History and memory are bound into the textile art of contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, who works with found, archival fabrics that have associations with Ghanian history, colonialism, and post-colonialism. It is worth noting that fabric is just one strand of his multifarious practice, which involves sourcing and transforming vast collections of similar found objects and…
African Stories: The Textile Art of Ibrahim Mahama
The walking foot is an additional presser foot typically purchased separately from the presser foot options that come with your machine. This part is brand or model specific, so you need that information when you shop for one. This special foot helps move both layers of fabric at the same time as you sew. For…
Whatever stage you’re at in your journey of creating a handmade wardrobe, there are a few basic concepts that should become second nature in your sewing practice. For example, having separate pairs of scissors—one for paper and one for fabric—and understanding the grainline your pattern pieces require, whether they should be cut on the straight…
Backstitch Backstitch is a short reversal in the direction of stitching used at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to keep the threads from unravelling. Bartack A bartack is a line of tightly stitched, tiny zigzag stitches. It’s used to reinforce seams in strategic places where there is going to be extra…
As a sewist, you’ve probably heard the term “deadstock” circulating in fashion and sewing circles, but it’s not just another buzzword—it’s the coveted material for DIY enthusiasts and eco-conscious designers alike. But what exactly is deadstock fabric, and why is it on the radar of home sewists? Deadstock fabric is like a rare jewel of…
In 2013, Argentinian artist Marta Minujin celebrated her 70th birthday by ‘marrying’ art. She staged a huge wedding party at the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), during which she was carried around in a horse drawn carriage wearing a lavish white dress. It is a fitting introduction to Minujin’s madcap, eccentric world,…
Our family loves to welcome friends into our homes. With all three of our “kids” being grown and in their own houses, it’s so enjoyable seeing them carry on this tradition. Between the three of them (plus our son in law, so four), they have a Supper Club group that meets bi-weekly, kitchen dance parties…
Have you ever held back from sharing your sewing or pattern ideas because you were afraid that others might not take them seriously? Do you tend to stick with the same patterns and fabrics because they’re familiar and feel safe, even though you know there’s so much more out there to try? Maybe you’ve avoided…
Cecilia Vicuña has made a lifelong mission to reinvent the quipu, (meaning ‘knot’ in the Quechua language) an ancient system of coloured, knotted threads from the Andean mountains, once used for keeping records, telling stories, recording communal rules, and even writing poems. Throughout her career, which has spanned more than five decades, she has produced…
New to sewing or pattern making and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology? From draping to selvedges, this mini glossary has got you covered! Armscye: The armhole opening in a garment where the sleeve is attached. Basting (or tacking): Temporary stitching, either done by hand or machine, that is used to hold pieces…
The French Fauvist painter Andre Derain made paintings of France that were charged with electrifyingly bolts of colour, including the blazing shade of ochre seen in YELLOW Linen. Along with Henri Matisse and Maurice de Vlaminck (among others) they spearheaded a new brand of painting that moved beyond the real world into the realms of…
A few years ago I made a digital sewing course to help people gain the confidence to start sewing garments at home. In this course I stressed the value of customization for sewing your own garments. I am 5’8” tall, my daughter Amanda is 6’1” tall and our friend Angela is possibly under 5’ tall….
I’ll admit it—I’m guilty of not changing my sewing machine needles as often as I should, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this! However, I have gotten better over time, recognising just how much these small tools can impact the outcome of a sewing project. Picking the right needle can improve stitch quality, make…
Good morning from my sewing studio here in Florida. Today we are possibly learning something new and definitely celebrating that the sun is shining through the window and onto my projects after several days affected by the tropical storm that just went through. If you’d like to add a slit to your sleeve cuff or…
The soft sculptures of Maria A. Guzmán Capron depict larger-than-life curvy, vibrant characters whose joyful effervescence reflects the rich complexity of Capron’s multicultural identity, which spans Europe, South America and the United States. She says, “I need a variety of sources, because that is the only way I will approximate the complexity of a self…
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