Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Elisabeth from Growing Home shares a tutorial for making a reversible John John romper. This is such a classic look for little boys! And because it’s reversible, it’s two garments in one. She uses a printed fabric on one side, and a solid on the other. The solid side gets a cute applique like the little sailboat shown here. Get the tutorial.
[photo from Growing Home]
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]
So glad you liked the tutorial–thank you for posting! These are also a fun and easy way to give a very special gift to a new mom or a birthday boy–two special occasion outfits in one!
I have been looking for directions to make a reversible jon jon for quite some time. I sat down today and followed these and YES!!!! finally directions that worked! Thank you for spending your time creating these step by step directions that work!
Elisabeth, I’m trying to use your tutorial, but my virus protection software keeps telling me your website has a virus. Just thought you would want to know.
I can’t get to the tutorial. It says I need to be invited. Any other way to access it?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Hi, I’m trying to view your pattern and it isn’t letting me.
Hi, I need to get invited to access the tutorial.
I’m having trouble accessing the tutorial too. Help please!
I used to be able to view your blog (and loved it!) but now I can’t view it. Can you invite me to the blog? Thanks!
The site with tutorial is by invitationonly. Any suggestions?
This is an older post and the blog has since moved to invitation only. Here’s another John John romper you might try: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-baby-boy-romper-or-jon-jons/2015/04/18/ It’s not meant to be reversible but it should be easy enough to make it reversible. –Anne