TANYA OWENS DESIGNS

Welcome to Technique Tuesday! Today, we're diving into a treasure trove of sewing tips and tricks that will take your projects to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned seamstress, these tips can help you improve your skills, efficiency, and overall sewing experience. Video Tutorial Key Tips to Expect: Accurate Elastic Stitching (Joining Elastic Ends):  Demonstrates a neat trick for joining elastic ends seamlessly. Perfect Mitered Corners: Mitered corners can be tricky, but this method looks surprisingly straightforward. Combining & Finishing Elastic Ends With Fabric: This hack shows how to neatly encase elastic ends within a fabric casing, creating a clean and professional finish. Perfect Jeans Hem: Uses two pieces of cardboard to level the foot and make it easier to go over thick fabric - for instance to create an even hem on jeans, making it easier to sew through the thick layers of denim. The video demonstrates using a piece of 4x7 mm cardboard wit...

Welcome back to Technique Tuesday! This week, we're tackling a sewing essential: bias binding. While it can sometimes feel tedious, this clever hack for creating continuous bias binding, shared by SewCanShe , will revolutionize your projects. As someone who uses bias binding frequently in my fabric art, especially for finishing edges on wall hangings and adding a pop of color to fabric creations, I'm thrilled to share this time-saving technique. Why Bias Binding? Bias binding is essential for finishing raw edges, especially on curved or shaped projects. It adds a clean, polished look and can also be used to create decorative accents. In my fabric art, I use bias binding to frame my pieces, add contrasting borders, and create interesting design elements. Tutorial Video This video demonstrates a brilliant method for creating continuous bias binding from a single piece of fabric. No more piecing together short strips! This technique is not only faster but also results in a smo...

Welcome back to Technique Tuesday! Last week, we explored the basics of machine needle felting. This week, we're diving deeper into advanced techniques and project ideas, focusing on the incredible versatility of materials you can use. Machine needle felting is a core technique in my fabric art, and I'm always experimenting with different materials to achieve unique textures and effects. Tutorial Video In Part 1 , we learned about the basic principles of needle felting, the essential tools and materials, and some fundamental techniques like layering and creating texture. I recommend reading the blog post and watching the video if you are unfamiliar with this technique. This second video showcases advanced machine needle felting techniques, but what truly excites me about this craft is the freedom to use almost any material that can felt into a base fabric. Think beyond traditional wool – scraps of fabric, yarn, leftover threads from sewing projects, even bits of lace or rib...

Welcome back to Technique Tuesday! This week, we're exploring the fascinating world of machine needle felting. This technique has become a staple in my own fabric art creations, and I'm excited to share some curated knowledge with you. Machine needle felting allows you to create textured surfaces, blend colors, and even sculpt three-dimensional forms using specialized needles and a machine. It's a fantastic way to add depth and dimension to your textile projects. Why Machine Needle Felting? Machine needle felting offers several advantages over traditional hand needle felting. It's generally faster, especially for larger projects, and allows for more intricate detail and precision. It's also a great option for those who may find hand felting physically challenging. Tutorial Video This first video in a two-part series provides a great introduction to machine needle felting. It covers the basics of what needle felting is, the tools and materials you'll need, and...

Welcome back to another Technique Tuesday! This week, we're diving into the world of weaving with a charming project: a woven lattice twill bookmark. It's a fantastic way to use up scrap yarn, learn a new skill, and create a beautiful and functional piece you can cherish in your favorite books. Tutorial Video In this tutorial, you'll be guided step-by-step through the process of creating this lovely bookmark. It covers the materials you'll need, the basic weaving techniques involved, and how to create the distinctive lattice twill pattern. Don't worry if you're a beginner – this project is perfect for those new to weaving! Why a Woven Bookmark? Bookmarks are more than just page holders; they're small treasures that accompany us on our literary journeys. A handmade bookmark adds a personal touch to your reading experience. Plus, this woven lattice twill design is not only beautiful but also surprisingly durable. What You'll Learn: Basic weaving techni...

Ever needed to quickly grab a screenshot of something on your screen? Whether it's for sharing a funny meme, demonstrating a software feature, or preserving a webpage before it changes, screen captures are incredibly useful. And thankfully, Windows has a built-in tool that makes the process a breeze: Snip & Sketch! Video Tutorial If you're unsure how to use this handy utility, don't worry! I've created a short and sweet YouTube tutorial titled: How to Make a Screen Capture using Snip and Sketch  to walk you through the process step-by-step. Watch the tutorial below:  Benefits of Using Snip & Sketch But why should you use Snip & Sketch in the first place? Let's explore some of its key benefits: Ease of Use:  Snip & Sketch is incredibly intuitive. It's integrated directly into Windows, so there's no need to download or install any additional software. The interface is clean and straightforward, making it easy for anyone to pick up and use...