Ms. Sew & Sew: December 2013

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Sewing A Custom Made Dress

MAKING YOUR OWN DRESS FROM SCRATCH GUARANTEES A PERFECT FIT

The next party is around the corner and you’re thinking of rockin’ that new cocktail dress you recently purchased. And then you remember exactly why you haven’t worn it out yet – the side seams need to be taken in by a smidgen, the hem sits a little too low, and somehow it just doesn’t fit quite perfectly overall, does it?

Chances are, you aren’t the only one that is going through something like this. By now, I’m pretty sure there are counseling groups for this sort of thing. Ill-fitted Clothing Circle? Anyway, as you probably know, most of the clothing we purchase nowadays is fitted to a fit model, mass produced, and then sold in retail stores or online. Now, if you happen to have a slightly different body shape than the fit model, and you most likely will since no two bodies are alike, the clothing will not totally flatter your figure. Hmm, what to do? Oh, I know. Take a sewing class and make your own!

Lucky for you, TheSewing Studio offers just what you’re looking for - a PartyDress course. All you need to do is dedicate two hours per week for 8 weeks to learn dress construction essentials. You will be instructed on topics such as: customizing a pattern, working with difficult fabrics, boning, Princess line easing and shaping, installing invisible zippers, and lining.

A dress, in particular, is something a gal must have at least one of in her wardrobe. Even if you are not a girly girl with dresses galore, you need some kind of a dress for a special occasion. So why not have a dress that you hand selected, customized to the max, and have sewn to fit YOU perfectly? Sign up for a PartyDress class now!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on December 26, 2013

Thursday, December 26, 2013

DIY Holiday Gifts

Know how to sew? Then show off your skills during the holidays! Sew personalized gifts for the people on your nice list. It’s a lot more thoughtful than a gift card and a great way to show someone you care. Take into account the following factors before starting the holiday sewing extravaganza:

COST

Handmade gifts do not need to be too costly or elaborate. Check out fabric store sale events to find fabrics and patterns that will suit the projects you have in mind. Pick up holiday inspired prints or opt out for a non-themed fabric. You can even stock up for your own stash!

GIFT IDEAS/PERSONALIZING

Consider making projects that can be reused and enjoyed time after time, such as: fabric door decorations, tree ornament sets or a tree skirt (for those who celebrate Christmas), bean bag chairs, or check book holders. Personalize each item and don’t forget to add some love. Trust me, it will be felt. No pun intended.

Prepping a gift for a fellow sewer? Wrap up a pattern with fabric and notions – they’ll know exactly what to do with it.

Even if you purchase a store-bought item, personalize it with an embroidered name or secret message only the recipient will see (i.e. stitched in the lining of a blazer or near the collar line).

WRAPPING

Think of more modern ways to dress up presents and try to make the “wrapping” as sustainable as possible. Package presents in fabric gift boxes made by vous which can be used as storage bins later on. Handmade make-up/toiletry bags are perfect for smaller gifts, while bigger presents can fit inside hand sewn gift bags doubling as tote bags. It’s a two-in-one deal.

Sewing is a terrific way to spread the holiday cheer by making something memorable for someone special. But, hey, if you’re a last minute shopper, you’re probably better off gifting a sewing class or workshop. Whatever works!