I’ve been experimenting with some different patternmaking methods that involve measuring body width or marking center points, and I wanted a better pair of calipers than I made a few years ago. Those ended up being too wobbly. One method…
Blog Archives
Aquarium Airline Tubing for a Treadle Belt?
I regularly use treadle sewing machines. For years, it never occurred to me to use anything other than leather belts for them. They worked great with no issues for a long time. But then I got more treadle sewing machines,…
Posted in Treadle Sewing Machines, Vintage Sewing Machines
A Treadle Serger
I’ve always loved sewing on treadle sewing machines. Electric machines just don’t have the speed control, power at low speeds, and built-in foot massage you get while sewing with a treadle sewing machine. Except for my serger and cover stitch…
Gütermann Thread Color Number Conversion Charts
Gütermann retail thread sold in the US is labeled with a different set of color numbers than the wholesale versions sold on tubes, such as those available from Wawak. Gütermann Mara 100 All Purpose Thread – Tex 30 sold at…
Posted in Sewing
How to Make an Ultra-Fine Point, Ultra-Washable Fabric Marking Pen
The lack of an ultra-fine point, washable fabric marking pen has been a constant source of frustration to me the entire time I’ve been sewing. Every time I try to mark the top stitching line on my pocket corners or…
Posted in Sewing
How to Accurately Mark Dark Fabric with Soap
I was so happy when I discovered using Crayola Ultra-Clean Fine Line Washable Markers to mark fabric. They work so much better than the fabric markers and pencils available at fabric stores. These markers changed my life. Seriously, they did.…
Posted in Sewing
Free Printable Combination French Curve
I was using my printable French curves while working on a sewing pattern, and I found it useful to use two different sizes of curves. I kept losing one and having to search through the layers of pattern pieces on…
Posted in Uncategorized
Free Printable Tailor’s Square
One of my readers was inspired by my free printable French curves to create a printable pattern drafting tool of her own, which she would like to share with you. Here is a printable tailor’s L-square, courtesy of Eva Mendoza.…
Posted in Patternmaking
Three Blackwood Cardigans – A Brutally Honest Review
I needed to make some new sweaters or sweatshirts to wear around the house. After considering several different cardigan and sweatshirt patterns, I decided on the popular Helen’s Closet Blackwood Cardigan pattern. This pattern had the features I wanted, but…
Posted in Sewing
Doll House Size Dress Form
Someone asked me if my miniature dress form patterns could be used to make 1:12 scale dress forms for a doll house. I was going to reply no, since they are designed for quarter scale to half scale. But then…
Posted in Half-Scale Patternmaking and Sewing, Sewing
GrowYourOwnClothes Etsy Shop
Grow Your Own Clothes 