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We can all learn from what others have experienced.
You may have found a "quick and easy" method for doing certain mundane
sewing or crafting tasks that helps to complete a job faster or better. We
never seem to have enough time in a day to do what we want, so any
"help" we can get is always appreciated.
The following tips have been submitted by readers in the
past, as well as ones we have discovered. If you'd like to submit a hint
or tip for this page, simply write to us at sarah@patternsthatfityou.com.
We will add your name to the hint if you would like, or leave your name off,
whichever you prefer. We do appreciate all the hints and tips that have
already been submitted -- keep them coming!
A favorite pattern
will last longer if you iron stabilizer to the entire pattern. It
withstands the pin pricks and is easier to alter.
MAKE YOUR OWN
PILLOW CASES!
When the "white sale" comes around, just buy top
and bottom sheets - forget the more expensive pillow cases. You can
purchase one twin size flat sheet and make 4 pillowcases that will end up
costing you less than one third of the price at the store. The diagram
that follows shows you how to lay out the twin size flat sheet and cut the 4
pillowcases. The "white sales" can be a way to save even more
money!!
LENGTHWISE FOLD
Speaking of sheets and pillow cases, if you're into making
sheets, an excellent and quick method of making the fitted sheets is to use
"buttonhole" elastic around the edges. Because of the
"buttonholes" already in the elastic, it folds very easily and is
wonderful for sewing into the curves. This makes professional looking
edges and corners - and is so easy you'll be making sheet sets for all your
friends. NOTE: Buttonhole elastic is available from http://SewWithSarah.com
- look in the catalog section under "elastics".
Tricot and other fabrics
that have a tendency to curl will do better if you spray a little starch along
the edges and press before sewing the seams.
If you will preshrink your
fabric as soon as you purchase it, you will never have to wonder if it has been
done or not.
Did you know that
the cut edges of braid and trims won't ravel if you seal them with "Fray
Check", the fabric sealant.
Remnants of bias tapes, trims and braids can be kept under
control if you wrap them around an old paper towel tube.
Before discarding old rubber gloves, cut off a 2" length
of the thumb and needle fingers - these work great on hand sewing and craft
projects where the needle is hard to pull through the fabric.
Keep old patterns!
Children's patterns especially are very easy to re-sell. Be sure to keep
all the pattern pieces, and keep them folded neatly in the pattern package.
If you sew both
sides of laces THE SAME DIRECTION, you'll eliminate the "stretching",
puckering, and twisting of the lace.
When you can't match the thread
for a print fabric, try using one shade in the bobbin and a different shade on
top -- this actually works very well.
Nothing is written in stone
that says you HAVE to sew four hole buttons a certain way. Especially
in children's clothing, try sewing them on "decorator" fashion - see
samples above.
Click Here for FREE Classes
Note: some of the above tips have been taken from
Sarah's book "500 Quick & Easy Sewing Tips" $9.95 + $2.00 P&H.
This book can be ordered directly from Sarah ---- e-mail: sarah@PatternsThatFitYou.com,
phone: 850-944-7570, or mail order to: Sarah Doyle, 3412 Holt Circle #C,
Pensacola, FL. 32526.
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