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New Products at Spring Quilt Market in Pittsburgh, 2009

May 29, 2009 – 11:12 am

I just returned from Pittsburgh where the spring version of the infamous Quilt Market was held. It’s not open to the general public, but only to store owners, buyers and the press (me!). Companies are debuting their new fabric lines and products for quilters, sewers and crafters…many of which won’t be available in stores until at least fall. It’s up to store owners to decide what to buy in hopes that you and I will then love it (and of course, buy it) when it hits their stores.

Because things are being shown for fall launches, there are always holiday patterns and fabrics showcased. So even though it’s spring, some booths were decked out in red and green and you’d expect snowflakes to fall.

In addition to holiday offerings, there are always a wealth of new products to tempt. One of the most fun things I found this year is a fabric called Texture Magic, offered by Superior Threads. The “fabric” shrinks 30% when steamed, thus shrinking and texturizing the fabric it’s been quilted or stitched to. As a complement, there’s a line of Patterns by Annie designed specifically for use with the product.

Fabulous felt food looked good enough to eat at National Nonwovens booth. Hard to believe it was sewn from fabric!

Nancy Zieman has new tote templates and also a fusible piping product set to debut in the summer with Clover–no more wrestling with the fabric to evenly cover piping cord.

There were lots of embellishments, as always, including wonderful feather trim from Expo International showcased on a denim jacket made by designer Stephanie Kimura.

Quilt Market always features lots of exhibits of award winning quilts and this year was no exception. The Hoffman Challenge winning garments were also on display, garnering oohs and aahs from onlookers.

Watch for more info here–as new products I saw at Market become available, I’ll write about them for you.

By LindaG | Posted in Events and Classes, Sew & Craft Industry News, Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

New Sewing Books

May 24, 2009 – 2:02 pm

I’m lucky to be on the list for new releases from several publishers, and in turn to be able to share some fun books with you. One of the things I’ve noticed lately is the trend toward creating things fast, yet still having them look good. BIG Blocks, BIG Quilts and BIG Blocks Quick Quilts both by Suzanne McNeill, certainly fill that bill. These books utilize pre-cut pieces like Layer Cakes (10″ squares) to form the blocks of some great looking quilts.

Serging is also another means to create things quickly, yet with a professional finish. Ready, Set, Serge, by Georgie Melot, offers 32 great projects that you can create in only minutes with the serger. Plus, she includes comprehensive serger information if you’ve forgotten the basics of this wonderful machine.

Along with our need for quick, there’s also some times when more serious information is needed. Deborah Jones has penned Machine Embroidery on Difficult Materials to answer those questions about embroidering on things like velvet, vinyl, leather and 16 other surfaces that can be a bit tricky. Get the low-down on stabilizers, needles and hooping these eccentric fabrics for embroidery success.

The goal of the book Fabricate, by Susan Wasinger, is to put emphasis on the fabric. There are 17 projects utilizing unique fabric effects, like pleating, cording, applique, etching, burning and pleating. So, if you need to play and love fabrics, this book is great fun.

If simple garment making is more to your liking, Chic & Simple Sewing, by Christine Haynes, is a book you’ll need. It offers full-size patterns for more than 20 wearables–like skirts, dresses, tops and jackets. Detailed sewing techniques are included with each project, so the learnings transfer to other garments and accessory sewing as well.

So, kick back on the next sunny day (or even a rainy one will do) and curl up with a good book. There are many to choose from, depending on your interests!

By LindaG | Posted in General Information, Home Decorating, Sewing as a business, Sewing, Quilting, Embroidery & Craft Products

Free sewing help with the SEW-lutions Guidelines

May 16, 2009 – 11:07 pm

Did you realize that there’s actually free help for lots of your sewing questions right here on the sewing.org web site? It’s like getting a complete sewing book for free, and what’s better than that?

The Sewing & Craft Alliance uploads two new Guidelines each month. These are one or two page references that are specific to a sewing topic. The information covers everything from sewing home decor items to pattern changes, tailoring techniques, alterations, fabric information, seam finishes, sewing health, fitting, hand stitches and much more. The SEW-lutions Guidelines are free to you and if you put them in a notebook, you’ll have a sewing book for free! Currently, there are almost 100 topics written by the industry’s experts.

Where is this wealth of information? Simply visit the SEW-lutions Guidelines page to access your own virtual library. If you’re a teacher, feel free to share them with students, as they can be reproduced for that purpose (but never sold – make sure to read the copyright information at the bottom of the page).

If there are topics you’d like to see covered, let us know and there could be a Guideline in the future to answer your specific need. Just check back around the first of each month to see the new topics or join the mailing list to receive the monthly update via email.

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Rolled hems, pant lining and home dec fabric handling

May 10, 2009 – 12:18 am

This group of questions spans a variety of interests:

How do I make a rolled hem? The easiest way to make a rolled hem is to stitch it on the serger, using the rolled hem setting. The stitch created is a dense, tightly packed one that actually rolls under a narrow fabric edge as it stitches due to tension adjustments. Since each serger is different, consult your machine instruction book for your particular settings.

To make a rolled hem by hand, run a line of stitching 1/8″ from the edge of your project, then turn under the fabric edge along that line of stitching and hand sew in place. This method creates a narrow, double hem perfect for edging napkins, scarves and other projects. It’s best not to press the edge unless you like that look, but instead leave a soft roll.

What’s the best way to line a pair of pants? If the pattern calls for lining, chances are there are separate pattern pieces included for the style. If not, use the same front and back pieces as the outside pant, but construct them separately from lining fabric. Before adding the waistband, place the lining inside the pant wrong sides together. Adding the waistband will hold them together, then hand tack the area around the zipper, trimming the lining as needed. Hem the pant and lining separately, but add a French tack at the lower leg seams to keep the lining in place.

How should I handle home decorating fabric–does it need to be prewashed? It’s pretty much impossible to preshrink home decorating fabric by prewashing it simply because of the quantity involved. Most home decor projects aren’t washed for general care. If you’re making something like a child’s pillow, pet bed cover or something that will be washed later, do prewash the fabric if possible. Many home dec fabrics are treated with finishes of some sort (stain resistance, etc.) and washing may rid the fabric of those protections, so check the bolt to note the manufacturer’s recommended care instructions.

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tips & Techniques

Sewing with metal, wood, paper, screen and more

May 3, 2009 – 12:06 am

Most of us are content to simply sew fabric–whether wool or cotton, silk or linen. But, oh no, some of us like to go beyond the bounds of normal and stitch other things as well. Do you?

Today I made a market shopping bag from a 40lb. Tyvek dog food bag. My husband thought I was crazy for saving the bags from our three pooches’ vittles, but I had secret ambitions for the oversized packages bedecked with cute dog faces.

So, I found a favorite tote pattern (giant size!) and set to work. Stitching was no problem, as I used a small needle and a slight zigzag so as not to tear the material, which I found to be incredibly strong. Webbing handles made the perfect accent to provide sturdy carrying capabilities for trips to the farmer’s market and a load of fresh veggies.

In addition to this latest venture, I’ve also sewn on wood, metal, paper, screen and a host of other questionable media. Why? Because you can, and with caution there will be no harm to you or your machine. So, don’t let these haunting thoughts keep you from trying something new.

Think outside the box to add to your sewing fun! Choose the correct needle for the job, and perhaps slow the machine’s sewing speed if the material of your desires is a bit unusual. After all, sewing is meant to be fun, so try something you’ve never sewn on before, and you could be pleasantly surprised. Since our dogs eat lots of food, I’ve begun picking the flavors by how cute the dog is on the package…hmmm, another bag or two on the way, and perhaps some presents for dog-loving friends.

By LindaG | Posted in Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Tips & Techniques