 yrs. old when she taught me. Please, can somebody help me with this?
Thank you

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View entire thread: Using polyurethene foam for cushions

Posted by homuncula on 2005-09-18 14:56:24      Post Subject: Using polyurethene foam for cushions

OK, so I got a deal on 6 seat cushion-sized squares of polyurethene foam. My brand new (to me) farmhouse has 2 big window seats that I'd like to sew custom-fit cushions for. Query: how should I attach the foam squares together? It will take 2 or 3 to fill each window seat. Is there some kind of glue or should I sew them together or just squish them together inside the cover I sew? Does my question even make sense? :)
Any advice would be awesome! I checked thistothat.com but no luck there.

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View entire thread: Looking for crafty pals in Colorado

Posted by crafty*cupcake on 2007-02-23 20:44:39      Post Subject: Looking for crafty pals in Colorado

Hi! I currently live in Superior, Colorado (half way between Boulder and Denver) and am looking for some super crafty people to meet up with. I love to knit, embroidery, make jewelry, and do paper crafts. I'm trying to learn to paint, crochet, and sew, too! *Nissa

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View entire thread: sewing blythe clothes

Posted by sugar cookie on 2007-11-15 15:29:14      Post Subject: sewing blythe clothes

My friend sent me some very cute doll clothes for Blythe that are handmade. I have tried to make Blythe clothes myself, but it is hard to sew super tiny! I was thinking - do you use a special presser foot for your sewing machine? I used my regular one and it is too wide. Any tips?

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View entire thread: Holiday Tradition Crafts....

Posted by Momto2boyz on 2007-11-23 10:24:15      Post Subject: Holiday Tradition Crafts....

I thought it might be fun to share pictures of things that we have crafted over the years for Christmas. Either things that we have crafted that have special meaning to us, or things that we have crafted that are part of a tradition!


Here is mine: I started this several years ago when my kids were little and I wasn't very crafty. So I made it really simple, but the thought behind it is what I love. I made an easy no-sew tree skirt out of red felt, then each year, I have traced my boys hands onto green felt, stitched their name & year on it, then stitched it to the tree skirt. It is finally starting to fill up, and I just love it. It is so much fun for them to see how their hands are growing, and I know it is something I will treasure when my boys are grown up and out of the house!

This isn't the greatest picture, but it gets the point across!!!

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd43/stang_girl_2007/November2007141.jpg

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View entire thread: Making flaired jeans straight-legged?

Posted by Katrin on 2005-03-26 20:43:22      Post Subject:

I used to do this all the time when it was the fashion back in the '80s. I always just put the jeans on inside-out and pinned them as narrow as I could get and still fit my feet through. I only altered the outside edge of each leg and left the inside seams alone.

Jeans usually have a French seam on the inside of the leg and a plain seam on the outside. It's not a big deal at all to sew up the plain seam - just blend your stitches right in at the top of your seam and trim off the excess. Gently curving your stitching line helps to avoid a "pointed" look where your new seam joins with the old one.

If you want to be a real stickler for detail, I suppose you could undo part of the bottom hem and sew it back up when you're done. But I never did that; I never even ripped out the side seam before sewing.

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View entire thread: Machine for years but don''t know how to use aching to learn

Posted by Luv2sewbut on 2007-09-17 10:47:50      Post Subject: Machine for years but don''t know how to use aching to learn

Hi
I have a sewing machine for tbe last 20 years, never used once.
I love to sew and I always did little things by hand because I don''t know how to thread and I am unable to find the manual.

I am retiring soon and wanted to volunteer. It probably will take few times to learn how to use my machine. I live in Chattanooga, TN. Can anyone tell me if there is a volunteer org and may be I can learn how to use my machine and contribute by becoming a volunteer in my spare time.

Thanks
Judy

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View entire thread: grosgrain ribbon

Posted by Miss M on 2004-12-14 10:08:28      Post Subject:

Where do you live?

Try just using cute fabric! Cut to the size you need/prefer, turn under the edges and sew. Or, use two different fabrics and you have a reversible belt(more sturdy too)! Honestly, this is easier than finding the ribbon.

I just saw a belt at Nordstroms made out of the exact same fabric I had just used to make a skirt and the belt was $70!!!!!! All they did was sew it to some belt webbing and added D-rings. I couldn't believe it!

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View entire thread: butterfly looms?

Posted by sammie cat on 2006-12-05 17:45:15      Post Subject: butterfly looms?


Has anyone used butterfly looms? I got some at Jo-Anns and I'm hooked.

I love going through their yarn deparment and just touching and loving all of the yarns. I sew and make jewelry but knitting and crochet always confused me. I'm so proud, I made a scarf and started working on a bag.

Does anyone have any patterns?
Sammie's Mom

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View entire thread: Help decipher sewing pattern

Posted by ktee on 2006-08-04 23:36:17      Post Subject:

Thanks. I think I figured it out after I posted above. At least, I figured out what I'm going to do regardles of what the damn pattern says! You're right though, Vogue is mean. I've just had such a hard time finding patterns for clothes I'd actually wear. How is it that so many interesting and creative people sew and knit, but only my grandmother's best friend from the church socials publishes patterns? Meh!

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View entire thread: Sewing Knit Pillow front to Fabric Pillow Back

Posted by sara struever on 2006-07-05 19:51:34      Post Subject: Sewing Knit Pillow front to Fabric Pillow Back

So I've been knitting these simple, fun color and texture squares, with the vague idea that they could become pillow fronts. My hope is that I will be able to create a fabric pillow back (possibly complete with zipper) and then sew that to the knit pillow front.

I'm not sure though what complications will arise, or what stitch to use to attach them. My thought is to hand stitch with a fell stitch.

Has anyone tried this a failed miserably? Has anyone seen it work?

Do I need to knit a back panel?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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View entire thread: Template Shapes: In Need!

Posted by torontocanuck on 2005-07-05 09:33:52      Post Subject: Template Shapes: In Need!

Hey everyone!

Does anyone have some free template shapes (hearts, stars, etc) for girls that I can download? Its for a teen girls' bag craft. I need relatively small shapes (so like the size of a bottom of a water bottle). Not to big..not to small as they will be using it as a template to sew onto their handbags.

Let me know.

Cheers!
torontocan

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View entire thread: sewing machine recommendation

Posted by mccartrw on 2005-06-14 19:31:34      Post Subject: sewing machine recommendation

Hi,

I know there have been many rec's before but I could not find any doing a search! Anyway, I want a machine that isn't too complicated, but can do an auto. buttonhole and good zipper. My current machine (Kenmore) is over 20 years old and is grinding down so I need one fast! I looked at a Singer "Commercial" weight for $200 at Sam's but it had a 4 step button hole and I think they've gotten better than that?......

I'd appreciate any tips on what to look for. I don't want anything fancy but will spend what I need for a good basic machine with a few extras.

BTW, I do have a small hobby/business that requires me to sew on heavy fabric (denim, canvas) at times.

thanks!!

Robin

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View entire thread: This *@#%^& sewing machine...

Posted by jenavira on 2006-09-30 17:36:07      Post Subject: This *@#%^& sewing machine...

Because the women in my family hand down sewing machines by every other generation, I'm using my grandmother's Kenmore 1410 Zig-Zag machine, and it's worked beautifully up until my move -- but now it seems to be the most improperly named machine in the world. I can't get it to zig-zag. I'm positive I have all the stitch settings set right, I oiled it just recently, I can even see the needle move side to side as I adjust the stitch width setting, but it won't sew a zig-zag stitch.

The Internet has been shockingly useless in this instance; anybody have the slightest idea what's wrong with it? Anything else I could try on my own before I go see if they'll service this monster?

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View entire thread: Sew a Diaper Stacker

Posted by ultraglam on 2008-05-19 12:47:12      Post Subject: Sew a Diaper Stacker

I am due in 4 weeks with my first child. Being an Interior Designer, the nesting has TOTALLY kicked in!! I''m making all sorts of stuff.

One thing, however, that I would like to make out of my coordinating nursery fabrics is a diaper stacker. Does anyone have any patterns or leads on where I could get a *preferably* free pattern to sew one?

Thanks a mil!!

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View entire thread: my dinosaur fabric projects

Posted by agaliha on 2006-02-22 22:08:41      Post Subject: my dinosaur fabric projects

i got some great dino fabric and have made a few projects with it. all shown below:

sew on patches
http://static.flickr.com/37/103158460_e2528d72b3.jpg

wallet & checkbook cover
http://static.flickr.com/30/102830070_e1789122e8.jpg

glasses case
http://static.flickr.com/32/101942436_d9d2e21f0e.jpg

now i need to come up with more ideas!

if interested, all are for sale at my shop: http://plastichearts.etsy.com

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View entire thread: Old calendar -> CD book?

Posted by sincerelyme on 2005-08-15 12:33:40      Post Subject:

I'm sorry, I don't remember the tutorial, but I can see using an old desk calendar that way. Like an engagement calendar.

Go to the fabric store and buy enough plastic sheeting to complete the project. Cut the sheet into squares a little larger than the cds and a little smaller than the calendar page. At the top of the square of plastic, cut out a little dip, a semi-circle, so you can pull the cd out. Then glue or sew the plastic to the calendar page. If it is a weekly calendar, you could have storage for 52+ cds.

ETA...No, 104+ cds.

What a clever idea!

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View entire thread: sewing books for men?

Posted by Modern Seamster on 2008-07-09 20:50:40      Post Subject: Tailoring

HIya! I''m new on the site, well after I had to re-register. Anyway, I''m the editor-in-chief of Modern Seamster, a design + sewing magazine, and funny you should be asking about tailoring for men! It''s hard to come by isn''t it, this sewing for men? Believe me when I say I''ve been looking for people to fill that part of the editorial. So far, nada.

However, all is not lost. We will have a whole tailoring issue next year but in the meantime, we''re still on the lookout for men who sew! WHERE are you?! Oh and you can always pick up a Vogue sewing book, they have good tailoring tips and this book: Gentleman by Bernhard Roetzel--that will tell all about the fine art of haberdashery! Good luck.


Devi B.-Luna
P.S. We''re not a super project based magazine. Our aim is to inspire :-)

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View entire thread: How do I make a peasant skirt?

Posted by zahmeece on 2005-08-25 11:52:34      Post Subject:

Probably the easiest way to do make a tiered peasant skirt is to start with about fabric about 1.5 times your hip size for the top tier and then 3 times that for the next tier and 3 times that for the next tier and so on. Making each tier however long you want and as many tiers as you want.

Start by making the waist casing in the top tier:
1. Sew the back seam, leaving an opening the width of the elastic plus about 1/4" at the top with about a 1/4 to 1/2" seam at the very end.
2. Fold under 1/4" and then fold down the width of the elastic, plus a little, and sew all around.
3. You will end up with a casing with an opening on the inside of the waist to put in the elastic.
4. Using a bodkin or safety pin thread the elastic through, making sure you don't pull the free end into the opening. (I pin it to the fabric under the opening to make sure.)
5. Overlap the ends of the elastic (measured to your waist comfort) about an inch and sew a square with an x in the middle.
6. You don't have to close up the opening since no one will see it. And if you gain or lose weight you can take out the existing elastic and put new in.

Tiers:
1. Sew the back seam.
2. Mark the half and quarter lengths around on the previous tier and the one you are adding. You can do eighths too, if you want your gathers perfect.
3. Sew a long basting stitch around the top of the tier.
4. Match the marks up and pin.
5. Pull up the basting thread between the pins, making the gathers even between pins.
5. Sew the seam.
6. Continue with each tier until the skirt is the length you want.

I recently saw some skirts like this that were sewn with the seam on the outside and the edges left unfinished so they unraveled a little when washed giving a cool fringe effect. The hem was the same. Very cute. On the hem you might want to sew a line of stitching about 1/4" from the bottom so it doesn't fray too much or unevenly.

Actually, the best way to ensure your tiers are even is to tear the fabric, provided it will tear. Then everything will be on the straight of grain and the fraying will be consistent.

Have fun.

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View entire thread: Reducing the noise from my sewing machine??

Posted by stella on 2005-01-19 01:21:11      Post Subject:

try putting pieces of kitchen sponge under the feet to reduce vibration. you could also try putting the whole machine (if it's a portable) on a piece of foam, like a big mouse-pad.

unless you sew late at night, i wouldn't worry about it. part of living in an apartment is listening to other people's lives through the floor. you could also leave a note or just ask if they can hear/feel your sewing machine, and if it bothers them.

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View entire thread: reconstruct

Posted by goodnorevil on 2004-10-24 07:14:42      Post Subject:

you should be able to just sew it up a bit and be fine - if you're not sure i suggest turning it inside out, then put it on and use pins to mark where you want the new seams - that way you can tell if anything funky is going to happen.

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View entire thread: jean repairs! help!?!

Posted by stella on 2005-01-30 22:11:50      Post Subject:

you can iron a piece of heavy iron-on interfacing an inch bigger than the hole on all sides to the inside of your jeans, then sew back and forth all over the hole (or zigzag on a machine) to tack the edges of the hole down and keep it from getting bigger. you want to make sure the stitching extends into the area of the fabric that is still sturdy, or the darning will just pull out of the weakened cloth.

if you don't like to sew, you could also just iron an iron-on jeans patch to the inside of the pants, but that might be scratchy.

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View entire thread: tips for working with nylons

Posted by nadsos on 2006-10-10 13:06:11      Post Subject: tips for working with nylons

I have a pair of opaque brown nylons that I want to turn into thigh highs, cuz the nylons fall down and are a pain to wear. But I love the color (need to wear with a dress this Saturday) and I've had a terrible time finding brown thigh highs in stores or in stock online.

So my question is, how should I do this? Just cut and sew a hem? I have a garter belt, so the lack of elasticity won't be a problem. Even though they are kind of thick (not quite tights but thicker than most nylons), I'm afraid that they'll tear when I try to sew them.

Any advice?

p.s. I'm a novice sewer/crafter

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View entire thread: Just got a sewing machine... now what?

Posted by mbar03 on 2007-01-08 15:27:11      Post Subject:

I do agree with Nancy that it's more satisfying to make something that you can start and finish quickly. Even the quickest quilts usually take some time.

If you wanted to make a blanket for your friend's baby, make a quick one. Here's what I do:

Get two 1 1/4 yard pieces of fabric (I usually use one piece flannel, one piece regular cotton). Sew right sides together, almost all the way around - leave a 6 - 8" opening. Trim the edges (most like the pieces of fabric won't be EXACTLY the same size), then turn right side out. Sew up the opening (I usually hand sew so you can't see where the opening was). Then, about a half inch to an inch in from the sides, sew around the whole blanket with the decorative stitch from your machine (I'm assuming you have a couple of decorative stitches). That's it.

They usually come out really cute and are generally appreciated, because babies are always spitting up on them.

(If my instructions aren't clear, let me know!)

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View entire thread: busy book ideas

Posted by Miss M on 2004-07-29 22:32:26      Post Subject:

my mom made my son a busy book & here is what she included:

*velcro - it's a pocket and inside she left $2.00 & note telling him to ask me to take him for an ice cream - cute & fun!
*zipper - unzips to reveal G <3 N (gram loves nik)
*2 very large buttons w/ accompanying button holes
*snaps - unsnaps to reveal birdie iron-on patch
*clip - I'm not sure the real name, but she made an applique dog & the clip part hooks on a teeny d-ring like a leash - the clip is plastic and the leash part goes up & attaches at the top of the page
*toggle - like you see on drawstrings nowadays; the kind to have to pinch to release; she made kind of a pocket with a drawstring top & put a toy inside for him to find. I think this is a little hard for him at this age, but he loves pockets, so whatever
*buckle - she made what looks like the top of a pair of pants(beltloops & all) & added the buckle like a belt! She picked the plaastic snap-together kind rather than the traditional buckle

My mom sews a lot, so hers was pretty fancy & a lot nicer than I would have made. But she just used felt for the pages & binder rings to hold it all together(reinforced button holes to put the rings through). My kiddo really likes it a lot and brings it to me all the time to play with together. I like that I can just add more pages as he grows(like adding shoes laces, etc)

If you sew at all, I would sew it, rather than glue it. Only because I don't know if the glue will hold a zipper. You don't really need to know how to sew anything other than a straight line to make this! A lot you can just do by hand - like buttons

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View entire thread: Good place to buy custom sew-in labels on line

Posted by sillymonkey on 2005-11-10 15:45:28      Post Subject: Good place to buy custom sew-in labels on line

Can anyone recommend a good place to get custom sew-in labels made?

My friend and I recently started making belts, dog collars and leashes and want to get some labels made with our logo that we can sew on to our products.

The websites that I've found require huge minimum purchases.

Has anyone done this before that can share their experience?

Thanks,

sillymonkey

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View entire thread: SF/Bay Area Design Collective Forming

Posted by kkofibru on 2008-01-14 12:28:57      Post Subject: Date change - SF/East Bay Indie Networking Collective

Please note: Date is changing to Saturday, January 19th!

Do you sew, knit, make pottery, make paper goods, study design, do web/graphic design, etc. and want to take your business from serious hobby to serious biz? Join the founder of the Ladies Independent Design League and other experienced business owners and newbies in a new design collective forming to help shape the next phase of indie design. Let's talk about sharing resources, learning ways to grow your business, answering legal questions, networking, and other tips and tricks we need to get our businesses off the ground!
Please join us on Saturday, January 19th to talk about what you’d like to see from a new collective by and for independent business owners – we’ll toss around ideas for what we’d like out of this new community and get to know each other!
Come prepped with business cards and ideas for what you’d like to discuss – it’ll be a fun meeting.


Please rsvp at kkofibru@gmail.com to let us know you can make it!

Date: Saturday, January 19th<br>
Time: 5:30

Place: La Boulange, 500 Hayes, corner of Hayes and Fell

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View entire thread: What to do with a huge batik?

Posted by MonaMew on 2004-04-28 19:56:51      Post Subject:

I think stretching would work but maybe back it in another fabric (a couple of thriftstore sheets...) so when it is stretched it doesn't rip.

You could also sew a channel at the top and bottom, get two long dowels to slide into the channels and hang it from that. Maybe in that case, first sew a backing fabric to the top and bottom before sewing the channels to give it a little extra strength.

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View entire thread: Weird sewing machine problem.

Posted by ChristineRenee on 2006-08-04 18:04:40      Post Subject: Weird sewing machine problem.

I'm a total newbie when it comes to using my sewing machine. I bought it used from someone who showed me the basics for using it, but I don't feel comfortable calling her to ask for help, and I don't have a manual.

So here's the problem--my bobbin ran out of thread, so I took it out and re-wound it. I thought I did a nice job--it seemed like the thread was nice and even. But now that I try to sew with it, I'm getting TONS of extra thread on the back. I don't know how else to explain it, but there's something like 10 times as much thread on the back and it just sort of hangs off. Does that make sense? And it's only on the back. On the top part it looks normal.

I'm thinking it must have something to do with the bobbin, but I can't figure out what I did wrong.

I just now had a thought. Maybe I wound the thread in the wrong direction? Could that be it?

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View entire thread: Help with deciding on sewing machine/quilting/purse making

Posted by Tomico Revilak on 2006-03-13 17:23:08      Post Subject:

Check Consumer Reports for unbiased reporting. You may be able to look at it in a library. I don't know about this year but last year they reported on a variety of machines in Jan. or Feb. 2005. Maybe it was written again at the same time this year.

You could try craig list or ebay for a used one. My friend found a used sewing machine and surger locally, but I don't know where. You could look it up in the "Yellow Pages."

I would suggest you take a little time an try a few machines to get a feel for what you would like. Sales people may be annoying most of the time, but they may be a good tool to figure out what you would like. Just don't buy the first time you go in. Give your self some time to get an idea of what you liked and see if you can get it at a lower cost, or more accurately, better deal. Service agreements have a great value as well. (It sucks to buy something that doesn't work.)

If you can get a machine that will help with all potential projects you will be happier. I was worried I would have to get an industrial machine so I could sew leather, but was surprised about the streagnth of modern machines.

That said, I love my Viking Interlude 435 I was given at Christmas. Viking gives lessons on how to use the machine. You can even take "Viking Club" classes before you get a machine to get an idea of some of the things the machines do. I hated the fact that my old machine would jam up on me all the time. I like some of the extra bells and whistles. I like the extra stitches and found new and more interesting projects to do because of them. I can even sew leather.

I hope this was a help. I'm sorry this wasn't very specific, but I hope that it gives you better assistance in your search.

Tomico

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View entire thread: Minneapolis Crafty Gal looking for other Crafty Gals

Posted by dillaroo on 2006-08-15 10:08:29      Post Subject: Minneapolis Crafty Gal looking for other Crafty Gals

I make image transfer tiles, I also sew and like a variety of crafts. Looking for a group of gals that want to do some crafts, perhaps have a holiday show.

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View entire thread: how to make an iPod Cover

Posted by nellum on 2005-05-09 12:38:50      Post Subject:

Well if you can sew (by hand or machine) you could make one out of felt or polar fleece (no hemming required, yay!). Just make a rectangle that is 2 1/2 times the length of your ipod, and a little wider, then fold the piece of felt in slightly less than half, leaving a few inches for a flap open. Stitch up the two sides, and attach some sort of closure to the flap (a snap, button, velcro, ribbon tie, etc.)
Hope this helps!

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View entire thread: Patchwork panels in jeans

Posted by lowercasemoon on 2006-10-07 11:37:07      Post Subject: Patchwork panels in jeans

Hi everyone. I have a pair of jeans that are to small. I had a baby, and yeah...you know the story. Anyways, they are my favorite jeans in the world, and i want to wear them but im to fat for them. I was thinking of sewing some patchwork panels up the side to give my belly and ass a couple of inches to breath. How do I do patchwork, and how do i sew the patching up the side.... I need a good tutorial on how to do this. Please help?

Alicia
Lowercasemoon@gmail.com

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View entire thread: sewing with unfinished frayed edges...help!!

Posted by sheepnoirfiber on 2007-05-11 00:13:02      Post Subject: howdy

I figure you could do this just like you would a rag quilt. Cotton would work perfectly as it frays and softens up in the wash. If you have a fabric you''d like to use, you could test it by washing it normally and seeing how the edges handle the wash.

I''m thinking you could even \"crazy quit\" your cotton pieces together (whether they''re the same color/pattern or not) then just cut out your pattern pieces form those \"sheets\" you pieced together.

Other than that, if you just want to have the seams showing, sew it inside out! wrong sides together and you have the frayed edges showing. If you want really frayed look, do like the rag quilt and add more seam allowance than normal and clip the edges every 1/2 or 1/4 inch depending on the fabric, or piece. then wash/dry. voila! instant rag-frayed goodness. ta! =0)

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View entire thread: making felt stiff?

Posted by microsinger on 2005-10-17 17:11:45      Post Subject:

I was going to suggest spray starch too, but then I thought about it. You might want to try liquid starch before you sew the pouches. Saturating the felt might hold up a little better than spray since felt is so thick.

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View entire thread: christmas stockings

Posted by Parrsnip on 2005-11-18 05:20:23      Post Subject: Photo Idea

The iron-on idea is the best, here are some alternatives to explore in case
your stocking is made from fun fur or burlap or plastic or whatever:
You can take photos to Kinko's and have them professionalluy laminated (a little harder plastic and rather thorough), then you can punch holes with a hole-puncher all the way around, and sew it onto the stocking "Holly-Hobby" style with big fat yarn.
If that's too complicated, you can also get clear, heavy-duty packing tape and self-laminate, after making sure your photo is mounted/glued to a sturdy surface like cardstock. You might want to use a copy of the photo instead of the original... since you can do pretty good damage trying to pull tape off of a photo if you pull the tape off in mid-stick.
Anyway, once it's "laminated" you can embroider the photo onto the stocking with a hefty needle. Don't forget your thimble!
If you haven't sewn both halves of the stocking together yet, condsider using a sewing machine to sew the laminated photo in place, it looks really cool.

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View entire thread: help me sew a pinafore

Posted by fairgreenlady on 2005-10-11 11:12:58      Post Subject:

I'd buy a pattern, truly. I've been sewing for years, but sometimes when I try the "draw and sew" method, it doesn't quite work out. Most pattern companies have easy patterns from which to chose. I bet you can find what you're looking for.

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View entire thread: skirt patterns

Posted by Dianna on 2007-01-17 19:43:04      Post Subject:

If you are just starting to sew then I would suggest the patterns ''Simple and Easy'' You can find them at Walmart on a rack or even at Fabricland. They are really simple and very inexpensive to purchase. They are set up for beginners.

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View entire thread: anyone know where to buy colored pillow covers?

Posted by atomic on 2004-06-30 11:56:24      Post Subject:

If you've got access to a sewing machine, throw pillow covers are just about the easiest thing in the world to make. And so much cheaper than buying them!

Just cut squares of fabric about a half-inch bigger on all sides than the pillow, put the right sides (good sides) together, sew up three sides, turn it inside out, slip in the pillow, and sew up the top (best to slipstich this closed -- there are good tutorials out there on the web as to how to do this & once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy).

Good luck & hope this helps.

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View entire thread: sewing help

Posted by stella on 2007-01-22 20:31:55      Post Subject:

the instructions in the zipper package for invisible zippers work pretty well, and i've done them with a regular zipper foot instead of an invisible zipper foot. if the zipper is supposed to be hidden, i very much recommend using an invisible zipper instead of a regular one. if you don't have a zipper foot, definitely buy one if you decide to sew it in by machine. i don't sew zippers by hand because i'm lazy and they are really pretty easy to do by machine after you practice on a few.

for the sleeves, i would baste them in carefully before sewing them in on the machine, if you're worried about easing them in. you can also pin the hell out of them and sew (very slowly, making sure you don't hit a pin) over the pins.

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