Ever get frustrated when your handmade clothes look great at first, but then your facing or lining is really hard to press back into submission after the wash? There's a simple secret weapon you might be missing: understitching! Understitching is a sewing technique that may sound intimidating if you've heard about it but never known what it was. Fear not, it's actually really easy to master! And let me tell you, it ... Read more »
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Color blocking a vintage sewing pattern (without the pattern)
You know when you fall HARD for an idea, and you absolutely must drop everything to work on it? Could be sewing, knitting, cooking, anything. That's what happened to me recently! I fell in love with the color blocking on a vintage McCall's pattern envelope on Pinterest, McCall's 5831 from 1961. And immediately had to drop absolutely everything to plan and make that top! Follow along in my latest YouTube ... Read more »
Batch sewing 3 Charm Patterns Hepburn tops
You know me. If I love to sew and wear something, I typically want multiple versions. I love repeating tried-and-true favorite patterns! And the Charm Pattern Hepburn top of one of them. Inspired by a recent batch sewing marathon (corduroy pants!), I decided to kick things up a notch, and I've just finished sewing three Hepburn tops at a time. A trifecta of tops, for my 100th YouTube video. (I KNOW!) Head over to my ... 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 »
Sewing my vintage birthday dress for 2024
If you've followed me anywhere in the online realms for awhile, you'll know that I sew myself a dress for my birthday every year. Last year was my first year of my YouTube channel, and my first year sewing a birthday dress on video. My birthday isn't until next week, but since I'm going to be out of town, you're getting this year's birthday dress video a little early! Watch me sew my birthday dress for 2024 on ... Read more »
How to knit wrap & turn short rows (and pickup the wraps)
Today I have a knitting tutorial for you! What's a W&T? If you've ever wondered about short rows, specifically how to knit wrap and turn short rows, then my latest YouTube video is for you. Short rows can be used to create shaping in a piece of knitting, particularly (but not limited to) garments. They create a slope or a wedge shape of some sort. In the below two examples, the contrast color shows the short ... Read more »