GorgeousThings
Ann Steeves, Boston, MA, UScontributor
craft interests: sewing
Gender: Female
Member Since: 03/24/2008
Quick to Make Project: Key Leash
Never misplace your keys again with this easy-to-make key leash project.
It's a (Spa) Wrap!
This wrap is a fun and easy project for any beginner sewer.
Show and Tell: Flamenco Dress
This dress, inspired by a Folkwear pattern, is two dresses in one: The classic princess-line top paired with the wild flamenco skirt.
Making a Jacket: Part III
Now that you have created the perfect jacket, complete your look with the perfect trim. (Part 3 of a 3-part series.)
Making a Jacket: Part II
Learn how to create the shell for a jacket.(Part 2 of a 3-part series.)
Making a Jacket: Part I
In this three-part series, learn how to create a stylish jacket from scratch.
Tim Gunn Does It Again
An peak inside Tim Gunn's new book "A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style".
An Interview with Trudy Hanson of HotPatterns
A question-and-answer session with the doyenne of "fast fashion" patterns. She creates of-the-moment sewing patterns as quickly as Zara and H&M;create trendy clothing.
Online Sources for Hard-to-find Handbag Hardware
Many people say it's the hardware that makes a bag look great. Here are some of the best online sources for everything from handles to clasps.
Cool Tool: Gravity Feed Iron
Busy seamsters may want to consider investing in a pricey but stronger gravity feed iron.
Seriously Strong Spaghetti Straps
Simple tips for making straps
Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach
Singing the praises of a priceless book about proper fitting and altering patterns to suit a reader's needs, style and size.
Fabric Glossary - Home Dec Fabrics
A guide to all those tricky home decorating fabrics. Print it out and take it to the store!
Fast Interface Trimming
Cut exactly the right amount of interfacing to avoid bulky seams - and do it fast.
Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century
A two-volume set that follows fashion through three centuries—a must for any true fashionista.
More Tips and Tricks - Sewing with Silk
How to use and treat this delicate yet glorious fabric for sublime, snag-free results.
Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Knits
Knits are comfy to wear but can be challenging to sew. Take these tips from seamster supreme Ann Steeves.
Drape Yourself a Bodice
Cornell University course Web site offers instruction on how to drape a basic bodice—from measuring a muslin to adding or subtracting the final darts.
Shop Your Stash!
Don't forget to regularly check your sewing room stockpiles for any fabulous forgotten fabrics and notions.
Twenty-Minute Table Runner
Create this table runner as a quick gift for the holiday season.
You Can Fuse Leather
The tricky business of fusing interfacings to leathers.
Pretty Gift Bags for All Occasions
Sew these easy fabric bags to add personalized touch to any gift.
Tips for Sewing with Fleece
How to wrangle the soft, fluffy and fuzzy favorite winter fabric.
The Joys of Owning an Industrial Machine
Could an industrial-strength machine be right for you?
Easy, Warm, Lined Curtains
Save on energy costs with lined curtains to block drafts and keep in the heat.
The Golden Age of Couture
This great companion to the display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London covers many aspects of the couture industries in the 1950s.
No Such Thing as a Rough Patch - Pocket!
Patch pockets are easy to make and fun to use no matter what type of garment.
Chanel: Collections and Creations
Designs by Coco Chanel teach and inspire in this book by Daniele Bott.
Dental Floss is Good for Gathers
Dental floss provides the strength and slide you need to gather fabric.
Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle Fabrics
Don't waste scraps, and remake outdated garments into of-the-moment accessories.
Princess Seams and the Small Bust
Learn how to adjust a pattern to fit the small bust.
Guide to Fibers
Here is a handy guide to some of the most common garment fabrics on the market.
New Kid on the (Pattern) Block: Go Patterns
A guide to all those tricky home decorating fabrics. Print it out and take it to the store!
Think Like a Designer - Let the Fabric do the Talking
Fabric and trims can influence your decision about what to sew next. An open mind, while shopping for fabric, can make a big difference in your style.
Patterns: Guidelines, not Gospel
You don't have to follow pattern instructions, or even pattern pieces, exactly as presented. Sometimes you can get better results by ignoring them.
Start Your Own Stitch 'n Socialize Club
Create your own club where seamsters can come together and socialize while completing projects.
Serger 101
This specialized sewing machine can help you sew, overcast, and trim in one easy step.
Pucker up? Not when it comes to sewing!
Learn how to create a smooth, unpuckered armscye seam.
Top 10 Sewing Books
Here are the top 10 books everyone should have in their library.
Two-Hour Tote Bag
This simple two-hour tote bag is great to carry all of your accessories for the beach this summer.
Quick to Make Project: Serger Scarf
This project takes only minutes to create and can create several different looks.
Handling Eyelet
Here are a few tricks for handling eyelet lace of any kind.
Fabric Shopping in Boston
If you are in the Boston area, check out some of these great fabric resources.
RTW-Style Zipper Facings
It is easy to create a professional-looking ready-to-wear-style zipper facing using your sewing machine.
Trims, Trims, and More Trims
Trim can make or break an outfit. Check out these online resources which can help you add something special to your next project.
Cool Tool: Press Buck
A press buck can be a useful tool for pressing items with curved seams like skirts and bodices.
Full Bust Fix
Here's the inside line on how to alter a pattern for a large bust.
The Hunt
kija_kim | November 21st, 2009_sqs.jpg)
Mossy Green and Brown - Small shoulder bag/purse
tamk | November 21st, 2009
Ear wear by Evidence
sanfjones | November 20th, 2009
Crochet Wire Beaded Bracelet with removable Christmas Tree charm
CBakerDesigns | November 20th, 2009
Re: Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Knits
Hmmm, I just revisited this post and noticed that the caption on one photo is wrong. Don't stretch your knit taut as it goes through the feed dogs. Use very slight tension on it, and only do so if you have a straight-stitch-only machine. If you use a zigzag stitch, you don't even need to do that.
posted: 5:43 pm on April 13th