I have a tin of buttons that belonged to my great-grandmother. I’ve wanted to use them, but was unsure of the size of each. I don’t mind mixing, matching, and guessing, but I wanted to sort them by size, and didn’t know what size to label each group.

I found this chart for button sizing at www.karimeaway.com:

http://www.karimeaway.com/files/buttonsizingchartexpanded.pdf

I printed it at 100% and labeled the sizes according to the chart. Now if a pattern calls for a 9/16″ button, I’ll have a clearer idea which ones to use.

Don’t think you can’t add a ruffle to that perfect dress or pair of curtains for your kitchen.  All you need is some embroidery cotton or even dental floss.  Yes, I said dental floss.  It actually works very well because the material will slide easily.  In order to gather your material, set your machine on the zig-zag stitch.  You can even set the stitch on a little bit wider than the normal setting.  Lay your string about 1/2 inch from the edge.  Stitch over the string carefully making sure to keep the string in the center of the stitch.  Once you are have come to the end of your material hold one end of the string and gather the fabric.  Sew a straight stitch along the edge and then pull the string out.  Now you have a perfect gather!

Many people sew to express their creativity side. A way to bring an old garment back to life is to add texture with a built-in decorative stitch from your sewing machine. You might also try using a twin needle for a double row of stitches. Place the decorative stitches on hems, cuffs or around the buttonholes. Your garment will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind outfit.

Have you had trouble removing the crease from a hem that you have just let down? Try spraying the crease with an equal mix of white vinegar and water, then press the crease with a pressing cloth.

It that doesn’t work, try using the vinegar straight.  But, before using, test it on a discrete part of the garment first to ensure that the vinegar will not stain.

Its no secret that I’m not a fan of bias binding. Between burning myself with the iron while pressing and pricking my fingers while pinning, its safe to same that I strongly dislike bias binding.

Previously I posted a blog in reference to a few helpful websites about bias binding. These websites were great at teaching me how to cut the fabric and providing step-by-step instructions, but it didn’t solve my issue of burning myself while pressing.

Well, good news, you no longer have to endure the smell of scorched skin to press your binding! Put the aloe plant back in the sun and let it flourish, your burnt finger days are over! The bias tape maker is here! Alright, so its been out for a while, but I just discovered it and I’m excited to try it out.

There must be someone like me out there. As soon as I get stuck on a project, I want to give up and start a new one.

I’m in the middle of making a tunic (started, ahem, in the fall) and have gotten stuck in a tricky part of the project. Seriously, this is no excuse since I work with super smart sewing gals. So, I’m going to get back to it this weekend and commit to finishing it. I’ll even wear it next week.

What project are you working on? And, if you’re like me, what part of the project is making you stray from it? Before you commit sewdultery, we may have a tip that can work for you. Just post your comment and we’ll help you out.

Machine embroidery doesn’t have to be a simple plop-and-drop on a boring towel, bib or other blank. The Sofia, for instance, has some great editing features built-in, so you can make your emboridery as unique as you are.

Urban Threads has created a tutorial on ways to “hack” your embroidery designs using your embroidery machine. Their Design Hack ideas help you go from elegant to moody, large to small, text to no text, and sew on.

And, once you’ve explored all the edits your machine has to offer, step up to Designer’s Gallery Software for more custom options.

How will you make your embroidery work for you?

Are you sewing with a piece of fabric that is hard to tell what side of the fabric is right vs. wrong? Look to the selvage edge to help you determine the best side, then put a safety pin on the right side of each fabric piece as you cut it out. This will help eliminate confusion as you construct your project.

After pre-washing fabric, be sure to press it! Having the fabric smooth and free of wrinkles will help the accuracy of your cutting. And remember to achieve more professional results on your sewing projects, you need to press the seams as your working on the project, not just when you’re finished.