How To Guides
Tuesday, June 14th, 2011
This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!
In a nut shell, how the process work is that you complete one section or block at a time: top, batting, backing and quilting. All of the pieces of fabric and batting are small enough to be very easy to handle.
There are several things that make this system so great to work with.
Some of these include:
- It is fast! When the sections are stitched together, then that part is complete. Just move on to the next section.
- It is easy to handle! Since each section is small in size, it is just as easy to make a queen sized quilt as it is a table runner
- It is reversible! Since all the seams are finished as the sections are assembled, a completely different back fabric can be used so that you will have 2 projects in one.
- It is dimensional! The texture that is created by the unique and easy seam finishing technique adds so much more personality to the project than traditional quilting can give.
- It is fun! Such a fun way to explore working with reversible embroidery, decorative stitching, and beautiful threads.
- Hey, did I mention fast? I know I did, but it is sure worth repeating!
Those of us who are into more of an “Instant
Gratification” type of project, this is right up our alley!
I encourage you to give this a try. I started with a table runner and many others have started by making place mats. Betty Cotton has several books and patterns available, check one of our stores to see what they have in stock and try this today! If you are near the Puyallup Store, go in and take a look at Audrey’s great samples (She is a Certified Betty Cotton Instructor) and while you are there sign up for one of her classes.
If you have made a project using the Cotton Theory by Betty Cotton, send us a picture or post it on our Facebook page. We would love to see what you have made.
Hope to see your pictures soon!
Reva
Posted in Crafting, Events, Fast Projects & Gifts, Home Decor, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques, Quilting, Sewing, Sewing Celebrities, Show and Tell, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Do you remember, back in elementary school, how much fun it was weaving construction paper strips together to make a checkerboard placemat? I always loved that project. There was something so instantly gratifying to see how the pattern began to form from something so simple.
Later, paper turned into fabric. Strips of fabrics can so beautifully be transformed into a new textural element for use in a project. Even easier yet, I have found that ribbons of all different widths are perfect to use for this process.
Way back when, when I was first introduce to the concept of “pin weaving” fabric strips, a padded board was needed to actually pin the fabric strips into place while weaving.
Well, I am all about making things easy…
The way I have found that makes pin weaving nice and easy is to use Wet-n-Gone Tacky as a base for the weaving. This eliminates the need for pins and holds the completed woven areas in place very securely. Also, it is very easy to handle and work with while adding it into a project. When all done with your project, simply rinse the stabilizer away.
Here’s how it works…Take a piece of Wet-n-Gone and place it, paper side up, on top of a gridded cutting mat, you can see the lines of the mat through the stabilizer. Use these as a guide to help keep your weaving rows straight.
Peel up some of the paper on the edges and tape the stabilizer down to the mat. Place paper back down onto the stabilizer.
Gather your Ribbons – For this example we will assume that you are using two different colors of ribbons. But of course, you can use as few or as many colors and widths of ribbon as you wish. You will want to have enough strips cut of one ribbon (we will call it A) that will cover the area that you want to have woven. So, if I want to have an area that is 10″ x 12″, I would want to have my ribbon cut into 13″ (or so – gives us a little extra to work with) lengths. I will want to make sure that I have enough of them so that, placed side by side, they will be at lease 11″ (again giving us a little extra).
Repeat the same process for your second color (B) of ribbon. Only this time you will want the strips to be 11″ and
you will need to have enough of them to measure 13″ when side by side.
Prepare your first direction of ribbons (A).
On the end or your stabilizer that you want to begin weaving, fold back one edge of the paper about 2 inches. Using the lines on the mat as a guide, layout one of your ribbon colors (A) side by side in one direction. To weave, lift every other ribbon (A) and place (weave) your second color (B) through (over/under) the first color. Continue weaving alternating the ribbons that are lifted up. This locks the ribbons together and creates a checkerboard pattern.
When you reach an area on the stabilizer that is covered by the paper, peel back a couple more inches to expose the adhesive and then continue weaving.
Once you are done, the tacky nature of the stabilizer will hold your weaving together so it can be stitched into a project and then will wash out when laundered.
Use your woven piece as a fabric piece for appliqué or an accent for what ever project you may be working on.
The Table runner that is pictured here has multiple colors and widths of ribbons. The woven section was used in the center and has machine embroidered leaves surrounding it and anchoring the outer fabric and the ribbons securely into place.
Hope you have fun with this idea. Would love to see what you create!
Reva
Posted in Crafting, Fast Projects & Gifts, Home Decor, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques, Sewing, Show and Tell, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
It is so hard to find potholders in fabrics that I like or that match my décor. An fast and easy way to get plenty of potholders that match any color scheme is to make your own. I would like to share with you a very easy to make pot holder that has pockets on the back side so that you can slip your hands into them for the best protection from the heat of your oven.
Note: add 1/4” seam allowance to all sides of all pattern pieces.
Cutting:
Start by choosing your fabric. You can use a fat quarter of fabric or mix match your fabrics.
Cut 2 pieces of fabric from the main pattern piece and the appropriate batting (as listed on pattern piece).
Next Cut 2 of the Pocket pieces. Fold these in half, along dotted line, with wrong sides together and press.
Quilting:
Place one of the main fabric pieces right sided down on your work surface (this will be the bottom and will become the inside lining).
On top of that, put your batting.
Finally, place the remaining main fabric piece on the top of the rest (this will become the top or the main outside for your potholder.
Pin your layers together (or use a basting spray like KK1000 or 505).
Mark your quilting lines—these are 1 1/2” apart (see diagram on main pattern piece).
Using a good quality thread (preferably cotton) in both the needle and the bobbin, quilt your potholder by stitching along your marked lines.
Sewing Your Potholder:
First, loop your ribbon in half and place the tails even with the edge of the fabric in one corner, make sure the potholder top is the side you are working with from this point forward.
Stitch in place to hold.
Now place one of your folded pockets so that the fold is toward the center & the seam allowances are matched up at the bottom.
Pin into place.
Place the other pocket in the same manner but with the seam allowances toward the top of the potholder.
Stitch all the way around the potholder 1/4” away from the cut edge of the fabric.
Stitch past the starting point by an inch or so to make more secure.
Trim the edges, if needed, to make them even.
Use a zigzag stitch to secure the edges of the seam allowances together. Stitch this with the right needle swing coming off of the fabric edge by just a hair. This will help keep it from getting stringy when washed.
Turn the potholder inside out (flip the pocket flaps to the other side)
You are finished! Make more
Enjoy!
Reva
Download the Potholder Pattern
Tags: basic sewing, easy project, pattern, potholder project, project ideas, Sewing
Posted in Fast Projects & Gifts, How To Guides, Projects and Techniques, Sewing | 18 Comments »
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
One of the newer innovations in home embroidery is cutwork needles. These specialty cutting needles along with specifically digitized designs make it possible to create beautiful cutwork or applique projects on your embroidery machine while your machine does all the fabric cutting. No scissors needed- what a treat!
There are needles that are made for Bernina embroidery machines as well as Pfaff, Viking & Inspira needles. The Pfaff, Viking or Inspira needles can be used in any brand and model of embroidery machine as long as your machines thread breakage sensor can be turned off.
Embroidery design packs have been created to be used with these needles. Pfaff, Viking and OESD offer these design packs. Each of these designs are compatible with all embroidery machines, regardless of brand. The size of the design and the size of your hoop is the only limitation. Pfaff offers a fantastic Embroidery Cutwork Needle Kit, which includes an Inspira Cutwork Needle 4 Pack, a cd with 5 multi-format designs and a multi-purpose needle inserter tool.
Here is what you need to know…
Pfaff, Viking & Inspira Needles are the same as each other and are completely interchangeable. Designs made specifically for these needles will either ask you for “Cutwork Needle#” (on Pfaff Creative Vision and Viking Diamond) or by color on all other machines. They are Color Coded as well as Numbered. Each needle has a cutting blade that is angled in a specific way (the angel is depicted, below, after the color).
Needle 1 is Red: /
Needle 2 is Yellow: -
Needle 3 is Green: \
Needle 4 is Blue: I
Bernina Needles are unique to themselves. Designs made specifically for these needles will tell you which needle position to use and are usually used in order 1, 2 , 3, 4. On machines other than Bernina, refer to the stitching instructions and put in the cutwork needles when requested. There is only one needle, it is attached to a wheel that you dial to switch the angle of the blade (Each blade position is numbered from 1 to 4, the angle is depicted below, after the needle number).
Position 1: I
Postition 2: /
Position 3: -
Position 4: \
Let me know if you have any questions!
Enjoy -
Reva
Tags: applique, cutwork, cutwork needles, embroidery, embroidery cutwork, how-to, machine embroidery, techniques
Posted in How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques, Resources, Sewing | 14 Comments »
Friday, December 10th, 2010
It’s that time of year that we are all scurrying around trying to clean our houses before company comes over! It’s work enough preparing to entertain, but when your vacuum doesn’t work right, it is even harder. Your vacuum cleaner is an important tool to keep your carpets and floors clean. With the holidays coming, your vacuum will be put to the test. The holidays bring an abundance of dirt, soil, food, pet hair, leaves and pine needles into your home. While we can’t prevent the mess, we can prepare our vacuum for it!
Tips on readying your vacuum:
1. Change all the filters.
Even if your filters say they can be washed, don’t…replace them instead. Dirt and water make mud and create mildew. Clean filters create better air flow and reduce particulates including the added pollen that a live Christmas tree will add to the air in your home.
2. Change the belt.
Most vacuum belts are rubber and they stretch out. When your vacuum belt is stretched it does not allow your brush roll
to agitate your carpet fibers and deep clean. The next time you are in the market for a new vacuum, be sure to ask about cleaners with lifetime belts that never stretch, and never require replacement.
3. Clean Your Brush Roll.
Take the time to turn your vacuum upside down and remove hair, ribbon, thread and other items that have become twisted around your brush roll. Try using a pair of scissors to quickly cut away the foreign fibers from your brush roll. If you do this frequently you can often remove all debris from your brush roll without having to take the faceplate off your vacuum!
4. Change the bag at least every month.
A fresh vacuum bag keeps odor and mildew from exhausting into your home. Changing the bag regularly also improves the vacuums “vacuum” and allows for the unit to perform at its maximum performance. As your Christmas tree dries out, the extra pine needles will fill your vacuum bag up quicker than normal…if your vacuum smells like a Christmas tree, it’s time to change the bag!
5. Watch out for what you vacuum up.
Vacuums are designed and built around vacuuming small debris. So if you can see it, pick it up with your hands. Also,
vacuums with hoses are more susceptible to clogging. Pine needles, leaves, wrapping paper and clothing tags can block hoses causing clogs. Pine needles are the usual culprit for clogged vacuums this time of year, while its temping to suck them all up in your vacuum, its a good idea to scoop up as many as you can with your hands and throw them in the garbage before turning your vacuum on!
6. Get your vacuum serviced.
A clean vacuum cleans better. Vacuum service centers experience more service volume the first week of every new year, the reason is clogged vacuums. Pine needles are the # 1 reason for a clog during this time of year. Have your vacuum serviced at Quality Sewing and Vacuum prior to the rush. We will replace the filters, replace the belt, clean and oil the brush roll, completely wipe down the housing and motor. So you can clean throughout the winter into the new year!
Tags: holiday cleaning, holiday entertaining, how-to, preparation, save time, time savers, vacuum repair, vacuum tips
Posted in How To Guides, Resources, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Tags: easy project, gifts, how-to, machine embroidery, Stitch-A-Bear, stitchable teddy bear
Posted in Crafting, Fast Projects & Gifts, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
This is an adorable kid’s t-shirt that uses socks as sleeves! It’s a very easy project to create…all you need is a children’s short-sleeved t-shirt, a pair of socks for the sleeves and the Anita Goodesign Little Monsters Embroidery Design Pack.
1. The first step is to center and embroider the monster of your choice onto the t-shirt. Each monster has a thick stitched border that holds the applique down. You can either make this stitch white or the color of the shirt. The example shown is white as it makes the monster stand out even more!
1. Embroider the monster design on the shirt
2. The next step is to take the pair of socks and cut the foot part off the sock at the ankle. Pin the cut part of the sock to the shirt sleeve. Make sure the cut end of the sock extends past the top stitch of the sleeve.
2. Adult sized knee socks work well
3. Stitch the sock to the sleeve. Follow the top stitch that was used to stitch the sleeve hem. You can match the thread to the thread already used on the t-shirt.
3. Stitch the sock to the sleeve
4. You can further embellish the shirt with different types of trims. The finished example has a pom-pom trim and decorative ribbon as added detail. You can also glue googly eyes on the monster for even more fun! You can use a onesie in place of the t-shirt and create a unique and adorable baby gift!
Little Monsters Design Pack
The Little Monsters design pack features 12 adorably mischievous designs geared toward the toddler-youth age group. They look great on these unique sock t-shirts as well as backpacks, blankets, jackets, and even quilts!
This project is courtesy of the official Anita Goodesign blog! Check it out for more great project ideas!
Tags: anita goodesign, easy project, embroidery, how-to, little monsters, t-shirt project
Posted in Fast Projects & Gifts, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
This is a fast and fun idea for a quick holiday gift. I received one last year for Christmas from a very creative friend. All you need to create this unique angel are two kitchen towels, a matching hot pad, a package of extra wide, double fold bias tape, a couple yards of ribbon and some trim of your choice. Fabric scraps work well for the trim. It will be stitched across the bottom of the towels.
Completed Towel Angel
1. Apply the trim to one towel. Make accordion pleats the length of the towel at approx 1 ½”. Steam iron the pleats in place. Fold the towel in half and tie the middle about 2” below the fold to create the body of the angel.
2. Cut the second towel to the approx size of a washcloth (Just measure one you have at home). Hem all sides and add matching trim to the top edge. Accordion pleat at about 1 ¼” intervals and steam iron in place. Fold in half and place on top of the angel body and tie in place. This creates the head and arms of your angel.
3. Accordion pleat the hot pad and tie to the back of the angel with ribbon. Your angel is now complete! Keep it to adorn your house for the holidays or make someone happy by sharing your creativity with them.
Ann
Sew Fun Consultant
Tags: christmas, christmas decoration, christmas project, how-to, ideas, towel angel
Posted in Crafting, Fast Projects & Gifts, How To Guides, Projects and Techniques, Sewing | No Comments »
Friday, October 29th, 2010
Add texture, depth and individual style to all your projects
A new spin in decorative sewing is Bobbin Work. Bobbin Work allows sewers to use various threads, yarn and ribbon that can’t pass through the eye of a needle in decorative stitches to add texture and make them look hand stitched. Wow, my grandmother would really have appreciated this!
It really is an easy process, simply wind the heavy decorative thread on the bobbin. Insert the bobbin into the special bobbin case and stitch on the back side of stabilized fabric. Using an embroidery thread that coordinates in color with the bobbin thread in the needle, will yield a superb look.
It is helpful to fuse or use spray adhesive to attach the stabilizer to the back of the fabric. Then it is possible to draw lines or designs to follow when doing the decorative stitching.
The Laura Ashley Machine from Brother includes a special bobbin work bobbin case and door cover. The bobbin case has a tension system that makes it work beautifully with the heavy threads.
Decorative Bobbin Work and crystals accent this table topper creating a unique conversation piece
The special bobbin door cover helps keep the bobbin seated just perfectly and prevent any bouncing around that might occur when using heavy, uneven threads.
The Brother Quattro upgrade and the Baby Lock Elissimo upgrade also includes the special bobbin work set. It also includes 14 beautiful embroidery designs that can be stitched with the decorative threads or even narrow silk ribbon.
Embellishing the outside edges of the floral pattern with Bobbin Work creates an intricate border around the flowers that appear detailed and hand sewn
The best news of all is that now both Brother and Baby Lock have put together bobbin work sets that fit most current models! These kits are an economical way to add exciting new stitching styles to most any Brother or Baby Lock sewing machines! The heavy threads give the look of hand stitched. Stop by one of the Quality Sewing locations and ask to see a sample of the bobbin work stitching, it really is fun! Heavy thread yields the look of hand stitching!
For even more information on bobbin work, check out this informative blog from Threads.
Happy Stitching,
Carol
Tags: bobbinwork, bobbinwork set, Brother, how-to, spray adhesive
Posted in How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Projects and Techniques, Tips & Tricks | 1 Comment »
Friday, October 15th, 2010
Embellished Pashminas
In September Sew Fun we featured embellished Pashmina scarves. In November Sew Fun you will see more samples of embellished Pashminas. There have been questions about how to care for your Pashmina and what the fiber content is. First off, what is Pashmina?
Pashmina refers to a type of fine cashmere wool and the textiles made from it. The name comes from Pashmineh, made from Persian wool. This wool comes from the pashmina goat, which is a special breed of goat indigenous to high altitudes of the Himalayas. Pashmina shawls are hand spun, woven and embroidered in Kashmir and made from fine cashmere fiber. Pashmina shawls have been manufactured in Nepal and Kashmir for thousands of years.
The pashmina goat sheds its winter coat every spring. One goat sheds approximately 3-6 ounces of fiber. To meet the demand, the goats are now commercially reared in the Gobi Desert in Inner and Outer Mongolia. This region has identical harsh weather conditions to those of the Himalayan region to grow this inner wool, but also has acres of grazing ground to produce cashmere economically and commercially. During spring (the molting season) the goats shed this inner wool, which re grows in winter. The inner wool is collected and spun to produce beautiful shawls.
How do you care for your Pashmina while embellishing with embroidery? When choosing an embroidery design for embellishing, a lighter digitized design works well. Choose a water soluble stabilizer and embroider your design. Cut the excess stabilizer around the perimeter of the design to get rid of as much stabilizer as possible. Don’t tear the excess stabilizer away, as the Pashmina isn’t strong enough to allow for this.
Once you have removed the excess stabilizer, immerse the Pashmina in a basin of warm water and soak in a phosphate free detergent for hand washables. I wash all my scarves in this and it works great. Once the stabilizer is removed, rinse and gently wring out excess water and put in the dryer on a medium heat cycle. Promptly remove from dryer and press with a cool iron, using a press cloth to protect from the direct heat of the iron. It’s as easy as that!
Pashminas make fantastic gifts for the fashion forward crowd to use as a shawl or fashion scarf. Now that the airlines charge for blankets, many women use them on the airplane in place of the customary blanket. Great versatility!
Ann
Sew Fun Consultant
Tags: embellishing, embellishing pashminas, embroidery, pashmina, silk
Posted in Fast Projects & Gifts, How To Guides, Machine Embroidery, Tips & Tricks | No Comments »
This past weekend I was at the Puyallup Store and Audrey was giving a class on Cotton Theory by nationally sought after Author and Designer Betty Cotton. It has been a bit since I have made a project using the Cotton Theory. After seeing how much fun everyone was having, it has encouraged me to start another one. I think that I might make one that is fall on one side and Christmas on the other. I love 2 for 1 projects!
Just in time for the gift giving season, you can use your standard 4″x4″ embroidery hoop to stitch a lovable 
