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How to Fix a Warped Cutting Mat

December 26, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

Help! My cutting mat is buckled up and warped on one side now when it got accidentally too close to some heat. I paid $50 for this mat. I laid some heavy old machines on it for days to see if it would force the mat to return to its original flat surface, but no…

Make Your Own Gift Bags, Tags, and Greeting Cards

December 7, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Projects, Tips & Ideas.

Are you tired of buying wrapping paper and gift bags year after year only to have them be thrown away as soon as the gift they are concealing is opened? Why not make your own gift wrapping materials that are not only reusable but beautiful and customizable enough that they become part of the gift…

10 Quick and Easy Handmade Gift Ideas

November 22, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Projects.

One challenge of the holidays is finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. This year, make your gift-giving an excuse to spend more time sewing! Handmade gifts are not only a great way to share your talents, but are also a unique surprise from the heart. With the help of some of our…

Specialty Sewing Machine Feet Options

November 7, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

When you purchase a new sewing machine, there are often several common presser feet that come standard with your machine. For those looking for more options though, there are a wide variety of more uncommon sewing machine presser feet that can be purchased separately and used for other specific tasks. If you do a lot…

How to Alter Patterns for a Larger Collar Circumference

October 25, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

I’m looking for instruction on how to alter a pattern to accommodate a larger neck circumference. Lots of instruction to be found on how to sew a collar (which I think is pretty straight forward), but nothing on altering the neck size on a man’s dress shirt. Hubby now has an old man’s body but…

How to Rehab Vintage Sewing Machines

August 31, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

You see them at flea markets, garage sales, and estate auctions: beautiful old sewing machines that you’d love to use on your modern sewing projects. Most of them are shining black with gold decorations in swirls or art deco designs. If you find a great deal on a vintage sewing machine, it can serve as…

How to Sharpen Seam Rippers

August 24, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Sewing Expert, Blog.

Hi! I just have a quick question about how to keep my sewing supplies in good working order. What’s the best way to go about sharpening a seam ripper? Submitted via YouTube Hi there! A seam ripper can be sharpened with steel wool or by using a tool called a bead reamer, which looks like…

Sewing Makes Me Feel…

August 15, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Just for Fun.

We all have unique experiences when we’re sewing and we often find ourselves feeling certain emotions as we work. Each day is different and we sew for many different reasons, but most of us can agree that sewing brings out the best in us and makes us feel amazing! We asked our team of instructors…

Common Sewing Machine Feet and When to Use Them

August 9, 2016 By Ashley Hough & filed under Blog, Sewing Supplies.

If you’re new to sewing, you may have just started with the standard presser foot that comes on the machine and haven’t yet changed it out. Most machines come with several different presser feet that can make some aspects of sewing much easier. The standard presser foot that comes with most all sewing machines can…

Our Favorite Accessories You Can Sew in No Time

May 26, 2016 By Lana Tyler & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

While many sewers start off their sewing adventures with simple bag projects, the options for fabulous accessory items you can sew yourself are endless. From hats and scarves to other wearable items, to handy cases and totes you’ll use every day, your sewing talents can lend a whole new edge to your wardrobe. Before starting…