Hemming Jeans

I didn't write this tutorial myself. But I have been meaning to write this for a very long time. I have hemmed jeans like this before, and it is definitely the best way to do it! Thank you Naptime Crafters Great Tutorial!

Awesome Idea for Turning a Fabric Tube

I loved this idea!!! Can't wait to try it out.

Modest Alteration Ideas

Michele Ashman Bell came out with a new novel I think about 2 years ago called, "A Modest Proposal." I haven't read it yet so I can't tell you if it is good. But what I can tell you is her tips on altering dresses to be more modest are great.

Here they are...

• Use fabric from matching shawl to add sleeves
• Purchase or make a shrug/cardigan to match or contrast
  
• If dress is bargain priced, buy two. Extra fabric can be used to modify dress.
  
• It’s easy to add wide straps or sleeves to strapless gowns
• Fill plunging necklines and high slits with contrasting or matching lace or extra fabric
• Hem long dresses and use excess fabric to modify dress
  
• Ask store if leftover fabric is available for use to modify
• Layers are in! Use a simple or lace under-tee to cover shoulders, chest or midriff
  
• Lengthen skirts by adding a wide lace or fabric trim to the hem or layer a matching slip

Remember, be creative and have fun! Take the challenge of putting your personal stamp on your wardrobe, and when people ask where you found such an awesome dress that is actually modest, you can be proud of your amazing mod-alter designer skills!

www.covenant-lds.com

Pressing Tips

· Don’t IRON on BIAS it will STRETCH
· If Fabric will tolerate steam USE IT (check if it watermarks)

· Enclosed Edges- Pressed seam open 1^st before rolling shut!

· Use the point presser and Slightly favor the edges!

· Use a damp press cloth if you need more steam

· Press Nap or Pile on needle boards!

· DON’T Press over pins

· Rowena Best Steam Iron

About.com has a great gallery and definitions for Pressing Equipment. Link to it here.

Threading a Sewing Machine

Threading a sewing machine can be difficult at first. Once you learn how, though, the whole process will take you only a few seconds.

Steps:
1. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you.

2. Raise the presser foot. This will allow the thread to easily pass through the threading points and will prevent the machine needle from becoming unthreaded when you begin to stitch.

3. Place a spool of thread on the spool pin located at the top of your sewing machine. If the spool pin runs horizontally, secure the spool of thread with the cap provided.

4. Take hold of the thread end and pass it through the designated threading points on the top of the machine casing, then down toward the tension assembly. The tension assembly is located on the left side of the machine and controls the flow of thread.

5. Take the thread under the tension assembly and back up through the next threading point at the top left of the machine. Make sure the thread has passed between two tension discs as well as the hook that may be attached to the left side of the tension dial.

6. Push the thread end through the lever at the top left of the machine, if applicable, and down through the threading points at bottom left and above the needle.

7. Thread the needle from the front or back of the needle. The threading direction will depend on your machine type.

8. Pull a few inches of thread through the eye of the needle and pull the thread to your left.

9. Insert a wound bobbin into the machine, if necessary, and close the throat plate. A few inches of bobbin thread should be pulled out to the right and sticking out from under the closed throat plate.

10. Take hold of the thread that has been threaded through the machine needle.

11. Rotate the handwheel toward you until the needle disappears into the bobbin case.

12. Keep holding on to the thread and move the handwheel so the needle is once again at its highest position. As the needle rises, a loop of bobbin thread will come up as well.

13. Pull the thread out toward your left to draw the bobbin thread loop further out of the bobbin case.

14. Let the top thread go and pull the bobbin thread up until the end comes up. Pull the top and bottom threads under the presser foot and to the back and right of the machine.

Tips:

Each style and model of sewing machine has its own requirements for threading. Use the instructions given here along with those provided with your machine. The owner's manual will usually include a threading diagram.

Some styles of sewing machine have the threading points marked or may even have a threading diagram printed on the machine itself.

Detailed instructions on winding and inserting the bobbin for a specific machine can be found in the machine owner's manual.

Change the bobbin thread color when the thread spool color is changed.

(http://www.ehow.com/how_5839_thread-sewing-machine.html)

Interfacing?

What is Interfacing?
An Underlying Fabric that provides...
Support
Stability
Body
Reinforcement

Where is it found in the garment?
Collars
Cuffs
Waistbands
Pocket Flaps
Jacket Hems
Sleeve Hems
Collarless necklines
Button Closures

What kinds of interfacing are available?
Sew or Fusible
Woven or Non-woven
Knit
Weft Insertion

How do I choose the correct interfacing for my project?

Fabrication should match
Weight Always lighter that the fashion fabric
Care Must Match
Color Match the VALUE (degree of lightness or darkness)
Method of attachment

How do I use interfacing?

1. Always pres Shrink (Fusibles in a Tub)
2. Apply to the piece that will show. DON’T APPLY TO FACINGS (your pattern guide sheet will tell you do apply to facing, which makes no sense because your facing doesn't need the stability, form, etc...)
3. Fuse to a single layer. DON’T FUSE OVER SEAM ALLOWENCES
4. Fusing cut off the seam allowances before you fuse
5. Sew-in interfacing should be machine basted at ¼ from the edge following grain.
6. DON’T substitute the fabric itself in place of interfacing (UNLESS ITS SILK ORGANZA)

Tips on how to Fuse: (HEAT, MOISTURE, PRESSURE, TIME)

1. Always test on a scrap to give you the look you want
2. Press Fabric Flat
3. Trim off seam allowances
4. Wrong Side Up (Resin Side Down)
5. USE A PRESS CLOTH
6. Steam baste 1^st to keep from slipping
7. Push with 2 hands pressure for 10-15 seconds. Don’t SLIDE the iron!
8. Let Completely Cool Before Lifting fabric up.

Fabric Preparation

1. Preshrink if needed
2. Find Cross grain
1. Rip
2. Pull the Thread
3. Cut along a woven Design
4. Block with a L Square
3. Remove Wrinkles if necessary. Press the Selvage
4. Fold so selvages are on top of each other. Eliminate wrinkles by sliding layers if needed.
5. Observe position of cross grains. If They match Perfect! If not, pull on the short ends to re align. Or steam Press!

Standard Ease Amounts

Bust 2-3
Waist 1-1 and ½
Hip 2-3
Bicep 2-3
Abdomen 1-2
Upper back ¼ to 3/8
Back waist length ¼ to 3/8
Men’s shirts, chests in coats and jackets 4-5 or more depending on style

Basic Pattern Alteration

Here are 10 MUST follow rules when you are altering flat patterns.

1. Pattern must be completely flat when complete
2. Grain lines must be straight
3. Don’t alter along CF and CB
4. Matching edges must still match when finished
5. Generally you divide circumference by 4
6. Only add to the area in question.
7. Maintain the style
8. Keep CF and CB straight
9. Redraw seam lines you interrupt
10. Lengthen 1^st then Widen!

Tips on Taking Body Measurements

Taking proper body measurements is essential to getting a proper fit. Here are eight rules you should ALWAYS follow when taking body measurements.

1. Measure the body smoothly. Don’t pull to tight or let hang loose
2. Breath Loosely
3. Stand Still- Look straight ahead
4. Keep tape level
5. Measure to the ¼ inch
6. Measuring is an art and a science
7. Measurements are a snapshot
8. Measure in your underclothing

Sewing 101

Simplicity.com has a great Sewing 101 lessons online. Here is the link. In these lessons there is a downloadable pattern for Pajama Pants. This is a good project for 1st time sewers.

If you are looking for a project to start. Try here.