You can stitch hems by machine or by hand. Some hems should be invisible on the right side of the garment, the hem allowance can be up to 3" (7.6cm) wide. For a flared garment, the hem is usually from 1 1/2" to 2" (3.8cm to 5.1cm) wide. Sheer fabrics and light-weight knits almost always have narrow hems stitched by machine.Marking a hemPut on the garment, with all the appropriate undergarments and accessories. Enlis
15th Dec 2017
Careful and frequent Pressing is the key to great-looking garments. Pressing is not the same process as ironing. When pressing, lift and firmly place the iron - do not glide over the fabric, as when ironing.Always test the heat setting on scrap fabric first to make sure the iron is the correct temperature for your fabric.Press after completing each step of the construction process.Always use a press cloth to prevent
15th Dec 2017
Plaids, stripes, and prints are strong visual patterns, so it is important to match them at prominent seams. If you are careful laying and cutting out the pattern, the seams will be almost invisible. You need to buy extra fabric, 1/4" to 1/2 yard (0.25 to 0.5cm), depending on the size of the pattern repeat (the distance from one bar of the plaid or stripe to the next identical bar or from one large motif to another).
15th Dec 2017
This Candy Cane Cushion is a great project to create for the Christmas Season. Make 1, 2 or many to decorate your home or office.Shopping List35cm of Red Fabric45cm of White FabricCandy Cane Pattern PiecesScissorsCoordinating threadPolyFill approx. 200gIronPreparationPrint the Candy Cane templates on A4 paper. Tape the top and bottom, aligning stems of the candy cane together. Cut out the Candy Cane Shape.NOTE: Ensur
1st Dec 2017
Keep your sunglasses scratch free this summer in style. This pattern is easy and quick to whip up. It would also make a great stocking filler for Christmas!
1 x Fat quarter outside fabric1 x Fat quarter inside fabric1 Set of medium press studsWadding amount will depend on size of sunglassesCoordinating ThreadsRulercutting matrotary cutterCutting
Place your sunglasses on your fabric to determine how big you need to
9th Nov 2017
Do you suffer from the Winter sewing blues too? While I love a good sewing day when it’s raining outside it can be hard to find motivation for sewing once it starts to get dark in the early afternoon. My sewing room has poor lighting and it’s not much fun taking outdoor photos of finished garments with the winter weather ruining your plans. Here in Wellington right now the daffodils are up, the Kowhai trees are in fu
11th Oct 2017
Dive into a piecing project, which is a breeze to cut when using an AccuQuilt GO! Cutter. This pattern is great for confident beginner sewists. The finished size of this cushion is approximately 15" cubed.Shopping List
1m of Dark green fabric1m of Light green fabric1m of Emerald green fabric20cm of Black FabricCoordinating ThreadsApprox 1.5kg Hobby fillOptional:
AccuQuilt GO! Big or GO! Fabric CutterAccuQuilt GO!
2nd Sep 2017
This is such a great idea for letting imaginations run wild. Personalise with some embroidery and throw in some fun things like torches, glow sticks, magnifying glasses or maybe even a book!Shopping list Embroidery Machine with hoop A sheet (or quilt cover cut in half) A pillowcase Coordinating Threads Rope (5mm width), pegs, torch and other fun items for building! Pins Stabiliser ScissorsNOTE
4th Aug 2017
My latest make took a little longer than expected due to some naughty slippery fabric but the Simple 3223 and I took care of that!You might notice as we continue this post that it isn't the coat I mentioned in my review post.No, it is not.A new dress was required to wear to a wedding (weddings are great excuses for new ANYTHINGS aren’t they?!)...and I got offered some free fabric.One must never say no to free fabric.
7th Jun 2017
Keep your personal items close by with the You're My Super Hero Clutch. This pattern can be made within a couple hours and it is a fun little project to sew up with your favourite super hero fabric.This project was sewn using a Heavy duty sewing machine.Shopping List
1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 20” (51cm) Outer fabric (super hero fabric poplin)1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 20” (51cm) Lining fabric (plain red poplin)1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 2
5th May 2017
Make a mug rug or two as a gift or even to brighten up your living room. This pattern has two options for finishing. You can either "bag it out" or try your hand at "Bias Binding".Skill Level: Confident BeginnerSkills Learned Straight Stitch, Bagging out or Bias Binding, Trimming Seam allowancesShopping List:2 x 20cm x 17cm fabric1 x 20cm x 17cm WaddingOptional: Bias Binding Complimenting colour (approx. 1 metre in l
6th Apr 2017
This coffee cosy is a great gift for mum or dad. You can choose fabric that suits their interests to personalise.Skill Level:Confident BeginnerSkills Learned: Straight Stitch, creating your own pattern, Using the button sewing foot, Trimming seam allowancesShopping List:
Tall Take Away Coffee Cup (empty)5mm Elastic approx. 10cm longScrap fabric 2 colours. Amount determined by your template.White Button1 Piece of wad
23rd Mar 2017