Eggplant Shrug

Posted on April 3, 2013 by

Wednesday’s Project: Eggplant Knit Jersey Shrug

I recently bought two similar ombré dip-dyed sundresses that blend from turquoise to navy blue to purple. I love these dresses. However, they both have spaghetti straps and I prefer not to expose that much skin. None of my cardigans or shrugs match these dresses, so I browsed Fabric.com until I found a dark purple rayon jersey knit that looked like it might coordinate. I bought 1.5 yards, along with some buttons that shimmer between purple and blue. Once it arrived, I was delighted to find that both the fabric and the buttons match the dresses. Continue reading →

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Creating Clothes for Dolls

Posted on March 28, 2013 by

Thursday’s Book Review: Creating Clothes For Dolls: How to Achieve That Perfect Fit and Authentic Look by Joan Nerini

Book Cover

Creating Clothes for Dolls

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Aqua Plisse Dress

Posted on March 13, 2013 by

Wednesday’s Project: Aqua Plisse Dress

For this dress, I used the same fabric as for the Aqua Plisse Blouse. It’s a lightweight cotton plisse with a subtle pebbly texture to it, which I found at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. The color is aqua, with a darker turquoise Baroque print.

Aqua Plisse

Aqua Plisse

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Reducing Bulk

Posted on March 5, 2013 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Reducing Bulk

When you sew, it’s important to reduce bulk wherever possible. Doing so will make your corners crisp and sharp; it will enable your curves to lie flat, without wrinkling or bulging; it will give you a better looking garment. So, how do you go about reducing bulk?

  • Grade seam allowances
  • Trim seam allowance
  • Trim sewn corners
  • Clip and notch curved seams
  • Avoid backstitching

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Hand-Dyed Lace

Posted on February 24, 2013 by

Have you ever wanted lace that matches your project? In this two-part tutorial, you’ll learn the secrets to successfully dyeing Venetian lace and lace appliques. Create watercolor ombré effects, make your lace look antique, or hand-dye appliques for pieces that look like colorful embroidery. Perfect for historical costumers, home decorators, dressmakers, or anyone who wants to add a bit of color to their projects.

Tutorial: Hand-Dyed Lace, Part I and Part II

Enjoy!

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Basic Hand Sewing

Posted on February 21, 2013 by

Almost every sewing project requires some hand sewing, whether it’s stitching a hem, attaching snaps or hooks & eyes, or finishing raw seam allowances. In this new tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to get started. Includes an illustrated glossary of basic hand stitches.

Tutorial: Basic Hand Sewing

Enjoy!

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1877 Zone-Front Day Dress

Posted on February 15, 2013 by

Friday’s Fashion Plate: 1877 Zone-Front Day Dress

Today we have a green day dress from La Dress Élégante, 1877.

1877 Dress

Zone Front Dress, 1877

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Yesterday’s Thimble at deviantART

Posted on February 9, 2013 by

As part of our efforts to expand Yesterday’s Thimble, I’m proud to announce that we’ve opened a deviantART account. To those who aren’t familiar with deviantART, it’s a massive artistic outlet where members can post their drawings, paintings, photographs, and other forms of artwork. To start, we’re posting drawing tutorials that expand upon the information found in our article, Croquis: Fashion Sketches, Part I & Part II. In time, we’ll add original fashion sketches and photos of finished sewing projects.

Visit deviantART now and enjoy!

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Cutting Knit Fabrics

Posted on February 5, 2013 by

Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks: Cutting Knit Fabrics

Knit fabrics can be difficult to work with. They’re soft and fluid, which means they like to slip and slide around while you’re trying to cut them. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with jagged cutting lines and two layers that don’t match. Here are a few tips for cutting knit fabrics. Continue reading →

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Knit Blouses

Posted on February 3, 2013 by

Sunday’s Someday Project: Emerald & Taupe Knit Blouses

Awhile ago, I purchased several yards of a slubbed rayon knit. It’s lightweight, super soft, and very drapey. I bought some in a dark teal and some in a light tan.

Slubbed Knit

Slubbed Knit Fabric

I would like to make two blouses from this fabric. Continue reading →

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