Ringer Tee Sewing Tutorial

Ringer Tee Sewing Tutorial

A seventies style at its finest, the ringer tee is easy to make from any t-shirt pattern. I’ve done this technique for myself and my kids, using Jalie, KwikSew, and Ottobre. The example tee is an Ottobre pattern from 2/2007. You can see how I 

Sewing a T-shirt or Two

Sewing a T-shirt or Two

Yes, I sew my own t-shirts. Sewing T-shirts is actually one of the fastest projects I regularly do. It’s no secret around here that I live in t-shirts and jeans (and shorts during our few warm months). Recently, I lamented that I have too much 

Seasonal Designing: Teacher Gifts, Summer Reading Programs, and Sewing Classes

Seasonal Designing: Teacher Gifts, Summer Reading Programs, and Sewing Classes

I am teaching several sewing classes throughout the summer and have been designing some projects for them. I always feel like this local shop has new and unique examples hanging around and I wanted to be consistent with their style. It can be challenging to 

A Lined Backpack– just for teens

A Lined Backpack– just for teens

Teaching teens to sew can be a challenge, because most teen girls want to sew clothing. As a teacher, I want them to be happy with what they’ve sewn. If they like what they’ve sewn, it motivates them to sew more and build on their 

Pressing Hems and Casings: DIY Ez-Hem pressing guide

Pressing Hems and Casings: DIY Ez-Hem pressing guide

I love my EZ-Hem–did you know it used to be spelled EZY-Hem? And that credit was given to Edna Bryte Bishop? And that it used to cost only $1.25? Fun facts I found out when I chanced upon this great find at my local thrift 

Shorties: a DIY project tutorial

Shorties: a DIY project tutorial

Those Matilda Jane shorties are so darn adorable and look super comfy; it’s no wonder they’re so popular with kiddos. I could see my daughter wearing them throughout the summer. But I’m having a hard time paying over $30 for a simple pair of knit 

DIY Spaghetti Straps

DIY Spaghetti Straps

One of the handiest thingies in my sewing box is the bias tape maker. Nope, not the electronic machine thing. Just a simple gadget that keeps you from burning your fingers while pressing the small piece of fabric. I use this for making tiny straps 

A New Kid: Young Image Sewing Magazine

A New Kid: Young Image Sewing Magazine

Not exactly new, but relatively new: Young Image pattern magazine focuses on girls, sizes 80-164 cm. I had been tempted to buy an issue for a while, but there’s not much in the way of  peer reviews online about the patterns. I have a tween 

Wool Beret Sewing Tutorial  (or fleece)

Wool Beret Sewing Tutorial (or fleece)

For years I’ve tried to find knitted hats to match my daughter’s winter coat. This year, since I have extra wool left over, I decided to make her a hat. A pleated beret. Though I may try to felt a cloche hat someday, for now 

A Doll Quilt

A Doll Quilt

I have a confession: I am the only sewist in my family who has never sewn a quilt. I have sewn 2 twin sized quilt tops, but I have been extremely intimidated by the rest of the project. Plus I like things to be perfectly