What Abi Makes: February 2021

Originally posted on my shop blog.

Woven labels are a fun way to add a touch of customisation to your makes. I love the pop of colour they add and the fact they make anything you make look a touch more professional. I've designed a collection of crafty woven labels in a range of colours with various quotes, so you'll be sure to find one to suit your next project!

I've only started using woven label in my makes over the past year, there's so many cute ones out there right now! So I thought I would put together a blog post to share some ways on how to sew labels into your makes. Whether you're worried you'll find labels itchy or if you want to make a statement!

Here are a few popular ways to stitch and show off woven labels in your sewing projects:

1. The most common way I stitch in my labels, is in the facing of my makes. I sew a lot of dresses, most of which will have a neck facing and that's a classic label spot! A regular straight stitch will be perfect for my flat labels. I like to switch it up, but you can either stitch around the whole label like a box, close to the edge and pivoting at the corners. Or simply sew a straight line at either end.

Top Tip: Instead of using pins and potentially making a hole in your garment, stabilise the label with a strip of washi tape!

2. Do you find labels in your clothes itchy? Or perhaps you want to be extra snazzy with your stitching? Try a mini zig zag stitch! This will encase the label, making sure there are no spikey corners or edges to rub against your skin. This stitch looks super cute, why not try stitching in a contrasting colour to make a statement of it too.

3. If you have the patience, hand sewing your labels is always an option. I'm terrible at hand sewing, so if I can do it on my machine, I'd rather do that, but I'm also a knitter and to attach labels to my knitwear hand sewing is a must. I like to do a little 'X' stitch on each corner to secure a label or a couple of running stitches, but make sure to catch enough yarn!

4. Display your labels on the outside! Again if you're worried about itchy label but still want to add them to your makes, how about attaching one to the outside of your hem?

I hope this woven label guide was helpful and will inspire you to add one to your next make! Why not check out my Woven Label Multi Pack, that way you don't have to pick a fave!

Thanks for reading, pinups!

Abi xo

2/05/2021 No comments

Originally posted on my shop blog.

Looking for a way to show off and display your growing enamel pin badge collection? Then look no further! I've been wanting to make one of these display banners for a long time, as my ever expanding pin collection has been knocking around all over the place! I've got some in a box, some in a dish, and some lost never to be seen again! So I thought it was about time I treated my pins properly and create a cute and secure way to keep track of them, whilst brightening up my office.

To make your own pin display banner you will need:

- a wooden dowel rod

- something to hang you banner with e.g. ribbon or string

- cotton fabric

- medium weight interfacing

- an A4 piece of paper (to make your pattern)

Along with:

- a sewing machine

- basic sewing supplies

- a selection of your fave pins of course!

Step 1 - Make your pattern

Of course you can make your banner as small or large as you like. To make life easy I'm using an A4 piece of paper to make my pattern and would say it's a good medium size for a selection of pins.

Have your paper portrait and mark the centre of the bottom edge. Fold your two bottom corners in to meet the centre, creating a banner shape. Tada, this is now your pattern piece, minus seam allowance.

Step 2 - Cut out your banner

First, you will cut out 2 banner pieces from your cotton fabric. Fold your fabric to create 2 layers, and lay your paper pattern piece on top. Mark a 1cm seam allowance around the 2 long sides and pointed bottom edges. Mark an extra 1 inch at the top.

You can do this on larger paper before this step to create a pattern that includes seam allowance if you like, but this saves paper.

Cut out your cotton banner pieces.

Depending on the weight of your fabric, you will also need to interface these pattern pieces. The fabric I'm using for this banner is actually a linen, it is quite drapey so I've used a medium-heavy weight interfacing on one piece to hold its shape. You may find 2 pieces of cotton fabric will be thick enough, or if your fabric leans more towards viscose, you will need to use interfacing.

Step 3 - Sew your banner shape

Once you've cut out all your banner pieces and interfaced your fabric (if you needed to), it's time to sew!

Lay your fabric right sides together, and sew around the sides and bottom point edges with a 1cm seam allowance. Sew across the top of your banner but leave a gap in the centre (about 5cm) so you can turn your banner right side out.

Trim your corner points and seam allowances. This will make your points/corners nice and sharp!

Turn your banner the right side out. Press, making sure to fold in the top seam allowance where your gap is.

Step 4 - Finish your banner

Once your banner is neatly pressed. Fold over the top of your banner about 1 inch (or to fit the size of the wooden dowel you have). Pin, press and sew across. Forming a channel for your dowel.

Step 5 - Start pinning!

Insert the wooden dowel in the channel you just created. Then tie your ribbon (or string etc) around the dowel at each end to your desired length.

Then start adding those pins! First, I placed my pins on top so I could figure out where to pin them so the weight was nicely balanced and before I started making holes. Then pop your pins on and hang up and admire!