Sewing tools
- Sewing machine: I have a Bernina Activa 130 that I learned how to sew on. Its now almost three decades old, so heres to hoping it lasts as long as the old classic singers! These are so old they are not even made anymore, probably since the computer technology used has improved so dramatically. I would highly recommend any Bernina model as they are well made and real workhorses when it comes to home sewing projects. However they are steeply priced.
- Seam ripper: If a sewing machine were ying a seam ripper would be yang. Used to unsew what you so optimistically and hopefully sewed, allbeit incorrectly…this is your new best friend. I love my ergonomic handle because its rubber and has a nice grip for use on those long sad seams. We have a love hate relationship.
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing scissors: Growing up I was taught a healthy fear of right and wrong when it came to scissors. The orange handled ones were sewing scissors, those were off limits, no ifs ands or buts. Now I am the scissor tyrant in my home. Due to handle color variety I now write my name or add a string tie to differentiate them. Invest in a quality pair of sewing scissors and your whole arm will thank you! No cutting induced carpul-tunnel welcome here!
- Chalk pencil
- Fashion ruler
- Fabric weights: This is a matter of personal preference- pins or pattern weights. I like weights because pinning and unpinning is…nobody got time for that! So I use ceramic tiles. Sometimes I have nice ones that I paint poured and other times I end up using plain janes. I do have a paint pouring video tutorial for fabric weights if you want to make a custom set of your own!
- Extra bobbins
- Bobbin case: I like to have some semblence of organization in my studio, espcially when it comes to those squirrely bobbins floating around. This is one of my favorite sewing organizers.
- Sewing needles
- Thread
- Serger thread
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Buy Now →Fabric resources
- Blackbird Fabrics– an online Canada-based fabric store.
Sewing books
There are so many sewing books out there! Where to start is a challenge. I have included some of my favorite sewing books from beginner to advanced techniques covering sewing techniques up to pattern drafting skills.
Sewing how-to books
Haute couture and advanced techniques sewing books
Indie sewing pattern companies
There are several large pattern making companies including McCalls, Simplicity, Butterick and others. These are great resources. Here I want to share some indie pattern makers, creators who are not as large but have beautiful designs to choose from.
- Sew Liberated – honestly one of my all time favorites. The designer Meg is an inspiration and I could copy every one of the outfits she posts on Instagram. Eclectic and soft designs for home or work wear.
- Seamwork– an online sewing community, magazine, and printable patterns. Join the membership and receive the monthly newsletter and two printable patterns you can sew at home.
- Sew Over It
- Megan Nielson
- Cashmerette
- True Bias