This DIY book weight (or you might call it a weighted bookmark, but it only marks the page when the book is open) is quick and easy to make and useful for the readers in your life. I made one a long time ago and decided I needed another one to keep upstairs, because when […]
Nine Patch Pincushion Sewing Pattern
I decided I needed a pincushion for my desk to keep me from randomly laying needles down and then promptly losing them on my desk, so I made this nine patch pincushion sewing pattern. Why I Needed a New Pincushion One thing that keeps me happy when I’m making is always having supplies right where […]
How to Thread a Needle
Of all the basic sewing and mending skills out there, the most basic is knowing how to thread a needle. If you know how to do it you might wonder how you could not know, but I’ve encountered plenty of people who weren’t exactly sure or had trouble threading a needle, so let’s get into […]
How to Make a Shirt Bigger
I have this button down shirt that I love but it also doesn’t quite fit, so I came up with this way to make a shirt bigger so it fits better. This is a technique that works for button-down shirts with folded over button bands, or you can add a different fabric to move the […]
Your Guide to Independent Sewing Designers
With the news that the big four sewing pattern makers brands have been sold to a liquidator (hat tip to Abby at the Craft Industry Alliance), I’m seeing a lot of questions about independent sewing designers, where you find them and how to know if you’re getting a good pattern. I will start this by […]
DIY Pants Pattern from Your Favorite Lounge Pants
It’s finally time for me to make a DIY pants pattern from these pants that I have loved a little too well for many years. You all have seen these before if you’ve seen my post on adding a new waistband to pants, or even adding pockets to pants, because I used the pocket from […]
How to Make a Waistband Bigger on Jeans
The other day I was going through a box of clothes I’d saved for upcycling and I found a pair of jeans that almost fit, so I decided it was time to try this method to make a waistband bigger. These jeans are from Old Navy (thanks to their tag codes I know I bought […]