How to cut linen

I like the feel of linen but I think it's pretty difficult to cut. I've always used a rotary cutter and a mat in the past but I remember reading something about cutting a true straight line by pulling a thread at Purl Bee. So, when I started my new project this morning, I decided to give it a try. I am making it sound like a major endeavor but really it is the simplest thing.

Step one:
Pull a thread where you want to cut.


Step 2: Cut along the missing thread.


Voila! You have the straightest edge ever.


Here is a project that involve pretty much only this skill. Simple, eh?

Recycled Bag Tutorial

I had some time to sew a while ago and found myself not wanting to do anything too serious. I had a stack of old clothes sitting in my bedroom waiting to be repurposed and a number of little people in my life are starting school. So, I was inspired by them to make kiddie messenger bags.

Here they are:

Here is my excited model:

Here are more calm pictures of the girl wearing the bags. This one went to her cousin in Prague.


This one went to her super cool friend. Rock 'n Roll, baby!!


Do you have old jeans lying around waiting to be given a new life? Download the tutorial here and make one for your little ones. I find the size works as a small handbag for an adult too. You may just want to make the strap a little shorter to make it a clutch. I'd love to see photos if you make one. Happy sewing!

Reversible Children's Apron with Fabric Crayon Embellishment Tutorial

Yeah, my first sewing tutorial! I put this together quickly during a "Craft and Play" play date. I am so used to putting instructional material together for my high school students that when I read my first draft, I felt like I was back in the classroom. It's weird. I had prepared this as a pdf file but I don't know how to attach that as a link on Blogger. Does anyone know how to do that? In the mean time, here is a cut and paste version of it. Happy sewing.

Oh... and if you don't have time to make one, check out my shop for ones I have made for you. :-)

Reversible Children’s Apron with Fabric Crayon Embellishment

You will need:

- fabric – some polyester if you are going with the fabric crayon embellishment

- ½ to ¾ inch wide bias tape or ribbon or twill tape

- paper for sketching the pattern – I used a paper bag from the grocery store

- Crayola Fabric crayons (optional)

Step 1:

Draw the pattern on paper and cut out the pattern. Then pin the pattern on the first fabric and cut on the fold. Repeat on the second fabric.

This is what you should have:

Step 2: (optional)

Draw your design on white paper with fabric crayons.

Step 3: (optional)

Layer the fabric and paper as follows starting from the bottom:

- brown paper bag

- polyester fabric right side up

- white paper with drawing facing down

- brown paper bag

Set iron to polyester (medium heat setting) and press firmly for 1-2 min

This is what the result should look like. Remember the image on the fabric will be reversed so pay attention if you include letters or symbols in your design.

Step 4:

With right sides facing, sew along the blue line in the picture with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Notice how the sewing line breaks at the bottom for a 4-inch space to turn the piece and there are four 1-inch openings along the top, which will become the casing for the tie.

Step 5:

Turn the piece inside out using the bottom opening. Straighten everything. Iron and pay special attention to make sure the casing openings are folded neatly.

Step 6:

Topstitch all the way around the apron. Be careful not to sew the casing openings closed.

Step 7:

Create casing by sewing addition lines 1 inch from and parallel to the diagonal edges of the apron.

Step 8:

Insert bias tape/ribbon through casing as shown in picture. A safety pin can be helpful in guiding the tape/ribbon through the casing.

Step 9: (optional)

Finish the ends of the bias tape/ribbon if necessary. Sew a few stitches by hand to hold the casing openings in place. I find that the topstitching takes care of the openings and they don’t fray or pop open even after a few washings. But you can put in a few stitches if you like to make the openings extra-sturdy.

Now put the pretty apron on a kid and have him or her help you bake some cookies!