For the HomeFebruary 6, 2011April 25, 2011

Sweet little finger mitts

Since it’s just about Valentine’s Day, I thought it was the perfect time to feature this sweet fabric with hearts. Then I ran into a problem: Since most home sewers are probably women, what in the world would you make a man with this fabric that he would actually want or use? It is a little, well, feminine. So I thought you could make yourself some sweet little mitts to use when you bake something sweet for your truest sweetie. I’ve been wanting some finger mitts to use to remove hot dishes from the microwave. I wanted something that’s not…

AccessoriesJanuary 29, 2011April 25, 2011

Custom e-reader case

OK, so who didn’t get a Kindle for Christmas? I think pretty much everyone I know did. Unfortunately, you can’t just toss it in your bag and go, or the screen will get all banged up. I admit, I ran out and bought a case, and then I thought, “FOOL! You can sew. You have an obligation to make your own.” And so I did. And you can, too! I added a pleated front pocket to hold your charging cord. This was an important feature to me because it’s nice to always have the power cord handy in case your…

Seam tutorialsJanuary 8, 2011August 10, 2013

How to do a French seam

French seams are a way to have a garment that’s lovely inside and out. The basic idea is to encase the raw edge of the seam allowance. It’s not hard, and it adds a really nice touch. It’s especially nice on a sheer fabric where you can see the seam from the outside. I initially used a piece of silk for this demo, but after viewing the photos, I realized it was a bit hard to see what I’m talking about. So I redid the tutorial with a piece of sheer fabric I dug out of my stash. I have…

For the HomeDecember 26, 2010

Soft and squishy doggie bed

I don’t have a dog. Truth be told, I was looking for an excuse to make something out of this cute doggie fabric. I paired the dog fabric with some polka dots and houndstooth (houndstooth, get it!?). It’s an easy project and can save you tons over buying a bed at the store. This one will find a home with my niece-doggie Lipcee, but I had no opportunity to show her in action, or lack of action, while using it.

Baby & KidsDecember 18, 2010April 25, 2011

Plastic bag dispenser

I don’t really know how to tell this story delicately. Suffice it to say that my son has started producing diapers that could make a diaper pail wilt. Diapers that need to leave the house immediately. I needed a way to keep plastic grocery bags handy for those particular diapers without the room looking sloppy or the bags posing a risk to my wee son. I whipped up one of those simple plastic bag holders. It’s really, really easy, but I thought I’d show you all anyway. I used fabrics that I already had on hand from when I made…

AccessoriesOctober 30, 2010April 25, 2011

Velvety triangle handbag tutorial

This velvety-flocked fabric is perfect for fall and the casual style of this handbag is big enough to lug lots of stuff around. This purse is fully lined and has a magnetic snap closure.

For the HomeOctober 23, 2010April 25, 2011

Pintuck sachet tutorial

Pintucks are deceptively simple, and they are a great way to make a plain piece of fabric into something detailed and fancy. Make the pintucks before you cut out your pattern pieces. The method I’ll show you is how to make them using a specialized pintuck presser foot. You can also make them by creating and stitching folds into the fabric, which has a different look. As I did this technique tutorial, I realized I wanted to make something with the pretty pintuck pieces, so I stitched them into simple lavender drawer sachets.

AccessoriesOctober 2, 2010January 31, 2015

Reversible tie-top handbag tutorial

This cute handbag has a strap that’s actually just two separate straps tied together at the top. It’s also fully reversible. No matter which way you have it, it will have a pocket inside and a pocket outside. The tab snap works from either direction. It’s an easy bag to make, so give it a try!

Techniques & TipsSeptember 25, 2010April 25, 2011

Shirring sure is simple!

You’ve seen those cute sundresses with the stretchy tops right? They are really simple to make. The process is called shirring. Often, it’s mistakenly called “smocking,” but smocking is a very old form of embroidery that creates a stretchy, pleated effect without using elastic. Shirring uses elastic and a sewing machine to create a stretchy, gathered fabric. It’s deceptively easy to do. The only special tool you need is elastic thread, which is easy to find and comes on a spool.

For the HomeSeptember 18, 2010September 18, 2010

Boxy chair cushion

Doesn’t your tushy deserve a little cushy? Chair cushions can get rather pricey when you multiply them times all the chairs at your table. Well, lucky you. You can sew, and it’s not hard to make your own. All you need is fabric and foam! I’ll show you how to make one style that you can customize to your own chairs.