Post by mountainma on Jul 11, 2020 12:58:19 GMT -6
Thought I'd make a thread for us to post any specific tips and tricks that help us with our sewing.
I use gallon-size ziplock bags to store my smaller projects. Just place the pattern, fabric, and matching thread in the bag and seal shut. Then when able, I can pull out the project and have everything at my fingertips. This is very helpful when several different supplies are needed for a project. For example, if making pot holders, I cut the fabric and batting to size and place it in a bag with the matching bias tape and any applique pieces I want to put on the potholders.
For doll clothes, I'll put the fabric, notions needed like trim or elastic, and the pattern together in the bag.
This is also a great way to store pre-cut quilt pieces for scrap quilts, random scraps you're saving for a project, etc. Use a sharpie to label the bag and when it's full, your scraps are all in one place ready to cut and use.
I keep all my zip bags in a tote. That way, when I have free time, I can pull out a project bag without having to drag out the cutting mat or rulers. This is a good reminder for me to FINISH what I start and it saves time not having to look for all the supplies needed for the project.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I have found certain items tend to need mended often. Our towels often come unraveled at the sides and bottom. I zig-zag stitch around the entire towel as soon as I see this happening, and it stops the problem. Also, underwear is sometimes cheaply made and the elastic waistbands pull away over time. Again, I zig-zag stitch around the entire waist, not just the area that needs mended. This prevents it from happening again in a different spot later.
Before discarding old clothes, be sure to cut off any buttons and remove still-good zippers or drawstrings. Pants with frayed hems can be cut off and hemmed and worn as shorts. Save the legs to use for patches.
Old towels can but cut apart into washcloths.
Old pillowcases can be stuffed with old clothes and sewn shut to make a dog bed. Our dog loves this!
If you need to hem a sheer fabric, use your smallest sized needle in your machine and place a piece of tissue paper under the fabric as you hem. This keeps the sheer lightweight fabric from bunching up under your feed dogs and into the bobbin area. When the hem is finished, just tear off the tissue paper, leaving behind a nice hem.