Choosing The Best Value In Fabric is one fabulous hobby.
Rising out of necessity, the modern creative hobby enjoys almost endless possibilities.
The convenience features of advanced computerized sewing machines have opened up vast possibilities. Before you start any project, it is important to make sure your sewing machine is working properly and get sewing machine repair as needed.
This hobby finds expression in embellishment, home dcor, heirloom, clothing, crafts, quilting, and embroidery. The ease and creative potential, make sewing a highly satisfying hobby.
Sewing is also blessed by the rich array of sewing threads, notions, and fabrics. Colors and textures are available today that could not even have been dreamed about when the sewing machine was first invented.
One of the challenges creative sewing hobbyists faced, is choosing the right combination of fabrics, colors, and textures. The options are so great, that sorting through the choices is often very difficult. As a result, the following list of tips is provided.
Tip One: Consider the advice available to you. Too often we try to make our own choices without considering what the experts say. You can save loads of frustration by asking experts, teachers, and trusted friends for their advice. Reading the backs of patterns can shortcut the decision making process. While all advice is not equal, you are still in control. Use your own common sense, after getting all the suggestions you need.
Tip Two: Consider Quality. If you think about your project, and how much time and effort you put into it; ask yourself what quality materials do you need? Rest assured there are differences in quality. Three bolts of fabric may look just alike, one may be junk, another may be good quality, and the third may be top quality. Durability, finished appearance, and ease of sewing can vary greatly based on the quality of the fabric.
Tip Three: Understand grades of fabric. Fabrics are produced by first producing greygoods or the base fabric. If this greygood piece is woven, you may have one fabric made of 20 count, another of 60 count, and another of 200 count. By count we refer to the number of threads per inch. Obviously, the more threads in the greygoods, the better the fabric will be. The same print, coloring, or finish can be applied to each of these varying qualities of fabric. If you sew a project with low end goods, it will not wear as well or retain its quality as long as better quality materials.
Tip Four: Learn how to identify quality in fabrics. Read books on fabrics. Take classes. Ask sewing educator about identifying quality. It is important to understand that even the finest sewing machine may have difficulty producing quality finished projects with poor quality fabrics. If you take your sewing machine to your technician and have him repair sewing machines, it may not give you the result you want. So, look for quality fabrics.
Tip Five: Price is not the only indicator. Generally, poorer quality goods will cost less, but prices do still vary. The key is identifying the real value of the fabric.
Tip Six: To examine the quality of fabric use your senses. Touch it, look at it up to the light, examine the weave, stretch it to see if it retains its shape, and scrunch up the fabric to see if it tends to wrinkle or not.
Tip Seven: Check out the labels on the end of the bolt. Check out fabric content and washing directions.
Tip Eight: Cotton fabrics are very popular because of their easy of use and the wide variety of colors and prints available. It is recommended that you pre-wash cottons to set the fabric and prevent shrinkage problems later. Sewing your project and then shrinking it can be frustrating.
Tip Nine: Watch for blends. Due to the great qualities of cotton fabrics, you will often find other fibers blended with cotton. Polyester is essentially plastic, but polyester cotton blends are great. They add durability, reduce shrinkage issues, and generally eliminate problems with wrinkling.
Learn to sew on a variety of different fabrics and master those special techniques on specialty fabrics that come from understanding how to sew on them.
It is important to check the fabric label for the percentage of fiber content. If there is a high polyester content, the character of the fabric will be more like polyester than cotton.
A shirt with 70% cotton and 30% polyester, is going to give the cotton the good features of the polyester, but maintain the good features of the cotton. The result is a shirt that wears wrinkle free with high durability that still breathes. Reverse the percentages, and the increased plastic features appear resulting in a very hot shirt. You will also find blends with other fibers. Examine the labels and consider the characteristics blended between the two fibers.
Creating is Exciting and relaxing when you know how to sew. Act now to learn to sew like a pro beginning with your free copy of Top Ten Sewing Answers available at www.SewingAnswers.com.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Imagine And Sew
When we see something we like, we can imitate it.
When we get a flash of genius, all we have to do is enter our creative wonderland and sew together what we imagine.
We can construct our own styles the way we want them. We can express ourselves in ways others can only wish.
Fashion changes so fast it can be dizzying.
Every season brings fresh new styles. Magazines, shows, and advertizing put a spotlight on the new trends, but as fast as the new comes, the old fades away. Hmmm, how long has it been since you saw a double knit leisure suit?
King Solomon said, There is nothing new under the heavens. When it comes to fashion, he seems to be right on. A close look at the current fashions, reveals that designers resurrect features, styles, and trends of the past. They pick and choose to create new twists and turns to create fresh fashion styles.
What stops you from doing the same thing? Nothing.
You too can pick and choose from thousands of patterns to create your own fresh styles. You can learn to sew with confidence and master all those detailed how to sew techniques.
Determine the neatest, newest, most exciting styles of the new fashion look. Then consider what kinds of sewing projects could you envision?
You might think to yourself, I need a new pattern and it is so hard to fit a new pattern. Or you might imagine resurrecting some of those old patterns and using the parts that fit your new design. You might even consider investing in design software like Dressmaker or Berninas new My Design.
You may take a class to learn how to sew to create your own designs or fine tune fitting.
Just imagine all the fashion ingredients you could generate from your own sewing room.
If you see something intriguing in a magazine, sew it up yourself. You are limited only by your minds eye. You can take standard items and make minor changes to create brand new effects. Change a collar, a sleeve, a cuff, or embellish with embroidery or appliqu. You could make your own glamour dress, jacket, suit, blouse, or accessory.
You may not be a famous French fashion designer, but you could create your own exciting fashion styles.
Think of all the different things you could make. The possibilities are endless. You can start from scratch. You could imitate something you see. You could take a stock item and embellish it.
The new fashion styles can be what you make them.
Oh, you feel a bit hesitant? Maybe you need a quality sewing machine or sewing supplies. Maybe you need some sewing machine repair for your sewing machine. Maybe you even need to find someone to repair sewing machines. Do not let these obstacles stop you from creating your own fashion statement.
If it takes more than a few hours, some of us never get done. So, frequently, I will buy a cheap ready to wear garment and then do my thing.
Since most ready to wear does not fit my body, I usually have to make some adjustments anyway. So, I do. With a touch of decorative threads, metallic embellishment, sparkles, changing a collar, or even embroidery design, I take ordinary and turn it into extraordinary.
As sewers, we can choose to design and sew from scratch or to transform a stock item.
Either way, we are able to produce our own distinctive fashions.
Sometimes the newest fashions, can be made by recycling stuff already in the closet. By making some alterations, adding some distinctive embellishment, or just using the item in a fresh new way; we produce our new style.
It is so exciting when friends respond, Wow, how much did that cost? It is so much fun being the envy of my friends.
What about color?
The department stores cycle through different colors and styles based on what they think will sell. One year I wanted to buy a light green dress, but found the stores were in a blue cycle. There were no green dresses. But, I sew. So, I quickly put together my own fashion green. Now I didnt, but I could have even died my own fabric if I had wanted to. Color makes a big difference. A touch here or there changes everything.
For me, sewing offers me my own little world. When I sew, I feel relaxed and at peace.
I get so many creative ideas, I run out of time. Nothing makes me feel better than to have people complement my sewing.
When it comes to fashion, I am in charge. I can create my own styles using the colors, textures, and designs I prefer.
Sewing is a wonderful experience.
When you see that skirt at Dillards for $220, ask yourself, Could I make that?
And then give yourself the answer you know is true. Yes, you can. Not only can you sew it, you can do it a much less cost. You can probably even improve on it.
Then imagine the thrill when your friends say, She must have spent a fortune.
Today, the modern sewing machines and other tools available make sewing so easy and convenient it is a real blessing.
Using a quality sewing machine is fun, easy, and gives real satisfaction.
Making your own styles has never been easier. So, lets sew. Lets create our own personal fashion statement
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Altering A Shirt Sleeve
Altering Sleeves Techniques
One of our students recently found a great blouse; bought it, and brought it home. Then she realized the blouse was long sleeved, and she had never altered a blouse before. She set the blouse on her cutting table, and thought to herself. This is the a great blouse. I love it. If I try to shorten the sleeves, I could ruin it.
Long sleeves are great for formal occasions and during the cold weather, but when it gets hot long sleeves can be miserable. One solution is to shorten the sleeves. In fact, I suppose you could shorten all the shirt sleeves in May and buy a whole new collection of long sleeved shirts in the Fall. That way you have plenty of short sleeve shirts plus new shirts too.
Knowledge is power. It is important to learn to sew and make the appropriate measurements, cuts, and seaming. Knowing how to sew is a vital skill, but one that may be learned while you are having great fun.
Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible purposes: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?
Altering a blouse or shirt sleeve is a project that can be quick and easy. Yes, there are probably a hundred different variations on how to do it. Cuff or no cuff, sleeveless, short sleeve, three quarter sleeve, fancy or simple. There are a a few choices, but for this project we decided to keep it simple.
Step One, set the length of sleeve you want. This sounds easy, and it is. However, you do have to choose the length you want for this sleeve. You may determine this length by comparing other shirts until you find one that is just right. You can even use this other shirt like a template.
Now that you have a clear idea what length you want, measure from the top seam at the shoulder down to the point you want your sleeve to end. Then measure from the under arm seam to the same point parallel point on the sleeve. To this measurement, add one and a half inches. Mark the sleeve straight across with a fabric marker.
Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.
Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.
The inch and a half of fabric to be used for the hem, must be cut and sewn with an angle opposite to accommodate the taper so that when it is folded under it will not bind.
Finally, finish the sleeve hem. Here you have several choices depending on the general style of the shirt. You may install a cuff or not. You may finish with top stitching or blind hem. In either case, the procedure is much the same. Fold the edge of the sleeve under half an inch and press it. Fold it under again one inch and press. Finally, sew the seam as decided.
Always test your sewing machine before sewing your first stitch. If your sewing machine is not in perfect order, it is vital that you have any sewing machine repair performed before attempting to use it. Failure to properly repair sewing machines before starting to sew will result in frustration and possible damage to your project.
If you plan to use a blind hem, you can accomplish your sewing using you sewing machine blind hem stitch with its appropriate blind hem foot. Or if you plan to do many hems, there is a great specialty machine called a blind hemmer that produced a professional blind hem perfect for sleeves, slacks, dresses, skirts, wherever you may need a blind hem.
Finding sewing resources can be a challenge, but the following resources may be helpful.
Learn to Sew
www.SewingAnswers.com
Learn to sew like a pro for fun or profit.
Sewing Machine Repair
www.FixSewingMachines.com
Sewing Machine Repair now. Learn how to repair sewing machines for fun or profit.
Sewing Machines
www.SewingMachineMall.com
Find affordable sewing machines including Janome, Brother, and Juki sewing machines.
One of our students recently found a great blouse; bought it, and brought it home. Then she realized the blouse was long sleeved, and she had never altered a blouse before. She set the blouse on her cutting table, and thought to herself. This is the a great blouse. I love it. If I try to shorten the sleeves, I could ruin it.
Long sleeves are great for formal occasions and during the cold weather, but when it gets hot long sleeves can be miserable. One solution is to shorten the sleeves. In fact, I suppose you could shorten all the shirt sleeves in May and buy a whole new collection of long sleeved shirts in the Fall. That way you have plenty of short sleeve shirts plus new shirts too.
Knowledge is power. It is important to learn to sew and make the appropriate measurements, cuts, and seaming. Knowing how to sew is a vital skill, but one that may be learned while you are having great fun.
Why would you alter a perfectly good blouse or shirt? Why would you cut off a perfectly good sleeve? There are many possible purposes: comfort, style, repair, just want to. The more apt question is how do you alter a sleeve?
Altering a blouse or shirt sleeve is a project that can be quick and easy. Yes, there are probably a hundred different variations on how to do it. Cuff or no cuff, sleeveless, short sleeve, three quarter sleeve, fancy or simple. There are a a few choices, but for this project we decided to keep it simple.
Step One, set the length of sleeve you want. This sounds easy, and it is. However, you do have to choose the length you want for this sleeve. You may determine this length by comparing other shirts until you find one that is just right. You can even use this other shirt like a template.
Now that you have a clear idea what length you want, measure from the top seam at the shoulder down to the point you want your sleeve to end. Then measure from the under arm seam to the same point parallel point on the sleeve. To this measurement, add one and a half inches. Mark the sleeve straight across with a fabric marker.
Third, Cut the sleeve straight across, connecting both under arm and top sleeve measurements.
Step Four, remove the stitching along the inside of the sleeve to the underarm seam. Keep in mind that the shape of the sleeve tapers. You will need to carefully reshape the sleeve to avoid binding under the arm. To accomplish this, seam on the inside of the sleeve along the taper.
The inch and a half of fabric to be used for the hem, must be cut and sewn with an angle opposite to accommodate the taper so that when it is folded under it will not bind.
Finally, finish the sleeve hem. Here you have several choices depending on the general style of the shirt. You may install a cuff or not. You may finish with top stitching or blind hem. In either case, the procedure is much the same. Fold the edge of the sleeve under half an inch and press it. Fold it under again one inch and press. Finally, sew the seam as decided.
Always test your sewing machine before sewing your first stitch. If your sewing machine is not in perfect order, it is vital that you have any sewing machine repair performed before attempting to use it. Failure to properly repair sewing machines before starting to sew will result in frustration and possible damage to your project.
If you plan to use a blind hem, you can accomplish your sewing using you sewing machine blind hem stitch with its appropriate blind hem foot. Or if you plan to do many hems, there is a great specialty machine called a blind hemmer that produced a professional blind hem perfect for sleeves, slacks, dresses, skirts, wherever you may need a blind hem.
Finding sewing resources can be a challenge, but the following resources may be helpful.
Learn to Sew
www.SewingAnswers.com
Learn to sew like a pro for fun or profit.
Sewing Machine Repair
www.FixSewingMachines.com
Sewing Machine Repair now. Learn how to repair sewing machines for fun or profit.
Sewing Machines
www.SewingMachineMall.com
Find affordable sewing machines including Janome, Brother, and Juki sewing machines.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The New World Of Sewing
Since the beginning of time, the use of needle and thread have been essential for sustaining life itself. Sewing skills empowered people to stay warm and shelter themselves from the weather and animals. While women often did much of the sewing, survival was everyone's business.
Parents trained their children to sew. Tents, clothing, blankets, and other necessities were sewn together. While heavier work fell to men, lighter tasks were performed by children and women. Sewing was a life skill necessary for survival.
Archaeologists tell us that the bones, wood, and early metal needle were widely used among primitive people. They also used strips of bark, animal hides, plant vines, and other materials as thread. Animal skins were used like fabric.
During the 1840s and 50s, the sewing world changed. Up to this point, all sewing had been done by hand. Then suddenly as a result of Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singers invention of the mechanical sewing machine, sewing changed forever. This new invention out performed hand sewers speed, but could work hour after hour without getting weary.
In a matter of years, families from Virginia to California considered the sewing machine a must have family tool. It liberated women from endless hours of hand sewing. Mothers taught their daughters and sewing became a necessary survival skill. Schools everywhere began teaching sewing. Sewing became an essential.
Along with the rise in use of the sewing machine came the critical need for sewing machine repair and a new profession emerged for people to repair sewing machines.
Over time, women began working outside of their homes. Sewing tasks like clothing construction have been outsourced to Asian countries. The perceived value of sewing has declined. Fewer people view sewing as an essential life skill. Most schools have reduced or eliminated the sewing instruction. On the surface, it appears that sewing and the family use of the sewing machine are soon becoming obsolete.
The winds of change, however, are in the air. The world of sewing is changing. Surprisingly, over 85,000,000 sewing machines are actively being used in America today. Some 5,000,000 brand new sewing machines are sold in the U.S. every year. More people are beginning to sew everyday.
Sewing use to be an essential life skill, but today it is becoming the hobby of choice and a great cottage industry tool. In the past sewing machines were for work. They were heavy, rugged, and often difficult to use. Modern sewing machines are easy and fun to use.
An exciting revolution is taking place right now in the world of sewing. Sewers are passionate about their creativity and self expression. Sewers sew because it is relaxing, fun, easy, self expressive, and satisfying. The modern sewing machine offers fabulous features that enable the sewer to sew with confidence, convenience, and unlimited creative potential. Advanced technologies built into the modern sewing machine make sewing easier, faster, and more reliable. Special sewing machines like sergers and embroidery machines plus the addition of convenience features have made for high demand.
The resurgence of sewing in the modern era is mind boggling. If someone had suggested in 1900 that a sewing machine like Berninas new 830 would cost $12,000, they could not have imagined it. Yet, in spite of the price tag, our stores have already sold half a dozen, and the machine has just been released. The passion of the modern sewer far exceeds the have-to mentality of ages past. Today people sew because they want to. The demand for sewing instruction has caused the creation of thousands of sewing classes, clubs, and sharing groups. Many public and private schools are to teaching sewing again. Embroidery machines have created need for embroidery designs and resulted in a new profession of embroidery designers.
If the sewing bug has bitten you, rest assured you are not alone. There are hundreds of people in your community who love to sew and quilt. They are waiting to include you in their classes, clubs, and events. So, look for your local opportunities and get sewing.
Here are a few places you can look: Yellow Pages under sewing machine dealers; local churches, library, recreation centers, schools, quilt shops, and the internet. Check out sewing and quilting books and ecourses. Sign up for classes. Remember, modern sewing is an exciting hobby that enables your personal gratification, self expression, and creativity.
Here are some online resources:
Learn to Sew and How To Sew
http://www.sewinganswers.com
Sewing Machines
http://www.sewingmachinemall.com
Repair Sewing Machines
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com
Parents trained their children to sew. Tents, clothing, blankets, and other necessities were sewn together. While heavier work fell to men, lighter tasks were performed by children and women. Sewing was a life skill necessary for survival.
Archaeologists tell us that the bones, wood, and early metal needle were widely used among primitive people. They also used strips of bark, animal hides, plant vines, and other materials as thread. Animal skins were used like fabric.
During the 1840s and 50s, the sewing world changed. Up to this point, all sewing had been done by hand. Then suddenly as a result of Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singers invention of the mechanical sewing machine, sewing changed forever. This new invention out performed hand sewers speed, but could work hour after hour without getting weary.
In a matter of years, families from Virginia to California considered the sewing machine a must have family tool. It liberated women from endless hours of hand sewing. Mothers taught their daughters and sewing became a necessary survival skill. Schools everywhere began teaching sewing. Sewing became an essential.
Along with the rise in use of the sewing machine came the critical need for sewing machine repair and a new profession emerged for people to repair sewing machines.
Over time, women began working outside of their homes. Sewing tasks like clothing construction have been outsourced to Asian countries. The perceived value of sewing has declined. Fewer people view sewing as an essential life skill. Most schools have reduced or eliminated the sewing instruction. On the surface, it appears that sewing and the family use of the sewing machine are soon becoming obsolete.
The winds of change, however, are in the air. The world of sewing is changing. Surprisingly, over 85,000,000 sewing machines are actively being used in America today. Some 5,000,000 brand new sewing machines are sold in the U.S. every year. More people are beginning to sew everyday.
Sewing use to be an essential life skill, but today it is becoming the hobby of choice and a great cottage industry tool. In the past sewing machines were for work. They were heavy, rugged, and often difficult to use. Modern sewing machines are easy and fun to use.
An exciting revolution is taking place right now in the world of sewing. Sewers are passionate about their creativity and self expression. Sewers sew because it is relaxing, fun, easy, self expressive, and satisfying. The modern sewing machine offers fabulous features that enable the sewer to sew with confidence, convenience, and unlimited creative potential. Advanced technologies built into the modern sewing machine make sewing easier, faster, and more reliable. Special sewing machines like sergers and embroidery machines plus the addition of convenience features have made for high demand.
The resurgence of sewing in the modern era is mind boggling. If someone had suggested in 1900 that a sewing machine like Berninas new 830 would cost $12,000, they could not have imagined it. Yet, in spite of the price tag, our stores have already sold half a dozen, and the machine has just been released. The passion of the modern sewer far exceeds the have-to mentality of ages past. Today people sew because they want to. The demand for sewing instruction has caused the creation of thousands of sewing classes, clubs, and sharing groups. Many public and private schools are to teaching sewing again. Embroidery machines have created need for embroidery designs and resulted in a new profession of embroidery designers.
If the sewing bug has bitten you, rest assured you are not alone. There are hundreds of people in your community who love to sew and quilt. They are waiting to include you in their classes, clubs, and events. So, look for your local opportunities and get sewing.
Here are a few places you can look: Yellow Pages under sewing machine dealers; local churches, library, recreation centers, schools, quilt shops, and the internet. Check out sewing and quilting books and ecourses. Sign up for classes. Remember, modern sewing is an exciting hobby that enables your personal gratification, self expression, and creativity.
Here are some online resources:
Learn to Sew and How To Sew
http://www.sewinganswers.com
Sewing Machines
http://www.sewingmachinemall.com
Repair Sewing Machines
http://www.fixsewingmachines.com
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Welcome To Sewing Today
Welcome.
Our purpose for this blog is to provide our friends, students, and all those interested in sewing, quilting, crafting, and embroidery helpful articles, tips, tricks, and reflection on Sewing Today.
For the past 20 years, Donna and I have been engaged in professional sewing, sewing machine repair, custom sewing, building a chain of sewing machine stores, and writing how to articles, books, and courses. We hope to share some of our experiences and insights with you.
We have several different websites focusing on different aspects of sewing including:
http://www.sewandquiltstore.com which highlights our local chain of Sew And Quilt Stores.
http://www.SewingAnswers.com which provides hundreds of articles and projects to help people learn to sew.
http://www.FixSewingMachines.com teaches sewing machine repair through a complete series of courses.
http://www.SewingMachineMall.com offers quality sewing machines at reasonable prices.
http://www.LibisEmbroidery.com provides quality embroidery designs and free standing lace projects for sale as well as instruction for doing embroidery.
It is our hope that this blog will provide a resource to help you learn to sew like a pro.
Our purpose for this blog is to provide our friends, students, and all those interested in sewing, quilting, crafting, and embroidery helpful articles, tips, tricks, and reflection on Sewing Today.
For the past 20 years, Donna and I have been engaged in professional sewing, sewing machine repair, custom sewing, building a chain of sewing machine stores, and writing how to articles, books, and courses. We hope to share some of our experiences and insights with you.
We have several different websites focusing on different aspects of sewing including:
http://www.sewandquiltstore.com which highlights our local chain of Sew And Quilt Stores.
http://www.SewingAnswers.com which provides hundreds of articles and projects to help people learn to sew.
http://www.FixSewingMachines.com teaches sewing machine repair through a complete series of courses.
http://www.SewingMachineMall.com offers quality sewing machines at reasonable prices.
http://www.LibisEmbroidery.com provides quality embroidery designs and free standing lace projects for sale as well as instruction for doing embroidery.
It is our hope that this blog will provide a resource to help you learn to sew like a pro.
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