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 (cont.)

Yesterday I posted this article about sewing mistakes that even seasoned sewists common make. The idea is to help you avoid some of those mistakes. Caring for your machine and tools and choosing the right needle all seem like a given, right? I am ashamed to admit it, but I've been guilty of all of them. 

You get on a roll and just keep going. You know there's dust clogging up the gears, but in just a minute... Or I think I hear a funny sound, I'll finish this then take a look... Or, my favorite, there are no kids around, so if I leave something unattended... (can we say open rotary cutter?)

Well y'all, really, there are no excuses. We have to maintain our stuff.

So I thought I'd share a few more mistakes and bad habits that you can work on correcting.

Patterns and measuring and those kinds of things. Firstly, if you find a pattern that fits and you understand the directions, stick to that pattern writer or company when possible. I've run across so many indie patterns that simply are not well-written. I'm not talking about the spelling and grammar, though that's important. (I'm an English teacher, after all.) I'm talking about the directions. It's a skill set taught in colleges. Pattern writers should have knowledge and experience in pattern making and technical writing.

Now that said, sometimes you don't have options. You have to go with what you have. Well then, measure. Measure again. Measure every part of the body that is going to fill out the project: bust, waist, hips, arms, back, shoulders, you get the idea.  Write everything down as you go, not just numbers, for example, inseam 33", hip seam 40". I start at the top of the body and move down as necessary.

Check the measurements against the pattern pieces and make adjustments. If you're nervous about ruining your fabric, make a muslin mock-up using large stitches. Once you're comfortable that the pattern is correct, take out the stitches and use the muslin pieces as you new pattern. I have pieces of muslin that I used for a wedding dress some years ago. It still has the measurements and my notes written in Sharpie right on the fabric. 

Pressing and Ironing. These terms seem interchangeable, but nope, not the case. Pressing is an up and down motion trying not to move the iron over the project. Ironing is sliding that iron around, trying to get wrinkles out of fabric or setting chemicals (dye, starch, etc.) into the fabric. Read instructions and make sure you're using the correct temperature. 

To steam or not to steam, that is the question. Not for me. I keep a spritzer bottle at the ironing board. No water ever goes into my iron. Granted I have a steamer, but that's not the reason. It's because I purchase the cheapest iron with automatic shutoff that I can find. They last years and they never have an accident. They can't pee, if they don't drink. 

Your skill set versus learning new techniques. It might seem like a no brainer, but there's something to be said here. If you're just starting out, start small. Avoid frustration by slowly build up your skills. Keep things interesting by, yes, building up your skills. 

If you're a quilter, start out with four-patches. Wedding ring is for years after you've made more curves than you can count. 

If you are sewing garments and other projects, start with elastic waist shorts, aprons, pj bottoms. Graduate to zippers and make tons of small zippered bags. 

Keep in mind that different fabrics move and perform in different ways. When you've made several items with cotton, move to linen, then silk, then chiffon. 

It takes time, patience and great desire to learn the basics and to build skills. Just because you own a pair of running shoes doesn't mean you're ready to run a marathon. My sister trained for three months to go from walking to completing a half-marathon, and she wasn't trying to win!

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... 

CFAL on Sunday

Joyce, who I know from BRMQG

The Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana (CFAL) meeting was a hoot. Other members had attended a fabric dye workshop and brought their pieces to the meeting. They did some fantastic work! 

Glen of Quilts and Dogs blog

 Even now, looking at the photos I wish I'd tagged along. Truthfully though, I do not need another piece of fabric, or another hobby, or even another project idea. The $150 is prohibitive on my new budget. I'll tell you about that on another post. 

In addition to meeting the new officers, I met a few new members. Some, like Stephanie, are folks I know from the Modern Guild, but there are a few other people whose work has peaked my interest.

Wendy Starn, an art quilter from Alexandria

Another of Wendy's pieces

The last two pieces are from someone whose face I did not manage to capture, but I do love the work. As they showed their pieces, each person explained how she created the pattern. Everyone attended the same workshop but the outcome from each is stunningly different.

Suzi gave a fun, quick workshop on Furoshiki, the Japanese art of folding fabric. She demonstrated how to fold large square pieces to create bags, boxes, and holders. 

 There were a few other things, I'm sure, but I was trying to take notes and listen, so I can learn a few things. The people on either side of me were most helpful in explaining things when I got lost. It's such fun to find new friends!

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! 

Quilting teaches me.... Patience

Introduction
I've been quilting for a lifetime, literally, and have come to the conclusion that we do what we love in part because it challenges us to learn. Anyone who quilts can attest to the idea of learning about fabric and supplies, blocks and backings, sewing and making.  I'm exploring the other things that quilting teaches.

I'm not a patient girl. I have never been. Irritable, easily annoyed, short-tempered...all of those describe me. How is it then that I can say I've learned patience through quilting?

The short answer is that I'm a work in progress. I know the theory of patience and I try to practice it. I just am not a patient person by nature. So I fall off the wagon, if you will. Very often. 

I wonder if I've really learned patience. As a teacher I know that to learn something means to understand it fully and to be able to recall that understanding both in the short term and in the long term. 

If, for example, I were to say I learned the definition of a word, then I would mean that I have grasped full understanding of the meanings of that word, could use or identify it correctly in a sentence and be able to recognize and recall that information months, even years from now.

By that definition, I suppose that I practice patience, not that I've learned it. My patience comes and goes. My understanding of its virtue and how to employ it in my daily life are certainly learned. But goodness knows, I lose it fairly often. It being both patience and understanding. 

Where does quilting come to play in this learning? Well, with the seam ripper, of course. I have learned that sometimes we're human. We make mistakes. A cliche', of course, but I find that I'm more patient with myself and more willing to correct it when I do make a mistake. I also have discovered which battles to pick, if you will. 

I know that if the blocks don't quite match up, it's not the end of the world. I also know myself well enough that I've established a preset guide to ripping. ha! So when I want the blocks to line up exactly as they should, I'm less likely to have a fit when the seam ripper does more work than the needle. See, patience.

The quilt I'm working on now is important to me. Sewing the top was a bear... lots of math, not enough fabric and a ban on purchases. I suppose you could say I won that hard-fought battle. Thanks to employing a ton of patience.

As a Catholic I confess my lack of patience every time I enter the confessional. It's a given that I was rude or disrespectful or short-tempered with someone. Listing them all, thankfully, is not necessarily a part of the deal. At least no priest has ever asked me to name names. Which is a good thing, because I'd probably need to bring a list.

I guess I've learned how to be patient but just as importantly I am more aware of the times when I am not patient enough, and I'm working on that, too. Perhaps the seam ripper has a bigger job than most people think.

Quilting teaches me...

Perseverance

Charity

Simplicity

Patience

Why

Authenticity

Courage

Contentment

Quilting teaches me.... Perseverance

Introduction
I've been quilting for a lifetime, literally, and have come to the conclusion that we do what we love in part because it challenges us to learn. Anyone who quilts can attest to the idea of learning about fabric and supplies, blocks and backings, sewing and making. 
I'm exploring the other things that quilting teaches.

Perseverance  

Old Ohio Rose

Quilting teaches me that every little step, every little advance, adds up and moves you forward. When I was young, I wiggled out of things using the excuse that if you didn't have time to finish, you may as well wait to begin.

It's an immature concept, but children hear it and believe it and begin to live it. I was one of those children. I rarely started a sewing project unless I had time to finish it that day. Anything requiring more time was just too overwhelming. 

Until I needed to make a quilt. I really needed a quilt as we were living in a frame house with lots of airspace. It was cold in the winter and we had a baby but not enough quilts. I could have asked my mom or grandmother to make one, and it's possible that I did. I don't remember quite how I got started. I like to think that one of them nudged me a little. 

Double Disappearing Nine Patch

Regardless, I did get started on what was, to me, a huge project: a twin bed quilt. I had to tell myself often that I would finish eventually--I just needed to keep working. Surely when I saw either of my quilt mentors, mom and ma-ma would ask or offer advice. I know they encouraged me with fabric and supplies.

It may have taken me the entire summer. I don't remember any of the details. I just remember that I finished eventually. I needed a few more large projects for the concept of perseverance to replace my excuses for not starting. Necessity was probably the reason for those projects, too. Eventually I grew up and with growth became a "self-starter."

But that first quilt made of necessity was the project that most taught me to persevere. 

Quilting teaches me...

Perseverance

Charity

Simplicity

Patience

Why

Authenticity

Courage

Contentment

Frugality

Finish

St. Therese of Lisieux

Know what I've been up to? Babysitting for the summer, quilting (yeah!), and a few projects for our church. This year marks the 90th Anniversary for the Church of the Little Flower. The Little Flower refers to St. Therese of Lisieux, who wrote about and practiced what she called "the little way."

She believed strongly that not everyone could become a great saint, one whose name will forever be remembered.


She practiced and wrote about how the small, everyday duties of life could be one way to achieve heaven. Rather than just wash dishes because the dishes are dirty, wash them because doing so is a way to serve the others in the family. Take on chores that no one wants to do, so that your love for others is manifested in your duties to them. By loving the ones around you, you are loving Christ Himself.

Many of our parishioners have spent the year learning about and trying to take on some of the teachings of St. Therese. Some of the ways we have done this include: 

• reading her autobiography
• studying and discussing her teachings
• reviewing her quotes, which are published in the weekly bulletin
• discussions of her life and the lives of her family
• giving her a more prominent role in the life of our church

So far it has made a difference in our lives here at the Marcotte lot. Richard and I have found opportunities to share St. Therese's life with our children and grandchildren. 

We've also found that by being mindful of the little ways we can show love to each other has allowed us to be less critical and disagreeable with each other. Hopefully our behavior will influence others in our lives who watch us. 

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from St. Therese:

"Love proves itself by deeds....The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love."

I Need Words

A recent discovery: I need words in my life. Seriously. I need words. I must read everyday. Without thinking I mentioned that to a friend. She laughed. 

I was heartbroken. Then it occurred to me that perhaps not everyone needs words the way I do. Wait. What? How can that be? Do people go whole days without reading any words? 

Then I began to wonder what would happen to me if I had to go a whole day without words. I can't bear the thought...

What is something unusual that you need every day?

My Example of Teaching

The National Beta Club is a an honor organization, that focuses on service to others. Today we were to have a Beta meeting. We've built our club up so that we can't all fit in any of the available classrooms, so we've moved to the cafeteria and were to begin as the middle school kids cleared out. Imagine tables after 400+ teenagers have eaten. Clean is not a descriptor. 


Because I am one of the sponsors, and closest in proximity to the cafeteria, I arrived early. Middle schoolers were still eating and playing and lining up and being kids in the cafeteria. The workers were in the kitchen and had not begun cleaning tables, so I set my things down and quickly grabbed a cloth and bucket of cleaning solution. 


I wanted to be able to begin our meeting right away because time was limited with lots to do, but I did not want to sit at the dirty tables. By the time the Betas were called to the meeting and arrived, I had cleaned most of the tables. 

They were surprised to find me washing down tables and asked me why I was doing that...it's not my job, they reminded me. Our meeting began on time, and we managed to get to everything on the agenda. Later, when students asked me again about cleaning the tables, I told them simply that the tables needed cleaning. At that point they realized that I'd cleaned all the tables--not just my own--and thanked me. I believe in teaching by example. 

"Children may think about what I say; they learn from what I do; and they never forget how I make them feel." 

Sunday Quilt Inspiration: S C H O O L

It's back to school for me tomorrow.  No sad faces.  I may be teaching my last year.  I've thought about retiring for some time now and I'm ready.  But for now, it's a classroom full of English students for me!  So why not check out the new school ideas and pin some quilts that reflect those back-to-school thoughts?

And a few back-to-learning quilts and other sewn items...