Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 03-09-2004, 07:35 AM (1 of 25)
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After much problem with Yahoo lately, I have decided to post my sewing tip a day here and maybe avoid so many virus problems. Today's sewing tip: Always use a zipper foot when applying piping. Your regular foot cannot be adjusted to move in nice and close next to the cord. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Bobbins
Date: 03-09-2004, 07:22 PM (2 of 25)
 Hi Mary: With respect to the "sewing tip a day" will you still be sending the email to check at this location? Or, should we just bookmark the location? Thanks-ever-sew-much. Appreciate the tips. Bobbins 
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User: Bobbins
Member since: 10-22-2002 Total posts: 24 
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From: avonlady94
Date: 03-10-2004, 03:37 PM (3 of 25)
I will admit to not being overly fond of the new method of receiving the daily tips. I had set up a folder in my e-mail account to store all of the tips that I wanted to keep. Having to come to the site also adds another step. 
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User: avonlady94
Member since: 11-14-2002 Total posts: 5 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 03-10-2004, 08:56 PM (4 of 25)
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So where's the tip, Mary? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-12-2004, 10:49 AM (5 of 25)
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Sewing tip for March 12/04 Today my sewing tip is about measuring tapes. If you are anything like me, you have half a dozen of these things and can never find one. Stop wasting your time searching and attach a 6" or 8" length to your sewing machine or tape it down to the base. Now you can measure without having to look for your tape measure. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MarysRose
Date: 03-12-2004, 07:38 PM (6 of 25)
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Why didn't I think of that???? I just bought a new one last week because I could not find one of my dozens! LOL 
Laura
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User: MarysRose
Member since: 06-19-2003 Total posts: 37 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-13-2004, 01:02 AM (7 of 25)
| I need to tip for hanging onto and finding my 12 pairs of reading glasses. Can you help me on that one Mary. LOL Any suggestions? Most of the time I must admit I have them on my head but sometimes I get a headache and that's when the fun begins. LOL The neck strap bothers me too. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-24-2004, 10:10 AM (8 of 25)
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Sewing Tip for March 24/04 Silk organza works beautifully when sewing buttonholes on sheer fabrics. Insert the silk organza between fabric and facing. You can trim the excess away after stitching your buttonhole. Crisp interfacing often makes a nicer buttonhole. don't be afraid to experiment on scraps. Sometimes 2 layers makes a nice difference. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-29-2004, 12:25 PM (9 of 25)
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Sewing Tip for March 29/04 How many times have you cursed and carried on about not being able to get the pattern pieces back in the envelope. Here are a couple of tips to help. First tip is to fold your pattern pieces with the number and letter on top. When you reuse the piece, you will know right away which piece you have. The second tip is to press your folded pieces with a warm, dry iron. This helps a lot! MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-29-2004, 01:27 PM (10 of 25)
| Great tip Mary. I hate trying to find all the peices and that trick with the numbers all on top makes good sense. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: bren
Date: 03-30-2004, 10:42 AM (11 of 25)
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Originally posted by Mother in Law I need to tip for hanging onto and finding my 12 pairs of reading glasses. Can you help me on that one Mary. LOL Any suggestions? Most of the time I must admit I have them on my head but sometimes I get a headache and that's when the fun begins. LOL The neck strap bothers me too. Susie... I'm begining to wonder if you and I aren't twin's ...I have 5 pair of those reading glasses... and look all over when I need a pair ... first put one of those beaded chain's on your glasses...you know the one's I mean...the one you wear around your neck... Now put a cup hook in your sewing table by your machine ...when your done with the glasses ... hook them there  Now tell me that's not a good Idea...I'm going to try that . I just made it up ...older I get ...the smarter I get LOL
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-31-2004, 11:44 AM (12 of 25)
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Sewing Tip for March 31/04 Today's sewing tip is about being imaginative. Dorothy reminded me of this last night in chat. Be creative when you are lining your garments. Don't simply pick out a plain, solid color lining. Choose something exciting and full of interest. If your garment is a solid color, perhaps use a co-ordinating print. You will have everyone admiring your handiwork. Thanks Dorothy. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-31-2004, 01:49 PM (13 of 25)
| Thanks for sharing that with us Mary and Dorothy. That is a great idea, something that is easily not remembered when trying to choose the right lining. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-01-2004, 07:31 AM (14 of 25)
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I thought I'd add that the lining I mentioned didn't seem quite slippery enough for me and after spending the winter in a fleece lined jacket I didn't want to spend another season fighting my way in and out of a jacket. So I used a plain slippery lining fabric in the sleeves where no one can see it anyway. I did that once when I used a very pricy silk for lining and it worked for both purposes. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-15-2004, 06:14 PM (15 of 25)
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If you have made a mistake that can't be easily repaired, pretend it is a design feature. Cover up a problem with an applique, accent plain not so great buttonholes with embroidery around them or add covered buttons to hide a problem. What have you girls done to cover up a mistake? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 04-15-2004, 11:35 PM (16 of 25)
| I have several projects that are sidelined for this reason. One is a shirt that I started and relized that the cheap fabric had a tiny hole and it fell right in the back of the shirt close to the arm hole. I tried to get some more of that fabric but it was so pretty it was gone by the time I went back to the store. Another project is on my body double now for the last month I can't get the sleeves bigger to fit my big arms so I'm going to take bias tape and make facing with it and make a sleeveless blouse out of it. It fits everywhere but in my arms. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-16-2004, 11:46 AM (17 of 25)
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Did you know the mini-irons make great point turners? These little V shaped irons used for applique work fine for getting into small collar and pocket points.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: adrianalali
Date: 04-17-2004, 11:25 AM (18 of 25)
| I love all these great tips keep em comin'! |
User: adrianalali
Member since: 03-27-2004 Total posts: 14 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-20-2004, 10:55 AM (19 of 25)
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Detergent bottles with the push/pull cap come in handy in the sewing room. Wash one out thoroughly, then keep it full of water for your iron. Spills are kept to a bare minimum.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 04-22-2004, 02:12 PM (20 of 25)
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If you have the time, try eliminating a seamline in your next garment, this is usually done to eliminate bulk or change the visual effect of the garment. Match and pin the pattern pieces together on the seamline. Cut the garment section in one piece. Always be sure the grainline is clearly indicated on both pieces before you cut. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 04-23-2004, 02:26 PM (21 of 25)
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Microfibers react best when they are washed in cold and dried on perma press setting. No wrinkles this way. If you cut your fabric pieces slightly off grain, you won't have puckering seamlines.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 04-26-2004, 10:15 AM (22 of 25)
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To take the wrinkles out of narrow trims and ribbon, run them across a hot lightbulb. Just before you do that though, make sure it isn't dusty like mine.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 04-26-2004, 10:28 AM (23 of 25)
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Also check the fiber content or test a small area to make sure they won't melt.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: MaryW
Date: 04-27-2004, 10:47 AM (24 of 25)
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Sewing Tip for Monday, April 27/04 Press your dart to one side as shown on your pattern directions. Press over a tailor's ham to retain the curved shape. To prevent the outline from showing thru to the right side, keep a piece of heavy paper in between the dart and the garment when pressing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 05-04-2004, 12:08 PM (25 of 25)
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When you need to lengthen a pattern, cut on the line, then fill the space with 1/4" graph paper. The grid will give you the perfect measurement you are looking for.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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