Category: Sewing How-To’s and Videos
Sweatshirt Jackets that FIT!
NO MORE SLOPPY FITTING SWEATSHIRT JACKETS No matter the style-sweatshirt jackets need to FIT and not look - or feel - like a sloppy sweatshirt. Over my years in this niche, I've created two different techniques. I explained them well in this designer spot as seen on IT'S SEW EASY TV. Sew Easy TV - Series 500. How To LENGTHEN a Sweatshirt Jacket Using my favorite 'Method 2' fitting technique asRead More
Textures of Alabama Chanin – Part V
Breath-Taking Texture THAT is what first - and still - draws me to the 'look' of Alabama Chanin, the amazing TEXTURE that she and her artisans have created. What dropped my jaw was the STACKS and STACKS of technique books we were shown on the tour of The Factory! All techniques identified by number, etc. Even these lovely large binders are covered in the signature cotton jersey! A Closer LookRead More
Visit to Alabama Chanin – Part I: Overview
A visit to Alabama Chanin in Florence, Alabama This was a wonderful conclusion to our August vacation to New Orleans. AND, my hubby even suggested it, saying: "Wasn't there someplace in northern Alabama that you wanted to go to sometime?" Uh - YEAH! So a quick hour detour later, we found the Alabama Chanin place of business: The Factory - so named because it had previously been a garment factory.hisRead More
Quick & EZ Top from a Sweatshirt + T-Shirt…$5 eclass from Londa
First eClass from Londa: Quick & Easy Top from a Sweatshirt & T-Shirt Give me my sewing machine ANY day over computers, BUT BUT BUT, I DID IT! This is the first of hopefully many more 'e-classes'. WHAT is an e-class? A series of photographs of the design and construction process, accompanied with my personal audio explanations for each photograph. Ultimately, easier for me to produce and without the needRead More
Sewing Guild Show n’ Share
When I moved to Jackson, TN last year, I gathered some new sewing friends and we started an independent 'club' - the Jackson Sewing Guild. While still small, we generally average about 8-10 gals who love to sew. We meet twice each month, with our first meeting a 'lesson' from someone and 'Show n Share'. The second meeting is for working on the charity we have adopted: Days for Girls.Read More
WACO TX Creative Design Idea Shopping
Shopping for creative ideas and to observe sewing construction seems to have become a favorite pastime of mine this summer! I'm actually almost out of space on my computer, so since photos take so much space, it is necessary and fun to 'clean them off' and to share them with you all at the same time. On my way to the Compass Centre for that Sewing Retreat, a WACO stop.Read More
How To Shorten a Skirt with Elastic Waist
Short and Simple: Shortening a skirt with an elastic waist is SO easy! Here's how I did it just now as I wanted to take this skirt on vacation with me. FIT AND MARK With the skirt on, 'roll' the elastic waist and mark the very top of the skirt (rolled up to the length you desire) . I usually do this with a safety pin so I can't loseRead More
Cold Shoulder Top – Binding Technique
Finally - I made time to stitch up my first 'Cold Shoulder' Top. My first reaction in wearing it is that it feels like my bra straps are falling down. Though I do think I like the 'look'especially if one controls their bra straps. The answer is LINGERIE STRAPS. Check out the difference in the appearance.... [caption id="attachment_5451" align="alignleft" width="151"] WITH lingerie strap control.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5452" align="alignleft" width="163"] WithOUT lingerieRead More
Stretchy Carpenter Knee Patch
Check out this STRETCHY Knee Patch I came up with for my MOST AWESOME son-in-law! Having tried Duck fabric in the past, only to have it rip again, thinking about it, I decided perhaps good old 'iron' polyester double knit with some GIVE might be the solution. So far, the verdict is YES - it's great. While I now have some ideas for making future mends even better (more onRead More
Tools & Techniques for the Alabama Chanin ‘Look’: Part VI