• Sewing Tips & Tutorials

  • Skin-toned Fabrics

    I mostly source my skin-toned solids from the Kona Cottons (solids) collection. 'Tilda' also has some lovely skin toned solids.

    Kona colours include Peach, Ice Peach, Bellini (flesh), LT Parfait, Shell, Eggshell, Caramel, Earth, Honey, Leather, Suede, Latte, Raffia, Straw, Tan, Sable, Mocha, Coffee and Brown.

  • Quilting

    I usually outsource my quilting to someone who is much better at it than I am.

    Julie does all of my quilting, using her longarm quilting machine. I prefer simple, edge-to-edge quilting using soft, swirling patterns.

    Email Julie 

  • Sewmadic Wool Pressing Mats

    I love my Sewmadic wool pressing mats, especially their portability. I also use them under my sewing machine to deaden the noise it makes. My family doesn’t complain as much about sewing machine noise as they used to!

    If you don't like the smell of warm wool like me, pop them in an old pillowcase, then voila no more wool smell.

  • Thrifty Tip!

    We all need to be thrifty sometimes and this is a great way to save money on backing fabric.

    Search run-out sales and thrift stores for colourful, solid or print, sheets and doona (duvet) covers.

    You can pick up near new bed linen for very little at thrift stores. Make sure they are in good condition and are 100% (or near 100%) cotton. Trim the hems and seams, and you have a large piece of cotton that is perfect for backing.

Finger-pressing Seams

I thoroughly recommend finger-pressing your seams before you press them with your iron.

When you use your fingers to press a seam, you can get right to the edges, completely opening the seam. The heat doesn't distort the fabric, and you don't burn your fingers on the tip of the iron.

Once you've finger-pressed the seam, you can press it with your iron for a sharper finish (if you prefer).