Pattern sizing is different from ready-to-wear sizing. Compare your actual body measurements to the fitting/measurement chart at the back of the catalogue. Choose the pattern size that most closely matches your body measurements. If all your measurements don't match up with one size, choose a pattern that matches your bust size when making dresses, blouses, and jackets. Choose a pattern that matches your hip size whe
19th Sep 2016
Hi everyone….. So it’s almost School holidays and for my little family that means it’s almost time for our tropical adventure in ThailandBeing super excited I decided to get ready several months early and start packing my bag. But before I could do that I needed to try on my summer clothes and make sure they still fitted.SHOCK!! HORROR!!! They didn’t!! and I knew exactly why … I am laying all the blame with my 10 yr
19th Sep 2016
Zippers make it easy to put on and take off clothes. All Zippers open and close through the action of a self-locking slider and pull tab. There are three types of zippers, distinguished by their teeth: a polyester interlocking coil, molded plastic teeth, and stamped metal teeth. All of these teeth styles are attached to a fabric (usually polyester) tape.Shortening a zipperIf you can't find the right length zipper, bu
13th Sep 2016
This is a super easy project that is great for beginner sewers. This Drawstring Backpack will make an ideal day pack for busy mums, kids and those on the run! Shopping List
Two 13" x 18" (33 x 46cm) pieces of fabric for bagOne 6" x 9" (15 x 23xm) for pocketTwo 56" (142cm) pieces of cordingCoordinating threadRulerBodkin or Safety Pin (to thread the cording)PinsScissorsPen or chalk for markingBefore cutting out the tw
9th Sep 2016
Lining is most commonly used in tailored garments, such as jackets, coats, trousers, and skirts. A lining prolongs the life of the garment by enclosing and protecting the inner construction details and the interfacing. A commercial pattern will provide pattern pieces and sewing instructions for the garment should be lined.What is lining Fabric?Lining fabric is tightly woven and lightweight. It has a silky, slippery h
5th Sep 2016
Interfacing is sewn or fused to the wrong side of fabric to add body, stability, and shape to garment pieces. It is used within collars, cuffs, lapels, waistbands, and pockets, behind buttons and buttonholes, and around necklines to prevent stretching. Choose interfacing that is lighter weight than the fashion fabric. To make sure they are compatible, hold them together and make sure the interfacing supports the fabr
23rd Aug 2016
Careful step-by-step pressing, combined with trimming, clipping, and grading, eliminates excess fabric thickness and creates a crisp, custom finish. The goal is to produce seams, darts, edges,and corners that are smooth flat, and thin.This cannot be achieved if all pressing is left until last or correct trimming, clipping, and grading methods are not used.Correct pressing opens and flattens seams, hems, and enclosed
22nd Aug 2016
Create your very own Caddy, personalize it with some unique lettering, your favorite fabrics and appliques. Kellie Brown has created hers using vintage Singer material.This pattern includes optional instructions for embroidering lettering on to this project.Shopping List
¾ yard fabric for outer bag⅝ yard fabric for lining½ yard fleece or low-loft battingOne 12” zipperAll-purpose thread for constructionBobbin threadA
11th Aug 2016
Create this super cute apron and put your own personal spin on it. This apron would make the perfect gift for your family and friends or even something to make for yourself. Credit the image to Kellie Brown winner of the September SewAlong in Australian Sewing Advice and Inspiration Facebook group.Optional Embroidery instructions are included to create monograms with the HyperFont software. If you want to i
11th Aug 2016
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away…. Well actually it was only just recently and in Tasmania!!I have always been a geek and a bit quirky. But before having my two boys I was never into star wars. I even refused to watch the movies because I thought they’d be boring!! I loved Star Trek and I’d always heard you could never be fans of both.Falling pregnant changed all of that! My first born is even named after Geo
28th Jul 2016
A great inspiration for Book Week this year is one of my favourite Australian books (and movie!) from my childhood, ‘Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest’, by Diana Young. A young fairy teams up with a human and a crazy bat to save the Australian Rainforest from destruction. Full of Australian Flora and Fauna with a touch of magic, it’s the perfect children’s story. Batty Koda was always a favourite character with his off
22nd Jul 2016
Why Pre-wash Fabric?Preshrinking fabrics removes excess dyes and chemical finishes used in the manufacturing process.Most cotton fabrics shrink 2-3% when washed and dried, so if they are not preshrunk, the fabric may pucker at the stitching lines the first time it is washed.Some dark or vivid colours need to be checked for colourfastness to determine whether the dye bleeds to light coloured fabrics or colours the wat
18th Jul 2016