Sew Seeds of Love

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Love this! We have to show loving-kindness to one another. Greater things can be achieved through unity!

The Nedoux Sewing Club and The Bloom Tribe would love to introduce the “Sew Seeds of Love Project”; a purposeful collaboration aimed at donating tailored clothes to less-privileged children.

Most children from less privileged communities, especially those in orphanages, typically receive hand-me-downs. Very rarely do they know the joys of wearing brand new never-been-worn-before clothes. Every child deserves to have clothes specially made or bought for them.

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28Jan2016

Sewing In A Blizzard

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to……………..

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

Today’s sewing project was made over the weekend while snowed in due to #Blizzard2016. Being snowed in brought back some really fun memories.

The last blizzard I can recall was in 1996, I was a senior in high school. Once the snow stopped falling my best friend and her cousin walked in the snow to get me so that I could stay at her house. I packed all the things I wanted to take with me in a very fancy piece of luggage………a trash bag….lol. Very fancy I know! I needed a bag that would protect my items and that could be dragged in the snow. We had to climb a very steep hill to get to her house. On and average, day it would take me 15-20 minutes to walk to my best friend’s house but in this 20+ inches + a few snowball fights and running into classmates it took us over 1.5 hours to get to her house.

That long and cold walk was ooooh so worth it! We had the best time. Listening to music, snacking on all sorts of deliciousness, playing games and laughing non-stop!

The blizzard of 2016 was great too……I got to spend time with my kids, sharing old stories, playing games, cooking, baking, watching movies, ton’s of laughs, chatting it up with friends on the phone and of course sewing.

For this sewing project, I worked with, Simplicity pattern 1072 view D. It was a very quick and easy sew. I did not make any alterations to the pattern I will definitely use this pattern again……maybe next time it will be for me……..instead of my youngest. Who was thrilled with her sweatshirt and loved her color blocking choices!

I would love to know…..what’s your favorite snowy memory ???

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and letting me reminisce, I greatly appreciate it!

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Until Next Time,

Sewloveable

14Jan2016

Glamming Up Sweatshirt Fabric (DIY)

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to…………….

It’s wonderful to be back with a new sewing project! In November, I injured some nerves in my neck/shoulder and back. As a result, I was unable to sew and do a lot of my normal day to day thing’s. So when I say I am “Happy” to be back I mean it more than words can say!

My 1st project of “2016”….. is something that I made for my oldest. I purchased this great black and white speckled sweatshirt fabric. Initially, I was going to make her a sweatshirt…….since it is sweatshirt material and all…..but I just wasn’t sold on the idea. FinalIy, I decided on making a sweatshirt-style dress. That was until I saw an outfit that I thought would work perfectly with this speckled fabric.

Image c/o Stylewe (AZIMAO) & Pinterest

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

To make this inspired look, I used Simplicity pattern 2156 for the top with a few alterations and made a simple 1 seam circle skirt. For a tutorial on making a circle skirt, you can check out my previous post here to see other ways I’ve used Simplicity 2156 pattern click here and here.

I decided to make a top and a skirt instead of making it into a dress like the inspired look. I thought that doing so would give my daughter more versatility. For the skirt, I had it to stop above the knee for more modesty.

All and all this was a very enjoyable project. It was my first time working with sweatshirt fabric and creating a bejeweled design and I must say the whole process was very therapeutic. My daughter was very happy to see the look come to life. And I was finally able to have a chance to use my new sewing tool which really cut down on my cutting time!

I would love to know…..what sewing tool can you not live without???

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, I greatly appreciate it.

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Until Next Time,

Sewloveable

5Nov2015

So Indecisive

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to……

This week I am showing a little something that I made for my mom. She has been eyeing this fabric since I made a skirt for my daughter. Which you can check out here.

So she decides she wants a gathered skirt. She loves a gathered skirt. I believe this is the 3rd one that I have made for her so far. I love a gathered skirt as well, they are so ladylike.

Now here is where the indecisiveness comes in……she can’t decide which side of the fabric she wants the skirt to be made from. She goes back and forth for a while….then I say let’s incorporate both sides into the skirt. You will get the best of both worlds.

She agrees and I am off and sewing. Within an hour and a half, the skirt is done.

Here is the end result………….

To make this skirt click here. I have a step by step tutorial that you can follow.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by, I greatly appreciate it.

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Until Next Time,

Sewloveable

29Oct2015

How To Make A Shift Dress (DIY)

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Thread It Thursday!!

This sewing project came about as a way to use up some of the leftover fabric I have from other projects. I dislike having tons of scrap fabric left over and sitting in my fabric stash. So I make it a mission to find something useful to make with it.

So let’s jump in and get started.

Supplies:

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

A T-shirt (slightly loose fitting)
1/2 yard of a printed knit fabric (I love Ponte de Roma)
1 yard of a solid knit fabric ( I used Ponte de Roma)
Coordinating thread

Instructions:

Take your t-shirt and fold it 2″ below the armpit.

Pin to secure into place.

Place your fabric pretty side down and lay your shirt on top.

Trace around your shirt add 2.5 ” at the bottom, extending the sleeve 4″ and cutting the rest 1″ bigger than the shirt.(You can also trace the shirt out onto paper.)

Once everything is traced cut it out.

You will end up with this.

Now fold your solid fabric in half (wrong side of the fabric facing you). Next fold the piece we just cut in half. Lay it on your fabric and cut around. No extra seam allowance is needed.

You will have two pieces.

Next lay your printed fabric (polka dot) pretty side facing you.

Place contrasting fabric with right side touching (the wrong side facing you). Pin and sew using a stretch or small zig-zag stitch with a 5/8″ seam allowance. Finish the seam as desired(pinking shears, serger, zig-zag stitch.)

Time to cut the neckline. Fold the bodice we have just created in half.

Measure down 1/2″ and cut.

Once you have finished cutting turn the garment right side out.

Now cut the front neckline down deeper(polka dot fabric.)

Fold like so and measure down 1″

Hem the neckline fold over 1/4″ and then another 1/4″ pin. Hem, the sleeve fold over 1/4″ and then 1/2″ pin and sew.

Now measure the bottom of your bodice.

Cut a rectangle the desired length + 1″ by 1/2″ smaller than bodice measurement you just took. (my bodice measurement 17.5″, my skirt is cut 17″ × 22.5″.)

Next sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance and finish the seam.

It’s time to attach the bodice and skirt.
Turn the skirt right side out and your bodice should be inside out. Push the skirt through the neckline. Align the top of the skirt with a bottom of the bodice and pin all around.

Make sure the side seam of the skirt and the bodice are aligned.

Sew around using a stretch stitch or small zig-zag stitch with a 5/8″ seam allowance. Finish the seam and press the seam upward towards the bodice.

Hem the bottom of the dress by folding over 1/2″ and then another 1/2″. Turn the dress right side out and give the dress a good press.

Tada…..you’re all done.

Thank you so much for stopping by, I greatly appreciate it.

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Happy Sewing & Until Next Time ☺

24Oct2015

How to Make a Pattern From Your Favorite Clothes

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

The Renegade Seamstress

We’ve all had one — that comfortable dress we want to wear every day and wish we had in every color. Well, wish no more. Learn how to create a pattern from that favorite dress, so you can make a version of it to wear winter, spring, summer and fall.

To find out how to make your own pattern from your favorite clothes, click here:

Thanks to everyone who took the time to pin, share and comment on last week’s eHow article, 19 Clever Ways To Refashion Your Clothes.

The winner of The Refashion Handbook is……

Shannon Chiappelone!

Send your address to me at bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send it out to you ASAP.

Happy sewing, everyone!

Beth

For more refashion inspiration:

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22Oct2015

Tips for Buying a Sewing Machine

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Thread It Thursday!!

I often get a lot of questions from people who would like to start sewing. One popular question is what’s the best sewing machine. Honestly, there is not a simple straight- forward answer to this question.

If you ask fellow sewer’s they may each have a favorite Brand that they love for their very own reasons. Which can be great to have the recommendation or confusing because the more people you ask, the more varied the answer.

So it really depends on several factor’s. So today I thought I would compose a post to help.

Now let me share a bit of my sewing machine buying story. I learned to sew nearly 5 years ago. You can read more about that story here. Ok back on topic…..I had no idea what kind of machine I wanted. I knew that I did not want a top of the line machine. Simply because I was new to sewing and I did really know…..if I was going to flake out on sewing or not. So after much research and finding out what was a great quality and price for a beginner….I choose a Brother Project Runway sewing machine which was $135.00 from Walmart.

Now here is where things can get tricky some sewer’s say NEVER buy a sewing machine from Walmart. From my experience for a beginner I think this is a great starting point. The machine was easy to use and I still use this machine to date. They key is good maintenance. Again this is my experience/opinion.

Now I will say this…..since my sewing experience had increased I saw the need to add an addition. A serger/overlock machine. Now keep in mind my experience increased so I could handle a machine with more functions. This, time I opted for a higher end machine a Singer 5 thread professional which was $899 on sale at the time. It took some getting used to since I had never used a serger/overlock machine before but before you know it my seams were professionally finished.

A short while after that I saw the need for a machine that could handle heavy duty tasks. So I did some research and found a refurbished Heavy Duty Janome online at Overstock. This machine was a great little workhorse while she lasted. Sadly after 2.5 years the Janome had enough.

A good friend of mine said for heavy duty you need a good all metal sewing machine. She’s been sewing for over 50 years. She has sewn on all sorts of machines including industrial. So I felt safe taking her advice. I purchased a true heavy duty all metal Vintage Italian Made Necchi from eBay. This machine sews like a dream. I had to adjust to how fast it sew’s but within minutes I got the hang of it. My suggestion is if you buy refurbished have someone with sewing experience assist if you are new to sewing and make sure the seller has good feedback rating. I joined a group on Facebook specifically for Necchi which has been a tremendous help in shortening my learning curve.

Ok now onto the good stuff the links but thank you for hanging in thus far. I want to share some of my personal experience to try and help.

A Buyer’s Guide to Your First Sewing Machine

Craftsy Buying Tips

Sewing Machine Ratings

So all in all my advice is take your time and do your research. See what other user’s are saying about the machine you are interested in. Make a checklist of the things you need in the machine.

Great quality and long lasting

Set a budget

Choose the options you need in the machine

I hope this post was helpful. If you have any additional suggestions or questions, please leave a comment or feel free to e-mail me here.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by, I greatly appreciate it.

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Until Next Time,

Sewloveable

15Oct2015

DIY Sleeveless Dress in 6 Easy Steps

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome To Thread It Thursday!!!

Today I wanted to share a very easy to make sewing project. So that if you are new to sewing you will not feel overwhelmed.

For this project, I used a Black with White Polka Dot Knit Ponte De Roma. If you are new to sewing, working with knit fabric can be a bit tricky at first. So start with a Ponte Knit. It sews very easily and has a great weight to it and has a nice amount of stretch.

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

Materials:
About 1 -2 yards of knit fabric (I love Ponte De Roma)
A t-shirt (slightly loose fitting)
Sewing Machine
Coordinating Thread
Ball Points Needle ( This is essential for working with knit fabric’s)

Instructions:

Lay your fabric as shown below. Cut 1″ away from your t-shirt.

Now fold your fabric so you can cut out your second piece. Lay the 1st piece you cut out on top and cut around. No extra seam allowance needed.

You will end up with two identical pieces

Next pin the pieces with the right sides facing (polka-dot touching).

Sew across the shoulders with a stretch stitch or zig-zag using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Sew down the sides with the same type of stitch but with a 5/8″ seam allowance. Try on your dress and make any needed adjustments. Once you have the right fit, finish the shoulder seams with a serger, zig-zag stitch or pinking shears.

Next hem the neck, sleeves(using a straight stitch). Next hem the bottom( using a stretch stitch or zig-zag). By turning your fabric under 1/2″ and then turn again 1/2″ and sew using 1/2″ seam allowance.

You’re all done. The only thing left to do is to style it and wear it as you desire. To make this dress with sleeves check out my detailed tutorial here.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by, I greatly appreciate it.

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Happy Sewing & Until Next Time,

Sewloveable ☺

1Oct2015

DIY 3/4″ Sleeve Sheath Dress

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Thread It Thursday!!!

I have been taking full advantage of my motivation to sew. I must admit there are moments when I suffer from sewing burn out….even though I love it so. Having great fabric really helps to pull me out of my sewing slump rather quickly, though.

So let’s jump right into this sewing tutorial.

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

Supplies:
About 1 -2 yards of knit fabric
A t-shirt (slightly loose fitting)
Coordinating Thread
Ball Points Needle

Instructions:

1. Lay your fabric as shown below. Cut 1″ away from your t-shirt and down to the desired length.

2. Now fold your fabric so you can cut out your second piece. Lay the 1st piece you cut out on top and cut around. No extra seam allowance needed.

You will end up with 2 identical pieces

3. Now it’s time to trace a sleeve. I forgot to take a picture of this step so I had to improvise. Trace the sleeve of the shirt you’re using adding a 2″ seam allowance all around onto pattern paper or whatever type of large paper you have on hand. Remember that you will need to extend the length of the sleeve to the desired length if using a short sleeve shirt or reduce the length if using a long sleeve shirt as your sleeve pattern. Fold your fabric in half with right sides facing and the wrong side facing you. Place pattern on the fold and cut out the sleeve. Repeat for the second sleeve.

4. Now take your dress and lay it with right sides facing and pin along the shoulder. Sew the shoulder’s using stretch or small zig-zag stitch and a 1/2″ seam allowance. Finish your seams with a serger, pinking shears, or regular zig-zag stitch.

Now cut your neckline to the desired measurements. You’re only cutting through one layer. So decided which will be the front and cut your neckline

6. Now it’s time to attach the sleeves. Open the dress up like so.

Attach your sleeve like so.

And sew using a stretch stitch or small zig-zag with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

It will look like this.

Finish the seams.

7. Now fold the dress with right sides facing. Sew using a 1/2″ seam allowance with a stretch stitch or small zig-zag stitch and finish the seams.

8. Hem the neckline by folding over 1/4″ and then 1/2″. Stitch with a stretch stitch or small zig-zag stitch. Hem the bottom of the dress by folding over 1/2″ and fold over again 1/2″ sew using the stretch or zig-zag stitch.

Now you’re ready to wear and style. I purchased the Ponte De Roma hounds tooth fabric from GirlCharlee.com. This particular fabric is sold out but is is available in brown, coral & forest green.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by, I greatly appreciate it!

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Happy Sewing & Until Next Time,

Sewloveable ☺

24Sep2015

DIY Vest Transitioning Into Fall With Simplicity Pattern 1284

Posted in DIY, Sewing & Refashioning Tutorials by sewloveable

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Thread It Thursday & the 1st day of “Fall”!!

(*This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links.)

Lately, I have been into watching 1950’s & 1960’s classic movies. Of course, when you watch movies from those era’s you fall in love with the fashion.

Inspiration from those movies…eventually led me to find a great 1960’s vintage pattern.

Seeing the pattern….I immediately knew what I was going to make View D (the vest) of this pattern first.

I had leftover fabric from a previous sewing project which you can see here. Which I thought would be great. I get to mix vintage and modern.

With everything falling into place. Off to my sewing room, I go to bring my vision to life.

When I am sewing I put on a great movie or music I really love and just enjoy myself. The kids pop in and out….just to see how things are going and chit-chat a bit. When I’m in my sewing room my creativity just flows…..and I just enjoy the process.

This pattern was easy to follow. My only issue is I wish the pattern offered the option of adding a lining. Which gives the vest more ease with putting it on and taking off.

I made this pattern with the following alterations….

~ added a satin lining
~ omitted the facing on the arm holes