Natural dyes can be an amazing way to add eco-friendly color to silk fabric, and a perfect opportunity to learn more about the plants that grow in your area. There’s a huge amount of variation in natural dyeing recipes and each one produces a different result. This is an overview of the most common techniques. … Read more
Does your daughter’s doll need a new outfit? Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for 18″ doll clothes. I included digital PDF patterns (you print these at home) and paper ones. 11 of the digital ones are free! Contents list: Dresses Formal party & wedding dresses Tops Pants & shorts Outerwear Swimwear & … Read more
Silky fabrics can seem daunting, but armed with the right pattern you’ll be thrilled with what you can create! To give you some ideas for your next project, we’ve compiled 19 of our favorite sewing patterns for different silk fabrics and sewists with any level of experience! These projects suit woven fabrics with that signature … Read more
If you want to teach your child how to sew, thinking of sewing project ideas for kids is tricky. What’s easy enough for them to make, but still fun and interesting? I interviewed a sewing teacher to find out what projects her students love. Katie runs the Thread Room, a sewing school that teaches 145 students … Read more
A coverstitch machine is a specialized type of sewing machine that adds a professional finish to knit fabrics and activewear projects. The secure and stretchy stitch it creates is often seen on t-shirts, leggings, and elastic bindings. It’s a worthy investment if you sew frequently with stretchy fabrics, especially if you notice popped stitches on … Read more
There are lots of ways to make scrunchies, but which ones are professional? I bought & deconstructed 13 scrunchies (worth $65). Here’s exactly how to create professional scrunchies like stores! I even made free sewing patterns based on them (download here). Contents list: How do stores make scrunchies? (materials, elastic, sewing methods). What supplies you … Read more
What’s the difference between velvet, velveteen, and velour? Velvet, velveteen, and velour are all textured fabrics with a pile (meaning they’re made from cut loops). Velvet has a high pile and luxurious shine. It’s drapey. It has no stretch. Velveteen has a short pile, no shine, no stretch, and no drape. Velour has a medium … Read more
I took apart 2 professionally-made velvet scrunchies. Here’s how to create scrunchies like stores! I even created free scrunchie patterns based on them. They come in 4 sizes: mini, regular, large, and extra large. How professionals make velvet scrunchies Here are the scrunchies I bought and deconstructed: One of the big differences between the budget … Read more
Today I’m showing you how to make DIY scrunchies with hair ties (also known as ponytail holders). This tutorial includes an optional “bunny ear” bow too. Download my free sewing pattern here. I’ve researched a LOT of scrunchie tutorials, but there aren’t many methods for hair tie scrunchies. So I sat down and brainstormed my … Read more
I spoke to Linton Tweeds to learn about tweed fabric. They’re been designing and manufacturing couture fabrics since 1912. In fact, they were the original Chanel fabric makers! They’ve also worked with Burberry, YSL, Balmain, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and many other luxury brands. What is Tweed Fabric? And what is it made from? “Tweed … Read more