1. Before making a casing for elastic, I make a buttonhole the width of the elastic (or slightly smaller if desired) about 1" from the side seam, toward the back. I then sew completely around the bottom of the casing, without leaving an opening on the bottom or in a seam for inserting the elastic. After the casing is completed, I insert the elastic through the buttonhole, including an inch or two extra for adjustments. When I send the garment to the intended grandchild, size adjustments can be easily made by pulling the elastic out through the finished opening. The elastic slips back in neatly when the adjustment is complete, and no sewing is needed to close the opening..
2. When cutting out interfacing for various projects, I always end up with small little scraps. Sometimes these scraps are long and very narrow. I use these scraps to fuse along the pin line of my patterns to prolong their use. These little scraps give my favorite pattern stability and longer life, and I use every tiny bit of interfacing..
3. To shorten a zipper, simply sew a flat "eye" from a hook and eye across the teeth for a new stop. Then cut off the excess length..
4. If you are an owner of a four or five thread serger, you find it is expensive to purchase many cones to thread it. My solution is bobbins-to accomodate the needle threads. The needle threads don't require as much thread as the loopers, so a bobbin is usually adequate for most projects. It's a great money-saver. I wind the bobbins on my sewing machine by laying the cone on its side in the well at the back of the machine (or use a cone thread stand).
5. To keep my yarns or floss in graded shades, I use the plastic rings that keep six-packs of pop together. It is an easy and inexpensive tool..
6. When you need a template for quilting or an applique' design, I make one from the thick plastic sheet that comes under bacon. One side of the plastic is rough. Place that side next to the fabric to prevent fabric slippage.
7. I have found the plastic clips which are used to display blouses and shirts in department stores are excellent for holding layers of leather, vinyl, or similar materials together when pinholes are undesirable in the finished project..
8. Here's my tip for recycling zippers. Use spray starch on a used zipper to make it easier to reapply to your new garment. Let it dry thoroughly, and it's ready to reuse..
9. Here is a quick fix to prevent those nasty rings from iced drinks on your table tops. Cut off the ribbing cuff of an old pair of socks, preferable ones with the elastic in it. Hem or serge the raw edge. Presto! You have a slide-on "sweater" for your glass tumblers which will keep them from sweating on your tables..
10. I always find that the gloves or mittens for my grand-children are too short. I recycle old knee socks by cutting off the foot and then sewing the top part to the mitten. No more cold wrists or lost mittens..
11. When using the Stitch 'n Stretch elastic, I use the spandex cords which are cut off after the elastic is drawn up for gathering cuffs and sleeves.
12. I find using embroidery floss is nice and strong for sewing buttons on garments that will get a lot of wear and tear..
13. For fresh smelling sachets, stuffed animals, or other crafts, use fabric softener sheets as a lining or interlining.
14. The tops of shower curtain liners often tear before the curtain wears out. I have found that by sewing a strip of twill tape across the top (above the ring holes) the curtain lasts a lot longer!
15. When I have a favorite pattern that I may use several times, I strengthen it by fusing wax paper to the back of the pattern pieces.
16. I use Button-Up Elastic on the corners of fitted sheets that won't stay on the mattress. Stitch a button about seven inches on one side of the corner, and sew the buttonhole elastic approx. seven inches on the other side of the corner. Then tighten the elastic to desired snugness and button..
17. My grand-children have not been too fond of patches until I thought of using pockets for patches. I save the pockets from old jeans and jean jackets and when I need a patch, I take a pocket and serge around the edges with fusible thread on the lower looper, then with fusible webbing the size of the pocket, I double fuse the pocket into place..
18. When the pattern says "turn and press up 5/8", I did not always get a straight line. So I cut strips out of cardboard in different widths. Now all I have to do is fold the fabric over the correct width cardboard and press..
19. Instead of using tissue paper to stuff your pouf valance, use clear ziplock bags and fill them with the amount of air desired. Or recycle the grocery store bags and stuff your valance..
20. Clean out an empty nail polish bottle and applicator brush with nail polish remover and refill the bottle with Fray Check. You can brush on just the right amount of Fray Check..
21. Storing a large cutting mat can be a problem. I solved the problem by hanging the mat in the closet with a skirt hanger..
22. I have a way to use leftover fabrics from worn flannel-backed tablecloths. The center of the tablecloths is nearly always worn, but the pieces that hang over the table edges are almost like new. I take a bib pattern and cut out many bibs. Having flannel on the back is great because food or drink will not go through to the childs clothes..
23. When the twins were born (grand-children) I wanted a nice big soft baby blanket for them and could not find what I was looking for. I purchased a full sized blanket and cut it into four pieces. Then I bound the edges using a baby fabric print that I cut on the bias. Then I had four gifts instead of one..
24. Last Thanksgiving I wanted to make a table runner, I decided I wanted one for Christmas also. To save time, I backed it with a Christmas print. Sort of a "2 for 1" sewing job!!
25. Instead of having to sew an opening in a pillow or similar area closed by hand, I press a piece of fusible web as wide as the seam allowance and as long as the opening onto the right side of the seam allowance in the area of the opening. Then I invert the project, peel off the paper, and fuse the seams together. This leaves a nice clean finish which is quick and not noticeable..
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