Sharon Sews

When I wear my zebra/polka dot infinity scarf it never fails to draw compliments.  Once people find out I made it, often the next question is "would you make one for me?" While I rarely sew for hire these days, I do enjoy sewing items to give to others, especially these colorblocked infinity scarfs. They are simple, yet each is unique depending on the fabrics chosen. This year I sewed a some as Christmas gifts for a few girlfriends. Here's how to make one of these cute and easy infinity scarfs for yourself. Fabric: For one scarf, you'll need one yard each of two coordinating fabrics at least 45" wide. Choose a lightweight fabric, such as voile, chambray, linen, rayon or even flannel. My zebra/polka dot scarf was sewn using a polyester blouse weight fabric. A lightweight knit would work also.  Heavier fabric would create a lot of bulk at the neckline. Each piece of fabric should measure 45" x 36".  If your fabric is wider, cut it to 45". ...

How to sew a panel skirt for an 18" doll I'm excited to have little ones in my life again that enjoy having me sew clothing for their dolls.  I created and sewed this skirt for both an 18" and Barbie doll as well a girl's size 5 (tutorials coming - I'll provide links once they're up). This doll skirt is easy to sew and is a great way to use up your scraps.  Materials needed: Six 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" fabric pieces.  One 18" x 4" fabric pieces. One 18" piece of 1/4" elastic. Coordinating thread.  Let's get started shall we?    Step 1:   Cut your fabric: Six 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" rectangles and one 18" x 4" rectangle.  My sample used three coordinating polka dot prints for the panel and a contrast color for the bottom band. Step 2: Using a 1/4" seam allowance, with wrong sides facing stitch the six rectangles together along the 5-1/2" side; leave one end unsewn. Step 3: Fo...

When I was almost done sewing this easy peplum top ( Vogue 8815 ) I decided to add an exposed zipper to give it an extra design detail. Originally I was going to simply place the zipper on top of the back seam and stitch in place.  However, I wasn't sure how to finish the bottom of the zipper tape neatly, so I decided to create a boxed facing opening in which to insert the zipper. Create the zipper facing Place the zipper on the fabric right side up.  Use chalk or fabric marker pen and trace around the size and bottom zipper about 1/2" from the side edges and 1" from the bottom edge.  Cut out the facing piece.  Draw a vertical line down the center.  Draw the stitching lines on the facing.  Use your zipper as a guideline making sure the stitch lines will expose all of the zipper teeth, the bottom zipper stop, and a portion of the zipper tape. Sew the zipper facing. Place the zipper facing over the center back right sides facing aligning...

Making a bound buttonhole can seem like a daunting undertaking.  Trust me, I know. I avoided them for years thinking they were "too hard" and way beyond my sewing capabilities. Pshaw!  Yes, they do require pre-planning and definitely take more time than a machine-sewn buttonhole, but they really are not that difficult.  As with anything practice, practice, practice!   It's a good idea to work one (or two) in some of your fabric scraps before making the buttonholes in your garment. The one I made on my capelet was sewn using the patch method . Mark your buttonhole placement on your garment. If your garment does not call for interfacing, be sure to apply interfacing to the wrong side of the garment under each buttonhole marking.  Cut a piece of fabric for your buttonhole that is about 2" wider and 1" longer than the buttonhole.  Here's a fun tip:  the fabric doesn't have to match your garment.  Contrast or coordinating fabric is a fun wa...