Monday 28 December 2015

Sewing Designer Jeans

Last year around this time, I bought a Craftsy class that taught me how to make my own bras. I LOVED IT! I learned so much, and the end result was a bra that fits as well as any store bought bra. There will, no doubt, be a couple of bras in my 52 projects challenge for 2016.

This year, I thought I'd try my hand at jeans. Last night I bought, and watched, Angela Wolfe's "Sewing Designer Jeans" on Craftsy. I bought her class because I've seen her on television a few times and I find her teaching style works for me. This class is no exception.

Friday 25 December 2015

Merry Christmas!

Santa brought me a new little sewing gadget for Christmas... I found it in my stocking this morning. It's an adjustable bias binder foot! How did he know?

I have a rather amazing sewing machine, a Bernina 750QE, whom I've named Nina. The problem with Nina, though, is the cost of her presser feet. They can cost hundreds of dollars a piece, and I don't have hundreds of dollars. Worse than that, the Bernina bias binder attachment requires a special presser foot and also a separate bias binder attachment for each size of bias binding that you wish to sew. For three sizes of binding, you'd have to spend $1000! That's way to rich for my blood. Unfortunately, my bias binding skills are not what I'd like them to be. So imagine my surprise when I, er Santa, found a generic bias binder that's supposed to fit Nina, is adjustable, and cost less than $50 (taxes and shipping included)!

I haven't tried it out yet because today is, well, Christmas. I have children and a husband who have the idea that Christmas is for family. They expect a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. What was I thinking?! I should have been much more proactive and raised them to understand that Nina is family too... I mean, they've accepted the dog, right?

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you! I hope you're all enjoying your holidays with the people you love. 

Wednesday 23 December 2015

My Challenge

With 2016 around the corner, I have decided to challenge myself. My goal is to sew 52 projects in 52 weeks. Notice I didn't say 52 garments. This way I can take a "break" and sew a set of placemats or something. Or maybe I'll finally get the nerve to quilt one of my grandmother's quilt tops.

My rules are:

1. It must be a new make. Hemming a pair of pants doesn't count.
2. If I make a set of something (like placemats) it only counts as one project, but if I make multiples of something (like the same dress in different fabrics) they each count as a separate project.

I'm hoping that besides being a great stash-buster, this challenge will increase my sewing confidence and teach me some new skills.

So what am I going to make? I don't know. Check back later and find out!