Crafty Sewing Sew
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I am self-employed and run a blog called Crafty Sewing Sew. I love sewing, making and creating. Blog by Helen Barrass.
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
In a cost of living crisis, many of us, myself included are looking at different craft projects to reduce our energy bills in the winter months, and one of the easiest, most popular, and most practical crafts is a DIY draught excluder (or draft guard / draft blocker for my North American friends).
The great thing about homemade draught excluders (or a door snake as my nana calls them) is that you don’t need a sewing machine or any sewing experience to make one. I mean it helps, but it’s not essential. Instead, the most essential thing for any draught excluder is the stuffing.
The best filling ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
As a long-term sewist, I’m guilty of choosing to invest money in fun things such as a new sewing machine or extra fabric instead of things that may not be quite as fun but still have several benefits. One such item is a comfortable and ergonomic chair.
The right sewing chair is essential for those who spend a lot of time hunched over at a sewing machine. However, with so many different options to choose from, how can you find the best chair for your needs?
To help make your decision as easy and quick as possible, I’ve gone ahead and put together a comprehensive list of the best sewing chairs c ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
Using a fixed mannequin when sewing is incredibly useful as it can give you a realistic base to work from when sewing together a garment.
However, using an adjustable mannequin for sewing is even better as you can alter this to the exact body measurements you are looking to work to.
While there aren’t many adjustable dressmaker dummies to choose from, it’s still very important to pay attention to the small differences between those available such as;
Size
Fabric
Adjusters
Price
This way you’ll be able to buy the best adjustable tailors dummy for your needs.
To showcase the differences, I wen ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
Whether you’re looking to purchase a stuffed animal or make one for a loved one, it’s important to understand the different types of fabrics available and which one is best.
The best fabric for stuffed animals is cotton because it is the most durable, easy to clean and soft. If you’re looking for something softer, then faux fur or Minky is a great alternative.
While cotton is the best fabric to use for a stuffed animal, you may also want to consider some alternatives depending on the use of the animal, who it’s for and the effects you’re trying to create.
For example, a bear that is going to b ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
Dungarees are quickly becoming a fashion staple for many and can be found in a variety of fabrics. You can find a vast array of dungaree designs and patterns to make at home.
The best fabrics to use for dungarees are those which are tough, easy to sew and comfortable such as cotton, french terry or corduroy.
While denim is considered the best fabric for dungarees you may want to consider some alternatives that are either better suited to wearing out day to day over just lounging at home.
For example, if you are looking to make a pair of dungarees for at home that won’t be worn much outside you ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
When getting your first sewing pattern or ready-to-wear clothes, the sizes might have you confused. If you’re not sure what to look out for, you could even end up with terribly ill-fitting garments. Your body size isn’t changing, so should your size not be the same for both clothing types?
Sewing pattern sizes are different from clothing sizes, as the sizes for ready-to-wear clothes are smaller than the corresponding ones for sewing patterns. The only way to correctly determine sewing pattern size is by taking body measurements.
If you’re confused about the different sizes, stick around. This ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
Ironing and pressing fabric during the sewing process is a step that most novices skip, but it’s one of the essential things that can make a finished product look professional.
When ironing, use a slow back-and-forth motion. When pressing, rest the iron on top of a wrinkle for a few seconds before removing it. Do this with a heat setting that’s safe for your fabric. Don’t iron or press over pins, and if your fabric is prone to shrinkage, wash it beforehand.
In this article, I’ll explore when you should iron or press your fabric and how it’s done properly. Read on to learn more!
Should I Iron M ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
When it comes to sewing, crisp, clean lines are essential for creating a quality piece. Perfect creases are achieved by using a warm iron and various pressing surfaces, and wool pressing mats are one of the most popular choices for this.
Wool pressing mats offer a quick and effective way to press fabric by efficiently absorbing heat and moisture. These mats are an excellent tool for any sewing style but are particularly helpful for quilting.
The rest of this article will tell you everything you need to know about wool pressing mats. I will discuss the purpose and advantages of using a wool pre ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
A dressmakers dummy is perfect for using to draft your own sewing patterns and even use for fittings and displaying clothes, but are they really worth buying?
A dress form or also known as a tailor’s dummy or mannequin is a great additional tool for a sewing space. Especially those who draft their own sewing patterns, make their own clothes and costumes or like to display clothing.
Not all forms of the mannequin are worth having and depending on your true use for the tailor’s dummy you may find it worth having and not.
It is worth buying a dressmaker mannequin if you like to make your own clot ..read more
Crafty Sewing Sew
1y ago
Mini ironing boards are useful for more than being used in smaller spaces, they are also perfect for a number of ways when it comes to sewing.
Much of the time during a sewing project you may find that you also require an iron on hand or close by. To press seams, create a tuck or simply readjust some fabric.
This is where a tabletop mini ironing board comes in as it is easy to put up, doesn’t take up a lot of space and is perfect for small quick ironing projects.
Now that you know what’s all the rage with mini ironing boards, let’s look at some of the best ones on the market.
1. Brabantia Tabl ..read more