Sewing Granddaughter Earns Money In College

Sewing

Hi Sewing Friends:

WOW! Who would ever believe that teaching my granddaughter to sew when she was a little girl would actually help her earn money in college?

It's true! Bev's workstudy program at college is sewing costumes for the college theater group. And since, she is the only one in the group with any sewing machine experience, the professor put her in charge of the group. She also loves the theater. So, she can't beat the combination of the theater, sewing and money.

They are getting ready to do a play and sewing all the costumes is a lot of work, but Bev seems to be enjoying her skill and the admiration she gets from her fellow classmates. And, as she says, it is fun to make money doing something she likes.

Bev always enjoyed quilting and craft sewing more when she was young. I know that sewing clothing is really a challenge for her. She hasn't had a lot of experience in that department.

We met for dinner last night; we talked about sewing among other things and I really had a great time with her. Later, she emailed some photos of what sewing projects she has finished so far. Quite impressive! Of course, I am her grandmother, and I taught her to sew, but it really was quite impressive. She did admit to breaking six needles. She is still learning, but what better way to learn than by doing it.

We should all learn a lesson from that. If you really want to do something, just start doing it. Expertise comes from the experience. If you want to learn how to sew, start sewing. There are a lot of good instructions for you out there.

Try it! You might like it! Teach someone else to sew. It's fun to share! And, there is no greater reward than when you share it with your grandchildren.

Share the art of sewing! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

PS: Have you heard that more young people are taking an interest in sewing since the TV show, "Project Runway" came on the scene? How cool is that?


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Sewing Tips - Get Sewing Ideas From Vintage Movie Films

Sewing Tips Vintage Movie Films

Hi Sewing Friends:

I love watching the old movies. . .you remember the ones where you don't have to be embarrassed if your kids or grandkids are in the room. . . no swear words or bedroom scenes.

I was watching an old movie when I thought that this was a great way to get ideas for sewing aprons.

There are some really cute apron styles in those old vintage films. They take me back to the "good old days". They are fairly simple and easy to copy. Remember the old organdy, frilly tea aprons?

One of my friends asked me where I get the old movies online. If you are interested, I get a lot of old movies from ezmovies.com

I also use old movies to get costume ideas for my grandkids. I just pause it and copy it. I've copied costumes from "The Three Musketeers" and "Pirates of the Carribbean", "Beauty and The Beast", "The Wizard of Oz", "Gone With The Wind" and many others.

I don't have to go searching at the library or Blockbuster. I just search online and get what I want right away. It's easy and fun.

Enjoy the movies! It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

Sewing Tips Vintage Movie Films

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Sewing Tips - Conquer the Twisting, Rolling Elastic Waist Band

Sewing Tips

Hi Sewing Friends:

Here is a really quick and easy sewing tip for you that will solve a lot of elastic waist band problems.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Tips - Conquer the Twisting, Rolling Elastic Waist Band

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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Don't you just hate those elasticized waistbands that roll over and twist all the time? Does the fullness slide around where you don't want or need it?

Do you find yourself avoiding those garments because you don't want to spend so much time untwisting the elastic?

Whether the garment is ready-to-wear or it was one of your sewing projects, you can conquer the twisting, rolling waist band once and for all in just a few minutes with very little effort.

When an elasticized garment waist line casing slides around, it often creates a stetched look over your tummy and too many gathers or fullness in the rear. This is an unflattering look and exactly why so many women hate elasticized skirts and pants.

Use this sewing technique to solve the problem once and for all.

1. Stretch the elasticized portion of the garment crosswise until it is flat with no fullness.

2. Place a pin at the waistline, through the fabric and the elastic at the center front, center back and each of the side seams.

3. Stitch in the 4 seams where you pinned through all the layers. This stitching holds each quarter of the garment so that it will always have the same amount of fullness and it also keeps the elastic from rolling and twisting.

Now, if you have a fuller tummy and flatter rear, move some of the garment fullness toward the front and have less in the back before you pin and stitch. That gives you more fabric where you need it and holds it there.

This sewing technique works on dresses with elasticized waists and the bottom of elasticized sleeves, too. Don't forget to use it on the kids clothes. It will save a lot of time and frustation.

Enjoy the comfort of elastic, grow with you when you go out to dinner, waist bands and always look and feel so smart.

It just makes sense!

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

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

Save time and get good sewing info. Just sign up for my Free "Sewing Success Newsletter" to be delivered to your email inbox on a regular basis.

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

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

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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.

Check out her website at 1st Step To Sewing Success.

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing SuccessCheck out the mini-course ebooks:

"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"

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

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Please let us know if you use the article and where you put it so we can take a look. Thanks!

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More Than 25 Ways To Look Taller And Slimmer

Hi Friends:

Everyone wants to change the way they look. Most things we can't really change, but there are a number of things that we can do to look our best. Lots of my students over the years have this question: "What can I do to look taller and slimmer?"

No one ever asks, "What can I do to look shorter and fatter?", but often what some people wear does exactly that. Their clothing makes them look shorter and fatter.

Take a look at some ideas to look taller and slimmer.

To Your Sewing and Fitting Success,

Marian

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Sewing Tips - More Than 25 Ways To Look Taller And Slimmer

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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No one ever asks, "What can I do to look shorter and fatter?", but often what some people wear does exactly that. Their clothing makes them look shorter and fatter.

So, you want suggestions on how to look taller and slimmer without going on a diet? Here are more than 25 ways that will visually add inches to your height and take away inches from your width.

It seems to be a fact of life that short people envy tall people and tall people envy short people. We are never happy with what we are. I am tall. I always felt short people had the advantage over the tall ones. They could go out with any height guy. They can wear the highest heels and still not tower everyone. And, in the corporate world, short gals are not as threatening to the short male bosses as a tall one. Ask me how I know.

Short people have fabric to cut off their sleeves or pant legs so that they fit. Tall people can't add ruffles or whatever to extend the arms or legs. Tall people look like they outgrew their clothes or they are wearing their baby sister's outfit with the waistline in the middle of their back instead of at the waist.

It's true that if you are short, you may need to alter your ready-to-wear clothes to fit, but if you are tall, that isn't even an option. The fabric simply isn't there. How many "tall" departments do you see in the stores for women? Most of my sweaters come from the "men's" section. Many of you shorter gals can find something in the "petite" or "junior" departments. So, if you are short, it seems you have more selection.

If you are short and want to look taller and slimmer, here are more than 25 ways to visually accomplish that goal and you don't have to wear 4 inch high heels.

Whether you sew or buy ready-to-wear, look for these features in garments to help you look your best:

1. V-necklines
2. Vertical seaming (the more vertical seams, the better)
3. Buttons from neck to hem
4. Long, full-length details
5. Long necklaces
6. Narrow slim skirts
7. Flared skirts, with the flare at the center
8. Knife-pleated skirts at center front
9. Long skirts
10. Hose and shoes to match the bottom clothes
11. Beltless waistlines or matching belts
12. Lengthwise narrow stripes
13. Narrow vertical tucks and stripes
14. Narrow-legged straight pants (not real tapered or you will look like a barrel)
15. Long oblong scarves
16. Vertical buttonhole pockets
17. A little longer hair worn with more pouf on top to add height
18. Slim-fitted coats
19. Bound jacket edges in a contrasting color
20. Long, slim sleeves
21. Lots of pleats
22. Skirts with many seams
23. Fine, smooth fabrics
24. Soft fabrics in place of crisp or bulky ones
25. Use smaller size accessories, handbags, etc. in proportion to your body

As you can see, you want to stress vertical lines to draw the eye up and down and stretch out your figure. Avoid horizontal lines that will only make you look shorter and wider.

Some horizontal lines are not as obvious. Check in your mirror. For instance, if you wear short sleeves and have a large bust, do not have the sleeves end in line with your bust line. That creates a horizontal line and makes you look shorter and wider. Roll the sleeves up a little and recheck the mirror. Doesn't that make a difference?

Don't have your long sleeves end at the bottom of your shirt. Shorten or roll them up to three quarter sleeves. Get the idea?

Don't have your shirts, tops or jackets end right at the widest part of your hips. Above your hip line is better for shorter people. If you wear them below the hip line, you may look like the top is dragging you down.

Sewing Tips - Sew tops with vertical slits in the front or at the sides to divide and lengthen the figure. Add vertical slits to skirts and pant legs, too. Add some vertical slits to your ready-to-wear garments.

Avoid horizontal stripes, yokes, full sleeves, square necks, horizontal pockets, huge handbags, etc. no matter what the fashion trend is. And, don't wear shoes with ankle straps that cut off your legs and make them look shorter.

Be glad you are who you are and enjoy life. Learn to sew to fit your unique figure. Get a few classic, basic patterns worked out in your favorite garments and sew them over and over in different fabrics. Sewing is the solution. Whether you are tall or short, you can look your best.

It just makes sense!

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

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

Save time and get good sewing info. Just sign up for my Free "Sewing Success Newsletter" to be delivered to your email inbox on a regular basis.

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

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

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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.

Check out her website at 1st Step To Sewing Success.

Discover Fitting And Sewing SecretsTo Achieve Sewing Success

Check out the mini-course ebooks:

"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"

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"

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**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



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Sewing Tips: Sew An Apron To Give As A Gift

Sewing Tips Sewing Aprons

Hi Sewing Friends:

Do you ever wonder what to give someone who invites you to dinner? Well, you might stitch up an apron, especially if they are really into cooking. Or, maybe you would like one for yourself.

Holidays are especially nice times to give the host/hostess cook an apron as a gift. And, they are back in style for both male and female cooks these days!

An apron is a simple sewing project that you can sew in a short time. There are so many ideas out there.

Why not use some of your vintage tablecloths or pillowcases or old hankies to make a unique apron for your favorite cook. Years ago, hankie aprons were very popular.

You don't really need a sewing pattern. You can make a half-apron very easily. It doesn't have to have a bib to be a nice apron that someone will truly appreciate.

You can embroider a monogram or favorite hobby design on them or use a holiday themed fabric to make it even more simple. You can add different style pockets if you like.

Kids love them, too. They are great cover-ups for those messy craft projects, too.

Design your own or look for sewing patterns, but keep it simple. If you want more apron ideas or how to's, let me know. Sewing aprons is a lot of fun.

My Mom and I made an awful lot of aprons when I was a kid and I sold them door to door when my Dad was on strike from the coal mines in Pennsylvania. It was a source of income to us.

I remember a lot about aprons. I still like them. They bring back a lot of fond memories for me and serve a useful purpose besides allowing someone who sews a really cool creative outlet.

Have fun sewing aprons. It just makes sense!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

Sewing Tips Sewing Aprons

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Halloween Pajama Party

Halloween Pajama Party

Hi Sewing Friends:

Well, here is a new one for you. Have you ever heard of a Halloween Pajama Party?

My young grandson thought that one up. He wants to invite some of his friends over for a sleep over around Halloween and wants them to wear Halloween pajamas. He saw some Halloween print pajama bottoms and tee shirts at the local Target store and thought they were really "cool".

Of course, you could sew some up really quick as one of your Halloween sewing projects, but they are available in ready-to-wear if you are interested. Or, you could use sheets and pillow cases to make nightshirt "ghosts", etc.

Buy or sew the tee shirts and pajamas larger than you actually need them to be. Tie string or ribbon around the bottom of the legs and stuff the tee shirt and pants full of crumpled newspapers to fill out the body and legs. My grandson said this was his "ugly clown" outfit.

The best part about the pajama idea is that the kids can wear them as pajamas anytime and they have room to grow and wear them longer. Great idea!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

PS: What are some of your ideas? Share your Halloween sewing projects here.

Halloween Pajama Party

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Halloween Costumes Make Great Christmas Gifts For Kids

Halloween Costumes = Christmas Gifts

Hi Sewing Friends:

Are the kids getting excited about Halloween? Are you frantically sewing to get costumes together in time for the big day or party? You don't have to know how to sew very well to make the kids happy.

Just remember while you are sewing or purchasing ready-to-wear Halloween costumes that they make terrific gifts for kids for Christmas or birthdays, etc. Think about that.

Take advantage of the Halloween sales and scoop up some extra costumes and accessories to put together a "dress up" box for the kids as a Christmas gift. They will love it.

Get some extra Halloween costume sewing patterns and stitch up a few quickie costumes as a surprise for the kids. The kids will appreciate these sewing projects far more than any widget you can buy.

See my post from last year for more suggestions and some of my favorite memories with my grandchildren. Go to:

http://1ststeptosewingsuccess.blogspot.com/2005/10/kids-love-playing-dress-up.html

It just makes sense! Have fun!

To Your Sewing Success,
Marian

Halloween Costumes = Christmas Gifts





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Pant Legs - How To Make Them Wider or More Narrow

Sewing

Hi Sewing Friends:

Boy, there has been a lot going on lately. Just couldn't get to posting here. Don't have enough hours in a day!

So many questions. But, I will get to each and every one.

Here is one that many of you have.

"How do I make my pant legs wider or more narrow?"

Hope this helps.

To Your Sewing and Fitting Success,

Marian

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Pant Legs - How To Make Them Wider Or More Narrow

- by Marian Lewis

©2006 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

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"How do I make my pants legs wider or more narrow?"

This is not a fitting problem, it is a design change. You can do it!

The rule to remember is to add or subtract equal amounts on the out seam and the in seam to keep the pant leg balanced.

If the pants are ready-to-wear, you really can't make them wider, but you can make them more narrow. Take in equal amounts on the in seam and the out seam of the pant legs and taper out to the hip line on the out seam and to the knee line on the in seam.

That leads to another question: "How Do I Find My Knee Line?"

To find your knee line, fold the pant leg hem line up to the crotch line. This half way mark is considered your knee line.

If you know how to sew, you can change your pants pattern anyway you want. You are the designer. You can have wide or narrow legs, bell bottoms, short, long, mid length, flares, etc.

Make several copies of your master pants pattern that you know already fits you. Then change the copies to different designs that you like so they are always ready to cut and sew.

When you want more wide or more narrow pant legs, redraw the seam line from hip to hem line on the outside seam and from the knee to the hem line on the in seam.

Add or subtract equal amounts to all the seams from the hems and taper up into the existing seam line.

This is how you maintain the balance of the pant leg and keep the grain line in the center of the leg. It prevents your leg from twisting.

The key is to get a good basic pants pattern that fits your unique body. Then, have fun creating different pant styles from your basic sewing pattern.

You can change the pant leg width and length, change to different waistline finishes, add design features like pockets, pleats, slits, etc. You can duplicate anything you see in ready-to-wear and you know that the pants will fit without even trying them on until you are finished because you used your basic master pattern. What a joy to sew pants that you know will fit you!

It just makes sense!

Work out your fit with a common sense pants fitting method for pants and skirts. You will be glad you did. It will save you so much fitting frustration and guarantee sewing success.

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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 :-)

Or, go here if you want to receive my Free Sewing Success Newsletter via email.


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If you have sewing related questions that you would like to have answered, I'll do my best to answer them for you. Post them here or ask them at Burning Question.

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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 offering free sewing projects and sewing tips plus other mini-course ebooks related to sewing highlighting,
"It Doesn't LOOK Homemade" Sewing Techniques.

Check out Marian's website 1st Step To Sewing Success to discover fitting and sewing secrets to achieve sewing success.

Go to these specific links for information on the following mini-course ebooks:

"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"
(Learn Basic Sewing Tips, Techniques and Projects)

"Classy Designer Straight Skirt"
(Learn Couture Sewing Techniques)

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**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

See more about sewing

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

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