The History of the Sewing Machine
You can tell you’re a history buff when the history of small machines fascinates you. I am a definite history buff (and a history major). The complete story of the machine that changed sewing history is too long to relate…
How to dress a wall with wallpaper, paint and fabric
We spend a lot of time deciding what fabrics to use, what style furniture, how to add accessories etc. When it comes to our walls, the hardest decision we have to make is what color paint to use. But there…
Learning to Sew–set-in sleeves (part II)
Once you have ease-stitched the sleeve cap and sewn the underarm sleeve, you are ready to set-in your sleeve. Place the sleeve in the armhole, right sides of the fabric together. Match the sleeve at the underarm notches, at the…
Colors for home decorating: Unusual and Unique combinations
It is always fun to step out of your comfort zone a little bit and try an unusual and/or unique color combination in your home. Depending on your budget and your level of courage, you can decorate an entire room…
Learning to Sew–set-in sleeves (part I)
Most sleeves are the set-in variety. Setting in sleeves can often seem a challenge to beginning sewers. Preparing the sleeve properly before you attempt to set it in will help you avoid frustration. Two steps are necessary before setting…
Shedding some light on lampshades
Lamps are a necessity in every room and the shade you choose is usually the crowning touch. With so many different sizes and styles available it can be difficult to choose the correct shade. As with many things in decorating,…
Sewing for Charity–finding people that need your skills
Of course, you don’t have to confine your charitable sewing endeavors to already underway projects. You can find many organizations in your area who may appreciate gifts of home-sewn items. Ask around town. Hospitals may need clothing for premature infants…
Decor Fabric: What is Suzani
You may have been hearing a lot about Suzani fabric lately but what, exactly, is Suzani? Suzanis are textiles that come from far off places like Uzbekistan and central Asia. They are these country’s version of our handmade quilts and feature hand…
A Little Love–Sewing for Charity
If you’re like many of us, sometimes it is hard to stop sewing, even when there is no one to make a project for. Here are some projects looking for volunteers to sew items for people with various needs. Want…
Welcome Summer with a Tropical Theme
Even though you may be buried up to your eyebrows in snow, it is not too early to begin thinking about your summertime decorating plans. Browsing through travel magazines just might warm you up a bit! Using a tropical theme…