Maria Sews A Lot

Memory apron Maria's Memory Pillows

2017-07-21T22:36:00.002-04:00

Very excited about this new addition to my memory item collection, made from a men's shirt.

New scarves

2015-07-11T16:19:00.001-04:00

Memory Pillows

2015-04-03T23:50:00.001-04:00

Memory Pillows

I started making these Memory Pillows that I just love. Memory Pillows to keep anyone you love, or have loved and lost, close to your heart. People drop off or mail me their clothes and I turn them into cherished pillows.

I love the embroidery some people want the same others want something a little different.

These are great for when someone is traveling or the kids miss their grandparents or the grandparents miss the grandkids. I know my parents do. They are also great for graduation gifts, so someone can have it at College.

I feel people are really enjoying the idea of these pillows and once they actually see theirs made they are going to be so happy.

Maria

Sewing Classes

2015-03-19T11:47:00.001-04:00

People keep asking me about sewing classes. What is it about sewing that they like? How come people keep coming in to sew?

Well here is the truth. People come in because they like to create something. People can't believe that in two hours they can make a wristlet, a teddy bear, some even pajama pants. They leave here saying it's a great feeling to create something. People come in not knowing how to use a sewing machine and then leave with the confidence to use it and make something on their own.

It's a great feeling to turn your bag inside out and it's done. It's also a great feeling when you finish stuffing your teddy bear. People leave here saying it's so exciting and until you try it you really will never know. Give sewing a try and look around you and see how many things around you are really sewn.

Maria

Mini tote bag instructions

2015-03-19T10:06:00.001-04:00

Cut two pieces of material

8"wide by 9" high

Cut two handles

To desired lenght

Stitch around three sides, make sure you backstitch at the beginning and end.

Fold the corners into a triangle to form the bottom. For this size I did two inches from the center of the needle to the tape. ( I like to use the tape when teaching these so both sides are the same.)

Fold the top over double 1/2" and pin handles in place.

Stitch across top, make sure you secure handles by going back and forth a couple of times on each.

You are done! Congratulations.

Maria

Buy local

2015-03-17T11:41:00.001-04:00

Today I have a lot of sewing to do. So I thought why not go to my favorite breakfast place and get myself a nice omelette. I walk in like I always do get my coffee look at the menu and I was get the same thing a western omelette with wheat toast. Seriously why change when something is good.

You're thinking what does this have to do with sewing. It doesn't other than the fact that it's a local small business, just like mine. It was just so nice to sit there and see when someone was leaving and needed help with their coat somebody was there to help him put it on. You don't get that through drive-through.

People say sewing is a lost art, I feel sitting down to enjoy in a nice breakfast is a lost art. Sewing a lot of fun for a lot of people. People love coming in taking a creative break and making something. Now if there was just a way to make them slow down and enjoy their breakfast.

Maria

This week's schedule

2015-02-23T17:56:00.001-05:00

This is what's going on this week

There is a lot going on this week, but first of all I want to say thank you to the people that came out to my first Sew Fun Sunday. We got a lot done. It made me realize that I should do these more often so people can sew for three or four hours straight and get their projects done.

Tuesday I'm going to be at Sewfisticated Fabrics in Framingham and you get to choose your project it's a Make it take it like always and its $25.00 per person and includes supplies and use of machines. First session is 11:00-12:00 and second is 12:30-1:30.

Wednesday and Thursday I'm doing Groupon sewing 101 classes and Friday private sewing classes in the morning.

Friday afternoon I will be at TC Scoops in Medway making Easter Baskets from 4:00-5:00. The fee is $25.00 and includes supplies snd use of sewing machines. Afterward I am staying for ice cream with Tina and hope you do too.

Saturday is my Kids Sewing Party. I'm excited about it and the girls are too. We sew, we eat, we sew some more.

Senior Bibs

2015-01-10T07:44:00.001-05:00

Here is my latest creation senior bibs. I just love them, I'm making them in solid colors and whatever theme someone wants. I thought they would be great as lobster bibs bibs so you don't ruin your shirts.

New patches

2014-12-30T07:46:00.001-05:00

These are patches I sewed on leather. I used a size 18 needle and had no problem with my regular HUSQVARNA sewing machine.

Infinity Scarves

2014-11-19T23:20:00.001-05:00

Infinity Scarves

Some of the infinity scarves made by some of my students during sewing classes.

Enjoy,

Maria

Ornament and Earring making class at Maria Sews A lot

2014-11-09T22:11:00.001-05:00

Take a creative break and come make some ornaments with us. I'm very excited about our Make it Take it class on Friday November 14th. It's from 6:30-8:30 and the first hour we will be making ornaments and the second hour we will be making earrings. wwww.mariasewsalot.com

Hope you stop by,

Maria

Versatile Wrap October 21, 2014

2014-10-19T15:54:00.001-04:00

Sewing class at Sewfisticated in Framingham

2014-10-07T09:39:00.001-04:00

Sew Today

2014-10-03T13:34:00.001-04:00

New Maria Sews A Lot logo

2014-09-30T08:12:00.001-04:00

Morning inspiration

2014-09-17T08:22:00.001-04:00

Hope this brings you some inspiration for your day.

Infinity Scarves

2014-09-16T08:42:00.001-04:00

These are infinity scarf samples I made for a class I will be teaching, hope you like them.

Have a great day,

Maria

Basic sewing machine clean up

2014-09-15T14:38:00.001-04:00

I like to keep a soft bristle paint brush near my sewing machine to sweep it up after my sewing projects. That way my area is clean and all the loose threads are picked up and gone.

I also like to use a small sewing machine brush to clean out under my bobbin or behind my bobbin case. There are always loose threads in there or lint from your thread or fabric. If you have a new machine it keeps it your sensors working. If you have an older machine or newer machine it just helps it work better.

Hope this helped you a little bit and happy sewing,

Maria

Floral inspiration

2014-07-01T07:33:00.001-04:00

This is what I found in my garden this morning! Hope it gives you inspiration like it did for me. Happy sewing.

Maria

Summer Sewing Camp At Maria Sews A Lot

2014-06-17T09:28:00.000-04:00

Sewing Camps Available for the Summer

Fun sewing classes so you can learn to use a sewing machine, read a pattern and let out your creativity. The student will pick a project each day while learning how to put in a zipper, insert an elastic and a few other challenging sewing skills. Class sizes are small so each student will be able to get individual attention while practicing his or her new skill. No more than 5 students per class. 4 Required per session for class to run.

***Supplies included for the first two days of classes.

Camp dates

July 7th-11th

July 14th-18th

Morning classes from 10:00-12:00 will be in Framingham at Sewfisticated on Howard St $125.00 for week

http://sewfisticated.com/framingham-ma-store/

July 21st-25th

July 28th- August 1st

Class hours:

9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday

1:00pm-4:00pm Monday-Friday

Cost: $185.00

Minimum number of students required for each session to run

Contact me with any questions

Where Friends and Creativity Meet

Sewing Camp Schedule

Day One:

Learn to use your sewing machine. Start with a simple project like a pillow or a tote bag.

Day Two:

Refresh your skills with the machine and make a pillow or tote bag.

Day Three:

Continue your progress with your machine and make a purse or a zippered wristlet.

Day Four:

Master your new skills by making a stuffed animal of your choice.

Day Five:

Perfect your skills by making a pair of pajama pants.

***Based on skill level and interests projects can be changed and chosen by the student.

Cute Pillowcase Dress How-To by guest writers: Angelina and Isabella

2014-05-30T12:14:00.000-04:00

This blog is being taken over temporarily by worker bees Izzy and Angelina as they guide you through a simple tutorial for a pillowcase dress. This cute and easy project is suitable for kids or teens as a beach cover-up, a fun party dress, or a casual sun dress. Work alongside with us as we put together this adorable outfit.

Step 1: Fold your fabric over to have two panels and decide how long you want your dress to be. We decided to mark it at about 34 inches. Then, we cut the fabric along our marking.

Step 2: Cut down the center between your two folds to create two panels of fabric.

Step 3: Mark where your arm holes will be on both panels. Then cut them out. (At this point you should line up your panels to make sure they are the same length and that there are no irregularities.)

Step 4: Take both pieces of fabric and place them right sides together. Then pin them together along the sides, leaving arm holes open.

Step 5: Get over to your sewing machine and sew both sides of the dress, leaving the top and bottom open.

Step 6: Create a casing for the elastic that will be at the top of your dress. Fold the fabric at the top over and iron it to create a crease, then fold it over again so there are no raw edges. Sew the casing so there is an opening through which you will thread your elastic.

Step 7: Measure and cut your elastic. Cut out two pieces at about a length of 7 inches each.

Step 8: Thread the elastic through the casing, then sew the edges closed on both sides. (Remember to backstitch the edges!)

Step 9: Place Bias tape along the sides where the arm holes will be. (We used Bias tape but ribbon will work just as well.) Pin the tape, then sew it on. When sewed, the Bias tape will be ribbon-like and tie above the shoulders to create straps.

Step 10: Hem the bottom of your dress, and you're done!

Thanks for sewing with us, we hope you've enjoyed this tutorial for an adorable pillowcase dress.

Until next time!
Peace Out,
Isabella and Angelina

Sewing Birthday party

2014-04-27T23:31:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited, I had my first sewing Birthday party. It was very busy. I had eight new sewers on my hand. I hand to teach them to use the machines, make sure the used them safe, followed directions and sewed straight. They did great! I think I enjoyed the experience as much as they did. There is nothing like the feeling of hearing someone new saying this is so much fun. That's all I wanted out if my day, to make sewing fun. Here are some of the handbags they made. Pretty good job if I do say so myself. I wouldn't be surprised if more then half of them don't become life long sewers.

The pattern for these handbags will be available shortly on my website. The handbags are reversible and great for beginners. This pattern was designed by a 20 year old new sewer. I do have to say I am impressed with that myself.

www.mariasewsalot.com

Monograms & custom embroidery

2014-04-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

Love these two!

Zipper pouch

2014-04-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

Zippered pouch

Supplies needed

4 pieces of fabric the same size

Zipper the same size as top of your bag or pouch

Standard sewing machine foot and zipper foot

Thread

Pins

1. Place zipper face down on right side of fabric (facing outside fabric).

2. Place lining fabric on top of back side of zipper and pin all three layers. Make sure all three edges are even.

3. Unzip zipper a little before you start sewing so you don't have a bump near the zipper pull. Stitch zipper using your zipper foot. Make sure you remember to back stitch at the beginning and end of the zipper. (Hint when doing zippers always open it a little sew until you are near the zipper pull, but not on top of it and close the zipper that way you don't get that bump around the pull and continue sewing).

4. Open up fabric

5. Place outside fabric over zipper and lining under zipper as shown and stitch. Remember to leave zipper open a little when you are sewing.

6. Open all four layers and pin all around make sure the outside fabric edges all meet and the lining edges all meet. Leave a hole at the bottom in the lining so you can turn it inside out.

7. Stitch all around remember to leave a hole and backstitch at beginning and end. When you get to your corners put your needle down lift your presser foot and turn your fabric so you have a sharp corner, lower your presser foot and continue sewing. Make sure you do that for all four corners. Careful when you sew near the edge of your zipper.

8. Turn it inside out and close the hole in the lining either by machine or by hand.

9. Push corners out and lining in and you are done!

Congratulations, I'm so proud!

Creative life quote

2014-04-13T21:23:00.001-04:00