This fabric was stored in my mother’s stash for years before I stole it it mysteriously made it’s way into my own. It is a cotton sateen from the early 70’s, in that perfect red, and that gorgeous quality that is sadly no longer mainstream… Back then we lived on an isolated sheep farm, and my Mum […]
Read MoreThis is my method for inserting invisible zips – it’s a bit different to the way dressmaking patterns describe, and I’ve included a few little tips and tricks that (hopefully) make things easier! Make life easy on yourself and insert your zip as early as possible in your garment assembly. It really is much easier to sew […]
Read MoreYou’ll wonder how you ever managed without fusetape – like blockfusing it solves many sewing problems! I use my favourite lightweight knit fusible, which bonds readily with a domestic iron. In the trade you’ll have the luxury of getting a whole roll of fusing sliced up into lots of convenient rolls of ribbon, but at home you’ll need to save […]
Read MoreI bought the January 2010 BurdaStyle magazine! Even though I am a patternmaker, I’m using a commercial pattern – am I allowed to do that?! I feel like I am cheating! But if it saves time, why not, plus I can help others by blogging about it! I used to sew from Burda and Neue Mode magazines […]
Read MoreFrench seams are used on fine and sheer fabrics, and they give a more attractive finish than simply overlocking. However they can be a bit fiddly and many sewers give up on them, but here is a way to get perfect seams even with the wigglyest of fabrics! Here my total seam allowance is 10mm, […]
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