Dec 27, 2016

Unique Sewing/Craft Table

Recently I was in Fabric Depot in Portland OR and came across this unique craft/sewing/cutting table.


It looks like it's modeled on a 'saw horse' frame.  The top ledge of the saw horse had 2 horizontal and parallel pieces of wood with a large bolt holding them together.

You can see that in between these 2 horizontal pieces there is a gap and sandwiched in this gap are 4 vertical pieces that hold the top in place.  These vertical pieces have holes drilled through allowing a wooden pin to go through which will automatically adjust the height of the table top depending on which hole you choose to put the pin through.


If you happen to like woodworking (along with your sewing) or if you happen to have a 'handy husband' who enjoys woodworking, this is something that you might want to give a try.

Neither Wes (my husband) or I are skilled in woodworking, but I thought this was an interesting design that you might like to see.

Always thinking of you...

Dec 13, 2016

Streaming Video in your Sewing Room

www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.com

Sure-Fit Designs has come of the digital age and is now able to provide you with a streaming video version of (most) all of our instructional DVD tutorials.  What does this mean?  For those of you who don't have DVD players, or don't have a convenient DVD player in your sewing space, or only use your smart phone or tablet to watch video lessons, Sure-Fit Designs is now providing a streaming video version of our most popular DVD tutorials.  The following now are being offered as online video courses:
* the Introductory How-To DVD (that comes with every COMBO purchase)
* the Bodice Fitting Course DVD
* the Pants Fitting Course DVD
* the Shirt Fitting Course DVD
* Fitting Commercial Patterns DVD
* Jeans: Behind the Scenes DVD





Each video course will come with all the relevant streaming video lessons and any downloadable pdf files where appropriate.

Here's how it is going to work.  Whenever you purchase a physical DVD from Sure-Fit Designs (and you've paid to have it shipped to you), you will receive a personal thank you email from me (Glenda the Good Stitch) which will give you a unique Discount Code for that specific DVD.  You will then need to register at our new online platform - www.SewFitAcademyOnline.com (a new Sure-Fit Designs website).  Create a personal username and password.  Then for whichever DVD you have purchased, you can enroll (as if you were purchasing the online version) but just before the final checkout, you will have the opportunity to enter your 100% Discount Code giving you totally free access to the video lessons for the DVD that you've just purchased.

Here's what the new site looks like:

Also from this site, you will now be able to access the SFD Sew Alongs.  Though there will be more in time to come, right now there's only 2 - one with video - the Go Everywhere Shirt -  which is a course that many of you have been wanting on a different software platform...here it is!


- and one without video - the Holiday Happy Top.



Now, if you don't want the physical version of that particular DVD tutorial, you'll be able to purchase just the streaming video lessons if that is your choice.  Of course you'll be saving the cost of shipping, but the regular price will be the same as the physical version.

As my gift to you to get you started, be my guest to 'take10' - Just use this discount coupon code when you choose your first course and you'll receive 10% discount.  You simply need to register with a unique username and password - then choose your course.  Use 'take10' at check out.



Many of you have been asking for my video lessons for The Little Black Dress.  This will also be available by March on this new platform.

You might be interested in watching this short introductory video (actually it was our latest Facebook LIVE broadcast) introducing our new website www.sewfitacademyonline.com.


I really do think you are going to like this new platform and all that it can offer.  And after you've started using it, please make sure to send me your comments and feedback.  After all, it's from your requesting that our DVD tutorials have been made available in the streaming video format.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Fitting & Sewing!

Dec 6, 2016

Go Everywhere Shirt now available for a Lifetime!

www.surefitdesigns.blogspot.com

The Go Everywhere Shirt by Sure-Fit Designs is now totally available as a one-time purchase and your enrollment will last you a lifetime!


You may remember, this Go Everywhere Shirt Sew Along was previously on the Curious.com platform, but now I have made it totally available for you on an all new software platform where once you've enrolled and purchased your course, it is yours for a lifetime.


The Go Everywhere Shirt is drawn and designed from your Sure-Fit Designs Shirt Kit, which means it's casual, comfortable and simple to sew.  This sew along offers both video lessons as well as a downloadable instruction guide sheet.


And you'll find it on our new website platform www.SewFitAcademyOnline.com...which I'll tell you more about next week.  To access the Go Everywhere Shirt and to see samples of the video lessons, please click here - http://surefitdesigns.thinkific.com/courses/the-go-everywhere-shirt-by-sure-fit-designs


You'll see measuring, drawing, designing and sewing it all together in the Sure-Fit Designs Sew Along.  I sincerely hope you all enjoy it.

Happy Fitting & Sewing!



Nov 28, 2016

Free Shipping - Holiday Extravaganza!

Sure-Fit Designs Blog

Join in the Holiday Extravaganza Nov. 28-29-30, 2016 for the Sure-Fit Designs Free Shipping event. Your minimum purchase needs to be at least $49.95...and shipping will be FREE to all USA destinations.


As long as your purchase adds up to $49.95 or more, the shipping is on us (for USA customers)!
It all begins at 12:01 AM EST on Monday November 28 and goes through midnight Wed. November 30, 2016.
We'll definitely get your order to you before Christmas!

International Customers - PLEASE READ 
International customers will pay 1/2 price for shipping their order.  **However, due to the Shopping Cart software limitations, you will need to add the FULL amount of shipping to your order as you normally would.  When we receive email notification of your order, I will immediately issue you a 50% refund on the amount you paid in shipping and handling..

Domestic (USA) Customers-
No coupon or discount code is required.  Just choose $0.00 shipping when checking out of the Shopping Cart.

Ready...Set...Shop



Just go to www.surefitdesigns.com for your shopping extravaganza!

Happy Holidays,




Nov 22, 2016

Identify Center Back - How Clever!

Sure-Fit Designs Blog
If you're new to Sure-Fit Designs, then this post may be new to you.  Here I'll show you how to sew a quick and decorative way to identify the center back of any pull on elastic waistband.  I have primarily used this technique on my yoga pants, but you could apply this to any pull-on skirt or pants.

You'll use one of the decorative embroidery stitch patterns that your sewing machine offers (if you have this capability on your machine).


In order to stitch this without letting the knit fabric stretch, make sure to stabilize with a small rectangle of interfacing.

Here's a short video showing you the entire process.

The beige example above is part of my latest rendition of the Yoga/Travel/Comfort Pants, which you'll find directions for from the designing book 'Pants that Mix 'n Multiply'.  This particular style is the Bonus Style given on pages 14 & 15.


Here is the waistband attached to the pants.

And since my photographer wasn't available at the time I needed this photo, I'm showing the finished garment to you on the mannequin.

These are the most comfortable pants.  Sewn from a knit fabric (I often use bottom weight Ponte Roma) with this elastic waist application comfort is definitely #1.  This is the 8th pair I've made...I wear them so many places, not just to the gym.  I know you'll love them if you give them a try.

Happy Sewing!

Nov 15, 2016

Highlighter Tape & Marking Patterns

Another little tip was passed on to me by one of our SFD customers (Michele).  She found this great Higlighter Tape at the likes of a Walmart.  Hers looks like this.

It comes on a regular tape dispenser and she found it in pink, green and yellow.  It's great for:
  • Marking right and wrong sides of fabric.
  • It's easy to write on the top of the tape with a regular pen, where markers could smear unless the writing is totally dry.
  • You can tape over notes or identifying marks on your tracing vellum patterns.
  • Because of the colors, it stands out, is transparent and easy to read.
  • And, is easily removable without leaving a sticky residue.

Now, when I went to buy mine, I couldn't find this product so I ended up with a Bic variety which looks like this.
 I used it for highlighting pattern information on a recent shirt pattern.

The package says its easily erasable (rather than lifting off).  So I gave that a try and sure enough it erases like a charm and because the tracing vellum is so durable it withstood the erasing process.

One or the other should work well for you if you're looking for a colorful way to help identify your pattern pieces once you've drawn them.

Thanks for the suggestion Michele - great tip!

Happy Drafting!


Nov 8, 2016

Oh My! Leggings Again!


"A Legging to Stand On - Often dismissed as a faux pas, the body-hugging not-quite-pants are being recast (and embraced) by the high-fashion set"-  so says, Nandini D'Souza Wolfe in the Saturday/Sunday, August 20-21, 2016 Style and Fashion article of the Wall Street Journal.
With big names like Valentino, Victoria Beckham and Celine sporting leggings on the runway, its easy to see that leggings are not just part of the fitness craze, but a bold fashion statement that can be worn anywhere from in the gym, to a night on the town.

Velvet, faux leather and stretchy nylon are just a few types of fabrics being used to transform everyday workout leggings into fancy pants. Add some zippers at the ankles, some sequins if that's your thing, don your favorite blazer and you're good to go. I absolutely love the leggings I made from Nicole Miller Scuba Knit fabric, see this previous blog.



Notice the title - TIGHT DONE RIGHT - Consider these outfits for fashion inspiration with leggings:

And...notice the prices of these ready-to-wear leggings.  Aren't we lucky we know how to sew?

If you missed the leggings video on designing the no-side seam leggings, you can watch it now.



It looks like love 'em, or hate 'em leggings are here to stay. And why not? They are comfortable, allow for plenty of movement, flattering on a variety of body shapes and depending on the fabric and the rest of the chosen attire, can be worn most anywhere for almost any occasion and for any season of the year. Once you've made your body blueprint with the Sure-Fit Designs Pants Master Pattern, you can have a pair of leggings sewn up in no time. And for the actual leggings instructions, you can find this Fashion Leaflet as a digital download on this page.  They fold or roll up so nicely in a drawer, you'll have plenty of room to make 3, 4 or even ten pair!

Happy Fitting & Sewing!

Nov 1, 2016

Holiday Happy Top - SFD Sew Along

 Sure-Fit Designs Blog


Many of you have asked for our SFD videos/DVD courses and lessons to be made available on an easy-to-access platform where once your purchase is made, you'd be able to access the information forever.  Thanks to the assistance of an SFD customer who pointed me in the right direction, I'm now testing out CourseCraft software (similar to Craftsy) where I can upload videos, lessons in the form of text, photos, downloadable files and a platform that you can interact with me during the lessons.

My first project using this platform is a Sew Along for this fun blouse sewn from your Sure-Fit Designs Dress Kit and I call it the Holiday Happy Top.  I've been madly working on the project, photographing the steps (sorry no video with this particular project - the camera man is still recovering), writing directions, learning new software all in time for you to design and sew this top before your holiday festivities begin.

You need to begin with your personal bodice blueprint from the SFD Dress Kit.  Then the sew along lessons will give you detailed descriptions of how to change the basic pattern to include a Dolman sleeve, which is finished with an 'angel wing' and you'll see an interesting way to include your bust dart where the contrasting fabrics are sewn together.

You need 2 contrasting/coordinating fabrics.  The black sparkly knit is decked out with tiny sequins and even though it is a knit fabric, I coordinated a drapable woven poly in the solid black as the contrasting fabric.


Join the Sew Along.  Design and sew your new top before holiday festivities begin.  Sew at your own speed.  Progress with the lessons as your time permits.  Course access is forever.  Join now and save 10% by using Promo Code HHT10 during checkout.  To read more about the Holiday Happy Top course, Click Here to read the FAQ's.



I'd love to have you join us.



Oct 25, 2016

Look Ma...No Hem!

Remember last week I introduced you to the new Waterfall Jacket Fashion Leaflet?  I had plenty of fabric to sew a coordinating tank top to go with it.



The fabric was really interesting as you could use either the right or the wrong side as the finished right side.



 
And the selvage?  Well...it was like a mini-fringe.  It was so interesting that I decided to use it as the hem of the tank top as well as on the diagonal decorative seam.


When laying out the pattern, it meant that the straight of grain line would be PERPENDICULAR to the selvage, not parallel as in a traditional layout.  And I added the diagonal seam going from the right armhole to the lower left side seam.  I wanted the pattern to meet at basically a 45 degree angle when the diagonal seam was sewn.  And yes, I laid the upper bodice over the lower front bodice rather than sewing a traditional seam where right sides are together.  I wanted that fringy selvage to be the decorative element on the front of the tank.

This design was fraught with a few challenges, as when the pattern was laid on perpendicular to the selvage, I discovered that it was not knit on the straight of grain so to speak.  It was knit crooked.  This next photo shows that with the selvages edges together, the fold it created was not totally on grain. 


This meant that the back of the tank hangs a little wonky, but I was willing to live with that so that I could use the fringy selvage at the hem line.


For the bust dart, I simply left it in its original side seam position.  If you want, you could transfer it to the lower side seam but I didn't want it to conflict with the decorative diagonal front seam.


Lastly, I trimmed the neckline and armholes with bias binding cut from the same stretchy fabric, but used the wrong side as the outside for emphasis.

All up, it turned out great.  The General Tank Top directions are basically all that's needed to design this tank from your Sure-Fit Designs Dress Kit.  If you don't already have them, please CLICK HERE.

In case you missed last week's blog on the new downloadable Waterfall Jacket Fashion Leaflet, here's what it looks like with this coordinating tank top underneath.


This tank top is definitely a 'Made in a Day' project.
Enjoy!