Facelift!
You may have noticed that things look a little different around here... after months and months of alternating between hard work and procrastination, I finally have the new version fo the site up! Huzzah! Why the new site? For one, I can never leave my websites alone for very long before I have to start picking at them and editing and deciding I need a whole new layout. But I also realized that Wordpress simplifies so many things about running a website. Especially one like this. I'm always learning new things and wanting to share that information, so a blog format ...
no-sew embellishing: bleach!
Bleaching is a really fast and easy way to embellish a piece of clothing. Jeans, t-shirts, etc. [gallery link="file" columns="4"] They make these nifty bleach pens, but you can also use regular liquid bleach OR that sink/countertop gel cleaner. Just make sure it says it has bleach! When I'm using liquid bleach, I like to dilute it with water... I put full-strength ...
Fabric.com coupons… again!
Those evil fabric pushers at Fabric.com are at it again! Here I was, minding my own business, when I found myself buying MORE fabric! I just can't contain myself, I guess. In my own defense, part of my order was for making high efficiency curtains for our house (tutorial to come!), which will save us money in the long run. That's not so bad, right? I was able to further excuse my behavior by using one of their fabulously evil coupons... 30% off ain't nothing to sneeze at! In case you're like me, and you order fabric every time the sun rises, I've ...
Must-Have Tools of the Trade
When you first start a particular craft, it can be hard to know what tools you'll really need. And no idea what some things even are! Here are some handy tools I can't live without. [caption id="attachment_710" align="aligncenter" width="531" caption="Figure 1 - General sewing, cutting, pattern making related tools"][/caption] Figure 1 - General sewing, cutting, pattern making related tools Ruler - Jumbo sized is best, and a clear one is extra handy so you can see what's going on underneath Patterns - buy a few basic patterns: an a-line skirt, a t-shirt, a pair of pants. You can use these to practice with, and ...
This Sewing Machine Kills Knits + Stretch Fabrics!
If you're using a standard sewing machine and trying to reconstruct t-shirts or sewing on knit fabrics, you'll want to use a zig-zag or stretch stitch. The zig-zag allows the stitch to stretch with the fabric, so it doesn't break when you try to get your newly reconstructed t-shirt on or off. [caption id="attachment_680" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="serged edge"][/caption] If you plan to be sewing a lot with stretch and knit fabrics, you might want to consider investing in a serger (sometimes called an overlock machine). A serger is a special sewing machine that uses 3, 4, or 5 threads. It trims off the ...
Tutorials
technique tutorial: serger thread tails
You can’t backstitch with a serger, so you might be left wondering what to...
Serger Tips
Sewing first vs. serging first There is some argument about this in the sewing community,...
how to resize a t-shirt
This is a pretty straight-forward reconstruction. If you’re looking for something...
Twin needles = mock coverstitch
Take a look at the hem of most t-shirts and you’ll see what’s called...
Sewing 101: lingerie stitch
For things like stretch lace, where you’ll often be sewing it on top of the...
Read More Posts From This CategoryFeatures + Articles
Copyright Quiz
Test your Copyright savvy with the Copyright Quiz! If you haven’t read the...
Quickie Guide to Copyright Law
There are two subjects that make most brains explode: accounting and law. But for...
What’s a serger?
A serger is a specialized sewing machine. Sometimes it’s called an overlock...
How to: Pricing!
One of the most frequent questions I hear from new crafty sellers is “How much...
So You Wanna Be an Indie Fashion Designer – Part 1
Starting from Scratch So you want to be a fashion designer, but you don’t even...
Read More Posts From This Categorywhat else is new?
Facelift!
You may have noticed that things look a little different around here… after months and months of alternating between hard work and procrastination, I finally have the new version fo the site up! Huzzah! Why the new site? For one, I can never leave my websites alone for very long before I have to start picking at them and editing and deciding I... [Read more of this review]
So You Wanna Be An Indie Fashion Designer – Part 2
In the Beginning So you think you’ve got the skill down, and you’re ready to start selling? Fantastic. But not so fast, my friend. There are a few things to consider first. Buy Handmade v-neck shirt by phippsart Find a Niche Before you can start making cash, you need to know what you’re going to sell and who you plan on selling it... [Read more of this review]
Vend at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair!
Applications are now online for 2009 Detroit Urban Craft Fair! The 4th annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009 at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit. Hosted by Handmade Detroit, applications for the juried show are now available on the DUCF web site. The deadline to apply is September 11, 2009. The... [Read more of this review]
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