Embroidery machines do so much more than you can imagine

 In The Hoop Embroidery 

From Sweet Pea Machine Embroideryc

I have talked about machine embroidery before but as I use my machine such a lot, I wanted to share some of my latest projects with you. 

There are more ideas on Machine Embdoidery ideas so do take a look to see what else an embroidery machine can do. 

I really love In The Hoop Embroidery by Sweet Pea Embroidery

The designs are far removed from the traditional embroidery designs in that they are dimensional and the entire piece is completed In The Hoop - Backing,  wadding,and zips included!

If you  visit their website from the link above you will be able to view the catalogue of designs available to purchase. They are not at all expensive. They also have a gorgeous range of fabrics and their own range of thread which I am coveting. 

The designs are mostly applique with added Embroidery which are built up gradually starting with wadding and ending with the backing.

Easy to sew Lounge wear

 More loungewear to sew, easy for beginners 

I have shown you how to sew loungewear before but I don't know about you but I need some more.

This is a post for beginners and those not used to sewing stretch fabrics. Use the search tool in the sidebar to find mote posts for "sewing Newbies "

I have a disability as you know, I have Parkinsons, so please never give up on doing what you love, its just a question of finding different ways to do things. 

I have been raiding my stash and finding any fabric with stretch, from Ponte Roma to a wool melange knit and this is my result.

 

I have had a strange sort of year,  I don't know about you but I expect many of us have struggled.

I think that it is mood boosting to have smart but comfortable clothes to wear indoors , preferably something stretchy to encourage  a little exercise - yes  I am exercising indoors. ( smug face )

Sewing Seams and Sewing in Straight lines

This is a tutorial about working seams,finishing seams, and sewing straight  seams

A Jaycotts.co.uk blog post

Recently I have had people tell me that it is years since they  last used a sewing machine  and could not sew in a straight line.

I remember when I was learning to sew my seams were never straight either. Like everything else it only comes with practice.  Luckily there are now lots of gadgets to help.

                                            A spot of hand sewing

What is a seam?

A seam is much more than joining two pieces of fabric together. A seam can provide subtle shaping to a garment and when correctly made can be almost invisible. Decorative seams add design and interest to a garment.

So what are the rules in sewing a seam?

• Pin the seam together right sides of the fabric together normally, but there are exceptions which we will come to later
• Pin the seam edges together matching the ends, notches and any other markings
• Hand tack the seam. You can omit this if your fabric is easy to handle and if you are experienced at sewing.
• Stitch the seam with thread which exactly matches your fabric and buy the best quality thread you can afford
• Finish the seam edge appropriately
• Trim loose threads
• Press every seam every time. Pressing gives a crisp edge and makes the thread sink into the fabric making the stitches invisible.

NB Please note that in order to show you the different seam finishes  more clearly I am using a contrast thread. The only time you should sew a seam with a contrast thread is when it is a design feature for example top stitching.

How to sew a straight seam - some tips 

Seam allowances are usually 5/8" wide, there are occasions when 1/4" or 1/2" seams are used so do check your pattern.

Why is this important? 

Quite simply if your seam is too wide or to narrow, your garment will not fit. 

There are lots of ways to ensure your seam is the correct width and straight(ish) The simplest method of all and is what I do is to quite simply attach a piece of tape ,masking tape will do, positioned 5/8" away from the needle. Then when you are sewing align the edge of your fabric with the side of the tape nearest your machine. And there you have it! Straight seams at exactly 5/8" from the edge.