Hello! I am getting started on my next Alabama Chanin project. Yes, an authentically executed Alabama Chanin creation is a big time commitment but I really enjoyed making my 3-piece set and it is nice to have a hand-held project…
Tag: tip
leatherette/pleather piping
I have a word of advice for anyone considering putting leatherette piping in a garment. Don’t. There, I think that just about covers it 😉 Haha, I’m kidding… but seriously now, leather/ette detailing is pretty hot right now and adds a smart…
sewing on planes; a tip
The thing about plane trips: the thought of spending four or five or even more hours sitting in one spot with absolutely nothing to do is an almost unbearable concept to those of us with busy hands, and when you…
Experiments in Alabama Chanin
There has been progress; I’ve been mucking about with Alabama Chanin stooff, partially making a little fitted tank top to test for size and to allow me to get a feel for the techniques. It’s only half finished, and I’ve set…
stabilising the zip in a delicate fabric
When stitching an invisible zip into a delicate fabric, it’s a good idea to stabilise the fabric at the stitching line somehow, give it some oomph to help guard against ripping. Generally, patterns recommend using commercially purchased bias binding or…
lining up opposing seams in an invisible zip
Here is my tip for aligning horizontal seams on either side of a zip… after sewing in the left side of the zip, zip it up, fold the seam allowance in for the right side and line the seam up exactly…
Cement worker
I made a shirt for Dad’s birthday 🙂 I used Burda 7767 custom-fit to his size that I fine-tuned with last year’s shirt, and a fine-grade linen from Spotlight in a shade called “cement”. Very appropriate for a man like my…
HongKong seams and the hemline
Hong Kong seams are a tidy and very handsome way to finish raw edges… but what happens at the hemline? The seam gets folded up on itself twice, and if you are working with a flimsy fabric and especially if you…
