Part 2 of 5 Part seris Making Your Project Look store Bought

Well what a week! RAIN RAIN AND MORE RAIN! What a wonderful change from the Hot weather we have had this last month. Also My daughter and I took care of 3 lovely girls this Labor day holiday weekend. With my daughters 3 kids and the 3 girls we had 6 all together. The week end was full of fun, food, crafts, food, toys, and more food. I usually have my blog done by Monday but I needed a rest. Slept in and took it easy this morning. I pulled my thoughts together and am ready to get to the second part of Making Your project look Store bought finished. So here we go.

Part 2 The pattern. Of course the pattern is one of the most important parts of your project. When you are new to sewing you don't know what to look for in a pattern. Pattern company's try to make it easy for you these days. Look for the words easy, start, beginner, learn to sew etc. When looking in pattern books there is usually a section for beginners or easy patterns.


After you have picked your pattern the secret to Making your Project look Store Bought is:

1. READ the pattern. I read the pattern a couple of times. I curl up on the couch like I was going to read a good book and just read every part of the directions. The pattern company's have put a lot of time into their patterns. Even if it is not a beginner pattern they include some very basic information that beginners should read.


2. Cut out your pattern. . I suggest that you cut along the lines of the pattern on the tissue paper. It makes it easier to see where to place your pattern pieces on the fabric and make any adjustments that are needed. (After you do this a couple of times you can just cut around the patterns and cut on the lines of the pattern as you cut the fabric).


3. Adjust your pattern. This may seem hard but really it is easy. Follow the instructions on the pattern. There is several different ways to do this. I just say don't take short cuts. It takes time but is makes the difference in you finished project.


4. Laying out pattern on fabric. Here is the part that really counts. Remember the part about reading the pattern? There is a Section in the directions that will tell you all kinds of important information about laying out your pattern. Like placing patterns on the fold, placing patterns on the straight of grain. Also measuring equal distance from grain line to the salvage or fold. Your pattern is there to help you get it right. Take your time and ask for help if you don't understand. Now a days there is plenty of places on the Internet to find answers. Also you can call your nearest fabric store they will be glad to help. (If you don't get your pattern on the straight of grain your item will not hang right when finished.)


5. Cutting. Double check every placement before you cut. This will save a lot of heartache. Check to see if you have the fold piece on the fold. I always pin across the fold to remind me not to cut. Always cut the notches out. Don't cut them off as they are there to help you to get your fabric aligned when sewing you project together.


6. Marking. Get a chalk pencil dark and light and mark mark mark. Anywhere they say to mark ,mark. This helps again with placement and getting all to match.


7. Put your pattern in a zip lock bag. You may have to refer back to the pattern piece latter, so make sure you take care of them. If you like this pattern you can use it again. You can change it a little or do a different view.

Again, there are some very basic things to do to have your project look store bought and gleaning all that your pattern has to offer will Make Your Project Look Store bought. Remember to be patient. Happy Sewing!