Sewing for Sanity

OK friends, time for some basic stress management techniques: SEW MORE! No, I have to be more specific: Sew what you want to sew! I have decided to schedule one day (at least 3 hours) a month to do my own projects. This is in order to make sure sewing is still fun and not adding to my stress by getting tied down to projects for others.

I have recently discovered Steam a Seam, and have fallen in love. Remember that very dramatic applique experience I had? Well, problem solved. Turns out that machine applique can be fun if you learn how to use Steam a Seam correctly. This magically project literally glues one fabric piece to another until you can stitch it into place. And the most magical part about this is that it looks great even if you don't turn in all of your ends. That means no pressing quarter inch pieces. No using the tiny little stiletto to keep that quarter inch sliver turned under. I love it! And thanks to Hobby Lobby for providing this marvelous product for a very reasonable price. If you haven't checked out Steam a Seam, try it on your next project!

The Tale of Two Appliques

Time for a blog quiz: Which do you prefer? Machine applique or hand applique? Okay, hands down now, I know everyone has an opinion. My vote, you ask? Well, I am way too much of a perfectionist to allow myself to try it by hand. I know there's nothing like the magic of invisible stitches. But, spending hours on a single piece? Not for me.

So, the obvious choice is machine applique, right? Oh, but you are incorrect. I forgot to mention that there is a third option: NONE! That's right, I said it. I have decided that it is perfectly acceptable if all forms of applique make you want to rip your piece to shreds and feed it to your cat. Don't get me wrong, I love the look of this technique, but it is infuriating to me. This total disgust that I have just shown should give you a real appreciation for the purse I have made.

It was love at first sight when I saw the "Pocketful of Posie" pattern by Renee Plains (I have many loves when it comes to purses). It is in a beautiful tweed material that makes me want to take out my typewriter and go solve a murder mystery. In this fantasy, I am a reporter in the 50s with Angela Lansbury characteristics. That aside, I took on the brave task of making this beautiful handbag and try machine applique for the first time. I love my purse, which came out wonderfully. However, it took hours and was entirely to upsetting to repeat. The rest of the purse is really quite simple and comes together very well. Next time, maybe I will use other decorations for this pattern. What do you think about Yo-Yo flowers? Or maybe a collection of buttons in the corner?

The Bag Lady

I am very fortunate to be able to tell you that the reason I have not posted in a couple of months is that I have been busy crafting! I am loving sewing, especially when it comes to purses. As much as I love quilting, I am completely impatient and probably have some sort of attention disorder. So, spending weeks...months on a project is not my favorite. However, the joy that I feel when I complete a cute, fully functional purse is astounding. I have always had a love of purses (just ask my husband how many purses I have...wait, don't say anything to him). So, why not make my own so I can do it the way I want to?

My favorite new pattern is the Birdie Sling, designed by Amy Butler. The first time I made one of these purses, it took me days and was a little confusing. Well, it gets easier, believe me. I made one for my mom first, then had to have one for myself. Then, my family loved them, so I have made four total, and have orders for several more. No matter where I go, I always get a compliment on this cute and roomy bag. And, I am proud to say that I made one today in less than 5 hours. Not too shabby right? And not stressful, which is important. Now, I am not a big fan of the way she does her pockets. There are four on one side and they are completely too deep. Instead, I have been making a zipper pocket on one inside lining, and two joined pockets on the other (just big enough for a phone or so). I have attached pictures of several of these bags. Note how the different fabrics take on different personalities! The brown and teal Micheal Miller fabric is mine and it's my favorite!

Christmas Wishes

My Christmas wish: that I would have more time for crafts and blogging. Apologies for the lack of posts lately. In November, I started a new job, started classes for my Masters, and bought a house. I have been moving in, and just got my new craft room all settled. I have never had a craft room before, so this is fantastic! It is just a small, open room off of my kitchen. I have a sewing table, a cutting table, and a small shelf for all of my knitting stuff. I am working on organizing it all, but that is more difficult than it seems. Ever heard of a UFO? That is, an UnFinished Object or craft. Yes, well, while unpacking my boxes, I found quite a few UFOs. For example, when I was in junior high, I appliqued a Celtic knot quilt square. One square is finished. Instead of adding that to my quilt list and driving myself mad, I am going to add that to my "finishing" list and make it into a pillow. I also found lots of knit and crochet projects that are unfinished and completely confusing. Two of them I have no memory of, and I have no clue what they were supposed to be. So, another Christmas wish would be to finish some of these projects, as well as getting some organization tips for my craft room.

Since I wrote last, I have completed quite a few sewing projects (and only just begun a couple of knitting projects). I will post pictures after Christmas. I can't post them now because they are Christmas gifts. Hope everyone has a merry Christmas!

Animal Crackers Quilt

Here is my first completed baby blanket. Isn't it a vision? This crib size blanket took me about a week and a half to finish, and that was with spending a few hours every day on it. It was a bit difficult to match up all of the points and corners, but the triangles are pretty large. This quilt was adapted from Nancy J. Martin's Tippy Triangles pattern. This pattern is available in her book, "Baby's First Quilts." The finished size is approximately 30" x 40". The original design was using red, black, and white fabrics. But, I fell in love with these fabrics. It can make you a bit dizzy to look at too much, but it's perfect for a baby boy. Many of the fabrics are taken from David Walker's line: "Oh Boy." Some are "Freckles," by Ro Gregg.



Keep your eye on this blog. Soon to come: a FREE pattern for a project bag. I have designed a small fabric bag that is perfect for small knitting projects, and I would love to share it. Bare with me, because I have an extremely hectic schedule for the next month. I also have some great gift ideas, which will be coming soon.

This is not your Grandmother's Yo-Yo

It's all in the name: yo-yo. Doesn't the name just sound like a fun little piece of flair? Exactly! A yo-yo is a fun little embellishment to use on any of your sewing crafts. In my opinion, yo-yos have been over-used in the past. It is not my style to cover purses and sweaters in these little things. And, although I am not exactly a style guru, I don't exactly think the latest fads are using too many yo-yos either. But, using a few to form a flower or just one to make a piece really pop is an exciting new idea. I especially enjoy using a button in the center for effect. This is quickly becoming my new favorite design label.

Here are a couple of pictures I found on random websites

Once a Yarn Girl, Always a Yarn Girl

My first craft love was crocheting. I have not been doing much crocheting lately, because I grew into knitting and sewing. But, I am pretty proud of this Fall Phoenix Sweater I just finished. So, I just had to show off. I used Paton Grace, color: Wasabi. It's not the softest yarn, but it's fairly thin and allows for bigger holes in the pattern (the type of sweater that you wear over a tank top).

I am also loving knitting right now. I just like the look of knitting so much more, especially for clothing. I am currently working on a "shrugigan." I have just started working with Alpaca wool for this project. And, it is possibly my favorite new heavy yarn. It is so soft, and just slips through your fingers, unlike most wool. I am using Highlander Alpaca with a Twist, in the Blue color, #1013. I LOVE this yarn. It is blue with flecks of black and tan and brown. It just looks great and it's easy to work with. I am using a size 10 circular needle for this project because it is big. But, if you pick up this yarn, you will probably want to use a size 9. My stitches tend to be tight. I will include a picture when I finish with this project.

Other personal news: I am going to be very busy for the next month, so I may not be posting quite as frequently. I am starting a new job, re-starting my Masters degree, and have several sewing/quilting orders to fill. But keep checking! I hope to still post at least once a week!

Machine Care: Needles

Don't learn the hard way, take care of your sewing machine right from the beginning. Now, sometimes when you buy your machine, they offer classes or special help on your particular machine, as was the case with my machine. I went to a class on the Singer machine last Thursday, and have another one this week. Even if you are a seasoned sewer, you can get some specialized attention with these classes. For example, this class talked a bit about the appropriate needles and thread to use with your machine. So, I will pass on some information.

Needles: First, and most important, change your needle often! Most quilting books suggest a change of needle after one project or 8 hours of use (whichever comes first). It may still seem sharp, but as the needle gets dull, it will punch and stretch your fabric. Research what type of needle you will need to use. For normal projects, a Universal size 90 needle would be appropriate. But, you may need to use a Denim needle for heavier fabrics, or a ball point needle for knits. I found this great chart to help you:
http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelines/22_115_sewing_machine_needle_charts.pdf

There was also a great tip at the class. When you are switching back and forth between needles frequently, keep them on post it notes with the type of needle and size written on it. Then, when you are using the needle, you can keep the post it on the machine to remind you which needle you are using. And when you are not using the needle, you can keep the needle on the post-it so you don't have to try to remember which needle is which.

Another organization tip that I saw in a magazine: for long term needle storage, you can use a medicine sorter (You know, the ones with the days of the week compartments). Then, each of the compartments can be used for different sizes of needles or different types. For example: Monday is for Universal size 90, Tuesday is for all other Universal sizes, Wednesday is for Microtex needles, etc.

Double the Fun

Quick note: I love, love, love using twin needles! Twin needles are great when you want to do decorative stitches with two colors side-by-side. I just started playing with a twin needle. I know the picture is hard to see, but I tried decorative stitches in pink and white, and it looks so cool! So, you can be sure that most of my bags will have double the pleasure, double the fun, with double colored stitches.

Tips and Tricks

The moment you have all been waiting for has arrived:

5 Easy Tricks to Steal

1. Keep your bobbins organized (that means you, Grandma!). Now, I have quite a few bobbins, so I bought a $6 case at Joanne's that holds 32 bobbins. But, if you have a few that you use a lot, use that old RING HOLDER. You know, the one that has a post sticking up. Many of these have small enough posts to hold bobbins for easy access.

2. Another organization tip: For a cute way to store fabrics, use old HAT BOXES! Not only do these keep your craft room looking cute and fashionable, but they can also be color coordinated. Now for someone like me, who is type A when it comes to organization, it is important that I keep my fabrics organized by color and also separate fabrics that are for specific projects (that I have yet to start). Easy fix: blue hat box= blue fabrics inside. You get the idea!

3. Always have a pair of CHOPSTICKS on hand for any sewing project. Especially when you are making bags of any kind, you will need something to help you poke out the corners. Please, do not use a pencil! I promise you that anything too pointy will poke through your fabric. Chopsticks are not to pointy, not to blunt, but just right.

4. Keep a CRAFT JOURNAL. This is a great little tool for writing down little tips that you may need later. Every project that I do, I think of at least one thing that would make my life easier for the next project. Also, if you are using a pattern, you can jot down any changes you make to the pattern. I am a serial pattern changer. I always change patterns as I go, and forget how I did it after I finish.

5. Need to take better care of your walking foot for your sewing machine? It just so happens that most versions of the walking foot fit perfectly into a double LIPSTICK HOLDER. You know the ones that hold 2 tubes of lipstick and button up. I never used mine for lipstick, but my walking foot now has a new home and is easy to find and store.



Hope you are able to steal at least one of these tricks! If you have any other easy tips, post them in comments or let me know so I can post them. I have more, which will come later.