Saturday Sewing Tip

Today's tip isn't exactly a tip, but a great website. Did you know that Burda offers free patterns to download? Here is the link: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns

I copied the pattern called "Lydia" (Burda 3197). It's a basic long-sleeved pullover top with a scoop neck. I made up a 'wearable muslin' out of a rib knit I bought for only $1.95 a yard. I'm pleased to say that it actually fits. I do have trouble with sizes because by the time it's big enough to fit across my chest, it's hanging off everywhere else. The only place I have to alter this pattern is the length of the sleeves. Why do 'they' assume that if you have womanly curves, your arms are down to your knees?

The pattern is so simple that I have already re-traced it and altered it to make variations, including short-sleeved tops for the summer. Out of this one pattern, which only cost me a little printer ink and about 22 sheets of paper (scrap, anyway), I can get at least 5 different tops.

It's free to join the site. There are many patterns to choose from, including not only women's wear but accessories and a few children's items, too.

Once you download a pattern, you print it out on regular paper. There are clear marks to help you tape it all together. I retraced that onto some exam-table paper I brought home from work, but you could just keep it the way it is.

I hope you enjoyed today's 'tip/link'!

Saturday Sewing Tip

First, thanks for all the kind words yesterday! We've already cleared out Michael's room and now Nicky has a room of his own. I'll get to see Michael tomorrow for Easter!


This is a bit of a cheat since I posted this idea a long time ago. But this time, I have pictures. Besides, between moving Nicky into the new room, finishing my Easter top and regular household chores--not to mention I have work at 4--I don't feel like thinking of anything 'new.' And it's worth repeating.Today's tip is about measuring hems or any other instance of folding over an edge of fabric. In this example, I have to fold over 4" on the top of the curtains for my son's room, to allow for a casing and a ruffle on top. As you can see, I have measured in 8 inches from the finished edge. I used a disappearing marker. You could also use pins to mark your increments. The basic idea is...whatever you want the finished 'hem' to be, double it and use that as your measurement.



Now, fold over the fabric so that the finished edge meets where you made your marks. See...mine folds perfectly at four inches. Yours will fold perfectly, too.

Have a great Saturday! Enjoy coloring your eggs and don't forget to leave a carrot for the Easter Bunny.

Saturday Sewing Tip

Today's tip is: have more than one pin cushion! One would be for pins, of course. But you can use another to keep pre-threaded needles on hand. This is great if you're like me and you work on multiple projects. I always try to have at least one white and one black threaded needle. But I also have pink, lavendar, green, red or any other color I will need for whatever "WIPs" I've got going.

There are tutorials out there for really nice pincushions, if you're inclined to make some yourself. Here's a link to a blog with an easy, cute one. Just check her sidebar!

http://hyena-in-petticoats.blogspot.com/

Have fun this weekend!

Saturday Sewing Tip

Here is a great way to make sure your facings lay nice and flat. After you sew the facing and clip your curves, press the seam allowance towards the facing. Then stitch on the seam allowance, as close to the seam as you can get. This will anchor the seam allowance to the facing, and create a nice, crisp edge when you fold the facing inside the garment. And it also helps to keep it from rolling out!

By the way, I'm looking for any advice about sergers. I might break down and get one some time this year, but they scare me half to death. Do you have one? Do you like it, and is it easy? I mean, really, really easy?