Switching to a Computerized Sewing Machine

Posted on January 21, 2013 by

Monday’s Mish-Mash: Switching to a Computerized Sewing Machine

For years, I had a regular sewing machine. You know, the kind with knobs and dials to adjust the tension and stitches. It was very basic, but quite a workhorse. I used it for nine years without a tuneup and it had no problems, right up until the day the timing died. (See the blog post: When an Old Friend Bites the Dust.) I replaced it with a computerized Singer Stylist, which handles very differently. It took me weeks to get used to the differences!

Singer Stylist

My New Singer Stylist

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Hockey Socks

Posted on January 16, 2013 by

Wednesday’s Project: Hockey Socks

My husband and I recently took up ice skating—figure skating for me and hockey for him. Part of his gear includes “hockey socks” which are actually not socks at all, but long tubes that go over the calves to cover his shin guards.

Hockey Socks

Hockey Socks

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Ironing Board Covers

Posted on December 30, 2012 by

Sunday’s Someday Project: Ironing Board Covers

I have two ironing boards in my sewing room: a full size (52″) and a tabletop (30″). Both were cheap. They’ve lasted me ten years without complaint, but their pads are thin enough that I can feel the metal grid underneath when I press something. After so many years, the fabric is discolored, too.

Tabletop Ironing Board

Tabletop Ironing Board

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Famous Couples: Fashion Doll Patterns

Posted on December 20, 2012 by

Thursday’s Book Review: Famous Couples: Fashion Doll Patterns by Hazel McMahon

Book Cover

Famous Couples: Fashion Doll Patterns

Rating
3 = Mediocre Continue reading →

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1876 Princess-Cut Day Dresses

Posted on December 14, 2012 by

Friday’s Fashion Plate: 1876 Day Dresses

Today we have two dresses from La Mode Illustrée, 1876.

Fashion Plate

La Mode Illustrée, 1876

In 1876, the Natural Form style was just beginning. Styles were beginning to simplify. The bustle had dropped and the back of the dress was becoming the focus. A long, narrow wire bustle would be worn to achieve this silhouette, along with a flounced petticoat. Continue reading →

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Croquis: Fashion Sketches

Posted on December 9, 2012 by

Have you ever thought about making your own fashion sketches? Being able to draw a basic fashion sketch comes in useful when you’re designing your own garments, whether they’re modern or historical. In this new two-part tutorial, we’ll demonstrate the techniques used in drawing the figure, including adding facial features, hands and feet, hair, and realistic clothing.

Tutorial: Croquis: Fashion Sketches, Part I and Part II

Enjoy!

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Aqua Plisse Blouse

Posted on November 28, 2012 by

Wednesday’s Project: Aqua Plisse Blouse

When I walked into Hobby Lobby a few years ago, I immediately fell in love with a cotton plisse they had on display. It had so many things going for it.

  • The color, for aqua is my favorite color to wear
  • The texture, a subtle bumpy pattern
  • The print, a sort of Baroque scrollwork design in a darker turquoise.

Then too, I loved it because it wasn’t your typical quilting cotton, which is what Hobby Lobby usually sells. This was obviously fashion fabric. I bought five yards, enough to make a blouse and a dress. Continue reading →

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Cotton Sateen

Posted on November 17, 2012 by

Saturday’s Stash: Cotton Sateen

Sateen is a fabric that’s been made with a satin weave, where more of the cross threads are on the surface of the fabric, producing a slight sheen. Sateen is usually made of cotton, or sometimes rayon. When it’s made of silk or polyester, the sheen is more pronounced and it’s considered true satin. Sateen can be crisp or fluid, and depending on the hand, can be suitable for bedsheets, lining, and more structured garments, such as jackets and pencil skirts. Softer sateens can be used for gowns or blouses. Continue reading →

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Ruffler Attachment Foot Revisions

Posted on November 11, 2012 by

Today I realized I’d made a pretty big mistake when writing the article on how to use a ruffler attachment foot. I confused the two control adjusters, mixing up which one does what. This is now fixed, and as a bonus, I updated the article’s illustrations, as well. You have my sincere apologies for any confusion caused by the mix-up!

Using a Ruffler Foot Attachment ~ Revised

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Faux French Seams

Posted on November 6, 2012 by

Tuesday’s Tutorial: Faux French Seams

I discovered this technique by accident, when I was in a pickle and couldn’t figure out how to finish a seam so the raw edges wouldn’t show. Up until that point, I’d used French seams in the garment, but then I encountered a seam that tapered to the edge, like a dart. I couldn’t sew it with a proper French seam, yet I still wanted to finish the seam neatly. So, after stitching the seam normally, I folded the raw edges toward each other and pinched the seam closed, as if it had been French seamed. I figured I could sew near the edge and it would look almost as good.

I was surprised at how well my faux French seam turned out. It’s easier than a regular French seam, because there’s no trimming involved, no pressing and turning. You just sew a normal seam, right sides together, and then stitch the raw edges together, neatly encasing them within the seam. Follow along and I’ll show you, step-by-step. Continue reading →

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