Until I watched an episode of “The Profit” that featured, Queork, an accessories business that exclusively created products with cork fabric, I had no idea that such a fabric existed.   To me, cork was something used in wine bottles, shoes, flooring, and table serving ware.   The idea that cork could be used to make tote bags, purses, aprons, wallets, etc. fascinated me!  The concept of making goods with a sustainable and renewable resource resonates with many sewists (including me) so I immediately began to Google it hoping to learn more.  I learned through a qui ..read more

This morning, I saw numerous images of the newly crowned Miss Universe 2023, R’Bonney Gabriel, wearing a beautiful, black and blue beaded gown by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez.  This show stopping dress featured many different shaped rhinestones including some that were set in metal settings.  Ironically, in my last blog post, I mentioned that I would be discussing how to mount rhinestones and why you may want to consider using this method in your next sewing project that requires rhinestone embellishment. This method is standard when working on designer gowns, stage costumes, and ..read more

It’s hard to believe that a new year is here!  With so much ‘behind the scenes’ tech work in December, we held off on releasing new content.  This gave the team time to complete the necessary coding updates and ensure that the updates went smoothly.  I’m happy to report that the updates were a success!  One of the biggest differences is the mobile friendly features of the rebuild.  In 2023, we will roll out new features and more helpful sewing content.  As always, if you are struggling with a sewing dilemma, please feel free to contact us and suggest a tutorial. T ..read more

If you are looking for easy and fun projects to make and gift, consider making simple items that you can make in advance and keep in your gift closet. This way, you can make several versions of a particular item and tailor it for each person on your list.  Here are a few easy to make, handmade sewing gift project ideas for the holidays. Handmade Sewing Gift Ornaments Ornaments come in different shapes and sizes and can be customized for every holiday and everyone on your list. They are a great budget friendly gift for teachers, co-workers, and host/hostess gifts. The bonus: they are calo ..read more

As we move to a more casual work environment, the demand for traditional business attire has declined leading to a surplus of men’s neckties. Sadly, many of these beautiful ties are tossed into landfills and sewists often look for creative sewing projects to upcycle the fabric. If you need an Amazing Purse for a special occasion, consider making your own with a silk necktie and leftover fabric!  The process is simple and can produce amazing results. Before starting, gather a few necessary supplies:  A necktie with a small or random print (Stripes and directional prints can be tricky ..read more

Do you have fabric scraps? If you sew like me, you probably have a lot of leftover fabric pieces that are too good to toss.  I often carefully fold them and place them in my ‘scrap box’ for use in a future project. Unfortunately, I’ve never had much luck finding suitable projects for using up these small leftover gems.  Earlier this year I was facing a serious storage issue and decided it was time to downsize my stash.  The dilemma: what could I make with small amounts of fabric?  As I looked around my studio, I had a lightbulb moment.  I could make no-sew ornaments ..read more

In the past when working with specialty fabrics like cork or imitation suede that have a tendency to stick to traditional presser feet, I’ve used sewing aids like tissue paper or spray on lubricants. It wasn’t easy, but I made it thru my projects vowing to find an easier way before the ‘next project.’ Since I plan to incorporate cork fabric into several upcoming projects, I knew I had to find a solution to my ‘sticking’ problem. I just wasn’t sure what I needed to buy. Would I ever find a universal solution to my problem? Well, I did. On a recent visit to my favorite sewing machine shop and up ..read more

How to pick the best Scissors Style Other than a sewing machine, a good pair of scissors is perhaps the most essential tool for any sewist. There are a range of scissors made specifically for sewing; so today we will be going through what types you need and when to use them. Dressmaking Shears Full-sized fabric scissors or dressmaker shears are the most versatile of cutting tools for sewing – so if you don’t have a pair, you need at least one pair! They are available in three different lengths, 8 inch, 9 inch, and 10 inch. This measurement refers to the blade length. The longer the blade, the ..read more

Create a Fun and Stylish Pumpkin Topper This is the 2nd installment of the new series “From Scraps to Masterpieces.” If you are looking for an alternative to carving and painting pumpkins, then today’s sewing project will pique your interest! With a small amount of fabric, leftover trim, and Halloween accents, I’m sharing my sewing tutorial for creating amazing pumpkin toppers. They are a fantastic option when decorating pumpkins for indoors. These beauties can be used for many years and are a GREAT way to use up Halloween and fall themed fabrics from your scrap bag! I’ve made them in 2 sizes ..read more

Recently, a blog reader submitted a tutorial request. We love receiving emails like this as they help us when selecting future article and tutorial topics. This reader requested more ideas for working with scrap fabrics and leftover piecework. Since this topic is of interest to anyone who sews, I’ve made the editorial decision to create a new series called, “From Scraps to Masterpieces.” Hopefully, this new series will inspire you to take a second look at fabric you may have tossed into the ‘scrap bag’ and sew something beautiful with it! If you have ever created an upcycle fabric patchwork fo ..read more