Nearly ever child has experienced the disappointment of opening a biscuit tin, only to discover mum or grandma has stashed all sorts of sewing supplies in there. But have you ever wondered why every mum or grandma did this? The answer may not be as exciting as you'd hoped - it's likely simply because the tin was often decorative, sturdy and good to repurpose. Biscuit tins, cigar boxes, coffee cans, shoe boxes, and glass jars were all reused. Today, groceries often come in single use plastic that prevents the re-use, and we purchase purpose-made plastic containers to organise. The shape of the cookie tin also made it the preferred tin for storing sewing kits - it is wide and low,...
Have you come across a weird word in a sewing pattern or blog, and you're really not sure what they're on about? Don't worry, we've got you! Here's a list of common sewing terms you'll encounter Armscye The armhole or the fabric edge where the sleeve is sewn. The armscye is technically the fabric edge rather than the armhole/gap itself. Backstitch Sewing a few stitches backwards then forwards at the start and end of a sewn seam. Backstitching secures a seam and stops the stitches coming undone. Basting stitch/ baste A temporary stitch to hold layers of fabric together. Basting (or tacking) stitches are much longer and looser than usual construction stitches which makes them easy to unpick and...
Self-threading needles sound like magic don't they? But have you ever wondered how they actually work? It's quite simple - Easy Thread Needles have a small fork at the top of the eye that has a tiny opening in it. The thread can be pulled down through this fork, and will be held in place while sewing. How to use Easy Thread Needles: Place thread in fork at the top of needle Firmly pull the thread down between the prongs The thread will be held in the eye of the needle - the prongs close tightly so that it won't slide out of the eye as it is pulled through fabric. Works best with strong polyester threads - some cotton...
Those of us who love cross stich, embroidery, English Paper Piecing and other hand sewing projects will know how perfect these projects are for long plane trips.
But a lot of us hesitate before popping our projects in our carry-on baggage - there's nothing worse than the thought of having our favourite scissors or sewing needles confiscated at airport security.
Yes! You can take scissors on a plane in Australia, but they must have blunt-ends/rounded tips, with blades that are less than 6cm long. That's why we designed our SOHMO Matchbox Scissors - these tiny scissors measure just 46mm overall, with a blade length of 15mm from tip to pivot screw. SOHMO Matchbox Scissors are much smaller than the maximum allowed scissors, so they make clearing security screening a breeze. Our tiny Matchbox Scissors mean you can sit back and get some sewing done while on your flight, and they're also great just to have in your travel bag, as you never know when you'll need to snip off a tag or trim down a band-aid for blister prevention! Similar aviation...
