Here’s a neat way to add some extra “punch” to your fabrics. Use rub-ons that are designed for scrapbooking and papercrafting. Get the scoop from the Hambly Screen Prints blog. Note that they do say that the technique doesn’t … Read More...
Sew a maternity belly band
Let’s face it. Maternity pants are more about function than style, and that’s especially true of the elastic band. It’s gotta be there. It’s gotta stretch. But does it have to be ugly? Christy from Christy’s Creations doesn’t think so. … Read More...
Chin straps sans knots
If you want to add a chin strap to a hat but don’t want the awkward knot in the cord, check out this tip from Noiledotnet. She uses a bead instead of the knot. Read more about it.
Make your polo shirts flatter your figure
Ahhh… the boxy polo shirt. It seems everyone has at least one in their closet, usually emblazoned with a school or company logo. Now, with this tutorial from This Mama Makes Stuff, you can refashion your boxy polo so … Read More...
Tutorial: How to sew Hong Kong seams
If you’re making an unlined garment, consider using Hong Kong seams to hide the raw edges. Bunny at La Sewista! has a tutorial to demystify this seam finish.
Tutorial: Add a recessed zipper to a bag
A recessed zipper is a nice way to add a zipper to a bag. My Spare Time has a great tutorial showing how to add this feature. Get the tutorial.
Tutorial: Sew a tea wallet
Buttons go from plain to pizzazz
Hannah at knick knacks & ric rac has a great idea to give your buttons some extra flair. She combines two plain buttons to make one two-toned button. Not only do you get a high-end look without the high-end price, … Read More...
Tutorial: Sew a child’s apron and chef hat
Here’s a project that every budding little cook will love – an apron and a chef’s hat to match. Make them with this tutorial offered by Michael Miller fabrics, and see what your child’s imagination will cook up next.
Check … Read More...
Tutorial: Cozy camera case
Amy a la Mode offers a tutorial for this cozy camera case. The quilting adds a little bit of padding to protect your camera, and the bound edge makes the shape POP. The case is sized for a Canon G10 … Read More...
Cool idea: Wallet made over with oilcloth
Kristin at GraceViolet shows how she gave her plastic wallet/organizer a makeover with a bit of oilcloth. She was able to slip the oilcloth in under the existing binding and then restitch. Get the details at her blog. I’m … Read More...
Add seam allowances the easy way
If you draft your own patterns or trace them out of a magazine, you’ll probably need to add your own seam allowances. Off the Cuff shows an easy way to do just this using your sewing machine. Get the details.
Tutorial: Sew a purse from a fat quarter
Much of my fabric stash is in fat quarters, so I immediately perked up when I saw that We Wilsons had designed a sling purse that could be made from a fat quarter. Get the tutorial.
Free fabric! Japanese fabric giveaway
Do you love all the Japanese fabric out on the market now? This and That from Japan is giving away three $25 gift certificates for fabric from their store. Go read the contest rules at The Crafty Crow. You … Read More...
Sneak peek: Messy Hands fabric line
Here comes another fun juvenile fabric line from Michael Miller. This times it’s Messy Hands, a collection of with bright geometric patterns in primary colors. See the blog post with example projects made from this fabric, or view … Read More...
Alternative choices for pattern weights
My sister cuts out her patterns using her set of pattern weights. They’re nice, but they’re also expensive. I sometimes use canned goods as pattern weights, but have found that the tall cans often gets in they way of my … Read More...
Unusual fabric prints to be had at Sew Bettie
If you’re looking for hip, unusual fabrics to use in your sewing projects, go see what Sew Bettie has to offer. The print pictured here is from the new Seagull fabric.
Use a skirt pattern to make a belt?
That’s what La Sewista did, and the results are stunning. Read about the details of this project. She gives enough information about her process that you could make one for yourself. I love how her mind works!
Sew a simple drawstring pouch
Check out this tutorial for a simple drawstring pouch posted by Stop Staring and Start Sewing. (The tutorial appears about halfway down the post.) There are so many possibilities for these little bags! In the dimensions posted, the little … Read More...
Cool idea: Fast and fun toy storage with drawstring bags
Look at these handy drawstring bags blogged by WalterandVeronica! They were made to store her children’s blocks. I love how she mixes the vintage/practical feel of the repro flour sack fabric with the bright whimsical letters. She says it’s lazy … Read More...