I hear conflicting things about sewing over pins–can I or can’t I?
Some sewing machines tout that they can sew over pins, but anytime you try to sew over any “foreign” object, you’re risking damage to the needle and perhaps the machine itself. Most of today’s machines can sew over pins, but it’s not really a good idea to do so. If you hit the pin, you can break the needle sending sharp metal flying into you and/or the machine. Or, you can damage the needle creating a burr on it that you might not notice, and it can snag and damage your fabric as you continue to sew.
If you’re intent on sewing over pins, be sure to place them at right angles to the seam allowance and sew slowly as you approach them. A better option is to sew up to the pin, then pull it out and continue on.
If you love to adapt and alter commercial patterns or design your own, Lee Hollahan’s book How to Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns is for you. The 144-page volume details basic fit alterations and restyling patterns for innovative design detailing. If you’re a DIY kid of person, the book contains pattern blocks to use as a basis for your own creativity. In addition, look for a good selection of basic sewing techniques. The book is well illustrated and details are clear and easy to follow.
Looking for some quick and easy home decorating projects? The Sew Decorative book from the editors of Sew News magazine can help you out. Whether you’re looking for place mats, pot holders or table runners, the Dining in Style chapter will entice. If you’d rather make things for your bedroom and bath, there’s a grouping of those projects as well–from a lounge sack to pillowcases and lampshades. Pillows your passion?–There are nine styles to choose from in the Pillow Power chapter. The book also includes some patterns and basic embroidery stitch how-tos for embellishing. If you’re a long-time subscriber to Sew News, you’ll recognize these projects from previous issues.
I love making pillows, but it seems that for some reason they always look lumpy when I stuff them with fiberfill. Is there a trick to smoother surfaces?
The trick decorators use is to back the outer pillow fabric with lightweight batting to create a continuous smooth surface. The stuffing goes inside the batting and no lumps are visible on the outside.
If you prefer, make a separate inner pillow from the lightweight batting and stuff it firmly before inserting it into the outer pillow. This allows the outer shell to be removed and either cleaned or washed if needed.
When you’re stuffing a pillow insert, try to blend together the handfuls of stuffing rather than leaving them as separate clumps. You’ll have smoother look to the finished item.
SEW-lutions Tip: See SEW-lutions Guideline #8.120 for more information on creating pillows.
As summer approaches, we often stow away the wools and heavier fabrics in favor of light and airier versions to keep us cool. Along with that transition comes a color shift as well–to lighter colors than perhaps we had in winter. Some light-color fabrics pose sewing challenges.
Not only is it important to have a spotless sewing room when working with light-color fabrics to avoid getting them dirty, but it’s also time to clean the machine and the iron soleplate as well. And perhaps replace the ironing board cover if it has smears of fusible or any discoloration.
On thin light color fabrics, it’s worth thinking about lining or underlining the garment to keep the inner structure from showing through. Think seriously before choosing a fusible interfacing with adhesive that might be clearly seen at the blouse front, and opt instead for a nude color lightweight fabric to stabilize the area, or a piece of self fabric. Also consider making the front of the garment a double layer of fabric to give it more opacity.
Think twice about the notions you use as well…who wants to see silver snaps shining through a white gauze top? Opt instead for clear nylon snaps that won’t catch the eye of admirers.
