NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 14...

...

SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

Tired of pinning patterns to fabric?  Make your own pretty pattern weights using low cost hardware store washers of all sizes, pretty ribbons or trims, and a glue gun.  Mine are made using just a single washer.  To make heavier weights, wrap two or three washers together.

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 12...

...

 SEWING INFO OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

It would have been so nice of me if I had mentioned Craftsy.com's Free For All on Labor Day for the benefit of those who did not know about it.  Truth be told, I only thought about doing that just today.  Please forgive me!  Hopefully they will have that offer again sometime in the very near future.

But in the meantime, it started me thinking about ALL of the Craftsy classes I have:

One Pattern Many Looks:  Pants - Kathy Ruddy

Patternmaking + Design:  Pants - Suzy Furrer

Patternmaking Basics:  The Bodice Sloper - Suzy Furrer (mmmm, forgot I bought that one)

Create any Size:  Pattern Grading for Sewers - Kathleen Cheetham

Essential Guide to Tailoring - Alison Smith

Jacket Fitting Techniques - Pam Howard

40 Techniques Every Sewer Should Know - Gail Yellen

I've even picked up a few free classes along the way:

 Machine Savy: Tips for Creative Sewing - Linda McGhee

Sew Real:  Machine Basics - Amy Alan

Sewing Machine Feet A to Z - Steffani Lincecum

Mastering Zippers - Suni Standing

Know Your Wool - Deborah Robson

Complete Knife Skills - Brendan McDermott (for the Sewing Gourmet that I am)

So I was wondering if you'd share your Craftsy list???

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH DAY 11: NOTABLE MENTIONS 6:

...

SEWING INFO OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

You just never know who might be harboring a secret, (a sewing secret that is)!  Recently one of my readers informed me that Canada's Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell of the Province of Ontario has just such a secret.  I found this fact absolutely inspiring, especially since I, myself been experiencing a "sewing Lull" of sorts.  You can learn more about her secret here:

 http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/lt-gov-elizabeth-dowdeswell-has-a-secret-hobby-1.3555203http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/lt-gov-elizabeth-dowdeswell-has-a-secret-hobby-1.3555203

Sheryll's had more fabulous sewing tips for the month of August at patterns.scissors.cloth

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 10...

...

SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

CURE FOR RUNAWAY FOOT PEDALS

Use shelf or drawer liners to create a no-slip surface for your sewing machine’s pedal. Cut in a square shape, slightly larger than the machine foot pedal, and this textured foam will help keep the pedal in place as you stitch.

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 9...

...

SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't) 

Metal hem guides get too hot for fingers when pressing up a hem. To eliminate this problem, purchase a silicone pot holder and cut in per-measured strips (1/2", 1", 1 1/2", 2" and so on) to use as hem guides.  One pot holder is usually large enough to yield all the standard hem sizes we use.

The iron will not harm the silicone, and they always remain cool to the touch.

Smooth silicone pot holder on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Lamson-Original-HotSpot-Holder-Silicone/dp/B0006LVFV6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_79_lp_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=9DAB5H5843Y48Y9ZFTTZ

NATIONAL SEWING MONTH - DAY 8...

...

SEWING TIP OF THE DAY

(Maybe you've heard this, but just in case you haven't)

Purchase interfacing in 5 or 6 yard lengths.  Preshrink in a basin of hot water for 15 minutes.  Hang to dry over the shower rod.  This way your interfacing is ready to go whenever you need it.