If you are considering sewing with vintage patterns, then you will definitely want to learn the terminology. Vintage patterns come with vintage terminology, not all of which may be familiar. Here are some of the terms you might encounter.
1. Continuous Lap: A strip of fabric cut on the straight grain and used to face edges of an opening or slit in a garment.
2. Jabot: A ruffle or cravat-like accent attached to the front of a dress or blouse.
3. Lapped Seam: A seam in which one seam allowance edge is lapped over the seam allowance of its joining piece and stitched.
4. Pin tuck: Very small tucks stitched just a pin's width from the fold to slightly shape a garment piece. In the late 1920's, a series of pin tucks were often applied across the naural waistline of a frock for shaping and detail.
5. Plaits: An array of narrow (known today as "knife") pleats often applied at the hem of a dress, the ends of sleeves, or around the neck opening.
6. Shirring: Three or more rows of gathers made by small running stitches in parallel lines. The rows are spaced as desired.
7. Slide Fastener: The original term for zippers.
8. True Bias: Fabric that is cut at a precise 45-degree angle to the fabric grain line.
9. Toile: The French term for fabric pattern. Originally pertained to the muslin test garment.
Today, with the help of the internet and the popularity of all things vintage, it's easier than every to acquire vintage patterns. Sewing with the real-deal pattern in its original form is a great experience and a fun way to re-create those wonderful designs from the past. I hope the above glossary of terms will help you easily navigate the world ofvintage patterns.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Great Techniques For Your Scrapbooking Layouts
If you love doing scrapbooking layouts as much as I do, then you're always looking for new ideas and techniques to try on your next scrapbook! There's nothing more exciting than discovering a new idea that adds creativity to yourscrapbooking layout! That's why I decided to put together this article dedicated to a few of the really cool new scrapbooking tricks I've learned!
The first technique I want to tell you about is how to make pockets in your scrapbooking layouts. Now, there are many different ways this could be done and many different pieces of material that you could make a pocket out of... In this article, I'll go over two ways making pockets for yourscrapbooking layouts can be accomplished.
One way to add a pocket to your scrapbooking layout is to use a piece of posterboard(or any sort of paper with about the same thickness, postcards work great for travel basedscrapbooking layouts.) You should cut the posterboard into the size and shape you'd like it to be before doing anything else. If you want to cut a little design into the pocket seam, now is the time to do that as well.
After your posterboard pocket has the right size and shape, it's time to add it to your scrapbooking layout! To do this, I've found that taking some foam mounting squares and cutting them into strips works best. That way, the pockets seem to stay secure and don't come loose from the background.
Another thing you might like to try with this technique is using two different colors of posterboard. Cut both pieces into the sameshape(or different shapes if that's the creative touch you want to add to your scrapbooking layout) and then cut a design into the middle of one of the pieces of posterboard(like a flower for example.)
When it's time to add your pocket, place the piece of posterboard that DOESN'T have the design cut into it down first and lay the piece with the design cut into it on top of it. This way, the color of the posterboard you have underneath shows through where you cut your design out on the top piece and there you have a creative little pocket!
Another material you can use to make pockets for your scrapbooking layouts is fabric. There are lots of fun colors and patterns when it comes to fabric, which I think is just wonderful! To start making your pocket out of fabric, first select your fabric and cut it down to size.
To securely mount your fabric pocket, I suggest using a hot glue gun instead of foam mounting squares. Make sure you're very careful with the hot glue gun and that you press the fabric down firmly enough before the glue has too much time to cool. If you leave the glue too much time to start to harden before you're able to press it into position, it will not stick right.
Another cool creative little twist you can put on this is to turn your pocket into a button up pouch! This requires only a few extra, very simple steps.
Now, first I should say that it's a lot easier to put your pocket pouch together if you haven't already attached your pocket to your layout. (Though it's not hopelessto turn your existing pocket into a pouch either!)
For the purpose of this article, we're going to back up a step on our fabric pockets to just before we're ready to attach the pocket to ourscrapbooking layout. Just to clarify, this means you should have your fabric pocket already cut into the shape you want it to be in.
For the next step, make sure you cut another piece of fabric that is the same width as your pocket and a little longer than half of it's height. Then, lay your fabric pocket down and take the other piece that you just cut and place one end of it underneath the top of your pocket(just enough to provide enough material tosecure it to the background.) Next, fold the corners in on the top half of the material you just cut and then fold the material over your pocket to measure everything and make sure it fits the way you want it to.
If everything measures out right, the next thing we're going to do is add a button to your pocket. (Keep in mind, we haven't glued or mounted anything yet!) With your pocket pouch still being held in place, place a button over the pouch flap you have folded over the pocket to see how it will look. When you have it positioned right, lift the flap and place the button on the pocket, then place the flap back over it and cut a slot for your button in the flap and sew your button onto the pocket.
Also, an extra tip, it may be easier to pin the folded in corners of your flap in place while you make the cut for your button hole.
All you have left to do now is to glue it all together! For this, I would start gluing the bottom half of the pocket first then, before you glue the top half, measure everything one more time, place your pouch flap where it should be and glue it into place, then finish gluing the top half of your pocket pouch. And, finally, you're ready for the last step!
So far, your pocket and your pocket flap should be glued into place and you should have your button hole cut into the flap and the button sewed to the pocket. Now, you need to set the flaps to stay in their folded position. If you have pinned your flap into place, now is the time to remove your pins and glue it into place with thehot glue gun. Again, please remember to be careful with the hot glue gun, but also make sure you firmly press the fabric together before the glue cools off too much.
The finished result will give your scrapbooking layouts creative fabric pockets that you can button and unbutton! These are really great for keeping little keepsakes in!
The first technique I want to tell you about is how to make pockets in your scrapbooking layouts. Now, there are many different ways this could be done and many different pieces of material that you could make a pocket out of... In this article, I'll go over two ways making pockets for yourscrapbooking layouts can be accomplished.
One way to add a pocket to your scrapbooking layout is to use a piece of posterboard(or any sort of paper with about the same thickness, postcards work great for travel basedscrapbooking layouts.) You should cut the posterboard into the size and shape you'd like it to be before doing anything else. If you want to cut a little design into the pocket seam, now is the time to do that as well.
After your posterboard pocket has the right size and shape, it's time to add it to your scrapbooking layout! To do this, I've found that taking some foam mounting squares and cutting them into strips works best. That way, the pockets seem to stay secure and don't come loose from the background.
Another thing you might like to try with this technique is using two different colors of posterboard. Cut both pieces into the sameshape(or different shapes if that's the creative touch you want to add to your scrapbooking layout) and then cut a design into the middle of one of the pieces of posterboard(like a flower for example.)
When it's time to add your pocket, place the piece of posterboard that DOESN'T have the design cut into it down first and lay the piece with the design cut into it on top of it. This way, the color of the posterboard you have underneath shows through where you cut your design out on the top piece and there you have a creative little pocket!
Another material you can use to make pockets for your scrapbooking layouts is fabric. There are lots of fun colors and patterns when it comes to fabric, which I think is just wonderful! To start making your pocket out of fabric, first select your fabric and cut it down to size.
To securely mount your fabric pocket, I suggest using a hot glue gun instead of foam mounting squares. Make sure you're very careful with the hot glue gun and that you press the fabric down firmly enough before the glue has too much time to cool. If you leave the glue too much time to start to harden before you're able to press it into position, it will not stick right.
Another cool creative little twist you can put on this is to turn your pocket into a button up pouch! This requires only a few extra, very simple steps.
Now, first I should say that it's a lot easier to put your pocket pouch together if you haven't already attached your pocket to your layout. (Though it's not hopelessto turn your existing pocket into a pouch either!)
For the purpose of this article, we're going to back up a step on our fabric pockets to just before we're ready to attach the pocket to ourscrapbooking layout. Just to clarify, this means you should have your fabric pocket already cut into the shape you want it to be in.
For the next step, make sure you cut another piece of fabric that is the same width as your pocket and a little longer than half of it's height. Then, lay your fabric pocket down and take the other piece that you just cut and place one end of it underneath the top of your pocket(just enough to provide enough material tosecure it to the background.) Next, fold the corners in on the top half of the material you just cut and then fold the material over your pocket to measure everything and make sure it fits the way you want it to.
If everything measures out right, the next thing we're going to do is add a button to your pocket. (Keep in mind, we haven't glued or mounted anything yet!) With your pocket pouch still being held in place, place a button over the pouch flap you have folded over the pocket to see how it will look. When you have it positioned right, lift the flap and place the button on the pocket, then place the flap back over it and cut a slot for your button in the flap and sew your button onto the pocket.
Also, an extra tip, it may be easier to pin the folded in corners of your flap in place while you make the cut for your button hole.
All you have left to do now is to glue it all together! For this, I would start gluing the bottom half of the pocket first then, before you glue the top half, measure everything one more time, place your pouch flap where it should be and glue it into place, then finish gluing the top half of your pocket pouch. And, finally, you're ready for the last step!
So far, your pocket and your pocket flap should be glued into place and you should have your button hole cut into the flap and the button sewed to the pocket. Now, you need to set the flaps to stay in their folded position. If you have pinned your flap into place, now is the time to remove your pins and glue it into place with thehot glue gun. Again, please remember to be careful with the hot glue gun, but also make sure you firmly press the fabric together before the glue cools off too much.
The finished result will give your scrapbooking layouts creative fabric pockets that you can button and unbutton! These are really great for keeping little keepsakes in!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Do It Yourself Gift Baskets
There are two main aspects to making your own gift baskets: the basket itself, as well as the decorative elements and stuffing or wrapping materials, and the items that will go inside the gift basket. Be sure to shop for the gift elements that you wish to fill your gift basket with early on. You may have to order certain things online if you cannot find them at local stores.
To make your basket and decorative elements, simply go to your local hobby and crafts store. Typically, stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s will have a large variety of baskets as well as nice boxes that you may choose to use instead of baskets. You’ll find that there is a nice spectrum of quality as well. You can choose cheaper wicker baskets for as little as a couple of dollars a piece, or opt for something sturdier, perhaps with metallic support
pieces for a little more.
Choose a basket of box that will be large enough for the items you wish to include in your custom gift basket. Then it’s time to choose the more decorative elements. Typically, you’ll want to add something to the bottom of your gift basket so that the contained gifts are more easily seen.
Instead of choosing something cheap looking like Easter basket grass, choose a more natural element such as natural fibers. You’ll be able to find different sizes, textures and colors or this type of filling material. Once you’ve filled your gift basket, finish it off with some transparent wrapping and bows or ribbons. Whoever receives your custom gift basket will appreciate the personalized nature of your गिफ्ट.
To make your basket and decorative elements, simply go to your local hobby and crafts store. Typically, stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s will have a large variety of baskets as well as nice boxes that you may choose to use instead of baskets. You’ll find that there is a nice spectrum of quality as well. You can choose cheaper wicker baskets for as little as a couple of dollars a piece, or opt for something sturdier, perhaps with metallic support
pieces for a little more.
Choose a basket of box that will be large enough for the items you wish to include in your custom gift basket. Then it’s time to choose the more decorative elements. Typically, you’ll want to add something to the bottom of your gift basket so that the contained gifts are more easily seen.
Instead of choosing something cheap looking like Easter basket grass, choose a more natural element such as natural fibers. You’ll be able to find different sizes, textures and colors or this type of filling material. Once you’ve filled your gift basket, finish it off with some transparent wrapping and bows or ribbons. Whoever receives your custom gift basket will appreciate the personalized nature of your गिफ्ट.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Learn Jewelry Making by Getting Started with Bead Stringing
I often talk to ladies who want to learn how to make jewelry, but they aren't sure how to get started. I can understand this because it isn't always obvious from looking at jewelry pieces to know what would be easy to make, and what would be difficult to make.
Like most things, if you jump in to soon and work on something you're not ready for, you will probably end up being frustrated, start to think you can't do it, and quit. My suggestion is always to crawl before you walk before you run. That way you can quickly build confidence in your abilities and you will enjoy seeing yourself improve as you start to take on more challengingjewelry making projects.
From my experience with new students the best way to learn to crawl when it comes to jewelry making is to learn simple bead stringing techniques first. Doing so will get you comfortable with simple jewelry making techniques, materials, and tools before you move on to try something more difficult. And the nice thing is that you can still make a lot of very beautiful jewelry pieces even with simple bead weaving techniques.
For the most part, bead stringing simply involves running a thin wire or a nylon filament string (that's where the word "stringing" comes from) through the holes in an assortment of beads to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. With all the colors and types of beads available these days the number of different jewelry pieces you can make is virtually limitless.
To complete your jewelry stringing pieces you just need to learn a few simple finishing techiques like how to add a jump ring and a clasp so that you can wear the jewelry piece. You can master those finishing techniques in a short period of time. Once you've done that you will be equipped to create some very nice handcrafted jewelry pieces in no time at all.
Like most things, if you jump in to soon and work on something you're not ready for, you will probably end up being frustrated, start to think you can't do it, and quit. My suggestion is always to crawl before you walk before you run. That way you can quickly build confidence in your abilities and you will enjoy seeing yourself improve as you start to take on more challengingjewelry making projects.
From my experience with new students the best way to learn to crawl when it comes to jewelry making is to learn simple bead stringing techniques first. Doing so will get you comfortable with simple jewelry making techniques, materials, and tools before you move on to try something more difficult. And the nice thing is that you can still make a lot of very beautiful jewelry pieces even with simple bead weaving techniques.
For the most part, bead stringing simply involves running a thin wire or a nylon filament string (that's where the word "stringing" comes from) through the holes in an assortment of beads to create beautiful necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. With all the colors and types of beads available these days the number of different jewelry pieces you can make is virtually limitless.
To complete your jewelry stringing pieces you just need to learn a few simple finishing techiques like how to add a jump ring and a clasp so that you can wear the jewelry piece. You can master those finishing techniques in a short period of time. Once you've done that you will be equipped to create some very nice handcrafted jewelry pieces in no time at all.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Do It Yourself Hydrangea Wreaths
You can either purchase already dried hydrangea flowers from your local craft store, or you can dry your own. The biggest trick when drying your own is the timing of when you pick the flowers. It is best to pick them right before you anticipate your first fall frost. If you pick them mid-summer, they just will not dry correctly.
Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a home, and a lot of fun to make as well.
You can either hang them upside down in a darkened room to dry, or you can set them in a vase upright, even adding a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the vase, although even that is optional. As long as they are picked at the correct time, it’s difficult to fail with them. It’s fun if you can, to pick several blooms from different bushes, as it will provide a nice variety of colors to the wreath. After they are dried, pick off any dead / discolored brown blooms.
Pick the type of base you want to use for a wreath. My personal favorites are either Styrofoam or grapevine type wreath bases. Take some floral wire and wrap it around the wreath, then form a loop of the wire to hang from the wall, and then wrap the wreath again. You might try hanging it from the wall at this point to make sure it lies correctly, and then make any needed adjustments while the wreath is bare.
To do a Styrofoam wreath, use a low melt point hot glue gun. Separate each bloom into smaller florets. Hot glue each floret into the wreath base, actually poking the stem down into the Styrofoam base. With each bloom, space it out over the surface of the wreath, for example; a floret at the top, next left side, bottom, then right side, then inside the circle of the wreath, and outside of the wreath. Continue to do this with each bloom until you fill it.
Balance is what you are looking for. Balance in shape, you don’t want any sticking out way above the others, you don’t want one side of the wreath to be fuller than the other. Try stepping back and looking at a distance and just think “balance of shape”.
The second area to look for is balance of color. This is the purpose of doing each bloom all over, then filling in, so you achieve that balance of color. Give another once over to check on that.
Now, this wreath is either finished, or you can add perhaps add small sprigs of dried baby’s breath to it. Really depends on the look you want. Sometimes the simplicity of only the hydrangeas is stunning.
For a grapevine wreath, it’s the same principal but a different look. You can tie a bow on the wreath if you want (if you do, do so before adding flowers), or ribbon. I like to leave bare spaces on these to be able to see the grapevine portion as well. Again, look for balance. You can also add dried roses to it or any other type of driedflowers or grasses too. You can get really creative with these and come up with very different looks. Experiment to your heart’s content.
If they are in direct sunlight it will be a much shorter time. However, the next year, feel free to strip the old flowers off, and make another with the same base for another year’s worth of a gorgeous hand made wreath!
Many times people expect dried floral arrangements to last forever, and are disappointed when they start looking bad after a few years. This is a misconception. Expect them to look good for about a year, that’s really about all they were meant to last.
Dried hydrangea wreaths are so beautiful and versatile in a home, and a lot of fun to make as well.
You can either hang them upside down in a darkened room to dry, or you can set them in a vase upright, even adding a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the vase, although even that is optional. As long as they are picked at the correct time, it’s difficult to fail with them. It’s fun if you can, to pick several blooms from different bushes, as it will provide a nice variety of colors to the wreath. After they are dried, pick off any dead / discolored brown blooms.
Pick the type of base you want to use for a wreath. My personal favorites are either Styrofoam or grapevine type wreath bases. Take some floral wire and wrap it around the wreath, then form a loop of the wire to hang from the wall, and then wrap the wreath again. You might try hanging it from the wall at this point to make sure it lies correctly, and then make any needed adjustments while the wreath is bare.
To do a Styrofoam wreath, use a low melt point hot glue gun. Separate each bloom into smaller florets. Hot glue each floret into the wreath base, actually poking the stem down into the Styrofoam base. With each bloom, space it out over the surface of the wreath, for example; a floret at the top, next left side, bottom, then right side, then inside the circle of the wreath, and outside of the wreath. Continue to do this with each bloom until you fill it.
Balance is what you are looking for. Balance in shape, you don’t want any sticking out way above the others, you don’t want one side of the wreath to be fuller than the other. Try stepping back and looking at a distance and just think “balance of shape”.
The second area to look for is balance of color. This is the purpose of doing each bloom all over, then filling in, so you achieve that balance of color. Give another once over to check on that.
Now, this wreath is either finished, or you can add perhaps add small sprigs of dried baby’s breath to it. Really depends on the look you want. Sometimes the simplicity of only the hydrangeas is stunning.
For a grapevine wreath, it’s the same principal but a different look. You can tie a bow on the wreath if you want (if you do, do so before adding flowers), or ribbon. I like to leave bare spaces on these to be able to see the grapevine portion as well. Again, look for balance. You can also add dried roses to it or any other type of driedflowers or grasses too. You can get really creative with these and come up with very different looks. Experiment to your heart’s content.
If they are in direct sunlight it will be a much shorter time. However, the next year, feel free to strip the old flowers off, and make another with the same base for another year’s worth of a gorgeous hand made wreath!
Many times people expect dried floral arrangements to last forever, and are disappointed when they start looking bad after a few years. This is a misconception. Expect them to look good for about a year, that’s really about all they were meant to last.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Learning to Crochet and It's Benefits
Learn to crochet and see why millions of women and men around the globe have enjoyed crocheting for generations. Crocheting is a great hobby and a great way to make wonderful creations and even some extra cash!
Everyone appreciates something handmade and a crocheted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, poncho, afghan or other amazing creation can prove to be a terrific gift.Crocheting is something virtually anyone can learn to do if you follow the instructions and learn the basic steps. More advanced crocheting will take time and practice but before you know it you will be making wonderful items for yourself, your family, friends and possibly even your customers.
When you learn to crochet you will learn some basic stitches that can be combined with more advanced stitches to create elaborate, stunning items. You can even learn how to create crocheted flowers and other items that will impress your family and friends and it all starts with learning a few basic stitches.
As you learn to crochet you will experiment with different yarns and needles to find the ones you like to work with. Each yarn has its own texture and it may take some time to get used to them. Crochet needles vary in width which will impact the size of the stitch and the overall look of what you are creating.
There are beginner classes, videos and books dedicated to teaching you how to crochet. Whether you learn to crochet on your own or with an instructor it is a great way to pass some time and create amazing items.
In recent years there has been a resurgence in the interest in learning how to crochet. Many women and men are beginning to learn to crochet to release stress, pass the time, earn extra income or just to make great gifts for family and friends. As a result of the renewed interest in crocheting there are many opportunities for you to learn to crochet whether you live in a large city or a small town or virtually anywhere in between.
Crocheting is a great skill to master and it all starts when you learn a few basic stitches and how to begin to combine these stitches into a great pattern. Starting young is great, but you can learn to crotchet at any age and it is easily something you can enjoy with family and friends. Pick up some yarn, grab a needle andlearn to crochet!
Everyone appreciates something handmade and a crocheted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, poncho, afghan or other amazing creation can prove to be a terrific gift.Crocheting is something virtually anyone can learn to do if you follow the instructions and learn the basic steps. More advanced crocheting will take time and practice but before you know it you will be making wonderful items for yourself, your family, friends and possibly even your customers.
When you learn to crochet you will learn some basic stitches that can be combined with more advanced stitches to create elaborate, stunning items. You can even learn how to create crocheted flowers and other items that will impress your family and friends and it all starts with learning a few basic stitches.
As you learn to crochet you will experiment with different yarns and needles to find the ones you like to work with. Each yarn has its own texture and it may take some time to get used to them. Crochet needles vary in width which will impact the size of the stitch and the overall look of what you are creating.
There are beginner classes, videos and books dedicated to teaching you how to crochet. Whether you learn to crochet on your own or with an instructor it is a great way to pass some time and create amazing items.
In recent years there has been a resurgence in the interest in learning how to crochet. Many women and men are beginning to learn to crochet to release stress, pass the time, earn extra income or just to make great gifts for family and friends. As a result of the renewed interest in crocheting there are many opportunities for you to learn to crochet whether you live in a large city or a small town or virtually anywhere in between.
Crocheting is a great skill to master and it all starts when you learn a few basic stitches and how to begin to combine these stitches into a great pattern. Starting young is great, but you can learn to crotchet at any age and it is easily something you can enjoy with family and friends. Pick up some yarn, grab a needle andlearn to crochet!
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