Quilted Cushion Top

The objective of this tutorial is to provide an introduction to quilting for beginning quilters, equipping them…

I have collected scarves for a long time and have my mother's large collection also. They are "silky" type of all sizes and colors. Anyone have a craft idea to keep them but in another form? I only wear a few and the rest hang and are cluttering my wall. Ideas please.

Vicki

Last year I bought a craft pattern "Mug Bucket" from Nancy's Notions. I tried and tried to understand the construction method but I just can't figure it out. I emailed the creator and received no help. I have been a sewer all my life and can read patterns but this has me stumped. Anyone ever make one and would share the trick? Thanks.

Vicki

I mentioned in my previous blog post that I was working on an addition to the Expandable Bag.

DRUM ROLL…

I was given the challenge to make an expandable zippered handbag and have to admit I was a little intimidated to attempt it. I was going to just take a shortcut and find a great pattern online and guess what THERE WAS…

I found this excellent sewing tip and had to share it with you!  

Try cutting pieces of 7⁄8-inch transparent plastic tubing just wide enough to fit over your bobbin thread, but in between the bobbin casing sides.  You can get tubing (clear plastic hose) at the building supply or hardware stores. The tubing is inexpensive, is available by the foot or in 6-foot lengths which can be cut easily with scissors or a craft knife.…

Runway Repurposed competitors Karen Rex, right, and 13-year-old daughter Emily Rex work on Emily's dress, which as required is coming together from parts of three existing dresses. The fashion show will be held Feb. 12 at…

Sloper:

A sloper is a trial pattern, a custom-fitted muslin or paper pattern which has been altered for the individual. Slopers are created through trial and error, using pattern making software, and other methods.  

More about…

Sometimes being a writer means almost no time for sewing and crafts.  But sometimes it forces me to be creative and devote time to these activities.  Never enough time, but a little is better than none!  Right now I'm learning to felt!  I love it because it's quick and rewarding and just look at this ornament and necklace!!  

I'm adding felting to the next…

Stitch-Bonded Fabric - A composite non-woven fabric formed by various methods of stitching through unconnected fibers, using techniques such as quilting or…

Sand Washing - A finish process in which garments are washed in a bath containing sand or another abrasive to produce a soft hand and a frosted appearance.

First - my 'soapbox' - I think for women - whose tops lap right over left - that the lap on the trouser should similarly lap the same direction:  right over left.  That said.....

IMPORTANT:  Always buy a 9'' nylon coil zipper - even if you desire only a 7'' opening..you'll see why''make sure center front is parallel to grain line of front.  If it is not - you need to make it so, and take front tucks deeper or a dart to make up any difference.

1.  Cutting:  change pattern front…

The Sewing & Quilt Expo will be held in Lakeland, FL in February. GUESS WHAT?  That's where I spent the first 29 yrs of my life.

Here is a photo of me and my daughter, in Lakeland, in dresses alike, that I made for us. Notice the palm tree in the background. I was the Secretary at First National Bank of Lakeland, and I made quite a few of my dresses. A lot of employees were doing the same. I was a struggling, single-parent for over 7 years, but I managed to buy a home.  My goal in…

Cloque Fabric:  from the French term for blistered, it refers to any fabric whose surface exhibits an irregularly raised blister or quilted effect.  …

Hello to all!

I have not been here since a long time... Since 2 years I am back to work, after staying at home with my little girl. Next week she will be 5 years old and I have a new sewing project: I am sewing a new dress for her. Pictures will follow soon.

Best wishes to all, Susanne

Faille:

"A soft, slightly glossy woven fabric made of silk, rayon, cotton, wool, or manufactures fibers or a combination of these fibers and having a light, flat crossgrain rib or cord made using heavier yarns in the filling rather than in the warp."…

I'm in the process of clearing out and redesigning my sewing room.  I'd love to see some of your sewing rooms.  Anyone willing to post photos?  It's the new year and I'm sure there are others out there looking for a little inspiration ~ in their rooms for inspiration!