sewing hints

Perfecting the Tote Bag–Part 2, the Sheep in Sweaters Tote from Art and Quilting in Camden

So FINALLY we get to the Sheep in Sweaters Tote! When I started the previous post, I discovered I’d never blogged about the turquoise tote, which is the forerunner and partner of this one! I will say now that I have finished this post (Part 2), it is LONG–but I wanted to be sure you got ALL the good info. If you’re here for just the totebag part, skim the embroidery bits! Thanks for reading!

Those of you who get my newsletter (sign up in right sidebar on this blog or the bottom of all the other ...

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Perfecting the Tote Bag–Part 1, the Turquoise Onion Tote from Art and Quilting in Camden

Confession: I love boxes, bags, baskets…. the more, the merrier. I still wonder what happened to that plaid and a little bit of leather bag I had when I was six! And I love having my bags work for me, offering the perfect combination of color, print and cloth, and function.

Over the years I have learned that I HATE rummaging around in the pitch dark bottom of a deep bag. I think of those as North-South bags, taller than they are wide. I vastly prefer East-West–where I can actually FIND stuff inside. It also means black and other ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 9-hems, a bonus scarf and wrap-up from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hard to believe the ninth and final lesson is here already! Thank you for following along. Links to all nine of the posts in this series are now listed at the bottom of each lesson and on my Resources page! If you remember this down the line, the fastest way to find it is put “Plaid” in the search box at right on the blog OR look for a link to the Plaid Top Tutorials on my Resources page, here.

To recap, we have:

added by Sarah Ann Smith 1 year, 9 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #byanniestiletto , #fabricsstore , #garmentsewing , #garmentsewingtutorial , #hongkongfinish , #hongkongseams , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomem7continental , #janomesewing , #learnwithsarah , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , presser feet , sewing hints , tools of the trade (Comments)

Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 8–Lined Patch Pocket from Art and Quilting in Camden

Today we move on to another fun technique: a lined patch pocket. I kinda made this up along the way (my first photos are not included because I figured out a better way…this is the revised and improved method!). The flannel is SO soft and comfy–in part because the weave is dense but not terribly tight. That means I might be able to wear holes in the bottom of the pockets, so I decided to give them some strength and structure by adding a lining. The hand-dyed blue was in my stash and worked well enough I also ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 7-Hong Kong Finish Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hong Kong seams are a thing of beauty–a little extra work but a secret delight! So even though I didn’t use them in this plaid top, I’m including them with all the seam lessons in this series of technique posts. I did use them on both my Simplicity S8883 top, full blogpost here, and the Brumby Skirt. I also used this finish on a jacket I made for my daughter-in-law some years ago that I swear I wish she could wear inside out LOL!

That lime green on the shoulder and princess seams is a Hong Kong ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 6-Lapped and Flat-Felled Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Lapped and flat-felled seams are two sides of the same coin. Both are found in ready to wear–the lapped seams I see most often in men’s dress shirts. Flat-felled seams are found on jeans…they’re that heavy, bulky seam! The double stitching makes it strong, so it is good for seams that endure strain–like tight jeans! They can also be used decoratively with contrasting and/or heavy topstitching thread. Let’s start with the ….

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 5-French Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.

To make a French seam you sew the seam twice. My example is on a 5/8″ seam which is standard in the US. Please adjust accordingly for your pattern and practice.

First, sew the seam with the fabric WRONG ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 4- Overcast Seams, just like Serged Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Nothing beats a beautifully finished garment, one that is so pretty on the inside that you enjoy it every time you put it on. Though you might be tempted to wear it inside out it’s so pretty, it remains a secret just for you! Top technique for a beautiful inside is using a seam finish to hide the raw edges. Not only does it look nice, it also protects the edges of the fabric, prevents fraying, can improve the way the seam functions, and contributes to a garment that will last longer. After all, you’ve spent money and ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 3–Matching Plaids, cutting out your garment pieces from Art and Quilting in Camden

While visiting a favorite local shop in nearby Rockland, Maine, Clementine, I happened to fondle this amazing thick, soft flannel and thought it would made a perfect winter top. The plaid adds a bit of complexity and opportunity to teach a few more advanced skills along with a fairly simple pattern for this series.

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 1 year, 10 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #garmentmaking , #garmentsewingtutorial , #handmade , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomem7continental , #kaishears , #matchingplaids , #patternweights , #sarahannsmith , #tailorschalk , #taylorseville , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , @sarahannsmithq , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeamerica , janomeartisan , patterns , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , tutorials (Comments)

Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 2-Make a muslin, fitting and sleeves from Art and Quilting in Camden

At the end of Lesson 1, I was showing you how far off the fitting is in this pattern when applied to my body: broad shoulders, small bust.

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.

There’s a LOT of detail in this post, but if you ...

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Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 1-Choosing a pattern and starting tips from Art and Quilting in Camden

I thought it would be fun to teach some basic garment sewing techniques using a simple “T” top in woven fabric as the platform, tossing in a few special lessons along the way. This isn’t a class in how to make a blouse–rather it is a way to teach several techniques that are useful in garment making and home dec across the board. There will be 9 posts total that will publish on Tuesday and Friday through March 21. As they go live, I will update a list at the bottom of each ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 1 year, 10 months ago. under #100actsofsewing , #dressno2 , #garmentmaking , #janomegirl , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithq , #tutorial , #woventop , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeamerica , janomeartisan , patterns , reviews , sewing hints , techniques , tutorials , uncategorized (Comments)

Absolutely PERFECT Bindings on the Janome M7 from Art and Quilting in Camden

This time I surprised even myself. After cutting 850″ of 2 1/4″ bias, I sewed it to twelve (what was I thinking???? clearly I was not thinking….) placemats and a 44 by 15″ table runner, ironed it, glued it to prep for machine sewing. Then, in about 65 minutes I got the second side of ALL the placemats AND the table runner SEWN! Check out the pictures and video!

First, I select my favorite buttonhole stitch: one forward stitch, then one to the side and back. I use the mirror image function to switch it so the sideways stitch ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years, 10 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #quiltbindings , #sarahannsmithartist , art quilting , classes , edge finishes and bindings , home dec , janome , sewing hints , teaching , techniques , tools of the trade , videos by sarah (Comments)

Perfect Pattern Weights free pattern! from Art and Quilting in Camden

These just-perfect sized pattern weights, 3″ on a side, are not only just the thing for YOUR sewing room, but they make quick and easy gifts for anyone you know who sews!

PerfectPatternWeights by SarahAnnSmith.com — Can you tell how much FUN I had? Lookit the doggie as a Halloween Ghost (top row) and the goofy Space Alien (center right) and those fantastic Garden Pindots (middle and lower rows)! See free PDF for pattern and Michael Miller Fabrics fabric details.

Early in my year as a Michael Miller Fabrics Brand Ambassador for 2020, I decided to use some Marbles (MMF Basic collection) for a ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #learnwithsarah , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador2020 , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , @sarahannsmithq , crafty , fabric , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , michael miller fabrics , patterns , sewing hints , tools of the trade (Comments)

Winding Ways: quilt and done! from Art and Quilting in Camden

Good tools (AccuQuiltGO!), good fabric (Michael Miller Fabrics), good thread (Aurifil), good machine (Janome Continental M7), and some experience, and you can do a lot! This return to my quilty roots just makes me happy!

Over the course of the year I’ve shared progress on this quilt:

First, there was learning to use the AccuQuiltGO! which I blogged about here. It was a different block, but the easy applies.
Then there is the PIECING of CURVES: see the blogpost here or go directly to the video on my YouTube Channel here.
Now there is the quilting video (that covers ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 3 months ago. under #accuquiltgo! , #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #cottoncouture , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #peekintobatiks , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @aurifil , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , @michaelmillerfabrics , accuquiltgo! , edge finishes and bindings , fabric , favorite products , fresh quilting , janome , machine quilting , michael miller fabrics , modern , modern quilting , pandemic-at-home , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , thread , tools of the trade , traditional quilting , videos by sarah (Comments)

Piecing Curves…it is possible even for me from Art and Quilting in Camden

Whoo-eeeee! Lookit those perfect seams… this was my second block, and I think it looks pretty durn good for someone who doesn’t really piece a lot! There are a few MINOR things I can fuss at (like the seam allowance on the center top spike is a skosh wide and the upper left corner edge isn’t perfect, but still! Fabrics are batiks and Bright White Cotton Couture from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Precision piecing has never been my strong suit, but I am — like Michaelangelo at age 80 — still learning. One of the things I’ve learned is that ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 4 months ago. under #byanniepatterns , @kimberlyeinmo , color , fabric , favorite products , fresh quilting , in progress quilts , janome , michael miller fabrics , modern , modern quilting , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , traditional quilting , videos by sarah (Comments)

Screen Printed Garments! from Art and Quilting in Camden

My new Queen Anne’s Lace top. I screen printed my custom designs onto Cotton Couture solids (courtesy of Michael Miller Fabrics), this color is “Luna.”

In the summer of 2020 I saw **Print Pattern Sew** by Jen Hewitt somewhere online and ordered it immediately. It’s FAB! is available many places including Amazon . DO check out Jen’s site, here. Of course it took until April to start playing and until now to post. For the workshop and this post I wanted to use a pattern currently available that is similar to two vintage (circa mid 1980s) patterns that ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 5 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #cottoncouture , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #jenhewett , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #prochemicalanddye , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , #screenprinting , #surfacedesign , @janomeamerica , @jenhewett , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , art quilting , favorite products , fiber on a whim , garments , janome , michael miller fabrics , paint , sewing hints , surface design , techniques , thermofax (Comments)

Peek Into Batiks–June Block! from Art and Quilting in Camden

Earlier in the year I shared that Michael Miller Fabrics is doing a Block of the Month called Peek Into Batiks. It all began here. That post has links to each month as the new block goes live. Well, June is my turn! I’ve got still photos and (gasp) a video! And, drum roll here is the link to the JUNE Pattern and instructions.

Here’s the finished block! Read on for step by step instructions.

First, of course, you need to cut your fabrics. I used a hybrid method using the AccuQuiltGo! for everything except the large black ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 6 months ago. under #accuquiltgo! , #artistauthorquilterteacher , #cottoncouture , #janome , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #janomem7continental , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #peekintobatiks , #sarahannsmith , @michaelmillerfabrics , accuquiltgo! , classes , fabric , favorite products , michael miller fabrics , sewing hints , teaching , videos by sarah (Comments)

Found in Paradise: a clam! from Art and Quilting in Camden

OK, that’s a bit punny…. I’ve used some of the fun Michael Miller Fabrics Lost in Paradise fabric to make a byAnnie.com pattern called Clam Up. Before COVID hit, I was thinking about my travel teaching, and I made the Running With Scissors tote and blogged about it, here. I wanted a companion bag for bulky stuff I needs to schlep with me. Both of these bags are good for use in your sewing space, retreats or a whole bunch of other things!

The Clam Up bag pattern allows you to select various sizes. I chose a ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 6 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #gardenpindot , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @janomeamerica , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , crafty , fabric , favorite products , machine quilting , michael miller fabrics , patterns , sewing hints (Comments)

Dress Form: Unvarnished Truth and a Game Changer from Art and Quilting in Camden

Two years ago I made my DIL Ashley a linen jacket for job interviews. It was a revelation! Working on another body (not mine) was SO EASY–I could see what needed fitting, figure out how to make changes, assess fit and lines. So I vowed to get a dress form. KaCHING! What I wanted was over $400! Nope. So I cast about for something less expensive. A local quilty friend had a friend with one to sell…done for $75. And it still mostly adjusted and wasn’t musty!

For your listening pleasure (you’ll need to read to ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 7 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #dressform , #garmentmaking , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #madeinmay , #maine , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @janomeamerica , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , creativity , favorite products , garments , sewing hints , studio pics , techniques (Comments)

The Janome HP foot and throat plate, or…The not-so-little things from Art and Quilting in Camden

Sometimes it is the little things, that turn out to be not-so-little, that make the difference in life. In my life, watching the bubbles form and the water boil gives me joy…what can I say, I live a rural life LOL! Another one is tools that make my sewing life easier like the Janome M7’s HP Presser Foot and throat plate, which are available on select other Janome models. It also turns out, you can teach someone who has been sewing for about 57 years new tricks!

Yes, I like to watch water boil! No, I am not ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 7 months ago. under be happy! , favorite products , janome , machine quilting , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , videos by sarah (Comments)

What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would ...

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...