Decorative Stitching
Make your clothes stand out in a crowd by creating fabulous looks with decorative stitching!
Ron Collins and Sandra Betzina show sewers some great stitches that will create a customized look for your jackets, shirts and blouses.
Students please Sign In to watch the full-length…
Circle Skirt
In this episode, Sandra welcomes Cheryl Kuczek, owner of Paradiso Designs in Seattle.
Cheryl gives you a step- by-step demonstration on how to make a circle skirt that will fit any body type. This great skirt has absolutely no side seams and…
Sewing Tip 54
To maintain the integrity of a style, shorten or lengthen the pattern before you cut it out of fabric. This eliminates chopping off extra length from the hemline, which compromises the style.
Look to your own wardrobe for flattering lengths for…
V-Neckline Insert
In this episode, Sandra & Ron demonstrate how to create a great-looking V -Neckline insert. You will learn to master those angles and create beautiful finished edges.
Sandra also shares some great techniques about creating interesting textures on fabrics that can be used on collars, lapels…
Sewing Tip 52
Sewing exact 5/8 inch seam allowances is mandatory on the shoulders of the bodice and the facings.
If this is not done, the collar and neckline simply do not fit right.
Happy Sewing!
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…
Sewing Tip 51
Using sharp scissors saves time because I’m not struggling to cut through my fabric.
If you don’t own a good, sharp pair of scissors, you probably get very frustrated every time that you cut patterns from fashion fabric.
You should treat yourself…
Warm Weather Sewing Ideas
In Marcy Tilton’s latest Newsletter, Marcy shares some sewing ideas for Sandra’s latest patterns Vogue 1234 - Dress and Vogue 1243 – Jacket.
Marcy also provides some great advice on how to pick out the right striped fabric for your body type. Enjoy!
…Serger Techniques
Now that you know how to use and maintain your serger, it’s time for the next step.
Watch as Sandra and Ron show you a few serger techinques that will give your garments a couture finish!
Students please Sign In to watch the full-length…
Sewing Tip 50
Some sergers have “cover hem” capability. This is a great hem for knits because it is so flexible.
Use it in place of double-needle topstitching. A cover stitch hem eliminates the need for a fusible web and twin needle stitching.
Want to learn how…
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…
Sewing Tip 49
Sew your seams with a tiny zigzag stitch rather than a straight stitch if your fabric is a knit or another material that you think will relax after it’s sewn (like wool jersey or rayon crepe).
This will put a slight…
