Saturday’s Stash: Cotton Voile
Voile (pronounced v’wall or sometimes voy’l) is an extremely lightweight, semi-sheer fabric. Polyester voile is often used for curtains or curtain linings, but cotton voile can be used for garments, especially summer dresses. It’s also ideal for historic chemises or shifts. And, because of its weight, it’s great for doll clothes and baby clothes. It can even be used for linings, if you don’t need something slippery.
White Cotton Voile
W
hether your sewing area is small or large, it’s a good idea to keep it organized. In this two-part article, we’ll look at the three pieces of furniture that are essential for a sewing room. We’ll also devise a floor plan, and look at how to organize your fabric, tools, and supplies.
Organizing Your Sewing Space, Part I
Organizing Your Sewing Space, Part II
Enjoy!
I needed a new cover for my new sewing machine. This time, I decided to make something special, using my newly acquired crazy-quilting skills. Follow along in this short diary as I make a custom-fitted cover and embellish it with embroidery and beading.
Crazy-Quilted Sewing Machine Cover: A Diary
Enjoy!
When Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera came to town, it brought a traveling exhibit of costumes! In this two-part article, we’ll examine six gorgeous costumes designed by Maria Bjornson: the Footman’s livery, a Hannibal slavegirl ballet outfit, Piangi’s Hannibal armor, the Phantom’s suit and cloak, Christine’s Aminta (“Point of No Return”) dress, and Carlotta’s silver and black “Prima Donna” dress.
The Phantom of the Opera Costume Exhibit, Part I
The Phantom of the Opera Costume Exhibit, Part II
Enjoy!
This brand-new, step-by-step tutorial combines the art of crazy-quilting with a simple book cover, resulting in a gorgeous one-of-a-kind project!
In part one, you’ll learn how to draft a custom pattern to fit any book, make a mockup to ensure a perfect fit, and plan your crazy-quilt design. In part two, you’ll create a beautiful crazy-quilted panel and embellish it with all manner of embroidery and beadwork. Then you’ll assemble all the layers together. In the end, you’ll have a custom piece that’s sure to be a conversation-starter!
Crazy-Quilted Book Cover, Part I
Crazy-Quilted Book Cover, Part II
Enjoy!
When I had my wedding gown shortened, it was a disaster! How can you prevent a similar alterations nightmare? Here are the problems I encountered, so you can learn from my mistakes.
New Article: An Alterations Nightmare
Enjoy!
Have you ever seen silk ribbon embroidery? It’s a gorgeous form of three-dimensional embroidery worked with delicate silk ribbon. This two-part article delves into the wondrous art of silk ribbon embroidery, covering everything you need to know to get started.
The Art of Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Part I
The Art of Silk Ribbon Embroidery, Part II
Enjoy!
Monday’s Mish-Mash: Meet Gladys
Life is change, or so the saying goes. Sometimes we’re resistant to change because we’re stubborn, or because we’re set in our ways and are afraid something new will upset the balance of things. But every so often, something new comes along that’s good—something that’s better than the old.
With that in mind, I’d like you to meet a new member of the family: Gladys. Who is Gladys, you ask? She is my newest acquisition, a bona-fide dress form!
Wednesday’s Projects: Sewing Machine Pincushion
Recently, I observed to one of my students that it would be nice to have a pincushion that attached to the front of the sewing machine. While you sew, you remove pins—and where do you put them? It’s annoying to reach around to your pincushion every time you pull out a pin. Having a pincushion right on the front of the sewing machine would make life easier. So today, I set out to create one! Continue reading
I’m proud to announce that you can now follow Yesterday’s Thimble on Pinterest! Our boards include topics such as: basic sewing skills, historical costuming, Victorian fashion plates, sewing book reviews, and fun sewing projects–with more to come!
Yesterday’s Thimble @ Pinterest
Enjoy!
