New handmade tatting tool from LadyShuttleMaker

hook Whoa! Here’s an excellent new product from the hands of tatting/ceramic diva LadyShuttleMaker: flat, retractable hook pens. She says,

A few years ago I purchased a hook pen for use in my tatting projects and I loved it for many reasons, mainly because it was harder to lose and I didn’t end up stabbing myself with the point because I always retracted the hook when it was not in use. Unfortunately those pens are no longer made so I decided to start making my own. I have even been able to improve upon the design. Because these hook pens are flat they are perfect for saving your spot in your tatting pattern books. No more hooks rolling away and getting lost in your couch cushions…YAY! Go to my Etsy shop to get your hand decorated retractable hook pen which is also doubles as a bookmark.

As usual, I have no affiliation with this artisan. I just think her product is awesome. See more photos and get ordering info from her blog post.

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I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store. So much texture! And the way the fibers catch the light! But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think. That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl. That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared. And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet.

Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects. Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter. Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long.

Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success. There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid. She describes the different types of velvet available. And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric. Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric. There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.

Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric.

And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.

[photo credit: Melly Sews]

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