Simple Sewing Projects

[video] How To Design Your London Shade Valance BEFORE Sewing

Jen Thoden — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:35:31 +0000

This is the first video in the series of videos where I (Jenny T.) will be sewing london shade valances for my 2 windows in my office.

In this video, I talk about the anatomy of the london shade valance… I sketch out what I want for my window treatment design… and I show you the measurements that you will need.

Follow this sewing project on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/simplesewingprojectsfanpage

Did you know that you can get access to all kinds of window treatment sewing patterns by subscribing to SimpleSewingProjects.com for only $3.99/month? Click here to learn more and subscribe TODAY.

Happy Sewing!

Jenny T.

How To Make A Pinch Pleat

Jen Thoden — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:24:48 +0000

These curtain panels have a triple pinch pleat header. Notice the photo to your left. The pinch pleats are tacked at the top instead of at the bottom of the pleat. This is just a contemporary twist on the traditional pinch pleat.

Making the pleat is super easy! I’m going to show you how in the video below.

Who else wants to learn how to make pinch pleat curtains? When you join SimpleSewingProjects.com you get unlimited access to my entire archive of sewing patterns, videos and instructions. This includes How To Make Curtains… more specifically How To Sew Pinch Pleat Curtains. You will learn how to make lined, professional quality draperies that have your choice of pinch pleat heading. I even show you how to measure, design and install your curtains. Click here to join SimpleSewingProjects.com for only $3.99!

How To Sew Picnic Placemats with Flatware Pockets

Jen Thoden — Thu, 30 May 2013 12:00:09 +0000

What a perfect sewing project for the weekend!

I found this easy sewing project at:

http://www.sew4home.com/projects/table-linens/make-it-now-4-summer-picnic-placemats-flatware-pockets

This is a great site! But what I love about this project is that it’s dead simple… practical.. and the perfect excuse to buy those crazy fun fabrics you’ve been drooling over! Right?

Happy Sewing!

Jenny T.

How To Sew A Circle Scarf or Infinity Scarf

Jen Thoden — Thu, 30 May 2013 11:44:32 +0000

How To Sew A Circle Scarf

A circle scarf is a scarf that has no end. It’s also known as an Infinity Scarf. This is a very nice fashionable and warm accessory… and the fun part about a circle scarf is the different ways you can wear it.

They sell online ranging from $9 to $50 based on the brand name. But you can sew up this stylish accessory quickly and for the mere cost of the fabric.

1. Cut a piece of fabric 21″ wide by 72″ long. This will end up to be a 10″ wide scarf. You can, of course, vary the size of your scarf by changing the cut dimensions.

2. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise right sides together.

3. Sew a 1/2″ seam along the 72″ raw edge.

4. Press the seam flat and turn the tube right side out.

5. Optionally twist the tube one or two times creating a permanent twist in the scarf.

6. Starting at one short end, turn the tube wrong side out until the 2 short ends are aligned.

7. Sew a 1/2″ seam along the short ends… but leave an opening that’s big enough to turn the scarf right side out. About 5″ or so.

8. Turn the scarf right side out and hand whip stitch the hole shut.

Another alternative is to serge a piece of fabric that is 10″ x 72″. It would be a flimsier and less bulky infinity scarf. Silk would be a good option for this.

If you make this scarf, please post your photos on my Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/simplesewingprojectsfanpage

How To Tie Your Circle Scarf

Now that you have your very stylish circle scarf all sewn up, it’s time to learn how to wear it. Now, I’m am not a fashion expert, so I found a great web page that shows you all the different ways to wear your scarf. It even has a video for 3 of the styles.

http://www.tiemyscarf.com/how-to-tie-a-scarf/videos/138-how-to-wear-an-infinity-scarf-3-ways.html

Happy Sewing!!

Jenny T.

Fun Summer Sewing Project – Make a Cute Top From a T-Shirt

Jen Thoden — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:13:44 +0000

This is a really neat idea!

I found this sewing project on Stumbleupon and it’s such a simple idea.

I realize we may not be into summer yet… but if you have a t-shirt that you’re ready to get rid of… try this simple sewing project and have an original… super cute summer top.

Take an old t-shirt, turn it upside and sew some pockets!

Here’s the link to the sewing project:

http://www.instructables.com/id/T-shirt-to-sexy-top/

Happy Sewing

Jenny T.

PS. Do you want access to monthly sewing projects that are simple and fun? Join Simple Sewing Projects for only $3.99/month. Click here to join now.

How to Sew Binding On a Quilt With a Machine

Jen Thoden — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 03:35:32 +0000

Sewing binding on your quilt is the very last step of making your quilt.

This is not a hard step… but if you’re new to it… it’s always easier to watch a video on how to do it.

Watch this!

Sew the fabric strips together at a 45 degree angle

I love the technique she shows to sew the strips at a 45 degree angle. It’s so darn simple and yet, I’ve never done it this way. Just goes to show you that you can always learn something new in the world of sewing.

Start sewing the binding strips to the back of your quilt

Yet, another good tip for sewing on bias binding to your quilt. It is so easy to assume you start on the front of your quilt and wrap the binding to the back of the quilt. But you sew it to the back first. And then wrap it to the front.

Do you want access to monthly sewing projects that are simple and fun? Join Simple Sewing Projects for only $3.99/month. Click here to join now.

Did you notice the beautiful quilting pattern on her quilt?

Oh man I wish I could quilt like that! I admit… I love to piece and quilt, but I need MUCH practice on the free hand quilting.

Mitered Corners easy

She shows how to create mitered corners with your binding. She really makes this incredibly simple… but honestly, it really is!

Finishing touches

I love love the tips she gives to finish off the front binding. I never thought about sewing rick rack to the front! What a terrific idea!

I learned a lot from this video. Yes, I have a video or two on sewing binding to a quilt… but I have to admit, Jenny (that’s her name too) does such a great job showing us all the steps. Great video!

Happy Sewing

Jenny T.

PS. Do you want access to monthly sewing projects that are simple and fun? Join Simple Sewing Projects for only $3.99/month. Click here to join now.

A Sincere Thank You

Jen Thoden — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:14:30 +0000

You rock. Yes, you… my subscriber… are an amazing individual.

If you are not a subscriber of my Sewing Tips newsletter, then you didnt get my email I sent a couple days ago. I’m not going to repeat the email… because it was intended for those of you that have stuck with me over the years.

I just wanted you to know that I received and read every single one of the emails sent to me… showing your support… sharing your triumphs… and just letting me know that I among wonderful people.

You make me feel so lucky that I have a business like this… serving such kind and generous people like you.

What else can I say.

Thank You

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Jenny T.

My Daughter As A Cooking Show Host – Hilarious

Jen Thoden — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:41:18 +0000

This is too funny… I couldn’t help but share this with you.

Today was a baking day with my kids, Matt and Mindy. They love to bake… and they’re pretty good at it. I take no credit for how they learned… their father took the time to teach them.

Mindy tasked herself with baking cupcakes. Matt is on the quest for the perfect toffee almond bar. This one turned out pretty good… but it’s still not like the ones we used to eat at Starbucks. We loved those… and then they stopped carrying them. So sad.

Mindy… being the ultimate performer (gee, I wonder where she gets that from) asked me to video her preparing her cupcake batter.

Ladies and Gentlemen… I give you “Mindy Cooks”

Yeah… she’s something else!

For those of you wondering about the toffee almond bars, here’s how they turned out:

Toffee Almond Bar

The cupcakes turned out delicious as well!

Mindy’s Chocolate Cupcakes

NEW Sewing Projects and Tips Magazine Issue – How To Make Flat Roman Shades

Jen Thoden — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:14:13 +0000

I just wanted you to know that the latest issue of Sewing Projects and Tips Magazine featured on the iPad Newstand is available.

This issue is completely dedicated to making flat roman shades. It includes all the step by step videos and the illustrated instructions to make and install a flat roman shade.

Now, I will tell you, that if you are already a member of this site or a member on MakingRomanShades.com, then I can tell you that the content in this magazine is not new. Unless, you just really love the idea of having this content on your iPad. And I can’t blame you there.

So, check it out… or just go to the app to see the other issues that might interest you. Click here to get the app now on iTunes.

Source: itunes.apple.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Happy Sewing!

Jenny T.

Should I Make London Shades For These Windows?

Jen Thoden — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 00:50:02 +0000

I’ve recently moved into a townhouse. I was in a huge house, but my husband and I have separated and I’ve moved.

This townhouse is much smaller, but it’s perfect for me and the kids.

On the first floor is my office. And it needs some serious love.

It has 2 tall windows with nice moulding. I was thinking of making london shade valances for them. See the photo of the london shade next to this article? Something like that.

What do you think? I’m not sure I like the fabric, but I do like how the valance is installed close to the ceiling… and I like the big bold vertical stripes.

Here are my windows:

London Shades on these windows?

So, what do you think? I don’t want a functional window treatment, because I already have the blinds. I could make the london shade valances functional and have them be true london roman shades… but I really think I just want them decorative.

Well, I’m going to dig around a little more to see if I see anything else that inspires me. Otherwise, I’ll share with you my adventures in making these london shades. Hopefully, it will a go smoothly… but I’m sure… as many times as I’ve made roman shades… there will be something to learn and to share.

I’ll keep you posted! Go ahead and comment if you have ideas to share.

Jenny T.