Saturday, April 26, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
How To Adjust A Pattern
As most of you sewing fanatics have come to find out, purchasing a
commercial pattern in your size is not always a safe bet. Even though the
pattern guarantees the piece of clothing you will make will fit like a glove,
sometimes, this “glove” ends up fitting more like a mitten.
Since most commercial patterns usually need some alterations,
knowing how to adjust a pattern prior to construction is a useful skill and
very much a necessary one to have. The
steps listed below will outline the essentials of adjusting a pattern. Let’s get to it!
MEASUREMENTS
Accurate body measurements are key when selecting a pattern. Take and record your measurements periodically to
ensure your sizing will be correct before buying a pattern. In relation to the
type of garment you will be sewing, keep a chart of your measurements and the
date and update it once in awhile.
PATTERN COPY
If you need to make any pattern modifications and want to preserve
the original pattern, trace a copy! This way, you will always have the original
as a reference.
EASE
For wearability, each pattern has a certain amount of ease. Although
the amount of ease is not always specified on the pattern envelope, it should
be noted on each pattern piece. This will tell you how much “allowance” each
garment has, so you can subtract and/or add accordingly.
WHERE TO ADJUST
Knowing exactly where to adjust the pattern exclusively for your
body type is crucial when attempting to achieve the ideal fit. This skill takes
time to develop, since you will need to sew a few garments (or muslins) in
order to take note of which areas need improvement. Great news is, once you
have figured out which revisions you need to make, you can apply this to most
patterns in the future.
Follow these four
fundamental steps and slowly but surely, you’ll have garments that fit you just
right in all the right spots! Send me your questions and comments about
adjusting patterns below!
Published in LoveSewing Magazine on March 17, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Make A Shirtdress From An Oversized Shirt
Use an oversized denim shirt to make a dress! Add an
embroidery detail for a super girly effect.
SUPPLIES
1 oversized denim button-up shirt
embroidered fabric to add on
(or you can use decorative stitches on your machine to create your own design)
piece of lace trim (for collar
detail)
½” wide elastic (length of your
waist + 1”)
pins
seam ripper
marking pencil
scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
Armholes & Sleeves:
Since the shirt is oversized, check if the armholes need to be brought up to
sit on your shoulders properly and if the sleeves need to be taken in. If so,
using a seam ripper, take apart the sleeves from the armholes and adjust the
armholes to your measurements. Take in the sleeves, adjust (if need be), and
then sew back into the armholes.
STEP 2
Mark the waistline on the wrong side of the shirt using the marking pencil.
STEP 3
Place the elastic on top of the waist marking. Slightly pull the elastic as you stitch along each edge.
STEP 4
Place
the embroidery detail fabric on your shirt, pin, and then edge stitch along
each piece.
* To create an embroidery design instead of using fabric, use the decorative stitch options on your machine.
* To create an embroidery design instead of using fabric, use the decorative stitch options on your machine.
STEP 5
Pin the right side of the lace trim to the wrong side of the collar edge, then edge stitch.
#DIYeverything
Published in LoveSewing Magazine on March 25, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Organize Your Wardrobe
Getting ready to go out? But dread the idea of having to pick out an outfit from your closet because it’s an absolute catastrophe? Have no fear! I am going to share with you a few simple organizing tips.
If you didn’t already know, besides being a sewing instructor, I am a personal wardrobe stylist. In addition to creating new looks and mapping out a plan for achieving particular styles, I help ladies and gents organize their closet spaces while teaching them how to easily put together outfits. Over the years, I have noticed a similar issue with clients: a wardrobe with many impressive pieces that lacks consistency, simplicity, and order. This can be easily fixed with these 3 rules:
CREATE A SYSTEM
To stay organized; create a system that will work for you in order to keep your wardrobe from going back to a state of disaster. Try grouping all tops together; tanks, T-shirts, long sleeved shirts, buttons-ups, and jackets. Do the same for bottoms: pants, trousers, shorts, and skirts. And finally, keep dresses and rompers side-by-side.
COORDINATE
Once you have sorted your clothing by type, go through each group and place all the clothes in the same color families together. This way, when you are looking for a red top, you will know exactly where to find it.
PLAN OUTFITS AHEAD OF TIME
Some people can dress up in the spur of the moment by diving into their wardrobes and putting on whatever feels right at the time. If this does not sound like you, try planning outfits ahead of time from clothes to accessories. This way, all you have to do is take the outfit off the hanger, throw it on, and you can be on your way.
Now that your wardrobe is on its way to being in tip-top shape, you will no longer need to dread the idea of choosing an outfit. And you won’t miss those delicious hors d’oeuvres because you’ll actually get to the party on time!
Published in LoveSewing Magazine on March 3, 2014
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Quick Start Your Way Into The Sewing World
So, you want to learn how to sew, right? You’ve been thinking about signing up for a sewing course to get the basics down pat. Or maybe you haven’t sewn in awhile and want to get back into it. You want to join a sewing class to build your confidence on the sewing machine. Sound about right? What you need in your life is a Quick Start sewing class at The Sewing Studio!
If you are unable to fit an 8-week Introductory Sewing course into your schedule, not to worry – you can register for a Quick Start class which is half the duration and just as fun! In this 4-week course, you will get an in-depth lesson on machine functions, you’ll learn new stitches, sew buttonholes and buttons that won’t budge, and make projects which will be useful but also act as steppingstones if you would like to venture out into making more difficult ones. Pretty awesome or what?
This course is also great for those who are unsure about sewing and just want to try it out. Quick Start is a great way to test out your love for sewing. Or if you’ve completed Introductory Sewing and are on the fence about taking an intermediate course next, Quick Start is a great way to get more machine time and perfect your sewing skills since it is a project-based class.
Two hours every week for four weeks to learn all of that? Yes, it’s that easy. Register today!
Published in LoveSewing Magazine on February 27, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Make It Yourself: Faux Fur Vest
Use an old throw to make a warm and stylish faux fur vest which
will resemble the Nordstrom one shown below. You’ll stay super cozy and PETA
definitely won’t be chasing you!
Supplies
1 old throw
lining
pins
hand sewing needle
thread
scissors
Cut out pieces for the vest: back (1) and front (2).
*TIP: To get the perfect edge when cutting faux fur, do not cut pile right on the designated cutting line. This will leave an abrupt edge. The pile is attached to another fabric (usually a woven). Use the tips of your scissors to cut only the root of the woven fabric without disrupting the pile. Brush off any excess fur pile before sewing. To prevent bulkiness and create a clean (furry) edge, ensure the pile is tucked in between the two pieces of fabric that will be getting sewn together.
Cut lining pieces - same as Step 1: back (1) and front (2).
With right sides together, attach the front and back shoulder seams using a 5/8" seam allowance.
Repeat Step 3 for lining.
To attach the lining to the vest, with right sides together, pin: around the collar, down center front, around armholes, the hem, and one side seam. Exclude the second side seam. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance.
Clip round edges (collar, armholes, and bottom of front pieces).
Next, pull the vest through the side seam opening to expose the right sides.
On the side seam that has been left open, pin the outer edges of fabric with right sides together. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance without catching the lining.
Tuck in the lining of the side seam and edge stitch the opening. You also have the option of hand sewing the opening using the hand sewing needle and thread.
#DIYeverything
STEP 1
Cut out pieces for the vest: back (1) and front (2).
*TIP: To get the perfect edge when cutting faux fur, do not cut pile right on the designated cutting line. This will leave an abrupt edge. The pile is attached to another fabric (usually a woven). Use the tips of your scissors to cut only the root of the woven fabric without disrupting the pile. Brush off any excess fur pile before sewing. To prevent bulkiness and create a clean (furry) edge, ensure the pile is tucked in between the two pieces of fabric that will be getting sewn together.
STEP 2
Cut lining pieces - same as Step 1: back (1) and front (2).
STEP 3
With right sides together, attach the front and back shoulder seams using a 5/8" seam allowance.
STEP 4
Repeat Step 3 for lining.
STEP 5
To attach the lining to the vest, with right sides together, pin: around the collar, down center front, around armholes, the hem, and one side seam. Exclude the second side seam. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance.
STEP 6
Clip round edges (collar, armholes, and bottom of front pieces).
STEP 7
Next, pull the vest through the side seam opening to expose the right sides.
STEP 8
On the side seam that has been left open, pin the outer edges of fabric with right sides together. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance without catching the lining.
STEP 9
Tuck in the lining of the side seam and edge stitch the opening. You also have the option of hand sewing the opening using the hand sewing needle and thread.
#DIYeverything
Published in LoveSewing Magazine on February 17, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Make It Yourself: Cropped Sweatshirt
Reconstruct your old sweatshirts into cropped tops with a
twist! Use contrast fabric to make the sleeves and sweater details stand out.
One-of-a-kind for sure!
SUPPLIES
- 3 old sweatshirts
- Seam ripper
- Pins
- Scissors
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1Carefully remove the collar binding (1), hem (2), and sleeve cuffs (3) from one sweater using a seam ripper. Then remove the sleeves (4) from the second sweater. Lastly, remove all of the above (1-4) from the third sweater (this will be the final sweater body).
STEP 2
Pin one sleeve to the armhole and then serge around to attach. Repeat this step for the second sleeve. TIP: To prevent jersey fabric from stretching out, carefully feed it into the serger and avoid pulling or tugging on the fabric.
STEP 3
Pin collar binding to collar and serge around.
STEP 4
Pin one sleeve cuff to the sleeve hem and serge to attach, and then repeat for the second sleeve.
*Mix and match the leftover sweatshirt pieces to compete two more tops. Keep them for yourself or gift to friends!
PUBLISHED IN LOVESEWING MAGAZINE ON JANUARY 27, 2014
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