I’m excited to announce that I’m published in Seamwork Magazine again!
Seamwork is the online magazine from the team at Colette Patterns. Though I draft my own patterns, I’ve always loved Colette’s style, packaging, and their fantastic blog: The Coletterie. In my eCourses, I often add articles from Seamwork and the Coletterie as bonus links. In my opinion, their beautiful articles and blog posts are truly some of the best sewing inspirations out there.
In the article, I talk about how upgrading your “sewing stuff”, even as a beginner, can catapult the quality of your handcrafted garments and the enjoyability of creating them.
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“When you aren’t satisfied with the experience or outcome of your project, you may end up criticizing your skills or doubting your abilities, when the blame is better aimed at your unsupportive supplies. Investing in quality will not only save you from repeated replacements, it can be a real confidence booster!”
-quote from “Sew Like a Pro” by Brooks Ann Camper for Seamwork Magazine
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Upgrade tools for the tasks you hate
For example, I’ve learned that a lot of sewists hate hand sewing (which you know I adore!). I suspect that in many cases this is because they’ve never practiced with a high-quality needle and a well-fitting thimble. I’ve personally taught many students who have turned their loathing of hand sewing into something they find indispensable after finally giving it a shot with nice tools.
Clockwise: A leather thimble and metal thimble, thread conditioner and beeswax, high-quality thread, and two types of Japanese hand sewing needles (in adorable packaging.)
In the article, I also share information about my favorite types of irons. I’ve never owned a “home iron” opting for boiler irons or gravity feed irons. Learn more about them in “Sew Like a Pro”!
Me and my gravity feed iron. photo by Shane Snider
Learn more my about custom-made tables
In the past, I have written info-packed blog posts about three types of custom-made tables. These detailed posts sparked the idea for “Sew Like a Pro” when brainstorming with Seamwork’s editor.
BONUS! Though my portable custom table was the original inspiration for “Sew Like A Pro”, the photo collage below was cut from the article. Here’s the “deleted scenes” bonus with my lead up and caption for it!
“If you don’t have room for a permanent ironing table, consider adding a larger more stable custom top to a sturdy ironing board base. This allows you to easily press yardage, but still tuck it away when you aren’t using it.”
“I made this portable table for double duty! A canvas cover was added when I needed it for pressing. Without the cover, this clever handmade contraption became an extender to widen my custom work table!”
I am one of the first scubscribers to Seamwork and I can happily say, I read your article in Seamwork Magazine! I LOVED it. And you insprired me to make some changes to my sewing situation. In fact, I just switched rooms, painted walls and woodwork (finished the closet doors yesterday) expanded my space, and reorganized everything.
Thank you for such a beautiful post with so much good information and so many practical tips!
I’m a former professional costumer and couture dressmaker for one-of-a-kind bridalwear located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, who teaches custom garment sewing too the sew-curious online.
My blog mostly follows along with the couture process of how each heirloom-quality custom wedding dress was made from idea to wedding day, as well as other interesting tidbits related to sewing, weddings, and body positivity.
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I’m excited to announce that I’m published in Seamwork Magazine again!
6 Responses
I am one of the first scubscribers to Seamwork and I can happily say, I read your article in Seamwork Magazine! I LOVED it. And you insprired me to make some changes to my sewing situation. In fact, I just switched rooms, painted walls and woodwork (finished the closet doors yesterday) expanded my space, and reorganized everything.
Thank you for such a beautiful post with so much good information and so many practical tips!
Wow Pat! This is fantastic to hear. Thanks so much for your kind words and have fun in that new sewing room!
I loved your article, such great tips! Now I’m enjoying discovering your blog too.
Yay!
Thanks for sharing these great ideas! I am waiting to re-set up my sewing room after we move house, and this has given me a few new ideas.
My pleasure Madeline!