Firming Things Up If you own an embroidery machine, chances are good you have a drawer full of various types of stabilizers needed for your embellishing. However, if you don’t have an embroidery machine, you may not think you need stabilizers—but think again! What is stabilizer? Simple answer—something to put behind or over fabric temporarily […]
Thinking Outside the Sewing Store — Ideas for Tools & Notions
Some tools/notions used in sewing are not necessarily purchased as “sewing” items. ASG member, Judith Weyl shared some of her favorite innovative notion ideas with us: Home Improvement Stores A 3′ Section of Wood Handrail makes a wonderful tool for pressing seams open without leaving an imprint on the garment. It’s round on one side […]
What I’m Sewing: Silhouette Patterns #3400
ASG member, Carolyn Meyers, recently created a pair of yoga pants using a pattern from Silhouette Patterns and shared her experience working with the pattern: Q. Item Created A. Yoga Pants Q. Independent Pattern Designer A. Peggy Sagers Q. Name and Number of Pattern A. Silhouette #3400 Q. Fabric Used: A. Ponte knit Q. Special […]
Special Offer: Carpe Diem Dress and Tunic Pattern from Fit For Art Patterns
Fit for Art Patterns is introducing its fourth core pattern, the Carpe Diem Dress and Tunic. It features a scoop neckline, natural shoulder, and square armhole construction for woven fabrics. Choose sleeveless, cap sleeve or ¾ length sleeve view. Each view can be sewn in one of three lengths — tunic, above the knee, or […]
What I’m Sewing: Alba Jacket
Thank you to Kim Caywood from the Central Illinois chapter for sharing her information on working with the Alba Jacket pattern from Sinclair Patterns. We love this unique jacket. And it looks quite cozy, too! Q. Item Created A. Jacket Q. Independent Pattern Designer A. Sinclair Patterns Q. Name and Number of Pattern A. Alba […]
What I’m Sewing: Pretty Peplum Top
Q. Item Created A. Knit Top Q. Independent Pattern Designer A. Pamela’s Patterns, Pamela Ligett Q. Name and Number of Pattern A. Pretty Peplum Top Q. Fabric Used: A. Light stretch knit Q. Special Embellishments/Notions Used A. Stretch lace for sleeves Q. Skill level required? A. Moderate Q. Are the instructions easy to follow? A. […]
What I’m Sewing: Alyce Blouse
Linda Jensen from the ASG Lake County Chapter shares her experience making this great-fitting blouse from Silhouette Patterns. Q. Item Created A. Blouse Q. Independent Pattern Designer A. Silhouette Patterns Q. Name and Number of Pattern A. Alyce Blouse #621 Q. Fabric Used: A. Stretchy knit, but a wide variety of fabrics can be used […]
Sew Special Gifts
It’s never too early to start thinking about fun little holiday giftables for your sewing BFFs. They don’t have to cost a lot, but the sentiment of “thinking of you” is what’s important. So check out some fun things we hope our sewing besties might think about sending our way! Sewing & Vintage Thimble Necklace […]
What I’m Sewing: Pamela’s Patterns Jacket #121
For nearly a year, we have been featuring articles on independent pattern designers and their companies. Now it’s your turn to tell us who you are sewing and share your experiences. In this first article, Princeton Chapter President, Joen Venitsky, tells us about her experience making a jacket from Pamela Leggett’s collection of Pamela’s Patterns. […]
Cozying up to Cotton
Cotton is the natural fiber from the seedpod of the cotton plants. This versatile fiber is used to make well over 90 different fabrics from calico to canvas, charmeuse to denim, velveteen, poplin, cotton jersey and much more. Cotton fabrics can be silky or rough, smooth or textured, thick or sheer, completely indestructible or lavishly […]
Meet Linda Lee
Congratulations to Linda Lee on her induction into the 2019 ASG Hall of Fame! Linda has long been one of ASG’s most popular educators at ASG conferences as well as a sought-after speaker at ASG chapters throughout the country. She began her sewing journey at a very young age sewing doll clothes and, by the […]
Sewing Swimwear – Tips of the Trade
DIYStyle® for the Millennial Sewer by Cindy Cummins Editor’s Note August, 2022: This article has been updated to remove links that are no longer operational To say that I’m passionate about sewing is an understatement. With more than 35 years’ experience in the industry, from working in sewing education to designing some of the first […]
Sewing Enthusiasts are “Sew” into the Cricut!
It’s likely that you’ve spotted a Cricut machine while browsing your local fabric and craft store. At first glance, it’s difficult to figure out what the Cricut actually does, and even more difficult to figure out how it can help you with your sewing projects. But many sewing enthusiasts are calling the Cricut a must-have […]
Kenneth King: “Smart Fitting Solutions” Book Review
Smart Fitting Solutions by Kenneth D. King If you have ever been frustrated with trying to get a garment to fit YOUR body, don’t despair. Help is on the way! Iconic designer and sewing educator Kenneth D. King has written a new book, Smart Fitting Solutions, that demystifies the fitting process for a multitude of […]
Radial Grading
Radial Grading, also known as Radial Projection, was a method used by pattern companies many years ago and I’ve often wondered why it’s not used any longer — it certainly would save a lot of paper and printing butt does require a little more effort on the part of the user. During the first part […]
