January 18, 2011 – 2:05 pm
Some books are simply just fun to own and Palm-Size Softies is one of them. There are patterns included for 44 stuffed pets and dolls that really do fit in the palm of your hand (or your favorite child’s). Look for Cheeky Chihuahuas, Dandy Dogs, Terry Bears, goats, terrycloth pets, bunnies, dolls and more. Step-by-step instructions, lots of color photos and full-size templates make the construction process a cinch.
If you’ve never worked on tiny things before, check out the helpful hints for mastering small curves, toes, arms, etc. and the all important stuffing process so your critters look professionally finished. A great project book to do with kids, so they can start a collection of easy-care pets. 144 pages.
January 14, 2011 – 8:38 pm
What’s the best way to sew seams in knit fabric to keep the seams from popping?
Ideally, the best seam for knits is made with a serger–either a four-thread or three-thread stitch, so that there is inherent stretch in the seam to allow for wearing movement. If you don’t have a serger, use a narrow zigzag stitch along the seamline and trim off the excess seam allowance width to 1/4″. If you must use a straight stitch, stretch the seam slightly as you sew and stitch a second line close to the first before trimming the seam allowances to 1/4″.
Knit seams tend to curl if left with a 5/8″ seam allowance; trimming helps reduce that problem and makes a flatter, less obtrusive seam.
In areas where there can be lots of stress, like a pant crotch seam, a combination of conventional and serging stitching helps to reinforce the area.
For more information, see Guideline 4.215 Sewing With Knits.
January 9, 2011 – 3:07 pm
If you’re new to quilting, or you simply like to finish projects in a limited time frame, Lark Books’ Pretty Little Mini Quilts is sure to please. It’s filled with 31 clever projects contributed by 25 designers. The fun part? Nothing is larger than 36″ square. So it’s the perfect venue to try out some new techniques without investing a lot of time. Some templates are included with the book for enlarging on a copy machine to the requisite size. Look for whimsical themes, seasonal offerings and a few more traditional designs as well. The book opens with quilting basics, so even if you’ve never quilted before, these projects are easily attainable. Frame them or add a hanging sleeve to display your new works.
Tip: For free how-to’s on Quilting, see Section 9 of our SEW-lutions Guidelines.
January 4, 2011 – 8:54 pm
“Upcycling” is a popular word these days, and this book takes this movement seriously! Refashioned Bags, by Faith & Justina Blakeney, offers some unusual beginnings for handbags and totes. What do neckties, shower curtains, umbrellas, beach towels, sweaters and doilies have in common? You’ll find them all made into handbags and accessories in this unique book. Look for quick Indie designer profiles throughout the book of those who use recycled materials in their work. If you’ve got some interesting things around the house that you’d like to re-use, this book is sure to inspire.
Tip: See our Guideline, 4.130 Unconventional Fabric Sources for more ideas.
December 26, 2010 – 11:55 pm
I’m making a big fabric tote and wondered what’s the best way to add support to the bottom to keep it from collapsing?
There are various schools of thought about bag supports depending on the amount of stability needed. One of my favorite methods is to cover a piece of plastic needlework canvas cut to the exact size of the bag bottom. I like to round the corners to avoid poking the bag fabric when the support is in place. It’s an easy insert to do–simply fold a piece of matching or contrasting lining fabric over the plastic and hand or machine sew it in place along the side and ends. You can sew through the plastic canvas by machine without a problem.
Another method utilizes one or more pieces of stiff craft interfacing as a base. If it’s fusible, you can cover it simply by pressing the fabric in place around it.
Yet another option is to use a piece of acrylic cut to the bag bottom dimensions. The plastic can be covered with fabric or simply set into the bag. If you’ve got multiple bags the same size, you can just transfer a single support to the bag you’re using at the time.
Several companies make acrylic pre-cut bag bottoms for this purpose and you just purchase the size you need for your bag pattern.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, Masonite or lightweight board can also be cut to shape to fit the bag bottom, but be sure to remove this one before washing. The plastic and interfacing supports are washable.
Some designers recommend anchoring the bottom piece in the bag. You can do this temporarily with Velcro, or permanently with glue. Others like to add short fabric strips at the ends to include the piece in the cornering seamlines to keep it from shifting.
