YouCanMakeThis.com - Instant Download! Free Shipping Wildly Wonderful Wearables

Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Sew An Easy Shawl For An Elegant Gift In Less Than 30 Minutes!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Even if you know very little about sewing, you can make quick and easy, elegant shawls in less than 30 minutes.

Whether for a dressy occasion or to ward off the chill from your shoulders in a restaurant, you will want to sew several of these shawls for yourself and to give as gifts to young and old alike.

They are attractive and so popular now.

Make this triangular shawl from a square of fabric.

Here are five methods that you may use to make your shawl.

Supplies:

Fabric:

1-1/2yards of 54" fabric
or
1-2/3 yards of 60" fabric.

Trim:

Trim the shawl with purchased fringe or beaded trim.

You will need:

3 yards of trim or fringe for the 54" square
or
3-1/3 yards of trim for a 60" square.

Construction:

Square the ends of your fabric.



Method 1

Trim the shawl with fringe.

Stitch fringe along 2 sides of the shawl 1/2" from the edge on the right side of the fabric. Make sure the ends of the fringe are towards the inside of the shawl.

To make the shawl:

  • Fold the square into a triangle with the right sides together.
  • Pin and stitch through the same stitching that attached the fringe to the fabric.
  • Leave an opening 3" to 4" along one edge.
  • Turn the shawl right side out through the opening.
  • Press well.
  • Slip stitch the opening.


Method 2


Finish with topstitching and no trim.

  • Fold the square into a triangle with the right sides together.
  • Stitch a 1/2" seam on the two sides of the shawl leaving an opening 3" to 4" along one edge.
  • Turn the shawl to the right side through the 3" opening.
  • Press well.
  • Slipstitch the opening closed.
  • Topstitch 3/8" from the two outer seamed edges.


Method 3


Outside stitched purchased trim

  • Stitch and turn the shawl as above.
  • Press well.
  • Topstitch purchased trim on the two outer seamed edges.

Method 4

Bias ruffle trim

  • Make a bias ruffle doubled the finished width desired plus 1" for two 1/2" seam allowances.
  • Cut the length double the length you need. (6 yards long for a 54" shawl or 6-2/3yards long for a 60" shawl)
  • For a 3" wide finished ruffle, cut bias 7" wide.
  • Fold in half.
  • Baste stitch raw edges together 1/2" from the edges.
  • Pull up gathers to fit the shawl.
  • Stitch the ruffle to two edges of the shawl.
  • Sew on the ruffle the same as the fringe in Method 1.


Method 5


Make your own hand knotted fringe on a finished shawl.

  • Use embroidery floss or yarn.
  • Cut strands 9" long to make 4" long finished fringe.
  • Fold strands in half.
  • With a crochet hook, push a hole in about 1/2" from the edge of the finished shawl.
  • Pull the 4 folds of yarn or floss through the fabric to the right side forming a loop.
  • Then, bring the 8 ends through the loop.
  • Pull them away from the fabric until the loop lies flat.
  • Place loops close to each other all across the fabric.
  • Trim the cut ends of the fringe evenly.

Wear with loops showing.


To wear your shawl:

Wear your shawl with two ends tied on the inside at your waistline in the back. It creates the look of a shrug and will always stay in place.

Give gifts hand made with love!

These shawls are quick, easy, inexpensive and very much appreciated by everyone!

Sew some shawls for loved ones, friends and you favorite charity, too.

It just makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=



See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark
Link
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Questions

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Hi Sewing Friends:

We have more questions coming in and that is just great! Keep 'em coming!

As promised, we will try our best to answer them as quickly as possible and publish them so that everyone can benefit.

Several questions ask about lining a skirt.

I have some really great information coming out very soon on that very topic. Please be patient and keep your eyes peeled for "It Doesn't Look Homemade" Sewing Techniques.

Of course, lining a skirt is a natural follow-up to my "Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants."

Watch for an announcement via email and here in my blog.

Please give me your feedback if you find the information in my blog useful.

Let me know if it makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing SuccessFor information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Are You Sure You Know Where You Are Stitching?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Are you sure you know where you are stitching when you sew?

Are you really sewing 5/8" seams or is it slightly more or less?

If you are following the markings on your sewing machine throat plate, I hate to tell you, but they aren't 5/8", etc.

The toes of your regular presser foot are not a good guide for 1/4" seams either. Check them out and you will see that they are generally more than 1/4".

There is one exception to this that I know of and that is the "little foot" that was made especially for quilters to do 1/4" wide straight stitching only.

Machines don't usually come with this foot. It is a special order narrow toed foot.

The markings on sewing machines are in centimeters. Why is your machine marked in centimeters? Because they are not manufactured in the United States. They are made overseas and they use the metric system.

Our sewing patterns and instructions are in inches.

To have sewing success, we must stitch accurately.

We need help to identify where the stitches should be.

We cannot "eyeball" it and we shouldn't use the centimeter markings if you are stitching in inches.

I know that a lot of you believe you are stitching correctly. But, I would like you to double check to make sure.

Here is a simple way to do that.

Drop your needle down and measure out to the markings on your sewing machine with an accurate tape measure. Close is not the answer. Exact is.

I highly recommend that you mark your machines so that you have a clear guide to stitch accurately.

I place a tape stitching guide on my machine. You can use any kind of tape you like for this.

Some tapes already have ruled markings on them. Or, you can mark your own. I cut a piece of tape about 2-1/2" long. The width of the tape I use is about 3/4" wide.

I place the top end of the tape straight out from the needle with the long edge of the tape 1/2" away from the needle. The tape extends down about 2" in front of the presser foot and it is still 1/2" from the needle.

Yes, I have to lift up the end of the tape to get into my bobbin, but that's OK. I would rather stitch accurately and save myself a lot of headaches later when things won't line up.

Then, I mark the tape at 5/8" for my seams. I make a mark at 1" also since I use that often.

Sometimes, I use a different color pen for each marking to distinguish one from the other.

The tape guide should be 2" in front of the presser foot so that you can start guiding your fabric along your stitching mark long before a stitch is made by the needle.

By the time the fabric gets to the needle, it is too late. You need to be guiding the fabric accurately long before it reaches the needle.

Watch the fabric along the tape. Don't watch the needle!

With a tape stitching guide, you will see a great improvement in the accuracy of your stitching.

Other Helpful Tips

Usually, I use the "little foot" for 1/4" seams.

When I need to sew 3/8" seams, I place tape or mark 3/8" directly on my machine to stitch necklines and curved areas.

Of course, I have previously trimmed the pattern to have only a 3/8"' seam at a neckline.

You will have much more control on curves if you use short stitches and a 3/8" seam allowance at your neckline edges.

Remember to prepare your patterns by trimming off 1/4" and leaving 3/8" before you cut out your garment. Make a note to yourself until you get into the habit of stitching necklines at 3/8" instead of 5/8".

I use the edge of the tape placed at 1/2" from the needle for staystitching.

If I'm making a 3" or 4" hem in something, I will mark the bed of my machine to help me keep it straight.

Don't be afraid to use tape stitching guides on your machine to help you stitch accurately.

It just makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Link
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Sew Weighted Pant Legs

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Hi Sewing Friends:

I promised to post answers to your sewing questions here so everyone could benefit.

I will do my best to fulfill that promise.

Here is a question from Susan:

"Is there such a thing as miniature weights that you can sew into the bottom of your pants so I won't always step on my pants with my heel when I wear mules or slingbacks? Or, do you have any suggestions on how to not have pants get caught under my foot when I walk? Please help. I am in fashion and feel I need to look put together and this always irks me! Thank you. "

Susan:

Thanks for your question. This has never come up before, even though I believe it is a problem for many other gals, too.

This falls into the same category with my "50 Cent Tip"that I hope you got when you subscribed to "Sewing Success News".

I have weighted many garments in my time to keep them hanging just right.

I've used a myriad of things in little cloth bags attached (usually hand stitched, but some times safety pinned) to a hem or seam somewhere to do the trick.

Most of the time, I used coins of one denomination or another for the job since I found drapery weights not always the best for garments. Or, maybe they just weren't handy when I needed them or they weren't the right weight.

Coins are varied weights and sizes. They are always handy. Sometimes I use 2 or more in one bag if I need it.

I have also used fishing weights of various sizes, ball bearings, chains, old necklaces, even lead shot and anything else I could find.

In some cases, I added trim to an edge to hold it down.

Unfortunately, most of the above ideas would probably not work well at the bottom of a pant leg.

Maybe Worth A Shot, But Could Be Dangerous

However, I might be inclined to try stitching something very small like ball bearings or tiny fishing weights into a lightweight cloth bag and handstitching that to the hem of the pants.

I would sew the top and bottom of the bag to the pants hem so that it is not dangling free.

I would place a bag just off center on either side of the pant crease on the back pant leg.

Of course, this would have to be removed before dry cleaning or laundering the pants. That could be a pain!

Another thing to consider is that the metal at the bottom of a pant leg might also wear through the fabric bag rather quickly because of rubbing against the shoe.

You could lose your bearings and that could be a real disaster!

What I Might Try First

And so, I think I will suggest that you try stitching one or two layers of 1" wide grosgrain ribbon to the back hem allowance from inner seam to outer side seam to add weight to the back hem only on already finished pants or ready-to-wear pants.

Grosgrain ribbon has more body than regular ribbon.

If you use more than one layer of ribbon, fuse the layers together before stitching and sew as one layer.

If your pant hem is more narrow than 1", try using a more narrow ribbon.

You can still set the crease in your pant leg.

If your pant hem is slightly curved or dipped in the back, press the ribbon into a curve by stretching one outer edge as you press with steam. Let it dry and then apply it to your hem.

The ribbon does not have to be removed when you clean or launder your pants.

Try using a matching color if possible.

Hand stitch the ribbon to the hem allowance being very careful that the ribbon does not show at the bottom of the hem.

But, if you want it to show, I would use a decorative braid or ribbon.

That might be very cool when you cross your legs to have a decorative trim inside your pant leg. Maybe we could start a new fad!

Another Practical Thought

I might also recommend that if you are sewing your own pants, that you interface the hem front and back.

A fusible knit interfacing would work well for this. If you use a woven interfacing, cut it on the bias.

Apply the interfacing to the hem allowance plus extend it up into the garment pant leg about 1/2". So, if you have an 1-1/2" hem, you would cut the interfacing 2" wide.

Apply a second layer of interfacing to the back leg only. Try that!

If you need more, then apply the grosgrain ribbon to the hem on the back pant leg.

I am going to try it on my next pair of pants! Let me know how it works for you

What My Common Sense Tells Me

But, after all of this, I have to say that my common sense tells me that the only answer to this question when you are wearing the flip floppy shoes, is to have the back pant length end at the bottom of your foot and not go over the shoe.

In other words, I believe you have a shoe problem, not a pants problem.

It seems to me that when the pants are longer than the foot in the back and the floppy shoe goes down when you walk, then, the longer pant leg is bound to be caught under the foot when the shoe flips back up.

So, if the fabric of the pant leg isn't there to go under the foot, it won't get caught.

The front pant leg hem would still stop a the top of your foot in the front.

Try hemming your pants to this length and check it out for looks and functionality
It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

An Added Note On Pant Hems You Might Want To Try

When I make my pants, I make a slanted hem. . .1/2" shorter in the front than in the back.

The front hem touches the top of my shoe. The back hem goes down over the heel of my shoe.

Of course, you can't do this with a slim leg pant and flip floppy shoes may still catch the hem when you walk. I don't have floppy shoes. The shoe companies don't make them long and narrow enough me.

The length of my dress pants is determined by the height of heel that I normally wear for dress. The higher the heel, the longer the pants are.

For wider leg pants, I want the front hem to touch the top of my shoe.

I let that spot determine my pant length and add a hem allowance (usually 1-1/2") to my pattern.
Some people like the pants to break in the front. I think a smoother line from top to bottom is a lot neater and more slimming.

I cut the front pant leg 1/4" longer at the side and inner leg seams and taper it up to my already determined pant length at the center front crease line.

In the back, I add 1/2" at the center back crease line length and 1/4"to the side and inner leg seam lengths. Again, taper gradually from one to the other.

Now, I have a 1/2" difference between the front and back pant leg in length.

I love the elegance of this look. Try it!

An Extra Tip When Changing Hem Lengths

If you are changing hem lengths in already made or ready-to-wear pants and need to set or remove pressed in hem lines, try brushing or spritzing a little white vinegar on the line and steam pressing well. You can dilute it with a little water if you like.

This will remove or set a crease, clear out your sinuses and you won't smell like a salad!

Test the vinegar on a seam allowance first to be sure it won't cause a problem.

I use it all the time on just about every fabric. Make sure you don't have a color change especially with a bright color like hot pink.

Good Luck! Let me know if this helps! Post your feedback, any comments or other suggestions that you might have here.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

End Of Article

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

PS: If you enjoyed this article or have a comment, please do so here on my Sewing Blog.

Actually, you can check out most of my articles here. You might find something that interests you. I welcome your feedback :-)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, ask them here or at:

=> http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/questionburning.html

I'll do my best to answer them for you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her mini-course ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

Marian is also the author of many articles and other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting, "It Doesn't LOOK Homemade"Sewing Techniques.

Copy and paste the link now to check out her website at:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing SuccessFor information on the mini-course ebook:

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

For information on the mini-course ebook:

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

Copy and paste the link:

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks!Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

=> http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/affiliate.html

See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark






Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants.

In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Please let me know if your use this article. I'd like to take a look.

Affiliate details are available here:

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Sew Some Christmas Tree Napkins, Name Tags And Ornaments

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Sew Some Christmas Tree Napkins, Name Tags and Ornaments!
A Quick And Easy Gift Even If You Don't Sew!

Make Christmas tree napkins to give as gifts to family and friends at holiday time.
Stitch up a set for yourself, too! They are quick, easy and fun to make.

You only need a little fabric and time. The trick is in the folding and pressing to make the napkin look like a Christmas Tree.

Napkins can be either single or double layer of fabric. They can be any size you want them to be. The example I am using here is a 14-1/2"

Use some pretty Christmas prints or some unusual decorative fabrics.

One year, I used a lacey fabric and rolled the edges with a gold metallic thread. Then, I hung them on my tree. It really looked pretty.

You really don't have to sew these napkins if you don't want to. You can use decorative edge craft scissors to cut the fabric and not finish it with sewing at all.

You can even use paper napkins if you like. Have fun with this idea.

Less than a yard of 45" wide fabric makes 6 napkins single layer or 3 double layer.
1-5/8 yards makes a dozen single layer napkins.

Preshrink all fabrics.

I also like to spray starch my fabric before I cut and serge or satin stitch the edges of my napkins.

Cut Napkins into 14-1/2" circles.

To make a paper pattern, draw a circle 14-1/2" in diameter.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Here is how to make a compass to draw your pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Tie a string or ribbon to a pencil.

Measure the string back from the pencil 7-1/4".

Put a pin in the string/ribbon at that point.
(7-1/4" is the radius or 1/2 of the diameter of the 14-1/2" circle.)

This is your compass to help you draw your circle.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Here is how to draw your pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Place some tracing paper down and put the pin in the center.

Now, extending the string, and using the pencil, draw a circle out all around the pin 7-/4"away.
This creates a 14-1/2" circle for your napkin pattern.

Label it and keep it for future napkins.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Single Layer Napkins

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Serge finish with the right side up on your serger.

I like to use the rolled edge finish on most of my napkins. It depends on the fabric.

Feed the circle of fabric to the knife slowly letting the knife shave off a little of the fabric.

Slightly overlap the beginning stitches about 2 inches.

Seal the end with "Fray Check". Let dry. Trim off the thread tails.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Double Layer Napkins

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Place 2 circles wrong sides together.

Make sure one circle's straight grain matches the other circle's bias grain.

This will minimize flared edges.

You can also apply slight differential feed to eliminate flared edges.

Or you might want to baste the two layers together to help hold them while you finish the edges.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Serge Finish Edges With A Serger

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A rolled edge works well on light to medium weight single layer napkins.

A rolled edge may not work on the double layer fabrics or heavier fabrics. Test it first.

Try using a narrow satin balanced stitch instead.

Note: If you get the "Pokies", try wrapping the napkin bias edges in Solvy (a water soluble stabilizer) and then serge. Wash the Solvy away when finished.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Conventional Machine Satin Stitch Finish

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

If you don't have a serger, you can use your conventional sewing machine.

Finish the edges with a satin stitch sewing in from the edge using a stabilizer such as water soluble Solvy.

You may want to spray starch the napkins again before stitching. It might help.

You can apply "Fray Check" to the outside of the stitching when you are finished to seal the edges.

Let it dry and then trim off any excess fabric.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Fold and press the napkin into a Christmas Tree Shape.

Here are the folding instructions.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1. Fold the napkin in half and press well. We will call this fold the center fold.

2. Fold again into quarters and press lightly. This is a temporary crease that we will use as a guide to establish the fold we actually want.

3. Open back up to the 1/2 fold again and measure 1-1/4" above the temporary quarter foldline.
4. Fold the napkin "back" along the 1-1/4" new line (the one above the quarter fold) and press well. We will call this fold, Fold A.

5. Now you have a fold at the top, (Fold A) and the lower part of the center fold to your right.

6. The upper part of the center fold that you just turned down, we will call Fold B.

7. Take the top Fold A and bring it over to meet the center fold edge to your right and press in place.

8. Now bring the upper portion of the original center fold (Fold B) over on top of Fold A and to the lower portion of the center fold edge and press again.

Maybe these drawings will help.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=




Voila! There you have a Christmas Tree.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Decorate your trees

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Add a bow, jingle bell, decorative Christmas button or whatever at the top of the tree if desired.

Embroider each family member's name on his/her napkin.

Use decorative stitches, paint or decorate your tree napkins any way you like.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

More Ideas For Smaller Trees

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Consider making smaller circles into trees, add a ribbon loop at the top and use them to decorate packages or to hang on your Christmas Tree as ornaments.

Use up lots of that stash! It is easy!

Or, how about letting the kids cut some circles from paper napkins and have them decorate their trees with crayons, stickers like stars, glitter glue, etc.

They could give them to family members, classmates, teachers, etc., use them on packages, hang them on the big tree, or use them as place cards at the dining table.

Be creative. You are the designer. Have fun making your tree napkins!

It just makes sense!

Happy Holidays!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above. Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Link
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Friday, November 04, 2005

Sew Your Waistband Backwards! It Just Makes Sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

My common sense mind causes me to wonder about certain waistbands.

Why do so many waistbands have elastic only in the back and a straight band in the front?

I think the answer to that question is that the marketing people want garments to look good on the hangers in the stores. They don't really care if they fit us. They only care that we buy them.

Think about that!

Now think about how many people you know who have flat tummies.

For so many women, (and yes, you guys, too) especially older seniors, these flat front garments are simply not practical and certainly not attractive.

With our flat behinds and round tummies, the back poufs out at the back waist and droops below our bottoms and the front pulls up and is tight across our bulging bellies.

This creates all sorts of ugly wrinkles and makes us look heavier than we actually are. It is uncomfortable, too.

Even little tykes have this type of band in many of their garments. They have the same problem with their baby bellies.

And, the young flat ab crowd would NEVER wear these garments.

Who are they for?

Who do they fit?

Who thought of this band anyway? It really doesn't work for a whole lot of folks.

It just makes sense to me that we need to reverse the band and fullness to have the back band straight and the front elasticized.

Or, as I suggested to my dear mother-in-law and lots of other lady friends, just wear your pants backwards. It is amazing how well that works. No one really knows the difference on a plain pair of pants or a skirt.

However, it is a challenge and looks a little weird if you try to put your hands into your pockets on a ready-to-wear garment.

Now, just visualize that!

Oh well, then, the only way to solve the problem is to sew your pants and skirts yourself.

You have my permission to change the sewing patterns to suit your body. It really is OK.

Always remember that YOU are the designer. You can do this!

When you make your basic pants or skirt, make the back smaller and the front wider.

Doesn't that make sense?

You have the bulging belly and thighs in the front. Right?

That means more fabric in the front.

You have a flat droopy bottom in the back. Right?

That means less fabric in the back.

You cannot have an evenly distributed garment on an unevenly distributed body.

It just doesn't work!

Stitch skinny back darts. If you are flat, you don't need fat darts.

Make a flat band in the back to eliminate that pouffed look at the waistline.

You might want to take off a little at the back inner leg seam to bring in the seat a bit closer to your body. Less bottom requires less fabric.

And, you might want to add a little height at the top of the center front tummy to give you more length to go over your belly. More belly requires more fabric.

That might still add up to the same crotch length front to back as the original pattern, but the fabric would be where you need it and not where you don't.

Make an elastic band in the front with no darts to spread the ease all across the belly. It is more comfy, too. It can grow with you when you eat or swell up at the end of the day.

Aha! That leaves room for dessert!

Of course, you might not have to change anything in the pattern if the pants work when you put them on backwards. Just relabel the pattern pieces and sew the pockets to the old back (new
front). Who is going to know?

Try it! You just might like it!

It just makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above. Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program

See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Link
Finally, A Show About Garment Sewing! Sandra Betzina is the Best!

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Sew Bouquets of Cabbage Roses

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis – All Rights Reserved

First Step To Sewing Success

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Cabbage Roses Are Blooming Everywhere! Sew Some Up Fast And Easy!

Have you noticed all the fabric flowers adorning garments these days?

They are everywhere on everything.

Fabric flowers can be very expensive to buy.

But, you can make your own with just some scraps of fabric and a little time.

Here is a simple technique to make cabbage roses in minutes.

I like two sizes of roses. The smaller one requires bias cut fabric 3" wide x 15" long.

The larger rose is 5" wide x 27" long.

Try a sample of each to see what you like. Of course, you can make them any width or length. Experiment. Remember that the weight of the fabric makes a difference.

Just know that the length and width of the piece of true bias fabric needed depends on the size that you want the rose to be when finished.

Fold the width in half with the right sides out and wrong sides together. Do not press.

Make tiny slits along the raw edges of the double bias fabric. This will prevent the bias from curling when you stitch and wrap it into a rose.

A side note: This is a good trick to know to keep bias from twisting in other areas of your sewing.

Either machine or hand baste 1/4" from the raw edges matching slits on the edges as you sew.

Pull the baste stitching to gather up the fabric slightly.

Tuck in one of the raw edge ends. That will be the center of the rose.

Now, roll or wrap the gathered fabric around itself loosely.

When it is all wrapped, pull the other end down under the rose to hide it and tuck it in. Pin in place.

With a single thread run through beeswax, take hand stitches back and forth across the bottom of the rose to hold all the layers together nicely and secure the loose end.

On the outside, turn the folded edges back a little to look like a flower.

NOTE: The more you gather the thread, the flatter the flower. Looser gathers make the flower stand up more. You have to experiment with the gathers to get the look you want.

Remember, no pressing required.

Now you want to make your rose look finished on the back.

Press some fusible interfacing to a scrap of matching rose fabric. Draw a circle about the size of the bottom of the base of your flower.

Cut out the circle. The interfacing will keep it from fraying.

Hand stitch the circle to the bottom of your rose to cover all the raw edges.

You can attach a pin back to the bottom or sew the rose directly to your garment. I prefer a pin back so I can easily remove the rose and use it for other garments, hats, scarves, etc.

I've seen these roses embellishing a wedding gown that was absolutely stunning.

You might even try making some roses from men's old neckties. Necktie fabric is already cut bias.

Save the interfacing from the ties to make new ties.

To keep your roses looking fresh and to keep from being crushed, put small roses in Leggs hosiery plastic eggs.

For larger roses, make a ring out of cardboard from an old file folder or cereal box. Place it around the rose and tape it to the right size for the rose.

Use your roses on your lapel, in your hair, to hold a scarf, decorate a hat, embellish any garment or on a special gift instead of a bow.

How about some cabbage roses on decorative pillows or your evening bags or put them on your curtain tie-backs.

I've even seen them on a ribbon wrapped around some towels in the bathroom!

Use your imagination! You are the designer!

They are quick to make as gifts.

Sew bouquets of fun!

It just makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor, author and creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks who want great fitting skirts and pants. In her ebook, she teaches step-by-step common sense techniques how to find out WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

"Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants"

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

Feel free to substitute your affiliate link in place of our link in the resource box.

Affiliate details are available here:

"1st Step To Sewing Success" Affiliate Program
See more about sewing

Keywords: , , , , ,

Feed Shark


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Link
Google
Web 1ststeptosewingsuccess.blogspot.com