My earliest experience with a combo machine was in 2008, and I’ve been using my Bernette B79 sewing-embroidery machine for over a year now. A combination sewing-embroidery machine is exactly what it sounds like – these machines operate as a normal sewing machine, but they can also be converted to a mode that stitches out … Read more
A little bit of black dye can be a great way to change the style of your denim. Without disclosing too many embarrassing details, my own journey with dyeing black denim began in middle school, during a very intense but short-lived goth phase. My first black dye project was a pair of jeans – I … Read more
Silk fabrics can be broken down into 3 main categories: by silkworm, by processing method, and look-a-likes that aren’t made from silk fibers. First, silk is produced by several species of silk worms and all in slightly different ways. These are outlined below, but the key difference is whether the silkworm is allowed to emerge … Read more
Dyeing with turmeric can be an incredible introduction to natural dyeing. Turmeric was one of the first completely self-guided natural dye journeys I went on, and although it was a great experience, it’s not a dyestuff I go back to regularly as it’s quite quick to fade. There are other natural dyes like Weld that … 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
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
My preferred dyeing vessels are plastic tubs and metal dye pots. I’ve also dyed fabric in bathtubs, kitchen sinks, laundry sinks, and I frequently use my washing machine to wash dyed fabric. I use fiber-reactive and acid dyes rather than box dyes in most cases. Box dyes, like Rit and Dylon, are more of a … Read more