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Creating the World I want to see one sewing project at a time

Julian Creates

Bringing joy into the world one colorful sewing project at a time

Julian Collins aka Julian Creates

Julian works in public health, but loves to bring joy to the world through his colorful menswear creations by night. He is a a Know Me pattern deisgner and BERNINA ambassador and sewing educator . When he is not sewing, he loves connecting with people throughout the sewing community, especially in his Facebook group Sew “Manly

@juliancreates

Recent Posts

  • Julian Creates Demystifies: Button Ups

    Demystifying the Button-Up Shirt: Conquer Collars, Cuffs, Plackets & Buttonholes

    Tired of trembling at the thought of tackling a button-up shirt? Do collars fill you with fear? Do cuffs leave you cold? Are plackets and buttonholes the bane of your sewing existence?

    Fear no more! This two-hour lecture-style class, led by an experienced menswear sewist with over 8 years of shirtmaking expertise, will demystify the seemingly intimidating aspects of shirt construction. We’ll delve deep into the intricacies of collars, cuffs, plackets, and buttonholes, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to conquer these challenging components.

    Here’s what you can expect:

    • Collar Confidence: We’ll break down the anatomy of a collar, exploring different types and construction methods. You’ll learn how to achieve crisp points, smooth curves, and a perfect stand. Say goodbye to wonky collars forever!
    • Cuff Mastery: From barrel cuffs to French cuffs, we’ll unravel the mysteries of cuff attachment and placket construction. You’ll learn how to create perfectly aligned cuffs that add a touch of sophistication to your shirts.
    • Placket Perfection: No more puckered or uneven plackets! We’ll explore different placket styles, including front button plackets, sleeve plackets, and hidden button plackets. You’ll learn the techniques for achieving clean, professional-looking results.
    • Buttonhole Bravery: Banish buttonhole anxiety! We’ll cover various buttonhole techniques, including hand-sewn and machine-made buttonholes. You’ll learn how to achieve consistent, evenly spaced buttonholes that add the perfect finishing touch.

    Beyond the technical skills, you’ll also gain valuable insights into:

    • Fabric selection: Learn which fabrics work best for different shirt styles and how to choose the right interfacing for a professional finish.
    • Pattern adjustments: Discover how to make simple pattern adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
    • Pressing techniques: Master the art of pressing for crisp seams and sharp edges.
    • Troubleshooting tips: Learn how to identify and correct common shirtmaking mistakes.

    This class is perfect for you if:

    • You have some basic sewing experience and are ready to tackle a more challenging project.
    • You’ve attempted shirts before but struggled with collars, cuffs, plackets, or buttonholes.
    • You want to expand your menswear sewing skills and create beautifully tailored shirts.

    This is a lecture-style demonstration class. Bring your notebook and pen to take notes and capture all the expert tips and tricks.

    Leave this class feeling empowered and inspired to create stunning button-up shirts with confidence!

    The class will be Saturday December 14, 2024 from 11am to 1pm eastern standard time. Online using Google Meet

    the cost is $25.00 and 35% of sales will be going towards Terrence Williams’ gofund me as he continues to recover

    you can Sign up here

  • Sew Much Fun, So Little Space (and Cash!): Creating Your Dream Sewing Nook on a Dime

    Sew Much Fun, So Little Space (and Cash!): Creating Your Dream Sewing Nook on a Dime

    Ever scrolled through Instagram, mesmerized by those incredible handmade outfits, and thought, “I wish I could do that!”? But then that little voice pipes up: “I don’t have the space! I don’t have the money! I don’t have the time!” Well, guess what? That voice is wrong! You absolutely can dive into the amazing world of sewing, even if you’re short on space, time, and cash.

    Here’s the secret: it’s not about fancy equipment or a dedicated studio. It’s about you—your creativity, your passion, and your willingness to make magic happen with whatever you have. And trust me, as someone who’s been there, that’s where the real magic of sewing lies.

    This guide is your ticket to setting up a sewing space that’s perfect for you, even if you’re a beginner juggling school, friends, and a busy life. We’ll cover everything from finding the perfect spot in your room to scoring awesome deals on supplies. Let’s get stitching!

    Carving Out Your Creative Corner

    First things first, where will your sewing adventures unfold? Don’t worry, you don’t need a mansion! Here are some ideas for small-space sewing:

    • Bedroom Bliss: Claim a corner of your bedroom. A small desk, a comfy chair, and some clever storage solutions are all you need.
    • Desk Duty: Transform your existing desk into a sewing station when inspiration strikes. Just make sure you have enough space to spread out your fabric.
    • Floor Power: Yep, even the floor can become your temporary sewing studio! Just lay down a comfy rug or mat, and you’re good to go.

    Lighting is Everything!

    Natural light is your best friend when you’re sewing. Set up your space near a window to avoid eye strain and make those intricate details a breeze.

    Tidy Space, Tidy Mind:

    Keeping your sewing area organized is super important, especially when space is limited. A cluttered space can quickly become overwhelming and zap your creative energy.

    Must-Have Sewing Supplies (Without Breaking the Bank)

    Forget those pricey sewing starter kits. Here are the essentials you actually need (and how to get them for less):

    Sewing Superhero Toolkit:

    Marking Tools: Chalk pencils or disappearing ink pens are perfect for transferring pattern markings to fabric.  

    Fabric Scissors: Invest in a good pair of fabric shears (and keep them away from paper!). Smaller snips are handy for trimming threads.

    Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are key, so a flexible measuring tape is a must.

    Pins and Pincushion: Keep those fabric pieces in place with pins and a trusty pincushion (a cute DIY project in itself!).

    Seam Ripper: Mistakes happen! A seam ripper is your best friend for undoing stitches.

    Needles: Grab a variety of hand-sewing needles and sewing machine needles (if you have a machine).