Sewing Class: Make Your Own Bias Tape

In an upcoming project we will be using bias tape. Before we get to that project I thought this might be a great time to talk about making our own bias tape. I am a perfectionist and must have perfectly matching colors at all times (yes, I know, it's a problem) so sometimes the pre-packaged bias tape just doesn't cut it for me. Besides, if you make your own your options

are limitless.

Just what is bias tape, you ask? Bias tape is fabric cut at a 45 degree angle and folded in a way that leaves no raw edges showing. Because it is cut on the bias it has some stretch to it. Bias tape is one of the most common notions in the sewing world. It's really not that hard to make so let's

give it a try.

Weekend Projects

Weekends, for me, mean my hubby and the three oldest children are all outside and I am left in the house with my rambunctious one year old twins. They are very busy and have to be in eye sight at all times, which means I have to stay in the living room. The bad part is I don't get many chores done. The good part is my sewing nook is in the living room (barricaded by baby gates, of course). So I usually get a lot of crafting done on the weekends. I have two projects I'm working on this weekend.

My oldest daughter is CRAZY about horses. I bought this fabric to make her a pillow and a bag for her birthday coming up. I have to work on it in little bits because it is supposed to be a surprise.

I have all the pieces cut out to make my sister-in-law a diaper bag. She requested blue and brown. I didn't realize how hard it was to find cute boy stuff out there. Of course I have one son but he usually doesn't want me sewing for him. I mostly make things for my four girls. I have two nephews and two more on the way this year so they really need to get cuter boy stuff out there.

Hopefully I get all of my projects done this weekend but if I don't, this is why. My two little trouble makers have recently figured out how to push things over to my sewing table so that they can climb onto it. Did I mention they are rambunctious?

They sure are cute distractions though.

Sewing Class: Zippered Pencil Pouch

Are you one of the masses of people who have a sewing machine, know how to turn it on and make it go, but that's about it? Need a little inspiration or some step-by-step directions? In this sewing class series we are going to take it slow and see that it really isn't that hard to make cool things. So get out your sewing kit and let's get started.