Sewing Tip: Turning a stretch fabric into a non-stretch fabric.

Aaaack! I used to get so frustrated when I'd find that perfect fabric for a handbag project, and come to find that it had "stretch" to it. The 'give' from stretchy fabrics, like stretch corduroy, for example, would throw off my measurements, and wouldn't sew nicely for me. Well, I no longer fear the stretch! To adapt your fabric, just iron on some stabilizer (I use my very favorite 'can't live without it' Pellon 809 Decor Bond) and voila!....the fabric is now nice and taut, and can be used as normal. You can find stabilizer of all varieties at JoAnn's.

A very special project

Amanda, a frequent client and friend, (and owner of a lovely, hand-dyed, yarn boutique, Dyeing to Fly) had a vision for a very special bag. Her great eye for color and my new North-South Messenger Bag design netted this result. The picture on the bag is a transfer created from a painting she loves. The artist is Gina of WeeZees Whimzees. Isn't this bag just stunning?!!