Vogue Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques

Vogue Butterick Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Techniques is the bible of sewing!

No longer do you need multiple sewing technique books, this book covers it all with over 370 pages of in-depth sewing knowledge!  There are entire chapters dedicated pockets, cuffs, pleats, ruffles, lining, hems, hooks, sleeves, snaps, zippers, tucks....if you have a sewing question this book has the answer!

One of the reasons why I really love this book is that I am always changing a pattern to make it my own.  If I have a question on how to add a zipper or cuffs (even when a pattern doesn't call for it) I can find the answer easily, in this book.

For instance, my daughter needed a black skirt for a chorus concert.  I had a summery ruffled skirt pattern, in her size.

Instead of using a summer cotton blend I used a light-weight stretchy denim, eliminated the ruffles, opted for a more layered look, and added a sheer sparkly fabric over the denim.   The Vogue Butterick book was a great resource to help me make the changes.

 

A beginner sewer or novice this book has something for everyone.



Disclosure: I was given this book free to review.  The opinions in this post are my honest thoughts.

Hand-Stitched Small Fabric Flowers

Learn how to make these hand-stitched small fabric flowers using double wide bias tape.

I designed this tutorial a couple of days.  I have had really bad back pain and have been limited on how long I can be stand.   While sitting on the couch the other day, I started experimenting making these little flowers.   I am really happy with the results and so thankful for crafting!  Projects like these little fabric flowers have kept me from going stir crazy!  And, almost made me forget how bad my back hurts! 

Materials Needed:
12" of Double Wide Bias Tape
Thread
Sewing Needle
White Beads
Ruler
Dritz Fray Check

Instructions:
1. Begin by gathering double wide bias tape - choose colors that you would like for flowers.  You will only need 12" to make this small flower. 

2. Once you decide on the colors cut 12" of bias tape to make your first flower.  Seal the end with Dritz Fray Check.

3. Position the bias tape so that the opening is on the bottom.  Fold down the top to form a triangle.

4. Using matching thread knot the front tip of the triangle.

5. Fold down the other side.  Keep the material close together but not overlapping.

6. Fold the left triangle in.

7. Knot the ends together.

8. To make your next petal fold the bottom to form a triangle.

9. Fold the triangle up.

10. Fold down the other side.  Keep the material close together but not overlapping.

11. Fold the left triangle in and knot them together.

12. Continue making petals - make a total of 9 petals.

13. Trim away excess bias tape, you will have about an inch leftover.  Use fray check to keep it from fraying.  Stitch the beginning petal and then ending petal together on the underneath of the flower.

14. Stitch the opening of the flower closed.  Use a running stitch to pull it tightly closed.

15. Use a bead to cover your stitches.

16. Leave the petals tightly closed or "do what I did" push on the points to open them up.

17. Make several small fabric flowers following these instructions.  Use for hair bow centers, add a collection of flowers to a barrette or headband, or sew them onto clothing.

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How to Make a Fur Teddy Bear

I have not had a lot of experience working with craft fur until recently.  Working with craft fur can be challenging and there are definite tips I have learned along the way.  I began researching craft fur before I wrote a review for Crafts Unleashed of their craft fur products.  I learned tips for cutting the fur, finding the nap of the fur, and sewing with the fur.  My review along with tips for working with craft fur can be found here.

I also designed for Crafts Unleashed a very simple tutorial for making a teen fur messenger bag.  Every since I started working with the craft fur I have been hooked!  My daughter requested that I make her a soft fur teddy bear and I was happy to oblige. 

I used a very simple small teddy bear pattern.

I traced the pattern pieces on the back of the fur with chalk.  I was very carefully how I placed the pattern pieces.  Remember you have to find the nap of the craft fur and cut accordingly.  Your bear will look very funny if one side of his face has hair facing downwards while the other side of his face has hair facing upwards. 

When cutting the patterned pieces out you need very sharp pointed scissors.  Try to cut just the backing of the craft fur not the actual fur.  Point your scissors in an upward direction and slowing cut along the back.

Cut all the pattern pieces out.

Sewing the craft fur together is a little difficult.  Line the edges up and as you sew slowly push the fur inside to keep it from getting caught up in the stitching.  I used a little crochet hook to push the fur in as I sewed.  ~ Seemed the safest way! 

Once the pattern pieces are sewed together, turn right side out.  The backing of the fur is very stiff and I used my flat end of my crochet hook to help turn the pieces right side out.  I used stuffing to form the bears body and head.

Lastly, I hand-stitched the bear's head to its body.  I then combed the fur with a little soft baby brush.

My first fur bear is complete.  My daughter loves him so I guess that is all that matters.  I am not quite sure what I think of him.  However, I am confident as I continue to use craft fur and design more complex projects the results will get better and better.

Baby Bath Washcloths Recycled into a Keepsake Bunny

Over at Crafttestdummies, the new craft book by Home Made Simple, is being reviewed.  I loved the review and now plan on purchasing the book (unless I win the giveaway)  Yup, that is right folks it is a review with a giveaway!  Awesome!

The review is absolutely worth checking out.  I didn't realize until after I read the review that the book is also full of organizing tips, BONUS!  Love organizing tips and storage ideas!

To enter the giveaway Jenny, from Crafttestdummies asks that you share your favorite handmade creation on her blog post.

Jenny's request really got me thinking about my favorite handmade creation!  My favorite handmade craft is a bunny that I sewed from my daughter's baby washcloths.  The washcloths were so soft I didn't want to throw them out but my children had grown big enough that the baby ones were not really needed.  I used the assorted soft washcloths to sew an extra soft keepsake bunny.

 
I made the bunny for my daughter several years ago but she stills sleeps with it every night.  The bunny has helped her sleep well at sleepovers and overnight Girl Scout camp!

As a designer and a crafter, I cherish the crafts that have sentimental meaning and are extra special to my children and family members.