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Sneak Peek: ReSew by Jenny Wilding Cardon

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Jenny Wilding Cardon gives a video sneak peek of the projects in her soon-to-be-released book ReSew.  The book will show how to transform thrift store garments and linens into new, stylish clothing.

I’ll be posting a review of the book in a couple of weeks, along with a giveaway AND a  Q & A with the author.  I’m so excited!

But instead of me having all of the fun coming up with questions for Jenny, I thought I’d open that up to all of you.  Want to know what inspires her?  How she finds time to sew?  This is your chance to ask!

Check out the video sneak peek, and then leave questions for Jenny here as a comment on this post by Sunday, February 13, 2010.  She’ll choose the questions from the comments on this post and answer them in our Q & A session.

[photo from ReSew by Jenny Wilding Cardon]

Comments

  1. I thrift shop, but alot of the clothes I find are smaller than my size. Will your book give ideas how to use smaller items and make them into great stuff for someone bigger?

    example

    I found the cutest shirt in retro 70’s wild fabric size large but its too small for me, my girl can cut it down to great stuff for her but I am at a lost how to use it for me.

    Reply

  2. How do you come up with the ideas for your projects? Also, what skill level do you need for your designs? Anything ideal for beginners?

    Reply

  3. I loved the sneak peak of your book. Your vision is really amazing. Do you try to use all elements of the former piece such as zippers and buttons? Also, does the fabric speak to you or do you normally have a project in mind before hitting the thrift store.

    Reply

  4. Wow–fantastic transformations! I also wonder about your inspiration. Where do your ideas come from–the fabric finds or your own ideas and imagination of what kind of fabric you need? Will your book have any tips for larger-sized women’s designs (A-line skirts, sleeved tops, etc.)? As it stands now, I can only imagine using your accessory patterns. But my imagination is awakened!

    Reply

  6. Do you have a preference for fabric type when you refashion something? Are knits easier than woven fabric? Organic (cotton, wool, linen, etc) better than synthetics or is the reverse true?

    Reply

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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