Archive for the 'sewing' Category

Page 3 of 9

Class Updates

Published on February 25, 2008 in classes, Creating, design, embroidery, HomeSchool Sewers, Learning To Sew, LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Jean Class, LuckyStitches Sew-cial, Perfect Jeans, projects, sewing, sewing with kids and totes and bags. 0 Comments

Sew much has been going on at LuckyStitches, so I’ll give it to you in one long post with pictures and a few words:

HomeSchoolers:

We’ve been working on our sewing machines. Some students have been stitching for a while, whether they started during the classes that began back in December, or earlier. Some have never used a sewing machine. You know what’s great about teaching these kids to sew on machines? They try anything. They don’t give up and aren’t afraid of the machine or to make mistakes. They are thrilled to be making things.

This week it was tote bags. Fabulous practice for first timers, lots of straight lines, hems, corners and straps. For those that are more experienced, they design their own bags.

Above – the kids ages 6 -11 – all sewing on the machine for the first time.

Flannel pups, we put french seams in our tote bags so they wouldn’t ravel all over our books, groceries, sewing projects, dolls, etc.

Dolls watch as we sew straps.

The perfect pocket completed by a first time sewing machine 6 year old queen.

While each child is different, I am amazed by the talent displayed by my youngest students. They sew straight lines. They remember how to wind bobbins and thread the machine. Some parents declare that their 6 year old can’t use a machine (and they could be right), but have they tried? Sure, they shouldn’t be left alone, it is a machine and it can sew over a finger, but why not sew together? If you give them a chance, they can totally do it.

The classes are designed as guidelines. Since everyone works at different levels, I provide the basic idea and encourage everyone to make it their own. This 12 year old decided her tote would be in strips.

After attaching the strips, she pleated every other one. I can’t wait to show you what she does with the bag this week. It’s a very clever bag (no longer the trad tote!).

This is a box tote, that has been quilted and has tons of pockets including a zipper pocket on this side of the bag.

Bag has handles attached with square rings and fabulous batik trim. The inside is lined. More on the bags after classes this week. We’re going to have a bag show.

We’ve also been working on embroidery. We are working in T-shirts. More pictures later.

Embroidery 101 :: I created a sampler and taught the basic stitches (so everyone could create their own!). Here we are using the “window method” to transfer the sampler pattern to our fabric. We are using basic color pencils to transfer the pattern

French Knots, Split Stitch, Chain Stitch, Satin Stitch and Blanket Stitch.

We are still making jeans. Here, the edges of the pieces are being serged (denim ravels like CRAZY). My jeans are just about done, but, and I can’t believe it, but my jeans are just way too big! How did that happen. The muslin fit! Maybe the “Sew Diet” is working. I’m eager to finish my first pair, I have many more in line.

If you have an iron, it’s best to have an aloe plant around. We needed this during a Sew-cial when a 6 year old was learning how to iron (with her mom), and ironed her arm. ouch. If you don’t have an Aloe plant at your home, sewing room or lounge, go get one.

Hats – or Getting Ready For Spring

Published on February 23, 2008 in Bucket Hats, classes, fabric shopping, Iz, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, sewing for Iz, sewing with kids and workshops. 0 Comments

Even though 12″ of snow fell around us yesterday (with probably the same amount again in a few days), I’m thinking about a Spring/Summer hat. I know that soon, we’ll be outside all day long, working in the garden, going for nature walks, playing in the river. (could it be that I’m trying to get out of that Feb FunK?) So that means we’ll need hats.

I made this one for Iz last spring:

and it actually fits her perfectly this year.

I picked up some lovely remnants at Osgoods the other day, some really fabulous geometrics that would make excellent hats. I’ll make a few more this year, with Iz being a lot more active, I’m sure we’ll leave a few behind. I’d like to have one or two, and Rob could probably use one too.

I’m teaching a bucket hat class in March. Since this hat is like “magic”, the class is “Sew With ME!!: Make a Bucket Hat” and is geared to adult/child pair stitchers (all ages are welcome). We’ll measure our heads and make our own patterns then stitch up a loverly hat. The class is Sunday, March 2, 9-12 at LuckyStitches. I hope you’ll join me!

Learning To Sew

Published on February 23, 2008 in about me, inspiration, Learning To Sew, sewing and sewing with kids. 1 Comment

I don’t remember too well how it was that I learned to sew. I remember a coloring book page of Red Riding Hood, a needle and red thread, and stitching along the lines. Then I remember cross stitching Christmas ornaments. After that was the little pink pant suit I made. I was 7. I have really, really fond memories of the fabric store. Flipping through the pattern books, writing down the numbers, picking out the fabric, waiting in long lines to have the fabric cut and cash out.

I’ve been inspired by and learned an awful lot from my creative students whether they be wee ones or big ones. I’ve realized that these beginner stitchers have to want to learn to sew. If they don’t there is just no point. But sometimes, they don’t know that they want to learn to sew because they think that it’s too hard to try, the don’t know already so they won’t try, or it’s a girls thing and they (some girls and most boys) won’t participate.

I try to think what sparked my interest. I can tell you first, it was the print and color, then the texture of the fabric (who remembers shopping with mom and hiding in the racks and LOVING the fabric? ), then the making of things as well as the machine itself. Plus I LOVED the sewing kit. All those yummy little precious things in there.

Whenever I come across someone who won’t try the machine or seems bored with the idea of sewing something, I tempt them with little facts about sewing. The other day it was a young boy. He wasn’t so thrilled with the idea of sewing a tote bag. Not thrilled at all. He’d never used a sewing machine before. He’d done some hand sewing, but not the machine. Ugh. Not a happy face. So, I showed him the bobbin assembly. It comes OUT of the machine. End of story. He made a really fabulous tote bag. Plus as soon as another machine hit a snag – he was there to fix it.

I also taught some machine sewing at the local prison. At first, I couldn’t get 10 volunteers. There was just no way anybody was going to sew. After a few minutes, I convinced the 10 I needed just to try it. I demoed the machines, got each one threading the machine and before you knew it, 20 more guys had wandered into the room. What was it? Clearly for the inmates it was the act of making. Just getting a few to sit down and try it was enough to convince the others to get their stitch on. One said to me that learning to sew was good for him on the “inside” as well as the “outside”. Once they got over their fear, they were able to thread machines and sew tote bags. There is something wonderfully therapeutic in the act of making things. Thankfully the program has taken off, and with the help of volunteers, the inmates can sew on a weekly basis.

Sew, it’s a different reason for everybody. I have several reasons for sewing: I need something, I want something, I want to give something, or I dream of something and just have to make it. There is quite a wonderful sense of accomplishment that comes to those who have taught themselves or learned to sew and to be able to make something from 2d fabric and turn it into an object with shape and a new and exciting purpose.

Jeans – A Work In Progress

Published on February 18, 2008 in LuckyStitches, LuckyStitches Jean Class, Perfect Jeans, sewing, sewing patterns and WIP. 2 Comments

Our wardrobes are always a work in progress – no? Our bodies changing, fashions changing, our styles evolving. We’ve been working on our jeans over the past few weeks.

I know – jeans are s-c-a-r-y, but NO! Sure, it’s a lot of sewing, and you need to know what to do to adjust the fit, but so worth it. I can’t wait to show you the finished fit. (I am already planning my many other pairs…)

Tissue Fit : Getting our patterns ready to try own before we cut the muslin.

Working on our muslins : Adding 1″ seam allowance so we can fit once we’ve basted them together. (tip -use denim to make your muslin, regular cotton muslin isn’t as sturdy as denim. Use denim, it will help with the fit)

Sewing : sewing sewing sewing the muslin. Jeans take a lot of sewing time…

Fit : Trying on the muslin – and going for a closer fit than this… and it’s not stretch.

Deciding that we should add a fly front to these jeans.

Mine are almost done. Black stretch corduroy. I have to tell you that the method used in the pattern I’m using is the EASIEST fly front I’ve ever done. A BREEZE. I’m not quite done, there’s still another step for the fly, but it was quick and easy and looks so great – I had to take a pic to show you. It’s a Vogue Pattern 7608. Worth it for the fly instructions alone.

Pillows and Pin Cushions

Published on February 10, 2008 in classes, HomeSchool Sewers, inspiration, LuckyStitches, pin cushion, projects, sewing, sewing with kids, tutorials and workshops. 0 Comments

I think pillows are a great beginner project, heck – they are a great project for any level stitcher. Excellent practice. Not a big fabric investment, not even a big time investment, and they allow for you to experiment with fabrics, colors, thread, closures and size. They always look fabulous and are the perfect accent in any room. Beautiful shots of color. I love pillows.

Everybody came to class with an idea or drawing and we talked about how to turn it into an appliqué. We made a pattern, traced it onto the fabric, then cut them out of fabric and pinned the motifs down to the pillow fabric – and stitched away. Once the front was done – we put a zipper in the back, stitched up the sides and VIOLA! pillow happiness.

I think you might remember my love of handmade pincushions? This is another great sewing project. Great practice for learning basic hand sewing stitches. These were inspired by this FABULOUS tutorial. Each picked a jar or bottle lid, made a pattern and picked their colors. I LOVE the pocket for the scissors/seam ripper. Makes it a cool little sewing station.

Small projects like these are perfect practice for any sewer. They make the best accessories for your home or sewing kit (or sewing lounge!)

Wednesday, February 27 6Pm-9Pm – we’re making Egg Cup Pin Cushions at LuckyStitches. I hope you can make it.

Playing with Paper

Published on January 27, 2008 in HomeSchool Sewers, LuckyStitches, sewing and weddings. 1 Comment

Working on this wedding dress reminds me of how much fun I had at our wedding. I thought about making my dress, but I couldn’t find the time (I loved the dress I found anyway…). It was so much fun, a fabulous little party with close friends and family. I smile when I remember it.

The dress is coming along beautifully. It is a surprise – so no pictures to give it away, but the shapes are really amazing. (insert giddy mad scientist giggle here…)

This week is Pillow with Appliqué week. First, everyone made patterns, either on paper or just freely cut out their fabric.

Next, everyone will learn how to insert a zipper. I love this part. I have a favorite way of inserting zippers, so much so, I don’t follow the sometimes super lame instructions provided sometimes in patterns. I pretty much follow these methods. After a bit of practice, they look really good.

Progress

Published on January 8, 2008 in about me, LuckyStitches Jean Class, Perfect Jeans, projects, sewing and WIP. 2 Comments

Well sort of I guess. I’m in a mad rush to finish a few pieces of clothing for my trip to NYC. I’m making jeans, which I love and while it’s a lot of sewing, they are not too complicated. I’ve really got my groove on, sewing the muslin in a snap, trying it on, not getting dressed so I can just hurry and finish and try them on again.

(Now, I know some of you do it too, right? I’m not alone when I sew in my skivvies…right? Hello?)

Anyway, I’ve got all my final fabric pieces cut, I serge finished them, applied all the interfacing and twill tape (so the waist doesn’t stretch). The machine is all set, I’ve got my jeans needles, my twin needles, my thread, I’ve wound a bunch of bobbins so I don’t have to stop and wind every few minutes. I start on the pockets and I insert the twin needle for topstitching, and what do you know, my removable spool holder is NO WHERE TO BE SEEN!!!! As is with a bunch of other little goodies from my machine kit. My trustly little assistant must have been digging around, because they were all there a month ago when I used them on a denim skirt. ARGGGH. No doubt they are in a special place. When I ask her where all of mommy’s tools are, I get a blank stare. Clearly I’m using the wrong words and she’s got her own words for them.

I’ve learned not to get too worked up. Part of learning (mommy and Iz), is to adapt to (not necessarily accept) things not going the way we want to.

Anyway, pockets are all stitched. I’m teaching a hat class tonight, so once I’m home, I’ll rig up another spool holder and other fun devices so I can make a bit more progress.

Another One For The Project List

Published on January 7, 2008 in art, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, fabric, green, inspiration, sewing and thrift. 0 Comments

felted wool blanket in progress, originally uploaded by katrinkles.

Wool is good. Felt is good. Blankets are good. Lists are good. This is going on my project list. I found this picture of a felted wool blanket in progress by katrinkles. I can’t tell you how much I LOVE it.

I love it for many reasons. Using found materials is high on my list and finding things at thrift stores is not only fun, it’s good for our environment.

I love that wool is such an amazing medium. I learn more and more about wool all the time. Needle felting is something that’s on my list of things to learn this year.

And I love blankets. Maybe it’s the drafty and sometimes chilly house we live in, or maybe it’s the comfort of being wrapped in a warm blanket.

It could be a big project. But nice and warm. Maybe I’ll start with a small one, one for Iz to keep in the car.

Working on More Slippers

Published on December 12, 2007 in classes, Creating, design, fabric, fashion design, HomeSchool Sewers, LuckyStitches, sewing, sewing series, sewing with kids and slippers. 2 Comments

Lots of fun and exploring today while I got the group started on making their own slippers. We traced our feet and soles to start our pattern. We talked about smoothing the lines to make pattern pieces that will sew together well and give each person the shape slipper they are looking for. Then…we made a muslin.

The feet dresses! Next – sew on the sole.

Probably the toughest part is fitting the sole onto the body of the slipper. Hard because we are making up our patterns from tracing our feet, and not measuring. So, lots of pins and slow and smooth sewing.

Then, once the muslin fits, moving on to the actual slippers.

Pictures next week of finished slippers, and hopefully pics too of our next project – Scrap Scarves!

Art, Soft Trees and a Bag Sew

Published on December 6, 2007 in art, bag sew, classes, cool ideas, craft, Creating, design, Flickr, HomeSchool Sewers, inspiration, Iz, LuckyStitches, projects, sewing, sewing series, sewing with kids and The Bag Sew. 0 Comments

We’ve been busy making things over here.

Iz has been working on some of her Christmas presents. Here’s a sneak peek:

I’ve been busy with my AWESOME HomeSchool Sewing Series Class. It started on Wednesday. We spent a good half of the class learning about the sewing machines, how to wind a bobbin, how to thread the machine and what all the lines and numbers mean and what happens when you move them all around. Then we made soft trees. We made our own patterns (because you know I like to do that…), but it was all inspired by Stephanie Congdon Barnes’ pattern on little birds handmade. Check out what these creative and super talented kids made and their wonderful personal touches of beads, stitches and embroidery:

Check out the Flickr group for more soft trees.

Later that night there was another Bag Sew :: Sew-cial at LuckyStitches:

Bag Sews will be happening at least once a month at LuckyStitches, and they happen at other times too, at other places around the Valley and Hilltowns. Sew-cials happen almost every other Wednesday at LuckyStitches.

And then, I just have to share the most wonderful note I received just a few hours after a class:
Original art card:

and inside:

Archive for the 'sewing' Category

Page 3 of 9

Class Updates

Hats – or Getting Ready For Spring

Learning To Sew

Jeans – A Work In Progress

Pillows and Pin Cushions

Playing with Paper

Progress

Another One For The Project List

Working on More Slippers

Art, Soft Trees and a Bag Sew

Recent Comments

Elsewhere

Inspiring

Lovely Reads

Recent Posts

Categories