Installing Cable Wire for Hanging Curtains
I had to bring in the big guns for this project as my own 'power tool' experience leans more towards sewing machines than drills. So, I asked my husband Bob (who is always a good sport and really tall) to bring his years of experience as a builder to the table to show you how to install this very cool cable wire system. It's a great option for hanging lightweight, decorative curtains, which add height and drama to our Pretty Prints Teen Room. This type of system would also work well to create a room divider or even to hang a curtain for an especially long run of windows.
Basic Zipper Installation
Inserting a zipper into a project is a skill that, once learned, will always serve you well. It really opens up design possibilities in your sewing. Plus, most people believe inserting a zipper is super hard, maybe even a little magical, so they'll be incredibly impressed when they see the pillow you made has a zip closure. Truth is, sewing a zipper is pretty basic stuff. And, it's one of those projects that comes with an 'Aha moment' – opening the zipper you've just sewn into a project is like opening a treasure chest. Okay, maybe it's a bit less dramatic, because I have never found gold pirate doubloons inside my pillows. But the sense of accomplishment is still really great!
Finishing Raw Seams: Part One – Sewing Machine Finishes
When you're sewing your first projects, just joining two pieces of fabric together is a great achievement. However, as your skills increase and your projects grow in complexity, using more professional sewing techniques will give your finished items greater durability, and you a higher level of satisfaction – a job done right and all that. Our seam finishing tutorial takes you through the various ways to finish seams with your regular sewing machine – from pinking shears to an overcast stitch.
How to Measure for Curtains
In college, I once push-pinned a sheet over my apartment's bedroom window and held it open when needed with a binder clip from my economics notebook. At the time, I thought this was quite inventive. Ugly, but inventive. I'm sure my landlord adored all those tiny tack holes in the molding. Now, I prefer beautiful curtains and shades, and I make sure to measure precisely to get just the look I want.
Quick Tip: 1/4" Double-Turn Clean Finished Corner
Sewing Room Setup
There a comes a day in the life of every sewer when he/she realizes a sewing room would probably be a great idea. It might be when your son dribbles strawberry jam across your half done windowshade project, or maybe when your spouse pays the bills on top of a carefully laid out pillow design. However it happens, you realize you need a place to safely keep your machine, store your supplies, and spread out a project without your family eating spaghetti over it. You need a sewing room.
How to Make a Tassel
Tassels are are the "jewelry" of home decor, adding an elegant finish to your project. But, like jewelry, they can be quite expensive to buy and the selection of colors is limited. No problem for you! Because tassels are actually very easy to make, and the embroidery floss you use to do it is inexpensive and comes in hundreds of hues and textures.
Button Kit Covered Buttons
Covered buttons are cool; there's just no two ways about it. They add the special touch that says, "Stand back ... I'm a home decor professional." Making them with a Cover Button Kit is easy and inexpensive.
Quilting Basics Part 1: Tools, Cutting & Piecing
Nothing says "cozy" better than the classic patchwork quilt. Quilts are tokens of family tradition, often passed down through the generations, and bestowed as gifts for life's milestones, like graduation, a new baby or a wedding. The level of intricacy possible in quilting is limitless, but the basic steps you need to master to get started are well within even a beginning sewer's grasp. Quilters have their own set of terms and tools for their craft. This short introduction to the basics is the perfect first step.
