Debbie's Sewing Blog

I had "lost" this pattern in my might stash but I'm glad I found it. I managed to use up a small piece of fabric making a lovable bear. I have no doubt that this pattern will make a great sewing for charity project for this coming Christmas.
Find more information about this bear, made with just two pattern pieces, here.

We've all moaned about Wal-Mart eliminating their fabric department. A visit to a Jo-Ann's Fabric and Crafts in Poughkeepsie, NY this past week made me believe it may not be such a bad thing. I saw more people there than in any recent memories, shopping for patterns and fabric to sew garments! Sure they were shopping for bargains... I think that's a given when it comes to someone who sews. They were finding the bargains. I watched one women gather a pattern, fabric and lace overlay fabric for an adult dress outfit, and more for under $13.

So why did I find this so great? Think about it... Jo-Ann's has a lot more patterns to select from. They have a better selection of great selection of garment fabric than I've ever seen in Wal-Mart... and maybe most exciting to me... the employees at the cutting table were honestly interested in what the customers were making and they were helpful when someone had a question.... something that doesn't happen when the auto department employee cuts fabric at Wal-Mart. So from here on out, I'll be spending more time going to Jo-Ann's.. they don't seem to be deserting the sewers and I liked the experience I had!
Before anyone jumps on me for endorsing Jo-Ann's... I don't have anything else in my area except for local quilting stores and they don't meet my garment sewing needs. If you've noticed improved customer service or a great selection, please use the comments section to let us all know where!

• Sewing Fabric Information and Sources

When I posted the Ruffle Edge Christmas Tree Skirt,suggesting that this project could be made totally on a serger, I received a load of email with questions about sergers. Sergers weren't a home sewing machine when many of us learned to sew... but it's a machine I wouldn't live without! I strongly encourage anyone in the market for a serger to learn as much as you can before you make your purchase so you can avoid buyer's remorse.

• A Guide to Understanding Sergers
• Ruffle Edge Christmas Tree Skirt
• Free Christmas Sewing Projects and Patterns

When my husband came in the door saying his bra was broken and flapping in the breeze, he caught my attention. I stopped in my tracks to figure what he was talking about. After I said "Say What?" he started laughing realizing what he had said.... what he was talking about was the bra on his car.

He has a VW Bug that is fantastic on gas for his hour commute but it really needs a bra to prevent stones from chipping the paint. The bra didn't hold up though and it's a real pain to remove from the vehicle... so a "repair in place" was called for.

I had Industrial Strength Sticky Back Velcro on hand and he had no qualms about placing the Velcro directly on the car under the bra. Unfortunately the sticky back would not adhere to the back of the bra. Hand sewing was the best option but I broke a needle and the thread kept breaking trying to make it through the bra and the Velcro. I finally got a heavy duty needle and heavy duty nylon thread that I had bought at FIT. I had to "dye" the thread with a permanent marker so it would match the bra. A few hand stitches and hubby's bra was no longer flapping in the breeze!

I am the most guilty person when it comes to forgetting to put on sunscreen when we are working or playing in the yard. My shoulders are constantly burned and peeling... a situation I know I am going to end up paying for! A wide brimmed hat is now hung on my front porch so I don't forget again!

• Sewing Patterns to Sew Sun Protection Hats

My husband is an electrician and I have extension cords everywhere to fill my "plug it in" needs. I work to teach the world how to sew via this site and write sewing books, while he has more shirts that need buttons than shirts that have all their buttons.... I guess that makes us even.
I really want a new outlet in the bedroom so this week I'm going to butter up hubby by attacking the mending pile.... emptying the mending pile will give me more space in the sewing room... a nice added bonus!

• How to Mend Clothing - Hems, Torn Seams, Buttons, No Sew Sewing and More

As I wandered through the mall, I saw all kinds of luggage on clearance. The problem with those sets of luggage is that other people have the exact same set and you can never find your set at the airport. One solution is to wrap a belt around the luggage.

My solution is to make our own luggage. I have a stash of fabric that could easily make bags for even less than the mall clearance prices! Not only can I sew it so it is strong and durable, I can fit more of the homemade soft sided luggage in the trunk than I can the store bought luggage. You'll find all kinds of options to sew your own bags, toes and luggage in the Free Bag & Purse Patterns

When I was growing up, my great grandmother always sent a package with Christmas wish... in July. Little did she know that to this day, when someone refers to Christmas in July, I think of her and those special packages.

Given the cost of gas and that I know it is going to cost us through the nose to heat our home this winter, What better time than July to be getting a jump on my Christmas gift making?

I bought lots of Christmas fabric on clearance last January and I'm making Christmas tree skirts for my relatives. Depending on the amount of fabric, I can make either a Scalloped Edged Christmas Tree Skirt or a Ruffle Edged Christmas Tree Skirt.

I have a couple of families that I am thinking about making personalized Christmas Stockings. Using machine embroidery is a great way to add a personal touch to a simple stocking.

Then there are those gifts you weren't really planning on or gift exchanges... I like to have a bag full of Soft Sculpture Mr. & Mrs. Santa ornaments . I usually keep a bag of "head" making supplies in the car so I can work on them while I wait to pick up my daughter... now that bag is competing with my yo-yo making bag... Those yo-yos are going to make some great gifts too.

Maybe working on Christmas projects in July will help keep me cooled off... and save the utility bill for the fuel I'm going to need this wither... OK so maybe I'm dreaming but it can't hurt!

• Christmas Sewing Projects and Gifts to Sew

I had a great time visiting with an old friend that was visiting from out of state. It wasn't a planned visit but I got lucky and they had a broken zipper that they needed fixed asap for a wedding! I could have saved them some miles and sent them to my online directions but then I wouldn't have had the great visit and many laughs.

• Replace a Broken Zipper
• How to Shorten a Zipper

Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and family celebrations usually lead to a great picnic when ever the weather cooperates. So many things have us searching for ways to save money that many people are staying home and may ever skip a get together just to save a few bucks... no need! Sewing can save money so we can continue our celebrations!

• Sew up a picnic!
• Save Money By Sewing