3D Embellishments: Cutouts & Couching in Sewing

My Weekly Craftsy.com Blog Post

This time I'm offering 2 super simple ways to give a flat print fabric some 3 dimensional elements. Both require just a basic sewing machine and some zigzag stitching; no fancy embroidery machines for special tools. Easy peasy, done! Here is the link:http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/sewing-cutouts-and-sewing-couching/
 

Exposed Zipper for a Handbag Pocket

My Weekly Craftsy.com Blog Post

This week's post instructs how to insert an exposed zipper - this time the kind you see inside (and sometimes outside) handbags. They are the kind used to secure pockets. They are a cinch to do. Here is the link for the step by step instructions:
 http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/handbag-pocket-zipper/

Grainline - Making Fabric Thread Perfect

My Weekly Craftsy.com Blog Post

I had two posts this week. The most recent ran this past Saturday - Crafty's biggest day for readership - Yeh! for me. My post offered instructions on how to make fabric thread perfect (when a single crosswise thread can be pulled across the width of the fabric) and how to check to see if fabric is on grain.  Here is the link to the post: http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/grainline-of-the-fabric/

Be sure to check out the next post which will offer ways to correct material that is off grain.

Serger Alternative: The Lock Cutter Attachment

My Weekly Craftsy.com Blog Post

I'm a bit behind on updating my website with regard to my posts on the Craftsy.com blog site.  Last week's post was on this device that came with my Singer sewing machine - The Lock Cutter. I call it a serger alternative because it cuts and sews at the same time just like a serger. With this device it sews a zigzag stitch instead of an overcast one trimming the seam as it sews.  I like to use it to finish my seams that have already been sewn with a straight stitch. I have gotten alot of comments on this device.  Here is the link:  http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/lock-cutter-attachment/