Angela is nearing the end of the shirtdress sew along with just a few more details to go. this time she tackles button holes and buttons. If you're anything like me you hold your breath when it comes time to make buttonholes. It's usually next to last on the checklist for completing a project. with all the care you put into making something you sure don't want to see a bad buttonhole mess up the beauty of your efforts. 

Careful measuring is key. The tool you see here is called a Simflex Expanding Gauge. I got mine at my local sewing shop and it has come in handy for more than just buttonholes. Use it to mark fabric for trims, pin tucks, and even placement for embroidery designs.

Truly buttonholes are better than ever with the one-step sliding buttonhole accessories we have today. I've been sewing long enough to remember the crazy contraptions we had to install to make a buttonhole in the good old days. Now it's just a matter of dropping the button in the back, pulling a lever, lining it up, and pressing go! CLICK HERE to read my previous post with more about building better buttonholes. 

Button sewing is another task quickly completed by machine. Many machines have a special "button fitting" foot for this. combined with a special stitch built-in to the machine it makes quick work of sewing on one or more buttons. To make the button extra secure be sure to use polyester sewing thread, pull the top threads to the bottom side, knot by hand, and then dab a bit of seam sealant one the threads on the back of the button when you're finished. I like to use this foot for tacking ribbons in place too. If you'd like to see some cute children's clothes with button and ribbon accents you can watch this short video HERE.

Ready to go watch show 1410? Visit www.itsseweasytv.com. This show airs until noon EST June 1st.

When it comes to accessories, belts can be one of the best ways to easily add some spice to your wardrobe. Do you already have a few favorite belts in your closet? If you do, I suggest you take a good look at them and see what puts them at the top of your want to wear list. In other words, what makes your reach for them over and over again? My guess is that comfort is a big factor. Perhaps you find that certain belts just seem to really pull your look together, whether it's an eye catching buckle that serves almost as added jewelry, the belting itself complimenting the color in your garment, or the fact that a particular belt is a perfect match for a pair of shoes. Belts are a great way to top off an outfit and the focus in this show is on soft belts that are super easy to make.

In the next part of the show Felice Regina stitches up a purse with a clever appliqué accent. Her circular "moon bunny bag" bag is super cute with the moon bunny appliqué as the focal point on the front. Felice shows you the steps to make this bag, including the zippered gusset which gives it a neat finish and a nice sized opening.

You'll want to watch this show right up till the very end to see Rebecca Kemp Brendt make her own fabric yardage with the Brother  Dream Fabric Frame and Dream Quilter 15™ DQLT15 quilting machine. Although the word quilt is in that previous sentence, the project Rebecca chose to make is the furthest thing from a quilt!

Ribbing can be a bit tricky to find. I found some recently at Rockywoods.com. I even found a nice bomber jacket pattern on the same site.

​For a slightly different and dressier bomber style jacket style you may want to try the Wong Sing Jones pattern form HotPatterns.com. I have it in my stash, along with the ribbing but can't seem to desire on fabric for the jacket - stay tuned - I'm sure I'll get inspired before fall comes around again.

In the last full segment of the show Angela drapes a jacket on a dress form and gives you a few other ideas for making this style without a pattern.

If you'd like something more fitted with a similar style you may want to check out Angela's Rachel Twin Set pattern. It has a similar drapey collar and includes a tank top.

Are you ready to watch the show? CLICK HERE and watch until noon EST on May18th. Enjoy!

In part one Jane Monzures of DIY by Jane fame takes t-shirts and turns them into a cool apron. Such a great idea for all of those t-shirts too nice to discard but not really on your current "want to wear"​ list.