Wednesday, July 24, 2013

*chirp* *chirp* *chirp*




ahhhhhhh summer



Sorry about the crickets here, my plate has been quite full lately and I haven't had much time for anything.
My mom has the big. bad "C", my mother inlaw moved in with us from half way across the country and all the traveling and phone calls have really been a huge portion of my life. I am afraid they will keep my busy for the next several weeks. I might do a little whining, but I will try to keep it to a minimum. lol

Tomorrow, the hubs and I head for the great state of Texas to watch our son test for his black belt.
I don't know what is more exciting, alone time with the hubs or the test. I'll just call it a win-win.

Rides and people and food for the ones left behind.....all done!!

I haven't forgot the contest, so when I get back, I WILL make some time to pick a winner and post some photos.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

HOW I SHORTEN AND HEM A KARATE GI

My son does karate....in fact, he will be testing for his black belt this month. I am sooooo excited!
He will be testing in Texas at a world wide event with people who are masters of his style....Okinawan Uechi-Ryu Karate-Do.


Mommy decided her boy needed a fresh, clean, unsullied gi for the event. It, of course, needs some adjusting. Here is a short pictorial of how I shorten and re-hem the arms and pant legs.

This works best if you have to cut off  3" or more. If you have to cut off less....you can roll and sew (a lot of bulk, ew) or you can buy a similar weight fabric and make your own facing. It's all good.

I can not stress this enough....wash and dry that sucker in hot water and a hot dryer.....several times: they shrink in odd ways and for quite awhile...trust me.
Oh, get some heavy duty top stitching thread and one big ol' needle size 14 or 16


Here is a pic of a high end Shureido Gi. I didn't alter this one, just added a patch. 
These come from your measurements already.


Really? Look at this stitching...I CAN do better! 


First, mark where you want the bottom to be. Duh, right?


I cut these off  before I marked the hem, to eliminate some bulk, works okay if you leave them too.


I finger pressed to mark the line


Measured the reveal and counted the rows (and rows and rows) of topstitching. 6-10 is normal


From the finished edge of the hem, I added a 1/2" seam allowance then cut off the excess. 
In this case, the hem line was 3" from the bottom, so I lopped off 2.5"
I used matching pins to keep the pieces mated. 


The facing need to be 2.5" to have a 1.75" reveal with even thickness for all the rows of top stitching. More width=more rows.
Open up the seam (or just cut a strip to length plus a seam allowance.


Open them up and press down one edge 1/2". Fold over one end and do the same.
I stitched it down so I didn't have to think about it.


Right sides together...folded edge under the overlap. 1/2" seam allowance.


This is what it looks like after. See how I offset the seams to spread out the bulk? 
Sewing through 8-10 layers of heavy canvas is not something most home sewing machines do effortlessly.


Fold in to the inside, pulling enough so that the front has a little reveal showing on the inside so you don't see the facing from the front at all. Pin a few places then top stitch like crazy. 
1/8" from the bottom to start, the evenly space your rows. I did 1/4"...3/16 works good too. 
Whatever you pick, try and keep it evenly spaced.


8 rows per leg


I think it looks better than the high end gi hem.
You can see the hump on the underside. You can "clap" it down with a piece of wood and a hammer, but this is on the inside leg and after a wash or two, it will become a lot less visible.

Now, on to the arms.................

Friday, July 5, 2013

INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW PATTERN

Pins and Snips Stay-Put Pin cushion and Thread Catcher

A new, fun, useful, easy-peasy pattern from freshman designer Karen of SewMuch2luv fame.

It is available for instant PDF download in from her Etsy shop. The pattern includes a full size print out pattern and instructions for the  "Button Mouse" embroidery. It is the first of several patterns that will be released soon by SewMuch2Luv with stitchery patterns designed exclusively by Susie Layman of "Threads on My Socks".  


I was lucky enough to get to preview this pattern. She knows I have a pincushion problem affinity.

It went together easily; her instructions are pretty darn clear and who doesn't need a secure place for pins and snippets? Who? 

I don't really do cute and adorable. Sci fi and All Hallow's Eve....oh and yeah!
So instead of the absolutely darling embroidery pattern that comes with it (score), I "Ghassed" it up a bit.


Here it is right next to my machine.
It is large, weighted and has grippy fabric on the bottom.
I fiddled and faddle and pushed and shoved.....and this baby stayed put!
Notice how the bag hangs at just the right angle for tossing in snippets of thread?



These faces are so much fun to stick with pins....really!! LOL



I opted for rick rack as my trim.

A wonderful first pattern! I can tell you this will get used and made as giftees for a few fellow sewing buds.....cute little mouses and all! I do loves me some embroidery!

Rush right over and get some sewing goodness in your in box today!!