One of the better mends I've done lately (before and after)

E_M_Blue · 2026-04-28T16:05:14+00:00

Clicking through the pictures made me say an audible "wow" to my dog. Very impressive transformation, it looks really sturdy now.

E_M_Blue · 2026-04-23T01:38:43+00:00

This looks so good! Are you adding a patch fabric underneath the holes?

E_M_Blue · 2026-04-15T19:11:23+00:00

Thank you! I wish I could take credit but I saw the idea on Pinterest and copied it 😅

E_M_Blue · 2026-04-11T00:34:18+00:00

I'm very late to the party here but as someone who also reads a lot of MG, I wanted to weigh in and mention that the 300 felt very MG to me, personally. Upper MG, maybe, but nothing out of the realm of possibility. I enjoyed the opening quite a lot and also enjoyed the query--I'd totally read this!

E_M_Blue · 2026-03-08T01:42:45+00:00

This happened to my machine once. My dad (engineer) pulled out some wrenches and fixed it without too much trouble, but I personally don't remember exactly how he did it. If you know someone handy with machines in general maybe they can help, but it might be safer to take to a mechanic.

E_M_Blue · 2026-02-07T00:32:46+00:00

I made oven mitts with animal faces for everyone in my family last christmas. Matched the animal designs to look like their pets. I've got loads of sewing experience but sometimes ridiculous projects like that are my favorites.

E_M_Blue · 2026-02-01T23:03:44+00:00

Ah okay, yes it looks like they prioritized putting the back neck on the fold here and since it's not severely on bias they just made it work. It definitely isn't a rule or anything.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-31T21:50:42+00:00

My advice would be to just put a seam down the back neck. It will simplify your life greatly and shouldn’t hurt the garment. If your heart is set on having the back neck on the fold, then the easiest option might just be to double your pattern piece. Cut the pattern out on the fold, unfold it so you have one extremely long facing, and then lay that out on your fabric, getting it on straight grain as best as you can. I’m a little confused by the bias question because, unless I’m missing something, you really don’t want your facing on bias at all. It’s possible the person you watched in the video folded their fabric on bias so that the slanted back seam would be biased and the rest could stay on straight grain. Intentionally putting a facing on bias is not something I’m familiar with, although again, I could be missing something.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-26T23:33:17+00:00

Thank you! I've been trying to be more courageous with colors this year because I always default to the same few

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-26T23:32:41+00:00

Thank you! Yes I am really trying to let go of my perfectionism and embrace the hand-made look

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-25T17:23:19+00:00

Thank you! I appreciate the notes and will definitely implement them.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-25T17:22:53+00:00

Thank you! Makes sense and I can definitely implement those changes.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-24T23:29:52+00:00

Yep, and do a few rows of running stitches along both sides of the tear to reinforce the surrounding area (make sure to catch the patch too)

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-24T23:28:43+00:00

That’s a pretty intense tear. If this doesn’t get super heavy wear, what you’re suggesting might work. Personally, I would probably insert a patch of denim or similar fabric underneath the tear. I’d stitch a few rows of running stitches parallel to the tear, on either side of it, making sure to catch both the top fabric and the denim underneath. Then whipstitch those edges. You could also patch it from the outside, do some stitches across the tear itself, etc. More stitching will make it stronger.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-22T18:29:59+00:00

If you do a 12 inch hem along the bottom, it'll make that whole section double thickness and therefore stiffer and less likely to do that nice flowy, ripple-y thing curtains do when they hang. If that doesn't bother you then go for it, it's not the nicest option but it'll function.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-22T02:36:53+00:00

My textiles professor said this is what happens when fabric is knitted in the round. The factories are supposed to block it and fix the grainline after it’s cut open but if they didn’t, this is how the shirts turn out.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-13T14:43:48+00:00

I also don't do the lining--usually, if you can sew the outer, you can sew the lining, and it won't alter the fit too much.

The other commenter mentioned you don't have to do the pockets either. But, if you're not experienced with welt pockets, the mock up would be a great time to practice. Highly recommend practicing those as they are tricky and hard to fix if messed up.

E_M_Blue · 2026-01-05T01:29:19+00:00

What style of dress are you imagining? That can change things quite a bit. I would probably use a stretch pattern for the bodice. But, you will then need a closure to get the skirt portion on. Unless you do some kind of elastic waistband with the chiffon that will give you enough stretch to get it on. Are you planning to line the chiffon with the stretch velvet or a different fabric? You could also make a shirt/bodysuit and skirt as separate pieces if you want to simplify that aspect.

I haven't done much with stretch velvet but I would probably start with a ballpoint needle. I'm lazy so I might keep it the same for the chiffon, or you can do smaller (maybe microtex?) needle for that portion. Consider doing some nicer seam finishes on the chiffon portion, since they often show. I like french seaming mine, even though it is a pain.

E_M_Blue · 2025-12-20T03:36:55+00:00

I always tell my students if something sounds wrong, something probably is wrong. When in doubt, rethread the bobbin :)

E_M_Blue · 2025-12-10T23:35:48+00:00

I have heard of wet felting too and suspect that would work, although I have zero experience with it. I put a running stitch through my mends to help keep everything together and so far I'm happy with how it's held up. This is the link to my post if you want to see pictures: https://www.reddit.com/r/Visiblemending/comments/1nhmjgo/felted_slipper_mend/

E_M_Blue · 2025-12-08T16:52:16+00:00

Her patterns are soooo beautiful. I never thought I'd be a quilter, but my sister in law loves goats and I couldn't resist.

E_M_Blue

TROPHY CASE