FIX IT- How to Hem Dress Pants

Our studio receives a countless amount of inquires regarding alterations, this is why we've decided to start a new blog post section to serve as a reference for all of our sewers, we like to call it FIX IT! You can expect to find everyday sewing instructions and tutorials for simple at home alterations.

Happy Sewing!

HOW TO HEM DRESS PANTS by Sheila Wong

1. Put on pants that need to be hemmed with the potential shoes you will be wearing most with them.
2. Get the assistance from another person to fold in hem to new length you want your dress pants to be. Pin at the side seam and in seam. Just do one leg.
3. Now its time to prep your pants to be sewn. Measure the distance from the current hem to the new length you want. Chalk a circle around your pants at this measurement. EX: If you measured 3 inches from bottom of pants to your new hem line then chalk 3 inches from bottom all around pant legs (both legs).
4. Now chalk another circle around both pant legs 1 inch below the line you just did. Cut off any excess fabric from this line.
5. Serge raw edge. If you do not have a serger use the zig-zag stitch on your machine lining up to the raw edge.
6. Press in your hem at top chalk line from step 3.
7. Pin hem so layers don't move around while hand sewing it so layers don't move around.
8. Use a blind stitch for dress pants so you don't see any top stitching at hem. Blind stitching is a type of hand sewing stitch where you hand sew the serge edge to the pant closed by going through only 1-2 threads of the pant so you don't see any thread on the exterior of the pants. Try to pick a matching thread shade to the pants just incase you pick up to many threads on the exterior side.

DIY TOMS - Makeover Edition

I think I died a little when I saw this!
I'm not sure how I feel about the whole Toms trend, they look comfy yes (summer ugg?), however they don't look so good. When I saw this project, I thought of all us DIY enthusiasts... If you like Toms, might as well jazz em up.. beware: please don't make them look like the collaboration between Jimmy Choo and Uggs PLEASE.

Happy Sewing!

TOMS Get a Makeover for more Custom Toms Click Here

DIY Summer Accessory: Dramatic hair piece

Happy first day of summer! It is only fitting that today we show the best summer sewing project that we could find. The sun is finally shinning and the sand is cozy warm, why not take your project to the beach, soak up some rays, and make yourself a new accessory while your at it. This project will also look super cute with that new tan and bikini you've got going on.

Have a lovely summer and happy sewing!

DIY Dramatic Hair Piece

What you will need:

- Old T-Shirt

- Hair Clips

- Scissors

- Super Glue

- Twine

- Feathers 

1. Cut/Rip T-Shirt Into Strips

Here a black t-shirt is used to create a subtle look with the dark hair. Cut/Rip 3 different lengths of fabric. One really long, one medium and one shorter length. Add knots and tie ends together for a detailed look. 

2. Attach T-Shirt Fabric To Clip

Using the twine, simply tie and tightly knot the fabric onto the end of the clip. 

3. Wrap Twine Around T-Shirt Strips

Wind the twine around all three fabric pieces separatly. Wind certain  parts tighter then others to add interest.

4. Glue the Feather

Super glue the end of the feather.

5. Attach Feather

Slip the super glued feather through the wrapped twine.

6. Secure Feathers

Secure the feather again with a snippet of twine. Knot it good, just to be sure. 

7.  Repeat the Process

Repeat the steps 3-6 until you have the desired amount of feathers and twine on your hair piece. In the demonstration 3-5 feathers are used on each t-shirt strip. 

Vancouver Artist Call

If you have visited our studio in the past, you are sure to know about the inspiring and creative atmosphere at SWFDS. Much of this creativity streams from the artwork that paints our walls. We are adminent on helping out our local talent with exposure because we want everyone to know just how fabulous you are. Your pieces will be for SALE in the studio, exposure and sales, how can you say no! 

The next round of artwork to go up on our walls July 1 2011, as the artist rotation is from July 1 to Dec 1 2011.  We are looking for 2 new artists to join our current talented line up. Have your artwork exposed to sewing enthusiasts, local designers, fashion crowd and people who just love to support local artists. 

Currently SWFDS Sewing Studio features Andrew Briggs, Aaron Connell, Kyla Bourgh, Red Galleria, Melanie Jane and more.

Inspirational and colourful artwork works and sells the best in our space!

Please submit your application by emailing us at bookings[at]swfds[dot]com with the following:

1. Photos of pieces you would like to showcase in our studio. Feel free to link us to your website. Remember to let us know which work to be looking at.
2. Dimensions of each piece
3. Retail price

If chosen, artwork must be in ready to hang condition (strung) and dropped off by June 27 2011. No artwork hanging fee. Management commission when artwork sells. Contract will be ready when artwork is dropped off.

All applications must be submitted by June 25 2011, 3pm. Feel free to pass along the word to Vancouver artist you know.

Thanks!

SWFDS Team

Find below amazing pieces from past artists. 

Happy Sewing!

Magic Man - Courtney Powell

Drama Queen - Ashley Hunking

Shreddin - Malissa Provost

Che - Andrew Briggs

The Locs - Aaron Connell

DIY Father's Day Gifts

Less then a week until Father's Day! I'm still very indecisive on what my pops will receive this year, there seems to be a lot of great projects out there - so many in fact, I couldn't even decide which to feature. I've chosen these 5 projects to share with you, comment & vote on your fav gift, and that's what I'll make my daddy!

Happy Sewing!

1. The Osman Tie (like women and shoes, men and ties: you can never have enough)

2. Infused Alcohol (clearly not sewing, however a fantastic idea) 

3. Sewing a BBQ apron (because my dads an awesome chef... and loves to BBQ!)

4.  Sports inspired pillow (maybe a puck?)

5. Car Visor CD Holder (because Dad throws his CD's into the glove box, and has yet to discover the ipod connector)

DIY: Urban Baby June 1-2-3 Soft Blocks

As you may already be aware, this month our studio is celebrating "Urban Baby June"- A month committed to creating projects for all of the babies we know! My morning browsing brought me to find this diy project, 1-2-3 Soft Blocks for babies, I'm sure that little toddler you know would love to teeth on these!

DIY 1-2-3 Soft Blocks (click here for the full project)
 by Adrienne Franklin

Pattern Level: Easy, some sewing experience helpful.
Finished Size: 3 blocks, 4", 6"& 8"
Seam Allowance: 1/2" used throughout and has been added.
Press carefully step-by-step and read instructions before
beginning.
Materials needed:
3/8 yard solid yellow
3/8 yard each of the following: medium blue print, red print, and
navy print
3 packages of pre-made piping, polyester stuffing, matching
thread, paper backed fusible web (wonder under).

Cutting and Assembly:
1) For the 4" block cut: 1 - 5" square of solid yellow and a total of 5 - 5" squares
from other prints. 4 pieces of piping 5" long, 2 pieces 22" long. For the 6" block
cut: 1 - 7" square of solid yellow and a total of 5 - 7" squares from the other
prints. 4 pieces of piping 7" long, 2 pieces 30" long. For 8" block cut: 1 - 9"
square of solid yellow and a total of 5 - 9" squares from other prints. 4 pieces of
piping 9" long, 2 pieces 38" long.
2) Trace the numbers onto the paper side of the fusible web allowing 1/4" space
around each number.  Numbers are reversed and ready to trace.  Cut out numbers
roughly around edges and following manufacturer’s instructions fuse the #1 to the
wrong side of the red print, the #2 to the wrong side of the navy print and the #3
to the wrong side of the medium-blue print. Cut out numbers along drawn lines;
peel paper and fuse, centering on yellow background squares. Stitch around
edges of appliqués using contrasting thread and a satin stitch.
3) Note: Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to sew piping.  To make one
block, sew a row of 4 squares, sewing squares right sides facing and sandwiching
a piece of piping into each seam.   Raw edges of piping should be aligned with the
raw edges of squares as they are sewn. See fig. 1.
4) To form sides of block, sew beginning of row to end of row right sides facing,
sandwiching a piece of piping in the seam line as you sew.
5) For top of block, baste a piece of piping to the right side of 1 square around all
outer edges, having raw edges of piping even with raw edges of square.  Taper
beginning and end of piping into seam line overlapping ends.  See fig 2.  Repeat
for bottom of block.  Sew top and bottom squares to sides of block, right sides
facing and matching corners on top and bottom to seam lines on sides. Stitch,
pivoting at corners and leaving an opening for turning and stuffing.  When both
top and bottom are sewn to block, turn right side out and stuff firmly.  Slipstitch
opening closed.  Repeat steps to make other blocks.

DIY: Father's Day Gift Box

Father's Day is coming up - Very quickly!! I always seem to leave gift shopping/making to last minute, but this year is different, I have been doing my research a few weeks in advance (go me!). I just found this creative gift box idea that I know my dad would keep for years to come. 
I am still looking for a gift to go inside this little box... I welcome all suggestions (however, must fit in this box)


Happy Sewing! (craft making)


Father's Day Shirt & Tie Gift Boxes


Click here for Gift Box Template

Supplies you’ll need:
a printer
cardstock for the box and tie(s)*
scissors
a ruler
a pen or pencil
glue dots
double-sided tape
1/4 inch circle hole punch (for bow tie box)

Optional Sewing Materials for Tie/Buttons
- Those random buttons that you have laying around from past projects
- Awesome fabrics or felt to use for the tie/bow tie


Print the box template onto lightweight card stock, cut out along the solid lines, and assemble according to the directions found in the template file. Place your gift in the box, and use double-sided tape or glue dots to securely close the flap. Print bow tie/necktie templates, cut out, and trace onto your choice of patterned or solid colored paper. Cut out the tie(s) and attach to the box flap using double stick tape or glue dots. If making the bow tie box, punch out three 1/4 inch “buttons” using a hole punch, and attach to the front of the box using glue dots (small Zots are the perfect size).
Alternative directions: Assemble the box and attach the tie to the top flap first, and add your gift last.

Our take on "Canuck Fashion"

Vancouver is crazy right now - for obvious reasons! Blue & green colours are filling the streets for the Stanley Cup playoffs, and it is not going unnoticed! I have to admit, I'm one of those bandwagon Canuck fans. I love the atmosphere of the game and how it unites all of us Vancouverites. Now here's the issue... Not a chance am I going to the Canuck store to spend $300 on a Burrows jersey that I'll get the chance to wear 5 times a year... So I'm thinking, for all of us bandwagon fashionistas, why not just sport the colours? This way we can still look cute, without that oversized sweaty jersey in 25 degree weather :).
Here are some Canuck coloured outfits (that you can wear, even when its not hockey season!!!). Find everything from H&M, to Gucci, and Zara!

Happy Sewing!!

H&M:

Victoria Secret:

Zara:

Versace:

DIY Fab Curtains

Spring moving fever is defiantly in the air. Over the past few weeks it seems as if every second person I know is either getting a new place of looking for a new place - this "fever" is spreading like a virus... I've even found myself looking at places (for fun)!! Well the whole idea of my friends moving around got me into the diy home projects spirit bringing me to find this girly idea for curtains on Love Maegan.

Happy Sewing!

Curtains from Drab to Fab


This project is super fast & easy - not to mention cost effective! Enjoy

Whats you need:

- Plain curtains with no detailing on the edge.. any fabric (in this example the curtains are satin)

- Your choice of tassel (or any other detailing element) on a strand

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

BEFORE 

AFTER