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Giveaway- A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts: Learn how to make 24 different skirts from 8 basic shapes

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Giveaway- A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts: Learn how to make 24 different skirts from 8 basic shapes

Leave a comment in today’s post by February 23, 2017 and you are in the running for this great sewing how-to book filled with actual patterns and step by step tutorials.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

All the techniques, clear step-by-step artworks, and patterns you need to make 24 wonderful skirts

INCLUDES THREE FULL SIZE PATTERN SHEETS

UK DRESS SIZES 8 TO 26

US DRESS SIZES 4 TO 22

24 DIFFERENT SKIRTS FROM 8 BASIC SHAPES

Follow Wendy Ward’s tutorials to make a wide range of stylish skirts. From 8 basic shapes—circle, A-line, stretch pencil, wrap, bubble, tailored pencil, front-opening, and culottes—you will learn the skills to make variations that have pockets, color blocking, gathers, ruching, darts, and much more. All the basic techniques you will need are also explained, so you’ll feel confident with essentials like inserting zippers, attaching waistbands, gathering, pleats, making buttonholes, and adding linings. There are also handy hints and tips on how to take measurements and on choosing the right fabric. Skirts are the perfect first garment for beginner dressmakers, and there are some really simple designs here—the jersey pencil skirt is just two pieces of fabric with an elasticated waistband! So arm yourself with this book, some fabric, and Wendy’s sewing wisdom, and you’ll be on your way to updating your wardrobe with unique skirts that are a perfect fit.

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Comments

  2. I love all skirts but have always had a difficult time getting them to fit just right. I would love to learn from this amazing skirt tutorial book. ?

  4. How fun! I’ve sewn lots of mini and maxi skirts, almost always out of very forgiving knits. I’d love to learn more and this book looks like just the way to do it.

  11. I would love to win this book – after having 5 boys, I have 9 granddaughters and this would be amazing to have. Thank you

  13. I would really appreciate this book. I just started sewing and am looking forward to broadening my horizons!

  16. I have been looking for skirt patterns for teens. It’s very hard to find any patterns that will fit teens.

  18. I am learning how to sew again and my daughter wants too learn. This book would be great to sew again with.

  19. Oh how I would love to win this book!!! I wear and make 1 style of a skirt and I would so love to make a different style…

  25. What an interesting book to have. Time to spruce up my wardrobe. We can always use help in sewing clothes.

  28. To make one of these skirts would be great. To make one from shapes that make it that easy would be awesome!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

  34. This is exactly what I have been looking for to sew skirts for my daughter. This would make two people happy at my house. Well, maybe three — my husband would like us saving money too!

  38. Always looking for the”perfect” skirt pattern. If I win this book, I know there’s bound to be several I can work with.

  40. I am such a skirt and dress person. Even when I’m hanging around, it makes me feel put together. What an awesome book and giveaway!

  41. Would love this! I wear skirts all the time but have only made one myself! Thanks for the chance to win!

  42. Oh! This looks awesome. I got a sewing machine for Christmas and definitely want to learn to make me sone skirts. This looks like the perfect book for that. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  43. The denim skirt that is featured in this post is just what I’ve been looking for. Love the look

Have you read?

How to Paint Melamine Furniture

Recently, we received an email from Jenny, one of our readers, asking for some advice on painting melamine furniture. Jenny was looking to refresh an old dresser but wasn’t sure about the right way to tackle the project. Well, we’ve got just the thing! After some digging, we came across a fantastic article on Spraypaint Blog titled How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture, which walks you through the process step-by-step.

Why This Article is Perfect for Jenny (and You!)

This guide is incredibly comprehensive, covering everything you need to know about painting melamine—an often tricky material to work with. Melamine is known for its smooth, glossy surface, which can be tough to paint without the right preparation. But with the tips from this article, you’ll learn how to properly prep your melamine pieces, choose the right paint, and achieve a professional-looking finish.

The article also dives into the importance of sanding and priming the surface to ensure that the paint adheres well. With these steps, Jenny (and anyone else trying this project) can be sure that their painted melamine furniture will not only look great but last for years to come.

Jenny, we hope this article gives you all the info you need to tackle your melamine furniture project! It’s clear from the tutorial that a little prep work goes a long way, and with the right products, even melamine can be transformed into a beautiful, personalized piece.

For anyone else curious about painting melamine, check out the full article on Spraypaint Blog for all the tips and techniques: How to Recycle and Paint Melamine Furniture. Happy painting!

My Tips for Painting Melamine Furniture

Hey Jenny (and anyone else planning a melamine project), here are my top tips to help you get the best results when painting melamine furniture:

Prep is Key
Clean the surface well, then lightly sand it with fine-grit sandpaper to give the primer something to grip onto. Trust me, it makes a big difference!

Prime Like a Pro
Don’t skip the primer! Use a bonding primer that’s made for glossy surfaces or melamine. It’ll make sure your paint sticks and lasts.

Pick the Right Paint
Go for a good enamel or acrylic paint. I use a foam roller for a smooth finish—no brushstrokes! Apply a few thin coats, letting each one dry in between.

Topcoat for Durability
Once the paint’s dry, apply a protective topcoat (polyurethane or polycrylic) to help it stay scratch-free.

Give It Time
Let the paint cure for at least 48 hours before using the furniture—longer is even better! It’ll help the finish hold up over time.

Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to try fun colors or finishes! Melamine is perfect for getting a bit adventurous.