How to Fold-Roll Knit Fabrics for Storage

Awhile back we did a blog post showing how to fold fabric with comic book boards so they stand up neatly on a shelf. That is how I prefer to store my woven fabrics, such as cottons.  For knits, however, that method doesn't work quite as well for me because they are so much more bulky and loose. Instead I like to fold-roll them a certain way so they can be stacked together on a shelf in such a way that they are all visible and accessible. They snuggle right in there with each other  where I can see them, and when it's time to come out they're still neat and tidy. It's a win-win!

First I want to say that this method works best with knits that have not been significantly cut into yet. I fold them immediately when they get home (or that's the goal anyway) so most of the pieces I'm folding are still full rectangles. After they have been cut into and begin looking more like scraps, I put them in my knit drawer, which is handy when I just need small pieces. 

Printing with Layers

We are so excited that our pattern pieces now have layers! Have you tried them out yet? Using layers is a great way to simplify the printed pieces and save on ink. Plus it is super easy for you to do!

**(Note: Not all of our upcoming patterns the next couple weeks will have layers, because we are still in the process of releasing previously drafted pieces. But as of early-to-mid May, all new CKC patterns will have layers when they release. To date, our patterns with layers are Urlotte's, Vixen's, and all sizes of Leslie's.)** 

So what are layered pieces? Basically, layers allow you to print only the sizes you want to print. Each size has its own "layer" in the document, so you only print what you want to see.  For example, if you want to print only the size 3, you can do so!  Or if you want to print sizes 3 and 4 both, you can do that too. 

And for those of you who want to keep printing your pieces the way you always have, that's no problem at all.  The pattern pieces will still function just like they did before. The "layers" are just an extra feature for those who want to use it.   

Are you ready to learn how? 

Introducing CKC BOYS Doll Clothing Patterns + Huge Giveaway From BAVAS Dolls International!

It's a big day for CKC and CKC BOYS!  Today we announced our very first PDF doll patterns for BOY doll clothing! I'm super excited about this and we have had way too much fun preparing for it.  Not only do I get to show off my fabulous new 18" doll, Clark, and his trendy new clothes I made for him, but we're also having a huge giveaway right here, donated by BAVAS Dolls International. Sweet! 

Here he is. The one and only Clark. Isn't he handsome?!  When I  decided to go ahead making patterns for boy dolls, I knew I needed the best looking guy out there. I looked and looked, and at first I was a little discouraged. (Sorry, no offense to all the others out there. Really.) But then... I discovered that I could have my very own custom boy doll made for me!  BAVAS International is a dream to work with.  I got to choose the face and eye color I wanted (to match my own boys who already look like clones), and then she took a brand new AG doll and gave it makeover to be this handsome little guy, complete with makeup removal and an all new boy-styled wig. When he showed up at my door, I couldn't have been happier!  It was worth every penny to have him made over by a pro! 

Plus, there's my little guy who now gets to match. That smile is genuine. He LOVES him. He hasn't taken well to the idea, though, that Clark is *my* new model, to be handled with care. Clark has to sit on my sewing desk and his clothes only get changed when I need them to.  What a mean mom I am. But I have a feeling that Clark is going to have a new [spoiled] friend very, very soon!  

How to Finish the Seams as You Sew

If you are somewhat new to sewing, you may have questions about how to "finish" your seams.  We recommend that you do finish all your seams as you sew them, unless otherwise specified in the pattern. Finishing your seams means that you are applying a technique to the raw edges so they will be more sturdy. We don't tell you exactly how to do it though, because a lot of that is entirely your preference. There are various techniques out there, and the one you choose will probably depend on the equipment and supplies you have available. I thought it would be helpful to show you the six most common ones we see today, along with how to do them and their pros and cons. 

Kids Crafting: Flower Headband Crown

At CKC, we are strong believers that sewing and creating is for all ages!  And of course that includes our kiddos. We have a special kid-friendly tutorial for you today, and it's super awesome for two reasons. First of all, because it's a video tutorial; and second, because it's one of our CKC kids teaching it! 

That's right!  You and your kids (or grandkids or neighbor kids, etc) can come watch together as Emily's daughter Joelle teaches us a super fun craft. These flower crowns are not only doable but also super trendy! (Plus, she's so stinkin' pretty and smart as she's teaching.  

Here you go! 

How to Iron the Armholes on William's Vest

One of my favorite pieces to make for my boys is William's vest. Even my oldest son loves his!  He recently outgrew tween sizes though (like, just barely) so I'm realizing that he's going to need a men's version now. Oops, time for an upsize version?  Anyway, what I love about Williams is that all the edges and seams are fully enclosed and topstitched. It has a very professional finish. 

 We have had a few customers request a video showing how the armholes are done, because it may seem tricky at first.  Some have suggested constructing the vest differently so the armholes aren't left for the last. But I really think we can get the best finish from doing the armholes last, and really it's not difficult at all if you see it done first.  

So that's what we have for you today!  Kick back and relax while I show you how it's done: