Altering Sleeves Techniques
One of our students recently found a great blouse; bought it, and brought it home. Then she realized the blouse was long sleeved, and she had never altered a blouse before. She set the blouse on her cutting table, and thought to herself. This is the a great blouse. I love it. If I try to shorten the sleeves, I could ruin it.
Long sleeves are great for formal occasions and during the cold weather, but when it gets hot long sleeves can be miserable. One solution is to shorten the sleeves. In fact, I suppose you could shorten all the shirt sleeves in May and buy a whole new collection of long sleeved shirts in the Fall. That way you have plenty of short sleeve shirts plus new shirts too.
Knowledge is power. It is important to learn to sew and make the appropriate measurements, cuts, and seaming. Knowing how to sew is a vital skill, but one that may be learned while you are having great fun.
Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible purposes: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?
Altering a blouse or shirt sleeve is a project that can be quick and easy. Yes, there are probably a hundred different variations on how to do it. Cuff or no cuff, sleeveless, short sleeve, three quarter sleeve, fancy or simple. There are a a few choices, but for this project we decided to keep it simple.
Step One, set the length of sleeve you want. This sounds easy, and it is. However, you do have to choose the length you want for this sleeve. You may determine this length by comparing other shirts until you find one that is just right. You can even use this other shirt like a template.
Now that you have a clear idea what length you want, measure from the top seam at the shoulder down to the point you want your sleeve to end. Then measure from the under arm seam to the same point parallel point on the sleeve. To this measurement, add one and a half inches. Mark the sleeve straight across with a fabric marker.
Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.
Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.
The inch and a half of fabric to be used for the hem, must be cut and sewn with an angle opposite to accommodate the taper so that when it is folded under it will not bind.
Finally, finish the sleeve hem. Here you have several choices depending on the general style of the shirt. You may install a cuff or not. You may finish with top stitching or blind hem. In either case, the procedure is much the same. Fold the edge of the sleeve under half an inch and press it. Fold it under again one inch and press. Finally, sew the seam as decided.
Always test your sewing machine before sewing your first stitch. If your sewing machine is not in perfect order, it is vital that you have any sewing machine repair performed before attempting to use it. Failure to properly repair sewing machines before starting to sew will result in frustration and possible damage to your project.
If you plan to use a blind hem, you can accomplish your sewing using you sewing machine blind hem stitch with its appropriate blind hem foot. Or if you plan to do many hems, there is a great specialty machine called a blind hemmer that produced a professional blind hem perfect for sleeves, slacks, dresses, skirts, wherever you may need a blind hem.
Finding sewing resources can be a challenge, but the following resources may be helpful.
Learn to Sew
www.SewingAnswers.com
Learn to sew like a pro for fun or profit.
Sewing Machine Repair
www.FixSewingMachines.com
Sewing Machine Repair now. Learn how to repair sewing machines for fun or profit.
Sewing Machines
www.SewingMachineMall.com
Find affordable sewing machines including Janome, Brother, and Juki sewing machines.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The New World Of Sewing
Since the beginning of time, the use of needle and thread have been essential for sustaining life itself. Sewing skills empowered people to stay warm and shelter themselves from the weather and animals. While women often did much of the sewing, survival was everyone's business.
Parents trained their children to sew. Tents, clothing, blankets, and other necessities were sewn together. While heavier work fell to men, lighter tasks were performed by children and women. Sewing was a life skill necessary for survival.
Archaeologists tell us that the bones, wood, and early metal needle were widely used among primitive people. They also used strips of bark, animal hides, plant vines, and other materials as thread. Animal skins were used like fabric.
During the 1840s and 50s, the sewing world changed. Up to this point, all sewing had been done by hand. Then suddenly as a result of Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singers invention of the mechanical sewing machine, sewing changed forever. This new invention out performed hand sewers speed, but could work hour after hour without getting weary.
In a matter of years, families from Virginia to California considered the sewing machine a must have family tool. It liberated women from endless hours of hand sewing. Mothers taught their daughters and sewing became a necessary survival skill. Schools everywhere began teaching sewing. Sewing became an essential.
Along with the rise in use of the sewing machine came the critical need for sewing machine repair and a new profession emerged for people to repair sewing machines.
Over time, women began working outside of their homes. Sewing tasks like clothing construction have been outsourced to Asian countries. The perceived value of sewing has declined. Fewer people view sewing as an essential life skill. Most schools have reduced or eliminated the sewing instruction. On the surface, it appears that sewing and the family use of the sewing machine are soon becoming obsolete.
The winds of change, however, are in the air. The world of sewing is changing. Surprisingly, over 85,000,000 sewing machines are actively being used in America today. Some 5,000,000 brand new sewing machines are sold in the U.S. every year. More people are beginning to sew everyday.
Sewing use to be an essential life skill, but today it is becoming the hobby of choice and a great cottage industry tool. In the past sewing machines were for work. They were heavy, rugged, and often difficult to use. Modern sewing machines are easy and fun to use.
An exciting revolution is taking place right now in the world of sewing. Sewers are passionate about their creativity and self expression. Sewers sew because it is relaxing, fun, easy, self expressive, and satisfying. The modern sewing machine offers fabulous features that enable the sewer to sew with confidence, convenience, and unlimited creative potential. Advanced technologies built into the modern sewing machine make sewing easier, faster, and more reliable. Special sewing machines like sergers and embroidery machines plus the addition of convenience features have made for high demand.
The resurgence of sewing in the modern era is mind boggling. If someone had suggested in 1900 that a sewing machine like Berninas new 830 would cost $12,000, they could not have imagined it. Yet, in spite of the price tag, our stores have already sold half a dozen, and the machine has just been released. The passion of the modern sewer far exceeds the have-to mentality of ages past. Today people sew because they want to. The demand for sewing instruction has caused the creation of thousands of sewing classes, clubs, and sharing groups. Many public and private schools are to teaching sewing again. Embroidery machines have created need for embroidery designs and resulted in a new profession of embroidery designers.
If the sewing bug has bitten you, rest assured you are not alone. There are hundreds of people in your community who love to sew and quilt. They are waiting to include you in their classes, clubs, and events. So, look for your local opportunities and get sewing.
Here are a few places you can look: Yellow Pages under sewing machine dealers; local churches, library, recreation centers, schools, quilt shops, and the internet. Check out sewing and quilting books and ecourses. Sign up for classes. Remember, modern sewing is an exciting hobby that enables your personal gratification, self expression, and creativity.
Here are some online resources:
Learn to Sew and How To Sew
http://www.sewinganswers.com
Sewing Machines
http://www.sewingmachinemall.com
Repair Sewing Machines
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com
Parents trained their children to sew. Tents, clothing, blankets, and other necessities were sewn together. While heavier work fell to men, lighter tasks were performed by children and women. Sewing was a life skill necessary for survival.
Archaeologists tell us that the bones, wood, and early metal needle were widely used among primitive people. They also used strips of bark, animal hides, plant vines, and other materials as thread. Animal skins were used like fabric.
During the 1840s and 50s, the sewing world changed. Up to this point, all sewing had been done by hand. Then suddenly as a result of Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singers invention of the mechanical sewing machine, sewing changed forever. This new invention out performed hand sewers speed, but could work hour after hour without getting weary.
In a matter of years, families from Virginia to California considered the sewing machine a must have family tool. It liberated women from endless hours of hand sewing. Mothers taught their daughters and sewing became a necessary survival skill. Schools everywhere began teaching sewing. Sewing became an essential.
Along with the rise in use of the sewing machine came the critical need for sewing machine repair and a new profession emerged for people to repair sewing machines.
Over time, women began working outside of their homes. Sewing tasks like clothing construction have been outsourced to Asian countries. The perceived value of sewing has declined. Fewer people view sewing as an essential life skill. Most schools have reduced or eliminated the sewing instruction. On the surface, it appears that sewing and the family use of the sewing machine are soon becoming obsolete.
The winds of change, however, are in the air. The world of sewing is changing. Surprisingly, over 85,000,000 sewing machines are actively being used in America today. Some 5,000,000 brand new sewing machines are sold in the U.S. every year. More people are beginning to sew everyday.
Sewing use to be an essential life skill, but today it is becoming the hobby of choice and a great cottage industry tool. In the past sewing machines were for work. They were heavy, rugged, and often difficult to use. Modern sewing machines are easy and fun to use.
An exciting revolution is taking place right now in the world of sewing. Sewers are passionate about their creativity and self expression. Sewers sew because it is relaxing, fun, easy, self expressive, and satisfying. The modern sewing machine offers fabulous features that enable the sewer to sew with confidence, convenience, and unlimited creative potential. Advanced technologies built into the modern sewing machine make sewing easier, faster, and more reliable. Special sewing machines like sergers and embroidery machines plus the addition of convenience features have made for high demand.
The resurgence of sewing in the modern era is mind boggling. If someone had suggested in 1900 that a sewing machine like Berninas new 830 would cost $12,000, they could not have imagined it. Yet, in spite of the price tag, our stores have already sold half a dozen, and the machine has just been released. The passion of the modern sewer far exceeds the have-to mentality of ages past. Today people sew because they want to. The demand for sewing instruction has caused the creation of thousands of sewing classes, clubs, and sharing groups. Many public and private schools are to teaching sewing again. Embroidery machines have created need for embroidery designs and resulted in a new profession of embroidery designers.
If the sewing bug has bitten you, rest assured you are not alone. There are hundreds of people in your community who love to sew and quilt. They are waiting to include you in their classes, clubs, and events. So, look for your local opportunities and get sewing.
Here are a few places you can look: Yellow Pages under sewing machine dealers; local churches, library, recreation centers, schools, quilt shops, and the internet. Check out sewing and quilting books and ecourses. Sign up for classes. Remember, modern sewing is an exciting hobby that enables your personal gratification, self expression, and creativity.
Here are some online resources:
Learn to Sew and How To Sew
http://www.sewinganswers.com
Sewing Machines
http://www.sewingmachinemall.com
Repair Sewing Machines
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Welcome To Sewing Today
Welcome.
Our purpose for this blog is to provide our friends, students, and all those interested in sewing, quilting, crafting, and embroidery helpful articles, tips, tricks, and reflection on Sewing Today.
For the past 20 years, Donna and I have been engaged in professional sewing, sewing machine repair, custom sewing, building a chain of sewing machine stores, and writing how to articles, books, and courses. We hope to share some of our experiences and insights with you.
We have several different websites focusing on different aspects of sewing including:
http://www.sewandquiltstore.com which highlights our local chain of Sew And Quilt Stores.
http://www.SewingAnswers.com which provides hundreds of articles and projects to help people learn to sew.
http://www.FixSewingMachines.com teaches sewing machine repair through a complete series of courses.
http://www.SewingMachineMall.com offers quality sewing machines at reasonable prices.
http://www.LibisEmbroidery.com provides quality embroidery designs and free standing lace projects for sale as well as instruction for doing embroidery.
It is our hope that this blog will provide a resource to help you learn to sew like a pro.
Our purpose for this blog is to provide our friends, students, and all those interested in sewing, quilting, crafting, and embroidery helpful articles, tips, tricks, and reflection on Sewing Today.
For the past 20 years, Donna and I have been engaged in professional sewing, sewing machine repair, custom sewing, building a chain of sewing machine stores, and writing how to articles, books, and courses. We hope to share some of our experiences and insights with you.
We have several different websites focusing on different aspects of sewing including:
http://www.sewandquiltstore.com which highlights our local chain of Sew And Quilt Stores.
http://www.SewingAnswers.com which provides hundreds of articles and projects to help people learn to sew.
http://www.FixSewingMachines.com teaches sewing machine repair through a complete series of courses.
http://www.SewingMachineMall.com offers quality sewing machines at reasonable prices.
http://www.LibisEmbroidery.com provides quality embroidery designs and free standing lace projects for sale as well as instruction for doing embroidery.
It is our hope that this blog will provide a resource to help you learn to sew like a pro.
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