The interfacing is something that "helps" you love or hate a project! It could be the best interfacing in the world, if you don't use it correctly, it will give you only headaches! The problem is that each project is unique, there are lots of types of interfacing so many problems may occur! One problem that affects many projects is created by bulky seam allowances. For some projects it is … [Read more...]
How to install Prym anorak snaps
If you want to try something else than plastic snaps on your projects, here is a short tutorial on how to install metal snaps. Pattern for this pouch here. These are Prym Anorak snaps and are easy to install with just a few tools. The tools come in the package with the snaps (you need a hammer also) but if you are serious about snaps (if you make lots of pouches, bags, garments), a … [Read more...]
How to install Kam plastic snaps and Prym snaps
Let's add one more skill to the ever-growing fabric fun we all experience. Plastic snaps! If you see projects that involve plastic snaps and you are sad that you can't do it, because it seems complicated and you don't have what you need (I was there, I know the feeling!), I will show you how easy it is to install these pretty accents. I started using Kam plastic snaps a few months ago; I had … [Read more...]
How to insert eyelets in fabric projects
One of my latest patterns was a wonderful opportunity to sew lots of different pieces. Isn't it great when a simple technique allows you to sew such variety of projects: pouches, boxes and baskets, gift bags, tote bags, shopping bags? I made 26 pouches, baskets and boxes for this pattern and the pieces below are my favorite ones. With just a little additional effort, some … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing straps for bags
Another boring step that delays the finishing of a bag is preparing the straps. Cutting strips of fabric, inserting batting/interfacing... I am not a fan of it! But I found a way to simplify and speed up the process! And it has a name: webbing! I will show you how quickly I finished my latest bags: But to make the process really quick and easy, you need one more thing: double … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing zippered pockets for bags
For my bags usually I buy two fabrics from a collection, one for the front panel and the other for the rest. But do you know that you can use "border" type fabric, like the one below? This is the design that runs on the entire width of the fabric. If there is enough contrast in color/motif/scale, you can easily cut pieces for a bag. Here is my bag!I bought the fabric for a quilt but now I … [Read more...]
Print and color dilemma
I made this bag (pattern here) some time ago using an entire charm square pack and at first I was a little overwhelmed by the huge amount of prints I used. Usually, if I have to use lots of prints, I like to combine them with some solid or solid like fabric. I could not do this on this pattern and I wanted to try a new look and here is how I made it. I did not want a variety of … [Read more...]