Articles

About the Blog

This. Is not your mother's sewing and craft blog. I don't make cute projects out of quilting cotton with tiny farm animals on it. I'm not going to make kitschy kitchen organizers or bathroom caddies. You won't see baby blankets or toddler's clothes.

My how-to's are based on things I've learned and times I've failed. My preferred fabrics are satin, velvet, chiffon (though I hate sewing with chiffon, I like the way it looks), 2 and 4-way stretch fabric as well as other apparel and home décor based fabrics. My preferred aesthetics are fantasy, dark industrial, apocalyptic, gothic, steampunk, and utilitarian. With a dash of modern sleekness. I build furniture, furnishings, clothes, and costumes.

No, dear reader, this blog contains the musings and madness of a maker who pushes her own boundaries and gives the finger to her own lack of knowledge. For having a lack of knowledge only provides the greatest opportunity to learn. And learning is one of humanity's greatest abilities.

Are you hungry for knowledge? Do you want to make your own badass shit? Through this blog, I'll impart my knowledge, my successes, and my failures. I hope you can find some knowledge or inspiration within these pages.

Having Problems? Try some Troubleshooting.

Stop Thread Breaking and Tension Issues: What you need to Know about Cross-Wound Thread vs Straight-Wound Thread

Jams are NEVER fun. Check out these tips to prevent or overcome them. Sew without frustration. You deserve it.

Effortless Jam Prevention: 3 Sewing Machine Hacks for Smooth Sewing

3 Jam Prevention Sewing Tips: Sew Stress-Free with these Simple Steps

General sewing tips. Find useful tidbits.

10 Reasons to Make Your Own Clothes

3 Crucial Reasons to Replace Your Sewing Machine Needle

2 Essential Sewing Machine Maintenance Tips for Flawless Performance

Effortless Jam Prevention: 3 Sewing Machine Hacks for Smooth Sewing

3 Jam Prevention Sewing Tips: Sew Stress-Free with these Simple Steps

Needle Sizes: Considerations for Choosing

6 Essential Needle Types That Will Transform Your Sewing

Matching Thread to Fabric

Intro to Interfacing

Master Your Craft: Learn About the Sewing Machine

Prewash Fabric - Yes or No?

8 Essential Pressing Tools to Banish Amateur-Looking Results

4 Unexpected Sewing Tools You Haven't Considered

7 Super Cool Sewing Notions

13 Powerful Tips to Prevent Common Mistakes Beginners Make Using Patterns

Using Commercial Sewing Patterns - Tips

3 Rules to Lay Out Patterns and Cut Fabric Confidently

How to Read Commercial Sewing Patterns

What to look for when buying a Sewing Machine for Sewing Clothes

5 Cool Sewing Notions to Make Your Hobby Easier

5 Basic Steps and Tools Needed to Start Sewing Clothes (With a Machine)

New to sewing? Here's some useful information for beginners.

6 Essential Tips to Master Sewing Machine Operation for Beginners

8 Essential Sewing Machine Basics for Beginners

3 Considerations for Choosing a Sewing Pattern to Eliminate Stress and Overwhelm

3 Jam Prevention Sewing Tips: Sew Stress-Free with these Simple Steps

13 Powerful Tips to Prevent Common Mistakes Beginners Make Using Patterns

Using Commercial Sewing Patterns - Tips

3 Rules to Lay Out Patterns and Cut Fabric Confidently

How to Read Commercial Sewing Patterns

Introduction to Basic Fabric Types and Fiber Content

15 Essential Notions for Sewing Clothes: Unlock Your Sewing Potential

What to look for when buying a Sewing Machine for Sewing Clothes

5 Basic Steps and Tools Needed to Start Sewing Clothes (With a Machine)

Some basic how-to articles to get you started sewing.

6 Essential Tips to Master Sewing Machine Operation for Beginners

Detailed Guide: 10 Tips for Taking Accurate Body Measurements for Sewing Patterns

4 Smart Guidelines: Choosing Fabric for Your Project

3 Simple Zipper Installations - an Overview

Matching Thread to Fabric

Intro to Interfacing

Master Your Craft: Learn About the Sewing Machine

4 Unexpected Sewing Tools You Haven't Considered

7 Super Cool Sewing Notions

13 Powerful Tips to Prevent Common Mistakes Beginners Make Using Patterns

Using Commercial Sewing Patterns - Tips

How to Read Commercial Sewing Patterns

What to look for when buying a Sewing Machine for Sewing Clothes

5 Basic Steps and Tools Needed to Start Sewing Clothes (With a Machine)

Browse articles by sewing topic. Want to learn more about a sewing machine? Curious about a notion or fabric, dig in here.

Sewing Pattern Reading and Usage
Pressing and Ironing
Sewing Machine
Tools and Notions (like seam ripper, pins, scissors and needle threaders)
Fabric
Fabric Cutting and Marking Techniques (like chalk and scissors)
Closures and Fasteners (like hooks and eyes, buttons, and zippers)