Author Archives: Lisha Vidler

About Lisha Vidler

I am a sewing instructor living near Memphis, Tennessee.

Writing Your Own Sewing Diary

Have you ever considered posting your own sewing diaries online? What kind of diary is best for your needs? How can you organize it, so it’s easy to read? What about taking good photos to illustrate your diary? This guide … Continue reading

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Sewing Machine Cover

Every sewing machine needs a cover, right? I bought an “easy” pattern to make a cover, but it ended up being anything but simple. This sewing diary follows my struggle to make a sewing machine cover. Sewing Diary: Sewing Machine Cover … Continue reading

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Kindle Cover

I couldn’t find a new case for my Kindle Fire HD, so I decided to sew a custom slipcover to fit over the old case. My idea worked better than I’d hoped! Follow along in this diary as I design … Continue reading

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Basics: Threading Your Sewing Machine

Here is an all-new “basics” tutorial. Learn how to thread your sewing machine, use an auto-threader for your needle, and how to wind and load a bobbin. Basics: Threading Your Sewing Machine Enjoy!

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Inheritance Lace

Saturday’s Stash, Special Edition: Antique Lace This special edition of Saturday’s Stash isn’t going to feature any tips or tricks, since I am still learning how to work with fragile lace myself. I will attempt to make up for this … Continue reading

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New Wrist Pincushion

You may have read my tutorial for a quick and easy wrist pincushion. This one is even better! It features a rectangular pincushion and a wrist strap that fastens with Velcro. Follow along as I sew this pincushion, or make … Continue reading

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Update: Doll Portfolio

I just updated my portfolio, so you can see most of the doll clothes I’ve designed and sewn over the last year. I changed the format a little, so there’s better descriptions of each outfit. I added a list of … Continue reading

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Directional Stitching

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Directional Stitching There are lots of tricks you can use in making a high-quality garment. Surprisingly, many of these aren’t mentioned in pattern directions or taught in sewing classes—or if they are, their importance is glossed … Continue reading

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The Phantom of the Opera in Miniature—Masquerade

Sunday’s Someday Projects: The Phantom of the Opera in Miniature—Masquerade As you know, I’ve been sewing miniature versions of the costumes from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Phantom of the Opera. These costumes are for Gene Marshall, a 15.5″ … Continue reading

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Gene’s Empire Ballgown

Follow along as I create an empire-waisted ballgown for Gene Marshall, a 15.5″ fashion doll. The original design includes a matching petticoat and shawl. Gene’s Empire Ballgown: A Sewing Diary Enjoy!

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