Visit my Craftsy.com pattern shop to download the free Luggage ID Tag Pattern.  This project is  super easy and quick to complete. A great gift for men and women, and can be made with vinyl, leather or fabric scraps.

http://www.craftsy.com/user/6028056/pattern-store?_ct=cx-buvjdql&_ctp=my-pattern-store,manage

Tips for Beginners working with intermediate/advanced patterns

As a beginner, it is imperative to practice your skills before starting any project. But sometimes, we just want to dig in and make something pretty!  Here are a few tips to dig in.  Find a project that you like and purchase the pattern.

    *Find and purchase a pattern that you want to make.   Patterns come in commercial brands (McCalls, Butterwick and Simplicity are the most reliable and correct and easy to follow commercial brand patterns) or designer brands (various pdf or paper pattern versions).  Note:  if you purchase a pdf pattern, be sure to follow the printing instructions.  There is usually a test square.  Print that page first and make sure your settings are correct.  If you print square is incorrect, the rest of your pattern pieces are also incorrect.

*Read through ALL of the pattern first, including any pattern language you do not understand.  Use resources (see below) for clearing up anything that you do not understand

*Purchase all of your materials, notions, and project supplies (purchase extra fabric, just in case you make a mistake cutting).

*Purchase inexpensive fabrics and notions, and practice the techniques contained in your pattern instructions.

    *Read twice (measure twice)/cut once.  Watch for special instructions, such as PLACE ON FOLD, cut 1, cut 2, extra fabric needed for one way design, etc

    *Take your time!  Cut out your pattern pieces, following any instructions given to attach your pattern pieces together (where necessary).  Some pdf patterns are printed on standard sized paper, and some pieces need to be taped together.  Follow the attachment instructions (tape lines, etc.)

    *Purchase good thread.  It is well-worth the cost.  Cheap thread creates a lot of lint and will tend to break—often. 

    *Before beginning your project, make several bobbins so you can quickly refill your bobbin case if a bobbin runs out.  As a rule, I make 5 bobbins for each project.

    *Purchase the correct interfacing, fleece, etc.  These types of materials are numbered on the bolt to help identify what type each is.  When you visit the fabric store, bring slips of paper and safety pins with you, and label each piece as the clerk cuts your purchase.  This will reduce confusion when you get ready to cut out your pieces.

    *Once you begin sewing your project, do it one step at a time.  Follow your pattern one step at a time and take your time. 

    *Take breaks. Put on your favorite music.  Have a cup of coffee or glass of wine—enjoy yourself!

    *Keep your seam ripper handy and carefully rip out seams that are not professional.  

    *Make sure your iron is clean and you have a good ironing surface or clean ironing board cover.  Purchase some cleaning paste for your iron in case you need to clean your iron.  Anything that is on your iron plate will get onto your project.  Once it melds into your fabric, your project is ruined.  This paste can be purchased at Walmart, usually in the laundry detergent isle. Never scrub your iron plate!

    *Make a “test” project from cheap fabric first.  You can work out all of your misunderstandings without any regrets!

    *Just go for it—try it out.  If your project is a flop, learn from your mistakes and try again.  You will succeed eventually!  There are no mistakes, just opportunities for creativity (a quote from someone but I cannot remember who).

    *Most importantly, don’t rush to complete your project.  Enjoy the process and you will enjoy the results. Have fun!

Sewing Help Resources

·       You Tube videos

·       Fabric Stores (ask the employees for advice; most are very knowledgeable)

·       Contact the designer of the pattern for clarification (most are happy to help)

·       Facebook—join a sewing group related to that specific pattern designer.  Also join groups for people who love to sew—these are great places to ask questions and get help. 

·       Sewing guilds—join or visit a sewing guild meeting.  There are usually plenty of men and women who love to teach beginners new skills and advance their newly developing skills.

·       Get a group of new sewing friends together.  You will be delightfully surprised!  Everyone has a different set of skills and sewing knowledge to bring to the “sewing table.”

·       Check your local library for free sewing classes, contacts for sewing help within your community, and books! 

·       Your bookstore (online and the store) has plenty of resources for honing your sewing skills.

Great Sewing Websites for All Sewing Levels

http://www.sew4home.com/

http://www.sew4home.com/images/articles/patterns/0963-Sewing_Basics_Resource_Guide.pdf

http://www.allfreesewing.com/Basics-and-Tutorials

http://www.euronotions.com/pdf/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf

https://www.taunton.com/promotions/pdf/Threads_ThreadEssentials.pdf

http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/presser-feet-help

http://sewingschool.org/2011/03/16/basic-sewing-machine-troubleshooting/

http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resources/stitch-reference

Like my Facebook page to learn how you can enter to win a kit to make this wonderful project!

https://www.facebook.com/BeaserBags?ref=bookmarks

Tuck n Roll pdf pattern now available at Craftsy.com

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/tuck-n-roll-jewelry-bag/123735

http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/accessory/tuck-n-roll-jewelry-bag/123735

The Tuck N Roll jewelry bag is ready for pdf instant download. Please visit my Etsy Shop to purchase.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BeaserBags?ref=search_shop_redirect

Creative Fabrics & Notions

Fabric and quilt stores are not the only places to find really nice, high quality fabrics, handbag hardware, and sewing notions.  Garage sales, estate sales and thrift shops are are a girl’s best budget friend.  Here is a short list of things you can find:

Old or Broken and Outdated Purses, Handbags and Gym Bags

What to look for:  good hardware that you can take apart and reuse, straps, reusable snaps, decorative pieces, zipper pulls, zippers, canvas for linings, good bag linings that can be reused, leather or faux leather pockets.

Outdated Men’s Leather Jackets/Faux Leather Jackets

There is usually enough leather on a large man’s jacket to make a nice purse, tote, or bag.  Carefully cut off any sewn areas and salvage large pieces of the leather and the lining.  Also, save the buttons, and zippers if there are any zippers.

Linens (Sheets, Pillowcases)

Use for linings, baby clothes (Christening gowns), gift bags, and any other project that calls for a delicate fabric.  Look for lacy or handworked or machine embroidery pieces to sew special gifts.

Outdated Wedding Dresses

Use for charity projects, such as making burial gowns for infants, create beautiful bridal bags, reuse beading and tulle, strip the lace for projects, and use for bag linings.  You can also make special bridal pillowcases for the bride  to use the night before her wedding day (silk pillowcases keep your hair nice and neat!) or a gift for a friend in the hospital.

Tablecloths

Rather than purchasing oilcloth (which is a plastic coated fabric used for lunch totes, lunch tote linings, etc.), pick these up for pennies!  They are usually large enough to cover a large dining room table, so there is a lot of fabric in one large piece.

Curtains

High quality curtains (especially) custom made curtains, can be cut up and unhemmed with plenty of fine materials for creating nice bags, pillows, smaller curtains, or cushion covers.  Don’t overlook the outdated prints, because those can be used as linings or making “fittings” (a practice run on a project you intend to make with some expensive store fabrics).

Old Uniforms

Lots of uniforms come with decorative pins, hardware, and fobs that can be taken apart and used on other projects.  Old military uniforms make beautiful and sturdy duffle bags, travel bags, and purses.  This type of canvas lasts many years.  Make sure that if you are using military wear, remove ALL stripes, pins, badges, etc. out of respect to the person who owned the uniform.  Also remove any identification of the branch of service—what you want is the fabric—not the identity (please be respectful). 

Old Sweaters

Make your special pooch a warm sweater using old (people) sweaters.  Free patterns can be found online.  Be careful about particular sweaters that have a high tendency to ravel.  You can also cut these up and hand “knit” them together with a needle and thread to make patchwork blankets.  (I may have to make one of these myself!)

Fleece Blankets/Old Quilts

Use these (instead of batting) to make baby quilts.  Make sure you have them cleaned well and that they are in reasonably good condition. 

Old/Outdated Clothing

What to look for:  nice buttons, zippers in good condition, reusable pockets, nice trim, etc.

Prom Dresses/Bridal Wear

Cut up and use for linings for all types of bags.  Either silk, brocade or polyester works great for linings.  These items also make beautiful remade bridal bags using metal bag frames.  Reuse any decorative accents on these dresses, also, such as beading, zippers, rosettes, etc.  Here is a link with a beautiful metal frame bag:

www.pinterest.com/pin/545076361124332086

Decorator Fabric/Decorator Swatches/Decorator Placemats

Decorator fabric is a heavy duty fabric such as that used on upholstered furniture and pillows.  Swatches come in large pieces and are sometimes freebies. These can be used for bags, and metal frame clutches as well.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/80849611/coin-purse-sakura-chrysanthemum-cotton?ref=market

Jewelry Finds (broken and not broken)

Jewelry and trinkets can be used for pretty zipper pulls for cosmetic bag zippers, jacket zippers, etc.  Here’s a great link to show you how to use jump rings, tools and jewelry finds to create beautiful and decorative detail to your sewing projects:

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-open-and-close-jump-rings

Be creative!

If you have some great ideas about fabric and notion finds, please email me at beaserbags@gmail.com.  I would love to hear from you.

  

Essential Sewing Tools & Equipment   

Tools are an essential part of learning to sew and sewing in general.  With the right tools for the type of project you are working on, you can complete a nice, professional project with ease, and have fun in the process.  Here, we will discuss the most practical and necessary general tools (in my opinion), needed for most projects.  I’ve also starred generalized cost/prices usually paid for these types of tools in a fabric or department store from low (*) to high (****) prices. 

With the exception of a really GOOD pair of fabric scissors, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on tools.  Some sewing tools can be purchased at garage and/or estate sales.  Old does not necessarily mean bad (unless the tool is rusted—don’t buy rusted sewing tools!).

Scissors (Shears)****

Fabric Scissors—A good pair of scissors (correctly known as shears) is essential for getting precise and neat cuts.  Keep your scissors is its case/sheath when not in use and use them ONLY for fabrics.  Have them sharpened by a professional as needed.  I own a pair of Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears which I purchased in 1986 for my mother to use to sew my wedding dress.  (This was the only way I could get her to sew it!)  These scissors still look new and cut like a razor.

Paper/Interfacing Scissors*—I purchase these at the Dollar Store or Walmart.  Use a permanent marking pen and mark these PAPER/INTERFACING.  They will become dull quickly.  I don’t pay to have these sharpened.  When they become too dull for the sewing room, I use them in the kitchen for herbs, packages, etc.  I use them in the kitchen until they become so dull, they are dangerous, or they rust or break.  At this point, they go in the recycle bin.

Thread Scissors/Snippers**—these are not necessarily essential, but once you have a pair to keep handy for those small threads, you will be happy you have them.  They are pointed and small, and can cut thread right down to the end, close to the fabric.  Have these sharpened by a professional to keep the points sharp.  I don’t keep these in a sheath since I use this pair all the time, however, it is important to be careful not to drop them because they are very sharp, and you can break the tips off or injury yourself or your pets or children who hang around at your feet while you sew (or drop things).

Tape Measure*

Your best friend!  These come in tape form or a mechanical form (which automatically retract when you push a button).  I recommend having one of each. I have a set in my purse and a set at home.  I’m always ready to measure something! The mechanical version is usually only a yard long, which is great to keep in your purse for fabric store trips, confirming pattern piece measurements, etc.  I keep my tape corralled with a hair clip or binder clip.  You can get these free at quilt shows and hardware stores, sometimes.

Pins & Needles

Safety Pins*—all sizes.  Useful for inserting elastics, holding down things while you sew other things, and securing buttons with posts that cannot be washed or dry cleaned. 

Quilting Pins**—better than those short, stubby pins with no heads.  These pins are long, thin and easy to work with.  They are a bit more pricey than regular sewing pin, but well worth the cost.

Sewing Machine Needles***—Purchase high quality sewing machine needles in various sizes and for various purposes.  Always keep a supply of needles on hand.  You can find tons of needle charts online FREE.  Print one out and take it shopping with you.  As a beginner, print several copies, and place one copy in each of your patterns and attached to your tutorial.  When you go shopping, you have all the info you need as part of  your shopping list.  My favorite brands are Schmetz and Organ.  They are universal needles and do not easily bend or break.  Organ needles are suburb for serger machines!

Hand Stitching Needles*

Most of my students refuse to sew by hand.  One day, and one day soon, you will need to sew by hand.  Learn how and learn well!  Get a set of hand sewing needles and get used to it!  A cheap set of needles is all you need.

Corner Tool*

A dual purpose tool, with one end pointed (great tool for poking out corners) and the other end odd looking—usually with a large missing gape (used to help lift up a button to easily sew onto fabrics).  Some are wooden and some are plastic. 

Loop Turner*

Loop Turners come in a couple of different styles:  a long metal wire with a hook on one end and handle on the other; and a hollow tube with a plastic stick-type tool.  I like the metal wire version.  These are fairly easy to use after you get the hang of it, and makes easy work of turning long, skinny tubular fabric pieces right side out.  It is actually  kind of fun to use.

Bobbins*

Purchase the correct bobbins for your make and model sewing machines and create a good, even, full bobbin.  Your life just became more enjoyable.  I make several bobbins at once so I won’t have to stop to make one mid-project.

Thread**

A high quality thread will never fail you.  Enough said!

A cheap thread leaves lint in your bobbin area, all over your project, and tends to break easily.  Not good.  Ever.

Always read your pattern and/or tutorial under the Tools & Notions section to survey whether or not you need to purchase additional tools.  Some tools can be substituted with things you may have around the house—be creative!  A tool box, kitchen utensil drawer, junk drawer, makeup drawer, etc. is a great hunting ground for neat and inventive sewing tools!  For instance, if you have skewer sticks, you can use these in place of a corner tool. 

Have fun and Happy Sewing!

A Lesson In Fabrics

Fabric should not cost a fortune.  As a beginner, I suggest you stick with 100% high quality cottons. These fabrics come on the bolt measuring 45” wide and can be cut to amounts such as ¼ yard, 3/8 yard, ¼ yard, and 1 yard increments, or anything in between.   You can find great bargains at quilt shops, fabric stores or department stores.  Stay away from cheaply made, flimsy, see-through fabrics.  The fabric should feel weighty to the touch, and simply put, the fabric should feel “good.”   I love www.fabrics.com.  They have very good quality fabrics and often have great sales with lots of choices.  There are many online fabric stores available.

You can be resourceful and use men’s shirts found at thrift stores, nice sheets, old curtains, etc., most of which can be purchased from thrift stores, estate sales, or garage sales.

Practice making your project on cheap muslin fabrics or old sheets before investing in high quality fabrics.  It’s worth the extra work.  As always, look for bargain prices but don’t sacrifice quality.

Always choose the types of fabrics that your pattern recommends.  If you get confused, ask a seasoned sewer, or the employee at your local fabric store (who should, but doesn’t always know the answer).

If you enjoy sewing and you are a beginner, invest in a beginner sewing book.  Most of these types of books explain various types of fabrics, what type of needles to use with them, and what these fabrics are generally used for (what types of projects are best suited).  Visit your local book store and find some good books on the subject.  Leave the store with the ISBN number, the title of the book, and the author.  Then run a check online with Amazon or Barnes and Nobel and get a used copy of that book.  You may also be able to find a great resource in a resale shop.

(Image above from makeit.com)

Pattern Coming Soon!

Smart Phone Wristlet

Pattern Coming Soon!

Tuck 'n Roll Jewelry Stash Bag

If you are ready to learn and don’t know where to begin, here you go:

·         Print some lined paper, some curves, or anything you desire.  Children’s coloring books are a great item to use to practice sewing lines.  You can find these things online as well. 

·         Remove your thread from your bobbin and needle

·         Practice sewing (without thread) on your paper until you feel confident.

·         Before beginning a sewing project, replace your needle—sewing on paper makes it dull and not useful for fabric

Now, go  practice.