Deciphering the Pattern Envelope
Pattern envelopes contain a whole slew of useful information for your next sewing project however they often seem to be written in another language. Learn how to decipher what you need to know in order to more successfully gather your supplies. We will start with the pattern chart, how to determine your size and the relationship between the size chart and the finished measurements chart. From there we will talk about how much fabric and what notions you need.
Choosing Fabrics for Garments
Fabric choice can make or break your garment. Pairing your fabric and pattern together can be especially difficult in the beginning of your sewing journey, although a misstep can happen at any time. Gain confidence in understanding the importance of a pattern’s “suggested fabrics” list and how that relates to what the garment needs. We will also go over how to determine if a fabric that is not listed is suitable and additional characteristics to take into consideration with knits.
All About Interfacing
Do you know what interfacing to use for your project? Sometimes a pattern will tell you what to use but usually they just say “interfacing” which is not very helpful as there are many different ones. Learn how to determine which type of interfacing will work best for your project based on application and fabric choice. Samples of both good and bad interfacing choices will be shown to demonstrate the difference between the two.
Color Selection
Whether it’s for an outfit or a quilt top, some color combinations just work a bit better than others. You may be able to recognize that a combination “works” or doesn’t, but not necessarily why. Learn some of the key principles behind color theory and how they relate to choosing fabrics. Using a color wheel, we will discuss how to determine which color combinations are more dynamic and which ones are more subtle.
Deep Dive – Noodlehead Haralson Belt Bag
Belt bags (formerly known as fanny packs or bum bags) have soared in popularity over the years and there are no signs of that changing any time soon. This is thanks to their ability to easily carry everything you need and still allow you to have your hands free. It was only a matter of time before bag designers created their own versions for us to sew at home. Take a deep dive into the Noodlehead Haralson Belt Bag and learn all the ins and outs that will make construction easier. See in progress samples and what tools and techniques are most useful.
Machine Care
Your sewing machine works hard so make sure to show it some love. Simple regular maintenance will allow it to run smoothly and allow you to keep sewing longer. Learn when to change your needle, the ins and outs of how to clean your machine, what tools are best to use and what to stay away from. You will also learn how to problem solve minor issues and when it needs to be professionally serviced.