Some people call them junk mail, but personally, I LOVE to get catalogs in the mail! I’ve signed up to get paper catalogs from a number of clothing companies that I like and they often have great ideas I can translate into my sewing projects. I live at the Oregon Coast where the biggest fashion […]

In the world of sewing, threads are the unsung heroes that hold together our creations with strength and finesse. But beyond functionality, threads also possess the power to elevate our projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Enter decorative metallic thread, the ingredient for adding flair and personality to your home sewing endeavors. Metallic thread comes in […]

Japanese Tailoring: What is it? Japanese tailoring represents a distinctive approach to construction methods within Japan’s ready-to-wear clothing sector. This method seamlessly blends the intricate craftsmanship of traditional tailoring with the efficiency and accessibility of modern techniques, resulting in impeccably crafted garments. These are a few of the characteristics found in Japanese tailoring techniques: Fusible […]

Whether you’re planning to bling out a ready-made T-shirt or denim jacket, or you’re planning to embellish a garment you’re constructing, iron-ons can help you become an artist. Iron-on designs are available with small, single motifs, or more elaborate large designs, depending on your preference. Pre-made designs are temporarily affixed to a paper or plastic […]

We often don’t think about seam finishes when constructing a new garment. A standard straight-stitched seam may be your go-to technique, you may zig-zag the seam and trim close to the stitching, or you might use your serger to provide a clean and easy finish. While any of these methods are efficient and give a […]

Fabric napkins are a fun way to add some style, color, or interest to your dining table, whether casual dining for the family or more formal affairs for guests. There’s a perfect fabric for all occasions, and they’re sew easy to make, even a beginner can create them. Once you start, you can’t stop! Napkins […]

With ASG’s inaugural Sustainable Sewing group meeting less than a week away, this timely article will help encourage you to start thinking about sustainable sewing opportunities for your wardrobe. We often think of repurposing thrifted materials — whether it be fabric scraps, curtains, or clothing — into non-clothing items like handbags, dog beds, or home […]

Gathering is one of many ways that parts of a garment (or other project) can be joined together when one portion is larger than the other. Sometimes this task is accomplished with pleats or darts, but often gathering is the most used option. Think of a gathered skirt joined to a fitted bodice, or a […]

Selecting the ideal fabric for a garment tailored to your preferences and body type is a frustration that even the most experienced seamstresses encounter at least once, if not multiple times, in their sewing journey. Many of us also inadvertently create additional hurdles for ourselves when aiming for the absolute perfect garment. In our pursuit […]

We all love to sew but sometimes you want to switch up your sewing projects beyond your own clothes, quilts, or placemats. What do you do? Look for opportunities to share you sewing skills with others in need. Donating your time and talents is a selfless act. While your donation makes a direct impact in […]

As creative as we are with our sewing skills, sometimes we also have to get creative with our sewing space. A large, dedicated sewing room is every sewist’s dream, but finding the perfect sewing furniture for small spaces can be challenging, especially if it needs to blend with your living room, dining room, or bedroom […]

Nothing is more frustrating than uneven stitching—your thread stitches can go from long to short in an instant, ruining your line of topstitching or seaming. In severe cases, the wickedly short stitches can damage fragile fabrics by creating a hole, and some fabrics don’t take kindly to ripping out stitching and beginning anew. Stitching in […]

A sleeve placket is that nifty little opening at the bottom of a sleeve, skillfully stitched to let your hand slip through with ease. Typically, you’ll spot it on shirts or blouses, and it’s usually topped off with a neat cuff. Beyond its practicality, the placket can also be a real style statement. Ever thought […]