Sewing

Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew

From my studio last week: May 17, 2011

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Even with the end of semester hitting, I was able to get one project completed last week. Woot!  A new top for me.  Woot! Woot!

It another Shruggy Shirt.  I tried making some modifications to the pattern to make the shruggy part come down further on the shoulder.  But what I wasn’t taking into account was that the tension on the contrast band would counteract any extra length.  I had to put tension on the contrast band to help keep it from buckling on the curve (which it still did), and this tension just ended up pulling the shruggy part further up on my shoulder.  Lesson learned.  I’ll go back to my original pattern.

I also kind of boogered up the fit through the torso.  The knit fabric had such a loose stretch that it didn’t want to hug to my body.  Instead of  reshaping the sides to fit closer, I ended up just adding a contrast band to the bottom a la The Slouchy Shirt. 

And this project wasn’t one that I made.  But it did come from my studio.  It’s a pillow that my daughter made for one of her friends.  She conceived of the idea and created it herself, though she did have some help cutting out the rectangles and fusing the shapes down to the front.  All of the stitching is her own, even around the tight curves of the heart.  She used a fabric marker to write the girl’s name across the front.  I love it!

With school out of the way, I plan on becoming The Crazy Sewing Lady this week.  If only I could make all that pesky laundry magically disappear…

Comments

  1. Oh now that is cute! And the excitement,woot!!! I love when we craft things for our selfs we are proud of. I am jr-refashionista and its so fun! I love your creations. they are inspiring!

  2. So cute. You are so good at self fabric trim. If you’re ever in OH, stop in and teach me. My neckines always end up huge at the top edge or puckery at the seam.

  3. Do you have a tutorial for your shruggy shirts? If so I would love it, where can I find it?

Have you read?

Sewing for Seniors: A Roundup of Practical Patterns for Aged Care and Dementia

As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort. 

Adult dignity bib 

When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.

How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy  

Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.

Eye Pillow – Weighted 

Tulip Walker Tote Bag 

Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com 

Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob! 

Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused

Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew

How to sew a fidget quilt 

How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources

Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.

Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern

Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users 

Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing

How to Make a Fidget Blanket 

Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt 

How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper

For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper 

How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper

For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.

The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern

Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial

This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.

Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket

 Weighted Blanket

Weighted Lap Pad

For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.