Uncategorized – Susie Loves To Sew! http://susielovestosew.com Sewing Personified Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:30:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://i0.wp.com/susielovestosew.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/cropped-amirali-mirhashemian-1281621-unsplash-4.jpg?fit=32%2C32 Uncategorized – Susie Loves To Sew! http://susielovestosew.com 32 32 164073964 A New Trend: Making Your Own Compass Bag http://susielovestosew.com/how-to-make-your-own-compass-bag/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-make-your-own-compass-bag Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:30:25 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=947 With the ongoing trends in fashion today, bags have been one of those consistent trends. If you’re really eager to find out what it takes to create your own bag, the following is the how-to’s in mastering the arts and crafts of bag making. PS. Do you know what a thimble is? Find out now.

Compass Bags are the Easiest Sewing Pattern When Making Bags

In creating bags, compass bags have been known to be the easiest sewing pattern. It’s also the pattern known for beginners when it comes to the fashion and trend of bags. Basically, a compass bag is a casual bag you wear over your shoulder and the main feature of this bag is that it has a lot of room.

Planning and Preparation is Key!

In making a bag, the most basic step you should start off with is planning your intended design. It might help watching YouTube clips on how bags are made and which design fits your preference.

There are videos that may exist on how to make the exact design you want for your bag, and this makes your bag-designing life a whole lot better.

Start With Making A Paper Prototype

The next step would be creating paper prototypes. You want to test your bag before the real thing, so you would want to make a paper prototype of what you want your bag to look like and see if it fits the object you intend for it to contain.

The purpose of this is also to see the size fitting on your body and if you’re contented with how it looks overall.

The Pattern Making Stage is Important

The pattern making stage overlaps with the paper prototype stage for the reason that you’re still testing which pattern would fit your preference. You could use paper, plastic or maybe a used form of fabric or leather as you please.

With drawing your finalized patterns, it’s best to use online programs if you have a background on maybe designing or architecture.

Prepare Your Skiving Machine To Help Cut the Leather

For the actual creation process, you need to ensure that you have the right tools and machinery needed to do so.

Using a fabric sewing machine wouldn’t be enough for the reason that a fabric sewing machine wouldn’t have the strength needed to withstand leather (that is, if you’re going to use leather.) It’s best to use skiving machine in this case, because a skiving machine can create long strips of leather together.

Having Your Materials Before You Start the Project

Making your own bag is simple enough, yet there entails certain challenges once you make this decision. It has its costs and you have to be dedicated enough.

Another thing would be, you have to be determined in what it takes to sew your own bag, It’s important that you have the necessary materials and machines needed to sew your bag, whether you choose leather or another fabric.

Some of the Materials You May Need

Some of the needed materials would be exterior fabric, lining fabric, Cotton Canvas, all-purpose zipper, slap slider, and other materials you think would be necessary, varying on your research. Quilting cotton is also recommended for lining and accent fabrics .

In the end, making your own bag can be fun and an incredible experience for you. It makes you apply your sewing skills and after the finished product, you can actually use it as your own.

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The Ins & Outs Of the Peyote Stitch http://susielovestosew.com/peyote-stitch-guide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=peyote-stitch-guide Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:30:23 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=923 The peyote stitch is a weaving technique that is most commonly used in designing and making jewelry or something similar. Also labelled as the gourd stitch, the peyote stitch is an off-loom weaving style involving beads.

With this technique, it doesn’t matter if you used an even or an odd number combination of beads in an entire row. Both can be used to construct flat strips. You can also check out our Thimbles Guide here.

A Technique Used in Making Jewelry

If you’re someone who’s intrigued in how to use this weaving technique to design jewelry and the like, the following is a step-by-step guide on how;

Step #1: Inserting 10 Beads Onto the Thread

Start by inserting ten beads onto the thread. Grab the first bead and pull it away from the rest of the group.

Thread one bead into the needle, placing it down. The next would be to exclude over the bead you separated and instead, thread the needle on the next bead in which you pull the threat afterwards. The two beads should be stacked in perfect alignment on top of the third.

Step #2: Reaching the End of the Row

Basically, after this step, you just repeat one of the previous steps that you’ve already accomplished- add another bead, skip one bead and thread it through the next bead. Pull the thread tightly again afterwards.

Keep doing these until you’ve reached the end of the row. Once you reach the end, this is the part you decide which side you want to keep going with.

Step #3: The Stair Step Design is Created

You’ll notice that by this step, you’ll have created a stair-step design, something we could refer to as up and down beads. After this, you add a bead and put the needle all the way through the first up bead.

Assist this bead into its space, so that it’s positioned beside the first bead in the same row. Add another bead and thread the needle in the bead after that. Again, continue doing this until the end of the row.

Step #4: The Final Needle Weave

Once you get to the end of the row, add a bead and string the same side of your work. In doing this, put the needle through the first top bead again. Continue doing this until the end of the row. You can opt to add as many beads as you’d like, depending on your preference.

To finish off, weave the needle through your design in a criss-cross diagonal form until you’re confident enough in the strength of your design in which you can now cut the thread afterwards.

Finishing Touches

When it comes to the finishing touches, however, there are a few kinds of finishing touches for the peyote stitch.

Scalloped Edging

By peyote stitching one bead in every round, this gives your design a wavy finish.

Fabulous Fringe

String one or a few beads and add one bead for just the tip then pass back the needle through the first few beads (the one not for the tip.)

Creative Bezels

In making that perfect and unique design, it all ends with a perfect finish. Creativity is just the way to do that, and it’s a good idea to experiment with designs such as coins, buttons and the like.

The Peyote Stitch is a great technique that has been around for a very long time. Its earliest known artifacts are from Ancient Egypt. It’s a versatile stitch that is a favorite amongst beaders.

It’s a great technique to learn if you’re in the market of making jewelry. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not the best at it at first. Remember practice makes perfect!

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Fair Isle Knitting Is Great For Beginners http://susielovestosew.com/what-is-fair-isle-knitting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-fair-isle-knitting Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:30:20 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=879 Fair Isle is a term generally linked to a traditional knitting technique that involves two or more colors being used consistently over a row. This technique was used to create designs and patterns with a variety of colors.

Check out another one of our fun reads here: Thimbles: The Underestimated Sewing Tool.

Fair Isle Knitting Involves Multiple Colors

From the name itself, it is derived after Fair Isle, one of the Shetland islands. Ever since the 1990s, the term ‘Fair Isle’ has always been associated to stranded knitting of colors, regardless of its origins. In some parts of the world, fair isle knitting involved multiple colors being knitted alternately, with the colors that are unused being stranded over the back of the new pattern.

There Are 2 Types: Simple & Traditional

There are two known kinds of Fair Isle knitting- simple and traditional. Simple Fair isle Knitting involves multiple colors being used whereas the traditional one only uses a maximum of three.

Either way, whether you’re thinking of starting a new hobby or you’ve always had an underlying passion for knitting, the following is a guide on the steps and techniques used in fair isle knitting:

#1 Organize Your Yarn

This may seem like a weird step, but you have to be careful and keep the balls of yarn apart from each other. Keep one ball of yarn to your left and the other to your right.

The last thing you would want is to have both colors of yarn intertwined with each other which would mess up your pattern or your work. Staying organized is one of the significant basic steps to be successful in this technique.

#2 Don’t Strand Your Yarns too Tight On the Backside

Make sure that you don’t put too much pressure when standing your yarns across the back of your pattern. This gives your fabric room for adjustment when necessary.

It’s a good tactic to check the tension needed for your work before you start knitting. Doing this benefits you in deciding the size of you needle- whether you need a big or small one.

#3 Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t be too hard on yourself when things aren’t going right the first time. Practice and repetition is everything. Repeating also makes you know which way of holding the yarns you’re most comfortable with.

For instance, if you find yourself being most efficient and comfortable with holding one yarn at a time, that’s perfectly okay. This technique is also called stranding.

#4 Prevent Twisting

In the stranding method, avoid twisting and tangling yarns by choosing one colors that would always be pulled above the other. This also works the other way around.

#5 Don’t Forget the Final Touches

After you’ve finished knitting the pieces that involve fair isle (if you didn’t use fair isle for the entire fabric), give the pieces a soft press.

The label on your yarn usually says this instruction, so it’s highly recommended to do this as the finishing touch. You could also just opt to simply leave a damp cloth over the pieces of your fair isle and leave them to dry. The latter has been known as a more gentle way on pressing your knits.

Knitting is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that has gained popularity throughout the years. DYI projects have been spotlighted due to mainstream marketing.

Since then, you’re able to find directions and videos on almost anything you want to learn. There are many videos on Fair Isle Knitting so if you find yourself stumped or running into an issue do your online research to help get you to the next step. Happy Knitting!

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Sewing Hacks That Will Up Your Sewing Game http://susielovestosew.com/sewing-hacks-that-will-up-your-sewing-game/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sewing-hacks-that-will-up-your-sewing-game Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:30:15 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=974 Sewing can be a fun and fulfilling hobby, allowing someone to fashion beautiful clothes, pillows, and repair clothes so they last. While fun, sewing can get rather involved, with all the supplies and delicate work involved.

Learning These Tips Can Make Sewing Faster and Easier

Fortunately, there are easy ways out there to simplify some of the trickier aspects of the hobby. With a few simple tricks, a sewer can not only up their sewing game, they can create more intricate works easier and faster.

Check out another one of our fun reads here: Thimbles: The Underestimated Sewing Tool.

Easy Pleating With a Fork

Pleating is a good way to reinforce an area while also making it look nice. Then again, working with twice as much fabric can require a bit of elbow grease, which can be dangerous when working with pointy objects.

Pleating guides exist, but why use one of them when you can just use a fork? That’s right, a fork. Simply use the fork and roll the fabric with one tine exposed like you were eating pasta, and keep on sewing. You might have to do the first pleat by hand, but with a little help from a common kitchen utensil, your pleats will be durable and even.

Threading the Needle Using Hairspray

Getting the sewing thread into the needle eye is an important step in sewing, and it can also be the most difficult. If you’re like me and tend to use larger needles just for the big eye, your sewing options tend to be limited. Licking the tip of the thread is a common trick, but sometimes the thread is just too frayed to hold together or the eye too small. When you need a bit of stiffness, give the thread a quick spurt of hairspray. The extra stiffness will make threading the needle a piece of cake. Well, as long as you can see straight.

Thread Organization Using Golf Tees

Apparently just keeping your spools and bits of thread in a barely controlled pile at the bottom of your sewing kit is not proper organization. Once the bobbins get tossed in, your sewing kit might look less like a bunch of thread and more like abstract art. With a few golf tees, you can keep the bottom of your kit color coordinated for easy color spotting. Also handy for quick games of mini-golf.

Use Toe Separators for Bobbin Control

With the used bobbins under control, you might be concerned with the unused ones settled at the bottom of your kit. A toe separator is an easy way to keep them secured and easy to grab when needed.

Controlling Seam Length With Rubber Bands

Once you’ve gotten into the groove while sewing, maintaining consistent seam length is a common concern. Depending on your sewing machine, using different colored rubber bands as guides can make for easy indicators to keep your seems consistent, and your sewing on the move.

Sewing is fun but involved, much like any hobby or household task. With a few easy tricks, sewing can be made easier and better organized.

With a few household items and a quick check of your junk drawer, any sewer can better organize their supplies, maintain consistent quality of their work, and keep on sewing.

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Shopping For Knits? Here’s What You Need To Know http://susielovestosew.com/shopping-for-knits/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shopping-for-knits Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:12:28 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=717 Knits are textiles that are created by maneuvering yarn into various amounts of loops and stitches interlocking them until they eventually become garments.

Also, check out our newly published review of the Singer Heavy Duty 4452.

How Knitting Was Introduced

The history of knitting dates all the way back to the 11th century CE in Egypt, in which the Ancient Egyptians made socks and other garments, along with various textiles with bold colors. Surprisingly, when the method of knitting was first introduced to the Europeans later in the 1200s-1700s, the activity was solely for men.

Knitting Went From a Necessity to a Hobby

After the Industrial Revolution and the invention of the knitting loom, although knitting by hand was almost impossible for such a large demand, it began to grow in popularity as a hobby. During the World Wars knitting was an essential way of clothing, to preserve money, and keep warm.

During that period knitting was recognized as a staple, books on knitting and mending were published, designers such as Coco Chanel, have set and recognized a fashionable tone for knitting that we know and love today.

Knowing the Weight of the Yarn is Helpful

Weights determine the thickness of your yarn the higher the weight the thicker the yarn. Here is a guide to help you pick the best weight for your project.

#0 -1

A 0-1 weight yarn or lace, is typically the thinnest yarn you can possibly knit with. You can make lightweight shawls and scarves with this weight of yarn.

#2 – 3

 2-3 weight yarns are slightly thicker than 0-1 weight yarns and are perfect for making socks, and mittens, allowing a more intricate detail.

#3-4

3-4 weight yarns are usually the most beginner-friendly, and neutral weights of yarn. Mainly because you could make almost anything with them.

#5-6

5-6 weight yarns are very bulky, this is the yarn most people use to acquire, the chunky knit cable hats, and sweaters making them unbelievably cozy.

#7

7 weight yarns are the thickest of the yarns, so big in fact, you can practically knit with your bare hands. Making it a quick and fun way to make blankets and rugs.

You can usually find the weight of your yarn listed on the back of its label.

Other Materials You Can Knit With

There are many yarns in different materials in which you can knit from, picking out the right yarn made from the right material is essential to the project you are doing. Here are some materials that can be knitted.

Wool is Very Popular With Knitters

Wool is a popular material used for knitters, it’s incredibly soft and durable lasting for a long time. There are different kinds of wool and different processes for each.

Due to the softness of the fabric, some say it may take a little longer for beginners to learn, due to the fact it may be slippery on your needles, but it won’t take very long to learn. This fabric is also extremely warm, so it’s perfect for sweaters, hats, and blankets; and can come in an assortment of weights.

Cotton is Great For Beginners

Cotton yarn is derived from the actual plant making it soft, breathable, and strong. It’s great for beginners to make dishcloths, doilies, and summer garments to get a feel for the craft.

Acrylic Yarn is the Most Popular

This yarn is one of the most popular, due to its fun colors, and lower price point. The yarn is machine washable, and holds color very nicely, making it very unlikely to fade.

This yarn is also a great start for beginners, the texture can be soft as well with still having the ability to have a great grip on your needles. This yarn comes in a variety of weights, meaning it’s ideal for making almost any project.

Cashmere is the Softest and Most Luxurious Yarns

Cashmere is one of the softest, most luxurious yarns, and materials you could ever use for any project. Cashmere is made from the undercoat of a goat’s fur coat making it very difficult to separate from the goat’s outer layer.

Roughly 4 goats can make one sweater, and 2 can make a great spool of yarn, which is why the price point is a bit higher than most. Cashmere is perfect for jumpers, sweaters, and blankets because of its softness.

Knitting is a wonderful craft that can help you create, and use your imagination, as well as a great way to bond. This list will be able to help you pick the best yarn, so you can not only start to make beautiful pieces of clothing and garments but memories as well.

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Sewing Clothes with Quilting Cottons http://susielovestosew.com/sewing-clothes-with-quilting-cottons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sewing-clothes-with-quilting-cottons Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:12:26 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=775 There are a variety of fabric that you can sew, one of them being quilting cottons. Quilting cottons are one of the most common and generic fabrics that you can use upon sewing.

In fact, if you’ve been sewing for quite some time now, quilting cottons is probably the fabric that made you want to start with sewing due to its distinct designs. Not to mention, it’s a really accessible fabric.

By the way, check out our newly published review of the Singer 4452 Heavy Duty.

Quilting Cottons Are Easy To Work With

Compared to apparel cotton, quilting cotton has a much crispier feel. Because of this, it works best when you make loose and casual garments out of quilting cotton. The reason why quilting cotton is an easy and efficient choice is that it cuts easily and it’s easy to iron, as well.

Pre- Wash Your Cotton Before Cutting

When it comes to the fabric care of your quilting cotton, it’s important to pre-wash your fabric before you start cutting to prevent unexpected shrinking. It’s a given fact that your quilting cotton with shrink to a certain size, however that’s why pre-washing is significant, to ensure that all shrinking is done with before cutting. You should also use a detergent without any add-ons (perfumes or dyes.)

Be Aware of the Structure of Your Cotton

When it comes to the construction of your garment, don’t be too confident about the structure of your quilting cotton. It has a tendency to stretch out which is why it’s better to stay-stitch right after you cut to avoid stretched out fabric.

Making Pajamas is the Perfect Beginner Sewing Job

In making line skirts that are made of quilting cotton, the fullness of the fabric will keep its shape and will flow far from the body to give shape. On the other hand, making pajamas and sleepwear is the perfect thing to start with when you’re a beginner in sewing. Pajamas and sleepwear have fun prints that makes it an easy clothing to start with in sewing. In addition, after a few washes, you’ll find that the fabric of the quilting cotton will soften.

Don’t Forget To Press Your Fabric Before Cutting It

Quilting cotton generally has a really firm material. Therefore, a hot steamed press makes it perfect for quilting cotton and will avoid any damages to the material. If you’re looking for better results, turn down the print side of the material.

Do Not Skimp On Your Cutting Tools

It’s best to have a rotary cutter and a cutting mat with you when it comes to quilting cotton. These are essentials for being precise in your cutting lines. Having a good set of scissors is handy too.

Marking Tools Are Essential

If you want to mark on quilting cotton, using chalk or marking pens will do. However, it’s best not to use the printed side when marking to avoid affecting it.

Specific Thread Is Needed For Quilting Cotton

When it comes to the thread in sewing your quilting cotton, it’a best to use 50wt cotton or polyester thread, which tends to be more firm than cotton and have more options when it comes to color choices.

A Universal Needle Is Recommended

Your needle size should vary depending on the type and weight of thread, and the fabric. A universal needle would be best in quilting cotton because it’s a mid-range fabric.

In the end, quilting cotton is a very efficient and fun fabric to use when sewing a material. If you want a fabric to start with, this would be the perfect choice.

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Sewing 201: When To Use A Serger http://susielovestosew.com/when-to-use-a-serger/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=when-to-use-a-serger Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:12:22 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=819 A serger has two of the many variables when it comes to stitching- width and density. What a serger does is it trims the seam and cuts off the edges of the fabric. In some ways, serging sheers can seem intimidating when you’re just a beginner. You can also read our newly published Singer Heavy Duty 4452 review.

The Main Reason To Use a Serger

The main reason why you may want to try a serger is for non-stretchy fabrics to deal with the raw edges that manual stitching may have trouble doing. In addition, a serger could speed up your sewing period by so much and make it more efficient.

A serger is capable of doing multiple functions all at once. An example of this is that it can finish an edge, sew a seam and trim unnecessary or excess fabric- all in one motion.

How Does it Differ From A Regular Sewing Machine?

In comparison to a regular sewing machine, a serger is faster and more efficient. The reason behind this is that a regular sewing machine only has one bobbin and one thread whilst a serger has 3-5 bobbins and 3-4 threads.

The Most Commonly Used Serger

The most popular and commonly used kind of serger would be the 3/4 serger. From the name itself, it could sew with 3 or 4 threads, which used to make the locked stitch.

Some Tips For The Serger Newbies

When starting off with a serger, there could be a few common challenges that could occur. The following are some things you need to be aware of in using the serger.

Avoid Puckered Seams

If you want to avoid puckered seams, it’s best to be wary on your needle size and choose the smallest needle best for your serger, which varies on your fabric weight. There are fabrics that are too soft which can cause an incapability to lie it down flatly. Choosing a seam with of 2 or less would be better, if this was the case.

Serged Seams Are Not Good

If you want to avoid serged seams from being present after pressing, on the other hand, you shouldn’t press directly on the seams. It’s also a recommendable to choice to try lighter-weight thread instead.

To avoid circumstances of skipped seams on sheer material, moisten the fabric edges with a small amount of water. However, this only applies to when the fabric is washable.

Serger Tips To Remember

When it comes to the serger itself, its best to use new needles to avoid any complications. You also have to check that the serger knives keen and cleansed before using it to ensure that all cuts are even, especially when it comes to light-weight fabric.

Before you start using the serger for an actual material, it’s best to test it on fabric scarps first to ensure the quality and function of the machine. You could also prevent the fabric from slipping by securing the thread chain once you begin to serge.

Use the Proper Type of Thread

When it comes to the thread, it’s best to use an all-purpose or nylon thread when serging. The reason for this is that it allows for additional expanse when stitching.

Also, in ensuring the stability of the thread, it’s crucial to test the tension of a thread before construction. This helps in making sure that the thread is strong enough.

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The Basics Behind Intarsia Knitting http://susielovestosew.com/basics-of-intarsia-knitting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=basics-of-intarsia-knitting Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:12:19 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=847 Intarsia knitting is a knitting technique that is very similar to that of Fair Isle, except you don’t strand the colors you aren’t using at the back of your work.

The distinctive difference is found in the color movement- Fair Isle has colors that run across while Intarsia knitting has a more blocked off strategy. It’s similar to Fair Isle in the sense that it’s also a knitting technique that involves blocks of colors. You can also read our newly published article: Singer Heavy Duty 4452 Review Guide – Features Worth The Price Tag?

This Technique Is Not For Beginners

With Intarsia knitting, each color is its own element and you have to twist the strands together when changing colors to combine the pieces. It’s for this exact reason that Intarsia knitting may seem complicated to some, especially to beginners.

Tips For Having Multiple Strands

It can seem overwhelming to use various colors in your work, resulting in multiple strands hanging. However, the simplest strategy is to just let these strands dangle from your piece as long as it doesn’t exceed 3 to 4 yards.

What To Do When Changing Colors

As mentioned above, when it comes to changing colors with the Intarsia knitting technique, you have to drop one strand of yarn and leaving it hanging until you use it again for the following row.

Every time a change of colors occurs, you have to do it the same way every time, regardless whether you’re using the wrong or right side of the piece.

A Dangled Strand Strategy

A strategy when dealing with the dangled strands of color would be to bundle each one to a butterfly by tying it around two fingers and then tying the end around the center. Another alternative would be to place the dangled thread around or on top of a separate object to help ease your burden.

Changing & Knotting Strands

In changing strands, you have to bring the new color from underneath the old strand. Doing this intertwines both strands and prevents holes. When it comes to knotting, you don’t have to make the effort of doing this just to secure the knitted fabric; the ends of the fabric would later on be woven in.

The Finishing Steps

When it comes to the finishing of your intarsia, all ends have to be put together on the wrong side of your piece using a tapestry needle.

Carefully check first on the front of your work for any holes or any damages so that you could correct them with your yarn tails.

Preserving the Elasticity

If you want to preserve the elasticity of your knitting, put together the tails with duplicate stitch on the wrong side of your work. All you have to do is follow the pattern from the wrong side using your threaded tapestry needle.

As much as possible, put the yarn tail into the back of the part of the same color. Doing this will restrain the weaving from showing the good side of your work.

In the end, Intarsia knitting technique is just like every other knitting technique. It’s actually fairly easy, however, you really have to start with the basics to get the hang of it. Once you do get the hang of it, you’ll find that to love this colorful knitting technique.

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Bridal Sewing: Wedding Gown Tips http://susielovestosew.com/wedding-gown-tips/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wedding-gown-tips Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:01:21 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=626 Sewing a wedding gown isn’t like other sewing other garments. Bridal gowns involve a greater level of detail and planning. If your dream is to make your own wedding dress, or you want to make one for someone else, then follow these simple tips for bridal sewing.

Btw, if you haven’t read, Sewing Garments With Quilting Cotton, check it out soon.

Pick the Right Style and Pattern 

Before anything else, you need a clear vision of what the dress should like. This means knowing what kind of silhouette you prefer, choosing the neckline, sleeves or no sleeves, a train – the details are endless.

Decide exactly how you want the gown to look before purchasing or sewing anything. Gather ideas by trying on dresses at bridal shops. Once you know the design, set about planning the gown’s construction.

Study the Pattern Before Committing To It

You can use a pattern but study it carefully before committing to it. You’ll want the pattern to take care of all those painstaking details you selected in the planning phase.

You can search for patterns in fabric stores or go for indie patterns you find online. Don’t rule out mixing patterns, either. One might have your perfect bodice while another has the skirt you’re searching for.

Choosing Your Fabric

Just as essential as planning the design and selecting the pattern is choosing the fabric. There are many options for special occasion gowns, from satin to chiffon to taffeta to charmeuse.

Do your research and find out which fabrics are typically best suited to your design. How do you want your wedding dress to drape? Do you want some shine?

Consider the difference between fabrics with natural and man-made fibers as well. Natural fiber fabrics can be more expensive, breathe better, and wrinkle more.

Researching Your Colors

The color of your gown should go along with your decisions on design and fabric. You don’t have to stick with pure white since there are numerous shades of white and off-white available.

Keep in mind the undercasting color – is it a blue-based, pink-based, or yellow-based white? You might also go for a pastel, champagne, or ecru. Ultimately, find what works best with your skin tone, and what is available in the fabric you select. 

Make A Muslin Mockup

Fit is everything when it comes to a wedding gown! Before cutting into your expensive bridal fabric, make a muslin with some cheap fabric. It adds an extra step to the process, but it could save you costly fitting mistakes later. You can easily sew, re-sew, and cut your mockup to your needs, ensuring the fit is perfect.

Sewing Techniques to Consider

In the construction of the dress, there are some technical sewing aspects to consider. One of these is the back of the dress. You may want to use a zipper but worry about hiding it well enough.

If there is enough ornamentation, the zipper could go easily undetectable. You might also be able to put in the zipper on the side of the dress instead, depending on the overall design. Sew as much of the gown by hand as you can.

Know How to Match Seams to Fabric

It raises the quality of the dress and gives you more control when working with your fabric. Consider using French seams as well, especially if dealing with sheer fabrics. Additionally, if you want the dress to look fuller, you can add crinoline or horsehair braid hems.

Keep Your Work Area and Tools Clean

A few last-minute tips for sewing a wedding gown – keep your bridal fabric clean, by never allowing food or drinks near your sewing area. Give yourself plenty of time to sew a gown – usually several months.

Make sure your iron is always clean to avoid stains. And brush up on your sewing techniques before you start, a little more practice can’t hurt!

Making a wedding dress can seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. The most important thing to do when sewing a bridal gown is to plan. Prepare, and stay on track – you’ll have your one-of-kind, hand-sewn dress in no time.

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Color Theory for Quilting http://susielovestosew.com/color-theory-for-quilting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=color-theory-for-quilting Sat, 21 Dec 2019 03:01:18 +0000 http://susielovestosew.com/?p=649 As a quilter, you’ve probably run into frustrations over selecting the right colors in your fabric. You can help avoid this problem by learning the basics of color theory. Btw, if you haven’t read, Sewing Garments With Quilting Cotton, check it out soon.

Knowing Your Colors Can Save Time

Armed with your knowledge of color, you won’t spend countless hours at the fabric store or going through your own fabric stash searching for the perfect colors!  Why should you incorporate color theory into your quilting?

You can take a pattern that you like and make it your own by changing up the color scheme. If you have a fabric containing a particularly difficult color to work with, you apply color theory to help you select other fabrics to go with it.

You’ll also have less trouble selecting colors for bindings and borders. In this brief guide, you’ll learn about the basics of color and using color harmony.  

The Color Basics  

For quilters, the place to start with color theory is the color wheel. The color wheel takes the three primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, and combines them with each other to make secondary colors.

These are then combined to make tertiary colors. Keep in mind that when discussing color for quilting, and all other non-digital forms of color, we’re speaking about CMYK colors.

Familiarize Yourself With The Color Wheel

For images that appear on a screen, your colors are in RGB format – and your primary colors are red, blue, and green instead. Once you familiarize yourself with the color wheel, you need to know three terms. The first is hue.

Hue is the purest form of any color on the color wheel or combination of colors on the color wheel. If you add white to a hue, you get tints. Add black, shades. And add grey to get tones.  

Selecting Color Harmonies for Your Quilting Project

There are a few ways to deal with hues, tints, shades, and tones to match up your colors. This is also known as color harmony. There are 4 harmonies you should know about in quilting.  

There are 4 Harmonies

The first is analogous. Select two colors that are close to each other on the color wheel and match them with all the hues that lie between them. Your range can be wide or narrow. You could use red and orange as your anchor colors or spread your range to yellow for more contrast.

There are many options when it comes to analogous quilts.  The second is complementary. This is one of the most frequently used color harmonies, in quilting and elsewhere, because it creates a striking contrast. You simply pick two colors that directly oppose each other on the color wheel. 

Knowing the Harmonies is Beneficial

The third is split complementary. This one incorporates two colors close to each other on the wheel and juxtaposes them with a contrasting color at the other end of the color wheel. For example, pairing similar hues green and blue with contrasting red. 

The final type is monochromatic. As the name suggests, you work with only one hue and its various tints, shades, and tones. You can create contrast with monochromatic color harmonies by selecting tints with a high value (high value means more white) and pairing them with shades with a very low value (more black). 

Conclusion

The basics of color theory and color harmonies can come in handy for your quilting projects or other crafts. You don’t have to follow the rules of the color wheel exactly, still rely on your best judgment when it comes down to it. But you can apply color theory for some inspiration, in those times when you might feel a little stuck.

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