Tag: learn to sew

Create a ‘shabby chic’ apron

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This project will teach you how to decorate an apron using lace, fabric, your machine decorative stitches and applique techniques.

To create this project you can use any style sewing machine. I have used a Brother NV110 sewing machine.

shabby-chic-apron-01.jpg

What you will need

Apron

You can sew your own basic apron using the pattern from our May Charity Sewalong. I have purchased this apron from a Daiso Japanese store for only $2.80. You may also be able to find aprons like this from $2 stores across Australia.

Materials

  • Download the Applique Shape Patterns (PDF, 400KB)
  • Hot Melt Web for the applique
  • Range of matching fat quarters for the applique
  • Lace style 1 – 2 x width (plus 2 inches) of the bottom of your apron and 1 x the top width (plus 2 inches).
  • Lace style 2 – 1 x width (plus 2 inches) of the top of your apron and 1 x the width of the pocket (plus 2 inches)
  • Lace style 3 – 1 x width of your pocket (plus 2 inches)
  • Fabric – 6 inches x (2 x width (plus 2 inches) of the bottom of your apron and 1 x the top width (plus 2 inches))

How to create your apron

First you need to get together all of your fabric, lace and applique pieces. Start cutting out your applique shapes from the fat quarters. You can choose any colours for these applique shapes but I would suggest you choose a white fabric for the circle and then style your cupcake shapes differently.

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Pressing Matters – A Couturier’s Secrets to Success

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Ironing-Pressing-Station.jpgby Martyn Smith

Having a variety of pressing equipment offers a sewer or crafter more versatility during the making of a project. Many sewers were taught to “press as you sew” but the reality of moving from the machine to the iron can seem like much bother when dealing with annoying little tasks.

Having a mini pressing station set up next to the machine allows the stitcher to “do the right thing” without moving from the work station. Quilters often have a flat work surface beside the machine to press seams while piecing, and both garment makers and embroiderers should consider this as well.

An easy solution to your pressing needs could be:

The Echidna Silicone Rubber Embroidery/Pressing Mat is ideal as a hooping surface to prevent movement during hooping. Its heat resistance also makes it a perfect ironing surface. It won’t melt if the iron is left face down on the surface for short periods of time during the preparation of fabric.

Under-pressing while sewing (the method of pressing seams as you construct) makes the finished item easier and quicker to press once completed. The mini 20cm x 20cm mat is also ideal to place an embroidery hoop onto while trimming away or applying appliqué fabric or giving a quick press to flatten a seam during the embroidery process.

Ironing and Pressing Products

We have a wide range of product to help you setup the perfect ironing and pressing station. For more information please visit our website or call us on 1800 000 360.

Kids or Pet Applique Pillows

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Create these cute, fun and easy pillows for your child or pet! They come in either dog, fox or bunny and take very little time to make.  Plus, if you’re an embroiderer check out this free bunny embroidery design to match the bunny pillow.

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 Patterns

When printing unselect ‘print to scale’. Use the test square to check the correct sizing.

Materials Needed

  • 110cm x 90cm fleece for the pillow. The final pillow size is approximately 50cm x 40cm
  • Mixture of felt or fleece colours for the face
  • Stuffing or bean bag fill (you can buy this in a large bag)
  • Thread colours to match the felt fabric
  • Hot Melt Web

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Learn to Sew – Helpful Books

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by Erin W

These days with so many online tutorials, YouTube videos, blogs, patterns and programs, it’s very easy to get distracted and not know where to start on your sewing journey. Instead of being overwhelmed or spending large amounts of money on online tutorials, videos or subscriptions, why not start with something a little more basic… a book!

When you have so much information at your fingertips it’s easy to forget about the idea of hiring or buying a simple book that will guide you through the very basics of sewing, fabric types, techniques, tips, tricks and much more! Plus, if you search your local library you will often find a number of different topics whether you’re interested in the very basics, learning how to sew for children, learning how to make quilts, applique, embroidery, dressmaking and the list goes on. Best of all, this information is ready available to you for a simply library subscription.

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Image – Book Depository (Sewing Books)

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Echidna Sewing at Supernova!

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The Supanova Pop Culture Expo is dedicated to science-fiction, comic books, animation, gaming, fantasy and a world of imagination for fans young and old. You’ll also find amateur and professional costume designers creating the biggest, boldest outfits to compete in the Madmen National Cosplay Championships.

Countless hours are spent on each costume, which can comprise sewing, embroidery, 3D-printing, crafting, foam cutting and more. The results are impressive proof that given an idea, and powered with the right tools, the opportunities are endless.

supanova-photo

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Craftsy Bag Patterns & Classes

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If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own bag which is fun, affordable and ideal for any occasion check out Craftsy’s Online Educational bag classes.

Design Your Own Handbag Class by Brett Bara

Design and sew your very own high-fashion handbag in this class taught by author, designer and television host Brett Bara.

craftsy-bag-class

Sew Better Bags Class: The Weekend Duffel by Betz White

Sew beautifully constructed duffel bags that stand up to travel and stand out with custom style. Build your sewing skills to create bags as fun as they are functional.

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Learn to Sew – iPad Case with Ruffles

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by Erin W

Create this cute iPad case with front ruffle and snap button. Plus, you can also embroider this free 130 mm x 150 mm (5″ x 7″) Koi Fish design thanks to John Deer and his Ultimate Stash Collection.

Ipad-Case-FrontIpad-Case-backIpad-Case-inside

What you will Need

Print out the free downloadable iPad Case pattern (pdf, 538kb) Make sure to press “print to scale” when printing.

  • 0.7m x .35m outer fabric – thicker fabrics such as denim, linen or cotton blends would be ideal.
  • 0.7 x 0.5m lining & ruffle fabric – cotton or cotton blends would be ideal.
  • 0.7 m x 0.35m thin wadding material or iron-on pellon.
  • 1 x button – to match your lining/ruffle material.
  • Scissors
  • Matching thread

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