Hmm, things to share.

Every now and then, I run across some article or blog or whatever that sort of draws me in and then holds on to me for a while. I often leave a tab open to the last page I visited so that I can easily return to the site. Most recently I've begun keeping a list of sites that I thought I might share with you. The Sewcialists is one that's chock full of interesting articles about sewing. 

A few highlights that I especially like 

• challenges. Though, honestly, I haven't tried any. They do look interesting and are in keeping with the many issues happening in the world. Perhaps I'll get to one eventually. 
• q&a section called "Ask the Sewcialists" that covers any topic you might want to ask, sewing related of course.
• Theme Month. which is self-explanatory.

If you're looking for a new sewing society, this might be the one for you. It's progressive and liberal, so you know going in that there's a hint of politics hovering around but not so much that I was offended or turned off. I prefer to keep politics out of my sewing room (and most of my life).

Another website is called "Wooden Quilts" and is about an artist from New Orleans who writes, "As a visual artist, I work mainly with wood and junk....These wooden quilts are my way of being with the spirits of my late great elders. They are also a way of finding a higher purpose for the pile of debris hurricane Katrina left me with." 

I wish I could show you one of his pieces. Ahh, you would be intrigued. Go visit and see for yourself.

Lastly, I'll remind you that almost every tool in your sewing room comes from a company that has a website with information meant to keep you engaged. Sure, they want to sell you their products, but they also want to inform you, entertain you, and help you. Fiskars is a prime example of such a company. Their website is amazing: beautiful and easy to negotiate. I have spent much too much time perusing. 

I hope that these sites will interest, teach, entertain, engage you. 

Sewing Mistakes to Avoid

 All of us, even the "old pros" (like me) make mistakes. For the majority, those mistakes come from habits that we've cultivated over time. And once they become routine, they require time and work to dispose of. 

What are some common mistakes in the sewing world? These are a few that I've observed. Some I have broken, some I can't seem to keep out of my quilting life, and some I've observed while teaching quilting classes.

Not taking care the sewing machine. Let's start at the most important part of your hobby, your machine. It can be a cheap, "beginner" version or an expensive, top-of-the-line dream machine. It's a machine, even if you gave it a name. If cared for, any machine can last for years: we have 100 year old machines still in use today. I assure you they were cleaned, oiled, and maintained. 

Suggestions: When tension becomes an issue, first rethread the machine, check the needle and bobbin. Still have an issue? Here's the way I figure it out: Change thread so that you have different, but bright, colors in the top and bottom. Using scraps create layers to get the same thickness as your project. Sew a line on the scrap fabric and check the stitches. The different colors make seeing the stitches easier and tells you which tension to adjust. Make tiny adjustments (right is tight, left is loose) and sew a line of stitches to check between each adjustment. Correct the top tension before the bobbin tension if both are needed.

Search Youtube for videos on how to care for your particular machine. Watch several videos before you choose one and regularly clean and oil your machine. How often depends on how much you use it. Never blow air into the machine; be extra careful if you use a vacuum; check your manual for oiling the machine and don't overdo it.

Listen carefully for different sounds when you sew. Every new sound means you should look for a problem. Possibilities include cleaning and oiling, rethread and check tension, checking bobbin and bobbin tension, looking for needle issues, and looking for project or fabric issues. 

Not taking care of tools and gadgets. Your tools include every toy, gadget, and item in your sewing space. Take care of them and they will make your sewing life a joy. 

Suggestions: Keep scissors sharp and never use on paper. Change rotary blades as needed and engage the safety when not in use. 

Occasionally wipe items with a damp clothe to clean and dust. Give away items you don't use and organize tools so that you aren't wasting time searching. 

Discard bent pins, blades and other sharp objects carefully. (I drop them into used plastic containers and tape it closed.) 

Using the wrong needle. Change your needle when you begin a new project and choose the right needle for the thread and fabric in your project. Needle companies make needles of every style, size and application, so it is possible find the best needle for your project. Here are three easy steps:

1. Start with the project fabric: What kind of fabric are you using? How heavy is it? How finicky is it? How will your project be used? 

2. Choose thread: Thread should match more than just the color of the fabric. Unless the goal is to achieve some special technique, match the fabric as closely as possible in content and weight. Content refers to what the fabric is made of, such as natural fibers, polyester, etc. Weight refers to the strength and size of the thread. For example, if you are sewing a tote with a heavy duck cotton canvas, you need a thick cotton or polycotton thread that can stand up to the uses of your tote. However, if you're using hefty thread, you need a needle with a large eye and scarf, the dip in the needle shaft that allows the thread to feed easily into the eye. 

3. Choose your needle: In general, the needle shaft and the needle point should accommodate the fabric, while the eye should accommodate the thread. Naturally you don't want the needle to damage the fabric, so choose a needle based on the type of fabric you are using and the thread size. 

A great place to learn about needles and thread is the Superior Thread website. Needle companies have made things easier. For example, embroidery needles are specially designed to accommodate both embroidery thread and a variety of commonly used fabrics and stabilizers. *But don't expect an embroidery needle to sew that tote bag we discussed earlier.

I have more tips and tricks to share with you, but for now... 

Sewing Camp Wrap-up

Last week I held Let's Sew Together day camp for little girls from our parish. It was such fun! 

The girls, ages 7 to 10, are sweet and listened well. I emphasized safety every day. In fact, we started the morning with a review of safety and a little "warm-up" session of sewing on paper and scrap fabric. Then we got right to work. 

I ended up changing a few things that I'd planned. Because it was my first time teaching sewing, I wasn't sure how much we could cover in a day. It turns out that I was fairly close. Of course, I have enough experience teaching that I know how to speed things along or slow them down to fit my schedule.  

One of the best parts for me is that I could have fun. There's no curriculum with a state test required to pass. Just be safe and have fun sewing.

In the end, each student made several small projects: a drawstring bag, a hair band (I sewed the elastic), a small felt "purse" with clear plastic window, and a large pillowcase. At the very end there was just enough time to make a little pillow for a favorite doll or pet. 

We started the week with a little welcome bag, which included a pincushion that I'd made and they took on on Friday. I learned that a welcome bag is not that important when there's fun to be had. 

One of the grandmothers told me at mass this morning how much fun her little one had and, since both girls asked to be invited should I have another camp, I'll call it a success. What do you think? Maybe another camp later this summer?

Let's Sew Together!

This week I'm hosting a sewing camp for young ones 7-12 years old. We started Monday with a tour of the studio, safety, and sewing straight lines on paper and fabric.

Yesterday it was safety again, straight stitch practice, learning curves and a "real" project: drawstring bags. Though we didn't finish the bags, we got farther along than I had hoped. I've decided to come up with another small project just in case we have free time one afternoon. Any ideas? I'd love some help!

Today, Wednesday, we finished the drawstring bags after safety review and warmups on paper. To finish out the day, we did a small project that takes me about five minutes start to finish. The kids needed 20 minutes, but moms came as we were wrapping it up, so they rushed a little.

But there was still time for a silly picture!

I've created a quilt monster!

 Marley has been sewing with me quite a bit. She made face masks for her family, handkerchiefs for her Poppa, and a pair of shorts for herself. Two days ago she decided that it's time to make another quilt. 

This is probably the third design attempt

I had an idea. I'd keep her busy with small pieces. We decided on 2½" X 6" patches. Well, that didn't work. Firstly, I won't let her use the rotary cutter, so I had lots of pieces to cut. 

A few changes

Next, she was supposed to take some time at the design wall. Apparently she's a natural. I'd make a suggestion and show her what I meant, she'd rip pieces down and put them back up in a flash. A few suggestions brought her to a design she loved. 

Rows sewn together. Hmm, more pieces.

She sews relatively fast. I encourage her to slow down to improve her accuracy, but she was too excited. I decided to let her enjoy the process. We'll work on ¼" seams on the next one. Hopefully, she'll be able to contain her excitement. I think the trick is to let her make another right away. Let the "I'm making a quilt" joy become something she's used to. Otherwise, I'll have to work really hard and be fussy. I'll let you know how this plan works. 

Yay! Ready to sew strips together!

I'd much prefer if I didn't fuss. I want us to have fun. Plus, it's wonderful that she's so excited about sewing and quilting. She was responsible for all of the designing, sewing and pressing. To encourage freedom in designing, I let her make decisions but also show her options that she hadn't considered. One example, I flipped every other row so that the colors played differently. We talked about how just little changes can make big differences. 

All done!

I also require that she do the math. May as well get those practical lessons in there, too. It occurred to me that I could loan her a quilting book to encourage some reading. Then it occurred to me that I'm a teacher nerd. Oh well! C'est la vie! I do miss teaching and Marley is an enthusiastic student. 

Looks good this way, too!

We're a good pair, the two of us. And it's fabulous to have a sewing buddy. Plus, she does the mundane chores, like fold fabric and put it away!

Beta as far as the eyes can see

It's time to catch up. I've been away at Beta Convention. My last one, so it was a little bittersweet. I celebrated my 20th year on Friday morning at the sponsors' meeting. 

Maybe it was bittersweet, but there was definitely lots of frosting! Bunkie High (my old school) brought home all sorts of honors. Since I didn't get to Pin It Weekly, I thought I'd pull some BHS photos from Facebook (there are lots!) and show you how awesome this group is. There are, I believe, around 70 students from tenth through twelfth grades. 

They competed in academic, artistic, STEM, and just-for-fun competitions. These are the winners. All of them can now go on to Nationals in Fort Worth, Texas, in June to complete with students from other states. 

Grace won La. State Secretary

Mia placed third in
Special Talent for her song.

Isabelle placed
fifth in Jewelry Design

The school received an award for increasing membership by 10% or better. And finally, they placed first in Group Talent with their modern adaptation of 
The Wizard of Oz / The Wiz.
(This link will take you to the video on Facebook.) 

That, my friends, is pretty awesome! Imagine the preparation it takes to build backdrops (yes, plural), props, record lines and music, and costumes. (Remember the monkey costumes?) Add about 70 teenagers to the mix, teach them your vision of the adaptation, teach them to dance--together and in sync--with the mix recording that, yes! they put together. 

I'm proud of Bunkie High, not because I played my part (however small) but because it will always be in my heart. I have strong ties to BHS and will always love the school, the people, the students and wish them well.

20 Skills Every Sewist Learns

Have you ever wondered what skills you've learned as you picked up sewing? It was a topic of discussion on one of the Facebook groups where I'm a member. The writer mentioned several and others chimed in. I've compiled the list of skills with a few examples of each. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it's a great way to get started thinking about the many skills you have learned along the way.

1. Artistry (creating and designing, use of color, fit and form)
2. Chemistry (fiber content, treatment and care of fabrics, glues)
3. Color theory (using color, color wheel)
4. Conservation (avoiding waste, recycling)
5. Construction (basting, stitches, sewing buttons)
6. Efficiency (meeting deadlines, completing projects)
7. Finances (making purchases, budgeting)
8. Fine motor skills (hand sewing, putting in zippers, easing)
9. Following directions (putting patterns together in order)
10. Gross motor skills (cutting, using large equipment, setting up work-space)
11. Hand eye co-ordination (threading needles, sewing straight and curved lines, detailed handwork)
12. Math skills (basic math, fractions, geometry)
13. Mechanical skills (threading and adjusting machines, long-arming, cutting equipment)
14. Physics (fabric content, drape, pressing, lighting and electrical)
15. Reading comprehension (patterns, books, magazines, blogs)
16. Spatial awareness/geometry (sizing, fitting pieces together)
17. Teaching (planning and teaching the next generation)
18. Technical knowledge (selecting fabric, thread, and machines; adjusting patterns)
19. Terminology (specialized vocabulary)
20. Troubleshooting (diagnosis and repair of machines)

What have I missed? Add your ideas in the comments! 

Baton Rouge Modern Quilt Guild -- What Fun!

The BRMQG invited me to give a lecture at our meeting on Monday evening. I had a wonderful time. I haven't taught in such a long time and I've missed it. 

This class, though, was more about presenting than teaching. I did talk about my philosophy of improv and how I found my way into the modern movement. And I showed about 15 quilts. The whole thing lasted an hour and, happily, I had just enough "teaching material" to talk about and quilts to show. 

Of course, there was other business. Several of us had attended Quilt Con, so we talked about that and there was a pretty awesome show and share. I'd love to give credit here, but I'm still learning names. 

One of the things I noticed in these pics is that everyone is smiling. Doesn't that tell you something? Wouldn't you like to get to know us a little better? Find us on Facebook!