Leg Warmers

With winter just around the corner, I decided to make myself some legwarmers using some of my leftover fleece from last winter. They are so easy to make and yet they are perfect for keeping me warm in the winter.

The fabric looks a little funky, but I couldn't leave it at the store when I saw how cheap it was...and really, who will see them anyway when I wear them underneath my jeans? So I think I got a good deal.

Anyway I put together a tutorial on how to make them...they really are so simple to make. Click here for the instructions.

Mini Igloo Baby Blanket

Well I finally got started on a baby blanket for my niece's little one who will arrive hopefully in time for the new year. Not sure what she'll have so I picked a somewhat neutral color...hopefully she will like it.

The pattern is one of my own designs which will be available on my site for free, hopefully within a couple of weeks. I'm a little iffy on the big holes in the blanket but hopefully it'll still be ok and keep the baby warm.

I'm using Bernat Baby Sport yarn which came in a skein of 280 grams, (9.8 oz). It is very soft and hopefully one skein will be enough to finish the blanket.

Baby Blanket free crochet pattern.

Preser Feet

When I bought my first sewing machine I was confused about so many presser feet. I couldn't understand why I would need so many. I could understand the zipper foot, and the button, and button hole feet, but what about all the others.

But then as I began to sew, I realized there are certain things that you just can't do with the all-purpose presser foot.

I'll never forget the day when I was going to insert an invisible zipper. I figured the regular zipper foot was all I needed--until I had a go at it. I then discovered that you need an invisible foot, and had to go out and purchase one.

I also remember the day when I discovered the hemmer foot, to create a rolled hem. Boy was that foot ever a life saver!

I put together a page explaining the different presser feet and what they are used for. Click the link to view the page on presser feet.

Zazzle

I recently read a Squidoo lens on Zazzle, and how easy it is to make money by designing your own products and opening your own store. I decided to try it myself so we'll see how well I'll do. I must admit, it is very easy to get started, plus it is a lot of fun and my mind is spinning with new ideas.

They make it extremely easy for you to design your own products. You can design anything that you like; t-shirts, hoodies, caps, bags, mugs, calendars, cards, buttons, and so much more! You don't even need your own graphics to get started...all you need is text and tada...your design is finished.

Of course graphics are nice and you should use them if you have them. Right now I'm just starting off with plain text, and if that sells, then I will definately move on to uploading my own pictures and graphics to make it more unique. I figure I'll take it one step at a time.

I'm not sure where I will find the time to take on this venture, but I figure if I incorporate a few hours a week, perhaps I will see some positive returns. I'll keep you posted on how I do. Feel free to leave your feedback in the comment section.

See my store at Zazzle

Fabric Naps

Fabric naps are created during a finishing process where the fibers are brought to the surface and clipped, brushed or left upright. The nap runs lengthwise and is smooth when going along down the nap, and rough when going up or against the nap.

The light reflects differently from with the nap, than it does against the nap, and when the pattern pieces are not cut correctly it will look like a two-toned garment made from two different colors. To avoid this from happening, always use the with nap cutting layout in the pattern.

Some fabrics do not have a nap, but must be treated the same way as napped fabrics, because the light reflects differently from each angle. If you're not sure which layout to use, feel the fabric to see if it has a nap, or look at it from different angles to see if the light reflects differently.

Keep in mind that when using the with nap layout that you will need more material to finish your garment. Make sure that you purchase enough material on your first trip, because it may not be there if you need to go back for more.

Marking Tools

There are many tools to help you make your fabric marking easier. You can use pins to mark foldlines, pleats, and tucks, but it may be difficult; the pins may fall out, or depending on the fabric the pins might leave a permanent imprint.

To avoid this from happening you can use chalk, or a liquid air/water soluble marking pen. When using chalk you want to sew the piece as soon as possible because chalk will rub out very easily.

Markings made using an air soluble marker will disappear within 48 hours of marking, and marks made a water soluble pen will wash out easily. When using these liquid pens you want to make sure the markings are out before ironing, or pressing as the high temperatures may set the marks in permanently.

Water soluble markers should not be used on fabrics that water spot, instead use an air soluble or chalk.

For more information and other marking tools, click here.

Sewing with Satin

If you want to work with satin you should have at least the basic sewing skills down. It takes more effort and skill to work with satin than it does with a lot of other fabrics.

Since light reflects different from each angle, you want to make sure that all pattern pieces are cut out using the with nap of the pattern. If you fail to do this your finished garment will come out looking like you used two completely different colors of material.

You should always use sharp scissors and when pinning, use fine pins which are specifically designed to be used for satin. If your scissors are dull or if you're using just regular pins your fabric will get snagged leaving visible runs well past the seam allowance area. When sewing make sure to change the sewing needle frequently to avoid snagging as well.

When marking satin, use an air soluble marker which will disappear within 48 hours, or chalk. Never use a water soluble marker because some satins will water stain. For the same reason you should never use a steam iron when pressing, and always test on a scrap piece of fabric with a dry iron.

Click here for more information on sewing with satin.