4/30/10

Alterations are a very important part of looking good. Don't be afraid to have clothes altered to fit you right. You would be surprised at what a slight adjustment can do to flatter your figure and make you look more polished. I usually do not use pockets in my pants and sometimes the cut of the slacks cause the pocket to bulge so, I simply sew the pockets shut. This one row of stitches makes the world of difference. A tailor can take that blouse or pant, that you haven't worn because it just doesn't look right, and perhaps change it and make it fit better for a fraction of what it would cost to get a new item. So before you throw things out, take a good look at them and ask yourself if you would wear it if it fit better. If the answer is yes, then visit your local tailor or better yet, do it yourself.

Quick fix

Did you ever launder a pair of slack to find that when you put them on again they were too short? Then when you go to take the hem down, there is a white line showing where the hem use to be? Well if they are black, you can try coloring in the line with a black sharpie. I would test it out on the inseam first and then do the rest.
The other option is after you take down the hem, center single fold bias tape, ribbon, or any other decorative trim over the line and stitch close to both top and bottom of the trim to secure in place.

4/21/10 Embellishments

Adding beads, buttons, flowers, trims and other items to clothing can make a garment look new and fresh as well as allowing you to show your creativity. Floral fabrics are widely being used this Spring and I don't know about you, but I love making skirts and dresses out of them. Try outlining an area of flowers with some clear iridescent sequins to give your garment some sparkle. You don't have to sew them on by hand, they can be glued. I find that Sobo glue, sold in fabric and craft stores, works best because it is not sticky and it dries clear. Also, clear sequins come in a large variety of sizes and shapes and can also be used to cover up stains on your favorite blouse. They add just enough shine to camouflage the stain allowing you to wear it several more times. :)

4/20/10 DIY Dress Form

Making your own dress form can be fun if you are up to the challenge. I read instructions in a sewing publication a long time ago and decided that this would be a great way not only to save money, but to solve all my fitting problems. So, I decided to try it. First you must go to a craft store and purchase an over sized t-shirt that would be long enough to cover your hips. Then pick up a large package of duct tape at the hardware store. Ask a friend or relative to help you wrap up your body. Make sure that you only wear the correct undergarments under the shirt and have your friend proceed to wrap your body horizontally with the duct tape starting with both arms. After the arms are done, proceed to the neck area, front and back, and then gently wrap your chest, waist, and hips in one continuous feed, round and round, until you cover every inch of the shirt. When that is all done and you look like you are in a suit of armor, have your friend cut straight up the back of the shirt in one long cut from bottom to top, and slip out of it. This is now your body double, and you can either place it on an existing dress form that you have and fill in the cavities with fiberfill, or you can find your own stand and stuff the entire body. Be sure to secure the back together with more duct tape to hold in place. Doesn't this sound simple?
Well, if you log onto my other blog "sewtalk", I will tell you my experience with this method.

Welcome ! 4/19/10

I've decided to try something new, a sewing blog for all of us who have a common passion for fabrics, fashion, art and anything else that is related to sewing. This, of course, would have to include conversations with you as friends because it's always nice to share our interests with others. Sewing has been a passion of mine since I was young, and I will not go into how many years ago that was, but I've been around the block a couple of times and have mastered many segments of sewing. Having owned my own studio for many years, I've also conversed with many wonderful clients and enjoyed being able to make part of their lives joyous. The look on a woman's face when she picked up her garment and it was a perfect fit is priceless. That was my inspiration of sewing for others all these years. But, today we owe it to ourselves to try and make some money with all this work and be conscience of our self worth. I hope you join me on this journey to share knowledge and motivate each other toward success in our passion.