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  • garment sewing
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May 14, 2025
Sewing with Sunshine- Say Hello to a Juicy Summer with Tangerine Fabrics by Art Gallery Fabrics from Art Gallery Fabrics-The Creative Blog

The time has come!!!!

Say hello to beach days and fancy refreshing drinks while lounging in your backyard!  Tangerine Fabrics by AGF Studio is here and it’s sending us a cool retro Summer, filled with charming florals and playful designs. This collection reminds me of my days living in South Florida and my weekend getaways to Key West. Popping on my me made Summer dresses and my sunnies and riding on mopeds all day weaving in out of the endearing streets of this island's rich history. I am so excited to start sewing up some of the ...

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January 16, 2025
WIP Wednesday #160: Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket Sew Along from Crafty Gemini

In this episode Vanessa is kicking off the January 2025 Sew Along with the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! All the details for the sew along is inside the course. If you already own the course just login at https://craftygemini.com/my-account to access it (and all your Crafty Gemini Video Courses!).

Tune in for fabric selection tips and see the progress Vanessa has made on her most recent Charlie Bomber Jacket.

For those of you that already know how to sew we are kicking off a new Sew Along this month for the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! Tune in ...

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January 9, 2025
WIP Wednesday #159: Sewing Made Simple for Beginners & Bomber Jacket Sew Along! from Crafty Gemini

In this episode Vanessa chats about her new beginner sewing course called Sewing Made Simple: Clueless to Confident in 30 Days! Today is the last day to get in at the sale price. At midnight tonight the price goes up.

For those of you that already know how to sew we are kicking off a new Sew Along this month for the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! Tune in to get all the details and make sure you’re on the email list so you don’t miss out on the fabric sale and the sew along details. If you are ...

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July 20, 2023
Moss Jacket, new for summer! from Art and Quilting in Camden

It’s time for some summer fun–in this case a lightweight summer jacket that has languished since last summer!  The pattern is the Moss Jacket from Helen’s Closet Patterns and the fabric is this one from Blackbird Fabrics in Canada.  I’ve ordered from Blackbird before and luckily had no issues with US customs.
I love a super light jacket–I don’t care for the feel of 99% of sunscreens, but I burn very quickly.  This type of garment is my solution.  When making a garment, the first thing I do is figure out my fabric layout ...

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March 17, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 9-hems, a bonus scarf and wrap-up from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hard to believe the ninth and final lesson is here already!  Thank you for following along.  Links to all nine of the posts in this series are now listed at the bottom of each lesson and on my Resources page!  If you remember this down the line, the fastest way to find it is put “Plaid” in the search box at right on the blog OR look for a link to the Plaid Top Tutorials on my Resources page, here.


To recap, we have:

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March 14, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 8–Lined Patch Pocket from Art and Quilting in Camden

Today we move on to another fun technique:  a lined patch pocket.  I kinda made this up along the way (my first photos are not included because I figured out a better way…this is the revised and improved method!). The flannel is SO soft and comfy–in part because the weave is dense but not terribly tight. That means I might be able to wear holes in the bottom of the pockets, so I decided to give them some strength and structure by adding a lining.  The hand-dyed blue was in my stash and worked well enough  I also ...

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March 10, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 7-Hong Kong Finish Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hong Kong seams are a thing of beauty–a little extra work but a secret delight!  So even though I didn’t use them in this plaid top, I’m including them with all the seam lessons in this series of technique posts.  I did use them on both my Simplicity S8883  top, full blogpost here, and the Brumby Skirt.   I also used this finish on a jacket I made for my daughter-in-law some years ago that I swear I wish she could wear inside out LOL!

That lime green on the shoulder and princess seams is a Hong Kong ...

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March 7, 2023
Building a T-shirt from Crazy Quilter on a Bike!

 I'm here at the retreat! We're back at Retreat at the Farm in Shelbourne. I arrived at 7 PM, and it's good to be back even if I have to work most of the week. Hey -- I have presentations to prep and samples to sew, but I can have more fun doing that while visiting with friends than being at home. 

I brought most things I need, and whatever I'm missing, then we'll make it up! There is one thing that I have a big issue with my phone charger. I have two, but again ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 6-Lapped and Flat-Felled Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Lapped and flat-felled seams are two sides of the same coin.  Both are found in ready to wear–the lapped seams I see most often in men’s dress shirts.  Flat-felled seams are found on jeans…they’re that heavy, bulky seam!  The double stitching makes it strong, so it is good for seams that endure strain–like tight jeans!  They can also be used decoratively with contrasting and/or heavy topstitching thread. Let’s start with the ….

Please note:  I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated.  However, my reviews are honest and I would ...

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March 3, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 5-French Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Please note:  I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated.  However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not.  I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.

To make a French seam you sew the seam twice.  My example is on a 5/8″ seam which is standard in the US.  Please adjust accordingly for your pattern and practice.

First, sew the seam with the fabric WRONG ...

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March 2, 2023
On sewing garments from Crazy Quilter on a Bike!

I am NOT an enabler, although I hear someone else bought that grain elevator panel! I know --- we're preserving history. And that sounds like a perfect excuse to buy it. I am waiting for my panels to arrive, and then I need to make a quilt so it can return to Saskatchewan in a couple of months. 

Oh, those girls --- they are needy! It's not good that we have been home so much these last couple of years because now they think we are HERE for them always. And Murphy is especially "bad." I can be on a ...

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February 28, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 4- Overcast Seams, just like Serged Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Nothing beats a beautifully finished garment, one that is so pretty on the inside that you enjoy it every time you put it on.  Though you might be tempted to wear it inside out it’s so pretty, it remains a secret just for you!  Top technique for a beautiful inside is using a seam finish to hide the raw edges.  Not only does it look nice, it also protects the edges of the fabric, prevents fraying, can improve the way the seam functions, and contributes to a garment that will last longer.  After all, you’ve spent money and ...

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February 24, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 3–Matching Plaids, cutting out your garment pieces from Art and Quilting in Camden

While visiting a favorite local shop in nearby Rockland, Maine, Clementine, I happened to fondle this amazing thick, soft flannel and thought it would made a perfect winter top.  The plaid adds a bit of complexity and opportunity to teach a few more advanced skills along with a fairly simple pattern for this series.

Please note:  I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated.  However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not.  I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...

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February 21, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 2-Make a muslin, fitting and sleeves from Art and Quilting in Camden

At the end of Lesson 1, I was showing you how far off the fitting is in this pattern when applied to my body: broad shoulders, small bust.

Please note:  I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated.  However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not.  I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.

There’s a LOT of detail in this post, but if you ...

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February 17, 2023
Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 1-Choosing a pattern and starting tips from Art and Quilting in Camden

Flannel Plaid top and scarf

I thought it would be fun to teach some basic garment sewing techniques using a simple “T” top in woven fabric as the platform, tossing in a few special lessons along the way. This isn’t a class in how to make a blouse–rather it is a way to teach several techniques that are useful in garment making and home dec across the board.  There will be 9 posts total that will publish on Tuesday and Friday through March 21. As they go live, I will update a list at the bottom of each ...

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February 4, 2023
June Sheath Dress by Style Arc from Wendy's Quilts and More

Yes, I made a dress - from Kaffe Fassett fabrics of course!


I like to wear 100% cotton dresses in summer, but they're getting harder and harder to find in the shops.  So I decided I would just have to make some dresses myself.    

I used the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pattern with a few modifications around the neck line.  I cut the neck line lower, based on a dress I already have.  


I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I'm looking forward to wearing it soon. 

Update: Yes, it's regular quilting Kaffe Fassett ...

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January 14, 2023
not quite a quilt coat from Ellyn's Place

 

Hello friends! I have a fun finish to share with you today. Here's me in a denim jacket I recently dug out of the back of our coat closet. I'd forgotten I even owned it! I looked at it for a bit and then I had an idea. So I set to work.

Last weekend I was on retreat with my quilty pals and I whipped up this improv panel using some extra solids from projects I had brought along. I used a few of may favorite shapes and techniques, triangles and Xs, skinny lines. The finished panel ...

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October 6, 2022
Anthea Blouse in Sky Blue Linen from Art and Quilting in Camden

While visiting my favorite local shop, Fiddlehead Artisan Supply, one of the young women working there had on her version of this blouse. Asked the pattern name–Anthea by Anna Allen–went home and ordered it! The colors I’m wearing are Maine Summer and it is so flattering to many body types and comfortable.

Today’s blogpost takes you through making an entire blouse, which presser feet I use on my Janome (I’m a brand ambassador and compensated, but I’d say all this good stuff anyway…they rock!) m7Continental, why and offer tips and tricks for garment ...

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June 29, 2022
New Dresses for My Girls from Needle and Foot

We just had three days of summery weather! When it hit 90 degrees, Ray and I once again felt sure we have made the right decision in moving up here! Neither of us like hot weather and love the cooler weather we have in Washington. We are back to cool temps and a breeze today. Perfect!

In between working on quilts that need to be finished, I have been making two dresses for the girls. Before leaving California, my friend Stephanie was clearing out some fabrics she didn’t think she would use. Stephanie is a generous soul and she ...

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May 15, 2022
Little of This, Little of That from Needle and Foot

Life in western Washington is going well. The house is shaping up and starting to feel like home. I wanted to check in and share a bit about the past couple of weeks.

It has been many months since I sat at a sewing machine for any reason. No quilting, mending or sewing has been enjoyed since who knows when? Maybe January or February?

Clearly, this had to be fixed. I spent an evening shuffling bins and plastic totes around to create a path to the corner of the sewing room.

For the time being, I set up a folding ...

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  • garment sewing
  • Page 1 of 3 ( 46 posts )