On a recent thrifting adventure, I found a lovely sheet. Great for a skirt or something fun for summer.
Then – the perfect project came up…NAPKINS. How cute would this be for napkins? And even better – BIAS TAPE binding for the napkins. I have a duvet cover that is at least 15 years old, and after it’s last wash – it fell apart. But it’s sooooo soft, I couldn’t bear to toss it. So – it will be part of my napkin project.
I have only used 1/3 of the sheet and have made 24 yards of bias tape.
I’m glad I’m making napkins. I ran out of paper napkins the other day and really don’t want to buy more paper napkins. SAVE A TREE – Make some fabric napkins. Stay tuned for the finished set of napkins….or come take the napkin class at and SAVE A TREE and make your own napkins.
We finished up our first Learn How to Sew class..and let me tell you WHAT A CLASS!
I always think how cool it is that people want to learn to sew – and they are afraid too – yet they jump right in. I know that I was standing over each and everyone of these LuckyStitchers – but they could totally do this on their own.
This was a series of 4 classes. The first class – we talked about our machines – how to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, check/adjust tension, learn and practice the many different stitches and make a button hole. There are so many cooooool things you can do with a sewing machine and a little experimenting. Like the scallop stitch – if you do it properly – you can use it as an edge!
Anyway – the next class we started our totes (instructions for all to come soon – check back – they will be posted here). There was lots of practice sewing some straight lines, turning the corner while sewing and turning corners when you turn your project right side out.
We finished up our totes by the third class – we were ready for our little pouches for the fourth and final class. First – I demonstrated how to do an applique – then the gang went to work. It think everyone was pretty happy – and kind of amazed…they all looked so cool! Even more learning about the sewing machine – getting the stitches just so – and the applique works perfectly!
Second – was the zipper and the making of the pouch. It was based on this wonderful tutorial from
I think the pouches turned out super swell….and I think these LuckyStitchers no longer fear their machines and will keep sewing!
I think no matter your level of sewing – you can take a class and learn something. If you take a class at – you’ll notice there is a . THIS IS A SUGGESTION! Don’t be afraid to learn something new. It’s fun!
Well – we finished! Having missed a class due to a snow storm, we met at a student’s home (thank you!) and finished out skirts! The A-Line skirt is really ultra fabulous because it is perfect for so many different body types.
First – we drafted a basic skirt sloper onto paper using our individual measurements. Then – we traced our patterns onto muslins and stitched them up. It was really fun to see everybody’s expression when they tried their muslins on – and they fit! There were a few minor alterations, but those were transferred back to the paper pattern.
Now, with our new paper patterns, we slashed and pivoted, closing the darts (this is a fitted waist A-Line skirt – and I love how they look without darts…) and creating our A-Line. This new pattern was then transferred to the muslin and stitched up. Another fun facial expression time….they still fit! and they were the shapes these girls had been dreaming of!
Now we were ready for our final fabric. We had a few curves to smooth out so our final was fab…and once that was done we cut them out. One cool trick that I learned in college (and haven’t looked back) is to cut the pattern out using the open piece of fabric, not fold the fabric in half – you wast so much fabric that way. And – we cut these on the bias. Who doesn’t love a bias skirt! Sewing was fun, I was able to share lots of fun tips and tricks and I think everyone learned quite a bit.
I do know that these skirts looked awesome on – and everyone has a pattern so they can make more…all year long. How awesome would these be in wool!!!
Skirts are fun for summer – there are two skirt-a-longs that I know of going on right now – so it’s the perfect time to GET YOUR SKIRT ON!
We had so much fun tonight. Mom(L) and 5 year old daughter (L2) came for a stitch session at I have to tell you how thrilled I was to learn that L2 has already been sewing on a sewing machine with her mom. How awesome is that! And not to mention that she celebrated her 5th birthday this past week, so she really started sewing when she was 4!!! We had a lot of fun. After reviewing how to thread the machine, L2 spent some time stitching over some straight lines that I had drawn on muslin. What amazing coordination! It was really wonderful. We quickly then turned to making little totes. Perfect for carrying 5 yr old gear around (and made form cool pink fabric from ), she sews like a pro! And her mom made a tote for her little brother, out of the sweetest green print (also from ). I think they had a great time. I had a lot of fun. I’m pretty sure they are going to keep sewing together. Oh, think of the things they’ll make!
Sewing with your kids is a really wonderful experience. There may be times when attention spans are really really really low, but they are paying attention and learning. Remember…it’s all about the practice!
There will be several chances to get your kids sewing in the next couple of months at . So click on over to and sign up for the announcement list! There will be Sewing 1-2-3, which will meet every Thursday afterschool from 3:30-5, where we will have small projects using the sewing machine. This is a great class for kids who already know how to use the machine, and for those that don’t parents can stay and sew too! There will also be Sew with Me! A sewing class for the beginners, where kids can bring an adult in their life and sew a project together. And don’t forget about the class at in Shelburne Falls. This meets every Monday 4pm-5:30pm, where we do some really cool projects, by hand!
I am really in the bag mood. I really want to make as by . I really love it. The size seems just perfect. I think I’ll add a bag class to . I really want to make some bags this year. Maybe a bright blue or hot pink? Patent Leather? ooh the possibilities are endless. Regardless, this is definitely on my To-Do list!
oh…and don’t forget to click over to and sign up for the newsletter. In the next week, I’ll be announcing the May/June 2007 Calendar. I’ve planned a bunch of great workshops. If you’re nearby, I hope you’ll stop in!
I’ve been working on trying to figure out which top to make for the commercial pattern class that is offered in April, and I’ve finally decided…
Now…I have to admit, I think the photo looks pretty dowdy. Not sure if it was a bad stylist or poor fabric choice, but I think the flat drawing of the garment shows that it’s a great shape, perfect for many different figures, and I’ve seen shirts like this on the pages of my most recent catalogs. I think the key to making this successful for any body type, is to:
Choose the size pattern based on your high bust measurement. If you have a cup size larger than a B cup (like I do…thank you post pregnancy/breastfeeding!), if you meassure your bust and choose the pattern based on that, chances are the pattern will be too big allover and not be flattering. It’s simple to make a bust measurement, whether it’s for an A cup or a DD cup, or even a G cup (yes girls…they go up to J!)
Change the pattern so the band cuts you in the right place. I think you want it to sit properly under the bust, just enough distance so it doesn’t look as though your bust is being cut off, and not to far down to make it look like your bust is at your knees…if you know what I mean!
Choose a really drapey or slinky knit fabric. I think drape is key here. The more the drape, the better the look. If you choose a fabric with not enough drape, the top will look boxy and not flattering. On the other hand, if you choose too “slinky” a knit, you may show off more than you want to (you know the rolls that no one knows about!).
Let your body type determine the print, if any. Prints are on trend (when are they not?), but the Fashionistas are wearing them. Choose a print that fits you! If you are petite, stick with a small print. Not so petite? Then go with something larger. Not sure which is right for you? Chances are the fabric store will have a mirror. Take the bolt of fabric and WRAP IT AROUND YOU. That’s right…wear it! Thinking about a stripe? People with little or no hips looks great in horizontal stripes. Want to look taller or thinner? Then wear a vertical stripe.
Lengthen or shorten the pattern, so the skirt of the top or tunic hits you in the most flattering place for you! Horizontal lines can be the death of a figure, so take time to fit the pattern and hem in the right place!
So anyway…I’ve picked up some solid stretchy light jerseys. I did want to try a print, but my lovely Joann’s only has solids and won’t be getting any printed jersey (what?????). If I had time, I’d order some, but I don’t want to wait. I’m going to be making the short sleeve option, without the contract fabric band. I like the details, but prefer to keep them subtle. I think if I had found a to-die-for print, then I would do the contrast, but….
One of the knits is cotton/spandex and the other is 100% (cringe)poly. They each have their own drape, we’ll see how they work out! Pictures to follow. Happy Sewing!
Other places I’ve seen this style top: (and if you find one that’s not here, send me the link and I’ll post it!)
From Macy’s – INC International Concepts® Woman Empire V-Neck Tunic
(the sleeves are a little different, but the shape is the same!)
Forever21 with more delicate details. The drape looks perfect!
BCBG Max Azria Printed Kimono Dress. Wow – great idea for using the border
It’s a place where someone can come and learn to use their sewing machine, learn sewing skills, patternamking skills and fit skills. It’s a place for all levels. Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermdiate and Advanced. It’s a place where people can just come and hang out and sew, I have a few machines available for renting already, the’ll be a cutting table and irons. I am so fortunate right now to be renting a space from in Northampton, Ma. It’s a great space, open and clean! and there is plenty of storage for the LuckyStitches paraphenalia.
In the next few days, I’ll be finishing up ordering/shopping for the space and getting ready for our first class, Re-Make a T-shirt into … Some will make a cool new shirt, or a skirt or a bag. The possibilities are endless!
To get added to the LuckyStitches Classes and News list – email me info@luckystitches.com and put subscribe in the subject line.
Every Friday, starting March 9, is Friday Night Sew-cial, from 6-9. Come in for a demo, stay and use the space to work on your project and hang with other sewers/crafters.
There are so many other classes happening:
MACHINE MADNESS – a down and dirty session, learn to use your machine
Learn to use your sewing machine while making a tote bag and wallet
Learn about fabric while making a fabulously fitting A-line Skirt
Learn about commercial patterns, how to make them fit and alter them while making a shirt
Re-Make a pair of pants into a skirt
Make a Duct Tape dress form of your body!
Sewing 1-2-3 -afterschool sewing for kids
Be sure to check for all the info or emailme info@luckystitches.com and type “subscribe” to be added to the announcement list.
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