Sew with Confidence | Sewing, Fabric, Sewing Patterns, Sewing with Knits

Do you admire the beautiful drape and fluidity of a rayon or viscose fabric but are afraid to sew with it? Would you love to be able to confidently sew the  flowing dresses in lovely prints that show up in your instagram feed or on YouTube? Are you afraid of tackling this fabric or just don’t know where to start? Today’s podcast episode is the 2nd in a two part series on rayon, or viscose as it is known in Europe. Rayon doesn’t have to be scary. Let’s dive in and help you confidently purchase and sew with this lovely fabric

I remember when I was first pregnant with my oldest daughter and I assumed that I needed to go out and purchase maternity clothes and I remember my mom explaining to me that it would be quite a while before I needed maternity clothes but there would be this period where my current clothes didn’t fit but maternity was still too big. So we went out to TJ Maxx - it is a discount clothing store in the US and I purchased a few things with elastic waists. One of those was a matching rayon printed shorts set. I just loved it. Well I put it in the wash machine, on delicate and it came out shrunk and the dye from the print had run everywhere. I looked at the label and it was dry clean only. I had never thought to check because who on earth would want shorts and a short sleeve blouse that needed to be dry cleaned. Both garments were ruined. Well rayon has come a long way since then, but it can still be a fabric that needs a little TLC.

This is part two of a two part series on Rayon. In the last episode, I explained how rayon fibers are manufactured, the different names that rayon goes by and what those names mean, and the environmental impact of rayon manufacturing. In today’s episode we are going to cover the different fabrics or substrates that are produced from rayon fibers, the pros and cons of rayon fabric and then some tips for sewing garments from woven rayon fabrics. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

EP 22: The Many Names & Environmental Impact of Rayon Viscose Fibers

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000797224322

Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Rayon, Viscose, Cupro, Modal, Lyocell & Tencel - are you confused yet? I certainly am! This one fiber is known by many names and each one tells you a little something different about the resulting fiber and how it was produced. So in today’s episode, I am going to help you decipher the different fiber terms so you know what you are purchasing and next week we are going to continue this conversation and discuss the different fabric substrates that these fibers are turned in to such as challis, crepe, and poplin. I will also provide some tips on purchasing and sewing with those different fabrics next week

Today I want to talk about a group of fibers that you are probably familiar with but maybe don’t know the various distinctions. I'm talking about rayon, viscose, modal, and lyocell, cupro and tencel.

Now, if you have ever been shopping for fabric online and wondered why one fabric is described as rayon, another as viscose, and another as Tencel, even though they all seem to have that lovely, soft drape, you are not alone. It can be a little confusing. Are these all different fibers? Are some of them just different names for the same thing? Well, that is what we are going to talk about today.

We are going to cover all that as well as the environmental impact. Knowing what these names mean can help you make wiser choices when sourcing your fabric.

Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

 Are you one of those people who hate PDF patterns or do you love them? I have to admit that I started out as one of those people who hated PDF patterns but I have changed my mind and now I am one of those who love them. Well, love them or hate them, PDF patterns are here to stay, unless of course they get replaced by projector files, but that is a topic for another day. Today if you are one of the haters, I am hoping to change your mind and if you love PDF patterns I have a simple assembly hack and some storage ideas. So let’s delve in

I remember the time I first tried a PDF sewing pattern. I had purchased the book Twinkle Sews by Wenlan Chia. The book came with a series of patterns on a CD in an envelope in the back. I know that I am dating myself now. I made a dress for my daughter from the book and I remember printing out what I think  was 70 pages for the dress. I can’t double check because even though I still have the book, I don’t have any way to print from a CD. But I remember thinking, PDF patterns will never take off. Well, I was wrong. PDF patterns have indeed taken off. I won’t go so far to say that they are here to stay because I could certainly see projector sewing files replacing them, but for today so many wonderful patterns are only available if you are comfortable working with PDF patterns. So in this episode, I am going to try and get you there! And if you are entirely comfortable putting PDF patterns together, stick around because I have a hack for you on how to assemble them quickly as well as some storage recommendations.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Check out the Sewing Circle at:

Seamwork patterns: https://colettemedia.pxf.io/Gb5Bak

Ikatee Free patterns: https://ikatee.fr/en/pages/rh-ikatee-is-hiring

Tilda Blouse: https://www.maison-fauve.com/en/products/patron-couture-gratuit-blouse-tilda-pdf-a-telecharger?_pos=1&_sid=a6307e136&_s

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

I know that cooler temperatures are on the way even if the weather hasn’t gotten the message. We want to be prepared when that cooler weather arrives. I also hear from many of you that you are afraid to sew with knit fabrics. Cozy knit fabrics are some of the easiest knits to sew, so into today’s episode I am ranking 3 cozy knit fabrics for you to try  from easiest to one that is more of a challenge. If you are a beginner to sewing with knits, the first two are definitely beginner friendly  and the last one is for those of you who have a little more experience sewing with knits. So with that, let’s delve in and Get Cozy!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

EP 18: Successfully Purchase Fabric Online Using This Key Metric: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000791067992

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you struggle to find time for your sewing practice or the focus to finish your sewing projects? Have you ever wished that you could finish that project for a beloved child or even yourself? I can’t give you more hours in your day, but in today’s podcast, I have a story about a sewing legacy and a possible solution to help you get the support you need.

Enrollment is currently open for the Sewing Circle, our online sewing membership community. If you would like to be part of a supportive sewing community to enable you to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others would love to wear, and be encouraged in your sewing practice, I invite you to check out the Sewing Circle. You can find all the details at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewingcircle

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Help - I want to purchase fabric online but how do I know I will receive something that I love? I understand - we have all been there. We want to feel the fabric, see how it drapes, feel the weight in our hands. But the reality for many of us is that we don’t have a local fabric store, or if we are lucky enough to have one, this time around it doesn’t have what we are looking for. Online may be our only option so how do we make an informed  decision so we end up with a fabric that we love? I have many tips to offer when it comes to purchasing fabric online, but today I am going to explain the key thing that I look for that consistently helps me to successfully purchase fabric online.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Enrollment for the Sewing Circle, our online sewing membership community will open in a few days. If you would like to be part of a supportive sewing community to enable you to expand your sewing skills, confidently sew clothes that you and others would love to wear, and be encouraged in your sewing practice, I invite you to check out the Sewing Circle. You can sign up for the waiting list and can find all the details at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewingcircle

The Fabric Swatch Template: https://pinkhollybush.myflodesk.com/fabricswatch

EP 17 Four Go-To Woven Fabrics for Fall that You Will Love to Sew: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000789734641

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Have you had your first pumpkin spice latte yet? Are you noticing the cooling temperatures and a few changing leaves? Have you picked up your mums? Here in Connecticut it is still warm but Fall is definitely on the way - the temperatures are cooler and I am not opening the windows when I get up. . But maybe you live in an area where Fall is still a long way off. Well today I am thinking Fall even if the temperatures are not cooperating and I have 4 easy to sew woven fabrics for you that will help you through the transition even if you live in an area where it won’t feel like Fall for quite a while.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Ep 9: 3 Tips to Help Pick Quality Cotton Fabric for Your Next Sewing Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000778667924

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Do you have a fabric store near where you live? If you don’t and then you had the opportunity to finally visit a fabric store, were you able to take advantage of the opportunity? Did you have what you needed with you to make decisions in the time you had or did you get 50 miles down the road and remember the 10 things that you should have picked up? Here in the US, most of us don’t have a nearby fabric store so when we can physically get to one, it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. With a little pre-planning we can do just that. Let’s dive in

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Fabric Store Checklist: https://pinkhollybush.myflodesk.com/llml12zjzt

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

How do you decide on the next sewing pattern or fabric that you are going to sew for yourself? Do you pick the pretty fabric and then it never gets sewn? Do you just go with the latest pattern that your favorite sewist is showing on instagram? Maybe you love a particular type of garment and you always sew that type? Do you sew for the special occasion, or for your everyday life?

Don’t get me wrong, I love sewing for the special occasion, but the goal of this podcast is to help you sew garments that you love and want to wear often, so in today’s episode, I have 8 questions for you to ask yourself to help you choose the next garment you are going to sew for yourself so it one that you love and wear often

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

EP 5: Understand the 3 Types of Ease to Sew a Garment You Love: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000776727498

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/

Did you know that Bernina and Husqvarna manufacture over 100 specialty feet for their sewing machines and that Pfaff, Babylock and Janome make at least 60. Did you know that there is such a thing as a twin welting foot for the sewing machine? Typically only a small number of feet come with your sewing machine so you can spend a small fortune on additional feet. But having the right foot can help you achieve accurate sewing and make your garments look more polished.

Now if you are someone who regularly applies double cording to your home dec projects then a twin welting foot may be worth it, but for the rest of us who are primarily sewing garments, which are the feet that probably didn’t come with your machine that are worth investing in? In today’s episode I am discussing the feet that didn’t come with my machine but that I reach for almost every time I am sewing a garment.

Resources Mentioned:

The Free Sew With Confidence Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

EP 12: Achieve a Polished (Not Homemade) Sewn Garment With These 5 Tips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sew-with-confidence-sewing-fabric-sewing-patterns/id6786780019?i=1000782630130

Other Resources:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Grab the Free Sewing Essentials Toolkit at: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/sewing-essentials-toolkit

Sign up for the weekly newsletter at  https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/newsletter

Interested in Smocking? Get the Free Get Started Smocking Email Series: https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/post/new-to-smocking-start-here

Ways to Connect:

Join the Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewwithconfidencepodcast

Website - > https://www.pinkhollybushdesigns.com/

YouTube - > https://www.youtube.com/@PinkHollybushDesigns

Instagram -＞ https://www.instagram.com/pinkhollybush/