Category Archives: TUTORIALS

Valerie Lloyd is the creator of the Smile Mercantile shop on Etsy.  Her beautiful vintage-inspired designs caught my attention right away! Valerie has made a special tutorial just for Fabrics-store.com’s Chronicle.  Today, she will show us how to make her Winter White Hearts using linen.  This is a great craft for holiday season! More about…

Today, we talk to Elizabeth about sewing beautiful historically accurate garments.  She lets us in on what she finds most difficult about recreating a certain period in history and why she loves the challenge! She shares some experiences with us, as well as offers  useful tips for anyone who loves to sew re-enactment clothing. Hi…

My shift dress is the most reliable article of clothing in my closet. ‘ I actually own quite a few, so I am always ready to put together a quick and stylish outfit. ‘ Let me explain why they are basically my fashion lifesavers! A shift dress is essentially a short, sleeveless dress. ‘ It hangs straight with…

The kimono trend is popping up everywhere in fashion lately.  This season, fashion designers have really embraced the large, kimono sleeve look.  Various interpretations of the kimono popped up over major runways this season and can be seen in retail stores just about everywhere now. Although the kimono is a classic style that has made…

Today, I am going to show you how easy it is to make a linen bread bag.  I’ve already told you  how a linen bag is the best way to keep your bread fresh in Goodbye stale bread. How to keep bread fresh longer. I’m not saying a linen bread bag is a miracle worker that…

Wire hangers? YUCK. The thing about wire hangers I can’t stand is how they create these little peaks on the the shoulders of my shirts and sweaters. ‘ Those peaks infuriate me…. However, my collection of wire hangers grows each time if pick up something from the dry cleaners. ‘ It seems like such a waste to…

I recently got some  gray IL044 linen and thought it would work great for a skirt.  It has this denim-like look to it and is really easy to sew with.   I love pull-on skirts because they are comfortable and casual.  They are also incredibly easy to sew because there are no buttons, zippers, or pockets to…

As I opened my new order of IL020, I found myself at a loss. ‘ What will I make this time? Sometimes, when I’m confronted with too many options, I find myself unable to make a decision. ‘ In the case of linen, a yard or two all rolled up in front of me can leave me…

The other day I was looking at my yoga mat and thought to myself, “œMy yoga mat looks so…..naked.“ ‘ There is was, miserably thrown in the corner of my room, half unrolled, and laying pathetically on its side. ‘ It didn’t look just naked. ‘ It looked sad. Although almost everyone in my yoga class carries their…

The Big Decision. If this is your first time sewing a dress, don’t worry. I’ve been there. I know how intimidating the idea can be. However, the point is to have fun and let loose with your imagination. Who cares if you don’t get it right the first time? I remember the first time I…

     Here is a good reason to avoid wrestling with plastic wrap and dealing with cumbersome Tupperware.  Whether you are saving some leftovers or packing up for a picnic, dress your bowls up! A reusable bowl cover looks so much nicer than plastic wrap or foil, and is much more friendly towards the environment….

I know we just went over a creative pincushion idea (our last post on The Sewing Machine Pincushion) but I figured we’d keep rolling with this idea. ‘ You can never have too many crafts to consider, right? This craft functions as both a pincushion and storage device. ‘ It’s the perfect way to keep things organized…

Looking for a clever way to keep track of pins and needles while you are sewing?  This handy pincushion attaches right onto your sewing machine with sweetly tied ribbon bow.  Avoid pricking your finger with pointy stray pins once and for all with unique pincushion! I chose a bright vibrant shade (IL019 linen in Turtle Green)…

I’ve broken and scratched countless sunglasses because I’ve refused to put them in their case.  Although I want to protect my sunglasses, I just can’t bring myself to lug around a bulky case.  I throw my shades in the car, toss them in my purse, and shove them in my pocket if it means one…

Whenever I’m invited to dinner at someones home, I like to bring something for the host or hostess.  The thing is, I always feel a bit strange shoving a bottle of wine in someones face. That might be because a naked bottle of wine can seem a little impersonal.  You know, like something you just…