September 21, 2009 – 11:50 pm
How do I repair a tear in a sheer fabric?
Fixing rips in sheers can be tricky and it’s inevitable that it won’t be totally invisible, but you can get close. The easiest way is to use a mending product like BoNash Bonding Agent, powdered fusible, to adhere the torn edges together. When the product dries, it creates an almost invisible mend.
Another way to repair a tear if you have extra sheer fabric, is to carefully trim the torn edges and place a small strip of very thin fusible web (like Misty Fuse) under the rip and another piece of the sheer behind it. Fuse in place according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then carefully trim away the sheer patch layer to minimize the show-through.
What’s the best way to clean the inside of my iron?
I consulted with Rowenta on this one, and their advice is two-fold. If the iron has a self-cleaning function, activate it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the iron doesn’t have a cleaning function, flush it with naturally bottled spring water–pure and simple. Avoid using vinegar or any chemicals, as they may damage the water tank in some irons.
To flush the iron, fill it with water and let it heat to the cotton setting temperature. When it’s heated, depress the steam button until all the water has emptied from the iron. Repeat this process 4 to 5 times for a thorough flushing.
September 20, 2009 – 8:46 pm
There’s only 10 days left to enter the National Sewing Month Reuse, Remake, Restyle contest. We are receiving entries daily and I continue to be awed and inspired by the project pics that are coming in. The contest ends September 30 and we’ll be picking the 3 winning entries by October 20. We’ll also be posting all the entries so that you can be inspired too.
Happy stitching!
September 14, 2009 – 10:00 am
Who doesn’t love the comfort of sweats–they’re soft, they always fit no matter what, and they’re warm? Sweats can be dressed up with the right accessories, or simply left as-is for at-home appeal.
But authors Carmen Webber and Carmia Marshall have taken sweats several steps toward real fashion in their latest book Chic Sweats. Personally, I’m sometimes skeptical of “re-do” books as the results often look contrived to me, but these styles offer some fun touches that all begin with the humble sweatshirt. It’s well written and cleverly illustrated with not only fashion images, but step-by-step how-tos, all drawn by one of the authors.
If you’re a beginner, there’s good information to get you started, and if you’re an experienced sewer, it doesn’t disappoint as there are some more-than-simple modifications as well. Unlike some re-do books, this one finishes seams and edges on most projects, and uses standard sewing techniques we all appreciate. There’s teen appeal as well as things of interest to sewers of all ages. This book is a good read and a keeper in my opinion!
September 10, 2009 – 12:45 pm
Did you know that September 10th is “Sew Be It” day? On this day in 1846, the sewing machine was born.
Look how far we’ve come since that great invention!
September 8, 2009 – 1:40 pm
With National Sewing Month in full swing, one of the commitments we all make is to try to teach someone to sew, especially young people. If you’re a mom or grandmother, that’s probably an easy task for you, but if you have no children around, one needs to be a little more resourceful.
Hunt up a local group of Brownies or Girl Scouts, or a church youth group, school class or another “gaggle” of youngsters and volunteer to teach them some simple sewing projects.
Author Mary Link just published 100+ No-sew Fabric Crafts for Kids, and there are tons of ideas in this clever book, as well as full-size patterns. Very minimal sewing is involved in only some of these, and many other projects are not sewn at all, but still fabric based. She uses fusible heavy craft interfacing as the basis for the projects, which range from mobiles and games to party favors, pet accessories and small gifts for several holidays. Kids are sure to be inspired by this one.
So take a look, find some kids, and start to play…teaching them some simple skills that could change their life.
