Elizabeth Lynn Casey - Southern Sewing Circle 10 - Wedding Duress (23 page)

From Cullum R.
via my Fan Page on Facebook:

Glue a magnet to the end of a ruler for searching out the stray pins that end up on the floor.

Freezer paper is perfect for cutting out small patterns. Just draw on the matte side, press the shiny side down (using a dry iron), and cut.

From Stephanie S.
via my Fan Page on Facebook:

For simple gathering, use a wide zigzag stitch over a
¹
/
₈
-inch ribbon or jean thread (don’t stitch on it, just over it). Stitch one end of the ribbon down and pull the other
end to gather up the fabric. This works for any fabric, but is especially handy when gathering heavy fabric!

When inserting a centered zipper, after basting your seam and pressing it open, instead of using pins, use a
¹
/
₄
-inch fusible webbing to fuse the zipper in place and then sew on as normal (just without bulky pins, and with a zipper that stays in place while stitching)!

From Shirley L.
via my Fan Page on Facebook:

Keep your pins and needles stuck in a bar of soap so they will go through the fabric easily.

From Michelle S.
via my Fan Page on Facebook:

I use an old bottle like from aspirin and keep it near my sewing machine. It’s a perfect place to put bent pins or dull needles.

Tori’s Wedding Favors

(SHARED BY EILEEN E. PEARCE, MLS—ADULT SERVICES LIBRARIAN AT WINDSOR LOCKS PUBLIC LIBRARY IN WINDSOR LOCKS, CONNECTICUT)

Materials

tulle (white or ivory) on a 6-inch roll

ribbon to match,
³
/
₈
-inch wide (silky or sparkly)

Hershey Kisses

Hershey Hugs

business card stock in white or cream

tiny rubber bands

hole puncher

Cut the tulle into 6-by-8-inch rectangles and lay flat. Using 8 inches for the length gives a little extra fabric, but you can use a 6-inch square if you prefer the symmetry. Place 3 or 4 Kisses and 3 or 4 Hugs (an equal number of each) on the square and gather up so it forms a small bag. Fasten at the top with a rubber band.

Use a program such as Print Shop or Print Artist to create a business card with a picture of the bride and groom in their favorite pose or involved in their favorite activity. Put their names and wedding date under the photo. Leave enough space on the side for a hole. These can be printed in color, in sepia tones, or in black and white. Separate the cards and punch a hole in the middle of the left side of each one.

Cut 12-to-15-inch pieces of ribbon and tie around the rubber band at the top of the bag. Thread the ribbon through the hole in the business card and then complete tying a bow. The card should be in one of the loops of the bow.

You can add additional embellishments to the favors, such as a sprig of silk or dried flowers.

Looking for more?
Visit Penguin.com for more about this author and a complete list of their books.
Discover your next great read!