Curating sewing and quilting talent, techniques, and tutorials, since 1997.

April 2010 Blog Posts (15)

Retro Ruffle Dress From a Pillowcase Tutorial by Simply Modern Mom

Tiffany from Simply Modern Mom developed this excellent tutorial using a pillowcase to make one of the cutest dresses for a little girl I've seen in a long time. This is not your typical pillowcase dress.

Tiffany found this large pillowcase in a rummage sale and made this dress for her…

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Added by Susan on April 29, 2010 at 6:43am — 8 Comments

Bamboo Fabric 101

By Mariette J. Wingeier

Bamboo fabrics and starchy pulp are made from bamboo that grows widely throughout Asian countries. Starchy pulp is a refined product of bamboo stems and leaves through a process of hydrolysis-alkalization and multi-phase bleaching. Chemical fiber factories then process it into bamboo fiber.

Bamboo fabrics are made from pure bamboo fiber…

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Added by Susan on April 27, 2010 at 12:00pm — 5 Comments

OLD machine

i just picked up an OLD Singer at an estate sale. it probably needs a new motor. The light works and it turns fine by hand. it also has an "ornate" foot pedal. the cabinet could use some refinishing. Can anyone tell me what to do next (and why) to get it back into working order.

thanks,
Sewbusy

Added by Sewbusy on April 23, 2010 at 2:58pm — 5 Comments

Zipper Tutorial

Zipper flys are very popular in ready-to-wear (rtw) clothing. They are very easy to install. If you follow these directions, you will construct a fly that no one will know is home sewn.

Steps

Cut your pants fronts.
Sew any darts or pleats.
Mark the center front line on your pants pieces; this line is marked on your pattern pieces.
Sew the fronts together along the center front line. From the bottom of the zipper…

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Added by Neefer Duir on April 20, 2010 at 12:21pm — 4 Comments

Crafty customers invited to sew in Paris

Monday 19th April, 2010… Continue

Added by Susan on April 20, 2010 at 5:59am — No Comments

FabricMartFabrics.com certificate winner

I WON!! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR GIVEAWAYS AND AM SO EXCITED ABOUT WINNING THE FABRIC.COM GIFT CERTIFICATE. I AM NOW ON MY WAY TO USE MY CERTIFICATE.

THANKS AGAIN. CONNIE

Added by Connie Haack on April 19, 2010 at 7:00pm — No Comments

New profile page

I had such a nice profile on SWN. But, my computer must be on drugs, because it no longer would let me sign in. So, I managed to delete one of the profiles. I am here with this, my newest profile! I hope we don't have to get a new computer again....I think I'll pull my hair out making another profile! Anyway, I hope if you were on my friends list, you will come on over to my new page. I posted pics of things I had made, and if I can find those same pics, I'm gonna put them on this new profile.… Continue

Added by Sherri on April 16, 2010 at 2:40pm — No Comments

Tutorial: Hanging Fabric Baskets Or Pockets

I could not resist showcasing this tutorial! Such a useful and easy idea for any room in your house... This tutorial is very well developed and presented, my hat is off to the author Destri,…

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Added by Susan on April 16, 2010 at 1:30am — 6 Comments

Sew a Cute Kids "Bedtime Duvet" by The Storque at Etsy

Download the complete project instructions here…

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Added by Susan on April 15, 2010 at 5:56am — 5 Comments

Fabric Calc For iPhone: An Essential Tool for Sewing Industry Professionals

San Francisco, CA Apr 15, 2010…

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Added by Susan on April 15, 2010 at 1:30am — 2 Comments

Win 50$ Gift Certificate from FabricMart!

With FabricMart's wicked pricing you could buy yourself some very nice fabric such as Voile from Prada, Patchwork Shantung, Vera Wang, Chiffon, Charmeuse, Couture Lace, ITY Knit, Moire Taffeta from Maggy London, oh the list goes on!!!!

This week's give-away prize is a 50$ gift certificate to spend at FabricMart any way you like! Elastics, threads, notions, and…

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Added by Susan on April 12, 2010 at 6:30am — 1 Comment

PATTERN DEVELOPING: TV show, poor economy spark interest in sewing clothes at home

Zoe Zitzer, 15, wants to stand out as a unique individual while expressing her creativity.

Deanna Tenner, 49, hopes to save some money.…

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Added by Susan on April 9, 2010 at 5:00pm — 1 Comment

Patchwork Quilting - Picking It Apart!

What is this issue wreaking havoc in the patchwork quilting world?…

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Added by Susan on April 8, 2010 at 3:00am — 1 Comment

Bellasymphony Patterns Sponsors SWN's Give-Away April 4 - 9th!

If you've ever wanted to try tutorials delivered via ebook, have we got a prize for you! Bellasymphony Patterns' shop owner and pattern creator Becky Aguiar is sponsoring our give-away with her… Continue

Added by Susan on April 5, 2010 at 4:00pm — No Comments

Londa's Refined Embellishments for Creative Clothing

Was scanning this great necklace made from old rhinestone earrings and pins - THEN I noticed, the RAW edges on this charmeuse dress - undoubtedly silk as well. Look at the neckline finish - it's just a strip of bias!!!

Then - even notice the extra wide - I'd say 3" or so double layers of bias stitched down the center - looks like there are 4 of them - and upper edges not even caught in with the neckline finish...

AMAZING! Why do we make sewing so nitty picky is what I… Continue

Added by Londa Rohlfing on April 1, 2010 at 8:14am — 2 Comments