I am afraid I am one of those dreadful bores of a teacher who insists that Hemming is done by hand! It just looks simply beautiful, & gives a truly professional finish to a garment that has been carefully stitched together, by hand. I have taken this Tutorial from my Simple A-Line Skirt Tutorial because this subject has come up …
A-Line Skirt hack: Make a Pleated Skirt!
Hello lovelies! Having been very inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee a couple weeks ago, here is my A-Line Skirt Hack based on my super duper popular Patternless A-Line Skirt Tutorial to make an Inverted Box Pleated Skirt as they did. The original Tutorial is amazingly simple, and I highly recommend it if you are learning to sew or want …
Customizing a Simple Skirt
As you may remember, last week I promised my version of customization, a la The Great British Sewing Bee. I have been struck by the ‘flu this week ( boo!), so this is a little late coming to you but I love the outcome so much, I thought I’d share! I am also really proud of myself for finally starting …
Notions: Pretty Lace Edge
To achieve this pretty Lace edge detailing- ideal for Slips, Pyjamas, Lingerie or Skirts- first decide upon the Lace & measure the garment to ascertain the length needed. There are some beautiful, & colourful, Lace edgings out there & it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Next, fold the wrong side of the material over to the right side, to …
Notions: Final Touches for the Simple Skirt
Only a few steps left before the Simple A-Line Skirt is complete! Thank you for staying with me this far… Having cut your Pattern here, started to stitch up & insert the Zip here, & starting to finish the Skirt here; you will undoubtedly be eager to add your buttons & hem so as to proudly show off your wonderful new …
Notions: Make a Hem on a Chiffon Garment.
To make a hem on a chiffon garment: Sew a straight stitch about 0.5cm or 1/4″ to 1.5cm or 3/8″ away from the cut edge. Iron the hem up at the stitched line. The stitched line will help the iron naturally turn the fabric. Stitch the turned area down with a straight stitch, just above the previous stitching. Now …
Notions: Herringbone Stitch.
Illustration from McCalls Sewing in Colour, 1960. I know this seems complicated but I use Herringbone Stitch for all my hems. I first got taught this technique when I was working at the- now sadly closed down & sold off for parts- BBC Costume Department in West London. The reason it was being used on costumes was twofold… firstly it …
Notions: Gorgeous Vintage details
Another of the little gems hidden away in my collection. I am simply dying to use this on a top & as I am teaching a Pattern Cutting Course at the moment, & have to draft a simple top as an example, I may just cheekily make it up with this snazzy little detailing… maybe in rows down the front? …
Sewing Hints & Tips #2
To make a hem on a chiffon garment: Sew a straight stitch about 0.5cm or 1/4″ to 1.5cm or 3/8″ away from the cut edge. Iron the hem up at the stitched line. The stitched line will help the iron naturally turn the fabric. Stitch the turned area down with a straight stitch, just above the previous stitching. Now you …