Jean's hem

The jeans purchased at the store have that distinctive worn hem finished, so a lot of people are hesitant to hem jeans with just the regular technique of folding up the allowance.

Before you start, just make sure that you are removing enough to add an extra 5/8'' allowance to the original hem.

Here is a way to hem jeans without losing the original look.

After you mark the new length you want, cut right on that line. (*Make sure to keep each respective piece cut off with the right leg. Also, measure that the width of the hem is the same as the new hem line, or you'll have to take in the difference from the old hem.)

Simply measure an additional 5/8'' from where the original turn up is, and that will be the seam allowance to be sewn to the new length. Make sure to match up the inner and outer seam lines.

Sew all the way around with matching thread to the jean color.

Serge the edge of the allowance, and iron it upward. Use a hammer to flatten the inner and outer seams. Then top stitch the seam in place 1/8'' above the horizontal seam line.

The end result.

Fair

I didn't get time to make the blog I was planning to do yesterday, because I have been working on some outfits to show at a small business fair with one of my friends. Here is a peek at some of the things that I have been working on the past week.

Table cover

This is a great project for beginners or those who just don't have much time. This is my son's table, and the top is unfinished wood. Before he has a chance to mark up the wood, I want to make a table cover for it.

This project takes less than an hour, requires few materials, and little sewing.

The materials I used were: The vinyl material for the table cover, 1/4" wide elastic (1/2 a yard is plenty), thread, quilter's grid, tape measure, and a sharpie.

So here it goes...

Here is the table I am working with. I got a yard of fabric which was more than enough. Actually, I will use the remaining fabric in an upcoming blog to make place mats.

If the table is small enough, like this one, you can just lay it ontop of the wrong side of the fabric you are working with. I used a sharpie to outline the table since I am working with a vinyl type of material, and the ink won't bleed through. However, if you are working with another type of porous fabric, you might have to use a pencil instead.

So, trace around the table...

Next you'll have to measure the depth of the table. Add this measurement plus 1 1/2" to the outlined table. Simply cut the outer line, and you are almost ready to sew.

(*Be sure to wipe down the outer edge of which ever ruler you use so you don't carry the ink to your next project.)

(Not pictured): You will only be sewing the elastic around the rounded corners and not the straight edge. So simply make a mark on the straight edge about 2 inches before you get to either side of the rounded edge for each corner. I also made three tucks around the corner (about 3/4" each) to help shape the corners better. Cut four peices of elastic about three inches long each and line the ends up with each corner marks. Strech quite a bit as you sew since it will need to contour around the corners.

Here is a picture of the finished table. It had a nice snug fit so my son is not tempted to take it off.

My Room

This is a look into my sewing room. Even though I started out in the corner of a room and expanded to a full room dedicated to sewing, it seems like I have even outgrown it already. I'm sure everyone could use more space when sewing (especially when there is more than one project being tackled).

This is basically the main work space I use for cutting, laying out fabrics, and pinning. This table was made by my dad. He made it to where it is bolted into the wall, and can fold down in half if I am needing space for a fitting (or whatever else). I also stacked my serger here. I usually serge a few seams at a time, so I don't mind standing when I am using it. I also love that my dad put in an shelf to store a few items that I use regularly (iron, chalk, etc.).





The closet is where I store some of my fabrics and projects I haven't yet started or have already completed. The cork board is nice to remind me of deadlines I have coming up.
This sewing machine is my worst enemy. I usually use it for making piping or button holes. Other than that I try not to use it. So, I'll stop there on this picture.







The other sewing space. This is the machine I use most. It only preforms the basics, but that is what works for me. The sewing table is nice, because it folds down for when someone needs full view of the mirror.
However, one of my favorite things is the peg board. What better way to maximize space, yet have everything readily available. The large cutting table also has a peg board on the wall behind (which wasn't pictured). I usually store my rulers, scissors and other common things.


Well, this is my sewing space. Hope you got some ideas.

Welcome

Well, I finally decided to dedicate myself to blogging about sewing. I hope to give some new ideas or helpful tips to people who love sewing, or those just looking for a quick project. I will accept questions if there are any who shoot me an email. I will try to dedicate a blog to explaining any how-to's to answer. Thanks, and stay tuned..