Happy New Year!

First of all, let me wish you all a Happy New Year! Here’s to a new year of sewing adventures and sharing those with you.

I have some goals that I thought of, particularly for my YouTube channel, but they apply here as well. There will be more intention about having some posts that correspond to my videos. I know some people like to read, especially if it’s a tutorial with instructions.

Goal #1

I want to create more thoughtful projects. By that I mean, I want to consider what I need in my wardrobe. This can involve garment style, color choice, pattern choice, etc.

Goal #2

I want to take my time (or more time, if necessary) per item. This will allow me to actually enjoy the sewing process more.

Gone are the times when I actually did attempt to make a garment a week (or close to it). I don’t have to do that so there’s no reason I can’t relax and enjoy what I’m doing. Since I almost exclusively sew for myself and I’m at home full-time, I can spend as much as I like on making whatever I want.

Goal #3

I’d like to share more of my process with you. That includes how I decide to make what I’m making and why I chose the fabric/pattern combo that I did.

As far as how this translates to the blog, I can show you more photos that will perhaps help with techniques so that the reader can understand what I’m talking about.

Goal #4

There will be more styling of the finished garment (at least that’s the goal). I admire those that do this on a regular basis. Whether it’s looking to websites for inspiration (I get inspiration from Talbots occasionally).

Or sometimes it’s looking back on my own posts and liking the way something looked.

Goal #5

As I have mentioned previously, there will be an occasional series that I’m calling “Back to Basics”. That will feature sewing those basics that I need/want in my own wardrobe that you may need as well. The point is to inspire you or get you thinking about making those patterns that you may already have. You might want to try a new garment type or style. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to try a new technique as well.

So those are the goals for 2024. I hope you will enjoy reading the blog and maybe I can help you in some way through my content.

Happy New Year!

Holiday Gift Guide For Sewists

Here’s a holiday gift guide for sewists with some links. I wanted to share something like this for a while, but I always run out of time-. These are some sewing helps for others to gift to you or for you to gift yourself, any time of year!

*The following includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you shop through these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support.

1. Walking foot

You may have heard me mention this before, on my YouTube channel or here. This is so helpful.

Be sure to check you machine to make sure you purchase the right one. Bernina feet are exclusively for Bernina machines.

Brother walking foot Bernina walking foot

2. Fingerthing pusher

Sometimes you need an extra hand, or some help. This is it.

Fingerthing pusher

3. Foldable cutting board

Although I don’t use mine as often as I used to, this definitely comes in handy!

Foldable cutting board

4. Cutting table

This is the closest thing I see to one the one I use (I’ve had mine over 20 years). But a foldable table is a fantastic investment because you will get so much use out of it!

Foldable cutting table

5. Darning egg

There are times you may need to fix something, and this is a great tool.

Darning egg

6. Sewing clips

I’ve received these as a gift, and they are so very helpful.

Metal hemming clips

7. Plastic clips

These are great for sewing with faux leather or any fabric that you don’t want to put holes in.

Sewing clips

8. Heat erasable pens

I have them and use them often. And they do erase with heat and I haven’t had any marks return.

Heat erasable pens

9. Flexible ruler

These are great for measuring the crotch curve for pants.

Flexible curve ruler

10. Pattern drafting kit

This has a lot of the tools needed for pattern drafting and alterations.

Pattern drafting kit

So that’s my holiday gift guide for sewists. I think that many of these items will make your sewing life easier. If you have other suggestions, please leave a comment and let me know.

Minerva Fabrics Stretch Velvet Beauty

I used McCall’s 7186 to make this Minerva Fabrics stretch velvet beauty. Not to toot my own horn, but this dress is gorgeous! I attribute that not so much to my own skill, but to the fantastic fabric.

The Fabric

Minerva gifted me this fabric. I am a Minerva Brand Ambassador. This project featured a new exclusive fabric for them. It’s called a Crush Velvet Stretch Knit. It washes and dries beautifully (in the washer and dryer-cold water, low heat).

The Pattern

The drape of the dress is why I chose this. I made View D. There are gathers at the shoulder that create the drape in the front of the dress. This is the second time I’ve made it and this view. Although the pattern is OOP (out of print) it’s available on Etsy or Ebay.

This is a pattern designed for knit fabrics.

Alterations Made

Because I made this pattern some time ago, I needed a bit more room in this one. I am still able to wear the dress I previously made, but it was a little tight and I just want more breathing room. 1″ was added to the center back seam and 5/8″ added to the side seams.

Once I got the sizing the way I wanted, this was a very quick make. I love making things that look like I spent a lot of time on them. The reality is, the majority of the sewing was done on the serger, so this only took a few hours to make!

Helpful Hints

A walking foot is a terrific help in sewing stretch (or any) velvet. It will keep the layers of fabric feeding into the machine at the same rate so that your seams will line up properly.

Be sure to use a press cloth and/or an iron shoe. Velvet can easily “scorch” and you could end up leaving a mark on your garment.

Conclusion

This is a fantastic dress pattern that is perfect for a stunning fabric like this.

Brother walking foot

*Some links above are affiliate links

Here’s my YouTube video I made about this dress and the sewing process: