Jackie's Insights

Today we have another guest blogger to share insights into their world of sewing. I hope everyone enjoys what Jackie has shared with us in this interview. I know I have, especially her lovely pictures!

Who taught you to sew?

My Mother

Mother made this prom dress for my oldest sister, Freddie

Why did you start sewing?

I liked the feeling of accomplishment of something I created.

What inspires you?

 Sewing for my grandkids

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2011

What do you love most about sewing?

Losing track of time.

What are your favorite things to make?

Anything that I know will make someone else happy, but I love, love, love machine embroidery.

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick?

Using a glue stick for the extras such as piping.

What is your favorite project you have created?

Santa Claus outfit out of red minky fabric.

What are you currently working on?

Just completed a Big Sister outfit for my granddaughter to wear at the hospital when her new baby brother arrives (in 2 weeks) and getting ready to attempt a belly dancers costume!

Thank you, Jackie! Please everyone, give her a shout out by leaving a comment below!

  

Good Lighting – Too Much Light

It’s a must for me to have good lighting while sewing. We all know working on sewing projects in general is tricky without good lighting. I have found natural light is the best while sewing with black, navy, and dark greens, and for matching colors. It’s probably the age thing showing up. After realizing the eye strain I was going through, a simple change in my schedule now accommodates the time to work on such projects.

During early morning quiet time, or late night sewing, I’ve tried using the OttLite and the other sources of artificial light we get from the different types and wattages of light bulbs. Working with dark colors, or when it’s time to match fabric colors together, however, it’s still a no-go unless I have help with that God-given natural light!

NOTE: After my cousin, a beautiful person and quilter, recommended it, I had to get the OttLite. It is a great product! You will find both the Folding Task Lamp and their floor lamp near my sewing areas! 

Of course, mine is pink!

Love having this next to my recliner when doing hand work!

How have you resolved lighting issues?

Another thing I’ve learned the hard way: too much light, even indirect lighting will ruin fabric!

I once kept a quilt – covered with a piece of fabric – in a frame way too long, near our north window. It wasn’t directly in front of the window either! No direct east/west sun ever came through this window, only the wonderful light.

After a good while, I decided to sell the quilting frame. I removed the few rows of stitching I’d accomplished before my hands gave out with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was SICK when I saw that entire exposed section had faded! The quilt top I had totally designed and put together was now ruined.

Heart of Texas quilt - in this view you can't really see the faded part

Oh, but look at the border, you can tell!

Mother graciously had the top professionally quilted for me, even though it was ruined.

Since this happened I’ve been very careful where I store fabric and where I keep completed projects made especially for Lanetta’s Creations. I’ve found some clever storage ideas on the Internet. One specifically comes to mind that I modified to fit my needs. Fabric folded neatly on foam boards then placed in TUBS stored totally out of the sun’s reach!

Add lid, stack tubs in closet, or underneath a covered table!

I know, it’s a quandary what to do. Sewing and craft rooms full of beautiful natural sunlight is a good thing, to do the actual sewing, crafting. But please, take it from me, don’t store fabric where the light (even indirect) can get to your stash or finished items!

I have two pieced quilts, quilted professionally. The Heart of Texas one is ruined and I use as a table cover (hiding the faded part). The other, my first 1” Log Cabin, I haven’t yet decided where to hang it because of the sun issue, so it’s safely stored away in a pillowcase (re-folded periodically).

I know I can’t ever put it on the bed -

Would rather have our girls with us!

P.S. Check back tomorrow for another guest blogger!

Linda's Insights

We have our first guest blogger today! I hope everyone enjoys reading Linda's insights into her world of sewing.

Who taught you to sew?  I haven’t a clue who actually taught me to sew. Did someone actually sit me down and say this is how you sew?  I hope not for their wellbeing. As a very young child I remember my mother and I going to the Sewing Center in Wynnewood Village, Dallas, TX.  During the hot months of the year, it was really hot in the store (no air conditioning in those days). The fabric had so many different textures and smells. My favorite smell was dotted swiss, but I didn’t like the texture - it was itchy. While my mother looked at the pattern books, I couldn’t sit still, and would often fall backwards out of the chair, hitting my head, and embarrassing her. She always consoled me, then back to looking for patterns.  If we finally agreed on one for a new dress, the material had to match “exactly” to the design on the pattern envelope, or I was not happy.

 I was born a girl, among an immediate and extended family of women sewers: Mother, Grandmothers and many aunts.  I hated sewing! Most of my neighborhood friends were boys, my close-in-age cousins were boys….I wanted to play ball and dig in the dirt.

Why did you start sewing? I haven’t a clue why I started sewing. Well, come to think of it, I guess, I do know.  I don’t have enough room in my current back yard to put in the size of garden I want, and I needed to do something with my time now that I’m retired.  Gardening is very slow in January, and during the periods of seed germination and plant growth.  I started hanging around a quilt fabric store in my neighborhood. Now don’t get excited and think I am a quilter! I’m not (that’s for another post), but I was again drawn to the textures of the fabrics, their softness.  The smells, well there weren’t any, not like I remembered as a kid.  Newer methods for removing excess dyes from the material had improved the eye burning experiences and the smells, in addition, air conditioning! The only patterns in the store are for quilts, pillowcases, etc…NO CLOTHES…my kind of store!

What inspires you? The smiles on the faces of those who receive the sewn gifts I give.

What do you love most about sewing?  One BIG point needs to be made clear…I do not love sewing.  I LOVE gardening, I love photography, I like sewing.  I must also admit, sewing now supersedes cooking, and maybe even canning; but I’m going to have to think on that one.

What are your favorite things to make? I enjoy making things that are NOT to be worn by anyone or anything.  So far, pillowcases have been the most rewarding. I have made a couple of table runners. I will be making table runners as Christmas gifts this year.  I hope to have the runners made and mailed out by the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, so folks can use the runners during the holidays.  I will be adding one special item to each gift, which will make the runner extremely unique, but can’t share details until after Christmas!

What is your favorite sewing tip or trick? My favorite tip: STOP SEWING when getting tired or frustrated with a project. In the past, I have been known to cut up the material into little pieces or to light the barbecue grill and burn it!

What is your favorite project you have created? Actually, I have three…the first being a throw for my mother to use when she is sitting in her chair, second, pillowcases for my grandsons, and third a reversible Christmas table cloth for a small side table.

What are you currently working on:  My garden!  However, I will begin Christmas table runners in a couple of days.  I just completed making a standard and a king size set of coordinating pillowcases for a dear friend’s birthday, and need a sewing break while the weather is a bit cooler.

Thank you for sharing, Linda! I hope everyone who stops by will leave a comment for her!

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!

The Shiny Sparkle Scoop

Using metallic threads in projects, to add touches of shiny sparkle, has always intrigued me. I’ve attempted a few times, then quickly realized there is certainly a learning curve. Before National Sewing Month began, I knew it would be a subject I would address during the month, so I made a note. Along with this note, I found several websites dealing with machine sewing with metallic threads for easy/quick reference. Well, today is the day!

Photo by Squishythings (Creative Commons)

Here is the shiny sparkle scoop:

At Threads, they explained how manufacturers create the metallic threads. They also listed the available brands and highly recommended trying different ones, to determine which works best in the individual sewing machine. That makes sense. They include “Special handling tips” which applies to the embroidery threads, too! This is what I took from their tips (please read their article for the full details – I’m not reinventing the wheel here!):

•  Check tension
•  ALWAYS: when changing colors, or re-threading, clip at spool and pull thread out (never ever pull thread – any thread in my opinion – backwards out the thread guides)
•  Make sure the thread is straight, not all twisted up going through the thread-feeding system.
•  They say some threads come off the spool better from a horizontal pin and others from a vertical pin, to play around with it if having problems.
•  Along the same lines, some threads work better coming off from the back of the spool, others from the front.

I found some amazing hints from Sharla R. Hicks. Her help faqs are worth bookmarking for later reference if/when problems arise!

1.     Correct needle size

2.     Longer stitch length

3.     Tension adjustment

4.     A bead of silicon????? (Sorry, this hint confuses me!)

5.     Bobbin thread

A contributor to Yahoo! Voices, Emma Salk offers sewing tips, techniques, and hints when sewing with metallic thread. The following are tips I didn’t see mention in the precious two findings!

• Slow sewing works best
• Cut thread at an angle before attempting to thread needle (it won’t unravel as quick)
•  Threads with a nylon core and is wrapped, rather than twisted, will give less trouble

One last website I’ll mention/recommend (because there are thousands upon thousands) is from QuiltingDaily. They share the highlights found in author Liz Kettle’s interactive eMag In Stitches article. The 6 Keys to Metallic Thread Success pretty much covers what I’ve already mentioned from the others. However, Liz details more specifically about bobbin thread and needles, and the use of stabilizers, and is worth the quick read!

Thank you!

After going through the different articles for/with you, I feel better about the shiny sparkle scoop. I hope it’s helped you! The next attempt of machine sewing with metallic threads should be a success! Let me hear if it works better for you, too!

Heirloom Sewing

Before television, before the telephone or Internet, what did women do with their quiet time, before the family woke? I often wonder what they did after completing their daily chores. How did they fill their remaining time before sleeping? I can see them reading, writing letters (and books or journals), entertaining friends, canning, and sewing. What am I forgetting?

Anyway… within the sewing aspect (since it is National Sewing Month), I envision the lady of the home busy embellishing little outfits for her children, adding those extra charming touches making the item unique and special.

This brings to mind Heirloom sewing. Has anyone ever watched Martha Pullen? I try and catch her PBS show (Martha’s Sewing Room) every Sunday afternoon. She and her guests share amazing techniques. If you’re slightly interested in Heirloom sewing, I highly recommend finding out when she’s on in your neck of the woods!

What is Heirloom sewing? I went to Wikipedia for a quick definition and this is how they explained heirloom sewing:

Heirloom sewing is a collection of needlework techniques that arose in the last quarter of the 20th century that imitates fine French hand sewing of the period 1890-1920 using a sewing machine and manufactured trims.
Heirloom sewing is characterized by fine, often sheer, usually white cotton or linen fabrics trimmed with an assortment of lace, insertions, tucks, narrow ribbon, and smocking, imitating such hand-work techniques as whitework embroidery, Broderie Anglaise, and hemstitching.

Typical projects for heirloom sewing include children's garments (especially christening gowns), women's blouses, wedding gowns, and lingerie.

I was unsure of two of their listed characteristics so searched further:

1) Whitework Embroidery –
Whitework embroidery refers to any embroidery technique in which the stitching is the same color as the foundation fabric (traditionally white linen).
 2) Broderie Anglaise –
Broderie Anglaise (French, "English Embroidery") is a whitework needlework technique incorporating features of embroidery, cutwork and needle lace that arose in England in the 19th century.

Broderie Anglaise is characterized by patterns composed of small holes or eyelets bound with overcast or buttonhole stitches. Later Broderie Anglaise also featured small patterns worked in satin stitch.

I believe Heirloom sewing brings a lovely charm to fabric like none other. I plan to incorporate Heirloom sewing into some upcoming projects created at Lanetta’s Creations!

P.S. Do you have any Heirloom sewing tips you would like to share?

SEW iT ALL

If you know me, or have read through this blog, you know how much I enjoy finding new discoveries on the Internet. However, at times I enjoy getting away from the computer, sitting back in my recliner, and savoring over the pages of a good sewing magazine. Sometime around the first part of August, I found a great one. The SEW iT ALL Magazine is now pretty worn out as I’ve read it over and over, picking up something new each time.

It’s too bad it’s not available via subscription. I’m confused. Their Facebook page “about” section says they publish yearly, but in an answer to a comment indicates a twice-yearly, newsstand-only special. Maybe they are changing their publication schedule due to meet a high demand! I hope so because I hate to think I have to wait another whole year. Fortunately, they do have a website! But then, I’m back at the computer!

My copy is Volume 4 and it says “Display until 8/13/12” – it’s too bad they didn’t think of keeping it on the stands throughout the month of September since it is National Sewing Month!

I cannot figure out how to order the back issues. I would in a New York Second! Oh, well. What an awesome winter read they would be!

I’m sorry this issue isn’t available on the newsstands any longer for you to pick up and curl up and read up on all the projects, techniques, and free patterns they offer. I highly recommend: keep an eye out for this packed-full magazine!

P.S. Do you have a favorite sewing magazine?

Good Deeds

Have you joined the 9/11 Day movement?

Good deeds unite us on 9/11
9/11 Day is a movement built on people remembering through positive action.
Doing a good deed is simple. What will you do?

I joined The Quilt. I hope you will, too!

World of Sewing

It’s National Sewing Month and I thought it would be fun to have a few guest blogger appearances sprinkled over the remaining days. I am so excited! Yesterday morning, I sent emails to some special women in my life inviting them to join in the celebration. I have heard back from over half of them already! The women invited do not have their own blogs where they can share their knowledge, experiences, and love of sewing. I wanted to offer them an opportunity, a venue, to give a bit of insight into their world of sewing.

You know, it’s not just an opportunity for them. It also gives us the chance to hear from women across the USA, from different walks of life, and various age groups. And through it all, it's amazing how the world of sewing binds us together!

On Sunday, September 16th, we will have the first guest appearance! I hope you will give her, and those that follow, a warm welcome by leaving a comment!

Pinterest for Sewing

This morning I wanted to simply share a thought provoking quote about sewing. I went on a search for the perfect one. Then I got distracted! Not surprising, I get distracted quite easily! However, during the distraction phases I usually stumble across amazing information I wouldn’t have found otherwise. This is a good thing. But, I can get seriously behind doing the things I really want to be doing! 

I’ve heard Pinterest has opened up to the masses. Originally, you had to have a way in from a friend’s invite, or get on their long waiting list. That must have been during their beta time. Anyway, if you’re not yet on Pinterest, I highly recommend the amazing resource! WARNING: Very addictive!

If you’re not on Pinterest, the following won’t make a bit of sense… sorry!

If you are, I have a few boards! 

Remember, I was searching for sewing quotes...

The first listing on Google happened to be a Pinterest link from Hayes Sewing. I immediately clicked “Follow All” as their 18 packed-full boards with amazingly beautiful inspiration and will be a place I will return, and return! This is a perfect example of the huge benefits of Pinterest!

Then I searched within Pinterest for “sewing” – forget today’s perfect quote – pictures say a 1000 words.

Okay. Now I really need to get off of Pinterest and get busy sewing!

Hope you have a perfect Sunday!