SEW-lutions sewing tips and news, brought to you by Sewing.org and the Sewing & Craft Alliance
sewing and craft projects at www.sewing.orgsewing and craft projects at www.sewing.org

Thinking Outside the Box

February 14, 2009 – 10:00 am

Sometimes we get into a rut with our sewing habits–we like to make certain projects and certain styles, and the thought of something new can bring shivers.

As you read this, I’m in Hong Kong with the American Sewing Guild tour group, but I always like to take books with me on the plane to help pass the time of the seemingly never ending 14 hr. flight over the ocean. In my bag this time are three “outside the box” kind of books.

I’m really not a couture sewer, though I do have some of those skills. Working at home in my basement office doesn’t really call for any elegant garb, though I’ve always been an admirer of the techniques used in high fashion. Kenneth King is the master of couture design and his recent book Cool Couture gives us insight into the wonderful secrets of his star-power creations. Beginning with a discussion of tools and fabrics, he then goes on to share his techniques for things like the perfect sleeve, tailored pockets, piping and lots of designer embellishments like pleating, tassels, knots, etc. This one offers fabulous photos and great illustrations for each process, plus some of Kenneth’s unique humor thrown in when you least expect it.

I’m a pretty traditional sewer compared to some, but I like to think I’m open to new ideas. Susan Wasinger’s new book Fabricate is a fabulous source of inspiration for sewing play time. It’s a cross between fiber art and couture sewing, offering information on pleating, texturizing, using fabric frays, recycling sweaters and plastic bags, and much more to tempt you to say, “Hmmm…” So, next time you have an inkling to think beyond the basics, this book is worth checking out. Seventeen projects are included, or you can simply incorporate the techniques into ideas of your own.

I’ve always admired what scrapbookers can create–the clever layouts and myriad materials they use are intriguing. But, until now I was fine with just admiring. Sew Sentimental author Linda Lum DeBono uses all kinds of sewing-related things in her scrapbooking work. From zippers and ribbons to decorative stitching and buttonholes–now that’s something I can relate to. She also talks about fabric printing–a subject near and dear to my heart. So, reading about this unconventional use for my beloved sewing things is really one I can relate to.

Lest you think I’m a bit overzealous about books, I love reading them, and I also love writing them. They’re simply another way to teach people new things. I’ll be passing these books around on the plane to share with others and we’ll be learning some new-found skills and projects while flying.

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

Quilts for Office Decorating

February 11, 2009 – 3:37 pm

No matter where you work, chances are you have the opportunity to at least decorate your personal space. I work from home and my office space spills directly into the sewing room, so it’s essentially one big L-shaped room. I have one faux finished orange wall above my desk and I use it as an accent wall to other white ones.

Recently I received a new book titled Quilts in my Cubicle, by Barbara Holtzman. It offers patterns for quilts themed throughout the year. None are bigger than about 13″ square, so they’re perfect for an office environment where space might be limited or there are policies about personal decorating. I think it’s a great way to be tasteful without taking up much room, and the minis would also be ideal for gifting to a co-worker. It adds a bit of cheer to a cubicle, and says “I sew.” It also gives you the opportunity to try out some new sewing skills, as they’re a variety of techniques used during the various months’ offerings. Just a bit of cheer each month!

For even more fun, get your co-workers together for a little quilting bee of sorts and help everyone make quilts for their spaces. It’s fun to see what fabrics everyone chooses to create the same pattern, and how very different they all look when they’re done.

By LindaG | Posted in Home Decorating, Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

Michele Obama’s Fabric

February 5, 2009 – 12:27 pm

This just in–If you’re looking for the beautiful yellow embroidered fabric that Michele Obama wore at the inauguration, check out Michael’s Fabrics. You can duplicate her lovely dress and coat ensemble, but with a hefty price tag. The special-order fabric is 33″ wide and about $500 a yard. Hmmm, perhaps a small clutch bag or coin purse would do…

By LindaG | Posted in General Information

Answers to sewing questions

February 4, 2009 – 3:26 pm

Recent sewing questions have brought up some interesting topics:

What’s the difference between a lining and a facing? A lining protects and covers up the inner structure of a garment. It’s usually a silky fabric so that sliding the garment off and on can be done with ease. Linings are constructed similarly to the outer garment shape, though they may not go all the way to the edge. Instead, a facing my bridge the space between the lining and the finished garment edge. A facing is simply a shaped piece, usually cut from the garment fabric, that finishes an edge. It may be a neckline, armhole, front opening, etc. A shaped facing is generally 2-3″ wide, depending on the garment size.

How do I sew freestanding machine embroidered lace? There are two kinds of machine embroidered lace–freestanding, and lace patterns designed to be sewn on a base fabric for support. Freestanding lace has no permanent support, but it does need to be embroidered on a removable stabilizer. Either a water- or heat-removable stabilizer can be used for this purpose. Once the embroidery is complete, the stabilizer is totally removed, leaving only the lace stitching. Depending on the density of the design, more than one layer of stabilizer may be needed, or a heavy weight used to keep stitches from distorting.

How much elastic do I use to make a fitted sheet stay on the bed? Fitted sheets have elastic either in the corner areas only, or around the entire sheet perimeter. The general ratio is to cut elastic about 1/2 to 2/3 of the distance it’s being applied to, depending on the stretch of the elastic. If you’re using clear elastic, be sure to stretch it several times before use and then allow it to go back to it’s original size before stitching. Sheet elastic may be applied in a casing, or directly stitched to the sheet edge.

How should I charge for sewing classes? There are a variety of ways to charge for classes, and if you’re working with a store they may have a set policy in place. Some stores pay teachers an hourly rate, others pay a set amount per student. If you’re doing classes on your own, determine the length of the class, plus your preparation time, and assign yourself an hourly rate to determine the amount you need to make. Add something for overhead, like lights, machine use, etc. Divide the total by the minimum number of students to determine the class fee. Remember that teaching classes is a business!

Just a reminder that February 6 is National Wear Red Day in support of the American Heart Assn’s. campaign for awareness of heart disease as a killer of women. So, get out something red to wear this Friday.

By LindaG | Posted in General Information

Craft & Hobby Show update

January 28, 2009 – 12:57 pm

I just came back from sunny Anaheim (we have snow) where the Craft & Hobby show takes place each January. Store buyers attend and shop for new products for their stores, so as a writer I’m also looking for new things. Most of the new products aren’t even on sale yet, so it’s fun to see them ahead of time.

What’s hot? Pendants and jewelry making was a big trend. Several companies offer metal frames you can fill with fabric, paper or other artwork, then cover with a resin or glass. It’s a great way to keep mementos as well.

A bias tape maker will soon be available that not only folds the bias for you, but presses the folds into place in one operation. You can make 25 feet of bias in less than a minute! A companion machine can cut the strips for you with the push of a foot pedal.

Many companies are increasing their lines of “green” products, and common themes are reuse, repurpose, restyle, reminding us to take advantage of what we have.

I saw Vanna White (and her daughter) narrating a Lion Brand Yarn fashion show, and I attended the first anniversary party for Craftstylish.com. I also met the new editor of Threads magazine, Deana Tierney. So we can look for some exciting things happening from Taunton Press.

I’ll be writing more about new products as they’re released, so watch for updates, and have fun with whatever sewing and crafting activities you do. Step outside the box and try something new as well!

By LindaG | Posted in Sew & Craft Industry News