Sew Essential! Tips, Tricks and Notions #1: Fold like a Pro {+ a giveaway!}

Jul 12, 2013 | 92 comments

Some of you on Facebook got a sneak preview of today’s post, but for the rest of you… (Cue drum roll and trumpets!) It’s Thread Riding Hood’s One Year Blogiversary today! I think that is cause for celebration and a BIG thank you to all of my followers! I was going to do a “year in review” and “thank you” post – but I covered off most of my (sentimental) thoughts in this post – Dear Wonderful Reader {that’s you} – I’d love it if you would read it, I mean every word. I can’t say enough how thankful I am for all of you that journey along with me as I am on this sewing adventure!

To start off the fun, I am giving away a fat quarter bundle that I picked up from Fabric Spot and am excited to pack it up with a little surprise so I can ship it to one lucky reader. (Entry details for the giveaway are at the end of this post. UPDATE: The giveaway is now over.)

I would love to give the fabric to each of you, but since I can’t, I am going to give you the only thing I can – more posts! Today is the beginning of a two week series filled with 14 things that I love to use when I sew. I’ll be posting a new Tip, Trick or Notion every day until the end of the giveaway. I sincerely hope you find them useful.

All that done… on with the show!

I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and when I see instructions to fold the edge of your fabric 1/4″ and then 1/4″ again to hem I go a bit crazy! I used to get out my sewing gauge and inch my iron along the fabric edge until the fold was perfect. Then I discovered the Scientific Seamstress! Carla thinks like me – and she has provided all of us with a really easy way to iron a perfectly measured fold. Head on over to her website and download her free Printable Folding Templates.

She has included a straight folding template and a curved folding template – for those pesky curves on dresses that we all hate hemming! The templates are included in a handy downloadable e-booklet that includes both templates + the instructions on how to use them. Now you can be so much more precise! Happy folding!

I LOVE Tula Pink’s fabric designs, and you’re supposed to gift what you would want to receive, so… here’s your chance to win some of my favorite fabric! I’m giving away one fat quarter bundle of The Birds and the Bees in the Sunset Colourway. This giveaway will run during the Sew Essential Series – from Friday July 12th (today!) to Thursday, July 25th at 10 pm. The winner will be posted on the Sew Essential Round-Up post. The giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide. UPDATE: The giveaway is now over.

Photo Credit: Fabric Spot

Here’s how to win: (Make sure to leave one comment per entry on this post so we can count them all properly.)

Leave a comment on this post. Let me know what you would be interested in seeing on Thread Riding Hood in the coming year.
Optional Extra Entries: If you would like more chances to win, you can have one giveaway entry for each of the following: (1) Like Thread Riding Hood on Facebook and/or (2) Follow on Twitter and/or (3) Follow on Bloglovin’. Leave a comment on this post for each extra entry to say that you did.
Free Entries: If you already like Thread Riding Hood on Facebook or follow on Twitter or Bloglovin’ you get one free entry for each! Please leave a comment for each way you follow to let me know.

Again, thanks for reading, without you, there would be no reason to blog. And, an extra big thanks to those who comment, here and on Facebook – You know who you are, I so appreciate the conversation! I’m super-excited to see what this next year will bring. See you tomorrow for Sew Essential #2!

Disclaimer: I am not being paid by Fabric Spot, I just really like her store!

92 Comments

Carmen on July 12, 2013 at 6:28 am

Found your site a few days ago, already am following you on bloglovin’
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 9:31 am
  
  Thanks for the follow!
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Janice Whitby on July 12, 2013 at 10:44 am

The Straight Folding Template is the BEST idea ever! I hem and sew clothes ( and craft too much!) and this is very handy!
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 10:50 am
  
  Janice, I LOVE the templates too! So glad Scientific Seamstress thought of them. Perfect for hemming.
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Bethany Martini on July 12, 2013 at 12:02 pm

Thank you for this wonderful giveaway! Those templates seem very handy, thank you for sharing. I would keep up what you have been doing for next year, tutorials are always great and tips and tricks are helpful!
Also, I followed you on twitter and liked you on facebook.
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 2:23 pm
  
  So glad you enjoy what you are seeing already – that makes my day! Thanks for the follow/like.
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Susan Nicol on July 12, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I enjoy the little tips and tricks – such as the zipper pull changes. All these types of ideas are great inspiration for projects.
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Susan Nicol on July 12, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I “like” your facebook page.
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Susan Nicol on July 12, 2013 at 12:10 pm

I follow your twitter feed.
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Susan Nicol on July 12, 2013 at 12:14 pm

I have not done the bloglovin’ thing yet. I do subscribe to the RSS feed. I am afraid of adding the bloglovin’ rabbithole to all the other rabbitholes… But it is probably inevitable…..
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 2:26 pm
  
  Thanks so much for the follows and likes! RSS feed counts too! You are right 🙂 It is not possible to subscribe to everything! Hope you enjoy this series – lots of tips and tricks for you!
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Cathy on July 12, 2013 at 12:39 pm

Love all your ideas and articles. I have shared this on FB
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 2:29 pm
  
  Thanks Cathy! And especially thank you for sharing!
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jonquil on July 12, 2013 at 12:51 pm

I follow you on Bloglovin. (although I haven’t figured out if my name on Bloglovin is Jonquil Alexia or Petoskystone 😉
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jonquil on July 12, 2013 at 12:51 pm

I follow you on Fb.
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jonquil on July 12, 2013 at 1:03 pm

I have 3 grandchildren. A tall 5yrold boy who adores neckties, but I have problems finding patterns in his size. Two granddaughters: the eldest is 7 with long legs & very slender while the youngest is tall by ‘husky’. Myself, my arms are long, shoulders considered broad, my hips are *always* a size larger than my waist, & I have a slope like Bob Hope’s nose on my butt. So *I* can always use tips & tutes on altering patterns 😉
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 2:31 pm
  
  Long list! 🙂 Great idea, I will be keeping that on my list for the next year. Thanks for the like and the follow.
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Laura on July 12, 2013 at 2:24 pm

Needless to say, I’m a fan and I fell in love with sewing all over again because of you! I love all your posts especially tutorials 🙂
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 2:32 pm
  
  Hey Laura! I love providing tutorials – that is not a problem! 🙂
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Laura on July 12, 2013 at 2:24 pm

Oh and I already follow you on Facebook 🙂
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Annette Z on July 12, 2013 at 2:39 pm

Just found your site when I was looking for zipper pull ideas. I’ve been wanting to start my own blog for about a year now and haven’t taken the leap. You give me inspiration! Congrats on your anniversary!
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 10:38 pm
  
  Thanks Annette! Starting a blog is an amazing idea, I LOVE doing this – from the sewing to the photography to the copy writing… it is so much fun! Be inspired, go for it! Let me know if you do, I’d love to see it.
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Annette Z on July 12, 2013 at 2:48 pm

Started following you on bloglovin’ too!
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Tara on July 12, 2013 at 8:02 pm

You rock with all your creative handy sewing ways! I love it all…I love creative gift ideas that are easy/fast to do en bulk…any thought for that wold be awesome!
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- sherri on July 12, 2013 at 10:47 pm
  
  Hi Tara! Both comments count as entries into the contest! No worries 🙂 Thanks for following on Facebook, that’s where I post most information, other than the blog!
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Tara on July 12, 2013 at 8:07 pm

I loved you on Facebook…but can’t keep track of the other stuff…sorry…does loving you on Facebook get two votes?
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Pam on July 13, 2013 at 1:21 am

Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I love Tula Pink too. I would love to see some tutorials for quick-to-make gifts.
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Pam on July 13, 2013 at 1:27 am

I already like you on Facebook! Congratulations on your Blogaversary!
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Pam on July 13, 2013 at 1:28 am

I follow you on Twitter 🙂
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Pam on July 13, 2013 at 1:29 am

And I subscribe to your blog via Bloglovin. (Can you tell that I really like your blog?)
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- sherri on July 13, 2013 at 1:13 pm
  
  Pam! Thank you so much, you have made my day! I’m so glad you like the blog. I will put the quick gifts on the list for sure – what a great idea!
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Jennifer on July 13, 2013 at 8:10 am

I’ve been following TRH almost from the very begining so I wouldn’t want to steer you away from what you are already doing so well. I’ve enjoyed the tutorials, the Canadian online fabric shop features and the tips and tricks. Still considered a novice sewer – I am really looking forward to the rest of the Sew Essential series. Keep up the great work and Happy Blogiversary!
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- sherri on July 13, 2013 at 1:11 pm
  
  Hmmm… for a novice sewer your stuff looks pretty amazing! 🙂 You might have to bump that up to at least an intermediate! Glad you enjoy everything. Thanks for all of the follows and likes!
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Jennifer on July 13, 2013 at 8:12 am

Already following you on Facebook
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Jennifer on July 13, 2013 at 8:13 am

Also following on Twitter
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Jennifer on July 13, 2013 at 8:14 am

And yes, I am following you on Bloglovin too 🙂
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Jane on July 13, 2013 at 12:19 pm

Love those fabrics! And love to see some more technical tips
Thanks x
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- sherri on July 13, 2013 at 1:10 pm
  
  Thanks for the idea Jane. Glad you like the Tula Pink – she’s amazing!
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Tammie on July 14, 2013 at 9:55 am

I like kids sewing and knits. That’s how I found your shorts pattern tutorial.
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- sherri on July 14, 2013 at 11:41 am
  
  Great! I’m glad – I have two kids that I love to post tutorials for 🙂 If you make the shorts it would be fun to see them!
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Jennifer on July 14, 2013 at 6:03 pm

I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago, follow you on Bloglovin!
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- sherri on July 15, 2013 at 10:55 am
  
  Thanks for the follow Jennifer! Glad you like what’s going on – There will be more women/kid tutorials coming up for sure!
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Jennifer on July 14, 2013 at 6:03 pm

I love your tutorials for easy sewing for women and kids 🙂
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hueisei on July 14, 2013 at 9:04 pm

I like girls sewing like clothing
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- sherri on July 15, 2013 at 10:54 am
  
  Hi Hueisei! I’m glad you like sewing for girls – that works well for me! 🙂 Thanks for the likes and follows.
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hueisei on July 14, 2013 at 9:04 pm

I liked your page on FB
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hueisei on July 14, 2013 at 9:05 pm

I follow via twitter
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hueisei on July 14, 2013 at 9:05 pm

I follow you on bloglovin
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Mirjam on July 15, 2013 at 4:11 pm

I found your blog some weeks ago and started folowing it, via RSS. I like your clear writing style and especially the articles about sewing for kids, sewing for (wo)men and your tips & tricks. I’m looking forward to the next sewing essential articles.
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- sherri on July 15, 2013 at 5:19 pm
  
  Thanks so much for the kind words Mirjam! I’m glad you are enjoying the current topics. Thanks for following!
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Rachel on July 16, 2013 at 5:48 pm

All the little “secrets” you are sharing are great so far! I’m sure the rest will be just as great. The folding guide is definitely going to come in handy. Thanks for the giveaway, it is a beautiful bundle!
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- sherri on July 16, 2013 at 6:48 pm
  
  Hooray, I’m glad you like them Rachel! Lots more to come 🙂
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Rachel on July 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm

And I “like” you on FB.
Keep up the great work:)
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Leanne on July 16, 2013 at 9:23 pm

Already following you on Bloglovin!
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- sherri on July 17, 2013 at 12:04 am
  
  Thanks Leanne! 🙂
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Leanne on July 16, 2013 at 9:24 pm

I like you on Facebook:)
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Leanne on July 16, 2013 at 9:28 pm

I love the variety on your blog!!
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mom on July 17, 2013 at 9:36 am

Can’t remember if I entered one here, but I do love those fabrics! Really sweet! I love seeing the things you come up with! …and receiving them!
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mom on July 17, 2013 at 9:38 am

I follow you on Bloglovin. I love tips that make sewing easier! I love new gift ideas for giving students here who are getting married – simple things like your refrigerator towel one.
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mom on July 17, 2013 at 9:39 am

I follow you on Twitter = and facebook! So…all said, I really follow you! Love reading your very readable stuff and making use of your ideas.
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- sherri on July 17, 2013 at 4:23 pm
  
  YAY! Thanks Mom!
  Reply
Faye Nettles on July 20, 2013 at 9:56 am

I love seeing new sewing notions that really work and make sewing easier.
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- sherri on July 20, 2013 at 12:52 pm
  
  Great! I’m glad you are here for this series! Thanks for following along.
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Faye Nettles on July 20, 2013 at 9:57 am

I follow Thread Riding hood on FB
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Faye Nettles on July 20, 2013 at 9:58 am

I also follow on Blog lovin.
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Tricia Shaver on July 20, 2013 at 8:07 pm

I follow you on Bloglovin, thank you for all of the wonderful tips!
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- sherri on July 20, 2013 at 9:46 pm
  
  Thanks for the follow Tricia! I’m glad you are enjoying the series. 🙂
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elizabeth irwin on July 23, 2013 at 8:10 am

I LOVE the fold like a pro! I’m new a this and am excited to be included.
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- sherri on July 23, 2013 at 9:37 am
  
  Hi Elizabeth, I’m glad you like it! Hope you enjoy following along 🙂
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Ashley on July 23, 2013 at 1:40 pm

Another great giveaway! I don’t think I’ll be as lucky this time bu fingers crossed 🙂 I love browsing upcycling/repurposing tutorials so I would love to see some more of them!
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- sherri on July 24, 2013 at 9:21 am
  
  Hi Ashley! 🙂 Thanks for the follows – I love Bloglovin’, hope it works for you too. Thanks for the upcycle idea. I have quite a few projects on my list that would work for this one.
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Ashley on July 23, 2013 at 1:41 pm

I also follow you on Facebook.
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Ashley on July 23, 2013 at 1:50 pm

Just checked out bloglovin’ for the first time and signed up so I follow you there too now!
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Ellie on July 25, 2013 at 9:28 am

I’d love to see more fabric store reviews. I live in Toronto and it’d be fun to take day trips to other places (or even downtown) solely for fabric! I wasn’t even aware that Hamilton had all these awesome fabric stores that you wrote about.
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:45 pm
  
  Great idea Ellie. I am hoping to get to Toronto to check out some stores there soon as well. I’ll be sure to do a write-up on them. You really have to check out Hamilton – especially a place called Needlework (www.iloveneedlework.com) super-cute little quilt shop I just found. I’m headed there this coming Wednesday night for their evening Craft Night. 🙂
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Ellie on July 25, 2013 at 9:29 am

I now follow you on Bloglovin 🙂
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Ellie on July 25, 2013 at 9:29 am

I already follow you on facebook 🙂
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Erin || Sewbon.com on July 25, 2013 at 12:25 pm

I just found your page and I’ve just spent the past half hour exploring your site! I’m so excited about all your Sew Essential Tips, Tricks and Notions posts – this is so helpful!

Thanks!
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:43 pm
  
  Hi Erin, Glad you could check out my site! 🙂 I love yours, found it through the Sewing Rabbit – the photography is amazing! All your photos look like a breath of fresh air – ok, I know that sounds cheesy – but they look so relaxing! I will definitely be back.
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Janice Whitby on July 25, 2013 at 3:06 pm

Okay, back to my sewing machine again LOL
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:46 pm
  
  Nice! What are you sewing?
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Jane on July 25, 2013 at 7:02 pm

Love tula pink
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:49 pm
  
  Yes! 🙂 Me too! She’s amazing. Have you seen the butterfly quilt she’s designed? http://www.sewsweetness.com/2013/06/tula-pink-butterfly-quilt.html If I quilted much I would buy the pattern for this in an instant! Maybe I need to find a quilter to make me one 😉
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Jennifer on July 25, 2013 at 7:20 pm

I personally LOVE the straight hemming method. It’s made my sewing life SOOOO much easier as a beginner! I wish my sewing teacher in intermediate told us this trick. It would’ve saved me SOO much crooked stitching! 🙂
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:50 pm
  
  Hi Jennifer – Glad you like it! I hope you only have straight hemming in your future 🙂
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Donna Dueck on July 25, 2013 at 7:36 pm

I already follow you on facebook
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Donna Dueck on July 25, 2013 at 7:37 pm

I follow you on twitter
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Donna Dueck on July 25, 2013 at 7:48 pm

I have just started sewing again after a very long (Years) break. I would love to see some tutorials on sewing specialty fabrics, like knits, shear and the many “slippery” fabrics out there. Maybe some kind of sew along or sewing challenge would be fun :))
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:51 pm
  
  Hi Donna! Good idea – if you have anything you’d want to do a sew along about let me know and we’ll see if everyone is interested. That sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll keep the slippery fabrics in mind for a tutorial – I’ll have to do some brushing up on my skills there before I should teach anyone else! 🙂
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Faye Nettles on July 25, 2013 at 8:29 pm

Tula Pink is my favorite designer right now.
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- sherri on July 25, 2013 at 8:53 pm
  
  Faye – so glad you like Tula Pink! She is a very talented designer. I’m excited to try to get some of her Acacia – coming out soon I think?
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Faye Nettles on July 25, 2013 at 8:30 pm

I follow you on Facebook
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