Helpful Craft/Sewing Tips

Did you know that I post tips and updates on projects on my facebook page?  Follow me to see!
https://www.facebook.com/AmberingAlong

Yesterday I gave tips on creating your own pattern.  Check it out!

Minecraft Creepers

My son is really into Minecraft so I figured it was time to make some creepers.

These guys are about 15" tall and made from fleece.  I was very happy that they even stood up on their own!  I'm selling these at craft fairs for $15 each.  I am even making a large size.  I'll post pictures when those are done :)

How to Sew Circles with your Sewing Machine without any special tools

I love the look of circles in sewing.  They look very complex and difficult if done right.  Done wrong, and they just look like a mess.

I recently tried a new technique for sewing circles that I want to share.  It worked beautifully and was so easy!

Beautiful, precise circles!  I sewed 4 place mats with 3 circles each in just over an hour.

To get started, you need one tack with a flat(ish) back.  These tacks have a bit of a curve on the back and they worked just fine.  you also need duct tape. 

This image is blurry, but it was the best I could get.  Put the tack face up on your sewing machine and cut tape in place, sticky side down.  My sewing machine doesn't have much room to the left of the needle so I chose to go to the right of it.  It would have been easier had I gone to the left instead, but this worked just fine.

Choose your stitch (I did a zig zap with metalic thread).  Sew slowly making sure that the fabric is not loose.  The pin will pivot the fabric sewing a complete circle that matches up exactly.  I sewed the circles 3 times to get some bulk on the circle. 

Beautiful!

The back view

If you want to sew fabric circles, simply cute a piece larger than you need and add it to the pin.  Sew a strait stitch over the fabric in the circle shape.  Trim off the excess around and zig zag around the raw edge of the sewed on circle.