Puget Sound Sewing & Craft

Adventures in Sewing ~ July Sew Fun!

July Sew Fun begins in Everett on Monday, and Quality Sewing's talented sewing consultants have a terrific club prepared for you!

You can almost smell the flowers as you stroll down the quilted garden pathway, fabulous and striking in a black and white garden. Kay M. Capps Cross leads you skillfully through her book "A Black and White Garden" with exciting embellishment ideas, sewing and quilting suggestions and beautiful flowers that would make any gardener proud.

As we leave our garden we head off to on a new "Adventure in Circles" by Leigh E McDonald. It is amazing the design possibilities with a simple circle. Join us for fresh new ideas from these amazing authors as well as other ideas to try.

Machine Embroidery with Metallic Thread

Pictured: a pair of embroidered jeans underway during the second hooping - shiny sections are washaway stabilizer topping.

Like many machine embroiderers, I have a love/hate affair with metallic embroidery thread.  I love the way it shimmers and shines and can add a little extra 'pop' to a design.  But sometimes it can be very frustrating to sew with.  Having just finished a pair of jeans with one leg entirely embroidered in metallic threads (I get a little carried away sometimes), I thought it would be timely to share some tips and techniques - or perhaps just a reminder! - with you to make your metallic thread project less frustrating and more enjoyable.

• Buy quality thread. 

I prefer a metallic thread with a polyester core.  Run your finger over the spool - how rough is it?  Does it fray easily?  My jeans project used threads from Robinson-Anton, Superior and YLI.  Other favorites are Yenmet and Jenny Haskins.  You may have other brands that your machine particularly "likes" to use.  If you've given up on using metallic threads because of past experiences, you might find that the newer threads are much more forgiving.

• Use a needle designed for metallic threads. 

Special needles marked "Metallic" or "Metalfil" have larger eyes and a specially designed scarf to help prevent metal threads from fraying.

• Use a vertical spool holder.

Using a vertical pin keeps the metallic thread slightly under tension as it reels which keeps the thread straight.  When fed horizontally, the thread tends to spool off in coils, which then wrap themselves around your takeup lever, causing thread breakage and frayed tempers.  When I have to use a thread stand, as with some of my larger cones, I either position it at an angle from the machine or run the thread through more than one guide to put that little bit of tension on the thread to keep it from looping.

• Use thread nets.

Thread nets also help to prevent thread unspooling too rapidly. If you are unsure how to properly  place a thread net on a spool, ask a sewing expert at a Quality Sewing store.

• Try a glass cup.

According to embroidery expert Jennifer Stern, If you're still getting stuck and the spool is almost finished, you can try skipping the vertical spool in favor of a glass cup. Place the spool in an empty glass, and position the glass behind and to the right of your sewing machine (thread as you would normally). Sometimes, if the spool is allowed to tinker freely in a glass, it will behave while you’re embroidering.

• Slow down. 

Reducing your stitching speed will often be kinder to fragile threads.

• Watch your design density.

In my experience, higher stitch density embroideries cause more thread breakage.  The threads are being stitched in very close proximity or on top of one another, causing more friction and therefore frayed threads.  3D and 4D Embroidery Software has a feature called "Stitch Advisor" that can scan for stitch density and reduce it to a lighter density if desired.

• Use a thread lubricant.

Sewer's Aid is a silicone-based stitch lubricant that can help tame metallic threads.  Apply a thin line of lubricant to the thread spool.  Never apply directly to the machine!  Use sparingly - I have been told horror stories about having to have it cleaned out of tension disks.  Mark the bottle with bright tape or fingernail polish so you do not mistake it for Fray Check.

--Katrina

Knitting Goes High-Tech

Being a "Gadget Girl", I'm always looking for interesting tools to make my creative life easier, more efficient or just plain more fun.  I'm always amazed at all of the new ways to do what many people consider to be 'old fashioned' - sewing, knitting and crochet.

One of the coolest new tools for the technologically-minded knitter is the iPhone or iPod Touch.  Did you know there are many knitting applications for these devices?  I was amazed when I did a search for "knitting" in the "App Store".  For instance:

• Yardage Calculator.  How much yarn do you really need?  I love these tools.
• Knit Counters.  Keep track of rows, repeats and more.
• Needle Sizer.  I have the "iKnit Needle Sizer" and it is a brilliantly simple way to find the needle size for both crochet and knitting needles, right there on your screen.  From sizes00/1.75mm to 50/25mm.
• Knit Gauge - a gauge reader to automatically measure your swatch!
• Yarn Stash organizer tools
• and much, much more...!

If you are a knitter and already have one of these devices, you'll enjoy having these handy high-tech tools at your convenience.  It makes yarn shopping much more fun when you can more accurately calculate your yardage and check your 'stash' to see if you already have that yarn and/or color on hand, or remember the name of the yarn that you'd like to use again in another project.

Another great online resource for knitters is shopping for knitting patterns.  I love buying knitting books but there are also some handy free online patterns.  Berocco yarns has a wonderful collection of exclusive web designs: http://www.berroco.com/pl_web_exclusive_index.html .  They feature Berocco yarns (of course) but they are generally in easily substitutable gauges.

Another favorite resource is online knitting magazines and blogs.  My favorite online knitting magazine is Knitty.com.  Their summer issue was just released with great articles and of course fantastic patterns!  This is often a good resource for unusual "designer" patterns that are a bit offbeat or unique.  My favorite knitting blog is definitely the one belonging to Bonne Marie Burns - ChicKnits.com.  I don't know how she manages to work full-time, have an active life and still knit at a prodigious rate.  Plus, she designs her own knitwear!  Amazing lady and fun to read. 

Of course there are so many more...I could spend all day reading about knitting and not actually getting any knitting done!

So, I'd like to know - what are some of your favorite high-tech or online knitting resources?

--Katrina

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Come and celebrate Paul's 55th birthday with Quality Sewing!  Coffee and cake will be served - along with special birthday presents - for you - in the form of a special birthday sale.  Because Paul is turning 55 - you will save 25% - 55% off storewide on sewing machines, embroidery machines, sergers, sewing furniture, accessories, vacuums and more!

There are also special deals on the Brother embroidery machines that were used at the recent Embroidery Parties.  If you were one of the lucky attendees, you know how simple it is to use these wonderful machines.  This is a great opportunity to pick up a PR-620, Quattro 6000D or Duetta 4500D for an amazing price.

The party ends tomorrow, so hurry in!  And remember to bring your "lucky number" from your mail invitation.  You may have won a new Pfaff Creative Vision sewing machine!

Gifts for Grads, Brides, Dads and More

Are you a subscriber to the Pacific Fabrics or Quality Sewing email lists?  If not, you may be missing out!  This week Annette has listed many great ways to make gifts for these special occasions that are not only heart-felt but also useful and fun.  You can sign up for these mailings on the home page of their websites.

For Grads:

One of my most cherished possessions as a graduate was actually something I made myself: a t-shirt quilt.  Whether or not a grad is going off to college, it's a great way to commemorate their "glory days" from high school.  As an active athlete, scholar and club member in high school, I had many t-shirts I had collected over the previous 4 years from various events I had attended.  It made a great conversation piece and was comforting when I was far away from home at school.  

A t-shirt quilt is quite simple to assemble, but there are some preparation steps that will help ensure it stays looking good for a long time.

1) Determine the size of the blocks by measuring the designs to ensure uniformity and that no sentimental value will be lost by cutting.  Make a cardboard or similar template for tracing cutting lines.  Remember to add seam allowances to the template; I recommend 1/2" for durability.

2) Knit fabrics need to be stabilized to stay looking good as a bed cover and to keep seams from stretching.  Either use a stable fusible interfacing (woven or weft insertion, such as PerfectFuse Light) or baste the seam allowance of the squares onto a piece of cotton fabric.  I used an old white sheet at the time which worked well.

3)  Use a white sheet or similar white fabric as backing under the t-shirt top for support and also to give additional opaqueness to any thinner t-shirts.

I only quilted mine by stitching in the ditch between blocks.  I did not want to alter the appearance of my t-shirts and I found that by reinforcing with a firm cloth behind and using a wider seam allowance it did not need any additional quilting for support.  But if you alternate shirts with plain blocks, that is a great opportunity to do some embroidery or quilted motifs.

Of course Grads also appreciate items that reflect their favorite college (or at least their favorite college sport teams!).   Check these out:

Sports Solutions makes these super cool Sticky Patches (shown above) that look like embroidery, but stick on and are quite durable. Great for totes, shoulder bags, jammies, scrapbooks, shirts and much more. You'll find the University of Washington, Washington State, Oregon and Oregon State at all of our stores. And while you're there, check out the sticker collections. You may find something collegiate to spark a crafty, personalized card idea, too!

Here is a great idea for a wedding gift from Annette:

Protecting the Bride's Future ~ Gifts made from Pacific Silvercloth!

I usually give practical shower gifts and pretty wedding gifts. This idea fits both occasions! Pacific Silvercloth is a tarnish-preventing fabric that keeps both sterling silver and silver-plated treasures clean, bright and shining in-between uses without the hardwork of cleaning and polishing! Designed for function, it's a rich chocolate brown, and very cool stuff! You'll find this in all of our stores.

Here's a few gift worthy ideas for you:

• Stitch up a set of storage bags for serving pieces

• Line a custom crafted jewelry box

• Add a custom cover for a silver or plated gift you are giving
• Artfully wrap up a yard or two of Silvercloth, so the new couple can line drawers or jewelry cases or wrap other silver gifts for storage

So, how to do this? Pouches are easy. Measure some of your own tableware or serving pieces for generic sizing if you're making a set!

1. Start by running a measuring tape around the circumference of the largest part of the piece, then add 4 inches for "ease" to this measurement. This is the width.

2. Then measure the height of the piece, add 2 inches and double the measurement. This is the length.

3. Cut a piece of silvercloth that is the width x the length and stitch up the sides. Turn under a half-inch hem at the top for a drawstring or use a zipper for a little extra, classy touch. 

And there's more. . .Think about making pocket rolls for flatware or pouches with a flap on the top that folds over the front and snaps. Travel jewelry pouches would be nice for the upcoming honeymoon, too!

Don't forget Dad....

It's not always easy to make gifts for men.  In my household, one of the items they have enjoyed are pillows made from their old ski sweaters and button-down shirts.  They're still 'manly' but also look good on the couch and are good for snoozing and hanging out.

Annette has some great suggestions as well:

 

Quilts for Men is full of inspiration from "Crib to Dorm to Den". You'll find more than a dozen projects that include throws, wall hangings and full size quilts. It's a very nice illustrated book with full color diagrams and 24 full size applique patterns that could be used in lots of different ways. It may be a bit late for a large quilt, but I think an inventive quilter (like all of you, right?) could come up with a project that would be done by the 21st! Available at all of our stores.

 

Okay, call the kids, because the Man in the Kitchen apron is perfect to do with them or as a first sewing project "on their own". Dad (or Grandpa) will be SO proud! Designer Jan Lutz (the Apron Lady) says her favorite place is the kitchen and her second favorite place is the sewing room. She proves it with this nice easy, clean line apron. Try a handprint or two on the pocket or the bib, maybe a sports theme, fishing or whatever he loves and save time to make a matching mitt. Of course, the next step is have the BBQ and steaks ready when he opens the package! Available at our Bellevue, Northgate & Puyallup stores and you'll find a good selection of other apron patterns at all our stores, too.

If this isn't enough to get your creative juices flowing, why not check out the many patterns and books available at both Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing?  One of my absolute favorites is Amy Butler's In Stitches.  This book is chock full of all kinds of great gift ideas, including lots of dorm/apartment accessories.  Designs are either simple enough to create from a diagram, or else are made from the included set of patterns.  Although the photos may not look masculine, many of the projects within would be appropriate for guys with a simple change of fabrics.

Finally - how about the gift of sewing?  As a grad and a bride, my sewing machine has always been one of my most prized possessions.  I used it in college to make curtains, fix and alter clothing and even help make costumes for a theater production.  As a new "career woman" and bride, the things I've used my machines for are endless!  There are many great machines to choose from but if you're looking for something basic for a starter machine, stop in to a local Quality Sewing store for some advice.  You'll not only find a good machine, but also peace of mind knowing that your gift recipient will have excellent service, education and support for their machine as well.  You can't buy that at a box store!  And of course there are many classes offered by Pacific Fabrics and Quality Sewing to help a new enthusiast make the best use of their machine.