Pattern Roundup

T-shirt Rug Roundup

Area rugs add visual interest, provide additional warmth and can dampen sound. Have old t-shirts that you want to repurpose or upcycle?  T-shirts can be used to create rugs. This is a T-shirt rug roundup. Introduction My current apartment has both carpet and tiles for flooring. Carpet is much less common than it used to …

Sewing tips

Even Feed Presser Foot

When I reviewed the Small Trifold Wallet, I noticed Yoan used an even feed foot. My universal presser foot worked fine until the last step, when I had to switch to a roller foot. In this post, I discuss what an even feed presser foot looks like and what it can be used for. What …

Sewing tips

Avoiding Clothing Pattern Intimidation

Want to make new clothes from patterns? Overwhelmed by the information on the pattern envelope? Too intimidated to buy or use a clothing pattern? This post is about avoiding clothing pattern intimidation. Introduction You can update your wardrobe by sewing your own clothes. Your first option is cloning your clothes. You can also buy patterns …

Project reviews

Yoan Sewing Studio Small Trifold Wallet Review

Accordion style wallets aren’t for everyone. There are other options for small wallets and compact wallets. This is a Yoan Sewing Studio Small Trifold Wallet review. The link for the free Yoan Sewing Studio Small Trifold Wallet pattern and video tutorial is: Small Trifold Wallet This project is for personal use. For the purposes of …

Project reviews

Compact Accordion Wallet Review

Checkbook style or smartphone wallets too big? Minimalist wallets too small? There are some wallet styles that fit in between. This is a Spencer Ogg Compact Accordion Wallet review. The purchase link for the Spencer Ogg Compact Accordion Wallet is: Spencer Ogg Compact Accordion Wallet This project is for personal use. For the purposes of …

Sewing tips

Clone Your Clothes Book Review

Want to make new clothes from items in your wardrobe? Not sure how to start? This post is a book review of “Clone Your Clothes” by Claire-Louise Hardie. Introduction My favourite casual boot-cut pants have been out of stock for a few years. Earlier this month the parent company of three Canadian clothing brands announced …

Sewing tips

Source Your Sewing

Want to sew a wallet, bag, or clothes? Not sure if you’ll be wasting your time and money? This post contains source your sewing tips. Introduction Sewing can be an expensive hobby. Will you make something for less than the cost of buying it, or will your material costs be high. Will you make something …

Business tips, News

2024 Year End Review

2024 has been an eventful year. Severe weather events devastate many communities. Covid-19 is endemic. Wars continue. This is my 2024 year end review. I’ll review the most important things I learned small business-wise, my best/most useful sewing tips/skills and my favorite projects of 2024. I’ll also give you a heads up on my plans …

Sewing tips

Is Sewing Synthetics Difficult

Want to sew a bag using nylon or polyester? Not sure if your skills are equal to the task? This post will discuss “is sewing synthetics difficult”. Introduction I discussed the difference between natural, man-made and synthetic fibers  in 2022. This post will focus on nylon and polyester. In my previous post, I mentioned that …

Pattern Roundup

Anti-theft Bag Project Roundup

Looking for a new bag for travel or everyday? Worried about theft? This is an anti-theft bag project roundup. Introduction One of my suitcases broke a few years ago. While researching new luggage l found some “anti-theft bags”. I had never heard of these. What features do they have? Can I add anti-theft features to …