When I first came up with the idea of doing a big string art piece for the premier episode of Holiday Makeover (the holiday was Valentine’s Day and the star couple of the episode was celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary), I had a grand vision in mind. But I had no idea how it would really […]
A walking foot (also known as an even-feed foot), is something I love to sew with! They’re not cheap (a walking foot can run you anywhere from $20 to $50, which is quite high for a presser foot), but you’ll really notice a difference when you’re sewing. A walking foot puts a set of feed dogs on top […]
I did a series of videos with west-coast fabric store Fabricana, and this is one I especially love because it talks about such an important parts of sewing: fabric prep! Even before you start cutting and sewing, how you deal with your fabric plays a critical role in what your finished garment will look like. In […]
One of the things that makes stretch fabrics great to sew with is you don’t have to fit your garments perfectly. Because they stretch! Fashion designer and sewer Dora Michelson has a rich history of working with stretch fabrics (at one point, she made go-go outfits for Las Vegas dancers!), and when we met up at the […]
I’m normally a stickler for finishing raw edges. Seriously. Don’t even show me something you’ve sewn if there are any loose threads whatsoever! 😉 But the distressed look is everywhere these days, and a stroll through the Wynn Esplanade serves as evidence. I spotted frayed denim on purses, shoes, and jackets in the Chanel store. The takeaway? There […]
Drumroll please! Today is the official premiere of my new show, Holiday Makeover!! The show is airing tonight on Makeful TV, and I’m live-tweeting the event along with my fellow co-hosts, floral designer Alison Westlake of Coriander Girl, and baking superstar Adjoa Duncan of PS By Pretty Sweet. I can’t wait to see all of our hard work finally come together for […]
One of the things I love about sewing is you’ll never stop learning little tricks! One of the girls that worked for me at The Sewing Studio showed me this trick to loosen the Gütermann thread end by twisting the spool. (Does that work with any other types of thread?) Plus here’s how to lock the […]
Caring for leather isn’t as daunting as you’d guess. If you protect it beforehand (and regularly thereafter), treat spots right away, and clean leather as needed, it will last a long time and age beautifully. Here are leather care tips that are not only applicable when you’re sewing with leather, but also for store-bought items like […]
2016!! I feel like we say it every year, but really….How did this happen???? I love the beginning of a new year because it’s filled with promise and possibility. I’d like to wish you and yours the very best for the year ahead! I’ve got lots planned for this year already, and I’m looking forward to embarking […]
Do you love wearing linen on a beach vacation? Have you inherited heirloom vintage linens? Linen is a beautiful, luxurious fabric, but not everyone knows how to care for it properly. So how do you wash and dry linen? Watch here… ***** Hi everyone, I just finished filming a segment for Cityline all about choosing […]
