guess who is here TODAY?!!! a sewing genius. a darling friend. a woman with talent – rockin’ talent.
last week i asked which DIY projects caused you to fear in my post, “Do not fear.. DIY” – well, here you go friends {it’s kinda one of mine too – i asked for a REAL sewing machine for my 30th birthday next month}
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Hi Everyone, I’m Hilani (Pronounced: Hill-Lonnie) from over at Handmade by Hilani. I’m a wife, mom, friend and lover of many things, one being sewing. I’m so excited to be here today and can’t wait to share with you several of my tips for sewing.
These tips should give you the confidence to either dust off your sewing machine or nudge you to head out and buy one. Nothing too expensive, a $100 machine should last you forever. Mine was a gift from someone special, I talk about it in this Denver Post article that was written about me and my business.
I recently offered a {Sewing Lesson} series over on my Blog. It was broken down into three parts. Below you will find excerpts from each Lesson, with links to the full Lesson; ENJOY and Good Luck!
Now let’s get down to business.
{**Lesson 1**}
{ Sewing Needles }
As mentioned, in the above video, choosing the right needles helps to avoid troubles with your machine, and sewing projects.
Review: The needles on the left are a bargain, but not the best overall notion to have in your stock. The life of them isn’t as long as the name brand. They are o.k. to use, for occasional sewing, but for regular sewing, their life is short.
To view Lesson 1 in its entirety, click here
{**Lesson 2**}
{ Cutting and Sewing Straight Lines }
The above picture points out how to use your clear ruler to make straight Pencil marks, for when you intend to sew at the machine.
Note: The image above wasn’t cut straight, by both beginning and end points, at a .25 line, line up. If you were to use the edge of your sewing foot, to sewing, your finished line wouldn’t be straight.
To view Lesson 2 in its entirety, click here
{**Lesson 3**}
{Sewing with Proper Tension}
This project used:
#12 universal Needle
All Purpose Thread
A Scrap of Broadcloth Fabric
O.k., so obviously looking back at the video we all know the word [Consistently] is a real word and I did not just invent it but I tell you, in the moment it didn’t sound right. Ha! It’s like when you type a word and it doesn’t look right but it’s right…that was me…putting a big L on my forehead.
[Let's Review]
1. The Thinner the Fabric, the higher the number on your Tension dial so you see consistent stitching on both sides of your fabric.
2. Also, view this video for a review of my opinion on metal bobbins and their importance in sewing.
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© 2012, Aimee Steckowski. All rights reserved. Love it? Print, email, pin, tweet or share but please don’t use my work without permission. {Copyright Fancy Little Things. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this article or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.}
About Aimee Steckowski
Thanks so much Aimee again fir having me and for trusting in me!!
you are a true gem Hilani — this will bring some much needed support to those lingering questions — for me & the DIY readers hear at FLT needing some fearless-sewing approaches!
Bookmarking and pinning this post, Aimee and Hilani — sewing is on my DIY bucket list and is soooo intimidating to me! Thanks for sharing and encouraging!
xo Heidi
Heidi @ Decor & More recently posted..Tasty Meatloaf Recipe (and a Fall Bazaar)
you are intimidated by sewing?? i would never have thought that. heidi, this is about to open your world a LOT!! just think – you can sew your own curtains, pillow covers, table runners…. oh my, i cannot wait to hear more about this!!
Aimee Steckowski recently posted..a few new projects
I got a sewing machine as a graduation gift when I received my Masters in Business Admin. I got pregnant with my first child around graduation and haven’t worked since his birth, almost 6 years ago. I always joke that the gift should have been a clue that God had a different plan for my big MBA plans! Even though I’ve done some sewing, I always struggle with the cutting and sewing straight lines, so I’m totally loving the topics you tackled here!!
I cannot WAIT to see what you sew… Hilani really broke down each step. I am learning so much too!
Aimee Steckowski recently posted..a few new projects
I will freely admit that I have a total fear of sewing. Yet there are SO many times that I WISH I could sew! Even a simple hem or some easy DIY curtains. I feel like I would save so much money if I could just do it myself. Not sure if I’m totally ready to jump in just yet, but this may bring me a step closer! Thank you so much for the wonderful post Hilani and Aimee!
Candace Barshaw (@MagpieEventCo) recently posted..Vintage Dessert Station
i’ll tell you what — i asked for a better sewing machine for my bday — i will haul it up to you and we can do some basic sewing!! i can do the curtains and simple hems… all about a straight stitch over here!!
Aimee Steckowski recently posted..a few new projects
Are you kidding? I would LOVE that!!!