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Punchello: Craft & Embellish with Sequin Waste

August 16, 2010 – 2:43 pm

I’ve heard the term “punchello” and also seen it spelled punchellu. What is it?

Punchello is one of the funny sounding words associated with sewing, but very simply it’s just sequin waste. Also referred to as Punchinello, Punchinella, Punchella or Punchelli, it’s the thin metal sheets left after sequins or pailettes (larger embellishments than a sequin) are punched out by a die press. Punchello comes in all colors, as well as the metallic shades, and is used for a number of crafty things. It’s often threaded with yarns, ribbons or fibers and then used as an embellishment for scrapbooking and other mixed media projects, or for jewelry. When cut into strips, it can be used like gift-wrapping ribbon, as it’s soft and flexible. Sewers often use it for embellishments on soft sculptures and also on garments, for just a bit of metallic sheen. You can trim it with ordinary craft scissors (not the good dressmaker ones!) and stitch through it with a small size machine needle or by hand, either in the holes or in the areas between.

By LindaG | Posted in General Information

Short on Sewing Time? – Sewing Projects Under 30 Minutes

August 11, 2010 – 11:25 am


It seems that we all wish for more time to sew, but if you don’t have any way to add more than 24 hours to the day, think about another option. If you break down your sewing tasks into small “bits,” it’s amazing how much you can accomplish.

For example, if you only have a few minutes, take advice from Nancy Zieman in her 10-20-30 Minutes to Sew book, or the 10-20-30 Minutes to Quilt title. Her advice is instead of looking at the big picture of all the tasks needing to be done, break them up into smaller ones. It’s akin to putting short bits of information on your to-do list, just so you can cross them off and see your progress.

If you want to make a quilt, but fear you’ll never get it done, check out Meryl Ann Butler’s 90-Minute Quilts book….you can actually do these clever quilts in the time allotted. I tried some! There are 15 projects you can sew up in an afternoon, even if you’ve never quilted before. So if you need a quick baby gift or throw for TV watching, you’ll find the perfect inspiration, and you can probably use fabrics from your stash. This book is also great if you’re teaching a child, as the quilts are simple and pieces are good sized, to eliminate frustration. In addition to quilts, there are pillow covers, tote, game boards, wall hanging and a shawl.

So, rather than wishing for more time to sew, think about what you can do with the time you have and use it to the max!

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing and Crafting Book Reviews, Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tips & Techniques, Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

Sew Much Fun Hong Kong

August 9, 2010 – 12:01 am

If you’ve been thinking about an Asian sewing adventure, time is running out to sign up for the American Sewing Guild’s Sew Much Fun Hong Kong 2010 tour. This week-long adventure begins on November 30th as the group departs on a United Airlines jet from San Francisco and lands in this enchanted fabric mecca a few (OK, many!) hours later.

In addition to shopping for fabrics to your heart’s desire, the group also tours a costume shop where wonderful garb is made for amusement parks, the Chinese Opera and several other venues. Rumor has it there will also be a remnant sale of some of the company’s leftovers.

There’s also sightseeing, a Tai Chi lesson, and a cruise to Lamma Island for the farewell dinner. Optional tours are also available during your free time.

Registration ends on August 15, so sign up this week by visiting the American Sewing Guild site and filling out the form to reserve your space. Friends and spouses are also welcome!

By LindaG | Posted in General Information

Create Your Own Lunch Bags

August 2, 2010 – 3:47 pm

If you work outside the home, you know that taking your own lunch can not only save money, but it can also be a much healthier alternative to eating out. C&T’s new book titled Lunch Bags offers up 25 clever and attractive brown bag replacements to tote that lunch in style. Some are insulated, others vinyl lined, but all share a common bond of being handmade and fashionable…a switch from most lunch carriers. This book is a “design collective,” so each bag is made by a different designer. Some are so cool they can double as tote bags and purses on the weekends. Lots of fun photos and illustrated instructions. 128 pages.

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing and Crafting Book Reviews, Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

National Sewing Month 2010 sponsors

July 19, 2010 – 9:36 am

Our thanks to our newest sponsors for National Sewing Month 2010:

V.I.P by Cranston – Cranston is a favorite supplier of quality fabrics for sewing, quilting & crafting projects. Check out their new Pillow Personality kit, available at select WalMarts. Make a pillowcase for yourself or donate your creations to local shelters, hospital wards and nursing homes. Find out more at www.CranstonVillage.com.


Linda McGehee from Ghee’s – Linda will be sharing some great ideas for accessories using her fun new zippers. You’ll never look at zippers the same way again! Start off by trying her zipper pansy project, made with paper zippers. Visit the Ghee’s website at www.Ghees.com to purchase zippers and other great products.

If you’re interested in becomgin a sponsor of National Sewing Month, let us know.

By SCAJanice | Posted in National Sewing Month