Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tuesday's Tute (Tips): Bias Cut Ribbons and Trim and a Needle Tip

Ribbon Tip: Have you ever wish there was a ribbon or trim to match your fabric?  Have you ever wanted to put a little ruffle (single layer) around the bottom of a skirt that would be light weight and not need a hem?
We've found the solution.  All you have to do it cut on the bias.  What's the bias...  Cut your fabric strips at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the fabric. Bias cut wovens, like cottons, won't fray, even when washed.
Now you can create ribbon to use in hair creations, or trim for that special outfit with your favorite woven coordinate!
Needle Tip:  We're always told to make sure we sew with a sharp (new) needle when beginning a project.  At our house that's a lot of needles and seeming waste.  Recently I found a tip for sharpening your own.  It was simply too easy to believe, but it works. 
Sew through fine grain sand paper!  (no need for thread, of course)
Since I found this recently, I'm not certain how many times a needle can be sharpened before it's no longer smart to use.  But it's a promising frugal tip.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

3 comments:

  1. wow this is great!!!! I love the idea of sharping sewing needles! I will be trying this soon!

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  2. Doh! Why didn't i think of that - I hate throwing away needles! Thank you.

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  3. Great and thanks. Will try out now.

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