How To Install A Snap Fastener So It Never Pops Off Again

Today I'm going to share my secret no-fail trick for putting a snap fastener on so that you don't have to do it again. 

Sound like a big claim? 

Maybe.

But it has worked for me ever since I figured it out. 

Instant End Table Repurpose

How A Little Old End Table Solved A Storage Problem

Ever have one of those moments when a solution to a little problem comes to you out of nowhere? I had one yesterday. I love when that happens, don't you? I am a very easily distracted person, so I'd better tell you how this idea came to me before I get distracted. Again. ;)

Simple Jumpsuit

Hi Everybody!

I just finished my Simple Jumpsuit Challenge project, and I'm really excited about how it turned out! It all started with a couple of circle skirts (on sale!) from Jockeywear, my favorite place to buy clothes.

...one of them in this knockout print:

Isn't it gorgeous?

Tunic To T-Shirt Tutorial - Easy!

Refashion: How to Make a Dressy T-Shirt in 20 Minutes

I whipped up a little t-shirt to wear to a golf dinner last weekend.
I started it forty-five minutes before my friend arrived to pick me up,
and it only took twenty minutes to make! It's amazing what a person can do when they put themselves under a little pressure.  

Best Tailoring Trick I Ever Learned

Well ladies, I am about to show you a fix for one of 
the most annoying fitting problems ever. You ready?

Pants that feel like they're crotching you to death. 
You know what I'm talking about. 

You make a new pair of pants, excitedly try them on, 
and find that they pull in the front, or you can't sit in them. 
Grrr!!

It's the one thing that can really keep you from getting 
any fashion mileage out of your newly-sewn creation. 

Tips For Sewing With Knits

Helpful Tips For Sewing Stretch Fabric

Today I want to talk about sewing with knits. My favorite fabric. Knits are so varied and versatile. Endless possibilities. From swimwear to activewear to t-shirts to dresses. There are so many things you can do with knits it's mind-boggling. 

I fell in love with knits the day my pattern drafting instructor took my classmates and I on a field trip to the DuPont factory near Kingston, Ontario. I watched in fascination as a pair of pantyhose was created in hmmm...about five minutes. 

How To Make a Cap Sleeve T-Shirt Pattern

How To Easily Alter A Pattern To Make A Cap Sleeve T-Shirt

Morning Everyone!

I thought I would share a simple 
pattern tutorial with all of you today.

As I was making my Simple Dress Design, 
it occurred to me that I could show you the easy pattern for it.  
I will start off with the cap sleeve pattern for the bodice. It's pretty 
straightforward, but if my instructions don't make sense 
for you, please ask in the comments or send me an email.
And if you are a newbie sewist, give it a try!

The Cap Sleeve T-Shirt
 One of my abslolute favorites. 

Goes together quickly. 
No set-in sleeves. 
No zippers.  
No hand-hemming (love that part!). 
All by machine.

Want to make a cap sleeve t-shirt pattern for yourself? 

Here's how...

Simple Dress Challenge

Hi everybody!

I can't believe it has been nearly a month since my last post.

But I have a special one today that I'm excited and happy about.

I joined Diane Vin's Stitch Once Rip Twice sewing group on Facebook. It's great to share ideas and interact with other sewists.

Her latest challenge was to make a simple dress.

Shoulder Adjustment On A Pattern

 The Shoulders Are Too Wide On My Pattern.
How do I fix that?

If you are just new to the wonderful world of sewing, 
Congratulations!

It's lots of fun, full of challenges, and yes, frustration too!
Learning how to make fitting changes on the flat pattern can save
time, dollars, and disappointment in the final fitting of your project.

My quick tutorial will show you how to overcome a common
fitting problem with a simple fix. 

Is the shoulder measurement
on a pattern wider than yours?

Refashioned Top

Drapey Tunic to Summery T-Shirt

Ha! I'm finally getting around to writing up my first refashion post! Things have been a little chaotic around here, but in a good way. I just found out a couple of weeks ago that I got into my first art festival, and I am beyond excited! It takes place on historic Whyte Avenue (also known as Old Strathcona) in Edmonton, Alberta, and I will be painting with over three hundred artists for three days! So...this means I will be extra busy making art for the next couple months.

Anyway, on to the post!

I was visiting Serger Pepper not too long ago and saw some of Irene's beautiful refashions. Next thing I knew I was sifting through my closet to find some clothes to make over. It didn't take long either, because many of them need a serious overhaul. Here is the first one.