My web designer, Alice Wack, is working fast and furious on
getting our web page up and running. You
will be able to shop for patterns, order custom made bags, read blog posts, and
learn great sewing techniques there. Get
ready for beaserbags.com coming soon!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Customize a Key Fob or Wrist Strap for Any Size Hardware!
There are so many options when it comes to selecting swivel
clips. Swivel clips are known by many
names: lobster claps, spring hooks, bolt
snaps, etc. These clips are typically
used for wristlet straps or key fobs and can be purchased in a wide variety of
sizes, styles and metal finishings/colors.
Whatever you call them, there is a great way to customize your project
for a perfect fit EVERY TIME! You can
also spray paint your hardware for
adding more interest to your projects.
Here’s a great website with various types of hardware (they
also have great prices for ordering in bulk):
First of all, grab your free pattern in my Craftsy shop for
the wrist strap and key fob here:
Once you have these in hand, review the pattern
instructions. And now you are ready to
customize your project!
Instructions
Measure the width of your hardware at the widest
point. If you’d like your fabric to fit
more snuggly in the hardware, take into account this measurement.
Multiply this width by 4.
Using a rotary cutter, mat and grid ruler (and
using all proper safety precautions), cut this width by the length you’d like
your finished strap (CUT ON THE FOLD FOR THE LENGTH).
Follow the FREE pattern instructions for pressing fabric to prepare your fob/strap. Before sewing, test your measurements by slipping the fabric onto the hardware BEFORE sewing. Trim and repress is needed.
THE FREE Key Fob and Wrist Strap pattern and instructions can be found in my Craftsy Shop or at beaserbags.com.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
ORGANIZATION TOOLS FOR YOUR SEWING ROOM
The most frustrating thing in my sewing room is looking for stuff. Sometimes, it is necessary to have an afternoon to spend re-organizing my sewing room (drawers, binders, etc.) so that I can have several serene sewing weeks ahead. Since I am a messy seamstress, it it common to do this often—time consuming but well-worth the effort.
I have outlined some of my favorite sewing room organizing tactics and how to use them for maximum efficiency. Hope these help you, also.
There are so many things can be used in the sewing room that are made for the garage, kitchen, and bathroom.
Three-ring binder with clear plastic pockets, plastic zippered pockets, tabbed sections, sticky notes, and writing paper:
*My number one tool for good reason! I keep all of my patterns organized in my binders. I have several of these binders. I keep some with patterns that I have used in the past and plan to use in the future. I have one for projects that I am working on now, or will work on soon. I used the divider tabs to organize types of patterns, such as bags, baby items, gifts, apparel, etc. I keep commercial envelope patterns in the zippered plastic pockets, as well as cut pattern pieces from pdf patterns (paperclip the pieces together). You can either 3-hole punch your pdf patterns or slip each into its own clear plastic pocket (along with the cut pattern pieces). I keep sticky notes handy to write notes on patterns (changes I would make next time I sew that item, a list of people to sew the item for, etc.). Keep some writing paper in place of or in addition to sticky notes.
Three-ring hole punch
*To punch holes in your pdf patterns and tutorials
Small plastic containers with lids
*These are great for storing small items you want to keep separate: your presser feet, D-rings/hardware, etc. Wal-Mart sells the condiment cups and small Gladware, both of which have snap on lids which are perfect for these items. You can also purchase the small cups with lids at stores such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc. They are super inexpensive and very handy.
Day Planner (with a small legal pad, calendar, pockets, etc.)
*I plan and calendar projects for gifts, and when I know I will have more time than usual (bad weather, holidays, etc.). I have a small legal pad in my planner for a sewing shopping list, along with coupons for store trips to save gas and running around (more time for sewing!) I have a zipper pocket to keep my store receipts handy.
Large Plastic Too Box
*These are cheap and you can find these at garage sales. I keep a lot of sewing tools in mine, and within reach of my sewing machine. They usually have a carrying tray that can be moved to the sewing machine when needed. I also use this box to pack my sewing supplies and tools for classes and retreats.
Gladware plastic bowls with lids (the larger ones)
*Store your larger notions in these—there are great for purse hardware, small tools, etc.
Zippered bags (old cosmetic bags)
*Great for keeping your scissors/shears in one place, pens, markers, highlighters, etc.
Ziplock bags
*When putting together a “kit” for a project, these come in handy for storing all of what you need with your fabrics and interfacings together as a kit. When I get home from a shopping trip, I organize my purchases into kits and pin my baggie to my fabric so I don’t have to hunt for all of the small items I will need to complete my project.
Elastic hair bands
*These are great for binding those “wild things” like your tape measure, cording, piping, etc.
Binder clips
*See No. 9.
The most frustrating thing in my sewing room is looking for stuff. Sometimes, it is necessary to have an afternoon to spend re-organizing my sewing room (drawers, binders, etc.) so that I can have several serene sewing weeks ahead. Since I am a messy seamstress, it it common to do this often—time consuming but well-worth the effort.
I have outlined some of my favorite sewing room organizing tactics and how to use them for maximum efficiency. Hope these help you, also.
There are so many things can be used in the sewing room that are made for the garage, kitchen, and bathroom.
Three-ring binder with clear plastic pockets, plastic zippered pockets, tabbed sections, sticky notes, and writing paper:
*My number one tool for good reason! I keep all of my patterns organized in my binders. I have several of these binders. I keep some with patterns that I have used in the past and plan to use in the future. I have one for projects that I am working on now, or will work on soon. I used the divider tabs to organize types of patterns, such as bags, baby items, gifts, apparel, etc. I keep commercial envelope patterns in the zippered plastic pockets, as well as cut pattern pieces from pdf patterns (paperclip the pieces together). You can either 3-hole punch your pdf patterns or slip each into its own clear plastic pocket (along with the cut pattern pieces). I keep sticky notes handy to write notes on patterns (changes I would make next time I sew that item, a list of people to sew the item for, etc.). Keep some writing paper in place of or in addition to sticky notes.
Three-ring hole punch
*To punch holes in your pdf patterns and tutorials
Small plastic containers with lids
*These are great for storing small items you want to keep separate: your presser feet, D-rings/hardware, etc. Wal-Mart sells the condiment cups and small Gladware, both of which have snap on lids which are perfect for these items. You can also purchase the small cups with lids at stores such as Dollar Tree, Dollar General, etc. They are super inexpensive and very handy.
Day Planner (with a small legal pad, calendar, pockets, etc.)
*I plan and calendar projects for gifts, and when I know I will have more time than usual (bad weather, holidays, etc.). I have a small legal pad in my planner for a sewing shopping list, along with coupons for store trips to save gas and running around (more time for sewing!) I have a zipper pocket to keep my store receipts handy.
*These are cheap and you can find these at garage sales. I keep a lot of sewing tools in mine, and within reach of my sewing machine. They usually have a carrying tray that can be moved to the sewing machine when needed. I also use this box to pack my sewing supplies and tools for classes and retreats.
Gladware plastic bowls with lids (the larger ones)
*Store your larger notions in these—there are great for purse hardware, small tools, etc.
Zippered bags (old cosmetic bags)
*Great for keeping your scissors/shears in one place, pens, markers, highlighters, etc.
Ziplock bags
*When putting together a “kit” for a project, these come in handy for storing all of what you need with your fabrics and interfacings together as a kit. When I get home from a shopping trip, I organize my purchases into kits and pin my baggie to my fabric so I don’t have to hunt for all of the small items I will need to complete my project.Elastic hair bands
*These are great for binding those “wild things” like your tape measure, cording, piping, etc.
Binder clips
See what kind of creative organizational tools you have around the house!
Friday, April 10, 2015
Want to win this bag? Like us on Facebook for a chance to win! Once we reach 300 likes, we will have a random drawing.
Go here:
https://www.facebook.com/BeaserBags?ref=bookmarks
Click Like. And that's it.
This is a Della Wallet by Swoon Patterns. Great for summer book fair, lounging by the pool, or shopping at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market!
Go here:
https://www.facebook.com/BeaserBags?ref=bookmarks
Click Like. And that's it.
This is a Della Wallet by Swoon Patterns. Great for summer book fair, lounging by the pool, or shopping at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
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
Friday, December 12, 2014
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 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
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