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! 

Festival Haul

I really didn't spend much time at the vendor booths.  First, I didn't want to spend too much money; second, I wanted to see the quilts; and third, I'm not a very good shopper.  I did, however, have the opportunity to speak to a couple of the winners.  


One lady was an absolute darling, answering all of my silly questions and recommending a couple of her favorite products.  


One of those products: Bottom Line Thread, which I found at the Superior Threads booth.  So, I picked up a few cones of neutrals to use in bobbins.  My plan is to fill several bobbins in the next few days and to try to use only this brand, assuming it's as good as it claims to be about creating very little lint.


I also found this pretty lime and orange that I'm hoping will match the colors in Audrey's quilt.


While at the Festival I also signed up to become a member of The Quilt Show, an online show with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims, which includes a subscription to The Quilt Life magazine.


Although I would have liked a fancier holder for my rulers, I don't have many rulers, so I picked up this small holder to help organize them.

And that's my haul from the Houston Quilt Festival.  Not much but awfully close to $100 anyway and definitely topping off my budget.


What was your last quilting purchase?  How do you control your spending when it comes to quilting?


Please do me a quick favor and click on the Picket Fence button on the upper right.  I'm still trying to get votes.  I've moved up to page 21 with 150 votes!  With your help, I'm sure I can make to 200 votes in no time!