Some tips are from yesteryear and others from my experience over the last 20 years doing alterations

Create a cape for a sleeveless dress

This is a fun project to create a cape for a sleeveless dress. I used an old cowl neck pattern, reversing it for the back only. The video covers how I created a pattern using some old fabric, and then once I was happy with the fitting, I cut out the good fabric. You can download the pdf pattern by clicking on the link below.  This is a four page print out, [...]

2018-04-22T14:26:22+10:00 By |Categories: Dresses and Gowns, Hints Tips and Ideas|Comments Off on Create a cape for a sleeveless dress

Ladies shoe stretcher

The ladies shoe stretcher is a worth while investment, because the day will come when you need to stretch some shoes.  Taking them to a shoe repair place is fine, but of course you will be charged for the service.  I think I paid AUD$10 or something for this one.  It is only a single stretcher, but can be used for both left and right shoe. I purchased it from one of those home shopping catalogs. One [...]

2018-04-22T14:35:37+10:00 By |Categories: Accessories, Hints Tips and Ideas, Shoes|Comments Off on Ladies shoe stretcher

High heel protectors

The high heel protectors is a clever invention to stop your heels from sinking into grass.  Just slip it onto the end of your shoe heel. How often do you go to a function outdoors and struggle to walk on grass?   Your heels sink into the grass and it is almost impossible to look elegant when you are struggling to remain upright.  The high heel protectors will give you confidence to walk on grass. [...]

2018-04-22T14:40:39+10:00 By |Categories: Accessories, Hints Tips and Ideas, Shoes, Weddings|Comments Off on High heel protectors

Pocket bag

Have you ever walked into a grocery shop like Aldies and thought, "Drat I forgot a bag!"  This cool pocket bag can always be in your handbag, so you will always have a bag on the go. Download the pattern for the pocket bag here pocket bag for shopping

2018-04-29T12:54:36+10:00 By |Categories: Craft, Hints Tips and Ideas|Comments Off on Pocket bag

Seam split underneath trouser zip

Has the seam split underneath trouser zip on your or your man's trousers?  It is impossible to get the sewing machine foot close enough to stitch the seam closed. I have seen some people who have tried to hand stitch the seam closed.  Whilst that is an option for people who are really good at hand stitching, it is not really a great option for those without that skill. In this video I [...]

2016-10-21T10:18:30+10:00 By |Categories: Hints Tips and Ideas, Repairs, Trousers, Zippers|Comments Off on Seam split underneath trouser zip