Showing posts with label Sew. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sew. Show all posts

Sunday, March 26, 2017

It's Time

It’s heart wrenching to “de-stash” my stash of
fabric
and trims
and lace
and notions
and all the goodies forwarded to me over the years.

While going through it all, I dream ~ a lot ~ of what I could make with this and that.

But then I ask myself, why?

Why do I make things?

I remind myself how much I love to sew
to quilt
to cross-stitch
to crochet
to spin

So through the tears of letting go and sorting into stacks for this person or this group or this project for whatever reason or cause, I’ve made some life-changing decisions.

Really, it’s a re-focus.

It’s time to move on.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Bad Habits

We sew for the experience of it, the joy it can bring. But, are we setting ourselves up for failure? I’ve collected a few websites I’ve discovered that lists bad habits some sewists do on a daily basis! I’m guilty of some! I’m confessing!



While further exploring Ms. Elaineous’s blog (I shared an article of hers in yesterday’s post), in honor of 2013, she lists 13 sewing habits that you need to break. Now. It was well worth the read! She also did 14 more the following year!



From her lists, these are the bad habits I need to work on breaking ~ now:

12. Using the wrong needle. (from her 2013 list)

            There are various needles specific for different types of fabric – knits, silks, denim, cotton, etc. When making quilts, Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts), or Pillowcases, I’m using the same type of fabric – 100% cotton. The same “type” of needle works in all cases.
What I do need to stop doing – not changing to a fresh needle more often! I’m bad about keeping the same one in until it breaks. I’ve not had one to break in my new machine I got almost a year ago! Needless to say, I’m still working with the original needle! I don’t sew over pins, it’s all the same fabric, the stitches are beautiful, why should I change out? (I can hear my sister sighing now!) But, before starting the next project, I promise to change it out!

2.  Telling yourself that you’ll remember. (from her 2013 list)

            Yes! Write it down, Lanetta! Make notes on the pattern or the directions!
They won’t bite!

(7) Not taking breaks. (from her 2014 list)

I purposely have my ironing board set up on the opposite side of the room from the sewing machine. Because I do press each seam before sewing over I (especially while quilt making), I do get up and walk – albeit a short distance – quite often. But this isn’t the “break” she’s referring to in her list. No. I need to set a timer and totally get out of the sewing room, do something else, to clear my mind, and stretch my body.

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I then went on and discovered other articles on the subject of bad sewing habits! Oh. My. Goodness! I learned bunches!

On the Superior Threads blog, they shared “Bad Habits Quilters Need to Quit.

From their list, I need to quit:

Overly criticizing your work

I need to stop beating myself up when it’s not perfect!
           
Not completing your projects

Although I do manage to finish some things, I have way too many UFO’s (UnFinished Objects) stored here and there. I need to get busy!

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Oh, and over at Bella Sunshine Designs’ her list of 15 Bad Habits, she hit on something I constantly catch myself doing (or not doing)…



7. Having bad posture while sewing

Not only do I need to NOT slump, I need to use the time sitting and sewing to do stomach crunches as well!

I then saw this one and laughed out loud:

15. Buying new materials before checking your stash

            Not going to happen…



Are you practicing any of the bad sewing habits they shared? Come on, fess up!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

I'd rather sew


In January 2012, I wrote a series of themed articles on different marketing strategies. The plan was to do this every Monday throughout the year. I will be the first to admit, the “Monday Marketing” aspect may have helped in some ways, but then went flat when I got so confused with all the information out there – it was a struggle to make it through January! Because…

I’d rather sew.


Going Viral Through Social Media relies on others to share!


Monday Marketing – Aha Moment mixing it up all year!

But, it’s time to do a bit of marketing prep. I have business cards. Now I would like to create a brochure for the upcoming craft and specialty show in Arlington, Texas. I’d like a little bit of information for visitors to take away with them, for reference and provide contact information. So, I go back to the ole trusty Google and do a search:


I find a gazillion opinions.

A couple tips/suggestions, however, keep reoccurring:
  • write a catchy headline, something that will grab their attention
  • focus on persuasion, not information
What type of attention grabbing headline could I write? What do I write about doll clothes or aprons or e-reader covers, to persuade someone to purchase from me rather than someone else? Geez!

I’d rather sew!


Saturday, September 15, 2012

It's Live!


Back in August, I was reading posts on Facebook and happened to catch a call out by the folks at National Sewing Month. They asked something like, if you had a sewing blog, and wanted to list the link to it, then do so in the comments and they would get back with you. Well, they got back with me! I received an invitation to write an article for their blog! This honor/article went live yesterday!! They also include a giveaway! I hope you check out the article, leave a comment, and enter the giveaway!

You will not be surprised when you read Simply Priceless.

The Sewing Camp 101 at So Sew Etc was so much FUN...

... and went along with the theme for National Sewing Month!



I know I mentioned it Monday, but didn’t explain then that it was the NSM post, and their invitation that got me to thinking! This is why I reached out to a few women I know personally, and those I've met through Facebook, and extended an invitation to complete an “interview” for Lanetta’s Creations! The first begins tomorrow!

Hope you have a Splendid Saturday!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Monday Mix Up - Hong Kong Seam Finish

Rather than bookmarking into favorites, I'm posting this discovery I found interesting for future reference. Maybe it will interest you, too. I found the cool discovery at:
I'd never heard of a Hong Kong Finish to a seam before! At Sew Daily they explain what & how in their Get The Designer Edge on Your Garment blog post. Wish I had had this information before I simply surged the seams inside the new (for me) bag I made over the weekend!



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