Masha Richart

Yes the couture sewing techniques class looks great doesn’t it. I already have the pattern so I am wondering if the option for the pattern could be disabled.
I try and look for the classes when they are on sale as some can be rather expensive. It evens out with all the viewing time though I guess.
I have sewing big quilts on small machines and she…[Read more]

I’ve not gone through the whole class but I learned more in the first 10 minutes of the couture sewing class with Susan Khaljie (sp?) than I ever knew about sewing. Many of the techniques are not ones that I use on a regular basis – it is couture after all – but just watching her work is fascinating to me. There is also a Sew-Along knit class that…[Read more]

I’d love to help Janice – but I have yet to watch any of the Craftsy classes I have!

Janice how fantastic congratulations! I have craftsy classes coming from my ears they are so fun. You can sign up for free a d there are free mini classes plus (if you feel inclined) the block of the month quilting classes are freebies also.
For sewing, I have the one about jeans with Kenneth d King that I haven’t actually viewed and also the…[Read more]

Are you using corduroy? I have found with making them in corduroy that if I sew from the pants top instead of from the leg cuff I stand a better chance of them meeting up with just a slight trimming of less than a quarter inch. I suggest pinning closer and more often to help with the wriggling from the corduroy – that is if of course you are using…[Read more]

I have made size 2t and size 8 and there was a little ‘creepage’ that needed to be trimmed but I put that down to possibly sewing inaccurate seams and the slippery cord I was using.
http://fiveandcounting-motherof5.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/after-school-frolics-part-two.html if you scroll down you can see I had a wee gap but definitely not 1/2…[Read more]

Jeanna, what size are you making?

Thank you Kim! It’s much appreciated!

Lotta, I still have some Cw knit too so you aren’t the only one. I found when using it for the hopscotch tops that it stretches out of place. For the tunic or dress it would be rather sweet I should think – I’m reserving mine for that anyway.
I have found success with Girl Charlee knits – jersey is what I prefer to work with anyhow but they have…[Read more]

Lotta, I still have some Cw knit too so you aren’t the only one. I found when using it for the hopscotch tops that it stretches out of place. For the tunic or dress it would be rather sweet I should think – I’m reserving mine for that anyway.
I have found success with Girl Charlee knits – jersey is what I prefer to work with anyhow but they have…[Read more]

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Lattemama, City Weekend knits (I’m amazed you still have some!) are an interlock, which isn’t fantastic for recovery but would certainly work. They’ll get a little baggy in the knees, yes. If you’re looking for good recovery, jersey is better and jersey with a tiny bit of lycra is best. So maybe save the City Weekend for the tunic or dress instead?

Keep in mind that 25% stretch is not very much! Cotton jersey will work just fine. Something with a TINY bit of lycra/spandex will have better recovery, but you don’t want a power stretch. We’re not making swimsuits here! I made S’s leggings with ordinary cotton jersey, so don’t worry too much about getting fancy with these. Dry Goods had a nice…[Read more]

I use french seams for the inside of kids’ clothes whenever I can get away with it. And certainly for anything that frays very badly. The trick I find is to make sure you trim your first seam to 1/8″ after sewing. I use my rotary cutter and ruler to line it up, and then sew the final seam with a scant 1/4″. This seems to work well, even when two…[Read more]

I use french seams for the inside of kids’ clothes whenever I can get away with it. And certainly for anything that frays very badly. The trick I find is to make sure you trim your first seam to 1/8″ after sewing. I use my rotary cutter and ruler to line it up, and then sew the final seam with a scant 1/4″. This seems to work well, even when two…[Read more]

Can you post a photo? Is it possible you need to cut into the seam allowance a bit more frequently to release the seam and allow it to turn out fully?

Can you post a photo? Is it possible you need to cut into the seam allowance a bit more frequently to release the seam and allow it to turn out fully?

If you were sewing with a super fine fabric it may work but there are a lot of seams and the front and back yoke are not lined.
I made a Family Reunion dress, for a sweet friend who adores a perfect inside finish, and I used french seams for the sides and then bound the arm hole sleeve. Personally, I felt that looked a little ‘stiff’ and that was…[Read more]

I am with Jane.
Unless it is a formal or paid garment I pin and sew slowly.