Knit Ruffle Pants

How cute are these? Check out the complete tutorial at 60 piggies, no pattern included ... she gives vague measurements for a 4t.

Kindle Nook EReader Covers

soooooo my sister is getting a Kindle for Christmas which made me start looking for tutorials on making covers ... why not share my research?

http://www.onepearlbutton.com/2009/10/tutorial-book-style-kindle-cover.html

http://www.chicaandjo.com/2009/09/03/make-a-custom-kindle-cover-case/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62096806/padded-nook-new-generation-kindle?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=pdf+sewing+pattern+kindle&search_type=handmade&shopname=BirdifulStitches

https://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/sew-spoiled-ipad-folding-case.htm

(not for a kindle, but you could adjust the measurements)

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=95009

Pattern Draftings

Lier at ikatbag and jen at mymeasureingtape did a whole series on drafting patterns, geared especially towards children's wear. Check out the WHOLE SERIES!!

Resources on Hairbows and Headbands

After I had my first daughter I started scouring the internet for instructions on how to make hair bows. I bought some instructions as well ... but here are my favorite free resources ...

http://makebowsandmore.blogspot.com/

http://www.hair-hardware.com/pinwheelbowtemplate.html

(scroll all the way down for more free tutorials)

http://poshnpretty.com/ (GREAT PRICES ON SUPPLIES!)

http://www.hipgirlclips.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=31

http://www.girlythingsbows.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYm3z6xWY8I

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3287604/Make-Boutique-Bows

http://tutusbowsandmore.com/pages/boutiquebowinstructs.htm

http://www.scribd.com/doc/3276459/Ribbon-Woven-Headband-Instructions

http://nylonheadbands.blogspot.com/

http://toggleheadbands.blogspot.com/

http://toggleheadbands.blogspot.com/2009/03/no-slip-grip-for-headbands.html

Dyeing

I LOVE dyeing fabric ... here are some tutorials to give you some inspiration and get you started.

Spray Dyeing

Sprinkle Dyeing

Dip-Dyeing/OmbreDyeing

(Gradient Tights, more Gradient Dip-Dyed Tights, more Gradient Dyeing, Ombre on Martha Stewart)

Fiber Reactive Dyes use like acid dyes -- use for proteins (wool & silk, and some nylons) ...

Garbage Bag Dyeing, Immersion Dyeing, Silk in a Microwave

Tiny Tights to Knee High Socks

Can you say "CUTE" ?!?! Love them ... Check out the complete tutorial at Ruffles and Stuff.

DIY Rolling Rack

I want one ... but in pink, what do you think?! Check out Hrrrthrrr for the complete tutorial.

Lovely Fabric Flower

We've all seen the singe-ed fabric flowers, but this one looks more complicated. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I love how realistic is looks compared to other fabric flowers. Check out Simply Vintage Girl for the complete tutorial.

Sailing on the Lake Blouse (Tutorial and Pattern)

Easy breezy ... I have some charmeuse that is just screaming to be made into this top!! Love it! Check out the complete tutorial and printable pattern at Sewing Princess.

...

P.S. did you see the link of the previous entry?! links to videos on how to draft patterns in illustrator ... LOVE!! i can't wait to start doing mine that way!

Nap Mat / Bed Roll

Are you kidding me?! This is adorable. Check out the complete tutorial at Prudent Baby.

Interfacing

Some really great tips, geared towards making handbags, but applies to interfacing in general. Check out You Sew, Girl! for the complete tutorial.

Gathered Scarf using Elastic Thread

Check out Craft for the complete tutorial.

Swaddle Blanket with Self Binding

It looks more complicated that it really is. Check out Tea Rose Home for the complete tutorial.

How make a Braided Ribbon Headband

Check out the complete tutorial at Skip to My Lou.

Magnetic Bookmark

How to, with free printable pdf designs, check out Wild Olive. She mentions a specific magnetic tape, but office supply stores sell thin printable magnetic paper that you could cut to size and use instead ... just an idea. (BTW ... i make my own magnetic bookmarks ... my kids have a tendency to throw my books around and regular ones slip right out waaaaaay too often!!)

Paperbag book Cover

How to make a paperbag book cover, check out the complete tutorial at About.com ... I just cant stop thinking about if you could make something similar with fabric ... hmmmmm.

Baby Jean Skirt Tutorial

Check out Handmade by Jill for the complete tutorial.

Alphabet Flashcards

Free printable flashcards for you. Check out Handmade by Jill.

How to Make Printables Using Picnik

Step by Step guide to making printables using Picnik.com ... these would be great for iron-on transfers as well ... checkout Homemade by Jill for complete tutorial.

Or just use it to create templates to make freezer paper stencils ... AWESOME!!

Photography Tips

Easy steps to edit your photos to make them perfect using the free program picnik.com ... check out I am Momma hear me Roar for the complete tutorials, including videos!!

Part 1, talks about taking good pictures

Part 3, using picnik to make headers, etc

Part 4, lots of tips and ideas!!

Ruffle Butt Onesie

Easy peasy ... plus super super cute!! Check out the complete tutorial at UCreate, with 3 different techniques!!

Kitchen Aid Mixer Cover

This looks so much prettier on your counter ... Check out Handmade by Jill for the complete tutorial.

Magic Tie Trick

Here's a trick to keep your man's tie from flying around. Check out I am Momma hear me Roar for the complete tutorial.

How to Make a Pillowcase

So simple to make. It's fun to make them to match quilts or even different cases for different holidays. Check out the complete tutoiral at Vanilla Joy.

...

or check out this one at MADE.

Ribbon Labels

Cheaper alternative to purchasing large amounts of woven labels, make them at home!! Check out Silly Gilly for the complete tutorial.

Sponge Balls

Better than water balloons ... you never have to fiddle with trying to fill them up ... or pick up the tiny broken rubber pieces, plus you'll never run out. Check out the complete tutorial at Betz White.

Super Foam-erator

Here is an excellent easy craft to keep your kids busy during the summer. Check out the complete tutorial at Betz White.

Beginning Quilting - Basics

Preparing and Cutting - including how to use a rotary cutter
Quarter Inch Seam and Pressing Techniques

Matching Seams and Quick Piecing Techniques - strip piecing, chain piecing

Maintaining Your Momentum
All About Fabric - Building a stash, chooseing fabrics, storing fabrics

Batting Guide

Binding and Quilting Resource Links

Scrap Management

Binding Tutorial -crosswise binding (not bias)

Grid Quilting Tutorial

Free Motion Quilting - video ... and I've heard a tip to turn your machine at a 45 degree angle to free your mind from straigh lines ... just a thought.

How to Calculate Quilt Measurements

How to Baste Quilts

Quilt Labeling

How to Make Your Own Spray Starch
why would you want to use spray starch?! i was wondering the same thing ... p.s. the lavender is in the recipe is an antiseptic and acts as a preservative (plus it smells super great while you are pressing). and p.s. starching clothing makes them last longer as the perspiration and dirt sticks to the starch instead of the fibers.
here are some tips on using starch and quilting ...
Generation Quilt Patterns
Tips Page 1 and Tips Page 2

Beginning Sewing Basics

Patterns Demystified!

Tips for Working With Patterns

How to Take Measurements

How to Alter Pants Patterns

Modifying Pants Patterns for Babies and Kids

Interfacing Guide

How to Set in a Sleeve -- alothough personally I don't sew the side seams and the underarm seams first ... I set the sleeve, then sew the underarm and side seam in one long seam!

Buttonholes - basic and corded

Centered Zipper - using GLUE .... what an interesting idea!

Sewing on Oilcloth (and Vinyl)


How to Spring Clean your Sewing Machine


Spring Clean Your Sewing Room -- which is full of tips and organization ideas

Favorite Sewing Tips, Part One, Two and Three.

How to Make Your Own Spray Starch
why would you want to use spray starch?! i was wondering the same thing ... p.s. the lavender is in the recipe is an antiseptic and acts as a preservative (plus it smells super great while you are pressing). and p.s. starching clothing makes them last longer as the perspiration and dirt sticks to the starch instead of the fibers.
here are some tips on using starch and quilting ... but the same priciples apply to sewing ...
Use spray starch to stabilize slinky fabrics as you cut and sew. Most of the starch will be removed as you handle and sew the fabric, the remainder can be washed out before you wear the garment.
Generation Quilt Patterns
Tips Page 1 and Tips Page 2

Baby Sunsuit

Instructions, and measurements for a 6-12 month old. Check out the complete tutorial at Made-By-Rae.

Fabric Folding

Fabric folding method that is awesome and will keep your organized. Check out the complete tutorial at Happy Zombie.

Sewing Machine Needles

Sew, Mama, Sew explains the difference between different needles and what needle you should use for your project. Or Threads has a great explanation of needles.

Simple Machine Applique

Sew, Mama, Sew has a great how to. Covering supplies and materials, machine settings and more. After you've covered the basics they have another post about layering and more complex designs. With PDF templates.

Techniques: Seam Finishes

Sew, Mama, Sew shows us how to do seam finishes with your sewing machine (no special machine needed for these) ... including: straight stitch, zig zag edge, clean finish, french seam, mock french seam (used on curves), flat fell, bound seam, double-fold bias tape, pinking, stitch and pink, or overlock on your serger.

Continuous Piping

Check out the complete tutorial at Southern Matriarch.

Presser Feet

Information on Essential Presser Feet. Check out My Measuring Tape and ikatbag, or Sew, Mama, Sew which is loaded with information.

Make Your Own Ham (or Seam Roll)

Check out the complete tutorial at My Measuring Tape. Generally they are made with one side flannel and one side canvas (or twill).

How to Mark Points From Patterns

How to transfer important points on the pattern to your fabric. Check out the complete tutorial at ikatbag. Instead of using a marker, pencil or chalk on the mark, I generally just stick a pin in that spot ... that's the lazy method.

Applying Picot Elastic

How to apply picot edge elastic. The example shows underwear, but I LOVE it for necklines and super simple elastic waists on skirts. Check out Stitches and Seams for complete tutorial. Do the topstitching with a double needle for a mock-coverstitch (shown in the above picture).

Sewing Tip: Trash Bowl

The Cozy Apartment shares the idea of using Rachel Ray's trash bowl idea in the sewing room. I totally do this too, so I figured I should share. I bought a cheap slender trash bin at the dollar store. I used to keep those loose threads on the end of the sewing table and inevitably they would get all over EVERYTHING. Now when I'm sewing I throw loose threads, serger chains, and small fabric scraps in the bowl. When I'm done (or when it gets full) the whole thing gets dumped into the trash can.

How to Estimate Yardage

This takes some of the guesswork out of the age old question, "How much fabric should I purchase?!" Check out the complete tutorial at ikatbag.

Faux Cami or Modesty Panel

How to add a faux camisole or modesty panel into a too low neckline. Check out the complete tutorial at Stitches and Seams.

Little Girl Leggings

Check out Sparkle Power for the complete tutorial.

Super Easy Removable Pillow Cover

Super easy and they make washing a breeze. Or simply make a new cover when you're ready for a new look. Check out the complete tutorial at Sparkle Power.

Ruffle Sleeve Top

Easy ruffle sleeve top, starting with rectangles and elastic! Check out the complete tutorial at Sparkle Power.

Don't Eat Pete - Downloadable Game

Download your board and instructions at Sparkle Power. I can't wait to try it tomorrow with the kids (we'll be using cheerios ... we don't need more sugar in this house!)

Homemade Bubbles

Summer should be filled with bubbles. Making your own is definately cheaper. No more worries about the kids spilling and dumping it. Check out the complete tutorial/recipe at Sparkle Power.

It's the glycerin which really makes the difference!!

Jeans Fly - Zipper

How to sew a jeans zipper fly. Check out the complete tutorial at Stitches and Seams.

Perfect Curved Patch Pocket

Easy method for PERFECT curves. Check out the complete tutorial at Stitches and Seams.

Divide Serger Thread

Save yourself some money by only buying ONE spool of serger thread, especially when it's a weird color that you won't use often. Check out the complete tutorial at My Measuring Tape. Be sure to read the comments, there are some other ideas there as well.

Resource: Where to buy knit and other fabrics

Sew Liberated has some great some great links ... and some that are really expensive. Be sure to read the comments as there as some great resources there as well.



Made by Rae shares her sources in her tutorial for making baby tights.



MADE tells us where to get some in downtown LA, with some online links at the end.



**My** favorites are Spandex World and Fabric.com.



jersey, interlock, etc ....

Tips for Sewing with Knits

For some reason knits are scary to most home sewers. You don't need a serger, here are some of my favorite tips and techniques for sewing with knits on your regular sewing machine.

Sew, Mama, Sew has some tips, plus how to do a mock-coverstitch.

Sew, Mama, Sew has even more tips on embellishing and appliques using knits ... including adding woven ruffles to knits fabric. Just remember to remove your gathering stitches after sewing on with a zig-zag or it wont stretch!!

MADE has some tips on her tutorial for the 90-Minute shirt, inlcuding binding with rib knits.

Fishsticks and Fries has tips including hemming.

Hemming Techniques for knits ... VIDEOS!!!

Including: Coverstitch, Rolled-Hem, Lettuce Edge, Faux-Coverstitch, ZigZag

Sew, Mama, Sew has an all about sergers, (that serger is a GREAT beginning serger and reasonably priced!)

Threads primer on sewing knits.

My favorite book, Sew U: Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin. She discusses sewing with a traditional sewing machine as well as a serger and even touches on coverstitch machines (lightly).

Some recommend using spray starch to help stabilize knits while sewing ... I've never tried it since I use my serger and not my sewing machine ... but here is a recipe on how to make your own spray starch (scroll to the bottom).

Coverstitch Tutorials

Coverstitch machines make 2 (or 3) lines of parallel stitches on the top and the underside looks like serger loops. You can find anything you ever wanted to know about coverstitch machines, tutorials and attachments on Stitches and Seams.

Here are *some* of the things they are used for: hemming, binding, necklines, beltloops

I have the Brother 2340, purchased from allbrands.com. LOVE it.

Sewing Tool - Bamboo Skewer

Check out the complete tutorial at Southern Matriarch.

Play Kitchen

I never would have guessed that this play kitchen lived it's first life as an entertainment center. Check out the complete tutorial at Sutton Grace ... or here is a smaller one from a nightstand at Homemade by Jill.