How do I reinforce seams in my children’s play clothes to keep them from tearing?
Anywhere you need extra durability–like in the crotch seam of pants for active children–sew two lines of stitching about 1/8″ apart. Use a short stitch length, and then zigzag or serge the cut edges of the seamline together. Topstitching a seam also adds durability, and you can topstitch either on one or both sides of a sewn seam, depending on how the garment is constructed.
If you’re sewing the garment from scratch, use flat fell seams for added durability. They’re double or triple stitched to keep even the most active kid challenged for ripping.
To reinforce knees in pants and jeans, iron lightweight interfacing knee patches to the wrong side of the pant legs. The extra reinforcement should go from inseam to outseam in the area just below to just above the child’s knee.
If it’s too late for the inside knee reinforcement, and they’ve already torn, create some colorful appliques for the outside to repair. Let the child pick the fabric and iron them in place with fusible web between the pant and patch layer.
Looking for a great job?
I was really excited when I saw this information come in and just couldn’t wait to get it posted. It’s a great opportunity for someone interested in using their sewing and/or quilting knowledge to work for a solid company… and it includes benefits! Training is provided so even if your knowledge is a little limited, you’ll learn what you need to know. And what sewing/quilting enthusiast wouldn’t want to get paid for visiting a fabric store? Here’s the details:
US based company looking to hire sales reps for their line of quilting fabrics. A United States based textile company that designs and sells Quilting Fabrics to Independent Quilt Shops is seeking to hire Exclusive Sales Reps nationwide.
Four (4) major product launches occur each year; Jan/May/August/October. The Company will provide one (1) week of training at company headquarters and will assign a company sales executive who will travel with the new Sales Rep during the first two (2) selling weeks that begins end of May 2010. Exemplary communication skills and the ability to develop relationships are a must. Ideal candidate will have prior sales experience; knowledge of the quilting/sewing industry is a plus. This is a rewarding position for the right candidate. Compensation is salary plus commission. Expenses are company paid. An excellent benefits package is offered including a 401(k) plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, health, life and disability programs. Interviews will be held during the month of April, 2010.
Although we are not at liberty to say who the company is at this time, be assured that they are reputable. This could be the perfect job for you!
Submit your resume
It’s that time of year again to begin thinking about the holidays–and this year perhaps it’s time to give yourself a present. The American Sewing Guild is offering the Sew Much Fun Hong Kong tour November 30-December 8, 2010. It’s a time that this wonderful city is dressed up for the Christmas holiday, awash in twinkling lights and Asian decor. It’s also a time for special sales on everything the stores have to offer.
The tour departs from San Francisco for the overnight journey across the International Date Line. Get acquainted with the city via a sightseeing tour, and then hit the garment district and other local fabric haunts. As a special treat, there’s a behind-the-scenes visit to a costume shop that makes attire for Disney, as well as the Chinese Opera. If you’re sew inclined, you can also visit mainland China and Lantau Island.
I’ve been to Hong Kong with 16 tour groups, and it still is my favorite city in the world. Cashmere for $5 a yard, silks for $4 and an unrivaled selection of most anything you can imagine.
Click here for more information on the Sew Much Fun Hong Kong tour–I hope you can join me on this wonderful adventure!
Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color, has announced its color of the year for 2010 – Turquoise! According to the company, Turquoise (called Lagoon) “combines serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green. Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of well-being.”
I have to agree! Like many people, I’m cold-weary and ready for a sense of the tropics. This color invokes thoughts of warm waters and gentle breezes. I’m picturing fluffy turquoise pillows on the sofa (such an easy way to change the look of the room). Maybe placemats with hints of turquoise for the table. And I’m sure I’ll be hunting turquoise stones for decoration. I was surprised that Pantone is pairing Lagoon with all shades of red though. I wouldn’t have thought of putting those two together but the combination is already growing on me.
Pantone also released its top colors for women’s fashion for Fall 2010:
Endive – a revitalizing yellow-green
Golden Glow – an earthy, deepened shade of yellow
Living Coral – a softer, more inviting orange with a hint of pink undertone
Lipstick Red – a dramatic sensual red
Purple Orchid – a purple leaning to fuchsia
Chocolate Truffle – a rich brown with piquant plum undertones
Lagoon – tropical turquoise
Woodbine – neutral green
Oyster Gray – a classic neutral
Rose Dust – a flattering beige
See you at the beach!
We’re thinking spring (a WARM spring!) with this month’s sewing.org projects. Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores helped us out with the Kid’s Fleece Tulip Cozy. This oversized, brightly colored flower will brighten the room and delight any child. In fact, it’s so cute, I’m wondering just how much fleece I’d need to make a giant sized one for myself!
With the Easter holiday fast approaching, our second project, the pastel-colored Easter Wreath, uses yarn to make pom-poms that are tied to a coat hanger frame. This no-sew project from Coats & Clark reminds me of overflowing Easter baskets.
The featured sewing room this month belongs to Pam York. It’s a generous space with a gorgeous view. I love the wall color too.
The new Guideline is 11.107 Pressing Pants. From the text of the Guideline: “Pant creases are figure flattering as they can divide the width visually…” So my thinking is that if 1 pleat is figure flattering, 4 pleats would make me perfectly waif-like!
Until next time…
