SIO Tips no. 57: How to measure a Zip

 Measuring a zip might seem like a simple task but you need to remember one important thing; measure only the zipping part, from the top stop to the bottom stop (or retaining box on a zip that opens all the way down) it's important not to measure the tape part of the zip otherwise you'll end up coming short.
 

Craft Tips for Newbies No. 15

Thread looks darker on the spool than it will on fabric. Choose a thread a shade darker than the material you'll be using it on.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 14

Before throwing out clothing you no longer wear, stock up on notions by saving any usable zippers, buttons, or decorative trim. These can come in handy when you're trying to replace a fastener.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 13

Keep a small magnet in your sewing basket. When needles and pins drop on the carpet while you're sewing, retrieve them quickly with the magnet.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 12

If you're have trouble threading a needle try holding the needle in front of a white surface so that the eye is more visible.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 9

Low cost curtain linings: Use budget polycotton bed sheets in co-ordinating colour, lots of fabric for low price, try supermarkets or charity shops or even the back of your linen cupboard.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Cutting your cloth accordingly

We hear much of make do and mend just now but not sure we are quite back to unpicking hand knitted jumpers to re knit.  However, it is clear that the mix of recession and environmental worries has got the public thinking.

Simple things can be achieved, we all know that clothing bargains can be found in charity shops but so can many other things.  Old quilt covers can make fantastic simple curtains or blinds, sheets to line those curtains, old jumpers to make hot water bottle covers or even iPad covers.  The ideas are endless, all we need to do is think of alternative uses for everyday items.

The dress for Africa from pillow cases is a brilliant but simple idea, helping to give little girls a dress of their own.  Another we love here at Seek It Out is Turtle Doves, a very clever lady who makes old jumpers into the best ever gloves and more.  Those gloves are winter kit for the SIO team.  So I am sure if you sit a while and just look at everything around you, you will soon have a brain wave and be making bags from old denim's, discovering charity shops all over again and learning new cost effective ways to buy bargains to turn into something new.

Seek It Out: changing the world a stitch at a time.
ButtonBag sewing tin available on the Seek It Out website

No longer just cabbages & kings

Here at Seek It Out HQ we are always being surprised by the amazing imagination the public has.  We have just taken delivery of some fantastic wool felt brooches from Felt So Good and we were discussing what you might use them for, well the obvious such as adding to a bag or a coat came first.  Curtain tie back additions was next and then topping off a present to make it totally special, shame Mother's day has passed.  We will match some up with some of our SeeKITout craft kits as well as selling them standalone to let people decide for themselves.

What we want to know is what clever use you might have for them ?  How could you use them in a craft project?  Like all our customers buying goodies from the Seek It Out site, we will encourage those buying the brooches to send in a picture of their brooch in use so we can show off their idea on our gallery.  After all, we love to give our customers a moment of fame as a thank you. 

We wonder if you did a survey in the street would people say they thought Brits to be creative or not, whatever the outcome we know you are a very creative and busy lot.  It is something we should all shout about, time for those who craft to come out of the shadows and spread the fun to everyone.  Crafting is after all KING!


Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time!

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