We’re heading out to Lake Gaston for a family vacation. I’m taking my Baby with me (my 1951 Singer Featherweight). I may be a little over-the-top, but my idea of fun at the lake (besides fishing) is to sew. The project I have planned is a “twirly skirt” for my three-year-old granddaughter.
Two of my daughters are bringing their machines as well, and they have asked if I could help them with their sewing projects. (I know my five-year-old grandson will want to join in the fun; he started using the sewing machine – while on my lap – when he was not quite 4.)
Posted in: Family.
That’s what sewing threads are. When I first started sewing, I didn’t realize I was buying trouble when I purchased the “two for a dollar” special. I thought I was being frugal and saving us money. What I didn’t know was that “bargain brand” I was buying would cause problems with my machine, and would pucker and shred as I sewed.
If you hold a strand of inferior thread up to the light, you’ll notice fuzz and bumps over most of the strand. This will cause lint to build up in your machine. High quality thread is smooth with little or no fuzz. When you use the good stuff, your machine will sew more smoothly and give you better results.
If you have thread that has been around for years (maybe it was “passed down” to you), know that over time it could rot. To check the strength of the thread, take a strand and wrap it around your index finger on each hand. If it breaks easily when you pull it apart, throw it out.
Posted in: Notions.
I love to sew, there’s no doubt about it. This little icon will be included in my posts from now on to identify a special sewing hint or tip to save you time and $$$. Hopefully it will make your sewing easier and more enjoyable. I posted information about quilting threads yesterday; tomorrow I’ll probably suggest that you throw out some of the threads you may have inherited from your mother. (What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.)
Posted in: Sewing tips.
Tagged: quilting thread · sewing hint · sewing tip
I’ll bet most people think all threads are alike…………NOT! There are too many kinds to mention here, but I especially wanted to explain the difference between the types of thread used most often for machine quilting. You can use 100% cotton or all-purpose thread, but what you CANNOT use is HAND QUILTING THREAD! It is coated with a wax that will gum up the tension disks in your machine. We are talking SERIOUS REPAIR BILLS here!
Store displays have designated bins for different types of threads, but sometimes it’s not very clear what you’re getting. Be sure to read the label at the end of the spool. Note: some companies identify their quilting threads by the spool color; they simply cannot print all the relevant information in 10 different languages on that tiny spool. Now how are you supposed to remember that the Gutermann hand quilting thread spool is PINK?
Tomorrow: More on threads – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Posted in: Notions.
There are a LOT of people out there who really want to learn to sew, but don’t know how to shop for a machine. I’ve created another page unto itself, because there is a truckload of information to share. (Check the tabs at the top of the page or in the column to the right.) Comments or questions (above) are welcome.
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Last night I darned my husband’s sports socks……….on the sewing machine! I had been throwing them in my mending basket, (which is just a temporary stop-over before they’re thrown out), but they crawled over the side and demanded my attention. My machine converts to free-arm mode; I stretched the sock on as far as I could, set my utility stitch menu to “darn” and held my breath………….brand new socks!
Posted in: Family.
From time to time I’d like to offer a one-day class on a simple project. I have ideas of my own (aprons, placemats, tote bags, etc.) but I would like to know what you’re interested in. You can send your suggestion by clicking on the “comments” bar above.
Posted in: Sewing Projects.
We had a great time today in our Mother/Daughter class making one-of-a-kind designer pillowcases (with french seams, no less). They can hardly wait to get to the store to buy more fabric.
Next week it’s tote bags!
Posted in: M/D Classes.
Have to take a minute and wish my husband, John, a Happy Grandfather’s Day! Since he retired a few years ago, he’s taken up cooking and all I have to do is the dishes! ( Eat your heart out, ladies.) Of course, while he’s in the kitchen, I’m in my sewing room. Today I presented him with his very own quilt/tablecloth with all kinds of food-printed fabric, and special sentiments as part of the patchwork. One of patches reads: “She quilts – I cook”!
Posted in: Family.
Isn’t she doing a great job? Linda is my younger sister, and builds websites for those who want something special. If you or a friend would like to see more of what she can do for you, click on “my webmaster” on the right column.
Posted in: Family.
This is my first official posting on my new website. I’m a little overwhelmed, but looking forward to sharing my “bits and pieces” of sewing and quilting tips and stories with you. I offer sewing lessons for the beginner in the Raleigh, NC area. My goal is to build confidence in the beginner, while passing on a tradition, and making it simple to sew.
Posted in: Uncategorized.
Tagged: NC · Raleigh · sewing lessons
