Clever apron keeps sewing tools handy

Dear Vicki: I love to sew, but I really don’t have a “sewing room,” so all the time I feel so disorganized and I’m always looking for things that I’ve misplaced. Do you have a suggestion to help those of us who don’t have dream spaces? Thanks. — Mary Ann McK.

Dear Mary Ann: Carpenters and other workmen have toolbelts, so you can have one, too, and it will help keep you organized. Make your own using this clever McCall’s pattern, No. 6095, to make a sewing apron. It will hold your scissors, markers, pins, tape measure, ripper and all kinds of essentials. I love it, and it makes a great beginner’s project. When you are ready to start sewing, just tie it on.

Dear Vicki: I find I have an aggravating problem with my seams. Sometimes when I get to the bottom of a skirt or pants seam, the ends don’t match up, and I don’t know what happened or what to do. Should I just cut off the excess, or re-pin it? But if I re-pin, should I let the top of the seam be uneven? This is so irritating! What do you think? Thanks. Charlotte L.

Dear Charlotte: Fabrics often slip or “walk” as you are cutting, and inaccurate cutting sets the stage for this problem. It also could be that you are not using the notches that are printed on the seams to help line things up.

If your fabric has walked, you can find out by putting the fabric back on the pattern piece and checking. Don’t just trim off the excess, because if the seam is off-grain, the garment will never hang straight, and you won’t be happy. You need to find out just where the problem is.

It could also be a problem with the foot pressure of your sewing machine. In that case, try adjusting it to a lower setting, or add tissue paper strips as you pin your seams to help stabilize the edge while sewing.

Each week I share a reader’s tip. This week’s is from Eunice. She writes:

“I love my summer clothes lined. Never use polyester, because it doesn’t breathe, and you will be too hot. Cotton batiste, china silk or rayon are natural fibers and will keep you comfortable.”

Thanks, E. I will give her a set of John James professional hand-sewing needles as a thank you.