I sew my clothes. I love to quilt. But mostly I sew my clothes. This is a journal of my work.

Make a difference in the world by sharing your talents - a list of charities in need of sewing and quilting and fabric donations.

Inside: Sewing a straight line is so much harder than it looks. Here are the best tips for how to sew straight lines, including how to improve your sewing technique and tools to help you along faster. When I sat down to sew in my high school home economics class, I thought sewing straight lines was easy. Seriously, how

Get a free PDF quilt pattern! The Duval Star quilt pattern (previously named Reverse Star) uses fat quarters!

These are some great sewing projects that you should always strive to have in your sewing shop. These crafts have a history of being wonderfully popular

V neck blouses can look like a hot mess if you don't take care when sewing them. Here's my quick tips for to sew a perfect v neck every time!

Some quilters use starch to stiffen their fabric before cutting. Others argue it is an unnecessary extra step. It’s a debate you’ll likely encounter if you spend a lot of time around quilters… We’re not going to tell you which way is best, but we are going to share the arguments for both sides in this post. Let us know

Make a robe from a vintage sheet - DIY sewing tutorial

I’ve been sewing/quilting for a few years now but when it came to binding…I made my own…the hard way…without bias tape makers. When I saw the MadamSew Bias Tape Maker Kit makers would be…but the “Quilting Awl” was the one item in the kit that REALLY intrigued me. So, I made it my mission to find out what else this neat looking tool could do.

After finishing Version 1 of the Colette Moneta, I was totally in love with the dress except for one thing. I had a major case of armhole gape. This is not an uncommon problem for me. Armhole gape tends to afflict more cylindrical figures - meaning, narrow shoulders/ribcage but a fuller bust. If I gave my dress to another person that had the same bust measurement, but a wider ribcage and smaller bust [imagine a more oval cross-section than a round one], it might fit them perfectly. It is just a simple fact that different pattern brands fit various physiques differently. One of the joys of sewing is learning how to adapt them to fit your specific body shape. So what can we do about armhole gape? When working with wovens, it's not really a biggie at all. You can pinch out the excess at the armscye, then transfer it to a bust dart as detailed in this tutorial. After searching online, however, I couldn't really find much info about how to fix armhole gape without involving any darts, i.e., on knits. While I could have added a side dart, I really wanted to do it without. So below is a tutorial for how I got rid of my armhole gape without adding a dart. I'm sure there are multiple ways to do this. I'm not sure if this way is 'textbook' [probably not], or at all the best way to do it, but it's what my brain came up with. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions that are less convoluted, more logical or even just prettier, I'd love to hear in the comments! First, let's talk about the fit. Here's a picture of the finished dress again, without the text: You can see that there is a lot of extra fabric around the front of the armscye. [I failed to take a picture of the back, but the back fit very well.] The first thing to do is the pinch out the extra fabric at the front of the armscye. It will naturally want to form a little dart there. Pin that dart in place. My center neckline was also gaping in the front, so I pinched and pinned that a little as well. Ah! Already so much better. Now mark the pin placement with a marker and unpin. I'd highly recommend tracing your front bodice pattern piece off to do the alterations. It takes about a minute, and if you end up making a mistake or want to start over later, you'll thank yourself. You can get rolls of tracing paper at art supply stores. Using the pin marker dots, trace the dart onto your pattern piece. Remember to account for seam allowances when lining things up, and use your ruler to make the lines nice and straight. Now, draw a line from the apex of the dart to the bottom center front corner. Cut out your dart. Now cut along the line almost all the way to, but not through, the end. You want to leave a little uncut so you have a tiny hinge of paper: Now move the pattern hinges to overlap slightly so that the end of the dart at the armscye line up. Tape in place. [I know this is a little weird because ideally, you'd line up the dart legs, but we shall not worry about it now and will address it later.] Tape some paper under the armscye. Use a curved ruler to redraw the line smoothed out, averaging the jagged edges. Trim. Trace the original bodice pattern again, but don't cut it out yet. Place your altered pattern piece on top and line up the side seams. Trace around the armscye, shoulder and neckline. [For some reason my red sharpie was bleeding into the tracing paper like nobody's business. Please excuse.] Use your ruler and draw a new center front line from the end of your new neckline to the original bottom center front. Now, by this point we have decreased the ease across the bust - a little when we overlapped the dart legs, and a little just now when we redrew the center front line. I definitely did not want to do that, as it was quite fitted there already. So to add the ease back in, redraw the side seam. You can put the paper over the original pattern piece to see the width there to help you see about how much to add back in. Almost there. Now we just have to deal with the bottom edge. Use a ruler to draw a pencil line that is square [90 degrees] to the new center front line. Use a curved ruler to blend a new bottom line from the side seam to the squared line. Now cut out your new pattern piece [make sure you follow the new lines!] and label it. At this point to account for the neckline gape, I drew another new center front line that took some from the neckline edge and blended back to the original line down at the bottom. I didn't seem to get a picture, but it's pretty simple! You can see pictures of the dress finished with updated armscyes here. I hope this was clear enough and helped you out a little! A few things to note: - If you make version 2 and 3, remember that you must also alter the sleeve piece to reflect the changes you made the the front bodice. I haven't done that yet so as of now no tutorial [I'll update this post if I do one.] -If you change the neckline, you'll have to also change the collar piece to match. Again I'd love to hear any other suggestions, ideas or ways to do it differently [or better!], so please, comment away!

After finishing Version 1 of the Colette Moneta, I was totally in love with the dress except for one thing. I had a major case of armhole gape. This is not an uncommon problem for me. Armhole gape ten

We always love to find free patterns and tutorials and when they are different and original then that is just the best! This one is a real winner - so handy

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An attractive hostess tote. Fill with your favorite recipe, ingredients and kitchen gadgets, or add a favorite bottle of wine, bread and cheese and voila! You have an ideal celebratory gift! This tote requires two coordinating cotton fabrics. A new version uses double faced quilted fabric and bias trim. Follow Nancy’s tips for sewing! ↓ Get the Tutorial ♥ Just Arrived - Today's Newest Fabric Collections! Holiday Projects The Elsie K. Baglet Pattern from StudioKat Designs ✁ DIYFluffies - Stuff

Here is how to make a quilt that folds into a quilt. This simple process makes your quilt into a pillow by day and a blanket at night.

I have been playing with my Serger lately. So far I have altered some clothing and made a blanket with stretchy fabric. There were many clo...

I have a really fun tutorial for you today but I just have one order of business before I begin. Remember when I showed you my sad, sad living room? Well voting is happening right now so if you can hop on over and vote for #69 (yours truly) I'd love you forever. Just click on the star below #69 and that's it. You can vote once a day. Thanks for your votes in advance! Today I show you how to make single seam cuffed pajama pants. Y'all, these are so easy and you can make them in any size or style you want. You will not find an easier pants tutorial. Most pants you see will have an inseam and and outer seam that runs down the sides of the pants. One seam pants have just an inner seam which means less work, more comfort. This one seam technique is perfect for comfy pj's and lounge pants. You can make these in any size, adult to kids, and once you have your pattern it takes less than 30 minutes to put it together. Great for gifts for the upcoming holidays. {Yikes! Did I just say it was almost Christmas!?!} I also wanted to highlight The Ribbon Retreats Licensed Fabric and how great it is for boys. What little man doesn't imagine himself as Batman or Superman? The fabric is awesome enough for boys to want to wear and it gives us an excuse to craft for the guys in our life because let's face it, crafting for them can be so hard! There is also licensed fabric for girls too so be sure to check it out. Let's get started! Supplies: - Main Fabric, Batman Blue Logo - Coordinating Fabric, Batman Black Brick - 1 inch elastic - Thread - Pants Pattern (see below) Step 1: Create your pattern. Lay a pair of pants onto craft paper. I buy my paper at the dollar store but you can also use the back of wrapping paper. Trace your pants by adding half an inch to the sides. Add about an inch and a half to the top and 1-2 inches to the hem. You'll see that I made the waist and the hem line as straight as possible. You can make adjustments according to how your starter pants fit your child. I wanted my pants to be looser than the jeans I measured from so I added a little room. For the cuff you will mark 1-2 inches above the original hem. Now you have two pattern pieces - a pant leg and a cuff. Step 2: Cut out your pieces. Lay your pant pattern on the fold of your main fabric. Cut 2. For the cuff, fold your coordinating fabric horizontally and then once over vertically (see photo below). Lay your pattern piece on top, lining it up where the folds are and cut 2. You should now have a total of 4 pieces. Step 3: Lay the pants right side together and stitch the sections indicated in the picture. {Don't let the different fabric throw you off. I just forgot to take a picture of this step in the Batman fabric. Sorry.} Step 4: Keeping right sides together open the pants up and stitch the entire curve of the inseam. If you don't want a cuff to your pants you're basically done. After this step you would just need to add an elastic casing and hem the bottom. If you're wanting a cuff, read on... Step 5: Prepare the cuff. Sew the short sides of the cuff together, right sides together. Fold the cuff in half with the seam on the inside. Attach the cuff to the outside of the pant (while they are still inside out) and stitch. When you attach the cuff this way the raw or serged edge will be on the outside of the pant. When you roll up the cuff you won't see it at all. I like it this way because it creates a smoother inside and is more comfortable but if you'd rather the edge be on the inside of the pant than you would just attach in the same way with the pants right side out. Step 6: Create a casing for the elastic. Fold over the waistband and stitch, leaving about a one inch opening. Pull your elastic through and stitch it together. Sew the opening closed. I find that the best way to sew the elastic together is to lay one piece on top of the other and stitch together. Step 7: {Optional} The cuff should stay nicely when you flip it up but if you wish you can tack it in place with a few hand stitches on the side. I didn't do this to mine. See how easy they are to make? You'll have a dozen done before you know it. If you make these jams I'd love to see a picture! {This tutorial was originally posted at The Ribbon Retreat be sure to stop by and check out their awesome blog and shop.}

I love all of the dresses. It doesn’t matter what material you will use. Knitted, quilted, cotton and fabric. I just love all of the dresses. I buy most of them. I buy less but I should buy more! And writing this tutorial made me remember how simple they are to sew. This V Neck […]

The gift giving season is fast approaching, so Kate wanted to make a project that she could give to her friends. Kate loves to draw, so we designed a fabric case that will hold colored […]

Learn how to make a cute pincushion with a pocket. A free pincushion sewing pattern. Plus a mini churn dash quilt block quilt pattern.

Step 2 Choose one rectangle to start with. Turn ONE long edge under 1/4 inch. Press to set the fold, then open it back up. You won't be stitching this down yet, but the piece is so small that it will be almost impossible to measure and press this fold after you sew so we're

Fabric origami pockets- quick and easy gift bag ideas.

Learn how to sew by taking things one step at a time. You'll find everything you need in this article for sewing newbies.

Welcome to Sew Fearless! This post is part of the “Stretch Yourself” Series hosted by Mad Mim and One Little Minute. The topic today is STRETCH LACE and I get to have the pleasure of jo…

My Stars! - Four years in the making and it is finally finished.

View details for the project Wrap Top 03/2012 on BurdaStyle.

How to sew a curved hem? Well it depends! I've made a few videos explaining different techniques for sewing around curves.

How to sew a sling for a broken arm....not a sewing tutorial I planned to write, but hopefully it helps to make healing more fun and comfortable!

Perfectly designed for those low-cut shirts, this pattern lets you create a stylish illusion of layering without adding bulk. This expertly-crafted guide walks you through each step, ensuring a flawless result. Choose your preferred fabric to match your outfit or create a contrasting pop of color. The detailed instructions and tips guarantee a seamless sewing experience. Empower yourself to feel confident and comfortable in any neckline with the Cleavage Cover – another innovative solution brought to you by our favorite bloggers' years of sewing passion and knowledge.

A great list of over 50 sewing tutorials, with many different sewing projects, tips and techniques. Many of these sewing tutorials include video lessons.

Learn how to make a muslin before sewing a garment to test for fit and construction of a sewing pattern.

What is a scant 1/4" seam allowance? Knowing how to sew a scant seam will help with the accuracy of all of your quilt piecing.

Never make the mistake of forgetting these 4 important things to include when you gift a quilt! You'll be so glad that you did #4!!

How to Sew a Flatlock Stitch on your Serger or Overlocker - Flatlock Hem with Serger - Melly Sews

Every month or so I like to share a blog post about things in blog-land that make me ooh and aaah. Today is one of those blog posts. Maybe you should grab a cuppa? Once you follow these links you might be here for a while. Actually, first cab off the rank today in something YUMMY that you make in a coffee mug, so maybe you should make this first and bring your sweetie and a spoon back to the computer to continue?? Good idea huh? This is going to be dessert for Mr E and I tonight... The 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake! (from Petra at Zoom Yummy HERE) Have you made it? Ok! While you're lickin' that spoon of chocolate lusciousness, let's continue on. I have this old suitcase in my garage, hiding on top of the spare fridge Blossom's fridge... (I just tried to lift it off the fridge for a pic but it's heavy, which means there is something inside - this could be where the missing scrapbook paper is hiding!! \o/ Will get Mr E to bring it inside for me. ) Anyhow, I saw this HERE at Vanessa's blog, "A Place To Roost"... ...and boy did my brain cells go into overdrive!! I think I will be working on my suitcase project over spring, or sooner. ;-) I love houses, kooky, wonky houses (you're not surprised, huh?), and then I saw this HERE on Leslie's blog, "Bed Sheet in the Kitchen"... ....and apart from this too cute house quilt of hers, I just LOVE the name of her blog! Moving right along, my next ooh aah moment was this gorgeous tutorial from Jennie over at Clover & Violet! She did the free pattern for this Bedside Trio HERE on the Sew Lux blog as part of a design challenge... Definitely have this on my to-do list! Have you made a patchwork braid? I made my first one last month as part of a Bell Pull design that will be published later this year in Australian Country Craft magazine... (sorry, can't show you any more than this!) I figured it out as I went along, and the effect was so nice that I have a few more ideas I'll use in the future. BUT, if you haven't made one, you must visit Amanda from A Crafty Fox and check out THIS sweetly braided cushion tutorial she shared! Wouldn't a few of these be a perfect use for leftover jelly roll or honey bun strips? Helen at Bustle & Sew always has such cute designs, but this one caught my eye because I used to slurp these icy poles as a kid (and as a not-so-kid )... Why don't you enjoy the memories of summers past and download Helen's free pattern HERE?! And finally, this is not a pattern or a tutorial, just a gorgeous photo (and idea!) from Rachel Ashwell... My linen cupboard really needs a tidy up, and as I looked at this photo of Rachel's linen cupboard I got terribly inspired to make it a priority next week. If you want more shabby eye candy visit Rachel's blog HERE. Put a cloth across your keyboard. Drooling is inevitable. Have a lovely weekend. We are. Hugs jenny xxx (mmm...I like that little 'j'...)

Ok, so you’re all in on this whole “sew my own stuff” thing that all the cool kids are doing, right? You get a machine, or maybe your mother-in-law offered you her old one because it’s been collecting dust since the late 50’s. You head to the store to pick up some fabric, thread and – “what the heck are all of these needles”!

A couple of days ago, I clicked through to a tutorial about all-in-one facings on Crafterhours. Although I knew how I line a bodice, I'm always interested in how other people do things. And it turns out we do it differently! After a very pleasant exchange of emails and ideas, I was encouraged to share my way of doing it so here we go... By fully lining a bodice, not only is it a neater finish and a way of hiding your seams but it's possible to encorporate it a fully reversible dress. Personally, I find it quicker than facings or bindings. This method of works if your back piece has a centre seam that makes it two pieces (so you can put in a zipper or a slit or a button placket). If you have a single front and back piece, this is not the way for you... You will have a front bodice and two back bodice pieces, and identical pieces cut out of your lining. Sew the shoulder seams like so: Repeat for lining pieces. Right sides facing, place the shell bodice on top of the lining bodice, match up all the edges and pin in place. Sew them together along the neck curve and armhole curve. In this picture, I am making a slit with a button so I've also sewn partially down the centre back seam. Don't do this if you're not making a slit! Clip into the seam allowances around the neck and arm curves so they can be pressed flatter. Push each side of the bodice right side out through the front bottom hole. Manipulate with your fingers so all seams lie flat and corners are sharp. Press into position with the iron. Bring one of your back pieces down onto the front piece, matching up the four raw edges from the armpit down to where the bodice ends. It should be a sandwich of shell, lining, lining, shell. Right sides facing, pinch the two bottom corners of lining together, leaving the two shell pieces hanging loose (I've flipped a shell piece up so you can see better). Pull the shell corners up (rigth sides facing) and pin along both raw edges, up and over the seam line where the fabric changes (pic on right below). Right sides facing, you have now pinned together lining to lining, shell to shell. Stitch along this edge. While you are stitching, pull and manipulate the fabric so it is a straight line. Clip into seam allowance where the two fabrics meet, and then flip it open again and your side seam is created. Press in place. Repeat this process for the other side seams of the bodice, and you will have this: If you're doing a slit and button closure (as I am in these pictures), repeat the same process as you did to the side seams to the centre back seam.You're done! Now you have a nice and neat fully lined bodice. Pin It Tweet

I absolutely love dresses... and I love the sundress series at Melly Sews (and, just to add to the list of loves, I adore Melissa- did you guys know she was my roomie at SNAP? Love that girl)! I'm so excited to share this Seaside Stripes dress tutorial as part of the sundress series goodness!

Teaching Kids to Sew: Intro to the Sewing Machine | via makeit-loveit.com