Pillows are an easy DIY project. You just sew four sides, right? Um, not so fast! There are a few things you need to do properly to ensure the pillows you sew from scratch are worthy of display. I shared some tips with Steven and Chris for sewing the perfect pillow: What should the pillow be […]
I always tell new sewers who are driving themselves crazy with detail and trying to make everything painstakingly accurate that they’re in luck — a meticulous (even picky) personality will make you a great seamstress! “But don’t drive yourself crazy,” I add. “It’s just fabric and thread, and it will naturally move and adjust.” But, having a […]
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 […]
Don’t forget! You must change your sewing machine needle! Not only do you need to change a sewing machine needle before it gets dull, you should also be changing your needle with each new project based on the fabric you’re sewing. Fun fact: My baby was just a few months old when I was filming […]
This is one of the first TV spots I ever did! It was a segment for the Steven And Chris show filmed in the first commercial space I opened for The Sewing Studio, on Avenue Road in Toronto’s posh Rosedale neighbourhood. It’s so much fun to look back on these old clips and see what was happening […]
Wondering how to prevent pulled fabric? You’re not the only one. I get asked a lot of questions about how to fix different sewing problems, particularly “What’s happening here?” accompanied by a photo. A student named Yulia who was taking my beginner online sewing course recently sent me this photo below and asked: When I topstitch, the […]
Today my advice is short and sweet: Get to know your sewing machine! It seems simple enough, but you’d be surprised at how much easier things are when you really know what you’re working with. Features, techniques, tips. Pull out that sewing machine manual (or find a copy online if yours is long gone) and […]
Okay, here’s the deal: 99% of the time that people have issues with their sewing machine, it’s user error. No joke! Usually, it’s related to the bobbin*. But sometimes, your sewing thread has just mysteriously jumped out of the machine’s threading mechanism, in which case, simply rethreading your machine will get you back on track. *Check […]
When you’re sewing, having the right tools is always important. But even before you sew, tools play an important role in prepping your fabric and your project. When I’m securing pattern pieces to my fabric (or when I’m securing fabric to fabric for sewing), I use specific tools, and I’ve got some tips for making the most […]
In this collaborative video I created with Vancouver fabric store Fabricana, I’m showing you some of the main cutting tools you’ll want to have on-hand when sewing- dressmaking shears, rotary cutters, embroidery scissors, and snips. I also share some fabric cutting techniques for easier, faster cutting. Who wouldn’t want that?! For more tips and tricks […]
