The most popular sewing machine brands Babylock Bernina Brother Elna Husqvarna Viking Jaguar Janome Juki Singer Pfaff Toyota Note: I’m only including brands that still exist today, and this post is focused on their home sewing machine ranges only. Brother Who are they? Brother was founded in 1908 by Kanekichi Yasui in Japan (source) under … Read more
Natural dyes are such a fun way to create color using ingredients that are available in your backyard. I often see natural dyeing as an experiment. I find it’s more enjoyable if I’m not tied to creating an exact shade. Instead, I approach the project with a desire to understand what range of colors can … Read more
When choosing the best dye for your project, the most important thing to be aware of is the fiber content of the items you’re dyeing. This will help you choose the most reliable and permanent dye, as different types of dyes are formulated to work with different types of fibers. The best dye for cotton, … Read more
If you’ve been to a craft store before, you’ve probably seen an overwhelming number of fabric cutting tools. What are they all used for? And which ones do you actually need? I’m going to explain all the main types of sewing tools used for cutting. This is a beginner-friendly guide with names, pictures, and use … Read more
If you’re not sure what to make with wool fabric, here are my best ideas for projects and sewing patterns that suit wool. Contents list: How to choose a sewing project for wool Sewing project ideas for different wools Coat patterns for women Coat patterns for men Jacket patterns Anorak patterns Vest patterns Blazer patterns … Read more
I’ve been sewing with coverstitch machines for around 3 years now. I’ve sewn everything from loungewear and activewear to baby clothes and even jeans using (or partially using) my coverstitch machine. The best all-round coverstitch machine is the Brother CV3550, thanks to its easy threading, top-cover stitch option, large working area, and great accessory availability. … Read more
I’ve had a coverstitch machine for almost 3 years now. I’ve made a bit of everything, including t-shirts, lingerie, swimwear, and activewear on my machine. The best coverstitch machine is the Brother CV3550. It’s one of the most affordable machines that can do a 5 thread top coverstitch, a durable stitch for activewear. And Brother … Read more
I’ve been dyeing clothes and fabric for years. I even dyed my wedding dress, and I’ve taught dyeing workshops in New Zealand. Here are 18 things to tie-dye at home. I’ve included tips to help you succeed with each project, and rated whether they’re beginner-friendly ideas or not. Clothes & wearables to tie-dye: T-shirts (beginner-friendly) … Read more
Wool fabric types can be categorized by the type of animal that produces the fiber, by the processing method that’s used to form the fabric, or by the design. In this article, we’ll go over examples from all of these categories. Please note that this article is focused on wool fabrics that are used for … Read more
Here are the best sewing patterns I’ve found for potholders, hot pads, oven mitts, and double oven gloves. I’ve included free printable PDF patterns and physical paper ones. And here’s my research on what fabrics and battings to use for these heat-resistant projects. Ps. I run an email list where I send people 1 FREE … Read more