SEW-lutions Blog from Sewing.org

Books for Holiday Projects and Gift Making

LindaG — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:01:56 +0000

There seems to be a never-ending bounty of sewing books to tempt us! These two will help you to make up some darling projects for holiday gift giving or bazaars. If you’re looking for fun holiday projects, check out Jolly Stuff by Linda Lum DeBono. It’s full of simple to make, but darn cute projects from [...]

Racks for storing spools of thread

SCAJanice — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:00:06 +0000

Where can I find the wall mounted thread storage racks seen in the My Sewing and Craft Room photos? This question comes up quite often so we thought we’d share some storage options. The Mega Rack II provides for substantial storage. This wooden rack holds up to 120 spools and can be free standing or wall [...]

National Sewing Month Reuse, Remake, Restyle Contest Winners

SCAJanice — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:52:34 +0000

The entries we received for the Reuse, Remake, Restyle contest for National Sewing Month were just amazing. Reviewing the photos and reading the stories felt like watching our very own version of Project Runway. The talent, the creativity, the IDEAS! We’ve created an online gallery of all the submissions, along with the descriptions submitted with [...]

Shortening T sleeves, Smart selvages, Rolled hems

LindaG — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:48:57 +0000

How do I shorten sleeves on a T-shirt? T-shirts are made from knit fabric and thus no edge finishing is required. Simply determine the desired sleeve length, allow at least 1″ for the new hem, and cut off the excess sleeve length. It’s best to measure evenly from the existing hemline on a single layer of [...]

Fabric Dyeing and Making Trousers

LindaG — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:24:05 +0000

Two great books you’ll want to check out: If you love cool art techniques, but don’t really think of yourself as an artist, this book is for you. Creative Dyeing for Fabric Arts uses permanent markers (like Sharpies) and drugstore alcohol to create wonderful dyed looks without the mess or fuss. Trust me, no professional talent [...]

Zipper Shortening, Tapered Pants Legs and Skirt Hems

LindaG — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:03:28 +0000

How do I shorten a zipper? Most zippers can be shortened in one of two ways. If it’s an open-top zipper (like a separating jacket zipper), simply extend the excess length into the upper seamline, then trim after the zipper is inserted. Leave about 1/2″ of zipper tape beyond the upper seamline. To reinforce and be [...]

Terry Cloth Loops, Frogs and Skipped Stitches

LindaG — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:54:56 +0000

Questions du jour and some answers: How do I repair terry cloth loops? Can I just cut them? It’s best not to simply cut the snagged loops as they may unravel more and leave holes in your garment. Visit the notions counter at you favorite fabric store and look of a knit repair tool. The tool has [...]

Fall Quilt Market 2009

LindaG — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:09:38 +0000

Each fall quilt shop owners descend upon Houston, Texas for the extravaganza of the season–Quilt Market. They come to buy things that they later sell to us in their stores. As a writer, I’m allowed in to look for new products and network with the various companies in attendance, so I can share their news with you [...]

Top DIY Halloween Costumes for 2009

SCAJanice — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:38:59 +0000

Halloween is the one time of year when it’s socially acceptable – and expected – to wear something totally over-the-top, absolutely ridiculous, or perfectly funny. Sewers and crafters of all skill levels can take advantage of this opportunity to create a costume for their own inner child, whether it’s a fairy princess or a swashbucklin’ [...]

Off to Fall Quilt Market

LindaG — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:32:13 +0000

I’m about ready to get on a plane to Houston, Texas to attend one of the industry’s largest events–Quilt Market. You’ve probably heard about it, or its counterpart Quilt Festival. Market is where shop owners go to see the latest new products and fabrics, and order them for their stores…they’re ordering fabric by the bolt, [...]