Jane Kallinger

Bean bags are one of the most fun, comfortable, and versatile pieces of furniture you can own. They can add a pop of color to almost any room, be it your living room, bedroom, or playroom. Bean bags, with their perfect shape, almost invite you to lounge and take a break but, most importantly, they … Read more

Learning how to hem a pair of jeans will save you a lot of time and money after you’ve done your shopping. Not only will you not have to worry about finding a pair of jeans that fit you perfectly, but you’ll be able to do the alteration work on your own time and dime, … Read more

Aprons have been around for hundreds of years, but have most notably been recorded in use during the Middle Ages and beyond. In the United States, aprons have been leveraged as part of ceremonies and every-day work attire, and are made out of everything from silk to flour sacks. People working in the home or … Read more

Embroidery is a delicate sewing craft which produces beautiful designs and even more lovely embellishments on pillows, clothing, or other accessories. If you’re thinking about getting into embroidery for the first time, embroidered flowers are a great place to start, as one of the most simple and well-loved designs. In this article, we’ll equip you … Read more

Rag quilts may not have the most pleasing name but they are wonderful to curl up with on a cold day. The three layers of material, plus fluffy seams, make for the best companion come rainy day movie marathons. Not to say that regular quilts aren’t good snuggle buddies! Rag quilts just seem extra… “foofy,” … Read more

Drawstring bags are simple and easy to make, while providing multiple uses. You can design larger bags to serve as impromptu toy boxes or to contain your sewing materials. With some added flare, they can become gym bags, traveling toiletry bags, lunch bags, gift bags, or even dice bags (for you boardgame players out there). … Read more

So, you want to sew your own beanie. They’re a fashionable accessory that also serves as invaluable during the chilled winter months, but what exactly does it take to create one yourself? In this guide, we’ll cover all the details necessary to transform your search for better fashion statements into a full-blown hobby! First, it’s … Read more

Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, is the lovechild of crocheting and knitting. As a cross between the two, it has all the utility of knitting needles with the tight stitching of crochet. Talk about the best of both worlds! So how can you pick up the hobby and this specific style? Is it … Read more

The process of sewing silk isn’t difficult, but it definitely takes time and patience. Silk is a luxurious fabric that, when weaved together, is deceptively strong. Solitary silk threads, however, are delicate with ends that tend to fray easily. As such, sewing the material should be handled with care. The process of how to sew … Read more

Have you ever been invited to a baby shower, RSVP-ed “yes,” and suddenly froze as the question arises: what do you get as a present? There are the typical solutions – baby clothes, nursery supplies, and cute teddy bears. But, perhaps you want to gift something a little more personal? Or, instead of the last … Read more

Aside from fixing a broken seam, knowing how to sew a button is a must-have skill for everyone. You don’t need to go to a tailor or toss out a shirt just because a button popped off! Sewing on your own button is the reason why so many shirts come with extras, just in case … Read more

You’ve seen them everywhere, on Pinterest, Tumblr, and Facebook. They are always the rage come fall time and it seems like every woman has at least one: Infinity scarves. Simple, often handmade accessories, that complete any look, their low-key appearance has appealed for many seasons and for many reasons. But what if you want to … Read more

You have a dress. This dress is perfect, with or without the presence of pockets, and you love it. There’s just one problem. You want the waist tighter. Using elastic is the obvious answer, but who wants to struggle through winding together a casing and the elastic? No one. It’s time-consuming and frustrating, often increasingly … Read more

Many little girls and boys want to be ballerinas when they grow up, and nothing says ‘ballerina’ more than a tutu. While buying one in a store or online is, of course, very quick and easy, making your own is just as simple. With the right materials and few quick tips and techniques, your child … Read more

Holed clothes are back in fashion, but there’s no need to go and buy new clothes! You can easily modify your current wardrobe for as much as it costs to buy a needle and thread, if you don’t have them already at your disposal. If you feel intimidated – don’t. It’s easy to learn how … Read more

When you have a kiddo who loves playing dress-up with their dolls, from American Girl, to Lori, to Barbie, of course you want to shower them with accessories and outfits. However, doll clothing can get expensive quickly. What better way to save some money and create a personalized touch than to sew your own clothes … Read more

One of ballet’s most cherished—and most tedious—rituals is sewing on your ribbons. Some schools require ribbons on technique shoes for exams, and some require students to wear shankless, or pre-pointe, shoes. Most pointe shoe ribbons are made of nylon or polyester satin, and they come in either a shiny or a matte finish. They should … Read more

Ever wondered how to sew a pillow case? Maybe you need a pillow case but haven’t found one that’s in a color or pattern you want. Perhaps you need to learn how to sew a body pillow case since they’re not sold at most stores. Maybe you want to learn how to sew pillow case … Read more

Sewing with knits can seem like an impossible task. With such complex fabric and so much room for error, how can you even begin? Once you’re started, how can you avoid the typical pitfalls which turn a strong venture into a disaster? If you’re wondering what stitches are best or what issues to watch out … Read more