Ravina the Seamstress

Hi guys! Once again, I am sorry for not blogging recently; it has been over a month. It's not that I don't want to blog, but more so that I don't have any photos taken of anything I've made or any DIY tutorials, since I don't have my sewing machine here with me at uni. I want this blog to have more tutorials, rather than posts about things I've made since I don't use commercially bought patterns, therefore I can't review any companies or patterns like most bloggers do. I do have an extensive list of blog posts that I want to upload when I go back home for Christmas, which include a variety of DIY tutorials and Christmas decorations. But I though even though I don't have any projects to show off, what better time to give some gift ideas for someone who sews! So lets begin! 1. Machine Sewing Needles  Especially for those that are new to sewing or are on a tight budget, one of the items that we sometimes don't invest much attention to are

Hi guys! Its been a while since I last did a blog post unfortunately. I went to university at the beginning of the month (final year.....eeek!), so it's been a hectic few months settling in. But nevertheless I haven't forgotten about the blog! I wanted to talk about how I get my sewing inspiration as sometimes it can be hard to think of what to make and whether you want something fashionable or comfortable etc. So lets begin! 1) Comfort over fashion! I'm all about having comfortable clothing. Nearly all my dresses in my wardrobe have an elastic waist because they allow me to not only get it on and off relatively easily but as I've mentioned in the previous blog post, you've got room to maneuver. This doesn't mean all clothing needs an elastic; this is just one of the many examples. But the same principles apply. It's better to be comfortable in the clothing rather than have something which you'll never want to wear again. 2) Assess your life st

Hi guys, Sorry or hoorah for all the DIY tutorials so far! I thought I would upload the tutorials before I go back to University just in case I have less time on my hands for the blog. But anyway over the years I have been adjusting jeans myself due to my height (I'm really short), and more recently I've been adjusting the waist of the jeans using elastic since jeans don't seem to fit around the waist for me (I'm a size 14 on the thighs but have a smaller hip especially high waisted jeans). I came up with the elastic method after realising my love of elastic with dresses: So easy to use Gives you an hourglass figure when you take in the waist of a dress Comfortable/ stretches when you want to eat for your hearts desires! The jeans I'm using are the high waisted Primark jeans, but the same method can be applied for other jeans with a separate waist band. Take into account the amount needed to be taken in. For example if you have bought a size 16 jean

Hi guys, Today I'm back with another tutorial: how to make roulette/spaghetti straps. These can be used on dresses, cami tops and even for decorations such as bows and button loops. Things you will need: Pins Iron Sewing machine Thread Safety pin (small and thin) Fabric Scissors Tutorial: 1.  Pin the strap fabric in half (right sides together) and pin across. The letters A and B are written as a guide for later on when turning the strap inside out. Note the fabric does not need to be cut on the bias. 2. Sew along the pinned edge and then trim away excess fabric to reduce bulk: 3. Using a small thin safety pin, at end B pin the safety pin to the side of the fabric: 4. With the safety pin closed, feed the safety pin into the enclosed strap like so: 5. This step is a bit more fiddly so might take some elbow grease and patience. From the last image above using your fingers pull/feed the safety pin into the enclosed strap loop i.e. from ends B to

Hi guys, In this blog post I want to show you a jacket/cardigan (whatever you want to call it!), that I made during the winter. And yes the fabric I used is actually an IKEA blanket! Unfortunately when I made the jacket I hadn't taken any photos of the construction so I'll do my best to explain what I did, but it's actually much easier then it looks because there are not many pattern pieces or seam finishing needed! http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/products/textiles-rugs/blankets-throws/polarvide-throw-grey-art-50296990/ The blanket measures 130 x 170 cm which was enough to make the whole jacket and there were even some left over pieces which could be used to make trimmings etc. Supplies: IKEA throw Matching thread Sewing Machine Bias binding (whatever size you want; I used a 15 mm size polycotton bias binding but I think it would look better in a 25 mm satin bias binding so that the trimming stands out more) Pins How to make the jacket: Trace a

Hi everyone, I started sewing back in 2012 and more importantly during the summer. It was boiling hot and I wanted a pair of shorts to wear. I was watching a Youtuber and she was showing her haul of clothing she bought from Primark and she bought about 12 pairs of shorts which were £12 each! I remember thinking to myself "I want a pair of shorts!". I felt bad investing £12 into just one pair of shorts especially if it was Primark quality. But ever since I was little my grandma who we call Baa in our culture, would always give me off cuts of fabric. I decided I would watch a Youtube video on how to make a pair of shorts. Unfortunately I don't have a photo to show you what they looked like but all I can remember is that they fitted around the leg but as soon as I bent down, I had realised I hadn't taken into account that I had a bum! Nevertheless it motivated me to carry on sewing and get the fit correct! And that's how my sewing journey started! My aim of this