Fabric Finds: In The Beginning

This beautiful print by Keri Beyer is on sale along with many other In The Beginning quilting fabrics.  Wouldn't this look fabulous on a wallet or even place mats?  This one is just $2.49 for 1/2 a yard!  These fabric deals are available HERE.

Sewing Tip - How to start a Seam

When starting a new seam on a sewing machine, the tread and needle can jam and drag your fabric down into the shaft of the needle plate.  Thus making you stop, fix the fabric, and start all over again.  This can cause frustration and a couple of colorful comments to spew from your lips.  There is a super simple way to avoid this problem!

 1.  Make your first needle puncture about 1/2" in from the back edge of your fabric, instead of the very beginning of the seam.

2.  While holding the thread tails, sew forward for a couple of stitches.  Then backstitch all the way to the back edge of the fabric.

 3.  Now sew forward again and continue sewing your garment!

How to Make Cafe Curtains in 2 hours

I've been wanting to make curtains for my kitchen nook for awhile now.  The problem is that I need curtains that provide privacy but also let in as much light as possible.  I love the idea of a french bistro cafe curtain, but was worried it would look too country instead of modern contemporary.  I found this look and was instantly smitten!

Here's my interpretation as I wanted the curtain to be recessed in the window as apposed to the rod on the outside of the frame.

I also left my blinds up at the top so I can pull the shades down at night.  These took me only 2 hours to complete and hang as I used a spring tension rod.

 (Uh, btw: taking photos from the inside of the house facing out into the sunny day is extremely challenging.  My camera kept darkening the pics!)





HOW TO MAKE CAFE CURTAINS:

SUPPLIES:

1. Suggested Fabric: sheers, light weight cotton, bleached muslin
2. Spring Tension Curtain Rod
3. Cafe Rings
4. Thread 

Wash your fabric before cutting to pre-shrink.


TOOLS:

1. Sewing Machine
2. Seam gauge or ruler
3. Yard stick
4. Iron

DETERMINING HOW MUCH FABRIC YOU NEED:

Length:
Measure your window's length and decide how long you would like your curtain.  Usually, cafe curtains are positioned at the middle length of the window, but it is not set in stone.  Add 2" for the top seam and 4" for the bottom seam.

Width:
To find the width needed,  measure your window's length and mutiply by 1.5.  You can also add 4" allowance for the side seams (1" on each end), but I did not as, I didn't want them too voluminous. 


CUTTING AND MARKING FABRIC:

 ONE PANEL

Length: Cut your fabric according to your measurements.  Finished length + 2" + 4".

Width: Cut fabric according to window width mutliplied by 1.5.  Optional: add 4" for side seams.  Cut fabric in half lengthwise into two pieces to make a set of cafe curtains for one window.

You should have 2 pieces of fabric similar to the diagram.




DIRECTIONS:

1. Use a seam gauge or ruler and fold down sides 1/2".  Press with iron.  Repeat with other side and second curtain.

2.  Fold down again 1/2" to hide raw edge. Press with iron.  Repeat. 

3.  Stitch close to folded edge.  Repeat. 

4.  Measure and fold Bottom edge 2", press.   Fold again 2", press, stitch.

Repeat with Top edge with a 1" allowance instead.

5.  Stitch closed the opening on sides for tops and bottoms.

6.  Give curtains a final press and clamp curtain clips in evenly spaced intervals.  Hang your new curtains and admire your awesomeness!







Now that I have the curtains, on to the next project!  I would love to complete the nook with this look. Wouldn't my new cafe curtains fit perfectly here, lol :)

Work in Progress-Mod Bag

Here is the next project I have been working on between school and work.  It's a very unique whimsical bag that would be great for the summer.  I hope to have the pattern done by next weekend.

Sewing Tools: C-Thur Ruler

The C-Thur Ruler is a handy tool to have for sewing.  It's transparency is great for checking seams or making modifications, enabling you to see exactly where your line is.  For super accurate seams, you can line up the raw edge with the ruler and mark your seam with tailor's chalk before sewing.  These rulers are available at Amazon for less than $5 or at your local pattern supply shop.

New Pattern: Amanda Bag

The Amanda Bag sewing pattern is finally available for purchase at Pacific Designs Shop.  With classes, work, and life it was challenging to find time.  I love this bag so much!   I'm sending it to my cousin as a baby bag which will be very difficult because I want it for me instead!

Fabric Grain Lines

Determining where the fabric grain lines are very important.  Where you place your pattern templates on the fabric greatly affects your finished piece.  Here's a quick over view that will clarify what the grain lines are all about.