Wednesday, April 04, 2007


Sewing helps -- for the non-sewer, the begining sewer or the advanced seamstress

Check out these helpful links:

SEW SASSY FABRICS http://www.sewsassy.com
This is a fabric store located in Huntsville, Ala. You can visit their store or order from them online. They cater to home sewers and to people who sew as a cottage industry. They specialize in all sorts of nylon, lace, and fabrics and supplies for lingerie and swimwear, as well as for costumes and activewear. They have some fabrics in stock that are hard to find in regular sewing shops. They also offer selected patterns. This is the site to shop if you would like to make some lovely nightgowns for yourself or as gifts for a new bride. My mother-in-law buys several yards of tricot at a time from them, which she uses to make several gowns to give as gifts.

THE HOME SEWING ASSOCIATION: http://www.sewing.org
This is an organization that promotes the art of home sewing. It offers tips for learning to sew clothing and home decor, as well as free patterns. Many of these free patterns can be done by a beginner or even someone with little to no sewing skills. Yet, the site also has items of interest to people who are expert seamstressses. Check out the section on charitable sewing if you would like to find ways to use your sewing talents to help others. Also, if you enjoy sewing and would like to earn money by teaching others how to sew, reading this site can help you get started. They provide a resource section for those who already are sewing educators or who would like to become sewing educators.

SIMPLICITY: http://www.simplicity.com
Find new and discontinued Simplicity patterns, as well as information about reading patterns, fitting garments, learning how to sew clothing and home decor, etc.

SEWING.COM: http://www.sewing.com
This site has ads on its page and has a more commercial feel to it than the Home Sewing Association site. I would rank the Home Sewing Association's site a little higher on my list than this one. Nevertheless, there's some good information about sewing here, and it's well worth visiting. There's a sewing dictionary, a bookstore, a section of links and resources, and a few projects. Be sure to check out the archives of the Sew and Tell newsletter to find out all sorts of information about sewing.

SEWING AT ABOUT: http://sewing.about.com
Information about sewing.

COLONIAL PATTERNS (Including Aunt Martha's embroidery and cross-stitch) http://www.colonialpatterns.com
This is a fabulous resource for people who love needlework and other related crafts. This site offers a variety of supplies, but they are most famous for their hot iron transfer patterns. Also check out the tea towels and the pillowcases, which can be used to make little items for the home or for gifts. There's something here for everyone.

The above are just a few of the many web sites where you can find fabrics, patterns, notions, and information about sewing. To find more sewing resources, type sewing, fabrics, or notions into your search engine. Also, look up the sites for companies like Jo-Ann's and Hancock's. Finally, if you hear of or visit a small fabric store, find out if it has an on-line sites. Some small shops sell merchandise online.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Wal-Mart is slowly discontinuing their fabric departments. As Belle-ah of Southern Somedays pointed out, many people in small towns or rural areas depend on their local Wal-Mart for sewing supplies. If you live far from a fabric store, it's nice to know that there are many stores that sell sewing supplies online. Some of these stores offer surprisingly low prices.

Even if you do live near a fabric store, visiting a company web site is a good way to pick up some extra tips that will help you with fabric and craft projects.

Enjoy!
Elizabeth






















2 comments:

Julieann said...

Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you sooo much for all those links.
It is a shame Wal mart is closing it fabric department:(

Julieann:)

Mimi said...

Hi Julieann,

I hope you enjoy these links. I tried to pick ones that provie a lot of helpful information.

Elizabeth