Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Bib Tutorial




 Today’s tutorial is a quick and easy bib. the template that I’m using is coming from the simplicity pattern 1564 that I purchased years ago and I just traced it onto some card stock to make it last.

There are several different options you can use for the inside of the bib for example warm and natural or some people will just put a towel or you could use flannel and I actually use the white bar towels.

What you will need
Fabric for the front and for the back and your choice of the inside fabric.
Pinking shears are helpful.
A marker to trace out the template.
Velcro


Skills used.
Straight stitch, stitching on curves, sewing on curves, sewing Velcro,

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Start Sewing Now

Were you gifted a sewing machine for Christmas? Or did you just pull it out of your storage room? This tutorial is made for you..the beginner sewer!  I have listed out the essentials to jump start your sewing journey.

I put together a tutorial you will find helpful if you are just entering the world of sewing!

We will be talking about the absolute basics of your sewing machine. We will keep it simple! These are the key steps you need to start sewing. I made this tutorial to help get started on  your sewing journey!  I hope you find this tutorial helpful..don't be scared...just click on the link now if you're ready. .  

The video will show you the following: 

Inserting the bobbin,

Threading machine

Straight stitch

Stitch length

Stitch width

Seem allowance

Back stitch

Zig Zag Stitch

I’ll also explain the right and wrong side sides of fabric and raw edges. At then end of this video you will know how to complete a sewing project using a straight stitch.



I hope you enjoy this quick guide on how to use your sewing machine. 

I would love to be part of your sewing journey, follow me on Instagram @simplydelilah1 


You Might like this tutorial as well....





Thursday, December 24, 2020

Mask Tutorial using hair ties

 As 2020 comes to an end I decided I better put my mask pattern out there...its like showing the world that yes...I am a sewist and I am a mask maker of 2020!



The pattern I have been using for the past  9 months comes from  Craft Passion   I just use the basic shape of the mask...very simple, no filter and no wire. I also use hair ties instead of elastic...If you sew as well then you can remember how there was a shortage in elastic?  No one had elastic...even Amazon sold out of elastic!    (oh and for some reason no toilet paper either....not sure what people were doing with the excess amount of toilet paper..)     



 So because of the lack of elastic I came up with an alternative and I think it works better than elastic. Its more comfortable and easy to install in the mask.

 

These hair ties are $1 for 100 at all a dollar and yes they hold up! I have been using them and washing them and they have not deteriorated. I also make sure to wash all my fabrics first before making the masks.


 Even though most stores make and sell them now I still get requests… And I know mine are more expensive than the store-bought ones but I don’t know… People just love handmade items.

Skills you will learn:
sewing on a curve
attaching elastic
sewing a pleat
top stitching

here is a link to my tutorial







Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Snappy Mask Pouch

 This is a Sewing Tutorial for a small vinyl bag for your mask!


 

So masks are still a thing however they may be doing more harm than good if you are the type that just puts it in your purse… Or worse have you pulled into the parking lot you see your mask on the car floor then pick it up to put it on your face? Think about it… You are putting it up to your mouth! Thats not very sanitary....Because it's made of vinyl, you can wipe it out with a clorox wipe everyday.  If you can benefit from this then you will want to stick around to learn how to make this vinyl Snappy Bag.


This bag has vinyl and it snaps closed from tape measure. I uploaded a youtube video showing you  different tips for sewing with vinyl. We will also install casing for the tape measure.   
After watching this video you will learn how to make a Snappy vinyl bag for your mask and when masks are no longer a thing you can turn it into a snack bag!
The fabric used to make this pouch is Rifle Paper Co Primavera cotton fabric.



Items I used in my tutorial: 
Affiliates
Sewing Clips: https://amzn.to/3nLGYx2
Pinking Sheers: https://amzn.to/3nLGYx2
Fray Check: https://amzn.to/3awakM8
Non Stick Presser Foot: https://amzn.to/2KKiwh5







Thursday, December 10, 2020

Scrappy Fabric Projects.

 


One of my favorite things to do is sew all my tiny scraps together and make pin cushions.

 

And I love the challenge of getting the squares to match up perfectly… Although it doesn’t seem to happen but I’m still happy because there is a term called wonky...yeah that’s what I do..wonky sew my pin cushions!  
You can see that the points don’t match up but it’s still cute anyway.
 
Art Gallery Prints have been one of my favorite fabric choices lately 


Remember it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. I have made a few because I’m giving them away as gifts. 


I have been sewing for about 14 years and I just started working with these clips...

They are a must have when piecing together blocks.  You know how when you try to pin them the fabric moves?? Well with clips there is no shift in the fabric. I use them when I sew my surgical hats as well as when I'm piecing my quilt blocks together. 

 

I also decided to make a video tutorial using my scraps, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/6RAB8xMSk4M







Tuesday, December 8, 2020

The Bachelorette Fans!

Do we have any Bachelorette fans here? Who is on Team Noah? 

And for the record, his mustache didn't bother me one bit. But I also thought it was super sweet that he shaved it for Tayshia. I also don't understand why the guys were so mad when he jumped over the fence to fight for Tayshia's love! He stepped up!     Also...not impressed at all by Bennett, arrogant, condescending...please send him home!  I have not watched tonights episode...I'm sure once I'm done with this post we will all know who she sent home... 

ANYWAY... I’m a big fan and I am all about team Noah! He is a travel nurse and what a coincidence ...I make hats for travel nurses!!
Noah if you hear me out there then send my your address. I would love to send you a scrub hat!
     
I also have more in my shop at www.simplydelilah.etsy.com
Thank you Bachelorette nation 2020












Monday, December 7, 2020

Your First Sewing Machine!

2020 has been a great year for sewing machine sales! Joanne's can't seem to keep them in stock.

People making masks as well as others picking up new hobbies due to quarantine and with Christmas around the corner this might even be on your list!

So are you looking to buy a sewing machine? If you are in the market for a new Sewing machine you might be a bit perplexed with all the different features. In fact sewing machines range from $100 up to..well there are some in the $12,000 range!

So I'm going to keep it simple and share 3 key features to look for in your sewing machine investment.





1. Needle up/down feature: This means when you are sewing a project and you stop you can indicate that you want the needle down into the project so your fabric stays in place when you need to pivot or make adjustments to the fabric.

2. Automatic needle threader: this saves time (and frustration) by threading the needle for you.

3. Needle position right to left: This allows you to stitch close to the edge of fabrics when top stitching and finishing stitches.


My Recommendation would be the Viking jade sewing machine. https://www.joann.com/husqvarna-viking--jade-20-sewing-machine/15590714.html  it has 29 needle positions including the up down feature and it has a needle threader and is around $475

If $475 is above your budget then these 2 options might work for you. They still have the automatic thread feeder and the needle down option:

Brother cs7205  https://www.joann.com/brother-cs7205-sewing-machine-with-wide-table/15966138.html   Has the automatic thread feeder and the needle down position and is around $375

Singer 7285q https://www.joann.com/singer-patchwork-sewing-quilting-machine/11974136.html  Automatic thread feeder and the needle down position it is around $249


This machine right here is my favorite. I have been sewing on it for the last 14 years and it has given me zero problems. I have made quilts, dresses, tiny barbie clothes, hot pads, etc. It is a gem, I don't believe they sell this model anymore which is why I recommended the Viking Jade.

Good Luck and I hope you find the perfect machine for your sewing journey!








Friday, December 4, 2020

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I still have some cute scrub hats available for the holiday season. Thank You to all our health care workers. If you wear PPE during your shift then this cap will bring some color to your day!
Merry Christmas! Wishing you all a safe and healthy holiday season.
 

Sunday, April 5, 2020

DIY MASK

I'm providing a template and before you get started I recommend that you wash your fabric first otherwise it will shrink after one wash and possible not fit anymore.  Also please make a test mask so you can adjust the size as needed. This template is also designed to attach hair tie bands. I found mine at All a Dollar. 100 ties for ...well you know, $1.00
The template can be found here
The ones I'm making right now have the casing so you can slide your own ribbon through if it puts too much stress on the ears.

My Scraps are finally getting the recognition they deserve!

Crazy times right now I hope all are being safe!
I also have a quick tutorial on my facebook page. 
If you purchased a mask from me then please feel free to tag me on platforms below:
I also have a short video of the masks on my IGTV



Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Car seat canopy covers

This is a must have in the summer heat
I had a summer baby, born in July!  And I wanted her to have privacy when out in public but there was no way I was going to drape a blanket over her so as a sewer I came up with a solution!



Moms are problem solvers!


Sewing Scrap Projects! A Quilted Bag.

Don't you just love all this fabric goodness?  In todays episode we will dive into scraps of fabric again! Do you have a fabric stash? I...