by Lucy | Mar 15, 2015 | Blog, Experimentation, Lucy's Sewing Lab
I’ve been obsessed with jeans lately. So, when I found this denim for three dollars a yard I had to buy it. It’s 2% spandex and 98% cotton, a charcoal gray color, with an extraordinary amount of sizing in it. It sounded like sandpaper when they were cutting it at the store. I came home and soaked it in vinegar, baking soda, and detergent. It is a lot softer now than it was when I brought it home, but I think working with it will make it even softer. Given the texture, I’m going for Boyfriend jeans this time.
My favorite jeans vaporized. Not really, but they were so worn out the butt fell completely out one night. So, I’ve become obsessed with making the perfect pair of jeans. Because I am a tightwad and it’s so challenging! I recently completed a pair of jeggings.
These took me a very long time, mostly because I’m in search of the perfect jeans. I am almost finished…they are wearable, but need more topstitching. I’m giving them a trial run today. So far, so good! The main problem with these is they have too much stretch in them. Never a bad thing right? Well, unless….that’s not the fit you were hoping for making.
During the experimentation process I learned quite a few tips. I’ll get around to sharing these with you. But right now I want to talk about why jeans get such a bad rep. I know why they cost so much. There is tons and tons of detail that goes into the making of jeans. Think about all that topstitching, even on the belt loops! I used an entire spool of thread on one pair. I didn’t even use the same color for the bobbin. Which reminds me, I need to purchase some more of that thread so I can finish the little pesky details.
When you go shopping for the fabric pay close attention to the weight. I think the heavier the better, think Levis denim. But, the 7oz denim I used on my jeggings is mighty comfy. I guess it’s a personal thing. That’s why they make so much money on them. Everyone likes something a little different.
I’m going to tackle the fabric now, with scissors. I’ll keep you updated on the process with pictures and stories about my mishaps and victories.
by Lucy | Mar 14, 2015 | Blog, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Nothing in the world is worse than not feeling inspired to sew. You know, the urge to sew is there, but the sewing inspiration is somewhere else. At those times, no matter how hard I try, I cannot even find a source for inspiration. It’s like a holiday and all the malls are locked tight. I venture over to my fabric and stare at it, still nothing! I surf the web, still nothing! It feels like one of those times you have an extra $100 or so to blow on clothing at the mall and there is not one single thing you want to try on, much less take home. But, if you went to the same stores dead broke you would find an entire wardrobe you are dying to have money to take home with you.
This is the area I’m going to put all the things I find when I’m dead broke but dying for something new. I’ll stash them here, for safekeeping, hopefully avoiding the whole not feeling inspired thing. Some stuff may feel vague to you but for me it has some meaning, however cryptic. Possibly by looking through my stuff you’ll also feel some type of inspiration. Feel free to comment when you do. You never know who you may be helping.
by Lucy | Mar 13, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
It’s the world wide web….obviously there are more resources out there than anyone can use. I did a version of this blog when I first started sewing. My opinion of the best sewing blogs has evolved. This is an update to that list from last year. In no particular order, of course.
- Colette– more information than can be taken in, great blog
- The Renegade Seamstress– great tutorials
- Daily Seam– always new information
- Fitting– a textbook online
- Clothing Patterns 101 – this site is amazing because they show you how to modify patterns to your specificity.
- Unsung Sewing Patterns– trip through the decades
- Sewing Parts Online – videos of everything any seamstress wannabe could desire
- Sewing In No Mans Land– Great site for everyone in the family. I especially love the box pleat skirt.
- Olfa – Great projects and articles using their products. I LOVE my Olfa rotary cutter.
- Cloth Habit– lingerie information….great info and lots of it!
- FREE classes from Craftsy, download them and hoard them. Their classes are not usually free.
- FREE patterns– Actually if you didn’t want to buy patterns, she has most things you would want on her site.
- Girl Charlee– This is my very favorite place to buy knit fabric! Okay, honestly I’ve only shopped at this online store. But, I love it! The prices and quality are amazing compared to Joann’s and Hancock Fabric, which are my only other choices.
- Simplicity– Perfect site for storing your fabric and pattern stash. A wonderful reference when you are shopping and cannot remember what you need and what you have.
- Threads Magazine– So, you’re at home and need inspiration or just want to learn new things? I love this site for that reason.
- Mood– I just discovered this one and feel like there is more information than I’ll ever be able to get bored with, they also sell fabric.
- My Pintrest– This probably has the most information of all the sites I’ve listed. It will carry you from beginner to infinity!
- Melly Sews– Tons and tons of tutorials and how to’s
- Inspiration– For those days you want to create because you have this fabric….welll, this site will help on determining what to create.
- Best Sewing Machine Reviews– Unbiased opinions
Of course, this is not all inclusive. Maybe, I’ll choose a blog a week or so to review? Enjoy yourself with this list, I sure do!
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by Lucy | Mar 13, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
One of the best parts of sewing is learning to use new tools and techniques. A few months ago I found oodles and oodles of presser feet on Amazon. Since I have only previously used the one that comes with your machine I decided to try just ONE new foot to begin with. In December, I received the gathering foot. Let me tell you, if you do not already have this foot and you sew skirts, do yourself a favor and order it! This thing is amazing. You just put your fabric in the little slit and it gathers for you! No more broken thread or messy looking gathering…
Since then, I’ve expanded and purchased the set pictured above. The names of the feet are below and the name is highlighted, click on it. There should be a tutorial video for the use of the foot. ENJOY!
Presser Feet
Top Row
- Cording Foot
- Low Shank Snap-On Ankle
- Blind Hem Foot
- Buttonhole Foot
- seam guide
- Quilting Bar
Bottom Row
- Zig-Zag Foot
- Straight Stitch Foot
- Overcast Foot
- Zipper Foot
- Rolled Hem Foot
- Button Sewing Foot.
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by Lucy | Mar 12, 2015 | Blog, Inspiration
I wonder who decides what’s flattering on a woman. Is it a woman or a man? Nevertheless, this topic has been addressed on the internet a few times recently.
This is one example of a flattering pattern, or so they say. This and ten others were featured in this article http://thedailyseam.com/10-modern-sewing-patterns-flatter-women/ I can see how the triangle could be very flattering. It points to the wearers face, frames her boobs, and distracts from the tummy. WINNER….I’ll be making this in the near future without a doubt. Who doesn’t like a few good styling tips?
- muumuus make you look bigger
- too many visual horizontal lines chop you up
- busty girls shouldn’t wear shirts with collars
Amazon sells various books on the topic. I have my eye on one myself, this one tells the reader how to dress a real woman.
I would buy this book. I think anyone who makes their own clothing should know more about how to make them fit properly. If you can read and cook, there are very simple patterns out there. But, sewing doesn’t make it look good on different people. Proper fit and style hold the key to looking glam or ghastly. The book seems fairly good, covering topics from fit to fabric selection. Dressmaking for Real Women is on my must have list.
The internet claims there are three dresses that look great on every woman. Even if these dresses are not your choice the basic guidelines may help you look your best! Dresses should hit the knee or fall above, have minimal frills, and fabric with Lycra looks good and feels comfy.
- Flared pants, with the perfect fit. They should fit well around the butt and flare at the knee. When paired with a close fitting top the flare balances out the body
- Monochromatic looks always flatter. Darker colors look the best, but that doesn’t mean only wearing black.
- Florals add color. The smaller florals are easier to pull off.
- Color blocking on tops and dresses in a asymmetrical manner
- Boho Prints in flowing tops. scarves, and dresses.
