July 22, 2014

Tutorial Tuesday :: Nylon Spandex, Not Just for Swimwear

Did you know just how versatile nylon spandex can be?  I actually did not know myself until we started stocking it at Girl Charlee this summer.  I am very excited to say that it can be used for many, many applications other than swimwear.  The fabrics we stock are top of the line, very soft, and in so many gorgeous colors.  I am very excited to find so many great sewing projects for it.  This week for Tutorial Tuesday we have a collection of fun, easy, and most of all practical tutorials using this amazing fabric.  Enjoy!
Girl's Leotard Sewing Tutorial by Dana Made It
Every little gymnast needs a cute leotard that matches her personality, but most leotards will run for at least $40.  The answer:  Make Your Own!  This sewing tutorial from the talented Dana from Dana Made It shows you just how easy it can be to sew up your own.  One thing that I love about this tutorial is that Dana provides several helpful links on working with knits, making patterns, and working with these types of fabric.  A few of my picks from the store:
Running Belt Sewing Tutorial by Sewbon
As the Fall running season is heading our way now is the time to start thinking about some fresh, new gear.  My friends and I often struggle to find affordable running accessories that are practical so I was very excited to find this tutorial by Sewbon make an easy, DIY running belt. A few of my picks from the store for this project:
Fancy Slip Sewing Tutorial by How Did You Make This
Buying store bought undergarments can be really pricey and the choices are not always worth the cost.  Why not make it yourself?  Carly of How Did You Make This shows us how in her Fancy Slip Sewing Tutorial that includes a free pattern. A few of my picks from the store:
Two-Color Leggings Sewing Tutorial by Ruffles & Stuff
These DIY Two-Colored Leggings by Ruffles & Stuff are sure to brighten any little one's day! This is a great pattern to mix unexpected patterns and colors to create a host of interesting and fun outfits.  A few of my picks from the store:
Infinity Dress Sewing Tutorial by Sew Like My Mom 
I recently attended a wedding where each bridesmaid wore an Infinity Dress styled differently to suit their figure and the effect was stunning!  Follow this Infinity Dress Sewing Tutorial by Sew Like My Mom and create your own.  Each tie-up option makes it look like a completely new dress so you have an endless supply of new frocks on hand from this one dress that is perfect for any occasion. A few of my picks from the store:
Women's Rash Guard Sewing Tutorial by The Sewing Rabbit
I love summer beach days in the ocean or pool side with the kids, but I have never been able to find a decent swim top that has a cute pattern to match my suit.  Thankfully Vanessa from The Sewing Rabbit shows you how to make this very cute Women's Rash Guard in a few easy steps. A few of my picks for fabrics from the store:
Pencil Skirt Sewing Tutorial by Tuts+
One of my favorite things about pencil skirts is how easy they are to dress up or dress down. Depending on what you wear with it, they can be great for anything from a business meeting to date night, so I was very excited to find this easy-to-follow tutorial from Tuts+. A few of my picks from the store:
Ruffled Belly Band Tutorial by See Kate Sew
The belly band is a maternity essential because it allows you to wear some of your pre-maternity clothing items that become that little bit too short.  Most belly bands are simple and plain, but this one, from See Kate Sew, adds a fun ruffled touch.  Sew up a few and extend the life of your pre-maternity clothes and save some money to boot!  A few of my picks from the store:
We hope you enjoy these tutorials and please send 1-2 images of any project you make with Girl Charlee Fabrics to gcblog@girlcharlee.com and you might see your creation featured in our next KnitPicks!

Happy sewing!
~ Heather & The Girl Charlee Team

2 comments:

  1. I got a ball point needle to sew on this kind of fabric, do you know if there is a special kind of thread i should get. I am having a hard time getting it to not pucker up when I am sewing shorts-hemming them. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Ann

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  2. Hi Ann this is Nicole from The Girl Charlee Team. Thank you for your inquiry. One great resource for hemming knits is this post from Made By Rae :: http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/02/hemming-knits-6-ways-to-beat-those-pesky-puckers/

    www.girlcharlee.com

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