Try It! You Might Like It!

Hi Sewing Friends:

I just had to share my latest accomplishment. For me, it is a "big deal"!

I can't believe it! I've got audio on my website and I did it myself!

Who says you can't teach an "old dog" new tricks?

You have to go to my website at: http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com and check it out.
Now, you can hear me give my "spiel". I hope it makes me seem more real to you.

My granddaughter says she is proud of me! Now, how cool is that!

This "stuff" is truly amazing! I urge all of you grannies and grandpas to get on the internet and check it out.

You have no interest, you say?

Well, I'm telling you that you don't know what you are missing.

Don't be afraid of your computer. It is just a machine. Were you hesitant to use your microwave when you first got one? Or, were you slow getting into all of those other new fangled gadgets that have been invented in our generation and now we can't live without?

Get a computer and get clicking. Take a class on how to use it.

Then, check out what is available on-line for you whether it is genealogy or cooking or playing cards or crafting. Did you know that sewing lowers your blood pressure? That's better than medicine! Make a quilt or sew some pants! You'll feel good!

There are some great on-line courses for all sorts of things that you can take. You are never too old to learn. There are a lot of things out there no matter what your interest.

Challenge your mind and keep those brain cells active. Start an on-line business, like me! Share what you know and love with the world! We need to pass our knowledge on.

Have a good time playing or satisfying your soul. Keep in touch with friends and loved onesl, especially those grandchildren.

Whatever it is, just do it! It isn't that hard and you will feel really proud of yourself.

Before you know it, your family will be calling you "Gammy Geek" or "Nana Nerd", too! That's a term of endearment coming from the kids.

I just heard of one lady, 94 years old, who loves to play bridge on-line with her internet friends, plus she is taking an on-line sewing class. She says she like to keep up and look "fashionable." That's awesome! She says she loves her computer and never feels lonely anymore! There is hope for all of us!

To Your Success,

Marian

PS: Now, I know that if you don't ever go near a computer, you probably won't see this. I'm hoping that someone who cares about you will see it and get it to you somehow. Anyway, have a great day! God loves you! He gives us life! Let's live it to the fullest! Remember Phil:4:13

Where Is Your Side Seam?

Hi Sewing Friends:

I thought I would share some of the questions that I get from time to time.

What seems to be the obvious, sometimes isn't.

Let me know if any of these answers help you. Please post your comments here.

Or, if you have any questions, please ask them. We will try our best to answer.

We can all learn from each other.

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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

Where Is Your Side Seam?

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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


Where is your side seam?

That may seem like a dumb question, but it really isn't.

You may answer, "At my side, of course!"

But, "where" at your side?

Most folks believe that their side seams are halfway between their front and their back.

That's because ready-to-wear and sewing pattern companies make their products for evenly balanced bodies.

How many people do you know who are evenly balanced front to back?

Most of us have larger tummies that offset that balance. The side seam pulls to the front to accommodate the extra bulge.

Picture a pregnant gal or a beer bellied guy. If their side seams were halfway on their garments, the seams would fall in front of their legs. That's a bit extreme, but you get the picture.

Some of us have protruding derrieres. The side seam pulls to the back.

Your side seam should be in the middle of the side of your leg about where your ankle is and go straight up in a perpendicular line to the middle of your underarm.

Use a plumb line to help you identify this line on your body.

Measure your front. Measure your back. Full body measurements won't do it!

Alter your sewing patterns to accommodate your unique body.

You need more fabric where you have more bulge!

It just makes sense!


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

End of Article

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

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.

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

Follow the link now to check out her website at:

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

-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting And Sewing Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here

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

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

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

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site as 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 where you used it so we can take a look.

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: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

Feed Shark

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

Larger Hip Alterations Apply To Tops, Too!

Hi Sewing Friends:

I am altering a new shirt pattern for myself and I can't believe that I forgot to add an alteration that I know I have to do. I was interrupted while doing the changes and did not follow my own rule of "triple check" before I cut.

I always have to add more width to the right side on my shirts, etc., for my larger hip. I can't get quite enough through the seam allowances, so I will have long "splits" on the sides, wear the shirt open and walk really fast so no one will notice.

I fixed the pattern so that it won't happen the next time I use it.

That is one reason why I don't like to use new patterns very often. I spend more time altering than I do stitching it up. That is not fun!

I love to have a few basic, classic patterns that I already altered and I know they fit. I just "cut and sew" whenever I need something. I cut these patterns from a light weight non woven material and they last a very long time. That is fast and fun sewing.

Here is an article you might find interesting. Let me know if it helps you. Post your comments here. I welcome your feedback!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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

Larger Hip Alterations Apply To Tops, Too!

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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

The lower half of the body dictates a lot of what we need on the upper half. For a more successful fit, start with skirts. Get that fit and apply it to the upper half of your body.

Have you found out that you have one hip larger than the other? This is not uncommon.
You may be adding extra fabric for that larger side.

However, the larger hip fit does not stop with skirts and pants. It also applies to all of your longer tops, blouses, shirts, jackets and coats. In other words, you need to add for that larger hip on everything that comes close to your body and goes over your hips. Don't forget to do that!

A balanced alteration at both side seams for a full hip width alteration doesn't work with unbalanced hips (one larger than the other). You may be adding width to both sides (the balanced alteration) plus adding more width to accommodate the larger side (unbalanced alteration).

If you have a full tummy, or a full bust, you also need to add more to the front of your shirt than the back. A balanced alteration for full width can't help that either. Think of the "beer bellied" guy or the pregnant gal.

To have a shirt or jacket hang properly on your body, you need to know where you need more or less fabric. Find out exactly what you need and where you need it. Apply that to your sewing pattern.

It looks funny, you say? Look in the mirror! Does the altered pattern better reflect what you see in the mirror? Go with it! Accept it! And, you will see a Misfit become Miss Fit.

It just makes sense!

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

End Of Article

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

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.

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

Follow the link now to check out her website at:

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

-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting And Sewing Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

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

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

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

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site as 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 where you used it so we can take a look.

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: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

Feed Shark

Link

Sew Portable Slip Covered Custom Shoulder Pads

Hi Sewing Friends:

Are you getting back to normal yet?

I just attended a wedding and I have to tell you that I had a hard time focusing at the service.

I sat in the back of the congregation and I couldn't help noticing how many poor looking shoulders there were in that crowd. Shoulders and garments were drooping on young and old alike.

The eldest lady there looked the best. She had made an embroidered jacket for herself that was just exquisite and fit her beautifully. She had a matching handbag. How elegant!

A simple shoulder pad would have perked up a whole lot of folks. It is really amazing what that can do to a person. I know they would look younger and slimmer if they would wear some pads.

Here is my favorite shoulder pad remedy! Try it! Give your shoulders a lift!

It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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

Sew Portable Slip Covered Custom Shoulder Pads

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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

Sew Portable Slip Covered Custom Shoulder Pads

Don't get rid of your shoulder pads. Sew portable slip covered custom shoulder pads and look really smart.

Shoulder pads seem to go in and out of style, but you really ought to consider having them in all of your garments.

Check your pattern envelopes for recommended sizes of pads for garments or adjust your patterns accordingly.

You may not need or want big, thick pads, but you will most likely look better with some padding on your shoulders even if it is just a small pad to smooth out your shoulder line.

Shoulder pads really do help to balance out your hips and visually create a slimmer looking figure. We all want that!

Slipcover your shoulder pads to make them removable for easy cleaning and laundering.

Use your garment or lining fabric to make the pad slip covers for a custom quality look.

By making your pads portable or removable, you can use one set of pads for all of your garments. This is a great idea when you travel a lot.

When you stitch your shoulder pad into your garment, catch only the cover. Then you can slip the pads in and out whenever you want.

You can easily add additional padding on one side if you have one shoulder lower than the other. That really helps to level your shoulders and gives you an overall better image if you are a lopsided person.

How To Make A Shoulder Pad Slip Cover

1. Trace the outline of your shoulder pad onto a piece of tissue or pattern paper.

2. Add a 1/2" seam allowance all around the pad.

This is your pattern for the top of the pad slip cover that will be attached to the garment shoulder seam.

3. Cut one of these for each pad or 2 for each garment.

4. Make a copy of the above pattern on a separate piece of paper.

5. Draw a line through the center lengthwise.

6. Add 1" seam allowance at the line drawn through the center.

This half pattern with the additional 1" center seam allowance is the pattern for the bottom of the pad slip cover.

7. Cut 2 of these for each pad or 4 for 2 pads.

8. On the 2 half triangle shapes, turn under the straight edge 1/2" and stitch.

9. Overlap the stitched edges of the 2 half triangles(right side to wrong side) and position them over the top full pad cover.

10. Stitch a 1/2" seam around the outside edge. Press and trim to 1/4" seam. You may serge this seam if you prefer.

11. Turn right side out.

12. Attach the top of the slip cover to your garment shoulder seam.

13. Slip the shoulder pad into the cover.

Voila! Portable slip covered custom shoulder pads! How smart!

It just makes sense!

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

End Of Article

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

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.

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

Follow the link now to check out her website at:

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

-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting And Sewing Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

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

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

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

**Attn: Ezine editors / Site owners **

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine, blog, autoresponder, or on your site as 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 where you used it so we can take a look.

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: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

Feed Shark

Link

Update Your Wardrobe by Sewing Some Basics

Hi Sewing Friends:

Here is an update on the 2006 fashion trends. Update your wardrobe by sewing some basics and add an accessory or some trim to be in style. See the following article.

Hopefully, you all had a Happy Holiday Season.

I love my family, but I will be glad to get back to my own routine. I need to take off that seasonal "flab" and continue my back therapy. Progress is really slow, but coming along!

I have so much sewing and writing I want to do. I'm sure you do, too. It seems overwhelming at times. But, I find that no matter what the latest fashion trends, I can always rely on my basic "classic" styles that fit to see me through the next fashion year.

Getting your fit is the best gift you can give yourself. Start with your skirt and then your pants and build from there. You will learn a lot about your body and the fit that you need by starting with your skirt.

Good Luck to you.

Let me know how I can help!

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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

Update Your Wardrobe by Sewing Some Basics

- by Marian Lewis

©2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Update Your Wardrobe by Sewing Some Basics

Nothing is really new! It is just recycled!

Add just one thing to your basic, classic garments and you will be in style this Spring.

What is the one thing? It's bows!

Bows are back in the fashion world of 2006. They are on everything, everywhere. There are flat bows and fluffy bows, wide bows and narrow bows and everything in between bows.

At the fashion shows, bows and sashes adorned every conceivable place on a garment - top, bottom, front and back.

Just when we thought we would finally get rid of our bow blouses, they are back in style.

Along with bows you will see pleats and tucks, the 60's look, empire waists, A-line shifts and lots of ruffles and florals.

You are going to see the ladies short sleeve shirts with small matching neckties again. Remember those? And how about "safari" looks as well?

Although not very many females can wear them well, wide belts are back on the scene. Remember the ones with the big medallion in the middle? They are back!

It looks like a more romantic, feminine look is in for 2006. Ugh! That means a more defined waistline to show off hour glass figures. Whatever happened to hour glass figures? Better get going with a new diet and exercise plan fast! My sand is all shifted to the middle!

Silky and chiffon fabrics are trendy especially in those ruffly and bow blouses.

They look smart with the more fitted tailored jackets and coats including the classic trench coat.

And for skirts, it is the pencil skirt. Everyone needs a good straight skirt. Get that fit right once and for all!

Black is still big, but in more textured fabrics.

Bright red and cream are a popular color combination as well as muted blues and grays like gray and dark denim.

Dig out your platform shoes and cowboy boots. Add some lace and ball fringe to a few things and you have some of the latest trends for the new year.

As for pants, it looks like slightly flared knee length cuffed shorts will be big. They are longer than Bermudas, but shorter than Capris. Be careful if this is not your best length or look.
Make your pants the length that is most flattering for your figure.

Stitch up a pair of khaki pants and a red top for yourself. And, don't forget the bows! How about a flat bow at the neckline? That will do it!

Get your fit in the 6 basic pieces every woman needs:

1. Jacket
2. Skirt
3. Pants
4. White Blouse/Shirt
5. Basic Black Dress
6. Basic Shell

Focus on these sewing patterns until you are happy with the results. Use them over and over in different fabrics and colors that look good on you.

Add accessories to suit your style and you are all set no matter what the fashion trends are.

It just makes sense!

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

End Of Article

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

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.

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

Follow the link now to check out her website at:

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

-=-=-=-=

Discover Fitting And Sewing Secrets To Achieve Sewing Success

Click Here =>

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

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

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

**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 where you used it so we can take a look.

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: sewing, sewing tips, sewing techniques, sewing projects, how to sew, sew

Feed Shark

Link