Feb 23, 2016

Cover Stitch Machine Tips, Techniques & General Info

Ever since I produced my first video on how to use a cover stitch machine, I've had countless views on this video AND we've had numerous requests to provide more videos on this topic.  My personal cover stitch machine is a Janome Cover Pro 1000 CPX .  I LOVE IT!  I know it is primarily used just for hemming.  It's a wonderful extravagance.  If you have the financial resources for one and the space for it in your sewing room (your special place), you might want to consider one.  Of course you can sew hems with your regular machine.  I did for years.  But I LOVE IT!

I just had a customer ask me...'What is a Cover Stitch machine?'

Please watch the following videos.   This is a 3-Part series.  Enjoy if you have one!




From hemming options to ripping our boo-boos to using the chain stitch for basting...I'm sure you'll learn just that little bit more to add to your quiver of knowledge.

Happy Cover stitching!


Feb 16, 2016

Skinny Stretch Pants

Not leggings...but simple skinny-legged pants sewn with a 4-way stretch heavy weight Ponte.
These were so super simple that I wanted to share the leg width change with you.


If you're wondering how much I skinny'd (if there is such a word) the legs, on my personal SFD Pants pattern blueprint with a low hip circumference of 36" the actual (master pattern) width of the front of the page leg is 7.5".  So, first of all I sized down 1/4" on each side - that removed 1/2", which left 7".  This removed ease to allow for the horizontal stretch factor of the Ponte.  Then for the front leg pattern hem width, I took it down to a finished width of 5.5".  Yup...that's right, I removed another 1.5" totally, which was 3/4" on each side.

For the back leg, the actual hem width, based on my 36" hip, is 9".  Remove 1/4" on each side for the stretch factor - this leaves you with 8.5".  The the final width of this skinny leg is 7.5".  That means I took off another 1/2" per side (or 1" more).

Even though this was a 4-way stretch fabric, it was too heavy for skin-tight leggings, nor did I want them as tight as leggings.

To help you out, there is also a free video in the Learning Center on how to narrow the leg width of your pants pattern.  You can go to http://www.sfdlearningcenter.com/Video_Library.html and look for Pants video P.6.11 How To Narrow the Pant Leg  
You can also find this on YouTube.  It should pop up here if you're reading this blog in your computer, tablet or smart phone.

To finish the waist edge of the pants, they are pull-on with 2" wide elastic.  Directions are in the bonus section for the Yoga Pants in the pants designing book - Pants that Mix n Multiply.

Have fun...enjoy your pants pattern.


Feb 9, 2016

Valentine's Treat just for you!

1/2 Price $50 Gift Certificate


Valentine's is just around the corner.  Gift yourself or a sewing friend with a $50 Gift Certificate from Sure-Fit Designs.
It's good for any SFD Kit, tools or vellum.
It's a great opportunity to get started with Sure-Fit Designs, stock up on Vellum or get the DVD you've been wanting.
And the best part is you'll get this $50 Gift Certificate for $25.
This offer is valid Feb 7 - 14, 2016.
Shop now!  Must be purchased from this special page link

Happy Valentine's
Glenda the Good Stitch!