Posts Tagged ‘holiday’
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010
Brother NS40
“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”…..was an old song – but a phrase heard often lately is “All I want for Christmas is a sewing machine.” It seems like all ages are expressing a huge desire to learn to sew!
There are many wonderful choices for the perfect sewing machine to place under the Christmas tree. One such machine is the Brother NS40. “Fashionistas” are familiar with the machine from its tie to the popular reality fashion show Project Runway. Santa loves it because it is a reliable, easy to use, powerful machine that will bring happy memories of a wonderful Christmas for decades to come. Careful shoppers often check some of the consumer research magazines for advice on making a wise purchase. The Project Runway NS 40 has a large supply of awards and recommendations to its credit. It is currently featured on the cover of Consumer Reports Magazine.
This handy machine has the power to tackle hemming blue jeans and the finesse to handle chiffon or silk. It has an automatic needle threader and a drop-in bobbin. When a stitch is selected, it comes up with the proper length and the correct width to stitch perfectly, but it can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. It has a nice assortment of included feet, including one for perfect one-step buttonholes in five different styles. It has an auto tie-off stitch program and it can sew without the foot controller being used. This feature is excellent for a beginner because it allows the speed control to be adjusted to super slow and if the foot controller is used it won’t let it go too fast.
This is only one of the truly excellent sewing machine choices that are available for you to choose from at Quality Sewing locations. Did you know that if your purchase is made at Quality Sewing you will be receiving FREE lessons on how to operate the new machine? Now that is an extra special gift for any recipient. As an added bonus, Brother is offering a $30.00 additional discount on this machine through December 6th, 2010! Drop by any one of the stores and let one of the expert elves assist you in selecting the perfect sewing machine for your gift giving this year.
Happy Stitching!
Carol
Tags: Brother NS40, gift giving, holiday, holiday shopping, project runway, Sewing
Posted in New Products, Sewing | No Comments »
Friday, October 22nd, 2010
Come to November Sew Fun and see how uncomplicated it is to create this stunning ornament! It is made simply from a Styrofoam ball, twisted cord, glue and a little ribbon for embellishment. This idea for an easy Christmas ornament was shared with me by an Everett Sew Fun member, Sharon.
Decorate with these simple yet sophisticated ornaments
The braid lengths supply list:
For a 2 inch Styrofoam ball use ..1 yard & 24 inches braid
For a 2 1/2 inch ball use………..2 1/2 yards braid
For a 3 inch ball use ……………..4 yards braid
Note before starting: ALWAYS TAPE THE ENDS OF THE BRAID !!!!!
I poke a skewer or pencil all the way through the center of the ball so I know where to start & finish the braid. Make a loop to hang the ornament and tie a knot at the end. Use hot glue gun to make a hole at the top. Squeeze a little hot glue in and place knot in hole. Place taped end of the braid in hole and use more hot glue & the heat from the glue to force the braid into the top of the Styrofoam ball.
Now wrap the braid around the ball hot gluing about an inch at a time until you get the feel of it keeping the rows of braid close to each other. When you get to the bottom, make a hole in the ball bottom for the taped end of the braid . Place a tassel in the bottom hole, either a matching or a contrasting color. You can also add a pretty bow on top to dress it up.
Ann
Sew Fun Consultant
Tags: christmas decoration, holiday, how-to, twisted braid ornament
Posted in Crafting, Fast Projects & Gifts, Home Decor, Projects and Techniques, Sewing | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
It feels like Spring has finally arrived, and none too soon! We still have a way to go before it completely warms up here in the Puget Sound, but in the meantime here is a ‘cozy’ Easter project that is quick, easy and egg-stra special to make. (Sorry, could not resist.)
Materials Needed:
- Scraps of fabric, 7″x4″
- Fusible Interfacing, medium to heavy weight
- 1/4″ elastic, 2.5″ long
- Vintage button
- Trim, if wanted
Process:
- Cut scraps of fabric into 7 inch by 4 inch rectangles.
- Fuse fusible interfacing onto fabric following manufacturer’s instructions. This project is great for using up old, boardy interfacing, or interfacing scraps, as you want enough structure to support the egg. The example in the photo utilizes two layers of tailoring weight interfacing. If you are using home decorator or similar fabrics, you may be able to omit interfacing.
- Cut trim to fit one long edge, minus 1/2 inch (6.5″), if using trim.
- Pin trim, aligning raw edges, along one long edge, leaving 1/4 space on either end.
- Fold the 1/4″ elastic in half and pin 1/4 of the way down one short edge, aligning raw edges.
- Fold the rectangle in half, right sides together. The trim and the elastic should be inside, pointed away from the raw edges.
- Stitch across the short end holding the elastic, and then across the long edge. This should create a tube with one open end.
- Carefully trim the corners and turn the tube right side out. Gently square corners and press.
- Turn under the raw edges of the open end, and press. Edgestitch end closed.
- Check for fit around your favorite egg to determine button placement.
- Stitch button in place and enjoy!
This is a great way to use up all sorts of scraps of trim, fabrics, buttons and interfacings. Consider beading, embroidering or other embellishments.
Have fun!
–Katrina
Tags: easter, holiday, seasonal
Posted in Crafting, How To Guides, Projects and Techniques, Sewing | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Handmade coffee cozy from web ‘how to’ by Sharon Neth
Look out – Valentine’s Day is nearly here! It’s not too late to whip up something special for your favorite sweeties.
This time of year nothing warms the heart (and hands!) like a nice, hot cup of comfort. Whether your special ones are a coffee, tea or cocoa person, a handmade cozy to slip over their hot cup is a simple but sweet way to say “I love you”.
Thankfully, the Internet being the vast place that it is, someone has already posted instructions for making a fabric coffee holder. There is a pattern you can trace, and ideas for using recycled wool scraps. Pacific Fabrics has so many cute cotton prints available. I like the idea of using a heavy interfacing like Timtex as the base for the holder – you could simply cover it with your fabric of choice, and lap the edges for your holder. Flannel would make an especially soft and warm ‘cozy’.
If you have an embroidery machine, Anita Goodesign has a special Valentines ‘In The Hoop’ design pack. There is a door wreath/centerpiece, a wall hanging and a gift card holder – all stitched and assembled right in the hoop! Other great stitched Valentine-themed embroideries include cards and Accessories – perfect for a personalized gift.
Hugs and Stitches!
–Katrina
Tags: holiday, ideas, valentine, valentine's day
Posted in Crafting, Projects and Techniques, Sewing | No Comments »
