City Bag Gets a Sewing Makeover,Sew-A-Scarf

Sewing With Nancy and the Runaway Bride
Watch the 2nd part of the Anniversary Special!
It’s time to watch part two of Sewing With Nancy’s 30th Anniversary Special, recorded with a studio
audience. There are lots of grins and giggles! Guests, Natalie Sewell, Gail Brown, and Eileen Roche share their
Sewing With Nancy adventures!
The Runaway Bride
Sometimes Sewing With Nancy taping days are more than I bargained for. Donna, Pat, and I have made the onehour drive to the studios of Wisconsin Public Television in rain, sleet, ice, snow, and even a tornado warning.
One memorable trip to
the studio happened on
a nice sunny day.
Weather was not a
factor at all. We were
taping a sewing bridal
program. Donna, Pat,
and I loaded the van
with all the sewing
machines, threads,
notions, and supplies
we’d need for that day.
Last, but not least, the
finished wedding
gowns were carefully
placed in the van.
We assumed our usual positions in the van, and headed for the studio. We made the first right out of the parking
lot, and the back gate of the van flew open and the entire carefully placed bridal program supplies and gowns flew
out the back of the van. A collective shriek filled the silence in the van. We pulled the car to the edge of the road.
No one has ever seen
the three of us move so quickly, gathering up the bridal supplies.
Several weeks later, we were still finding spools of thread off the side of the road.
All turned out well that day. But each time we talk about that TV program, we call it the “Runaway Bride”.
Tune in and watch Donna, Pat, and I tell the runaway bride story in part one of the Sewing With Nancy’s 30th
Anniversary Special at nancyzieman.com. A big hug and huge thank you to my friend Philip Ashby at
Wisconsin Public Television for illustrating the runaway bride story!
Now watch and enjoy part two!
Watch vintage (gulp) clips and revisit old memories with special friends. Watch part two of the Sewing With
Nancy’s 30th Anniversary Special at nancyzieman.com.
Rewatch, again and again! The DVD is available from nancysnotions.com
Sewing With Nancy’s 30th Anniversary Blog Giveaway Event
To celebrate 30 years on television, Sewing With Nancy sponsors, guests, and friends have generously donated
“30” amazing giveaways. To qualify for one of the giveaways, click here and post a comment below the
Giveaway Event Posting, with your favorite Sewing With Nancy memory. Thirty random winners will be
announced November 30!
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Travel Gear Made Easy- Part Two
Do you like creative stitching projects that can be made in an evening or less? You’re in for a treat! In part two of
the TV series, Travel Gear Made Easy, and this week’s featured online video, guest Mary Mulari teaches how
to quickly stitch travel gear for everyday travel or extended trips. Mary knows all about travel, but even more
about making travel easy.
In part two of the TV show and in the book, Mary shares her easy zipper technique for the hidden zipper used
to make the Travel Trio Bag Set (Pictured above). The clever recessed zipper adds style to this collection of bags.
A few weeks after Mary and I videotaped the Travel Gear Made Easy series, she sent me a package. Inside was
my very own Travel Trio Bag Set. Aren’t the fabrics delightful!
Mary designed these bags for carrying electronic components, jewelry, or makeup. Plus, they nest together for giftgiving and for easy storage.
The gift package also included a Tie One on Tag. You can always find your luggage with this brightly colored tag
tied to the handle. Choose two coordinating fabrics and a piece of clear vinyl to hold your identification info or
business card.
Find even more projects in part two of the TV show and in the book, including these travel projects—great gifts
for others and yourself!
Jewels & Treats Bag - As a smart traveler, you’ll find multiple uses for this round drawstring bag. With a pocketdivided circular insert, the bag becomes a jewelry carrier. As a simple lined and washable bag, it can be used to
carry dry snacks and treats on the plane or in a lunch box, saving on the use of plastic bags. In other words, it’s a
Jewels & Treats Bag!
The Possibility Bag - It’s possible to store travel-sized bottles upright for ease of travel. Turn a placemat or layers of
fabric into this nifty holder. Make the bag for gals or guys. It’s a versatile style.
Hair Iron Holder - Travel in style with a curling iron or flat-iron in a quick-to-sew carrier made from a placemat. The
bag’s lining is Teflon, so a hot iron can be stashed quickly after use. An outer pocket stores the cord or hairbrush,
and the ribbon loop serves as a hanger. This great organizer will streamline your travels.
Tee Safe - We’d like to share a secret—you’re looking at a safe! Hanging underneath the jacket is a Tee Safe—a Tshirt with pocket sections sewn in the back. It’s a “made-easy” hiding place to use while traveling or for a college
student’s dorm room. Tune in or buy the book to learn the easy construction details.
Mary also created a new embroidery design collection to coordinate with her book projects. Make the travel
accessories from the book and add designs from the Travel Gear Made Easy Complete Design Collection to
personalize and embellish your creations. There are over 30 embroidery designs, an alphabet for monograms,
and three unique travel gear projects not included in the book.
Watch Sewing With Nancy
It’s our 30th anniversary year and we’ve designated November as National Sewing
With Nancy Month! Later this month, you’ll find bonus projects on this blog and a
chance to win lots—okay 30—prizes. So don’t miss a blog article!
You can watch my program on your local PBS Station or online at nancyzieman.com. There are 52 programs to
watch online, on PBS or on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone.
Would you like to win a copy of Travel Gear Made Easy? Let me know your favorite travel gear project. We’ll
choose a random winner from the comments from last week and this week’s Travel Gear Made Easy blog postings.
The random winner will be announced on November 15.
In a previous blog I asked what sewing or quilting technique gave you the “willies.” The random winner is Joan
Matson who said: I am a fan who must admit that I have not succeeded in mastering elastic! It’s such a simple and
clever solution, but I flub it!
Joan will receive a copy of my book, Nancy Zieman’s Sewing A to Z, which is a compilation of my favorite triedand-true sewing and quilting tips and techniques.
Updated to add: Nancy Zieman’s Sewing from A to Z is now out of print. Please see the updated new version, The
Absolute Easiest Way to Sew by Nancy Zieman, for a comparable replacement.
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Sew a Quick Hostess Tote
The giving season is just around the corner. Each Saturday, for the next few weeks, I’ll share a quick and easy
sewing project–ideal for gift giving. Each gift is inspired by one of the projects featured in my new book, Nancy’s
30 Favorite Gifts to Sew Book Plus I’ll add Blog Exclusive Tips in each posting.
The original wine tote in the book uses two coordinating cotton fabrics. My new version shown pictured above, uses
double faced quilted fabric and bias trim. Follow my tips below for sewing a really fast hostess tote with pre-quilted
fabric.
Supplies:
Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew Book
1/3 yd. Double Faced Quilted Fabric
2″ bias strips cotton quilting fabric to make 60″ bias binding
Clover’s 1″ Bias Tape Maker
Sewing Tutorial:
Follow the Wine Tote instructions in Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts to Sew Book to create the tote pattern.
Lay the pattern on the fabric–place top handle on fold. Cut one on fold.
Blog Exclusive: Cut one 10″ x 5″ front pocket.
Blog Exclusive: Feed 2″ bias strips through Clover’s 1″ Bias Tape Maker to make 60″ coordinating bias tape.
Meet right side bias tape to pocket wrong side. Stitch edge of bias tape to pocket top edge using 1/4″ seam.
Fold bias tape to front and topstitch to pocket top near edge of bias.
At lower pocket edge, press under 1/4″ towards back.
Pin pocket to tote front 2-3/4″ from lower edge. Topstitch pocket to tote at sides and across lower pocket.
Create two pockets by topstitching down center front pocket.
Stitch bias tape to curved handle edges using bias techniques above.
Fold tote right sides together and serge or zigzag sides and lower edge.
At each corner, fold tote so side seam stacks on top of lower edge seam, forming a triangle. Place a mark 1-1/4″
from edge.
For an added detail , use a Curved Corner Ruler to draw in a slight curve.
Stitch along the curve. Repeat on opposite corner. Trim excess fabric and serge or zigzag.
Combine an hour of sewing time with a few simple supplies. The result: An attractive hostess tote. Fill with your
favorite recipe, ingredients and kitchen gadgets. Or add a favorite bottle of wine, bread and cheese and voila! You
have an ideal festive gift.
30 Gift Ideas in One Book!
You may have read in previous blogs that November is National Sewing With
Nancy Month! (This blog may be the only place that’s doing the celebrating! Oh
well.) It’s a self-proclaimed celebration of Sewing With Nancy’s 30th anniversary
on TV. Part of the celebration was to put together a book. Nancy’s 30 Favorite
Gifts to Sew Book. If you like the quick gift I’ve shown you in this blog, there
are 29 more options just waiting for you to stitch!
Watch Sewing With Nancy Online
This is our best-kept secret! If you’d like to rewatch an episode of Sewing With Nancy or watch any of the last two
years of programs (52 shows in all), head over to www.nancyzieman.com and click on your favorite topic.
Or, watch on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone. Have you downloaded the app?
National Sewing With Nancy Month will gain more momentum during the month. Watch for an exciting give away in
future posts! Tell you friends.
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Town & Country Bag Top Ten Makeover Tips
Clover and I introduced the Trace ’n Create Bag Templates—the Town & Country Collection in 2008. With
the two templates that are included in the package, there are six style options. The bag featured below is the
Metro Plus Bag. It’s a chic bag that’s an ideal size. The easy-to-sew darts provide perfect shaping—the liberal-sized
tab closure makes a fashion statement.
Fabric and Supplies
Start with Trace ’n Create Bag Templates—the Town & Country Collection: Metro Plus Bag style. Gather the
fabric and notions listed on the package back. For additional designer touches, I added one package Clover’s
3/16″ Wrap ’n Fuse Piping, and used two packages Clover Glossy Nickel 1″ D-Rings.
I selected a trendy floral and paisley print laminated cotton from the Verona fabric collection by Riley Blake
Designs. The lining and piping are coordinating cottons from the same collection.
Follow the Town & Country Collection instructions and trace, interface and cut out the Metro Plus Bag—Style D.
The instructions will guide you through the easy steps of bag assembly. Here are my top ten tips for quick and
easy bag-sewing methods along with the inside scoop on how I give my bags the couture-look:
Makeover Tip #1
Trace the Bag Template onto paper and cut out the bag shape. Move the cutout around the fabric to “fussy cut”
the bag front and back.
Makeover Tip #2
Select a Teflon Foot when sewing on laminated cottons and vinyl fabrics.
Makeover Tip #3
Give your bag body. Cut a layer of Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in-Stabilizer.
Instead of stitching a traditional dart, you’ll cut on the marked dart lines and remove the wedge of Peltex. Set
sewing machine for a zigzag stitch and bring edges together as you stitch the seam. Repeat for the bag back.
Makeover Tip #4
The secret to achieving a couture look lies in the bottom. Cut a layer of Clover’s Shape ’n Create and a layer of
Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in-Stabilizer for the bag bottom. I use Clover’s Double Sided Basting
tape to “baste” the layers together before stitching.
Makeover Tip #5
When layering the outer fabric to the Peltex, use Clover’s Wonder Clips to “pin” the layers together. The clips
are easy to use, yet securely hold multiple layers together.
Makeover Tip #6
It’s easy to add a designer touch with contrasting strap lining. Cut 1-1/2″ strips, thread them through Clover’s
3/4″ Bias Tape Maker, and press. Instant trim!
Makeover Tip #7
Another designer accent is easily added with piping accents. I make my own piping with Clover’s 3/16″ Wrap ’n
Fuse Piping and 1-1/4″ fabric strips.
Makeover Tip #8
Attach a zipper foot and add piping accents to outer tab prior to stitching outer tab to lining tab.
Makeover Tip #9
Add piping accents to bag top prior to stitching tab to bag top.
Makeover Tip #10
Add drama to your bag by using two D-rings per strap connector.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my top ten tips I used to create my new Town & Country Metro Plus Bag.
Let me know what tip is your favorite!
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City Bag Gets a Sewing Makeover
Shopping online for handbag inspirations, a bag decked out with hardware trim caught my eye—so did the price,
$1,300. I knew we had the perfect inspiration for a sewing bag makeover.
Clover and I introduced the Trace ’n Create Bag Templates—City Bag Collection in 2008. With the two
templates that are included in the package, there are six style options. The bag featured below is the Portfolio Plus
Bag Style B. It’s a classic bag that’s a prime candidate for a makeover! Here’s what the original design looks like.
Since the template’s launch,
new hardware and fabrics have
been introduced, giving even
greater possibilities. For the
makeover, I selected a rouge
cotton solid and a dot print from
the Verona fabric collection by
Riley Blake Designs.
10 Sewing Makeover Tips
Tip #1—Gather the supplies
Start with Clover’s Trace ’n Create Bag Templates City Bag Collection: Portfolio Plus Bag Style B.
Gather the fabrics and notions listed on the package back. For additional designer touches, here’s a listing of
hardware I used for this bag makeover:
Three packages Clover’s Glossy Nickel 1″ D-Rings
Two packages Clover’s Glossy Nickel 1″ Rectangle Rings
One package Clover’s Glossy Nickel 1-5/8″ O-Rings
One package Clover Fuse ’N Bind 1/2″ x 2 yd.
Two packages Clover’s 1″ Create A Strap
Tip #2—Trace the Pattern
Follow the Trace ’n Create Bag Templates City Bag Collection: Portfolio Plus Bag Style B—with 3″ corner gussets.
The instructions will guide you through the easy steps of bag assembly.
You will not need a tab or outer snap for this bag makeover, so skip over the instructions for cutting and making
the tab and outer snap (Template B).
Tip #3—Add inside support
Give your bag body. Trace and cut a layer of Pellon® Peltex® Ultra Firm Sew-in Stabilizer the same size as
the outer front and outer back.
Tip #4—Add the couture
touch
Add drama to your bag by using multiple lengths of 1″ Create-a-Strap along with D-Rings, Rectangle-Rings, and O-
Rings.
Cut the following nine (9) strap lengths and press 1″ Create-a-Strap to wrong side.
Decorative straps:
Cut five (5) straps 13″ long
Strap connectors:
Cut four (4) straps 17″ long
Add the hardware.
Decorative Straps—13″ lengths
Fold one strap at 8″; slide on the O-Ring.
Fold two straps at 6″; slide on the Rectangle-Rings.
Fold two straps at 5″; slide on the Rectangle-Rings.
Stitch across strap close to hardware.
Strap Connectors:
Fold two straps at 7-1/2″; slide on the D-Rings.
Stitch close to the hardware
Fold each strap connector strap a second time at 2-1/2″; add a second D-Ring.
Tip #5—Attach the straps
Attach a zipper foot to your machine for ease in stitching close to hardware.
First, position the Strap Connector sections. Place the Trace ’n Create Bag Template A on top of the fabric and
mark strap placements on both the front and back bag. Extend the markings the entire length of the bag.
Overlap and pin strap along markings, aligning the straps ends with the lower end of the bag.
Stitch along the sides of the straps. End the stitching 2″ from top edge.
Position, pin, and stitch the O-ring strip between the strap connectors.
Center, position, pin, and stitch remaining straps as detailed. The straps will be placed about 3/4″ apart.
For bag back, add only two decorative strap units at the original strap positions marked on the template.
Stitch front and back bag together at lower seam.
Tip #6—Add stability to the bag bottom
The secret to achieving a couture look also lies inside the bag. Cut a 3″ x 12″ rectangle of Clover’s Shape ’n
Create to give the bag bottom shape and stability.
Use Clover’s Double-Sided Basting Tape to “baste” the layers together before stitching. It’s easy to stitch
through the Create ’n Shape, but difficult to pin since pins bend when going through the plastic.
Sew the gusset shape as detailed in the instructions.
The shaping is impressive!
Tip #7—Assemble with ease
Use Clover’s Wonder Clips to “pin” the layers together. The clips are easy to use yet securely hold multiple
layers together.
Tip #8–Closure tip
Add an “inner” snap to the lining. This is a technique I developed after the Trace ’n Create Bag Templates City
Bag Collection was released.
Cut a 1″ x 2″ rectangle Clover’s Shape ’n Create.
Stitch Shape ’n Create rectangles to lining wrong side at center/top front and center/top back.
Following the instructions in the packaging, attach Clover’s Magnetic Snap Closure 1-1/2″ from top.
Tip #9—Add Couture Straps
Add a couture touch with contrasting strap lining. Cut 1-1/2″ strips, thread them through Clover’s 3/4″ Bias Tape
Maker, and press. Instant trim.
Tip #10—Finish with ease
Another designer accent is easily added with binding. I opted to forego the ribbon finishing steps in the original
instructions. I made my own binding to finish the bag top with Clover Fuse ’N Bind 1/2″ x 2 yd. and 2″ fabric
strips.
Cut a 2″ wide fabric strip and press Fuse ’n Bind to the wrong side.
Following instructions in the Fuse ’n Bind package, pin right sides together to outer bag. Stitch to bag along top
edge of Fuse ’n Bind.
Fold Fuse ’n Bind to inner bag and topstitch.
Ta Da—it’s a terrific looking bag!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about the 10 tips that I used to makeover my Trace ’n Create Bag Templates
City Bag Collection: Portfolio Plus Bag. Let me know what tip is your favorite!
I enjoyed reading your favorite Sewing With Nancy memory, sew/quilt tips, or sewing projects. The random winner
of Nancy’s 30 Favorite Gifts To Sew Book is Pam Ziny. She wrote: I’ve watched for years. I’ve learned so much.
Your tip to clip the notches on patterns instead of cutting around them sure made cutting out patterns easier. You
put the joy into sewing.
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Sew-A-Scarf— It's a Sewing Challenge!
We’re hosting a Sew-A-Scarf Challenge and you’re invited to participate!
Scarves are a 4-season accessory. To celebrate the arrival of spring, take the challenge to sew a scarf for yourself
or as a gift, then enter the Sew-A-Scarf Challenge. It’s easy!
For fashion and for fun, scarves are a great way to add a pop of color or to give new life to a so-so outfit.
Sew a scarf with a little fabric and as much creativity as you’d like to add, and post a photo of your completed scarf
on the Nancy Zieman Sew-A-Scarf Challenge Flickr Site. Stop back here and post a comment to let us all
know that you’ve completed your challenge.
You may use any pattern/directions you’d like or no sewing pattern at all! All sewing, quilting, serging, machine
embroidery, and embellishment techniques are eligible! For inspiration, check out the Sensational Scarves
Book and DVD or watch Sensational Scarves, part 1 and part 2 online.
Post your photo by Wednesday May 16, 2012, on the Nancy Zieman Sew-A-Scarf Challenge Flickr Site. Then,
vote for your favorite scarf May 17–20. Winners will be announced Tuesday May 22, 2012.
Here’s a listing of the fabulous prizes that will be awarded:
$179 Sewing Machine Trolley Bag from Baby Lock
$120 Serger Thread Pack from Madeira
$100 Gift Certificate from Nancy’s Notions
$68 Rotary Cutter, Refill Blade, and Cutting Mat Package from Clover
Thank you to the above companies for donating such wonderful prizes!
Scarf Challenge Schedule
April 10–May 16: Sew a scarf or scarves (up to three entries per person) and post your photo(s) on the Nancy
Zieman Sew-A-Scarf Challenge Flickr Site.
May 7–12: Sew-a-Scarf Week on my Blog. I’ll post a new scarf idea or project each day that week.
May 17–20: Vote for your favorite scarf.
May 22: Winners will be announced.
Get Stitching!
Email scarf challenge questions and Flickr questions to [email protected]. Challenge not open to
Sponsors’ employees and immediate family members. Photos and techniques may be featured in future
promotions, blog posts, videos and/or TV shows.
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Top Creative Designer Bag Tips:Tips for Pre-Quilted Fabrics
For this tip, I chose to work with double-sided
prequilted fabrics. These specialty fabrics truly
streamline the bag or tote-making process. Here’s
how to adapt the pattern and sewing steps when
using prequilted fabrics for your next creative
bag.
Gather the supplies
I shopped my fabric closet and found this bright prequilted fabric. Sometime a gal just needs color!
For the pattern, I chose the Trace ‘n Create Bag Template—Florida Tote Collection, plus collected the other
findings for the bag: Wrap ‘n Fuse piping, Create-a-Strap (1″ wide), Magnetic Snaps, and Bag Hardware. I
also needed Shape ‘n Create (the plastic shaping for the bottom of the bag) and Bag Feet, but somehow those
items missed the photo shoot!
Cut out the fabric
Using the template, Sharen, my ace stitcher, traced the template shapes on the fabric and then cut. (One of the
benefits of using a template is that the size doesn’t change. Often with a paper pattern, I trim more away than
needed.)
Add the Snaps
I always support the back of magnetic snaps with a small square of Shape’n Create. In hindsight, we should
have used the black Create ‘n Shape instead of the white, but this way you can see it more clearly!
Add piping
The initial drawback to shopping my fabric closet was that I didn’t have any coordinating fabric for the piping and
straps. Sharen came to the rescue. She offered to separate the prequilted fabric for these small accent pieces. It
took only a few minutes to snip the threads—the layers separated with ease. Hint: Cut out the size of the piping,
then snip the quilting threads.
Wrap the fabric around the Wrap ‘n Fuse piping; press. What a quick way to stitch the first step of piping!
Use a zipper or cording foot to attach the piping.
Finish the raw edges
If you’re a serger owner, use a wide width overlock stitch to clean finish the raw edges. Or, stitch with a wide
zigzag stitch.
The bag already looks finished on the inside!
Here’s the view from the right side.
Add the bag feet
After sewing the lower seam, add the bag feet. This is optional, but I like way the feet protect the bottom of my
bags and totes. Plus, it’s easy. The template provides the exact location of the feet.
Add support to the bottom of the bag
The traditional next step is to stitch the Create ‘n Shape to the bottom of the bag, but not this time! When using
double-sided, prequilted fabric, make a pouch for the plastic Shape’n Create, making it longer than needed and
also leaving one end open. Note: The instructions detail the size of the plastic bag bottom.
Insert the fabric-covered plastic into the bag, tucking under the unfinished end. Sharen, you remember, one of
my co-workers, told me she makes this type of pouch for her bags. When traveling she hides valuables in the
pouch!
Add a top snap closure
We used the fabric pouch concept when adding the top snap closure. Cut two 1-1/2″ squares of Shape’n Create.
Cut two fabric pieces 2″ x 5-1/2″. Sew the side seams of the pouch, turn right side out, and insert the square of
plastic.
Add the magnetic snaps, 1″ from the lower folded edge.
Center the snap pouches on the inside of the bag; baste. The fabric pouch is longer than the plastic so the bulk
from the plastic will not be in the top seam.
Create the straps
Fuse Create-A-Strap to the wrong side of the strap fabric. (Again, we separated the double-sided fabric—it was
quick.) Press along the perforations.
Center grosgrain ribbon over the edges; stitch.
Follow the instructions for finishing the bag, which includes adding the straps and finishing the top edges with
grosgrain ribbon.
The snap pouch will securely hold the top of the bag together, even though the snap is not physically attached to
the bag. The plastic Shape’ n Create makes the difference!
Design option
The Florida Tote has a convertible option, changing the shapes of the sides with a unique snap closure.You might
like this option, too!
An InLinkz Link-up
To watch Sewing With Nancy on your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone, download the app.
Which design option was your favorite? Let me know and we’ll send a random winner a Trace ‘N Create California
Bag Template Set, a $19.99 value! You can use this template for many of the Creative Designer Bag Tips.
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Knit Shirt Makeovers—an Artistic Tee
A knit shirt, your embroidery machine, and an expressive embroidery design make-up an ideal trio to create an
artistic tee. In 2-hours of time, I was able to makeover a plain knit shirt into a shirt with designer details. For those
of you who are computerized embroidery machine owners, this is a fast transformation!
The transformation—both embroidery and neckline modification—is compliments of one embroidery. I used the CD
from Designer Necklines and choose the embroidery for the Peak-a-boo Neckline. You’ll notice that neckline
shapes, the artistic embroidery, and a V- Neck stitching line form the transformation. This is one robust
embroidery!
First Step
1. Hoop Fusible Polymesh, fusible side up in the 5″ x 7″ embroidery hoop. Attach the hoop to the embroidery
unit.
2. Stitch the first thread color directly on the hooped stabilizer—it is the Perfect-Placement Embroidery.
3. Position the T-shirt along the Perfect-Placement Embroidery.
•
Remove the hoop from the embroidery unit and place the hoop at the narrow end of an ironing board.
•
Position the T-shirt over the end of the ironing board. Match the neckline and center front to one of the
Perfect-Placement Stitching lines and center front marking on the stabilizer. Gently press the shirt to the stabilizer.
A mini-iron is an ideal pressing tool to use within a hoop. Another option to attach the T-shirt to the stabilizer is to
spray a fabric adhesive on the hooped stabilizer and then position the T-shirt.
•
Lift the back of the T-shirt to the top of the hoop, creating a nest shape. Reattach the hoop to the
embroidery unit. I learned this technique from Eileen Roche, editor of Designs In Machine Embroidery
Magazine. What a great tip!
4.
Stitch the remainder of the decorative embroidery.
5.
Cut out a facing.
•
Cut a 5″ x 6″ rectangle for the facing. Fuse lightweight interfacing to the wrong side. Or, cut the facing from
Stretch Mesh—a lightweight spandex fabric. For my project, I chose the stretch mesh, yet have used a cotton
facing for other designer neckline transformations.
•
Pressmark the vertical center of the facing.
•
Position the facing on top of the T-shirt, right sides together. Align the center press and extend the facing 1/2″
above the neckline. Tape the facing to the shirt along the
7.
Embroider the last thread color, the V-shape stitching. Remove the T-shirt from the hoop.
8.
Carefully cut down the center of the T-shirt, taking care to stop cutting just before the stitching at the point
of the V.
•
Turn under the top of the facing; pin.
•
Fold the facing to the wrong side. Pin the facing from the right side.
•
Edgestitch 1/4″ from the V-shape.
•
If using Stretch Mesh, trim away the excess fabric.
Hint: If the stretch mesh peaks around the corner, try using a permanent marker in the color of the fabric to hide
the appearance of the mesh. I keep a collection of permanent markers in my sewing room to camouflage all sorts
of unexpected appearances!
There are several other artistic tee transformation on Designer Necklines CD.
Here’s the first Peak-a-boo tee that I transformed. Isn’t it cute!
You’ll find 32 embroidery files, including 20 decorative embroideries and 12 placement and/or transformation
embroideries. It’s a totally unique combination! Plus, Eileen Roche and I videotaped a 30-minute DVD which is
included in the Designer Necklines package.
Have you made a tee-shirt transformation? Let me know what you’ve done!
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Five Easy Knit Sewing Tips
I really enjoy sewing with knits. Yet, if you don’t follow the simple less is best principle, you may “over sew” your
project! What’s “over sew?” My answer —”Working too hard, adding too many details.” Here are a few tips that
might help you with your next (or first) knit sewing project.
Five Easy Knit Sewing Tips
Tip #1: Choose an easy pattern
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Look for styles and shapes with few seams, letting the drape of the fabric be the star.
Tip #2: Sew simple
If you’re a serger owner, here’s where a 4-thread overlock stitch should be used. It’s fast, easy, and the seam will
stretch.
When using a conventional sewing machine, try a “wobble” stitch. First coined by Betty Cotton of quilting fame,
this narrow zigzag (.5 width and 2.5 length) has an ever-so-slight zigzag, providing a little stretch in the seam
while looking like a straight seam from the right side.
Tip #3: Sew in some stretch
Stabilize the shoulders of knit fabrics with clear elastic. Serge or wobble stitch over the seam, stitching over the
elastic. The shoulder seams will stretch when needed without stretching out of shape.
Tip #4: Serge off the hem
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If you’re looking at a knit pattern with a shaped hem, make it easy on yourself; let your serger do the work. Use a
3-thread overlock stitch and serge along the hemline.
To keep the knit from stretching, serge over strips of wash away stabilizer. Place the strips on the wrong side of
the fabric and then serge. After serging, tear away the excess stabilizer. Presto, no stretching. (The stabilizer is
what you see on the wrong side of the fabric in the photos below.)
Serge each edge individually, don’t try to turn the corner. Tuck the thread tail to the wrong side and hand stitch
the thread tail to the seam. Clip off the excess thread. It’s fast!
Tip #5: Double fold the edges
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With knits, very few patterns have facings to finish the edges, one layer of fabric is all that’s used. Consider
finishing the edges with a double fold.
Fold and press under a 1/4″ and straight or wobble stitch. Stitch one edge (center front seam in this example) and
then the hemline. Before stitching the hemline’s double fold, place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot, stitch
from the scrap (or anchor cloth as I like to call it) to the fabric. This anchor allows you to easily sew the thick area
at the corner with even stitches.
Clip off the anchor cloth when finished.
Give these tips a try!
The random winner of Larisa Bland’s Piece in the Hoop book is Donna G. Her comment was:
I love machine embroidery, especially in-the-hoop projects. They come together so quickly. This project is so cute! I
enjoy embellishing ready-to-wear items as well. The possibilities are endless!
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Top Creative Bag Ideas —It's What's Inside That Counts
Florida Tote made from the “Trace ‘n Create Bag Template”
Can interfacing and foundation fabric be considered as part of the creative process? That was the question that I
posed to myself before deciding to write this blog.The answer to my own question—unfortunately I do talk to
myself—was a definite yes. My rationale was that if a handbag (or any other project for that matter) doesn’t have
the needed interfacing and/or stabilizers, creative efforts are wasted.
In my initial days of creating handbags, I only added fusible interfacing to the back of the fabric. The result—a lackluster bag. My new mantra is “more is better” when it comes to what’s inside the bag.
Cotton fabrics are the most common fabrics available for bag making. The selection is almost endless, yet the
weight of the fabric—lightweight—is a drawback for bags if not properly stabilized. I take a 3-step process to
shaping a handbag or tote. Here are my recommendations for giving handbag fabric support and stability, which
will enhance the creative process.
Step One:
Fuse an interfacing such as Sof-Shape® from Pellon to the wrong side of all cotton fabrics. Cut interfacing the
same size as the bag pieces and fuse to wrong sides. I generally fuse a large section of fabric, then cut out the
fabric. Here I’m using the Trace ‘n Create Bag Templates—The Florida Tote Collection to trace the shape on
the wrong side and then cut out the bag shape.
Step Two:
Plus, back the main pieces of the bag with a firm foundation fabric. Cut foundation fabric the same size as the main
bag pieces—the front and the back. Choose one of three options:
•
Cotton Canvas/Polyester Fleece combo: Both fabrics are easy to find. Used together, the duo provides
stability and enhances the shaping of the bag.
•
Headliner Fabric: Available in the upholstery section of many chain stores, this foam-type fabric generally
lines the inside of your car! Use as a foundation for a Designer Bag; it’s easy-to-sew.
•
Peltex Ultra Firm—Sew In: Recommended as a heavyweight stabilizer for accessories and crafts, it’s one
of my favorite bag foundation fabrics. Available in white or black, it’s an ideal choice to give your bag support.
Step Three:
I recommend sewing a bag from the bottom up, first stitching the lower seam so that the bag pieces lies flat. Then,
the inner toning or shaping can easily be added. Here’s how:
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Stitch lower seam; press seam open.
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Zigzag over seam allowances, using widest zigzag stitch on your machine. This stitching will keep seam
allowances perfectly flat.
•
Cut a plastic stabilizer, such as Shape ‘n Create the width X the finished length of the bag bottom, minus
seam allowances.
•
Position Shape ‘n Create to wrong side of bag with double-sided basting tape. It’s easy to stitch through the
plastic, but difficult to pin without bending pins.
•
Edgestitch the Shape ‘n Create along all sides. If it is difficult to sew through all layers, use a larger sized
needle, 90 or 100 and lengthen the stitches.
Theses three shaping details will be neatly tucked inside your bag or tote, giving you shape and detail. It’s what’s
inside that counts!
An InLinkz Link-up
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