Embroidery 4 Beginners *Video*

**Bonus Tip** Blind Hem Stitch Video

Pin Control

Keep a bit of adhesive-backed magnetic tape stuck on the bed of your sewing machine, off to the right (They come in many colors to suit your needs). While your sewing and removing pins at the machine, the strip will hold the pins out of your way and keeps you from sending them flying. It saves a lot of time and doesn't interrupt your focus since you don't need to aim for the pin cushion, just move your hand a very few inches to drop the pin on the magnetic strip.

Making Sense of Diagrams

We all know that sewing when you're tired is a bad idea. But most of us do it, right? To prevent some of those silly mistakes, I sometimes use colored pencils to highlight the 'good side' of the fabric on the pattern instruction sheet.

For example, in my sewing machine guidebook, they've done a nice diagram under the heading blind hem stitch. I colored the right side of the fabric on the picture bright green. It is amazing how much this helps when you're sleepy.

If your pattern is puzzle-like it might be a good idea to color your fabric with the same color, but in a tailors chalk.

Credit Card & Tension?

If you have difficulty adjusting your serger tension, try gently sliding a credit card through the tension disks. Wrap your card with a think material if needed. Despite our efforts to be tidy, dust and dirt can collect between the disks. A credit card will usually do the trick and not damage your serger.

Use Basting Stitch As Hem Guide

Rather than making hems (especially 1/4" or 3/8" ones), I run a basting stitch at the appropriate hem mark using the guide on my machine or my 1/4" foot. I generally use a thread that contrasts with my fabric so it's easily seen.

I then sew the hem with a normal stitch by turning the hem (after finishing it with my seam/overcast stitch) under at the baste line and sewing approximately 1/8" less than the what the baste line was sewn at.

Once I'm done hemming I pull the basting threads. This gives me accuracy and with knits or necklines I find it eliminates stretching problems because I handle the edge a lot less then trying to use a hem gauge and pins.

Removing Fused Interfacing

To remove interfacing that has been fused in place, hold a steam iron over interfacing for 5 - 10 seconds. Immediately peel off the interfacing. If it is still adhered, set the iron on the interfacing, but do not use pressure. To remove any fusing agent that remains on the fabric, cover it with a damp, lightweight fabric scrap and press. Peel off while warm. Continue with new scraps until all the adhesive can be removed by sponging the area with rubbing alcohol--but be sure the fabric or dye will not be affected.

Plastic Canvas instead of Cardboard

Most bag patterns tell you to put a piece of cardboard in the bottom & sides of a bag to help retain the bag's shape. I don't like this because it means you can never wash the bag, nor get caught in the rain with it. Instead use a piece of plastic canvas. You can even stitch it into place by machine (without any special needle) to it so it does not "travel" around the bag. Plastic canvas is about 25 cents for a large sheet about the size of a standard sheet of computer paper, and can be found in craft stores near other needlework supplies.

I'm in need! ;-)

Hey all, I am in need of old blue jeans (Skirts, Pants & Shorts) all sizes up to woman’s size 8’s and up to men’s size 32’s. I also need all children’s sizes. If you have anything you don’t need/want anymore, Please pass them my way! All colors, sizes & holy ones. I will take them all! Thank you so much & God bless!

Slightly Stretchy Waistband

I first encountered this technique in a Threads (# 54) article on Donna Karan's wardrobe elements. Sandra Betzina has included it in her books, calling it the 'Designer Waistband that Grows'. It is a great technique and makes for very comfortable waistbands. The general idea is that the interfacing in a waistband is replaced by elastic. In a nutshell, the steps are

1) Before you cut, adjust the pattern (use your favorite method) to increase the garment waistline (and the waistband) so that it measures 2 - 3 inches MORE than your HONEST waistline measurement.

2) Sew the waistband to the garment with a 5/8" (preferably - it's easier to anchor the elastic to a wider SA) seam allowance; finish the other long edge.
3) Cut a piece of elastic the width of your desired finished waistband so that it is about 2 - 4 inches LESS than your waistline measurement (the actual measurement depends on the stretchiness of the elastic)
4) Quarter mark the waistline seam allowance and the elastic
5) Place the elastic so that it is between the seam allowance and the waistband, with one edge on the waistline seam
6) Turn the waistband toward the garment so that the seam allowance extends and overlaps the elastic, then machine baste across the elastic and the seam allowance ONLY at each end and at each quarter mark. This stitching is perpendicular to the waistband.
7) With the seam allowance extended and next to the feed dogs, and the elastic facing up, zigzag the elastic to the seam allowance, stretching the elastic to fit the waistband as you sew. Remove the basting.
8) Fold the ends of the waistband in half, RS together, with the finished edge folded to the wrong side so that the folded edge matches with the waistline seam; stitch across the ends, trim the seam allowances and turn the ends right side out, over the elastic.
9) Fold the waistband over the elastic, wrapping it tightly to the wrong side and pin the finished edge to the garment.
10) Vertically machine baste at regular intervals through the waistband and the elastic (I've tried skipping this step - it's not worth it! )
11) From the right side, stitch the waistband in the well of the seam; remove basting
12) Hand sew a trouser hook-and-eye to the ends of the waistband
13) Enjoy your nice, comfy, stretchy waistband the next time you go to a potluck supper.

　By: Lisa

Un-sticking Metal Zippers

Metal zips are notorious for sticking and being difficult to zip/unzip. These can be unstuck so that they slide smoothly by rubbing the metal teeth with the tip of a pencil, then sliding the toggle back and forth a couple of times. If the toggle still doesn't run smoothly the first time, just repeat the process of rubbing with the pencil tip then sliding the toggle until the zip slides smoothly ( a couple of attempts should be sufficient). Be careful not to get any of the graphite from the pencil tip onto the fabric.

11 Frugal Sewing Ideas

1) Using the slightly puffy drawer liner made by "duck tape" (Walmart-$3-$4) to put under my sewing machine & serger-pins & notions don't fall off the table and it keeps the vibration down (can also be used as a jar opener).

2) Using the plastic carrying cases for matchbox cars (walmart-$5) to store threads.

3) Using metal plumbers washers (Lowes, Home Depot) instead of pattern weights

4) using kabnet wax, a very light-weight wax paper, precut 10"x11"squares (Costco, Sams, BJ's-$4/500 sheets) as a stabilizer for embroidery and other sewing; it tears off easily and can be sprayed with adhesive spray for items that can't be hooped.

5) Using fishing lure (not tackle) boxes (Walmart, less than $5) for storing machine feet and small notions.

6) Using medium-weight vinyl (Walmart-$1.50/yd) cut into strips to wrap thread so it doesn't come off the spool.
7) Putting a small bulletin board on the wall in front of my machine table and putting a needle chart, mm to inches conversion chart on it, along with thumbtacks to hold my scissors so they don't get nicked in a drawer.

8) Buying sheets at goodwill/salvation army and using them to make pillow cases dresses for children (3-4 pillowcases from one full-size sheet)

9) Selling sewing/quilting books you no longer need on half.com (List them at $.25 less than the lowest current price).

9) Buying 100% solid cotton fabric at the $1 table at Walmart to use as backings for quilts.

10) Buying specialty threads at wholesale 5% through the fabricandnotions co-op group at yahoo.com (for example-woolly nylon is $2.90/1000 yds, pearl crown rayon is $2.00/100 yds, both about half of retail price).

11) Signing up for the fabric.com newsletter-they seem to have a % off sale at least once a month; also get free shipping as a member of the American sewing guild.

Make Patterns Stronger

Try ironing interfacing on the backside of your pattern pieces to make them stronger. You will have to put them in a plastic gallon size bag when done because they will grow in size and you wont be able to fold them and put them back in your pattern envelope. But that’s okay, keeping your patterns in large bags keep them much nicer in the long run! Happy sewing to all.

Never pivot on a V neckline

The pattern instructions are to sew down one side, pivot, and continue up the other side. Well, it will pucker, so instead take two stitches at the V for the "turn of the fabric." This will save you so much frustration in sewing the V! Which only goes to show you that you can't always rely on what the pattern company writes. I find myself changing how I sew thing and doing it completely different than what they say to do. Play with it, you might find your own way of sewing your favorite item and make it a lot easer than what they say to do!

My Prayer Request

I am so looking forward to what God is going to do for me over this year! I think good things!! I have been praying for God to guide me through what he wants me to do and he keeps opening doors for my business to start! So on February 1, I am going to my first business seminar here in Sebring. I also am sewing like crazy so I can start setting up at the craft fairs here in Highlands and maybe some of the fairs outside of my hometown. I am really looking forward to getting out there and meeting some nice people! I am praying about possible purchasing an embroidery machine here soon so I can personalize my homemade products. Last but not least, I am look to start a Mom’s night out of sewing fun! Please pray for God wisdom on when, where and the cost of starting it! Oh! Pray for God to work a miracle for me and the building I would like to purchase! I know that all things can happen through Christ who strengthens me! Thank you for all your prayers and keep praying! God Bless!!

My Dream Duilding!

My Girls Purses!

They have been begging me for months for a purse like mine and now it’s complete!!

 

Smelling a Yard

A quick way to measure an approximate yard is to hold the end of the fabric, ribbon, or trim in one hand, with your arm outstretched to the side and at shoulder height. Turn your head toward the other direction and the distance from where you're holding the item to the tip of your nose is about one yard and one meter is from the end of your outstretched arm to the opposite shoulder.

Another new purse!

This one looks so classy, with the dark blue jean on the outside and the cream jeans on the inside. I made the strap multicolor so when reversed the strap will be the same color as the purse! 2 awesome looks with one classy purse and a nice belt to go with!

Soft Strawberry Pillow (Great Valentines Day Gift)

Dancing Dog! Awesome!!

I know this has nothing to do with sewing, but I couldn't help myself! So cute!!

Sharp Corners!

It takes a little more time when sewing, but the corners will end up great.

I'll try to explain it, but it will be best if you look at the picture:

Step 1 (Blue line): Sew the seams with a regular stitch length. Don't pivot, just go off the fabric, clip, and start again to sew the other side of the angle.

Step 2 (Red line): Drop your stitch length to about 1mm. Start sewing about 1" away from the point and sew over your previous stitching. BEFORE you get to the corner, pivot the fabric, sew 2-3 stitches across the gap, and then pivot again and sew 1 more inch over the previous stitching.

Step 3 (Green line): Trim corner, but don't cut through the red stitching.

Turn, use a point presser, and press.

Taller Spools

Here is a simple way to make your thread spindles/spool pins taller. Find some heavy duty clear drinking straws and slid then right over your spindle and it will fit tight enough to stay on. It will worked great. You can cut them to the height you want. Use this idea to make any spindle taller. When needed. The straws come in different sizes, so there is a straw that will fit any spindle (I think). The clear ones are nice, but you could use any colored one if you would like.

Those are giant drinking straws!

I can’t find my purse! LOL!!

My newest creation! I just love camouflage! Not that there is anything wrong with blue jean purses, this is just more me!!

It’s Done, It‘s Done, I can‘t believe it‘s Done!!

I have really enjoyed making this CHRISTmas tree skirt! For my best friend! Lots of love!!

Pinking Sheers

Here is an easy way to cut notches on your curved seams. Once you have them sewn together, use pinking sheers to make the notches on your seem, so it will bend easer. This will save a lot of time in cutting those individual notches on sleeves and stuff!

Learn how to create perfect, no hassle buttonholes! Extra tip of the day!!

Buttonholes

Make a sample sheet of buttonholes in different sizes to save time testing to get the right size buttonhole. Use a fairly average weight fabric and stabilizer. That way you can be pretty accurate.

If you are using a computerized sewing machine that allows you to key in the size of the buttonhole you can even jot down the size in mm next to each buttonhole so then after slipping the button into the sample buttonholes you can then just dial up the right size - say 20mm and off you go!

If you are using a manual sewing machine you can also use the method above and transfer the best buttonhole size on to your test fabric.

Always do a final test buttonhole on a scrap of the current project fabric as well as the stabilizer your using to allow for different weight and weave in fabrics.

Seems to be puzzling!

To avoid confusion of RS/WS on fabrics that aren't obvious, or to avoiding turning pieces upside down, Use a fabric marker to write notes on the WS. Numbered your pieces and give each side/corner a letter to avoiding flipping them upside down as the notches are centered on straight sides. So simple ... and it will save you a significant amount of seam ripping!

Zippity doo dah, Zippity aye, My oh my what a wonderful day!!

When inserting separating zippers or mock-fly zipper fronts, you have the option of inserting the zipper and cutting off the extra length after attaching the waistband. To avoid accidentally zipping the pull-tab off, affix a safety pin across the zipper teeth. The safety-pin prevents the zipper tab from moving, allowing you to complete the garment without worrying about losing the tab.

Ya Ole Yoyo! Tip of the day!!

No cones about it!

Use the 5th thread-cone holder to store your serger tools. Store your tweezers, screwdriver, small scissors, extra serger needle, and a large-eye yarn needle to weave in thread tails all in the one place. The tools that you constantly need while serging will always be handy. It seems to me that we rarely use that last spot, sew utilize it to it’s full potential!! Just flip an old empty cone upside-down and start storing!!

18" Doll Clothes

Christmas and 5 yr old granddaughters brought me into a new sewing world of 18" doll clothes. Hence, the need for some creative adaptations for some of my sewing tools.

Here are some things I found to be very helpful:

*Mini iron
*Sleeve board
*Seam board
*small cutting mat and small rotary cutter
*embroidery scissors for trimming seams and clipping curves
*the smallest Fastube turner for shoulder straps
*a plastic ballpoint weaving needle, invaluable for threading elastic in tiny casings where a regular bodkin won't fit.

In addition, *I covered a 3/4" piece of PVC pipe with several layers of very heavy flannel. It made a great seam roll, especially useful for underarm sleeve seams.
*I used our hot rice sock for a pressing ham. I squished all of the rice tightly into the end of the sock and used rubber bands to secure it. Perfect for pressing all curved seams. The rice holds the heat and gives a good press.

Hope this helps with your doll clothes sewing endeavors!

(Posted by My Horse, on PatternReview.Com)

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." - 1 Peter 5:7

It is a happy way of soothing sorrow when we can feel--"HE careth for me." Christian! do not dishonour religion by always wearing a brow of care; come, cast your burden upon your Lord. You are staggering beneath a weight which your Father would not feel. What seems to you a crushing burden, would be to him but as the small dust of the balance. Nothing is so sweet as to

"Lie passive in God's hands,
And know no will but his."

O child of suffering, be thou patient; God has not passed thee over in his providence. He who is the feeder of sparrows, will also furnish you with what you need. Sit not down in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One who careth for you. His eye is fixed on you, his heart beats with pity for your woe, and his hand omnipotent shall yet bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if thou art one of his family, will bind up thy wounds, and heal thy broken heart. Doubt not his grace because of thy tribulation, but believe that he loveth thee as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence! With a little oil in the cruse, and a handful of meal in the barrel, Elijah outlived the famine, and you will do the same. If God cares for you, why need you care too? Can you trust him for your soul, and not for your body? He has never refused to bear your burdens, he has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul! have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.

Quick and easy pot holders :-)

Pesky Straps!

To stop dress/top straps from slipping off your shoulders, insert elastic into the straps when making your garment. Make sure you only make the elastic slightly shorter than the straps or else they will really dig in! You can used clear elastic or regular elastic. Either way it stops those pesky straps slipping off all the time and makes it easier to hide your bra straps underneath!



Sinus Infection

He all, I’m going to take the next few days off. I’m fighting a big infection and it seems to be winning! Maybe by the end of the week I’ll be feeling better! I hope everyone had a wonderful new year! God Bless!!

How to make pretty fabric flowers!