Sewing by hand? Not everyone has access to a sewing machine or knows how to sew. Here are 3 of the most important hand sewing stitches to know.
Hand stitching is an essential sewing skill every sewer should possess and master. This basic sewing skill is still very useful to many advanced projects.
"Every child who sews with a will should have a wee birdie to help with his bill."I have long been fascinated with some of the clever inventions of the past, the sewing bird being one of them. The sewing bird, also known as a sewing clamp, hemming clamp, or third hand, was used in the 18th and early 19th centuries to attach one end of a piece of cloth firmly to a table to enable the seamstress to hold her sewing taut with one hand while stitching with the other.(Image Source) Commonly used in the Victorian home, this third hand clamps to a table while the beak holds the fabric to be sewn. Depressing the tail releases the beak enabling the fabric to be repositioned or removed. Before the invention of the sewing machine, clothing, sheets, and other household items were sewn by hand, this handy little clamp was often used for hemming. (Reproduction Sewing Bird for sale at Victorian Trading Company) Early clamps can be traced to the late 17th century. The "sewing bird" came into fashion early in the 18th century. Invented in the Georgian period in England, it was the first device that allowed the material to be moved without having to loosen the clamp. Many were made for the travel trade and were used for advertisements. Most were made of polished and turned wood or iron. Victorian clamps were made of brass, iron, steel and painted wood. (Image Source) In America the first sewing birds were called "grippers." Not used widely until mid-19th century, they became popular as a luxury item, which a young man would present to his intended bride months before the wedding. These were made in many varieties; birds with or without a pin cushion, on a spindle or not, deer, dogs, fish, frogs, snakes, dolphins, cherubs and people. Small thread winders, spool holders, netting hooks and rug braiders were also common. (Antique Sewing Bird) After the invention of the sewing machine the need for grippers was diminished but they were still manufactured as novelties. The Singer Sewing Machine Company produced a few as late as 1980. These original inexpensive novelties of yesteryear are expensive antique collectibles today. (Reproduction Sewing Birds sold at My Secret Shelf) I have seen these marvels in antique stores but don't actually own one, however, I had a need for making my own version of a "sewing bird". I found myself frustrated at always have to run to my sewing basket while crafting when I needed a handy pin, needle, or thread. I began my solution with a faded pale blue feed sack, an old cork/metal bottle stopper, and a vintage iron receipt holder found at a flea market... I sketched a little bird body, tail, and wings onto the feed sack with a Mark-B-Gone marker adding detail lines to the body, tail, and wings, which I then stitched over in brown embroidery floss... After the pieces were stitched together and stuffed, I removed the marker lines with a damp cloth and then used Fabri-tac to attach the tail and wings... I used a strong glue (E-6000) to glue the bottle stopper to the bottom of a small purchased twig and moss nest... And then I glued the bird into the nest, tacking the wings to the sides of the nest... I slipped spools of thread onto the receipt holder and pushed the cork bottle stopper down onto the sharp tip of the holder, then filling my sewing birds nest with needful supplies, like a mini scissor tucked under one wing (These were a gift from my sweet friend Pam and they are so sturdy and cut so well)... A large needle and thimble under the other wing... Pins and needles perch on the back of the bird... A little surprise pocket in the tail conceals a needle threader (I hate to admit that my eyes are just not what they used to the and I actually need one of these now!)... Here is my new sewing bird sitting on the worktable and all ready for service with no more running to the sewing basket! (For more great sewing ideas visit http://topreveal.com/diy-sewing-craft-ideas) They say that necessity is the mother of invention. I truly believe that and I am very happy with how my little version of a handy and helpful "sewing bird" turned out. "Sew", if you could create a needful invention to solve one of your problems, what would it be? ""Blessings, Miss Sandy
Sewing by hand? Not everyone has access to a sewing machine or knows how to sew. Here are 3 of the most important hand sewing stitches to know.
I get so excited when I find a hand accessory. I love the fingerless gloves and the mitt-like hand accessories. Not sure what they are calle...
Embroidered coat by Alabama chanin Hand-embroidered swing coat in 100% cotton jersey. Couching embroidery adds a beautiful texture and sculptural quality.
Some times those tiny details really make the look! This quick and easy picot shell edge is made on your sewing machine with the blind hem stitch. I saw this adorable picot edge on Pinterest and I had to duplicate it. I think the original was on the edge of a peter-pan style collar, but […]
Is hand sewing buttons by yourself hard? No! This article provides step-by-step instructions for how to sew a button on your shirt or clothes.
Transforms Socks Into Warmers: When I saw these beige - gray speckled socks I knew I had to have them. They are kids' size but that was exactly what I needed for this project. This is a simple tutorial how to transform socks into wrist-warmers. You need a pair of socks.
I get so excited when I find a hand accessory. I love the fingerless gloves and the mitt-like hand accessories. Not sure what they are calle...
Sew Can You.
Judging from the amount of hooded robes à la Polonaise you can see in portraits and fashion plates they were quite popular in their time. I think it's a cute style, kind of a crossover between a dress and an overgarment, so I wanted to give it a try. It's made of striped silk taffeta with linen and silk lining and trimmed with silk gauze. It's hand sewn with linen thread. It closes with hooks and eyes. I'm wearing it over a shift, stays, a false rump, two linen petticoats, silk stockings, silk shoes and accessories, all hand sewn by me. Snow and -14℃ aren't the best conditions to photograph a dress, but today was the first day off I've had in months without snow or rain falling from the sky, so we took few quick photos before running back inside. Construction: I was mainly inspired by these three drawings. Gallerie des Modes, 1778 Carmontelle, Madame la marquise du Dreneux Vigée Le Brun, Standing Woman Holding a Sheet of Music, 1772 A lot of the basic construction I owe to the the research Kendra and Brooke have made over the past years. I drafter the pattern myself using my riding habit and late 18th century jacket patterns as a guide. I sewed it together by first back stitching the two silk layers and one linen lining layer and then folding the seam allowance under from the other lining piece and whip stitching it over the seam. Back has only one layer of silk and linen. Front has two separate layers and both are stitched to the side back seams and are joined together also on the neck edge and armhole. The outer front pieces are lined with silk to prevent the stripes of the inner bodice from showing through. The joined neck edge on the finished dress. I set the sleeves the same way I usually do. All four fabric layers together under arm and sleeve head sandwiched between shoulder strap an it's lining. To loop up the skirt, the tapes running over side back seams continue unstitched from where the seam ends to be tied up on the inside. Close-up All the trim is roll hemmed and pleated in place.
Our Charlotte skirts are fast approaching the finish line, folks! Today we'll be showing you how to attach the waistband flawlessly, and finishing the flap fastening. If you need to catch up, look at the previous Charlotte skirt sewalong posts. Ok guys, let's get to it. Step 1: With right sides together, fold your wais
How to do a ladder stitch (also know as an invisible stitch or hidden stitch) step by step video tutorial. This tutorial is perfect for beginners!
Almost a shame to unravel these skeins of one-off handspuns, and knit them into garments; I sigh with appreciation each time I wind one off. Of course the acknowledgement of the wonder of the material is part of the process, so is the loopiness that creeps in when working long hours solely.
There's a lot of sewing stitches being used in the sewing craft nowadays, and here are the basics we'd like you to get familiar with!
I made myself a Victorian bicycle sweater out of 100 % wool knit fabric and there was enough to make a matching beret, too!
