It's not pretty, but they will get you out of a jam right! What do you think of my 'sewing tools and equipment you have at home' list? What others do you know of to add?
Besides old bedsheets if you want and or need fabric don't be afraid of using curtains,tablecloths,pillowcases, or any other fabric material around. My grandmother makes little girl's dresses out of pillowcases to donate to charity. Ive used curtains to make a dress for a renaissance fair once.
In the summer of 1990 I was stuck at home with no money and no sewing machine, but I had a free pattern from a magazine and some fabrics from a friend. I made myself two hand sewn skirt and blouse sets, that mixed and matched with each other. I wouldn’t want to do it by hand now, but it was worth it and I wore those clothes for years.
When I was young and broke, I went into an art store looking for something that I could use to mark fabric for embroidery. I explained to the very patient clerk what I was looking for (a pen or a marker that would wash out of fabric) and they suggested children's washable markers. I've been using them ever since, with the caveat that you should go for a color close to that of your fabric. Once I marked quilting lines in blue on my quilt top and it took 3 washes for that to come out. However, that quilt was very soft and cuddly after its many washes. My grandmother used to mark dark fabric using slivers of soap. It doesn't rub off like chalk and it washes out.
Yes, my mum did that as well. Back in communist times in Poland we had this weird soap that was harder than modern soaps since it didn't have so much of the oily components and perfume, it worked like a charm. Each time I look at tailor's chalk I think of that soap, even the scent is somewhat similar :D
@@wdtaut5650 Oh that is fantastic! When this pandemic hit I was going to the hospital to have a baby and the main thing I got before heading it was bars of soap...and I have nothing to make with! Can't wait to give it a try tomorrow! Thanks!
I’ve made almost 100 fabric masks for local at-risk people and health care workers. I wanted some plain white cotton for the inside lining, and nobody has any left anywhere, but one queen white sheet to the rescue! I finished the masks and have tons of fabric left over. I also keep a pair of chopsticks in my sewing supplies for pushing out corners, but they’re also good to use to guide my fabric when I get close to the needle to protect my fingers.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was 12 yrs old, about 45 yrs ago. I made 5 dresses, a pair of shorts and 2 blouses during this lockdown, and my machine is 35 yrs old, only my second one since I started sewing, doesn't look like its dying on anytime soon, it's a tank!
@@jojosewist8921 Yes! I got my Sears Kenmore in 1977. It was our first big purchase after marriage. They really don't make them like that anymore that I know of. All metal, so dependable and smooth-working. It has a couple of dozen cams for pattern stitches. Purely mechanical, so nothing electronic to die. Although I have a modern embroidery machine (which is now itself considered vintage), I will not part with my Kenmore! Cheers from Wisconsin, USA. (I love to see where people are commenting from!)
You just gave me a childhood flashback and an epiphany. My Mother was very resourceful and taught me a lot, but I didn’t always listen. I was always confused why she would iron the sofa. She taught me to sew and I never realized that she was using rolled arm of the sofa as a tailors ham! it makes perfect sense!
I just wish I did currently own a very square modern sofa. I also wish I didn’t take this many years to understand this particular lesson. I’m a Caretaker of an historical apartment complex... and was recently caught vacuuming the front garden. I had very good reasons to do so, but the tenant I’m sure thought I had lost my mind!
I have 3 14 year old girls who are sewing and went through 3 bags of “too small-donate” clothing that we kept forgetting to take to donate. They found fabric, elastic and trims plus they repurposed so much. Dresses became skirts or tops, neat fabrics became plushies, large skirts were carefully taken apart and matched with patterns.
For interfacing my grandmother never used that "new stuff". She always used organdy or Batiste on lightweight fabric and broad cloth on heavy weight fabric. All of it was starched. I remember her " ironing" my dresses that had the puffed sleeves ,with a light bulb. She would stretch the cap of the sleeve over a turned on blub. It worked. Thanks!
Hello Evelyn! First off I would just like to say thank you for your time! Your videos have really helped me feel more confident in my sewing! I started sewing a very long time ago when I was in 6th grade and now that I'm a mother of 3 crazy redheaded boys (ages 15, 10 and 2) I've found that this skill has helped me so much especially when it comes to altering hand me downs for my kids to save money! I was actually really surprised that you didn't have a substitute for an iron though!? I've actually never had an iron but what I've found works is my hair straightener! I have a regular sized one and I also have a mini travel sized one that works amazing for in between buttons and collars and things like that. Like you said it's not exactly pretty but it will get you out of a jam😉 this is actually my very first time ever commenting on a video like this so I apologize for it being so long but I just thought I'd give you a substitute for the iron since it seemed you didn't have one. Anyway thank you for your time with reading this book I've written you and happy sewing❤
some great ideas one my mum did because we didn't have a measuring tape she cut a length of cotton sheet 3 feet long ( at the time ) by about 2 inches wide and gave me a ruler and told me to use it to measure the cotton and mark it like a ruler putting all the inches and half inches with a pen .Instant tape measure she used it for years
(I'm late to the party!) I'm not proficient in sewing, but when I handsew sometimes, I have folded a seem & sat on it while I did something else. Lazy girl's iron! Probably won't help when you have slippery fabric, but we're talking simple repairs or fat quarter projects. Works fo me!
I’ve been doing just this! I enrolled in Vintage Sewing School. I was given a Singer sewing machine from 1966. I’m making a vintage skirt. Wish I could post a picture of my first sewing project.
Yay!! I'm so happy in VSS!! The old machines are the best right! I'm looking forward to seeing your skirt and hearing about what you learn along the way! ❤
I love watching all your episodes. I had another thing you can use in a pinch to mark fabric that will wash off. You can use a thin bar of soap. It marks really well and will wash right out.
Evelyn Wood the thin soap for marking is great on dark fabrics. My gran used soap because that is what she was taught to use in primary school. Back when they taught sewing and cooking and the like to young girls in school. As part of the regular curriculum.
They’re a small piece of nonwoven material, a bit like a recyclable grocery bag, infused with fabric softener, that you put in the dryer with your wet laundry so they don’t come out with static.
@@Evelyn__Wood I made my own drier squares years ago with Chux (just was reminded what they are called!)- with a drop of approved perfumed oil, bought from shops. We hardly ever use our drier (in Brisbane) now, but did while living in Canberra- decades ago, while working. All depends on the weather conditions, but the few times I've used it I place 2 Chux, I've kept them in a small jar, still soaking and only use 2..not worth buying in our beautiful Qld weather
@@Evelyn__Wood I wonder if those bamboo lines that go into cloth baby diapers could be used? I have a whole roll of those and zero interfacing (link below to what I have available) www.amazon.ca/Flushable-Biodegradable-Disposable-Diaper-18cmx30cm/dp/B07XWYWZJ6/ref=asc_df_B07XWYWZJ6/?tag=bingshopdesk-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589109596915&psc=1
One old tip on measuring. This one actually comes from pre-numeracy time, so.. old one. Before they had tape measures and even a ruler, they used a piece of string or yarn. They measured the body and made a mark on the string. This will turn into a huge mess pretty fast so instead of sticking "waist", "hips"etc. papers on the string, I would rather measure the string with a ruler and if you don't have one for some reason, marking some length units on side of table will also do. This technique may sound silly, but I've been using it for quite few garment pieces before I finally got myself a bendable tape.
I saw a "hack" somewhere for sharpening scissors by cutting through aluminium foil. I tried it and it does work but its very temporary. Fine in a pinch and I thought might help someone trying to work with kitchen and/or nail scissors, if they have no other way to sharpen them.
Some tips from my admittedly jury-rigged and punk-ish sewing history: Before I finally got myself a roll of grid-ed paper for patterns, I’d often use baking paper or sandwich paper as pattern paper since it is fairly durable and slightly see-through, which is handy if you want to copy or transfer a pattern. Otherwise newspaper sheets taped together make a good surface for pattern drafting as long as the ink doesn’t stain. Hand-basting at important matching points can replace some pinning, but one can also use the method of sewing from the middle of the seam or from a match mark (?) towards the edges, and be less likely to get it completely skewed. Sewing first with long stitches that are easily picked and then repeat with short stitches to finalise the seam once it is correct also works if you have the thread and time for it. If you’re out of buttons matching your project, you can change what buttons you have with paint or make new ones by crocheting, knotting or sewing. Or maybe with wood glue papier mache? Have to try that myself. Sometimes hair trimmer sets come with a pair of hair scissors, which are usually sharp enough, especially if seldom/never used. Of course ask the owner before using them, but if you’re only cutting fabric with them they should keep fairly sharp for a long time. Also, I had been sewing and wearing what I’d sewn for about ten years before I really started to use the iron as more than a prep tool. I’d mostly just sew down the seam allowance to one side if I wanted a flatter look and let it be like that. Probably didn’t look professional at all, but then I was and am more craft punk than professional anyways. Especially if you’re learning, start where you are with what you have and just keep going, you’ll get better and better as long as you keep at it. Happy crafting!
I always look forward to your video. I am an established sewer so have most things on hand. This is a fantastic video for those who are getting their sewing machines out of the cupboard and might not have the necessary tools to complete a project. “ Make do and mend”. It’s all envelopes sustainability. Thanks again. Keep safe and well. Lynne
I love how this fits into the make do and mend attitude, and I think they're good suggestions, beyond our lockdown era, for beginning sewers who don't have access to all the sewing supplies and can't invest in the proper supplies or don't want to till they've practiced a bit.
Only just found your channel & indulging in a bit of binge-watching! A couple of substitutes I've not spotted in the comments: * A small saucepan, heated up, instead of an iron - wear gloves & put a tea towel/pillowcase over your fabric to protect it * A stanley/craft/utility knife instead of scissors - they're probably sharper than your kitchen scissors!
One of my high school home economics class projects required making a tailoring ham. It is stuffed with seasoned sawdust. I Stillhaveit. And I love using it
This is my first time considering buying a sewing machine and is looking at a Singer heavy duty brand. I have many tools for computers and vehicle maintenance, but this is new for me when it comes to sewing. I have an old machine which belonged to my grandmother and it is valuable to me and it has been in storage for decades as no one used it since she last used it. That machine is the medal model and was probably made before I was born. I know that I will need tools to go with my machine and will be getting some like shears which is used for the sewing tasks.
My ironing board became my sewing surface. It's a bit narrow, but since my mum's temporary home office is taking up the dining table, my usual sewing surface, i use the ironing board. Iz works put great since I can pin more slippery fabrics right on it and THEY STAY IN ONE PLACE. Also I don't have to clear it up whenever we need to eat. Now don't get me wrong I don't keep đy sewing machine on it. I'm using my grandma's old machine that actually comes built in it's own cabinet.
I use my ironing board as a cut out table etc. Renting, so no room for an additional table, I do have a very small table so that's used for sewing machine . All is good
I enjoyed this video and would like to share what Mom taught me...use fishing line to sew metal buttons on fabric-the metal won't cut through fishing line like it would regular thread.
Easiest trick to sharpen scissors: fold 3 or four times an aluminum foil (the one you use in the kitchen) and simply do some cuts with the scissors to sharpen. It works magic ☺️
In lieu of document clips or pins, Use hair pins (Bobby pins). To turn a narrow strap or tube, fold and press right sides together and pin and sew a length of ribbon or twine into the 'top' end of the tube. keep it inside the tube away from the needle. Stitch down the side. Leave the 'bottom' open and pull the twine or ribbon through to turn the tube right side out, then clip the top removing the twine and carry on. You can use a crochet hook to push out corners when you turn them, but not the ones for doily making, they push through!! A pressing ham can be improved by filling a sock with rice or gravel and wrapping in a towel or flannel blanket. Remember those receiving blankets we save for no good reason or flannel scraps?? Stitch or pin the towel so it doesn't come undone while ironing. Also, for a tailor's Clapper, use a piece of scrap wood, one inch wide and as long as you like. I like 14". This is a great surface for pressing seams open. Once upon a time,I used a child's building block to get into a corner! Unpainted wood, only. To sharpen scissors, you can stack several layers of aluminum foil and cut them with the dull scissors...they become sharp. So,be careful. A chenille stem can be folded and used to retrieve dust in the tight spot behind the needle in the bobbin casing. I bought a full bolt of sew in inner facing, in black, at a yard sale and next to it was a roll of "party table covering" left over from a wedding. It was the exact same material. That was a dollar well-spent. Other materials to reinforce fabric for ...say a row of buttonholes, is grosgrain ribbon. And YES! Sta-Flo starch is available in the US! liquid and spray. I have a stash of curtains, perfect for lining, petticoats, and shorter sheer curtains. But,they are vintage, (church bazaar) and custom made with actual crinoline and covered weights in the hem. GOLD! look in the linen closet, or wherever you bagged and stashed those old sheers. You really don't know what you have till you look at it with new eyes.
Grandmother and Mom always saved the pins and plastic clips that came with new clothes. Those plastic clips can hold things together from the edge if you run out of pins.
#goals I just ordered my first vintage sewing pattern and I’m so intimidated! You have such a wonderfully approachable personality and I look forward to learning from you.
😄 Yay!!! That's so exciting!! They are different! But just think, what's the worst that can happen... it's just fabric! ❤ You'll learn so much from taking your time with it!
Starch. You can use corn starch to starch fabric. Mix starch into water and spray or brush on (or even just dunk) your fabric. Iron dry and you are done!
Clothes pins and scotch tape to pin patterns or hold fabric together. I copy my thin tissue patterns on brown paper when these situations arise. Saves my pattern!
I've gotten rolls of wallpaper from the thrift store to use to trace patterns on. Heavier than brown paper and the surface is somewhat rough so it stays in place.
Since I'm on a strict budget, I use sandwich paper for patterns, a throw pillow as a pressing ham, bedsheets for mock-ups, and a specific kitchen scissor for my fabric. Grocery stores sometimes have pins and other very basic sewing supplies, and the grocery store is still open. 👍
I've been sewing for a few months now and buying real fabric scissors was on my post-pandemic supply list. I've been using small metal scissors, completely unaware that my mom had fabric scissors and a rotary cutter this entire time. Two lessons; tiny metal scissors are a surprisingly good substitute for fabric scissors, and if someone in your family sews, even if it's only occasionally, maybe check to see if they have the supplies you need.
My mom also basically hid my grandma's sewing machine in her closet for a decade, so yeah, definitely see if someone in your family has sewing supplies.
I remember we once substituted an iron with a clean small saucepan, halfway filled with boiling water. And a kitchen towel. And sprinkled water for the steam. While I have been forced out of the sewing room (living room) because of the summer heat. I have been using my grandmother's old chalkboard propped up on legs on my bed for my sewing table. With extra pillows and a corset for back support.
I love that you always recommend thrifting fabric, especially sheet. Fabric is very resource heavy to make, just the dying of fabric alone uses dozens of gallons of water, so it's always awesome to reuse sheets, table clothes, i've used painters drop clothes, the list goes on.
Confession:Recently discovered this channel am addicted. Have a 70s Kenmore and just purchased a Janome 344 which I absolutely love and I also just purchased a 70s Kenmore for my granddaughter. I learned on mine and felt it was good for her to learn on as well. ;-))
Yes, my mom was a professional seamstress in USSR in 70s when chalk was unheard of. They all used slim, dried out pieces of soap. It works just as great as chalk on darker fabrics and is easy to use.
Same! I also use the chopstick to hold down a seam if I need to press it, my iron lets out some steam at the side and would burn me if I used my fingers.
WONDERFUL!!! the only thing I didn't see is a Safety Pin to turn the tubes inside out or for pulling elastic through a channel, instead of a Bodkin. Great Information.
I have used thick string, carefully marked using a carpenter's tape measure (or ruler), as a tape measure. That was when I was very poor, using a gifted non-electric machine to make simple Christmas gifts.
@@cristinerose21 Me too. We called my paternal grandmother Grammy and I used her treadle when I was poor. My Mom's Singer still works but someone gave her another one, almost identical, which I have and love. I do not trust electronically enhanced equipment. These days, computer components seem to fail early on and are more expensive to replace than purchasing a whole new machine.
I just got my sewing machine today. I've been watching your videos all week in preparation and would like to thank you for some brilliant ideas. I needed a pin cushion today and found a dishwashing sponge perfect. I initially stuck the pins in the sponge side but actually the "scrubbing" side is even better.
If you're like me and likes to use frixion markers when writing, they also work really well for marking fabric. On paper they are removed with the heat caused by the friction of the eraser, but on fabric you can just run the iron over it and it dissapears! It's my favourite way of marking fabric! But do make sure to test on a corner of your fabric, just to be sure.
Someone recently told me about Frixion pens, which are a brand of felt tipped pen, and they are fantastic ! Cheaper and thinner than a "fabric marker" pen, and they disappear with heat (iron). See if the kids have one , or buy one from Officeworks.
Oh yeah old machines are amazing! We have a Bernina that's probably at least 30 years old and it is a BEAST 😂 goes through 3 layers of denim like nobody's business
My iron broke, so while I wait for a new one, I've been using my hair flat iron! Tedious, and only suitable for hems and small projects, but... Been sewing masks, and it is saving the day with these! :D
@@Evelyn__Wood there are a number of uniquily Australian words, like texta, and doona, which I had to learn, when I first came from New Zealand to live here.
I have used a small dab of Elmer’s School Glue in lieu of pins. Pulls apart easily and residue washes out completely. Picked up that tip from a quilter.
I feel seen! My sewing machine was given to me by my great aunt and hers was from the 60s. I really want my mum's though - it is this gorgeous 1928 singer that does the best strait stitch I've ever met. I tend to hand sew a lot, so as long as you have needle and thread (both available in supermarkets) then a long tacking stitch will pin fabric together perfectly well. For a ham, I have cut up heaps of bits of 'cabbage' or left over fabric (dead towels, cut offs from clothes that I no longer need) and stuffed that into the ham. Very dry pearl barley from soup mixes as well, or daal. I also only had a 1890s iron for a long time (too poor to get an electric one) that I would heat up in the oven. You can make a thimble from any solid piece of leather/faux leather. Cut it around the tip of your index finger, stitch it (maybe make holes first!) and voila...
I am just now redescovering sewing after not having picked up a pattern in over thirty years. During this pandemic, I've needed something creative to do and found your videos. I'm working through both my closet and my husband's looking for items to refashion. Thanks so much for such great videos and tips. They have been such a welcome breath of fresh air during such challenging times. I plan to join your online school just as soon as we are back in our winter home this coming month. Thanks again. Love and light from Maine in the US of A.
I pulled out my old machine and used some stashed fabric . Once the tension problems were resolved, I was rolling! The my iron died!! Anxiously awaiting new ones arrival today. Meanwhile learning more online. Thanks Evelyn!
Thank you Evelyn for all these great ideas. Thankfully I have lots of sewing supplies and fabric to keep me busy. I like all the suggestions about using a piece of soap. We use gel body wash but I have some homemade soap bars that we made a few years ago for fun. I'm going to cut a sliver off and keep in my sewing box. Thank you again and Happy Sewing!
I'm very late to the party but really enjoyed this - my mum was born in 1911, loved buying new clothes but also still ingrained with make do & mend sensibilities too. Some great advice here especially the nail scissors (my curved blade ones have outperformed my previous Fiskars and even my Kai pair). Two other suggestions: -- for fabric marking, in or out of pandemic, a soap sliver out performs tailor's chalk or modern chalk wheels etc. It's as vintage as you can get and a quick couple of hand washes & dry makes a new fine edge too. -- for joining layers without fusing, use tailor's pad stitch. Easy to look up and an easy stitch to learn.
In the past, I made ceiling-to-floor drape panels to cover a full wall shelving unit. The available material was a soft cotton flannel fabric so I used corn starch to have ironing starch for this big project. It is easier and cheaper than you would think. I recommend small batches stored in the fridge because it can go bad in time.
I was able to snag a new gently used white brand heavy duty domestic sewing machine from my moms friend after I had gotten back into sewing with my first sewing machine that has had issues and I started off with sewing masks from a pattern, a waterbottle cozy without a pattern, and now im onto sewing my first cotton blouse shirt with this beautiful vintage printed pattern fabric. So glad I got back into :)
For years I used a rolling pin wrapped with a towel for a pressing ham for curves. But I recently made myself a couple of pressing hams. Also made a big flat pressing surface from plywood covered in cotton batting and ironing board fabric. Huge upgrade to my sewing space and tools.
For marking fabric, I find the easiest tool that I always have in the house is little pieces of left over bar soap. I even save them to use....soap washes out :) and it works like a hot damn!
Hi Evelyn! You are so right my 16 yr old niece in Kansas pulled an old 1980’s sewing machine from the closet and I’m teaching how to use it virtually thru FaceTime, she’s trying to make face masks. First thing I had her do was clean out the fuzz...I love the using of sheets tip, never thought of that! Yup I use my grandsons chalk all of the time too...great video!!! Happy Sewing everyone!!! 🧵✂️🧵
Great timing to discover you right now! First, that Bernina you pull out at the beginning of the video is my old sewing machine! I miss it terribly. I have a new model now and am reacquainting myself with sewing after a 30 year hiatus. My daughter, in her mid 20’s, is interested in sewing and I know she will love you as much as I do and I have no doubt you will be a great inspiration for her. So glad to have found you! I am marathoning all your videos tonight. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
If you are out of a particular supply, join a sewing community and pool resources. Sometimes, there are destash groups you can join where people jettison their excess stash for a lower price. SOMEONE is bound to have some basic item that you don't have, and they can post it to you. I've managed to get mask elastic, fabric, sewing clips, and other fun things this way. I've seen ladies destash things from lace, interfacing, batting, buttons, zips, bias tape and twills, needle threaders... and some of them are very generous and give some small items away for the price of postage. Sewing communities are also great ways to share and get tips, as well as be encouraged on your sewing journey. I'm so happy that I joined a local online group, it has been a great place to hang out despite being under lockdown.
Crayola washable markers are my fav for marking! I buy the very thin ones (i think they're called fine lines?), and they're perfect, but I have used the regular fat markers with success!
Yay!!! Deborah I'm so excited to have in class!! I can't wait to see what you create!! I'm realeasing this month's content today actually!!! So new lessons in a matter of hours for you! ❤
After seeing the prices of tailor hams, and with the slow shipping during pandemic, I searched for patterns and found a few free patterns. I made one for myself and one for my daughter and stuffed them with fabric scraps. A little canvas and/or sturdy suit wool and scraps is all you need! I also made a sleeve pressing thingy (Tailor’s sausage). They work great, and I’m sure the old tailors didn’t buy them- just made their own.
I love your videos please do some more. Could you please show how to tye the scarves you wear on your videos. I love the look. I would love to wear my scarves that way. Thank you for your time and attention to detail. I've been sewing 50 years and you have taught me some new things. Thank you. I live in Texas in the United states
Girl, you weren’t lying. I’m a nurse, and went to the store during the quarantine so I could buy bias tape for the scrub caps I was making to go under my respirator at work so it didn’t pull my hair. They were completely sold out of bias tape, not to mention that almost all the the racks which usually stock fabric bolts were completely empty. I guess a great many people took up sewing during the pandemic.
Before anyone bites my head off, it was a super-store which stocks groceries as well as other items (which is why it was still open during the quarantine.) And yes, I did wear a surgical mask while I was out. Happy sewing everyone.
When I first moved out and couldn't pinch mum's iron anymore, I would heat up my cast iron skillet on the stovetop and use that as my iron. Worked shockingly well and for anything delicate or pale or with a fused print I'd put baking paper over it to protect it. Got a good iron these days but I got some heavy pleats pressed with minimal effort thanks to that skillet xD
Oh!!, I just acquired a Globe 877 which is utterly fabulous, but was stuck on right side straight stitch... Patiently waiting to get it back from the mechanic... It was stored in a garage and not used for ages.... Can't wait!!! Loving your positivity Evelyn, all good wishes to you x
I was re-watching this video and when you got to the section on how to measure if you don't have a measuring tape, and it made me think of my instructions to my grown children. I often sew for my many grandkids and don't often have the actual child to measure, especially the 2 that live 8 hours from me. So from time to time I have my daughter/dau-in-law measure their kids for me. They are not sewists and don't have tape measures so I tell them to use a cloth belt or shoelace and measure their child and then use a yard stick to measure the belt or shoelace, effectively making a tape measure. It works pretty well. In a pinch someone could make a tape measure out of a belt/shoelace and some safety pins for increments (or sewing pins used carefully). Not perfect but when you just have to sew something..... The feeddogs felt pads made me snicker. My first machine had some of those I believe!!! ;)
One time I couldn't find my container of pins and I was getting impatient, so I used bobby pins to hold the fabric together so I could cut & sew. Also sometimes those little clamps you get from office supply shops to hold paper together come in handy.
Thankyou for your ideas and enthusiasm Evelyn ! Sorry I don't have anything helpful to add, thanks for sharing these helpful tips to be getting by with.
My very first sewing projects were dust covers for my woodworking machines. I used old sheets and sewed them on my 1973 Kenmore, which I revived using tips from Vintage Sewing Machine Garage on RUclips. I ironed them on a board covered with a towel. I cut them with kitchen scissors ( which I sharpened and adjusted per RUclips video instructions). They'll do until I can get a decent pair. If you just can't find an iron and have to press, maybe a cast iron frying pan would work. Pretty awkward, but it has a flat bottom, is heavy, and holds heat well. Dilute Elmer's Glue will stiffen fabric and attach interfacing. It comes in washable and permanent varieties. Better test it on your fabric before committing to your project.
Evelyn Wood punks use it to stitch patches onto jackets! It’s super sturdy when you have nothing else (and don’t know about button thread). Fishing line too, for the same reason.
@@TheStitchess I actually used fishing line to stich up my teddy bear since one thread colour my grandma seems to not have on her stash is brown. It's a bit hard to work with and I would not use it on something that goes on skin but for a giant teddy bear iz works all right.
Not a sewing tip, but a storage tip. I love the Iris brand scrap booking containers that are 12" x 12". I use them to store bias tape, rickrack, twill tape, etc. I lay the tapes, etc. on their sides in the containers. I sort them by size and then colour. I can very easily find what I am looking for. Everything stays very neat.
One of the best ideas I ever stole was using an old bar of white bar soap as a tailor's chalk substitute. They kind of already have an edge which you can sharpen with a paring knife or simply rub it on a scrap at an angle to form that sharp edge. If the fabric is washable, it will simply wash out; it's soap!
For years now, I've been using a thin slither of bar soap, that you have at the end of the bar's life, as a tailor's chalk. It marks a nice thing white well visible line, it dissolves in water, and it's free and abundant.
Coming in late with substitute for an iron- boil a pan of water on the stove, use the bottom of the pan. I recommend leaving a small amount of water in the pan for the added weight. It's not nearly as good as a real iron, but it's better than nothing, I used it to iron my dress shirts for interviews when I first moved to the city, before I bought a real iron. You can put the pressed area under heavy books afterward for a few minutes to really press edges as needed
@@Evelyn__Wood Yes, all my life I have sharpened my normal scissors this way. You cut the saucer as if you are cutting a piece of paper. Don't use your best saucer and rather use a saucer with a thin edge.
@@TheWanderingWife I think the sharpest knife in the world is ceramic. I promise you it works every time. I have saved a lot of money on my 3 girls school scissors by just sharpening them this way.
I had forgotten about that, my gram kept a broken saucer just for sharpening her knives and scissors quickly. Even after I bought her a sharpner just for scissors, she still said her broken ceramic saucer was better.
Ive used clothes pins over pins but watch for splinters. Crafting Razor blades for cutting seams. Watercolor pencils to mark. Dishes for weights. Made my own stuffed selfie with tape. ....and years of ytube school to further my limited knowledge. So, thank you for providing us with these videos xo
I've never had any loop turners. I use a chenille/wool needle threaded with button thread or top-stitching thread. I anchor the thread firmly in the seam allowance near the end of the loop/strap to be turned, then I manipulate the needle through the middle of the fabric of the whole length. I pull on the thread, which pulls on the end of the fabric, taking it inside itself. I keep on pulling until it comes out the other end - right-side-out! These threads are very strong, they will only break if you've stitched the loops too narrow to start with - in which case, even a loop turner would not be able to rescue it. This method also works to thread elastic through its casing if you don't have a bodkin.
It's not pretty, but they will get you out of a jam right! What do you think of my 'sewing tools and equipment you have at home' list? What others do you know of to add?
SOAP! dry, old sliver of soap makes a very good substitute for tailors' chalk. Can't believe you forgot this one ;)
I'd never heard of till now! It's on my list now and why I sharing tips like this!! ❤
@@sapphirecamui6447 good to know!
Besides old bedsheets if you want and or need fabric don't be afraid of using curtains,tablecloths,pillowcases, or any other fabric material around. My grandmother makes little girl's dresses out of pillowcases to donate to charity. Ive used curtains to make a dress for a renaissance fair once.
@@sapphirecamui6447 right! And soap smell more much better than chalk 😃
In the summer of 1990 I was stuck at home with no money and no sewing machine, but I had a free pattern from a magazine and some fabrics from a friend. I made myself two hand sewn skirt and blouse sets, that mixed and matched with each other. I wouldn’t want to do it by hand now, but it was worth it and I wore those clothes for years.
When I was young and broke, I went into an art store looking for something that I could use to mark fabric for embroidery. I explained to the very patient clerk what I was looking for (a pen or a marker that would wash out of fabric) and they suggested children's washable markers. I've been using them ever since, with the caveat that you should go for a color close to that of your fabric. Once I marked quilting lines in blue on my quilt top and it took 3 washes for that to come out. However, that quilt was very soft and cuddly after its many washes.
My grandmother used to mark dark fabric using slivers of soap. It doesn't rub off like chalk and it washes out.
I remember my mother using soap to mark fabric. I had completely forgotten til I read your comment.
wish I'd known decades ago!!!!
Yes, my mum did that as well. Back in communist times in Poland we had this weird soap that was harder than modern soaps since it didn't have so much of the oily components and perfume, it worked like a charm. Each time I look at tailor's chalk I think of that soap, even the scent is somewhat similar :D
@@wdtaut5650 Oh that is fantastic! When this pandemic hit I was going to the hospital to have a baby and the main thing I got before heading it was bars of soap...and I have nothing to make with! Can't wait to give it a try tomorrow! Thanks!
Oh! I had forgotten about that. Thank you.
I’ve made almost 100 fabric masks for local at-risk people and health care workers. I wanted some plain white cotton for the inside lining, and nobody has any left anywhere, but one queen white sheet to the rescue! I finished the masks and have tons of fabric left over.
I also keep a pair of chopsticks in my sewing supplies for pushing out corners, but they’re also good to use to guide my fabric when I get close to the needle to protect my fingers.
My mom taught me how to sew when I was 12 yrs old, about 45 yrs ago. I made 5 dresses, a pair of shorts and 2 blouses during this lockdown, and my machine is 35 yrs old, only my second one since I started sewing, doesn't look like its dying on anytime soon, it's a tank!
😄😄 They don't make then like they used to!
Love my 70's kenmore machine, but it does like to be cleaned and oiled regularly, but such nice even stitches.
@@jojosewist8921 Yes! I got my Sears Kenmore in 1977. It was our first big purchase after marriage. They really don't make them like that anymore that I know of. All metal, so dependable and smooth-working. It has a couple of dozen cams for pattern stitches. Purely mechanical, so nothing electronic to die. Although I have a modern embroidery machine (which is now itself considered vintage), I will not part with my Kenmore! Cheers from Wisconsin, USA. (I love to see where people are commenting from!)
You just gave me a childhood flashback and an epiphany. My Mother was very resourceful and taught me a lot, but I didn’t always listen. I was always confused why she would iron the sofa. She taught me to sew and I never realized that she was using rolled arm of the sofa as a tailors ham! it makes perfect sense!
Oh snap!! That's a great story, and great tailors ham replacement!! At least you have lessons you took! 😄
I just wish I did currently own a very square modern sofa. I also wish I didn’t take this many years to understand this particular lesson. I’m a Caretaker of an historical apartment complex... and was recently caught vacuuming the front garden. I had very good reasons to do so, but the tenant I’m sure thought I had lost my mind!
🤣🤣🤣
WOW! use the sofa instead! this is perfect! And at least you learned why in the end. if i saw mother doing that, i'd question her sanity, LMAO!
Please don’t iron your sofa if its upholstery is made of velvet!
I have 3 14 year old girls who are sewing and went through 3 bags of “too small-donate” clothing that we kept forgetting to take to donate. They found fabric, elastic and trims plus they repurposed so much. Dresses became skirts or tops, neat fabrics became plushies, large skirts were carefully taken apart and matched with patterns.
After 2 'modern' machines broke beyond repair, I went back to my mother's 1950 Singer. It works great!
Kathy Johnson which model is it? I’d love to hear more about it!
Heck yeah... They never die...
@looloo4029 201 is the best...
For interfacing my grandmother never used that "new stuff". She always used organdy or Batiste on lightweight fabric and broad cloth on heavy weight fabric. All of it was starched. I remember her " ironing" my dresses that had the puffed sleeves ,with a light bulb. She would stretch the cap of the sleeve over a turned on blub. It worked. Thanks!
Oh that's so cool! I've heard of darning with the light bulb, but never ironing! Multi purpose obscure sewing tool! 😄
Brilliant! /pun intended ;p only granny could think of that, i'm telling you ;)
A turned on bulb! Holy cow, great idea.
that sounds so creative! but also one would have to be careful... I'm a bit heavy handed and might risk breaking a light bulb!
I think I will use my darning egg with a press cloth over it, I think I would break the bull by accident.
Hello Evelyn! First off I would just like to say thank you for your time! Your videos have really helped me feel more confident in my sewing! I started sewing a very long time ago when I was in 6th grade and now that I'm a mother of 3 crazy redheaded boys (ages 15, 10 and 2) I've found that this skill has helped me so much especially when it comes to altering hand me downs for my kids to save money! I was actually really surprised that you didn't have a substitute for an iron though!? I've actually never had an iron but what I've found works is my hair straightener! I have a regular sized one and I also have a mini travel sized one that works amazing for in between buttons and collars and things like that. Like you said it's not exactly pretty but it will get you out of a jam😉 this is actually my very first time ever commenting on a video like this so I apologize for it being so long but I just thought I'd give you a substitute for the iron since it seemed you didn't have one. Anyway thank you for your time with reading this book I've written you and happy sewing❤
some great ideas one my mum did because we didn't have a measuring tape she cut a length of cotton sheet 3 feet long ( at the time ) by about 2 inches wide and gave me a ruler and told me to use it to measure the cotton and mark it like a ruler putting all the inches and half inches with a pen .Instant tape measure she used it for years
(I'm late to the party!) I'm not proficient in sewing, but when I handsew sometimes, I have folded a seem & sat on it while I did something else. Lazy girl's iron! Probably won't help when you have slippery fabric, but we're talking simple repairs or fat quarter projects. Works fo me!
I’ve been doing just this! I enrolled in Vintage Sewing School. I was given a Singer sewing machine from 1966. I’m making a vintage skirt. Wish I could post a picture of my first sewing project.
Yay!! I'm so happy in VSS!! The old machines are the best right! I'm looking forward to seeing your skirt and hearing about what you learn along the way! ❤
I love watching all your episodes. I had another thing you can use in a pinch to mark fabric that will wash off. You can use a thin bar of soap. It marks really well and will wash right out.
😃 There was another comment about the soap, it's brilliant!! I'll definetly be using this one of I run out of chalk!
Niki London I use that thin piece of soap ALL of the time- so happy that you mentioned it.
Evelyn Wood the thin soap for marking is great on dark fabrics. My gran used soap because that is what she was taught to use in primary school. Back when they taught sewing and cooking and the like to young girls in school. As part of the regular curriculum.
If you just need a small piece of interfacing, a very well-rinsed dryer sheet will work in a pinch.
Hmmm I've only sort of heard of these dryer sheets... wm they are not a thing here in Australia, I will have to investigate!
They’re a small piece of nonwoven material, a bit like a recyclable grocery bag, infused with fabric softener, that you put in the dryer with your wet laundry so they don’t come out with static.
Who knew!! 😀 we have liquid fabric softener that goes in the wash!
@@Evelyn__Wood I made my own drier squares years ago with Chux (just was reminded what they are called!)- with a drop of approved perfumed oil, bought from shops. We hardly ever use our drier (in Brisbane) now, but did while living in Canberra- decades ago, while working. All depends on the weather conditions, but the few times I've used it I place 2 Chux, I've kept them in a small jar, still soaking and only use 2..not worth buying in our beautiful Qld weather
@@Evelyn__Wood I wonder if those bamboo lines that go into cloth baby diapers could be used? I have a whole roll of those and zero interfacing (link below to what I have available)
www.amazon.ca/Flushable-Biodegradable-Disposable-Diaper-18cmx30cm/dp/B07XWYWZJ6/ref=asc_df_B07XWYWZJ6/?tag=bingshopdesk-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589109596915&psc=1
Hack for not having an iron my grandmother taught me- use a hair flatiron. Works great for hems!
This is greatfor when you are travelling, and have a shirt or blouse under a sweater. The hair straighteners work on collars perfectly!
A steel ruler works well too in a pinch.
One old tip on measuring. This one actually comes from pre-numeracy time, so.. old one.
Before they had tape measures and even a ruler, they used a piece of string or yarn. They measured the body and made a mark on the string.
This will turn into a huge mess pretty fast so instead of sticking "waist", "hips"etc. papers on the string, I would rather measure the string with a ruler and if you don't have one for some reason, marking some length units on side of table will also do.
This technique may sound silly, but I've been using it for quite few garment pieces before I finally got myself a bendable tape.
Yes I bet this is a very old trick! 😄 And I good one!
That is a good piece of info, just tie different knots for different measurements.
I saw a "hack" somewhere for sharpening scissors by cutting through aluminium foil. I tried it and it does work but its very temporary. Fine in a pinch and I thought might help someone trying to work with kitchen and/or nail scissors, if they have no other way to sharpen them.
Some tips from my admittedly jury-rigged and punk-ish sewing history: Before I finally got myself a roll of grid-ed paper for patterns, I’d often use baking paper or sandwich paper as pattern paper since it is fairly durable and slightly see-through, which is handy if you want to copy or transfer a pattern. Otherwise newspaper sheets taped together make a good surface for pattern drafting as long as the ink doesn’t stain. Hand-basting at important matching points can replace some pinning, but one can also use the method of sewing from the middle of the seam or from a match mark (?) towards the edges, and be less likely to get it completely skewed. Sewing first with long stitches that are easily picked and then repeat with short stitches to finalise the seam once it is correct also works if you have the thread and time for it. If you’re out of buttons matching your project, you can change what buttons you have with paint or make new ones by crocheting, knotting or sewing. Or maybe with wood glue papier mache? Have to try that myself. Sometimes hair trimmer sets come with a pair of hair scissors, which are usually sharp enough, especially if seldom/never used. Of course ask the owner before using them, but if you’re only cutting fabric with them they should keep fairly sharp for a long time. Also, I had been sewing and wearing what I’d sewn for about ten years before I really started to use the iron as more than a prep tool. I’d mostly just sew down the seam allowance to one side if I wanted a flatter look and let it be like that. Probably didn’t look professional at all, but then I was and am more craft punk than professional anyways. Especially if you’re learning, start where you are with what you have and just keep going, you’ll get better and better as long as you keep at it. Happy crafting!
I use wallpaper, the ugliest in the store. Its always plain on the back and is very cheap......!
For an inexpensive grid paper, look at gift wrap rolls. Many of them have a grid on tge backside
Bought my sew machine in 1964 and it still works. And I still have the original brush.
poetmaggie1 what kind of sewing machine is it?
I always look forward to your video. I am an established sewer so have most things on hand. This is a fantastic video for those who are getting their sewing machines out of the cupboard and might not have the necessary tools to complete a project. “ Make do and mend”. It’s all envelopes sustainability. Thanks again. Keep safe and well. Lynne
I love how this fits into the make do and mend attitude, and I think they're good suggestions, beyond our lockdown era, for beginning sewers who don't have access to all the sewing supplies and can't invest in the proper supplies or don't want to till they've practiced a bit.
A agree! This list is good for anytime!
Only just found your channel & indulging in a bit of binge-watching!
A couple of substitutes I've not spotted in the comments:
* A small saucepan, heated up, instead of an iron - wear gloves & put a tea towel/pillowcase over your fabric to protect it
* A stanley/craft/utility knife instead of scissors - they're probably sharper than your kitchen scissors!
One of my high school home economics class projects required making a tailoring ham. It is stuffed with seasoned sawdust. I Stillhaveit. And I love using it
This is my first time considering buying a sewing machine and is looking at a Singer heavy duty brand. I have many tools for computers and vehicle maintenance, but this is new for me when it comes to sewing. I have an old machine which belonged to my grandmother and it is valuable to me and it has been in storage for decades as no one used it since she last used it. That machine is the medal model and was probably made before I was born. I know that I will need tools to go with my machine and will be getting some like shears which is used for the sewing tasks.
My ironing board became my sewing surface. It's a bit narrow, but since my mum's temporary home office is taking up the dining table, my usual sewing surface, i use the ironing board. Iz works put great since I can pin more slippery fabrics right on it and THEY STAY IN ONE PLACE. Also I don't have to clear it up whenever we need to eat.
Now don't get me wrong I don't keep đy sewing machine on it. I'm using my grandma's old machine that actually comes built in it's own cabinet.
I use my ironing board as a cut out table etc. Renting, so no room for an additional table, I do have a very small table so that's used for sewing machine . All is good
I just love your programs. I wish I could get my grandaughters to watch your shows so they might catch the fever of creation thru sewing!
🤣🤣 I think sewing is addictive too! I hoe your granddaughters do get the bug! Thanks for watching!
I enjoyed this video and would like to share what Mom taught me...use fishing line to sew metal buttons on fabric-the metal won't cut through fishing line like it would regular thread.
Dental floss can be used to sew on buttons, or for basting
I'm thinking floss for teeth in a jam. It's stronger than regular thread.
Easiest trick to sharpen scissors: fold 3 or four times an aluminum foil (the one you use in the kitchen) and simply do some cuts with the scissors to sharpen. It works magic ☺️
We are in our vacation house now and i brought sewing machine too😂 so that even im far from home i can still sew😍
In lieu of document clips or pins, Use hair pins (Bobby pins). To turn a narrow strap or tube, fold and press right sides together and pin and sew a length of ribbon or twine into the 'top' end of the tube. keep it inside the tube away from the needle. Stitch down the side. Leave the 'bottom' open and pull the twine or ribbon through to turn the tube right side out, then clip the top removing the twine and carry on. You can use a crochet hook to push out corners when you turn them, but not the ones for doily making, they push through!! A pressing ham can be improved by filling a sock with rice or gravel and wrapping in a towel or flannel blanket. Remember those receiving blankets we save for no good reason or flannel scraps?? Stitch or pin the towel so it doesn't come undone while ironing. Also, for a tailor's Clapper, use a piece of scrap wood, one inch wide and as long as you like. I like 14". This is a great surface for pressing seams open. Once upon a time,I used a child's building block to get into a corner! Unpainted wood, only. To sharpen scissors, you can stack several layers of aluminum foil and cut them with the dull scissors...they become sharp. So,be careful. A chenille stem can be folded and used to retrieve dust in the tight spot behind the needle in the bobbin casing. I bought a full bolt of sew in inner facing, in black, at a yard sale and next to it was a roll of "party table covering" left over from a wedding. It was the exact same material. That was a dollar well-spent. Other materials to reinforce fabric for ...say a row of buttonholes, is grosgrain ribbon. And YES! Sta-Flo starch is available in the US! liquid and spray. I have a stash of curtains, perfect for lining, petticoats, and shorter sheer curtains. But,they are vintage, (church bazaar) and custom made with actual crinoline and covered weights in the hem. GOLD! look in the linen closet, or wherever you bagged and stashed those old sheers. You really don't know what you have till you look at it with new eyes.
Wonderful tips!! And I'm surprised they still sell that brand of starch!!
Grandmother and Mom always saved the pins and plastic clips that came with new clothes. Those plastic clips can hold things together from the edge if you run out of pins.
The old sheets can also be used as interfacing, underlining (flatlining), and even as leave-in embroidery stabilizer (esp hand embroidery).
#goals I just ordered my first vintage sewing pattern and I’m so intimidated! You have such a wonderfully approachable personality and I look forward to learning from you.
😄 Yay!!! That's so exciting!! They are different! But just think, what's the worst that can happen... it's just fabric! ❤ You'll learn so much from taking your time with it!
Starch. You can use corn starch to starch fabric. Mix starch into water and spray or brush on (or even just dunk) your fabric. Iron dry and you are done!
Clothes pins and scotch tape to pin patterns or hold fabric together. I copy my thin tissue patterns on brown paper when these situations arise. Saves my pattern!
A glue stick also works.
I've gotten rolls of wallpaper from the thrift store to use to trace patterns on. Heavier than brown paper and the surface is somewhat rough so it stays in place.
Since I'm on a strict budget, I use sandwich paper for patterns, a throw pillow as a pressing ham, bedsheets for mock-ups, and a specific kitchen scissor for my fabric. Grocery stores sometimes have pins and other very basic sewing supplies, and the grocery store is still open. 👍
I've been sewing for a few months now and buying real fabric scissors was on my post-pandemic supply list. I've been using small metal scissors, completely unaware that my mom had fabric scissors and a rotary cutter this entire time. Two lessons; tiny metal scissors are a surprisingly good substitute for fabric scissors, and if someone in your family sews, even if it's only occasionally, maybe check to see if they have the supplies you need.
My mom also basically hid my grandma's sewing machine in her closet for a decade, so yeah, definitely see if someone in your family has sewing supplies.
🤣🤣 Definetly put the word out for supplies!!
I remember we once substituted an iron with a clean small saucepan, halfway filled with boiling water. And a kitchen towel. And sprinkled water for the steam.
While I have been forced out of the sewing room (living room) because of the summer heat. I have been using my grandmother's old chalkboard propped up on legs on my bed for my sewing table. With extra pillows and a corset for back support.
I love that you always recommend thrifting fabric, especially sheet. Fabric is very resource heavy to make, just the dying of fabric alone uses dozens of gallons of water, so it's always awesome to reuse sheets, table clothes, i've used painters drop clothes, the list goes on.
Confession:Recently discovered this channel am addicted. Have a 70s Kenmore and just purchased a Janome 344 which I absolutely love and I also just purchased a 70s Kenmore for my granddaughter. I learned on mine and felt it was good for her to learn on as well. ;-))
A small remnant of soap works in place of chalk in a pinch.
Oh great idea!! I've never heard that one before, but I'm keeping it in my back pocket fir a no chalk day! 😀
Yes, my mom was a professional seamstress in USSR in 70s when chalk was unheard of. They all used slim, dried out pieces of soap. It works just as great as chalk on darker fabrics and is easy to use.
I have been using a chopstick to poke out the edges while making masks. Crochet hooks and knitting needles will also work.
Same! I also use the chopstick to hold down a seam if I need to press it, my iron lets out some steam at the side and would burn me if I used my fingers.
Same, I use chopsticks in my sewing and knitting all the time for random things lol
I use my crochet hooks and find my tunisian hook a godsend for reaching into longer garments, would be worried using the tip of the knitting needles
WONDERFUL!!! the only thing I didn't see is a Safety Pin to turn the tubes inside out or for pulling elastic through a channel, instead of a Bodkin. Great Information.
I have used thick string, carefully marked using a carpenter's tape measure (or ruler), as a tape measure. That was when I was very poor, using a gifted non-electric machine to make simple Christmas gifts.
I learned to sew on my grand mothers treadle machine and then my moms machine from the 50s until it broke
@@cristinerose21 Me too. We called my paternal grandmother Grammy and I used her treadle when I was poor. My Mom's Singer still works but someone gave her another one, almost identical, which I have and love. I do not trust electronically enhanced equipment. These days, computer components seem to fail early on and are more expensive to replace than purchasing a whole new machine.
I just got my sewing machine today. I've been watching your videos all week in preparation and would like to thank you for some brilliant ideas. I needed a pin cushion today and found a dishwashing sponge perfect. I initially stuck the pins in the sponge side but actually the "scrubbing" side is even better.
If you're like me and likes to use frixion markers when writing, they also work really well for marking fabric. On paper they are removed with the heat caused by the friction of the eraser, but on fabric you can just run the iron over it and it dissapears! It's my favourite way of marking fabric! But do make sure to test on a corner of your fabric, just to be sure.
Someone recently told me about Frixion pens, which are a brand of felt tipped pen, and they are fantastic ! Cheaper and thinner than a "fabric marker" pen, and they disappear with heat (iron). See if the kids have one , or buy one from Officeworks.
I have been known to use drink coasters as fabric weights. There great, they have the cork bottoms which keeps them from sliding.
Oh yeah old machines are amazing! We have a Bernina that's probably at least 30 years old and it is a BEAST 😂 goes through 3 layers of denim like nobody's business
My iron broke, so while I wait for a new one, I've been using my hair flat iron! Tedious, and only suitable for hems and small projects, but... Been sewing masks, and it is saving the day with these! :D
I once used a sauce pan as an iron.
Had to look up "texters"; looks like it's markers or felt-tip pens in my American English dialect.
😂😂 I didn't know this was only a word in my language! Now I know no one understood me! 🤣
@@Evelyn__Wood there are a number of uniquily Australian words, like texta, and doona, which I had to learn, when I first came from New Zealand to live here.
@@adriannegentleman83 that's why I enjoy, Evelyn, she speaks my "linguo", she's an Aussie
@@Evelyn__Wood It was a trademark of Aussie stationery company Jasco.
In South Africa they are "koki's" and in Zimbabwe called "neos". Both from the original brands sold there.
I have used a small dab of Elmer’s School Glue in lieu of pins. Pulls apart easily and residue washes out completely. Picked up that tip from a quilter.
Frixion pens for marking fabric. Ink dissapears with heat/pressing. Love your channel Evelyn!
I feel seen! My sewing machine was given to me by my great aunt and hers was from the 60s. I really want my mum's though - it is this gorgeous 1928 singer that does the best strait stitch I've ever met.
I tend to hand sew a lot, so as long as you have needle and thread (both available in supermarkets) then a long tacking stitch will pin fabric together perfectly well. For a ham, I have cut up heaps of bits of 'cabbage' or left over fabric (dead towels, cut offs from clothes that I no longer need) and stuffed that into the ham. Very dry pearl barley from soup mixes as well, or daal. I also only had a 1890s iron for a long time (too poor to get an electric one) that I would heat up in the oven.
You can make a thimble from any solid piece of leather/faux leather. Cut it around the tip of your index finger, stitch it (maybe make holes first!) and voila...
I am just now redescovering sewing after not having picked up a pattern in over thirty years. During this pandemic, I've needed something creative to do and found your videos. I'm working through both my closet and my husband's looking for items to refashion. Thanks so much for such great videos and tips. They have been such a welcome breath of fresh air during such challenging times. I plan to join your online school just as soon as we are back in our winter home this coming month. Thanks again. Love and light from Maine in the US of A.
I pulled out my old machine and used some stashed fabric . Once the tension problems were resolved, I was rolling! The my iron died!! Anxiously awaiting new ones arrival today. Meanwhile learning more online. Thanks Evelyn!
Thank you Evelyn for all these great ideas. Thankfully I have lots of sewing supplies and fabric to keep me busy. I like all the suggestions about using a piece of soap. We use gel body wash but I have some homemade soap bars that we made a few years ago for fun. I'm going to cut a sliver off and keep in my sewing box. Thank you again and Happy Sewing!
I'm very late to the party but really enjoyed this - my mum was born in 1911, loved buying new clothes but also still ingrained with make do & mend sensibilities too.
Some great advice here especially the nail scissors (my curved blade ones have outperformed my previous Fiskars and even my Kai pair).
Two other suggestions:
-- for fabric marking, in or out of pandemic, a soap sliver out performs tailor's chalk or modern chalk wheels etc. It's as vintage as you can get and a quick couple of hand washes & dry makes a new fine edge too.
-- for joining layers without fusing, use tailor's pad stitch. Easy to look up and an easy stitch to learn.
A lot of my parcels are coming packed with brown paper instead of bubble wrap. I save the paper, iron it out and use it for drafting pattern pieces.
In the past, I made ceiling-to-floor drape panels to cover a full wall shelving unit. The available material was a soft cotton flannel fabric so I used corn starch to have ironing starch for this big project.
It is easier and cheaper than you would think. I recommend small batches stored in the fridge because it can go bad in time.
I was able to snag a new gently used white brand heavy duty domestic sewing machine from my moms friend after I had gotten back into sewing with my first sewing machine that has had issues and I started off with sewing masks from a pattern, a waterbottle cozy without a pattern, and now im onto sewing my first cotton blouse shirt with this beautiful vintage printed pattern fabric. So glad I got back into :)
For years I used a rolling pin wrapped with a towel for a pressing ham for curves. But I recently made myself a couple of pressing hams. Also made a big flat pressing surface from plywood covered in cotton batting and ironing board fabric. Huge upgrade to my sewing space and tools.
You can sharpen scissors by the way by cutting tinfoil with them. It takes a while and a lot of foil, but, it works.
For marking fabric, I find the easiest tool that I always have in the house is little pieces of left over bar soap. I even save them to use....soap washes out :) and it works like a hot damn!
Evelyn, I LOVE YOUR STYLE AND WHAT YOU DO! (Yes, shouting a little!) You are truly a treasure. Thank you from Wisconsin USA.
You're a natural teacher! I have no idea where to begin with sewing, but these tips are super helpful xx
Hi Evelyn! You are so right my 16 yr old niece in Kansas pulled an old 1980’s sewing machine from the closet and I’m teaching how to use it virtually thru FaceTime, she’s trying to make face masks. First thing I had her do was clean out the fuzz...I love the using of sheets tip, never thought of that! Yup I use my grandsons chalk all of the time too...great video!!! Happy Sewing everyone!!! 🧵✂️🧵
Oh that sounds so nice! Sewing lessons through face time! ❤
Great timing to discover you right now! First, that Bernina you pull out at the beginning of the video is my old sewing machine! I miss it terribly. I have a new model now and am reacquainting myself with sewing after a 30 year hiatus. My daughter, in her mid 20’s, is interested in sewing and I know she will love you as much as I do and I have no doubt you will be a great inspiration for her. So glad to have found you! I am marathoning all your videos tonight. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Aww thanks for watching!😄 I'm glad you find then useful!
If you are out of a particular supply, join a sewing community and pool resources. Sometimes, there are destash groups you can join where people jettison their excess stash for a lower price. SOMEONE is bound to have some basic item that you don't have, and they can post it to you. I've managed to get mask elastic, fabric, sewing clips, and other fun things this way. I've seen ladies destash things from lace, interfacing, batting, buttons, zips, bias tape and twills, needle threaders... and some of them are very generous and give some small items away for the price of postage. Sewing communities are also great ways to share and get tips, as well as be encouraged on your sewing journey. I'm so happy that I joined a local online group, it has been a great place to hang out despite being under lockdown.
Crayola washable markers are my fav for marking! I buy the very thin ones (i think they're called fine lines?), and they're perfect, but I have used the regular fat markers with success!
I just started in the Vintage Sewing School! I am so excited to be learning with you. ✂✂
Yay!!! Deborah I'm so excited to have in class!! I can't wait to see what you create!! I'm realeasing this month's content today actually!!! So new lessons in a matter of hours for you! ❤
After seeing the prices of tailor hams, and with the slow shipping during pandemic, I searched for patterns and found a few free patterns. I made one for myself and one for my daughter and stuffed them with fabric scraps. A little canvas and/or sturdy suit wool and scraps is all you need! I also made a sleeve pressing thingy (Tailor’s sausage). They work great, and I’m sure the old tailors didn’t buy them- just made their own.
I use my watercolor pencils to mark fabric, it goes away very easily with water
Oh great idea!! Wash out color!
That’s an awesome idea!!
you can use soap as well. dry soap (as in, not wet).
@@rachellynncreates2703 and I have the whole rainbow of them anyway haha !
@@fitzyfitz95 me too! thats why i like the idea sooo much!
I love your videos please do some more. Could you please show how to tye the scarves you wear on your videos. I love the look. I would love to wear my scarves that way. Thank you for your time and attention to detail. I've been sewing 50 years and you have taught me some new things. Thank you. I live in Texas in the United states
Girl, you weren’t lying. I’m a nurse, and went to the store during the quarantine so I could buy bias tape for the scrub caps I was making to go under my respirator at work so it didn’t pull my hair. They were completely sold out of bias tape, not to mention that almost all the the racks which usually stock fabric bolts were completely empty. I guess a great many people took up sewing during the pandemic.
Before anyone bites my head off, it was a super-store which stocks groceries as well as other items (which is why it was still open during the quarantine.) And yes, I did wear a surgical mask while I was out. Happy sewing everyone.
My grandmother loved to needle work and taught me how to separate the strands for sewing with.
Great substitutes! Thank you for your wonderful ideas
Pilot frixtion pens work well. The ink disappears with the heat from the iron. Test first because it can cause discoloration.
When I first moved out and couldn't pinch mum's iron anymore, I would heat up my cast iron skillet on the stovetop and use that as my iron. Worked shockingly well and for anything delicate or pale or with a fused print I'd put baking paper over it to protect it.
Got a good iron these days but I got some heavy pleats pressed with minimal effort thanks to that skillet xD
for a quick hem at a friend without pins: bobby pins did the job. thanks for the videos
Oh!!, I just acquired a Globe 877 which is utterly fabulous, but was stuck on right side straight stitch... Patiently waiting to get it back from the mechanic... It was stored in a garage and not used for ages.... Can't wait!!!
Loving your positivity Evelyn, all good wishes to you x
I was re-watching this video and when you got to the section on how to measure if you don't have a measuring tape, and it made me think of my instructions to my grown children. I often sew for my many grandkids and don't often have the actual child to measure, especially the 2 that live 8 hours from me. So from time to time I have my daughter/dau-in-law measure their kids for me. They are not sewists and don't have tape measures so I tell them to use a cloth belt or shoelace and measure their child and then use a yard stick to measure the belt or shoelace, effectively making a tape measure. It works pretty well.
In a pinch someone could make a tape measure out of a belt/shoelace and some safety pins for increments (or sewing pins used carefully). Not perfect but when you just have to sew something.....
The feeddogs felt pads made me snicker. My first machine had some of those I believe!!! ;)
One time I couldn't find my container of pins and I was getting impatient, so I used bobby pins to hold the fabric together so I could cut & sew. Also sometimes those little clamps you get from office supply shops to hold paper together come in handy.
Thankyou for your ideas and enthusiasm Evelyn ! Sorry I don't have anything helpful to add, thanks for sharing these helpful tips to be getting by with.
Thanks for watching!! ❤
My very first sewing projects were dust covers for my woodworking machines. I used old sheets and sewed them on my 1973 Kenmore, which I revived using tips from Vintage Sewing Machine Garage on RUclips. I ironed them on a board covered with a towel. I cut them with kitchen scissors ( which I sharpened and adjusted per RUclips video instructions). They'll do until I can get a decent pair. If you just can't find an iron and have to press, maybe a cast iron frying pan would work. Pretty awkward, but it has a flat bottom, is heavy, and holds heat well. Dilute Elmer's Glue will stiffen fabric and attach interfacing. It comes in washable and permanent varieties. Better test it on your fabric before committing to your project.
I use a yardstick when I need to draw a LONG line when making my own pattern piece!
Me too!!
Dental floss for hand stitching. Strong and with a nice minty scent.
😲🤔😲🤔 Really??? I've never heard of that! I would think it would be too thick??
@@Evelyn__Wood It comes in all types of thicknesses. It is slightly stretchy (nylon). Will work in a pinch.
Evelyn Wood punks use it to stitch patches onto jackets! It’s super sturdy when you have nothing else (and don’t know about button thread). Fishing line too, for the same reason.
@@TheStitchess I actually used fishing line to stich up my teddy bear since one thread colour my grandma seems to not have on her stash is brown. It's a bit hard to work with and I would not use it on something that goes on skin but for a giant teddy bear iz works all right.
I have done that before
Not a sewing tip, but a storage tip. I love the Iris brand scrap booking containers that are 12" x 12". I use them to store bias tape, rickrack, twill tape, etc. I lay the tapes, etc. on their sides in the containers. I sort them by size and then colour. I can very easily find what I am looking for. Everything stays very neat.
One of the best ideas I ever stole was using an old bar of white bar soap as a tailor's chalk substitute. They kind of already have an edge which you can sharpen with a paring knife or simply rub it on a scrap at an angle to form that sharp edge. If the fabric is washable, it will simply wash out; it's soap!
For years now, I've been using a thin slither of bar soap, that you have at the end of the bar's life, as a tailor's chalk. It marks a nice thing white well visible line, it dissolves in water, and it's free and abundant.
I love your videos. One tip from me: one can use a piece of soap for marking if you do not have chalk. Will definitely wash out!
I was recently making masks while in quarantine at a hotel. I had to use safety pins for sewing pins, and a new hot glue gun to iron seams!!
I'm so glad to hear you didn't glue the seams! ❤😀 For ironing! So cleaver!
I just bought a pressing ham. I love it. Thanks.
Hi, I've used safety pins in place of real pins and a knitting needle to pock corners when I had nothing else,
Coming in late with substitute for an iron- boil a pan of water on the stove, use the bottom of the pan. I recommend leaving a small amount of water in the pan for the added weight. It's not nearly as good as a real iron, but it's better than nothing, I used it to iron my dress shirts for interviews when I first moved to the city, before I bought a real iron. You can put the pressed area under heavy books afterward for a few minutes to really press edges as needed
Excellent video, I also used “washable” markers.
My gran taught me that you can sharpen a scissor by "cutting" into a ceramic saucer. 3 to 4 times will suffice.
Really??? I must admit that one sounds scary! Have you tried it?? 😄
@@Evelyn__Wood Yes, all my life I have sharpened my normal scissors this way. You cut the saucer as if you are cutting a piece of paper. Don't use your best saucer and rather use a saucer with a thin edge.
This makes total sense since the ceramic would be almost like a sharpening stone!
@@TheWanderingWife I think the sharpest knife in the world is ceramic. I promise you it works every time. I have saved a lot of money on my 3 girls school scissors by just sharpening them this way.
I had forgotten about that, my gram kept a broken saucer just for sharpening her knives and scissors quickly. Even after I bought her a sharpner just for scissors, she still said her broken ceramic saucer was better.
Ive used clothes pins over pins but watch for splinters.
Crafting Razor blades for cutting seams.
Watercolor pencils to mark.
Dishes for weights.
Made my own stuffed selfie with tape.
....and years of ytube school to further my limited knowledge. So, thank you for providing us with these videos xo
I've never had any loop turners. I use a chenille/wool needle threaded with button thread or top-stitching thread. I anchor the thread firmly in the seam allowance near the end of the loop/strap to be turned, then I manipulate the needle through the middle of the fabric of the whole length. I pull on the thread, which pulls on the end of the fabric, taking it inside itself. I keep on pulling until it comes out the other end - right-side-out! These threads are very strong, they will only break if you've stitched the loops too narrow to start with - in which case, even a loop turner would not be able to rescue it. This method also works to thread elastic through its casing if you don't have a bodkin.