Sewing

If you sew, you know that patterns are made to fit ideal bodies--but how many of us have the ideal body? That is where fitting shells come in--fitting shells are the basic shape of a pattern, and...

Making life-sized dolls from your child's outline is a fun project. Rag dolls have been sewn for centuries as playthings for children. Dolls encourage parenting skills and pretend play. A simple...

Outfitting a king-size bed can be an expensive undertaking for your household budget. Economizing by sewing your own bed shams is a good way to shave a significant portion of the expense. Shams...

Hanging storage pockets are a convenient method of storage for household items, office supplies, toys and assorted other objects. Making a hanging storage unit with three pockets from canvas,...

Neoprene is a rubbery material that is used in many commercial items such as sporting goods, mouse pads, laptop cases and scuba gear. It can be used for a variety of other uses as well. However,...

A shower curtain valance is a decorative way to hide the shower curtain rod. The shower valance will also give the bathroom a dressy look with its added layers. Adding the valance to the top of...

Make your own custom valance for a look that is tailored and unique. The pleated valance can be designed with the fabric and colors to suit your own tastes. Valances can be used alone or as a...

Many projects call for a vinyl lining or a clear vinyl layer sewn on top or beneath fabric. Sewing vinyl onto fabric is a moderately challenging sewing project involving careful planning and the...

Sinamay is a somewhat new material that is becoming increasingly popular because unlike the other established millinery (hat) materials such as straws and felts, sinamay is light, flexible and...

Quilted curtain panels can help you live a greener and more economical life by insulating your windows naturally. The quilting pattern creates a textured look, and the layers of fabric and batting...

Finding furniture designed for people who enjoy sewing, quilting, embroidering and other fabric crafts can be a challenge. Several companies make desks and storage cabinets, but these pieces are...

Golf head covers can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of expensive purchased covers. Sewing versatile covers that can work for putters and irons will save money and time when it comes to...

Roman blinds offer you the ability to filter or block sunlight without completely closing off the window. A blind window treatment provides you with clean lines and a sophisticated style. You can...

Drapery panels come in a variety of prints and colors. Because they are already finished, they can offer an alternative to making roman shades from raw fabric. The finished edges will require you...

Properly maintaining your Kenmore sewing machine will enhance its usability and extend its longevity. One of the foundational steps for maintaining a Kenmore sewing machine is regularly oiling...

Making a leg hole with an elastic casing to wear over a cast or amputated limb is a project that you can complete if you have a few necessary sewing skills and a sewing machine. Because you cannot...

Making round bedding requires a shift in your thinking, from taking measurements to cutting the fabric. The actual sewing is fairly simple since you'll just make a casing for a fitted sheet or hem...

A classic old-fashioned window treatment is the Priscilla curtain. They have a country style that people enjoy using to decorate kitchen, bathroom and living room windows. These curtains offer...

Incontinence is a subject few enjoy discussing. In our aging society, though, it's a common malady that manufacturers have recognized and addressed. Just as there are many brands of disposable...

Pretty pillows adorned with flower ribbons can dress up any decor. You can use the same color scheme and craft several pillows with different prints, materials, ribbon widths and patterns....

Throw pillows help to make a room look more comfortable. The pillows can be plain or use a variety of print fabrics. The fabric type and print will determine the overall look of the pillow but you...

Make elegant drapes for your home by using the very tailored and professional look of pinched pleats. Creating the drapes yourself lets you to decide which fabrics to use from a wide variety of...

Making your own dress for your Sweet 15 or Quinceañera party can be a fun challenge. Creating a Sweet 15 dress is a lot like sewing a wedding dress, but your dress should be a younger style,...

Pillows can add warmth and style to any room. The fabric choices of a pillow dictate the style they present. A favorite sewing method among many craftspeople is using prairie points. Adding these...

Creating your own curtains is a rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to choose your own materials and prints. They will also be custom curtains because they will be tailored to your...

Curling irons come in various types and sizes. A custom made curling iron holder is a great way to properly maintain the finish on the curling iron barrel and to protect the appliance from wear...

Old-fashioned milk filter dolls, made from filters used on dairy farms and store-bought, plastic dolls, delighted young girls in the early 1950s. These dolls were often used to decorate teenagers'...

Crib mattresses see a lot of use during the baby and toddler years. Often, crib mattresses are handed down to the next child or passed along through families and the families of friends. The...

According to "Jeans in the United States," a Research and Markets study, "An estimated 450 million pairs of jeans are purchased every year." That's a lot of jeans! Denim is a hard-working fabric...

A nice round edge of piping can add pluck and definition to a pillow. It is an easier sewing job than anything else you can do for the results achieved. Piping can make the color scheme in your...

Make a tee shirt with a smocked insert to create a unique fashion for your daughter to wear to school. The smocked tee will be charming, and an original design that combines old fashioned smocking...

Latch hooking involves plastic or woven canvases, short pieces of yarn in assorted colors and the latch hook. A typical latch hook resembles a crochet hook, but it has an additional latch or flap...

A cuff-top valance will can dress up a window and add charm to any room. What makes this valance interesting is the fold-over cuff at the top. With a sewing machine and a little imagination, you...

One major factor in achieving the perfect sewing stitch for your project is having your tension adjusted perfectly. Without perfect tension, you will notice your stitches are either too loose on...

Austrian shades add volume to a window. They are made in a way that allows them to remain scalloped at the lower edge and gathered even when in the lowered position. The fabric required to make an...

A curtain swag is used to dress up the curtain panels and hide any hardware. The ruffle swag curtain can be effective in adding texture and depth to a window treatment. The ruffle can be visually...

A properly applied invisible zipper gives a garment a smooth appearance, because no indication is given of how the garment opens and closes. A fabric covering and the position of the zipper teeth...

Memory bears are teddy bears made from the clothing of a loved one that has passed away or is very far away. These bears can be ordered from many online companies, but this can take a long time...

Children's bedding can often cost as much as, if not more than, bedding for larger-sized beds. Sewing your own comforter can save you a lot of money and take as little as an afternoon. With...

Anime plushies are stuffed dolls of anime characters. They can be decorations, gifts, collectibles or toys. Anime plushies are popular at yearly anime conventions, malls and other places that...

Women have adorned their hair with fashionable accessories since ancient times. According to UKHairdressers.com, women in ancient Greece adorned their hair with gold powder, flowers and jeweled...

Bed sheets are an expensive investment. Even the less expensive and lesser quality sheet ensembles are pricey unless you find a good sale. Sewing bed sheets at home is a viable option to retail...

Canes are essential items for some and ornate accessories for others. According to Liela Nelson of the website The World of the Walking Stick, "The 19th century was the hey-day of the walking...

A guidon is a military-style flag that displays the insignia of a particular group within the Armed Forces. Guidons made to military regulations feature an overall field that is 20 inches by 27.5...

The patchwork designs of the Seminole Native American tribe involve beautiful combinations of color and geometric shapes. These designs can be incorporated into items for the home, including table...

Vintage and reproduction pillowcases offer charming material to create Capri pants sets. The seamstress can sew a set of Capris for a child, sizes 2-10. Fancy embroidery and crochet show off the...

Soft sculpture is a practical art form. Deriving from a 19th century German fabric method for cloth sculpture, soft sculpture has found a revitalized market in the craft industry. Popular soft...

As an expectant mother in the hospital for delivery, no woman wants to wear the unflattering gowns provided by the facility. Your husband might have the video camera rolling, and there will...

Today's toy market has come a long way from the stuffed animals of yesteryear. According to TMA Toy Reviews & News, "Stuffed animals ... had early roots commercially in 1880 with sales of an...

The bedroom is a haven of solace and peace, and decorative tablecloths provide a sense of style. Sew your own bedroom tablecloths to embellish the room without a lot of investment.