Sewing

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From my studio last week: March 7, 2011

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If I wasn’t committed to having this “from my studio” series, I would totally skip this week.  Let’s just say that last week was not a studio-intensive week.  As in, I only completed one project, and that’s a repeat of the shirt I made the previous week.  I did, however, take photos along the way to create a tutorial for making it. 

I would have posted a photo of little wearing her new shirt, but it turned off COLD this weekend and there’s no way I could get her to wear it outside without the hugest frown on her face. 

I can tell you that she loves it, though.  The t-shirt knit is really really soft.  I had her try it on for size, and she ended up wearing it for the next 4 hours.  It’s already dirty and ready for laundry, which to me is a sign of a favorite shirt.

This being my second time through this project, I figured out a few things to simplify the shirt.  First off, making it from a thrifted tee instead of yardage meant that I didn’t have to put in a hem.  YAY!! 

Second, foldover elastic makes AWESOME binding for this project, and it’s really quick and easy to apply.  

 This coming week is looking equally busy in my non-sewing life so I don’t hold great project expectations for the next 7 days.  But look for a tutorial for making the Peek-a-Boo Shoulder Shirt tomorrow, along with a little surprise I’ve got up my sleeve.  🙂

And if I can move enough stuff off of my to-do list (and on to my yay-it’s-done list), I’m planning on writing up a pattern and tutorial for making those 18″ doll panties I showed you last week.

Next Pattern:

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Have you read?

Learn All About Sewing Velvet Fabric

 

I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store.  So much texture!  And the way the fibers catch the light!  But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think.  That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl.  That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction.  That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared.  And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet. 

Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects.  Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter.  Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long. 

Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success.  There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid.  She describes the different types of velvet available.  And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric.  Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric.  There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.

Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric. 

And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.

[photo credit: Melly Sews]

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