October 22, 2010 – 8:22 pm
Sub-titled “Smart tips, funky ideas and original projects for any machine,” Get the Most from Your Sewing Machine, by Marion Elliot is just that. The format of this book is short tidbits of information about creative ways to use your sewing machine, no matter how basic. It explores accessory feet, novelty threads, decorative stitches, as well as sewing on novelty things like paper and plastic fabrics. Simple projects will inspire Indie crafters, and there’s even hints for selling and promoting your work. This one’s all about creativity from A to Z!
SEW-lutions tip: Visit the Sewing.org Guidelines page for how-to articles on machine stitches and embroidery techniques.
October 18, 2010 – 1:48 pm
The Trained Sewing Instructor program teaches you how to teach sewing to others. It’s the only business training program that is specific to the sewing industry. The course is 3 days and provides a solid background of business information while helping to develop teaching skills through interactive sessions.
Class sizes are limited to allow for personal interaction and practice teaching sessions. Topics include:
- Deciding What to Teach
- Deciding Where to Teach
- Planning Successful Sewing Classes
- Creating Lesson Plans
- Teaching Techniques
- Teaching in Retail Stores
- Teaching Sewing as a Business
- Risk Management
- Marketing & Advertising Your Services
- Presenting a Professional Image
- Sewing Up Your Business
- Practice Teaching to Group
The last stop in 2010 for the Trained Sewing Instructor workshop is Chicago on October 28-30, 2010. To learn more, visit www.TrainedSewingInstructor.com.
October 17, 2010 – 12:40 pm
We all love to sew for kids, but Sewing For Children, by Emma Hardy offers up 35 projects that kids aged 3 and up can learn to sew themselves. Whether you’re looking for ways to use up scraps from your own sewing, or you want to recycle something around the house, this book is sure to inspire. Look for cute puppets, bunnies, sock monsters, fairies, toys, costumes, totes and much, much more–all very appealing to children. The book is filled with lots of color–from great project photos to the full-size patterns included. For older kids, there’s a section on basic sewing techniques and a glossary of common terms. This book is great grandma bait!
Looking for more kids projects? Visit the Kids section of our website, www.sewing.org.
October 9, 2010 – 12:59 am
I’m trying to hem a knit shirt with my twin needle, but the stitches aren’t consistent and sometimes miss on one row of stitching. What’s wrong?
Twin needles make wonderful machine hems as they showcase two nice parallel rows of stitches with only one go-around. But if something’s awry, your hem might not be so beautiful. Chances are that you’re using a universal point twin needle, designed for sewing on woven fabrics. Twin needles also come with a ballpoint which is what you need for knit fabrics to avoid skipped stitches.
A ballpoint or “stretch” needle has a rounded tip that will separate the knit fibers as it penetrates the fabric, instead of breaking through them. A universal needle may not catch the bobbin thread on both needles when used on knit fabrics; this is necessary for proper stitch formation.
Your stretch needle size should be consistent with the weight of your knit fabric for best results–use a 70/10 for lightweight knits up to a 90/14 for heavy knits.
October 6, 2010 – 1:02 am
Though you may think this book title, Make Your Own Misfits, by Fumie Kamijo and Rosie Short, deals with child rearing, that’s not the focus at all! The book is about making 35 unique and quirky creatures, each with their very own personality. You don’t need to be an experienced stitcher to make them, and both adults and kids alike will love the likes of Chico the Chicken, Dorothy the Dalmation or Sydney the Snake. Pattern templates are included along with the very simple step-by-step directions, and a little story about each of the characters’ adventures. Even non-sewers can create these lovable characters.
