"Lotta Links"--Sewing with Sharon

I hope everyone is having a relaxing week-end. I am going to split the sewing links I have into two posts -today I will give you some of the "how to" sites, for the "basics" of sewing. Next week I will continue with more sewing sites that should encourage everyone, even beginners, to try fun new projects. I will start off with a few beginning and "how to sew" sites for children: http://www.kids-sewing-projects.com/pre-beginner-sewing-lessons.html this site has all the basics and gives you different levels to learn as you go as well as free patterns. Another site with great tips on getting kids started in sewing is: http://cathiefilian.blogspot.com/2008/06/tips-for-teaching-kids-to-sew.html . I have found the following "how to" sites great references for sewing basics such as zippers and seam finishing as well as sewing terms. Use the menu to select what you want explained: http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/e_learntosew.html The Sewing Divas have a wonderful site not only for explanations, but also for project ideas. Look on the right side for all the topics covered. They go into detail on everything and their explanations are very clear: http://thesewingdivas.wordpress.com/ For different types o;f seam finishing this is very helpful with clear photos: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=488 I have found this site to be a great reference, and their zipper insertion guide, including invisible zippers, isgreat for the beginner as well as for the more experienced. Choosing the right notions for projects can be confusing and this site helps to explain the different notions and how to sew them into your projects. This site has videos which show you "how" : http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/1091_sewing-notions.htm Zippers can be a bug a boo for all of us and I have found these sites helpful in explaining the different ways to insert zippers: http://sewiknit.blogspot.com/2006/03/invisible-zipper-tutorial.html which explains that all you need to insert an invisible zipper is an iron and a sewing machine, not a special foot (which can be pricey depending on your machine): http://sewiknit.blogspot.com/2006/03/invisible-zipper-tutorial.html For different types of zipper insertions there are these sites: http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=87 , http://www.sewing.org/enthusiast/html/el_flyfrontzipper.html , and http://www.sewnews.com/resources/library/0604basic/ For those who wish to alter pattgerns to better fit their shapes (not all of us wears the standard B bust cup size) I have found the following sites: http://www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-228.html as well as: http://www.cedesign.com/familyphotos/sewing/info/index.html and http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/resizepattern.htm . Next week I will continue with the links for sewing and will include blogs that have patterns, recycling fabrics and clothes, as well as sewing tips and ideas which we can all have fun with.