1. How to use the straight stitch and zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.  Knowing how to change the stitch length is also very useful.  These two stitches are incredibly versatile – in fact, they’re the ones I use 99% of the time!
2. Can you choose a pattern based on your sewing skills? Most pattern companies will list the level of difficulty for their pattern – either on the pattern envelope or in the pattern book.
3. Once you’ve picked a pattern, can you choose the correct fabric, interfacing and notions? Things like the correct fabric choice are crucial to the sucess of your finished project.  Patterns are designed to work with certain fabrics, and they generally won’t work as well with a fabric that’s really different from the one that is called for.
4. Do you know how to change the needle and clean and oil your sewing machine? Machine needles need to be changed after about 10 hours of sewing.  Keeping your machine well maintained will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
5. Can you safely handle things like seam rippers or rotary cutters? Basic safety is so important in the sewing room – it’s easy to get hurt, so learn how to handle sharp things safely.
6. Do you know basic hand stitches? Running stitches, blanket stitch, basting etc can be very hand skills to have.  Can you finish off your stitching with a knot?
7. Ironing seams during sewing as well as the finished garment is one step that will help give you a beautifully finished product.  Do you know how to use your iron with different fabrics?  Do you know how to iron things like collars or hems?
8. Can you make a buttonhole? Most sewing machines these days come with buttonhole settings, even automatic buttonhole settings.  Being able to make buttonholes will give you sew many options for creating your own garments.
9. Do you know how to sew on buttons, attach snaps or use other closures? Buttons aren’t just for garments – they show up on toys, blankets – even decorative accents in home decor.
10. Do you know how to keep yourself comfortable during sewing? Seamstresses and sewers often fold themselves into uncomfortable positions, work in poor light or have tables or chairs that are the wrong height.  If you’re comfortable, you can sew for longer and you’ll be “sew” much happier!

Is there a skill that you want to brush up on, but aren’t quite sure how?  Check out your local fabric or sewing machine shop for classes or demos.  The library or bookstore can be fantastic for learning new techniques or brushing up on old ones.  And of course, the internet is full of great ideas, techniques and videos

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

10 Things Every Seamtress Should Know

Do you need a little inspiration for arranging your sewing room or studio?

Sewing.org is running an ongoing reader challenge to share your sewing room with the world.  You can browse through photos of sewing rooms and studios – and even submit your own sewing room!

I’m not sure if I’m willing to submit my sewing room to that kind of scrutiny at the moment…  Of course – it could be a good way to inspire a good studio clean

image: Stock.xchg

Post from: Blisstree

Need a little inspiration for your sewing room?

I’m getting back into my normal schedule of studio life and teaching after December’s excitement and energy.  I definitely need to spend some time getting my studio and fabric storage area cleaned and tidied again.  I seem to have the habit of pulling fabric out, looking for inspiration… and then leaving it out.  Ah, the joys of being a visual person

I ran a month-long series on Tangled Thread during March and April last year called the “De-Stash Challenge“.  If you’re looking for ideas on how to de-stash and de-clutter your own sewing room, the series is worth checking out:

• De-stash Challenge, introduction
• Day two check-in
• Week two check-in, pattern de-stashing!
• Week three ideas
• Week four - got extra yarn?
• The final check-in

De-stashing and “shopping your own stash” are also great ways to save money and make you think about whether or not you really, truly need that new piece of fabric.  After all, if you’ve got ten boxes of fabric already – isn’t there something in your own stash you can use?

I’ll be running the challenge again this year – but you’ll have to wait for March until the official kick-off.  Let’s just consider this practice for now…

image: C Findlay-Harder

Post from: Blisstree

Clutter buster ideas for your sewing room or studio

Here are a few ideas to get you started… feel free to add more ideas as comments!

This year I resolve to:

• Maintain my sewing machine (ei change needles regularly, clean it, oil and it take it into the dealership for tune-ups)
• Learn a new stitch – once a week, once a month – whatever works for you.
• Take photos of everything I finish.  Documenting your work is important!
• Deal with my heap of UFOs – if I haven’t finished a project in five years, is it really important to keep it?  After all, it’s taking up valuable space in your studio.
• Take a class, watch a DVD, read a book – they’re great tools to help you learn a new technique.  On a tight budget?  Check out what your local library has to offer.
• Organize your stash!  Is there stuff in there that you’re never going to use?  Hold a stash swap with friends, donate it to a good cause or find a way to send it to a new home.
• Expand your artistic world.  Check out a gallery, visit a fine craft shop or even view a gallery online.  You never know – it may just trigger inspiration!
• Beautify your studio.  Is your studio dark and un-inspiring?  Take some time and improve it – after all, it’s easier to be creative if you’re happy where you’re working.

Got more suggestions – I’d love to hear them!

Post from: Blisstree

Are you making New Year’s resolutions for your studio?

I know my cutting table is about 8 inches too short for me – boy, does that hurt after a couple hours of cutting fabric!

Tami, from Lemon Tree Tales has written an excellent article on how to set up your sewing room in a way that won’t hurt your body.

It’s definitely worth checking out!

Post from: Blisstree

setting up sewing rooms

Despite my best efforts to keep everything tidied away – I don’t… I’m a very visual person and love to see how fabrics look next to each other, what happens if you put that trim or lace on them. That just seems to mean that my fabric spends a lot of time hanging around, looking pretty

This video has some great ideas for keeping your studio or sewing room organized and neat – now I just need the time to reorganize everything…

Post from: Blisstree

organzing your sewing room

Check out the film that a young woman shot of her grandmother’s sewing room!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfU7UG8s4eQ

The clip should start playing automatically, if it doesn’t click the arrow on the screen.

Post from: Blisstree

the joy of sewing rooms