Category: Sewing How-To’s and Videos
How To Sew Pillows WITHOUT ‘Dog Ears’
I'm not sure where I learned this technique, but I've been making pillows this way for YEARS...and it WORKS! The video says it all. https://youtu.be/gGPPwwvuEWo Give it a try! Do you have any pillow-making hints? I've been busy creating a 'Memory Room' using antique linens like laces, hankies, pictures, memory boxes... even my childhood MUFF! Watch for details and How-To's in upcoming Blog Posts.
When, Where & How-To Clip, Notch, Grade, Trim Seam Allowances and Corners as You Sew
If you think you ALWAYS trim corners as you sew...that is WRONG! I learned this all-important and reasonable rule from Claire Schaeffer way back in 2003 when I had her as the last guest teacher of my retail storefront days. Watch and understand: [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="http://blog.londasfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IG_Why-NOT-to-trim-intersection-of-seams-and-folds.mp4"][/video] Clarification of Trimming, Notching, Grading & Clipping If clipping, trimming, grading, notching seam allowances and corners further mystifies you - be sureRead More
Silky Feminine Blouses-Part 2: Hemming
Last week in my Blog Post, I shared about the feminine, often silky, blouses that I've been seeing lately. Flounces were the 'feminine' element - so I shared with you my technique for easy designing of flounces. Now - what about how to HEM these flounces? Woven Flounce Hemming This is the challenge - as hemming anything circular is - well, a challenge. Of course, there's rolled hem serging, but most oftenRead More
How To Select the Perfect Sewing Machine Needle for Your Fabric
Selecting the proper sewing machine needle for the fabric you're using is a VERY important decision. Londa explains what to consider in making this selection as she takes the mystery out of different needle types and sizes. The needle is the MOST important part of any sewing machine, so change them with every project. The My Pad is a great new 'notion' for storage with identification for needles that aren'tRead More
Back to School for Sewists: All About Proper Machine Threading and Thread
I couldn't believe what I was reading and learning about thread and threading a machine once I started selling sewing machines!!!! I wonder how I EVER sewed with any success at all before I learned all this 'good stuff' as a dealer from 1990-2003. Here are 2 more of my recent videos I've recorded to get this info out of my brain and into yours...(is that part of getting oldRead More
Fly Front Zipper How-To Sewing Video
Fly Front Zipper How-To Video I've just taped a new video on my technique for sewing a Fly Front Zipper. Enjoy watching. https://youtu.be/neRwcc8yYxs For just $6, enjoy my written step-by-step directions for ALL zipper types as found in my Zipper Manifesto. You'll learn : a centered application where the zipper doesn't peak and there are NO diagonal drag lines lapped application that is 'slick as a whistle' how to make invisibleRead More
Memento Tops: Up-Cycle Sewing
Creating clothing YOU can wear from those in your family who have passed on...or even with 'finds' from your local thrift store equals FUN and CREATIVE Sewing! Watch below for how I go about it and some of my favorite garments. For more of my HOW-TO's, I also have a pattern with even more designs... Up-Cycle Memento Tops. Find the immediately-available PDF version HERE. https://youtu.be/9Y0be5ZCodY
Couching – My Favorite Embellishment for Sewing
Absolutely! My favorite embellishment in sewing is COUCHING. Defined: laying down a yarn or heavier thread and attaching with invisible zig zag over top. I do this with invisible thread in the needle, regular thread in the bobbin. Watch this clip from my recent episode on It's Sew Easy - a PBS sewing series. Here are links to the favorite invisible threads I use. Clear for lighter couched yarns, SmokeRead More
Shortening a Dress with Back Vent – Hand Catch Hem Technique
Last week, I shortened a slim ponte knit dress for a friend by shortening it as needed. This video shows how I did this, demonstrating my favorite hand hemming stitch, the Tailor's Catch Hem. I also show how to properly fold/press/trim in the hem allowance area around the back vent that needed to be changed to a back slit. This was a pretty rushed job, and my grandson did theRead More
Silky Feminine Blouses Return-Part 1: Design