Here are some Sewing tips and Tidbits for you! 

TIP:  When attempting a large project, cut and mark on one day and sew it another day.  This way you are not overwhelmed. Your project is sure to be met with excitement and that means it gets finished!

TIDBIT:    The key to a choice custom item is proper and accurate cutting! 

Take your time!!

  Fabric Conversion Chart

For your shopping convenience! Don't get caught with to much or not enough fabric.  If the width is a large difference get at least 16 inches extra in addition to the conversion amount.  Feel free to print this out!

My 10 Most Important Rules to Fun and Successful Sewing Projects

(Not in any particular order!) 

1. Buy as many tools and gadgets you can get your hands on! - After you collect the things you need, your sewing projects become very cost effective. Get yourself a decent iron and don’t drop it!
2. Wal-Mart is a great store! – Although you can buy toilet paper there, they have a great fabric department and an awesome dollar table!  That’s right $1 per yard!   OK, so you may not be able to find that royal velvet sofa material but the fabric is definitely worth the trip!
3. Don’t forget about your loved ones, (especially your spouse) I’ll take the blame for your excessive fabric budget, efforts and new hobby but not a divorce/breakup!  - Make time for yourself and let them know what you are doing.  When you make something for them watch how they will leave you alone.
4. Join a book club! – Yeah, there’s a commitment but this time you will receive “200 Useful Sewing Tips” not  “The Crucible!” Reading is fundamental! I belong to Crafters Choice – http://www.crafterschoice.com
5. Don’t sew if you are tired.  The best time is when the kids and husband are sleep!  :-)  If you make a mistake and get frustrated, put the project away and go to bed!
6. Make yourself at least one article of clothing.  This does not include the class project! Pick something fun and in your skill level.  There are tons of simple stylish and up to date patterns to buy.  Now you have a new outfit! You MUST go out and have fun in it.  Enjoy the complements!
7. Make sure your work area is organized and comfortable.  You’ll be sitting for a while so get a good chair pad. Keep a plastic bag (Jewel, Wal-Mart) near to discard scrap fabric and thread.  Did you know it’s hazardous if an animal eats thread!  You don’t want to kill Spot and pins on the floor – need I say more?!
8. Take your time!  Yeah you’re excited, you’ve got the vision, the fabric is perfect the legs and arms are uneven and the stitches are crooked!  If someone asks “Did you make that?” odds are it probably looks like it!  There goes my sewing business!
9. Space and plan your projects accordingly!  Don’t be like me and have a ton of fabric, tons of patterns and no time. The stuff piles up quickly!  Well, if you have a place to store the stuff, looking into the future is a good thing!
10. Enjoy your project!  Even if you are the only one that likes it. It’s your time spent and I’m sure you value your time! 

 Some of my favorite web sites:

http://www.mccallspatterns.com - All patterns by this company, including Vogue. View the books online before you visit the fabric store. (Saves tons of time)

http://www.patternreview.com – This is the best website ever!

http://www.simplicity.com - Simplicity (New Look) online - View the books online before you visit the fabric store. (Saves time)

http://www.Voguefabricstore.com  - I'm here every Thursday like clock work!!

http://www.joann.com - JoAnn fabrics website is a good one. 

http://www.sewing.about.com - great forum when you get stuck!

http://www.asg.org - The American Sewing Guild - Sign up!

http://www.burdafashion.com - Burda world of Fashion, all I can say is WOW!