What's the Difference Between Mending and Alterations?

The simplest way to express the difference between mending and alterations is this: if you mend something you're returning it to the way it once was. If you're making an alteration then you're changing it in some way but you still have the basic garment. (If you want to turn it into something completely different that's called refashioning.)

So if your favorite jeans have a tear in the knee you can...

Learn how to fix the tear in my Basic Mending class at the Sew-op on September 27th from 10-12. Or...

Learn how to alter the jeans into cut-offs in Rebecca's Alterations class at the Sew-op on September 29th from 5:30-7:30.

Hope to see you there!

Fast Summer

Summer seems to be going awfully fast, just as it always does. So we're extending the Craft Challenge another month to give us all (including me) time to complete our projects. Just as a reminder, the topic is Tee Shirt Rehab. We'll meet back here in early September to recap.

Meanwhile, the Sew-op is having a tag sale on August 1st from 4-6 (same as First Friday) and August 2nd from 10-2. There will be sewing machines, fabric, knitting needles, yarn and notions available at a great price. All proceeds support the sew-op workroom and classes.

And for a fast project, try making the little guy above. He doesn't exactly fit with the theme of reuse since his body is a new car washing mit from the dollar store, but he's awfully cute and an easy project for a child to make. The tutorial is an oldie but goodie at Darling Petunia. Our hedgie was made by my daughter and is going to our favorite two-year-old who is moving away.

Happy Summer!

Pi Day Crafting

It shouldn't be news to anyone that if you type "pie" into the search function of Pinterest you get a whole lot of, well, pie. The edible kind, that is. But what I wondered is what types of crafts might be associated with this geekiest of holidays that celebrates the mathematical constant pi (3.14) on March 14th.

Pumpkin Pie Crafts has an easy and adorable kid's apron tutorial. And it gives me an opportunity for a shameless plug for my apron class on Saturday, April 5th from 10-12 at the Sew-op. It's a level 2 class (prior sewing experience helpful) that will teach you how to read and use a pattern, specifically a printable internet pattern, and create an apron. This past month at the Sew-op we've explored several different ways of making aprons and it's been a lot of fun.

Pumpkin Pie Crafts also has a quick tutorial for making a tie-front cardi out of a tee shirt. And a crochet flower headband.

A simple pi symbol on a tee shirt can be accomplished via sewing or painting or freezer paper stencil.

These patches remind me of these felt coastersfrom craft snob.

And finally, in honor of the edible type of pi or pie, my family's favorite pie recipe: Not Derby Pie.