Before you cut your fabric

Over this blog series I will be sharing with you some tips ands tricks, the basics and some links to some gorgeous patterns to help release your inner seamstress. 

I love love love sewing and holding that finished product in your hands... I also love that doing this blog means that I will be able to not only share this with you but also do some more sewing.

Before you sew you need some basic tools. Start with a basket or box...

Sewing machine

This is fairly obvious if you are wanting to sew however it is not necessary to spend a huge amount of money on them. My first sewing machine was very basic (but fabulous) and I didn't have an overlocker for years after I started. Some of the sewing stores will have a fabulous range (I got both mine from Spotlight). I was lucky that I was given an overlocker for my 30th (yes I am giving away my age). I think that it is important to have some of the basic stitches, that it sews straight and is easy to thread. It can be a little daunting at first but so entirely worth it.

Bobbins

If you are unfamiliar with bobbins, they are the reel that sits in the bottom plate of the machine enabling your stitches to be on both sides of the fabric. When buying bobbins ensure that you are buying the correct bobbin for your machine. If you are unsure just ask the friendly staff at your local sewing store. 

Painters Tape/Masking Tape/Washi Tape

This is a fabulous trick for beginners (have seen this tip all over Pinterest- rubber bands also work but I found that that kept moving on me).

Image credit: www.etsy.com

Rotary Fabric Cutter/Self Healing Mat/Large Clear Ruler

I find that cutting fabric can be a little tedious when all you want to do is sew but I found that these tools meant that I can cut fabric quickly and therefore have more time for the best bit.

Image credit: www.sewmamasew.com

Scissors

Investing a little money in a good pair of fabric scissors makes all the difference when you cut your fabric. Make sure that you only use them on fabric (not paper or cardboard). You can get a pair that are flat along one edge from tip of scissor blade to end of the handle. These are fantastic as I always found that I ended up lifting the fabric when I was cutting. These scissors will mean that there is minimal lifting and subsequently a better cut.

Seam Ripper

I know that you can get these in a packet with a snip cutter and sewing gauge (sewing gauge fabulous for even hems) and they are available at LOTS of places from Kmart through to Spotlight. These are a fabulous investment because they make those little sewing mistakes SO much easier to fix. Trust me, you will use them at some point in your sewing career.

Fabric Pens or Tailors Chalk

These are great to use right from the pattern marking through to the sewing part. I do prefer NOT to draw on my fabric BUT if I must I do prefer using a washable (or wipeable) chalk.

Needles

Now, you need both hand sewing needles and spare machine needles. I have fallen victim to the snapping machine needle (and had no spares). Sometimes you are required to do hand sewing so a packet (or two) of needles never goes astray.

Tape Measure

I have two. One is a retractable and the other is a standard measuring tape. Both do the job but the standard measuring tape is easier to use when you need to measure someone.

Interfacing

Inevitably you will be required to use interfacing. This is not necessarily required in your basic sewing kit but it is always handy to have in your sewing basket.

Pins

These are another essential. When you are sewing you want to join the fabric together as you are sewing. Pins are the best way to do this (although there are some tips and tricks I will share with you later). I find the pins with beads on the end the best because they are easy to see and find.

Have fun shopping for your essentials!

Have a beautiful day!

Lauren

xxx

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog Ruffled Lace! Isn't it so pretty and shiny and new!!!

My name is Lauren and I am a 30 year old perfectionist. I am a wife to B who is my best friend and my biggest antagonist. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, Master 10wks, Miss 1.75 and Miss 3.5.  I have two beautiful sisters and amazing parents, who I am sure you will hear more about throughout this blog...I am also adopted mother (shhh don't tell him) to Tank, 8, who loyally rests in front of me.

I started Ruffled Lace in 2012 after having Miss 1.75, when I found that I was needing to feel like I was contributing something to the world, to my family, to my purpose. I didn't realise it growing up, but the older I got, the more like my mother I was becoming (certainly not something that I am worried about).

I grew up in the most wonderful household. It was warm. It was neat and tidy. It smelt wonderful (especially on those cold winter evenings after getting home from school). It was filled with beautiful, feminine and antique things. Do you ever walk past someone in the street and you get that waft of perfume or cologne and it reminds you of home or someone you love? I can honestly say that it is all of these things that inspire me to create what I create. I love pretty. I love feminine. I love vintage. I love memorable. I have only just begun to appreciate that my childhood has influenced my style today. I try and create beautiful things for the enjoyment of others. Something to be able to look at and appreciate and feel happy every time you see it. That is my aim for Ruffled Lace. Ruffled Lace is not necessarily a "booming" business but I have had the pleasure of creating much loved pieces that have gone to wonderful homes.

There are many things that I love. I love taking vintage furniture and breathing new life into it. I love knitting (fabulous therapy) although poor master 10wks is still waiting for a cardigan I started for him when he was born. I love painting and drawing. I love writing (funny that). I love scrapbooking (although that fell by the wayside in um... 2012). I guess really what it comes down to is that I love creating pretty things.

This brings me to my next point (took a long time to get there but I am there now). I am creating this blog in conjunction with my store to share some skills, ideas and my passion for creating pretty things and inspiring you to take the chance at doing the same... The satisfaction is unbelievable. Whilst this blog will be predominantly about sewing, it will run parallel to my other blog Believing In Pink (believinginpink83@blogspot.com) which will cover my day to day "adventures", tips and creations. My perfectionism had to be handy somehow... Right?

I hope that this blog inspires some of you to also create beautiful things and helps you along the way.

Have a beautiful day...

Lauren

xxx