SEW-lutions Blog from Sewing.org

Using ribbing for a cuff or neckline opening

LindaG — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:38:25 +0000

What’s the best way to judge how much ribbing is needed for a cuff or neckline opening?

Most patterns that call for ribbed cuffs or neckbands include a pattern for those pieces, or at least a suggestion of a ratio for good fit. Ribbings differ in stretchability based on their fiber content and knit pattern, so there’s no absolute answer to this question. You want a ribbing that will lie flat without rippling, and that will hug the neckline or wrist. The general rule of thumb is to cut the ribbing 2/3 to 3/4 of the distance of the piece it’s being applied to. For example, if a neckline circumference is 16″, ribbing can be around 12″. It’s best to pin a circle of ribbing in the size you think will work and then try it over your hand, wrist or head to see how it looks. Be sure to fold it as it will be when finished, and do be careful as the cut edge of some ribbings run when stretched. Be sure to apply the ribbing with a stretchable stitch or serger to avoid having broken stitches when it stretches.

Can’t see to thread a needle? Use self-threading needles

LindaG — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:48:46 +0000

I can no longer see well to thread my sewing needles. Is there something to help me out?

If you’re having trouble threading your machine needle and your machine doesn’t offer a built-in threader, consider using a self-threading needle. It’s made by Schmetz Needles and offers an eye with a slot on one side. If you can see the slot, simply pull the thread into it. If you’re not able to see the slot, hold the thread tautly against the inside portion of the needle and slide it down the needle shaft until it slips into the slot. Keep in mind that this needle is more fragile since the eye portion is not complete.

For hand sewing needles, look for slotted needles with the opening at the top of the eye. Simple pop the thread into the slit and pull down on it to snap it into the needle eye.

Another option for threading both hand and machine needles is to purchase a separate needle threader. Some brands come in sets offering different configurations for varying needle types. For example, if you’re a needleworker, select the needlework threader to use with heavier stitchery threads or narrow ribbons. Other threaders offer a simple wire loop to slide through the needle eye and pull the thread through. Most threaders can be used by sight or feel.

Sewing 101 and Quilting 101

LindaG — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:48:17 +0000

If you’re new to the subjects, or just getting back into them after a long break, both these books, which are part of the Look, Learn & Create series will be helpful. Sewing 101 and Quilting 101 are written with the absolute beginner in mind, though the rest of us will find them a good reference as well. Beautiful color photography makes it hard to resist a look through all the pages cover top cover.

Spiral-bound so they lie flat for use at the machine, both books also come with a DVD so you “watch” the books’ content for even easier learning.

The sewing book includes not only techniques, but applications for both garments and home dec projects.

The quilting title includes basic quilting instruction, and16 projects to apply what you’ve learned.

Congratulations to the National Sewing Month winners

SCAJanice — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:13:52 +0000

Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 National Sewing Month Sew for the Love of it contest – Jennifer June (First Place), Tenneh Wilkins (Second Place) and Katherine Heisler (Third Place)! Our sincerest thanks to everyone who entered. Every entry embodied the love each of you have for sewing. We loved them all! See all the entries.

What a Novel Idea!

LindaG — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:31:12 +0000

Not only is the book title of What a Novel Idea cute, but it’s designed around the use of novelty print fabrics that we all love. From monkeys, owls and boats to cupcakes and fish, chances are good that you have some of these fun fabrics in your stash. Pat Sloan’s book features 12 quick quilts to make that showcase the novelty prints to their best. In addition to the well illustrated step-by-step quilt directions, there are also instructions included for some feature pillows, and a section on basic quilting techniques, so even if you’ve never quilted before, you’ll find success (and compliments) from this book.

SEW-lutions tip: For more fun sewing projects ideas, visit www.sewing.org.

Contractor Dad Sews Daughter’s Wedding Dress

SCAJanice — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:11:24 +0000

This story is too precious not to share. When Erin Lucien’s daughters were little, he suggested to each that they give him a shot at making their wedding dress when they grow up. When one of his daughters, Danielle, became engaged, she reminded Dad of his offer from all those years ago. Always a “crazy inventor,” Erin took the challenge. Although he had never sewn before, as a contractor, he knew how to build things and set about taking measurements and making drawings, and learned how to sew from books and online videos, Erin then created several prototypes from sheets and shipped them back and forth to his daughter for review. The finished gown, made of silk charmeuse, was truly made from love from a Dad to his precious little girl.

This really touched my heart!

Read the full story

Springs Creative Giveaway – Hobo Tote Kit

SCAJanice — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 15:56:09 +0000

National Sewing Month sponsor, Springs Creative, has another giveaway for us – a Hobo Tote kit. I love the look of this bag! The Creative Cuts hobo totes can be found in select Walmart stores and on walmart.com. They come in several different designs. Material, instructions and handles are included in the kit.

To be entered to win this kit, make sure you complete the National Sewing Month survey.

Zip It Up Lampshade from Ghee’s

SCAJanice — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:40:32 +0000

Linda McGehee from Ghee’s has shared another fabulous project idea using her fun and unique zippers. A zipper lampshade!

Choose your zippers and colors from the available styles at Ghee’s
Tip: To avoid waste, choose long zippers and purchase additional zipper pulls
Use Beacon’s glue to glue lengths of zipper to the shade
Follow the instructions on the National Sewing Month website to make the zipper pansy’s.

This fun lampshade was designed and created by Susan I Jones for Ghee’s.

Zipper Heart Project from Ghee’s

SCAJanice — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:19:07 +0000

Our thanks to Linda McGehee from Ghee’s for being a National Sewing Month sponsor! Linda is a master of handbag design and construction and fabric manipulation. She has been on the forefront of the latest artistic zipper creations craze. In keeping with our Sew for the LOVE of it theme, Linda is sharing instructions on how to create a heart out of zippers. Try adding it to the shoulder of a garment, stitching it to a wall hanging, or on a handbag!

Zipper Heart

Stitch a basting thread (by hand or machine) along each side of the zipper tape.
Unzip the zipper and gather the basting thread to form the shape of the heart.
Apply to project with permanent stitching.
Tuck under unfinished edges of zipper at top and bottom.
Depending upon the pull style on the slider, it may be necessary to gently remove pull with pliers, flip the pull, and gently press the hook closed on the pull. To avoid scratching the pull, place lightweight fabric scrap on pull for protection before closing hook with pliers.

The Rhinestone zipper used on this project can be found on the Ghee’s website.

National Sewing Month Spotlight on V.I.P by Cranston

SCAJanice — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:17:37 +0000

Our thanks to 2011 National Sewing Month sponsor V.I.P by Cranston. Cranston is located in Webster, MA and is a manufacturer of distinctive fabrics for sewing, crafting, quilting and decorating with a history of printing textiles dating back to 1807! Their fabrics are sold in Wal*Mart, JoAnn Stores, Hancock Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and the Rag Shops, as well as at independent retail stores and quilt shops throughout the country.

Visit their website at www.CranstonVillage.com to see all of their fabulous fabrics!