I have a new tutorial on YouTube for you today! If you sew vintage sewing patterns, you might just find that your bust darts are too high. It's a common adjustment, and one I do alll the time! In my video, learn how easy it is to lower bust darts on vintage (or any!) sewing pattern. Vintage patterns in particular were drafted for the undergarments of the time, and while I typically wear vintage-inspired bras, even ... Read more »
tutorials
How to sew a shirt yoke 2 ways (burrito and traditional/vintage)
Sewing a shirt with a back yoke can be a little perplexing! Because of the yoke and the yoke facing, there's the extra additional layer of fabric at the shoulders, and at the seam where the yoke meets the back. So there's some fiddling to get it all sewed together. But there's a couple of different ways to actually sew a shirt yoke! In my latest YouTube tutorial, I walk you through both how to sew a shirt yoke with the ... Read more »
Make your own sewing pattern: How I copied my favorite bolero
Have you ever had a garment that you loved so much, you thought "I wish I could copy this so I could make another one?" Maybe in a different color, or print, or fabric. Or maybe just because the original one is wearing out. Or you love the original one, but it's not your perfect style. Particularly if you love vintage clothing, you've probably had this thought before! I sure have, and I did something about it: in my ... Read more »
Level up your facings: interface & seam in one step!
I've got a great sewing technique for your facings to share with you in my latest YouTube video. And it might be something you've never heard of! Basically, you face your facing. Yes, it sounds a little strange, I know! But trust me, this simple trick will give your facings a beautiful finish, without any hemming required. How's that possible? You interface and seam your facing, all at the same time. This method ... Read more »
How to insert a lapped zipper for skirts & pants
I've got a great sewing tutorial for you today! The first of several in a series, in fact. I know! Watch the video to learn my favorite method to insert a lapped zipper, for skirts and pants with a waistband. I've often been asked to do a tutorial for lapped zippers. They feature prominently in many of my handmade garments. In fact, I haven't done an invisible zipper in over a decade! Around the time I learned how ... Read more »
How to match prints at a seam for perfect pattern matching
You know me, I love sewing with prints! It's a huge part of what I sew. And one of my favorite sewing skills is print matching, or pattern matching: matching the fabric print across a seam. Often for me, I'm doing this on a center back seam (and usually with a zipper). In my latest YouTube video, I'm showing you how easy it is to do. This bit of sewing magic is closer to your fingertips than you may think! You ... Read more »