Miss Mary Sewing Classes in Perth

Zip Pouch

These Zip Pouches never get old! Why not make these for your friends & family this Christmas. You can fill them with some products for summer. I do not go anywhere without my We Are Feel Good Suncreen & Zinc. I first tried this in 2016 when I went to the Margaret River Pro. I think its the best sunscreen Ive ever tried. Check out their products over here.

Carmex for the lips are a must when out in the sun! I love the tingly feel of the camphor. And this year I tried my own Face Mist using Doterra oils from Oh Happy Oils. Danni is an expert on how to use all the oils and she suggested I use a little spray bottle, water, witch hazel & some Doterra Peppermint Oil. Please do ask Danni for any advice using the Doterra oils.

And for the Zip Pouch…you’ll need some fabric – approx 2 pieces 30cm x 35cm, plus some scraps. A dress zip – I used a 25cm zip, some Rip Stop waterproof fabric for the lining, heavy or medium weight interfacing and if you have the Teflon foot for your sewing machine why not try sewing with plastic to make it completely waterproof! If you don’t have a non stick Teflon foot, there are ways around it. I used to use masking tape! Id tape it around the feed dogs (the jagged teeth under the presser foot) on the needle plate. This gave it a bit of grip and prevented the plastic from sliding around. Nothing beats the Bernina sewing machines with the Teflon foot! It is a dream to sew plastic.

If you would like to see a tutorial for these on the Miss Mary Blog please let me know!!

Kids Sewing Classes – Spring 2018

Anyone who attends my classes pick up pretty quickly how much I totally love what I do. Kids classes are so very rewarding for me.

In 4.5 days for a total of 27 hours, I taught 48 children and they produced amazing work.

These children are kind, respectful, creative, unique, chatty & helpful. This has inspired me to bring you a stack of new classes over December & January. I hope to see you all again soon.

Overnight Bag

Young Anais wanted to make an Overnight Bag during the Kids School Holiday Program, so I thought about how I can create a pattern so it is an easy project to sew. Some patterns are so complex but when teaching children I have to bring it right back to basics. I came up with this bag and I absolutely love it!

Anais was the first to make it. Not bad for an 11 years olds work hey?!
This pattern will available in the next couple of weeks. Along with some more photos. This is what you need to get organised now.

OVERNIGHT BAG FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

1.10 metres Fabric – I chose Mexican Poncho fabric, Anais chose a cotton drill. Choose something on the heavier side so that the bag will hold its shape

1.10 metres Rip Stop nylon fabric – this is a waterproof lining fabric

1.10 metres heavy weight interfacing – I prefer Iron On

2.80 metres Heading Tape approx 4cm wide – choose a colour to contrast nicely with the fabric

50cm Heading Tape approx 1.5cm wide

51cm Chunky Zip – its ok if its an “open end” zipper

Optional Extra – Feather Pom Pom or make your own with some yarn

A-Line Wrap Skirt

This A-Line Wrap Skirt has been one of my best patterns! It is so easy to make and perfect for the Absolute Beginner. You will learn how to sew darts & a button hole. Choose a cotton fabric, brocade, drill or sateen. You could even try a light weight cotton fabric! It is lined, I generally use a light weight cotton for the lining.

I decided to fold back part of the skirt to reveal the navy lining I chose. I then layered some heading tape in red and white and stitched it all down.

Try this skirt this summer, I bet you’ll want to make another!

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

Size 10 – SHORT LENGTH – 1 metre fabric, 1 metre of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

Size 10 – KNEE LENGTH – 1.2 metres fabric, 1.2 metres of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

Size 12 – SHORT LENGTH – 1.10 metres fabric, 1.10 metres of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

Size 12 – KNEE LENGTH – 1.30 metres fabric, 1.30 metres of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

Size 14 & 16 – SHORT LENGTH – 1.50 metres fabric, 1.50 metres of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

Size 14 & 16 – KNEE LENGTH – 1.80 metres fabric, 1.80 metres of lining, 1 x button, 1 x hook & eye set

What is INTERFACING?

INTERFACING is a supporting fabric in a garment or craft project, it is designed to give your fabric structure where needed. For example you will find interfacing in a waistband, collar & cuffs. It acts as a stabiliser, stiffener in hard wearing areas.

INTERFACING comes in a variety of weights. Lightweight, medium weight & heavy weight.

Choose your interfacing based on the type of fabric you are using and also look at what you want your fabric to do. For example if you are making a shirt and your fabric is lightweight and drapey like a rayon, I would choose either a light weight or medium weight for my collar and cuffs. When I am making something like a journal cover or a clutch/zip pouch, where I want more stiffness, then I choose a heavy weight interfacing. If I needed to interface a waistband on my stretch skirt, I would use an interfacing suitable for stretch fabrics.

INTERFACING is sold as “iron on” or “sew in”.

“Iron on” interfacing will have a shiny side or tiny dots of glue. One side will feel a bit rougher than the other. This rough side should face the wrong side of your fabric and then pressed on with a hot iron.

I do find many manufacturers will say to use no steam and a medium hot iron. I know that my iron needs to be on the hottest setting for it to stick so please always just do a little sample piece first.

“Sew in” interfacing, I find, is rarely asked for these days. You will most likely find vintage patterns requesting sew in. It just means you need to baste (stitch in place) before you begin attaching the rest of your pieces.

Here are some FAQs my students have asked over time!

Do I iron the fabric or the interfacing? – Iron the fabric! If the fabric is particularly thick and hasn’t stuck then I iron the interfacing side with a pressing cloth (scrap piece of fabric will do) on top.

Should I cut the interfacing any certain way? – I fold the interfacing in half and always cut from my paper pattern piece as I do my fabric

If you have any questions regarding INTERFACING & how to use it, please email me kelly@missmary.com.au