Measurable Results
Your waist size is one of the most difficult measurements to be honest about, especially if it’s over 30 inches (76 cm).
In fact, many women don’t even realize that they are “cheating” when they take this measurement.
Here’s a quick trick:
Hide the…
Garments to Make AND Wear
Throughout the years, I have developed a way to figure out what types of garments I’ll love to make and wear.
There’s a series of questions that I ask when I am evaluating my wardrobe.
The next time you think about overhauling your wardrobe…
Jump Start Your Garment Sewing
Even if you are not sewing clothes for yourself, chances are you have a stash of fabric.
Once you are exposed to the world of buying fabric, there is no going back. Fabric stores sell fantasies: dreams of beautiful garments and…
The Secret To Sequins
Be sure to allow three times longer to work on sequins than any other fabric.
Sequins are great for simple collarless jackets, tops, straight skirts or strapless dresses. Stick to simple styling. Avoid gathers, pleats and pockets.
Before you start laying out your…
Sewing With Silk Chiffon
Silk Chiffon has a mind of its own. Do not attempt to work on this fabric when you are under time pressure. You and the fabric will end up in a standoff!
Silk Chiffon is suitable for pants, loose tops, and…
Uneven Skirt Hemline
I find skirts a lot more comfortable and feminine than pants. However, certain figures have difficulty getting a skirt to hang properly causing the skirt to hike up or hang long in the center back.
To solve either one of these problems once and…
Power of Princess Seams
While we’ve all heard that you get a better fit with princess seams, few garment sewers ever take advantage of just how great the fit could be.
For example, full high hips in back or butt would be camouflaged considerably by…
60-Minute Pant Pretest
Before you make that next pair of pants, spending just an hour on a pretest will save you twice that much time ripping out seams later and will result in a pair of pants that is not only comfortable, but…
In Seam Buttonholes
by Guest Sewer, Billie Burk
Once again, I simply had to share a technique, perfected by perhaps one of my most talented students.
Her work is impeccable! She not only has the capacity to think outside of the box, but is willing to share her…
Freehand Embroidery
Freehand embroidery can make stunning accents on collars, pocket flaps, cuffs and lapels or can be used to create a very wearable jacket or vest.
Instead of a layer of batting between layers, I prefer one layer of baby-weight cotton flannel…
A Few Words on Working with Wool
My favorite wools for apparel projects are wools which drape.
Menswear wools make great skirts and trousers since they are resistant to wrinkling.
Wool crepe and wool jersey are always a good choice since almost anything you make in them is a…
Clean Finish For Zippers
The first stage in my life of sewing, between the ages of 15 – 35, was all about FAST SEWING and trying out lots of new outfits that I wanted to wear as soon as possible.
My next phase of sewing,…
