My birthday is right around the corner! April 15th to be exact. Let's just get to the point, it's time for an upgrade, people. First of all, I firmly believe that you do not need top of the line stuff to create amazing things. I have been happy with my machine for a few years now, but I've really just outgrown it. I will admit that working in a sewing machine store does have influence. (Singer 7462) When I look back at all the things I've done with this little beast, I am amazed she's still kicking. I do try to keep her in tip top shape, but she has her limits. Boy, does she have her limits.
On the other hand, I think I need the camera more than the machine, but its a tough choice. In the blogging world, pictures are everything. As a sewing blogger, I want to show details and colors that only a better camera will give me. I have a 6 year old Olympus Stylus 710 (now worth a whopping $40 bucks on Amazon!) that has served me well. However, when I looked up the camera specs for my iPhone 3Gs (totally rocking a vintage iPhone) they are the same! What, what? In fact, I think the phone is a bit better.
If I were to get a new sewing machine, I would get a Janome MC6600. Seriously, this has a built in walking foot! Not to mention, I am totally in love with Janome machines these days. They run so smooth! (not a paid advertisement, but hey I wouldn't mind it if was) I thought about higher end models, but this one really seems to be just enough of an upgrade, with a little growing room, but not so much that I get overwhelmed by extras I may never use.
If I were to get a new camera, I would get either the Nikon D3200 or the Canon Rebel. With a new camera, my pictures will look so much crisper AND I'll be able to make some video tutorials! Man.... why can't I have both?
I am open to suggestions, anyone got any?
Custom Creature Dolls
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I am totally hyped up about my Spring Break sewing camp next week! As I said in my last post, I started teaching at the Northwest Sewing Center and my first set of classes is for kids. I have four projects that they can choose from: A skirt, a pillowcase, a tote bag, and a "Custom Creature Doll". Apparently, the creature doll is winning since it's the project most signed up for (and its not a close race at all). So I thought I would share a bit about it on here.
It is so simple, so fun, and so... custom that kids naturally gravitate towards the idea. Here's the one that my son and I put together as a sample for the class:
He calls him "NoodleDork" or at least that's what it sounds like to me. The best part about this project is that YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PERFECT! In fact, the more "mistakes" the more character. Look at NoodleDork here, he leans to the side, his arms are different lengths, and who knows what is happening with those legs. But, my kid loves this creature like no other. Another thing about it is that the kids have complete control. There is no pattern. They just start with a sheet of kraft paper where they draw an outlying of their design. Then they cut it out and place it on their fabric. The key is to add an 1/2 inch for seam allowance and another 1/2 inch for "puffiness" if you can. This can be eyeballed really.
Once you have a front and back cut out, you can use sheets of felt for the mouth, belly patch, paw pads, and what-have-you. I use those 8x11 inch sheets you get in the craft aisle. Then, you zig-zag stitch around the edges of the felt being sure that one side of the zig zag goes into the felt and the other goes into the body. Basically, cover your edges with zig zag. You can either sew on buttons now, or wait until it's done being stuffed, but then you would sew right sides together (leaving a spot open to flip it) and stuff it up! Note: always stuff furthest from the opening first and work backwards. Just like when you mop the kitchen.
We are using fleece as a body fabric, and I'll tell you why. When you get to the point where you are about to turn it right side out, with fleece you do not have to clip corners, notch curves, or any of that. When it's flipped back out, you just wiggle and the inside seam allowance stretches to accommodate. Neat!
Just whipstitch the opening closed, and enjoy! This is so going to be a regular for my summer camps, also.
New Job! Teaching Sewing!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Hey, I've been busy! I have a new job! I started working part-time at the Northwest Sewing Center here in Austin, and I'll also start teaching kid's camps and alteration classes there, as well! Right now, I'm putting together my:
I've taught kids before (at my home or theirs), but this will be my first real classroom experience. I am so excited! I found the hardest part of putting this together was trying to nail down the format. I gleaned a bit from previous camp teachers, and came up with something I think will work out well. I'm doing 3 days (Tues.,Wed.,and Thurs.) of Spring Break. Each day will have two sessions available (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm). You can sign up for as many or as few sessions as you want for $20 each. Students have 4 projects they can choose from, and you do not have to sign up for a particular session to do a particular project. They also have the option to either bring their own supplies (fabrics, thread, etc.), or you can get a pre-made kit from me for an additional $15. That way, kids can either have complete design control, or if that is overwhelming they can opt for the kit.
Trying to narrow down all the projects I want to do with them was so hard! I'm glad I am also doing Summer camps so that I can change up the projects a bunch.
For Spring Break, the projects are going to be a cute tote bag with webbing straps, a pillowcase using the super easy "burrito" method, a simple elastic waist skirt (I mean it IS Springtime now), and a custom creature doll they can design and decorate themselves. All projects are designed to be finished in one session, so that they can take it home and be proud of their creation.
That is where I've been, and what I've been up to! I am still working on that dress. It still needs the skirt finished on it, and I hope to get that done this weekend. Whew! Back to work!
I've taught kids before (at my home or theirs), but this will be my first real classroom experience. I am so excited! I found the hardest part of putting this together was trying to nail down the format. I gleaned a bit from previous camp teachers, and came up with something I think will work out well. I'm doing 3 days (Tues.,Wed.,and Thurs.) of Spring Break. Each day will have two sessions available (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm). You can sign up for as many or as few sessions as you want for $20 each. Students have 4 projects they can choose from, and you do not have to sign up for a particular session to do a particular project. They also have the option to either bring their own supplies (fabrics, thread, etc.), or you can get a pre-made kit from me for an additional $15. That way, kids can either have complete design control, or if that is overwhelming they can opt for the kit.
Trying to narrow down all the projects I want to do with them was so hard! I'm glad I am also doing Summer camps so that I can change up the projects a bunch.
For Spring Break, the projects are going to be a cute tote bag with webbing straps, a pillowcase using the super easy "burrito" method, a simple elastic waist skirt (I mean it IS Springtime now), and a custom creature doll they can design and decorate themselves. All projects are designed to be finished in one session, so that they can take it home and be proud of their creation.
That is where I've been, and what I've been up to! I am still working on that dress. It still needs the skirt finished on it, and I hope to get that done this weekend. Whew! Back to work!
Finally!!!! Photos of the Wedding/Bridesmaid Dresses!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wow, people, just wow. I have been trying to get a hold of these pictures from the bride for months now after months of working on the dresses/wedding stuff. In fact, I first announced that I would be making these dresses a little over a year ago! I feel this has been a long time coming, and maybe so long that everyone gave up on seeing any pictures a long time ago.
But no more!!
A recap: I made all five bridesmaid dresses with Vogue V1102 (that's me in the blue one). I was the maid of honor, and my son was one of the ring bearers. It was a beautiful October wedding in Brenham, Texas held at the Giddings Stone Mansion. Having grown up in Brenham (as did Jessi, the bride) this was the place everyone wanted to get married at. (or the Antique Rose Emporium)
Now on to the pictures. They are pretty self-explanatory.... (and, no, this first one was not staged at all)
Oh, and yes, my son did catch the garter...
But no more!!
A recap: I made all five bridesmaid dresses with Vogue V1102 (that's me in the blue one). I was the maid of honor, and my son was one of the ring bearers. It was a beautiful October wedding in Brenham, Texas held at the Giddings Stone Mansion. Having grown up in Brenham (as did Jessi, the bride) this was the place everyone wanted to get married at. (or the Antique Rose Emporium)
Now on to the pictures. They are pretty self-explanatory.... (and, no, this first one was not staged at all)
Oh, and yes, my son did catch the garter...
Duvet to Sundress: Plans
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Okay, I had to ponder for a while on what I was going to turn my Ikea duvet into, and I think I have settled on a plan. I am making it in View A of Simplicity's 2886. That one on the bottom in green and white.
I've had this pattern lying around for a few years now. I picked it up during one of those "5 patterns for $5" sales they have at JoAnn's from time to time. Honestly, I got it for view B at the time, but I think A would look great in this fabric. Check out those pockets! I am also hoping to get ahold of a blue (either baby or navy) to do the waist band and possibly skirt band with.
I've already started tracing the bodice and doing a paper fit, and it is obvious I am going to need a FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) on this one. I promise I'll post my progress as I go. I am also thinking of changing the neckline to a square one. The one it has now is very pretty (not really "V", but more stylized), so I am going back and forth on that one. It will be pretty simple to do, especially because the bodice is lined and I don't have to worry about facings lying flat. (I'm not really a fan of facings)
Now, I'm off to find accent fabric!
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| Courtesy of PatternReview.com |
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| Courtesy of PatternReview.com |
I've had this pattern lying around for a few years now. I picked it up during one of those "5 patterns for $5" sales they have at JoAnn's from time to time. Honestly, I got it for view B at the time, but I think A would look great in this fabric. Check out those pockets! I am also hoping to get ahold of a blue (either baby or navy) to do the waist band and possibly skirt band with.
I've already started tracing the bodice and doing a paper fit, and it is obvious I am going to need a FBA (Full Bust Adjustment) on this one. I promise I'll post my progress as I go. I am also thinking of changing the neckline to a square one. The one it has now is very pretty (not really "V", but more stylized), so I am going back and forth on that one. It will be pretty simple to do, especially because the bodice is lined and I don't have to worry about facings lying flat. (I'm not really a fan of facings)
Now, I'm off to find accent fabric!
Secret Fabric Source: IKEA Duvets
Monday, January 21, 2013
As I've mentioned before, I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel. I am becoming convinced that I will still be working on it until the walls crumble down around me, but don't all remodels feel that way at some point or another?
Speaking of points, my point is that I have been making some frequent trips to IKEA Round Rock to get things like countertops and little doodads that I probably don't need, but they look so neat. I went to get the oil for my countertops one morning and the As-Is area had an overflowing bin of textiles from displays and such. I dove in so deep I think only my feet were sticking out! I found tons of great things in there, but my eye was drawn to a queen sized cotton duvet cover that is yellow with white flowers all over it.
I snatched it up after a quick go over to find only that a corner had some puncture holes where it had been tagged while on display. It was only $9! Now I have a huge amount of extra wide cotton fabric. I've used IKEA duvets before when I find them on sale, and I love them. They make great curtain fabric, wearable muslin fabric, and, like this is going to be, a nice little sundress (or full skirt.... or BOTH). Extra bonus with this one is that it has little wooden buttons sewn on it to close the flap that you slide your comforter in that are just the right size for a garment of some sort.
Next time you go to IKEA, take a look at the duvets with new perspective, and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Speaking of points, my point is that I have been making some frequent trips to IKEA Round Rock to get things like countertops and little doodads that I probably don't need, but they look so neat. I went to get the oil for my countertops one morning and the As-Is area had an overflowing bin of textiles from displays and such. I dove in so deep I think only my feet were sticking out! I found tons of great things in there, but my eye was drawn to a queen sized cotton duvet cover that is yellow with white flowers all over it.
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| FJÄLLTÅG Duvet |
I snatched it up after a quick go over to find only that a corner had some puncture holes where it had been tagged while on display. It was only $9! Now I have a huge amount of extra wide cotton fabric. I've used IKEA duvets before when I find them on sale, and I love them. They make great curtain fabric, wearable muslin fabric, and, like this is going to be, a nice little sundress (or full skirt.... or BOTH). Extra bonus with this one is that it has little wooden buttons sewn on it to close the flap that you slide your comforter in that are just the right size for a garment of some sort.
Next time you go to IKEA, take a look at the duvets with new perspective, and you might be pleasantly surprised!
Seamstress, Tailor, Seamster, Sewer, or Sewist?
Friday, January 18, 2013
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| Photo credit alfrancis |
Ok, I admit it. I have been poking around Craigslist, here and there, looking for sewing related gigs/jobs to fill in a few bare spots in my schedule. I like to keep busy, and I live and breathe sewing so it seems like a great fit.
While poking around, I started to notice some terminology being tossed around regarding the title of someone who sews. Growing up, I always heard "Seamstress" as the general term for someone handy with a needle and thread. Once I started sewing professionally, I started to notice the term "Seamster" to accommodate the men in the sewing world. I appreciated this because sewing has never been delegated to one gender alone.
Men and women had equal footing in the sewing world. However, if you've ever paid attention to history classes, war changes everything. World War II had women sewing for the war effort, men going off to war, and sewing became generally known as women's work. I will add that men still seem to have a foothold on tailoring professionally.
Now, today is a brand new (P.C.) world. Sewing has seen a(nother) rise in the past couple years. I have seen two new words become more common. People are saying "sewer" and "sewist" now. Mind you, that is sew-er, not the place our toilet empties out to, and that is my big issue with that word. On the other hand, I really like "sewist". It makes sense, it is gender natural, it is devoid of the mental images of "crafty" sewing that is ill-conceived and poorly constructed. My issue with the crafty stereotype is another post for another day. (spoiler alert! I prefer "D.I.Y." and "projects" over "crafts".)
I think we can all agree on sewist as the general term, and seamstress or seamster if we are discussing a particular person. Not that my word is law, or that I am maybe behind on this realization. I just wanted to openly address the issue I was seeing. Basically, I just want everyone to stop using the word "sewer" because we all read it wrong in our heads, and I don't think anyone likes to make that mental connection. What do you think?
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