Organize Your Fabric Stash

My New Years Resolution was to clean up all the piles of fabric that I had in my studio and storage closet.  Like many of you I have a large stash of fabric and I was beginning to lose control of it.  My issues were many……. The piles were toppling over I feared the folds … Read more

Loving the Alder Shirtdress pattern by Grainline Studio

This summer I sewed the Alder Shirtdress from Grainline Studio in a soft chambray cotton with white contrast stitching.  It ended up being my favorite dress of the summer.  Now I am beginning to think of my wardrobe for a trip down south, and it was the first thing I pulled out of my closet.  … Read more

How To Sew A Blind Hem

A blind hem stitch is used a lot in home sewing projects.  It is mostly used for side and bottom hems of shades and draperies.  The blind hem can also be used to hem a skirt or pair of pants in place of hand stitching. Most sewing machines today have a blind stitch setting.  You can choose … Read more

How To Sew A Mock French Seam

The mock French seam is another easy way to create a clean finish on your seams for light to medium weight fabrics.  It encases the raw edge in the same way that a French seam does, but the sewing technique is slightly different.  The ‘mock’ french seam finish can be used on curves, unlike the traditional French seam. Step … Read more

Do I Really Need To Make a Muslin or “Toile”?

In short, yes it is a good idea!   If you are sewing a new pattern for the first time then I really would encourage you to cut the pattern in muslin first to make a toile.  This will allow you to try on the toile to check the fit before making it in fabric. Let’s … Read more