MAriaDenmark Sewing life

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MariaDenmark Sewing Life is:

In-Person (in New Jersey) and online Sewing Classes
PDF sewing patterns in size 34-54
Beginner-friendly step-by-step illustrated instructions.
E-books on fitting
Sewing Magazines with patterns

Look around for blog posts on fitting and sewing, patterns for clothes you feel and look great in, and e-books that’ll help you fit your clothes to your body.

More about Maria & MariaDenmark HERE

GET THE FREE KIRSTEN TEE PATTERN

Subscribe to the MariaDenmark Newsletter for Sewing & Fitting Tips, great offers, and the famous MariaDenmark Kimono Tee Sewing Pattern

Maria, living the Sewing Life

sewinglife_mariadenmark

651

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Sep 26

The 3 things I love most about my new sewing/office space:

I moved this month and finally got to set up my sewing and office space. I literally moved two big work spaces and teaching studios into a 130 sq ft / 12m2 room and yes, it has been a bit overwhelming.

This morning is the first day I walked in ready to work. And I realized that the 3 things I love most about my sewing room this morning are all conncected to love, more than functionality (all though, the last one IS very functional and practical, if not a little big for the space).

- An embroidery designed and stitched by my friend
- My puppy sleeping in the room while I work
- The wonderful cutting table/book case/photo background my husband made for me.

I obviously had to downsize a lot and hope I prioritized right. These 3 things definitely made me smile today.

What makes you happy about your sewing space today?

#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle #sewingroom

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Sep 23

✨Help I’m gonna need your best tip for organizing the sewing studio. ✨

Trying to fit an entire sewing studio into a small bedroom is going to be challenging. I’m not gonna lie.

I am going to need my cutting table, my sewing table and my desk and I’m sure we can get room for that but how I am going to find storage for all my stuff I don’t know. Guess I’ll have to do another clean out.

Give me your best organization tip for a sewing room in the comments - I am in dire need!!!

#sewinglife #sewinglifestyle #sewingmywardrobe #sewingteacher

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Sep 22

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 8

😎 ALWAYS pre-wash (and dry) your fabric before cutting!

I know. You want to sew right NOW!

But hear me out: If you have just once tried sewing an entire pair of really nice (well-fitting!) pants , just to wash them the first time and they suddenly become pedal-puchers or even capri-pants... That’s when you KNOW you should always prewash.

Ask me how I know.

Most fabric made from natural fibers (well, all fabrics, really) WILL change when washed.
Some will shrink.
Some will pill awfully.
Some will just change hand completely.

No matter which, it’s such a sad feeling to have spend HOURS sewing something, and it’s ruined the first time you wash it.

What is your best/worst “I should have washed the fabric first” story?

Follow for more un-cool sewing advice 😎 #sewinglife #sewingteacher #sewyourownclothes

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 6

Cast your vote: (I’ll share what it’s for and how to use it for your next sewing project later this week!)

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 4

My current favorite is the linen jumpsuit. I sewed this back in 2019 and the linen makes it breathable and cute -even when it’s 37 C /100 F out!

Other pattern details (All available as pdf patterns):

✂ Rachel Wrap Dress (405)
✂ Circle Skirt (self drafted) + Just a Tank Top (104)
✂ Sewing Life 0X jump suit hack
✂ Blue 104 Just a Tank Top,, (old denim shorts, not sewn by me)
✂ Sewing Life Lammefjord Knit Dress / Sysiden 47

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 31

Yep. It’s called a walking foot.

Do you need it in your sewing tool box?

To be honest, I only started using it recently - so I have obviously done without for many years.

BUT it is a huge help when sewing slippery knits, rayons, and crepes - and I wish I had tried it years ago! It would have saved me from so many sewing frustrations caused by puckers.

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 30

😎 Do NOT put pins in your mouth!

I don’t know how much of this is an urban legend. But I have been told ever since I started sewing that I should never put pins in my mouth. Because apparently, you are only one big inhale away from a rushed trip to the emergency room.

I mean, I’ve even heard of people who only remember that they were Sewing and then woke up in the intensive care unit.

So! Don’t try this at home. Use a pincushion or a magnetic pin holder instead.

Follow for more un-cool sewing advice 😎

#sewinglife #sewingteacher #sewinglifestyle #sewyourownclothes #sewinginspiration

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 28

What sewing tool is this? (I ‘ll give you the answer and tell you how to use it later this week)

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 27

🪡 What do YOU want to see sewing tips for next?

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 27

I often get questions or requests to show my sewing projects that I am wearing. I am a little hesitant to do it, because I don’t usually build outfits with a lot of details, and I also tend to repeat pieces and outfits again and again.

In my everyday dressing I am first and foremost about comfort and practicality, and it gets more pronounced the warmer it gets.

As an example, Here is what I wore of me-sewn clothes this past week - all sewing patterns are available on the site:

🧵 Day 1: 404 Signe Summer Top, (old denim shorts, not sewn by me), 407 Annika Top made into a cardi.
🧵 Day 2 (teaching kids): Dog print Circle Skirt, SewingLife 3 Oversize Tee
🧵 Day 3: Circle Skirt in IKEA fabric, Black 104 Just a Tank Top
🧵 Day 4: Sewing Life 2 A-Line Skirt, Blue 104 Just a Tank Top
🧵 Day 5: Glitter fabric 102 Birgitte Tee, (old denim shorts, not sewn by me)
🧵 DAy 6: Sysiden 23 (not translated to English) Jersey Dress
🧵 Day 7: Circle Skirt in IKEA fabric, Blue 104 Just a Tank Top

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 22

😎 Pressing is the most important part of Sewing!

Pressing a seam right after you sew it and especially before you sew over it is what makes the difference between something that looks like a 10 year old made it at school or something a professional sewist sewed.

You can use most irons, I prefer a good heavy steam iron - or this pressing station.

Follow for more un-cool sewing advice 🥳
#sewingteacher #sewinglifestyle #sewinglife

Follow on Instagram

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 30

😎 Do NOT put pins in your mouth!

I don’t know how much of this is an urban legend. But I have been told ever since I started sewing that I should never put pins in my mouth. Because apparently, you are only one big inhale away from a rushed trip to the emergency room.

I mean, I’ve even heard of people who only remember that they were Sewing and then woke up in the intensive care unit.

So! Don’t try this at home. Use a pincushion or a magnetic pin holder instead.

Follow for more un-cool sewing advice 😎

#sewinglife #sewingteacher #sewinglifestyle #sewyourownclothes #sewinginspiration

sewinglife_mariadenmark

May 4

One of the little things I do to keep sane(-ish) as I’m sewing, is that I like to mark the wrong side of the fabric I’m cutting with some tape.

I do it as I remove the pattern piece after cutting.

How do you mark the wrong side of the fabric?
#SewingLifeStyle #sewingteacher #SewingTip

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 30

Last year I did Me-Made-May #memademay in 2 different countries.
This year, I am doing #MeMadeMay2025 in 3 different countries and the goal is the same: Wear me-made and thrifted clothes, create outfits I feel good in, and document them.

I am going to *try* a new approach this year, and start out by picking 10 pieces of clothing each week and combine them in different ways per @jennine.jacob ‘s Capsule Wardrobe Styling Workshop. Well, if everything goes to plan - what it almost never does. But anyway - stay tuned.

Are you doing a me-made challenge this year? If you aren’t sure how, why, or what it is - check out @sozoblog s pinned post!

#SewingLife #SewingMyWardrobe #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 29

Spending a couple of hours once a month, stitching, meeting new friends, chatting, and enjoying beverages of various sorts is just wonderful!

Textile hobbies can be somewhat solitary so it’s awesome to be able to share them

We meet at Circa @circarestaurantnj in High Bridge, NJ about once a month at 6.30 pm.
Upcoming dates:
April 29, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 24, 2025

Everyone is welcome- just show up!

If you are not local to us, consider creating your own Meet-up! It really is a great way to share the crafts

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 28

This is how you make a good invisible hand-sewn hem: I like to use the catch stitch (I call it witch-stitch) when hemming pants.

I start by folding and pressing up the hem. Once that is done (you may need to pin a bit), it’s time to get stitching. You need a sewing needle with a single thread that matches the fabric for it to be most invisible.

1) Secure the thread - either by stitching 3 times on the same spot (going through only folded fabric, not through to the right side) or by making a knot.

2) Take a itty-bitty single tread stitch in the single layer fabric, keeping the needle pointing AWAY from you.

3) Now moving the needle a little closer to you, take a larger (3 mm / 1/8”) stitch in the folded fabric, making sure it only goes to the folded up hem, and not through to the right side.

4) Repeat until end of hem, then secure the thread in the same way as before.

The catch stitch is a great hem stitch because it allows for movement of the hem and doesn’t break easily. AND it’s invisible on the right side of most fabrics. Try it out!

#sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle #Mending #MendingMatters

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 23

Even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine before, I will teach you to sew a poop bag, a sturdy toy, a cozy sweater, or a cute bandana in just a few hours!
If you already know your way around a machine, you might finish even faster! ⏰

📍 Local to New Jersey? Join me for classes in High Bridge and Stewartsville for all skill levels! You KNOW where to find the link 🔗😉

💻 Not local or short on time? Check out my Learn Fashion Sewing Online Class and sew at your own pace!

#sewingteacher #SewingLife #SewingLifeStyle #clintonnj #newjerseylife

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 21

Have you considered using a projector instead of printing your sewing patterns? 🖨

I have been on the fence for a long time, mainly because I thought it seemed like a hassle to set up and that I do not want to cut fabric directly, so I didn’t see the point.

But with the recent development in projectors, AND especially the helpful applications (I love the simplicity of Project & Cut) I decided to go ahead and try it out. and $89 and 30 minutes later, I was up and running.

Are you curious about projector sewing? Ask me anything!

#projectorsewing #SewingLife #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 6

Cast your vote: (I’ll share what it’s for and how to use it for your next sewing project later this week!)

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 4

My current favorite is the linen jumpsuit. I sewed this back in 2019 and the linen makes it breathable and cute -even when it’s 37 C /100 F out!

Other pattern details (All available as pdf patterns):

✂ Rachel Wrap Dress (405)
✂ Circle Skirt (self drafted) + Just a Tank Top (104)
✂ Sewing Life 0X jump suit hack
✂ Blue 104 Just a Tank Top,, (old denim shorts, not sewn by me)
✂ Sewing Life Lammefjord Knit Dress / Sysiden 47

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 31

Yep. It’s called a walking foot.

Do you need it in your sewing tool box?

To be honest, I only started using it recently - so I have obviously done without for many years.

BUT it is a huge help when sewing slippery knits, rayons, and crepes - and I wish I had tried it years ago! It would have saved me from so many sewing frustrations caused by puckers.

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

May 5

The first half week of #MeMadeMay2025 has gone - I didn’t plan for it, and ended up wearing what I usually wear. AND I am documenting that I do not always wear me-mades. The Sunday ensemble ended up being a full day adventure!

✏ Details:
🧵 May 1: Boatnect tee (Pattern: SewingLife 3 / Sysiden 38) from 2019 + Thrifted Black Skinny Jeans ($3, in 2023)
🧵 May 2: Oversize Tee (Pattern: SewingLife 3 / Sysiden 38) from 2019 + Half-Circle Skirt I made last year from thrifted fabric from @propagate.studio + Really Cool Safety-pin Rainbow earrings
🧵 May 3: Lammefjord Dress (Pattern: SL 12 / SYsiden 47) from 2021 + Thors Hammer Earrings from the Danish National Museum
🧵 May 4: Splat-clothes - old sweatpants + a tank top. None are Me-made or Thrifted, but I felt relaxed all day. The Sunday ensemble ended up being a full day adventure - I didn’t even get dressed to walk the dog!

This week I am trying to follow @jennine.jacob ‘s Wardrobe styling capsule method, just for the fun of trying some new combos -We shall see how it goes...

#SewingLife #SewingMyWardrobe #sewingteacher

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 28

What sewing tool is this? (I ‘ll give you the answer and tell you how to use it later this week)

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: There are no business accounts connected.

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 30

😎 Do NOT put pins in your mouth!

I don’t know how much of this is an urban legend. But I have been told ever since I started sewing that I should never put pins in my mouth. Because apparently, you are only one big inhale away from a rushed trip to the emergency room.

I mean, I’ve even heard of people who only remember that they were Sewing and then woke up in the intensive care unit.

So! Don’t try this at home. Use a pincushion or a magnetic pin holder instead.

Follow for more un-cool sewing advice 😎

#sewinglife #sewingteacher #sewinglifestyle #sewyourownclothes #sewinginspiration

sewinglife_mariadenmark

May 4

One of the little things I do to keep sane(-ish) as I’m sewing, is that I like to mark the wrong side of the fabric I’m cutting with some tape.

I do it as I remove the pattern piece after cutting.

How do you mark the wrong side of the fabric?
#SewingLifeStyle #sewingteacher #SewingTip

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 30

Last year I did Me-Made-May #memademay in 2 different countries.
This year, I am doing #MeMadeMay2025 in 3 different countries and the goal is the same: Wear me-made and thrifted clothes, create outfits I feel good in, and document them.

I am going to *try* a new approach this year, and start out by picking 10 pieces of clothing each week and combine them in different ways per @jennine.jacob ‘s Capsule Wardrobe Styling Workshop. Well, if everything goes to plan - what it almost never does. But anyway - stay tuned.

Are you doing a me-made challenge this year? If you aren’t sure how, why, or what it is - check out @sozoblog s pinned post!

#SewingLife #SewingMyWardrobe #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 29

Spending a couple of hours once a month, stitching, meeting new friends, chatting, and enjoying beverages of various sorts is just wonderful!

Textile hobbies can be somewhat solitary so it’s awesome to be able to share them

We meet at Circa @circarestaurantnj in High Bridge, NJ about once a month at 6.30 pm.
Upcoming dates:
April 29, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 24, 2025

Everyone is welcome- just show up!

If you are not local to us, consider creating your own Meet-up! It really is a great way to share the crafts

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 28

This is how you make a good invisible hand-sewn hem: I like to use the catch stitch (I call it witch-stitch) when hemming pants.

I start by folding and pressing up the hem. Once that is done (you may need to pin a bit), it’s time to get stitching. You need a sewing needle with a single thread that matches the fabric for it to be most invisible.

1) Secure the thread - either by stitching 3 times on the same spot (going through only folded fabric, not through to the right side) or by making a knot.

2) Take a itty-bitty single tread stitch in the single layer fabric, keeping the needle pointing AWAY from you.

3) Now moving the needle a little closer to you, take a larger (3 mm / 1/8”) stitch in the folded fabric, making sure it only goes to the folded up hem, and not through to the right side.

4) Repeat until end of hem, then secure the thread in the same way as before.

The catch stitch is a great hem stitch because it allows for movement of the hem and doesn’t break easily. AND it’s invisible on the right side of most fabrics. Try it out!

#sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle #Mending #MendingMatters

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 23

Even if you’ve never touched a sewing machine before, I will teach you to sew a poop bag, a sturdy toy, a cozy sweater, or a cute bandana in just a few hours!
If you already know your way around a machine, you might finish even faster! ⏰

📍 Local to New Jersey? Join me for classes in High Bridge and Stewartsville for all skill levels! You KNOW where to find the link 🔗😉

💻 Not local or short on time? Check out my Learn Fashion Sewing Online Class and sew at your own pace!

#sewingteacher #SewingLife #SewingLifeStyle #clintonnj #newjerseylife

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Apr 21

Have you considered using a projector instead of printing your sewing patterns? 🖨

I have been on the fence for a long time, mainly because I thought it seemed like a hassle to set up and that I do not want to cut fabric directly, so I didn’t see the point.

But with the recent development in projectors, AND especially the helpful applications (I love the simplicity of Project & Cut) I decided to go ahead and try it out. and $89 and 30 minutes later, I was up and running.

Are you curious about projector sewing? Ask me anything!

#projectorsewing #SewingLife #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 6

Cast your vote: (I’ll share what it’s for and how to use it for your next sewing project later this week!)

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Aug 4

My current favorite is the linen jumpsuit. I sewed this back in 2019 and the linen makes it breathable and cute -even when it’s 37 C /100 F out!

Other pattern details (All available as pdf patterns):

✂ Rachel Wrap Dress (405)
✂ Circle Skirt (self drafted) + Just a Tank Top (104)
✂ Sewing Life 0X jump suit hack
✂ Blue 104 Just a Tank Top,, (old denim shorts, not sewn by me)
✂ Sewing Life Lammefjord Knit Dress / Sysiden 47

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 31

Yep. It’s called a walking foot.

Do you need it in your sewing tool box?

To be honest, I only started using it recently - so I have obviously done without for many years.

BUT it is a huge help when sewing slippery knits, rayons, and crepes - and I wish I had tried it years ago! It would have saved me from so many sewing frustrations caused by puckers.

#SewingMyWardrobe
#SewingLife #sewingteacher #SewingLifeStyle

sewinglife_mariadenmark

May 5

The first half week of #MeMadeMay2025 has gone - I didn’t plan for it, and ended up wearing what I usually wear. AND I am documenting that I do not always wear me-mades. The Sunday ensemble ended up being a full day adventure!

✏ Details:
🧵 May 1: Boatnect tee (Pattern: SewingLife 3 / Sysiden 38) from 2019 + Thrifted Black Skinny Jeans ($3, in 2023)
🧵 May 2: Oversize Tee (Pattern: SewingLife 3 / Sysiden 38) from 2019 + Half-Circle Skirt I made last year from thrifted fabric from @propagate.studio + Really Cool Safety-pin Rainbow earrings
🧵 May 3: Lammefjord Dress (Pattern: SL 12 / SYsiden 47) from 2021 + Thors Hammer Earrings from the Danish National Museum
🧵 May 4: Splat-clothes - old sweatpants + a tank top. None are Me-made or Thrifted, but I felt relaxed all day. The Sunday ensemble ended up being a full day adventure - I didn’t even get dressed to walk the dog!

This week I am trying to follow @jennine.jacob ‘s Wardrobe styling capsule method, just for the fun of trying some new combos -We shall see how it goes...

#SewingLife #SewingMyWardrobe #sewingteacher

sewinglife_mariadenmark

Jul 28

What sewing tool is this? (I ‘ll give you the answer and tell you how to use it later this week)

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: There are no business accounts connected.