Stitchery! Sewing Machine Attachments, Needle, and Thread

Sewing and what else?

2012-01-27T15:38:00.000-05:00

Sewers are always a crafty bunch! For me it is the luscious fabrics, trims, and notions I use for sewing and the mesmerizing threads, and yarns to just create. I was always fascinated by a quilt taking shape. Choosing the pattern, and fabric. Then cutting to create something totally new and beautiful. Each craft does the same, whether I am sewing or crocheting. Something new, beautiful, and at times useful is the result.

I have lots to share from my new book, The Sewing Machine Classroom! Work with fabric, threads, and add decorative elements to your sewing - and so much more. However..... I must have made the wrong New Year Resolutions as the couch potato again! One more illness to take me down for a bit. Can't get to the sewing room, so time to relax with some crochet.

Latest is a colorful Child's Blossom Purse, pattern number 60066 from Lion Brand Yarn. Also dressed up a tiny Kewpie doll. Had to "invent" this one but not bad for a first.

Next project, soon as off the couch is to make some "Operation Comfort Dolls". Found the article and pattern in my Sew News. Find the Comfort Doll Project blog and see how you can sew up some sweet and fast comfort cuties. They are given to woman who find themselves needing the comfort of a domestic abuse shelter. They let the woman know they are not alone. Will share some pics before I mail mine off. How many can you make and send? Head to the Sew News web site to find their address and contact person!

Happy Stitchery!
Charlene

Still time for a HUGE reduction in purchases

2012-01-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

There is still time for the huge reduction on your entire order!

I am presently working on the web site and hopefully it will give you more types of products and free information. Wish me luck on the video process for using your attachments AND how to embellish your sewing projects.

For a few more weeks you can still get the 75% off your entire order by typing the discount code 2012 when checking out. Time to grab some scissors, maybe scissor sharpener, pins, and sewing machine attachments. Items are going fast so grab yours today!

Remember that Murphy's Law? Just when there is so much to do for the new year I come down with "something" and been a couch potato for over two weeks. Orders are still going out!

Have a wonderful new year and the huge savings is my THANK YOU for fabulous internet friends.

Happy stitchery,

Charlene

happy near year!

2012-01-02T07:18:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to all! Sorry no post for a week but been sick and on couch the entire week. Not a fun way to get "waited" on, nor to lose weight. I appreciate you all!

Stay well and happy stitcherycharlene

Is it Murphy's Law?

2011-12-29T22:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas rush and enjoyment is over. Time to just relax and do several things just for the fun of it and without a deadline. Right? Well, thanks to Murphy's Law that just isn't the case. Have my books and threads surrounding me - while I lay on the couch and feeling under the weather. Yep! Murphy's Law!

Give me some encouragement and what have you been doing for fun? Just reading of your fun projects will put me on the mend so much faster!

As always, Happy Stitchery!
Charlene

add slots to your purse

2011-12-28T16:36:00.000-05:00

I have a slew of store reward cards and can never get them easily. This looks like it will be perfect for the next purse I make (yes! love any and all purses!). Check out the Threads web site instructions. If you make any send pics to me at charlene@thesewbox.com LOVE to share what you are sewing.

Slots to purses

Now that Christmas is over, just what are you up to? I have been finishing a quilt for the granddaughter, finishing some crochet projects, and just generally having a great time!

Happy Stitchery,
Charlene

Ready to start the new year!

2011-12-25T20:11:00.000-05:00

Christmas is over and a wonderful time with the children and grandchildren! Always so nice to make presents as seems to give more of yourself? I would love to hear and see pics of what you made! Send any pics to charlene@thesewbox.com and I will post to the blog. Share your talents!

I finally finished all the tiny Thread bears and now have set a goal to make one about 1 inch tall. Will be a challenge as don't have a pattern, but relaxing to do.

Also got several antique chairs that have been in the family. The material is a velvet of type. Now how should I clean them? Especially as they are so old, not even sure if new products will work. So need some suggestions!

Goals this week is to relax some more, and sew and crochet things just for fun! Also clean up the Christmas decorations. Over and done with as they say!

Happy Stitchery,
Charlene

Almost Christmas time!

2011-12-17T09:50:00.000-05:00

I love the holidays, and Christmas is so special. Wonderful family traditions and many great memories.

I have been so busy sewing, serging, and crocheting! Christmas presents are being turned out daily but time is running out!

Take a few minutes from your busy holiday schedule and browse the website, The Sew Box

I have a HUGE sale for you. Need new scissors? Pins? Books? Attachments? More? Grab new items for the new year or a lovely Christmas present for a friend.

SAVE 60% on your entire order.

Use discount code christmas2011 when checking out.

I have been busy editing my 3rd book, Simply Serging, and working on family Christmas presents. I do promise some pics and some new sewing techniques will come soon. Right now we are all on the Christmas sewing mode, aren't we?

Ready to learn some new sewing techniques and have a fabulous sewing resource book? Email me to order my new book, The Sewing Machine Classroom. Buy for you and a friend! Book not included in the sale discount.

Happy Stitchery!
Charlene

Thread Bears

2011-12-08T23:01:00.001-05:00

A 2 1/5 inch bear?

Absolutely the cutest! Crochet the bear and then sew or crochet their outfit. I am using cotton crochet thread #10 and a size 6 hook. I have seen the bears made from punch thread and just as cute!

So far (after over an hour - but I did get a snack, and jumped up other times), I have finished the head! Adorable and so small. Can't wait to work on the rest of my little darling tomorrow.

The original creator of the Thread Bear is Edith Molina.
I found her fabulous instructions easy to follow.
Click to head to one of her sites and drool over the bears!

Until then - Happy Stitchery!

You are the talents of the next generation!

Charlene

THANK YOU!

2011-12-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Hello all FB friends!

At times I don't write too often of late and must explain so you don't worry. For the past year my sister has been dealing with pancreatic cancer and multiple complications. When I am needed, I am at her side whether at the hospital or just dr appointments. She is doing well right now, and we are blessed to have her each and every day.

I plan to donate 10% of my first royalties to a pancreatic cancer research organization. So feel honored when purchasing my new book, The Sewing Machine Classroom, that you are helping many others in need. Right now it and all items on my website are 40% off using the discount code home2011.

Thank you and I am blessed to have you. May your Christmas holidays be full of joy.

NOW, onward with our sewing and all needlework of sorts! You are all so creative in sewing, knitting, crochet, huck weaving, and sew much more. Right now I am following some instructions from my new book to spice and jazz up Christmas gifts. There is SEW much you can do with your sewing machine and a few attachments! Like this drawstring lunchbag. I am also working on crochet items.

Whether using fabric or yarns, nothing is so satisfying. All those lovely patterns, colors, and textures are just lovely! I really think I MUST have them all..... just to look at and dream of the many projects to make.

Happy stitchery!
Charlene

Inventory REDUCTION Sale!

2011-12-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

Time for the end-of-the-year inventory reduction SALE.

Get 40% off your entire order. Enter the code home2011 upon checkout.

This sale will last for the next few weeks so grab your favorite items fast!

Need gifts for sewing friends? This is the best time to buy!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

Hemstitcher and buttonholer

2011-12-03T20:15:00.000-05:00

Take a look at the 1948 advertisement - get the hemstitcher AND the buttonholer for only $1.00! I have seen quite a few of these vintage attachments and LOVE them!

Fashions certainly do come and go - AND return many years later. I love my fingerless gloves and wear them inside and outside. Got my yarn and ready to crochet myself a pair from the 1948 pattern.

In craft heaven tonight. Just received over 100 Workbasket magazines. They are filled with crafty items to crochet, knit, etch glass, paint fabric, sew, and more. They were printed "for pleasure and profit". They were to help women make a bit of money at craft fairs and bazaars. So far I am still in 1948 issues. Have all the 1950s to go!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

December 1st

2011-12-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

It is now officially December and holiday gift making is in full swing!

I have my fabrics and yarns and working away. I always have more ideas than time - happens each year. There are so many creative ideas to find on the web. If ever at a loss of how to sew a nice pillowcase, crochet ribbed pillows, or all those other ideas you have, you can quite easily do a web search.

What fabulous web sites have you found? What are some "found" ideas while shopping? I saw the cutest purse made to look like Santa's hat! Time to think about that one!

I always find the men in the family harder to sew for. I know YOU have some wonderful ideas! Share them with us. Last night I continued to crochet pillow covers and add decorative edgings to tea towels.

Happy holiday time and don't forget to pamper YOU!

Happy Stitchery,

Charlene

Yarns and Puppy Cut

2011-11-30T17:11:00.000-05:00

Precious new puppy got her first haircut - a "puppy cut". Believe she looks more like the cocker spaniel she is. A little biased but she is so adorable!

Not only love to collect fabric but yarn is so lovely just sitting on the shelf. All types and colors. That light blue is so soft to just touch! Working on the crochet edging and pics to follow - where does the time go? How many days until Christmas???????

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

Crochet edgings

2011-11-30T07:27:00.000-05:00

Time again for holiday gifts!

Making some tea towels and a slight diversion from total sewing - adding lovely crochet edging to the towels. Crochet is such a relaxing craft; sitting in front of the fire (electric not wood burning) and drinking a luscious cup of cocoa (from a ready mix, not homemade); all while watching TV (HD and in color, not black and white).

Remember those wonderful and gorgeous edgings made with the very teeny tiny yarn and that very small crochet hook? Well, I made one of those and now on to thicker thread and bigger crochet hooks! Time is wasting and teeny tiny doesn't make it right now!

First I take needle and yarn and sew a blanket stitch along the edge. That gives me the foundation row for my crochet. After that it is just a choice of which stitch to make. For the first ones I chose the shell stitch. Soon as finished will head on to the next set of towels and another crochet stitch.

Promise pics will come REAL soon!

Happy Stitchery!
Charlene

P.S. Time to think about Christmas gifts! Not sure what to give your fav sewing buddy? Check out my new book, The Sewing Machine Classroom. Sent author signed at your request.

CYBER MONDAY

2011-11-28T09:03:00.000-05:00

Time for 25% off your entire order!

Happy CYBER MONDAY! Hope to help on your sewing savings! Use code 'cyber2011' when checking out to save 25% on entire order. Each order will be entered for a drawing mid-December of sewing goodies! Happy Shopping!

Shop for savings from home!

2011-11-22T13:34:00.000-05:00

Turkey time and shopping time. What can get better?

For 5 days only you can save 10% on your entire order by using the code 'turkeytime' at checkout. PLUS choose FREE SHIPPING! A win-win for you.

I am truly thankful for all my internet friends. There isn't a better group to share thoughts, sewing, and ideas with. Thank you all! I hope to keep sharing with you, and learning from you!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Charlene

Serging book cover

2011-11-17T20:05:00.000-05:00

Got to watch some very talented people during the photo shoot for the cover. What a fun time! They have some great shots to choose from and will be exciting to see what they choose for the serging book.

I have extended the drawing for a copy of my newly released book, The Sewing Machine Classroom. So many questions coming in. I will have the drawing TOMORROW evening! Soooooo..... send on your serger questions right now to be entered. Any question and all questions are welcome. Love to have your question published in the serger book.

Right now am spending a quiet evening with the computer and my new puppy, Abigail, just laying quietly at my feet. She is just fabulous! and has grown so much in the past weeks! Guess you could say she is now spoiled. A lovely little Cocker Spaniel. Truly nice therapy.

With the photo shoot finished, can now begin sewing for the holidays! have so many ideas for all the kids and grandchildren. Always fun to just have a nice "homemade" Christmas.

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

Serger Book Photo Shoot

2011-11-15T17:52:00.000-05:00

What a fabulous 3 days spent at the photo shoot for my next book about serging! Busy mornings and afternoons spent shooting each shot of step-by-steps. Best part? Delicious lunches AND cheesecake! Need I say more? Long days and that cheesecake really helps! All done under gifted hands of the photographer. Christine you are way too great!

Next step is more editing, the layout, and designing each page. All to give you a clear and fun book about serging. Not hard work at all, especially with the help of a too FAB editor. Yep! Kelly you are wonderful!

In several days I will head back to the studio as they work on the cover shots. This is very exciting to just sit back and watch the designer at work. Such talent! I am always in awe of their finished work. Julie is an expert and you only have to look at my presently released book, The Sewing Machine Classroom, to see her results!

Back home and the first place to head is, of course, the couch! Way more tired than I would imagine, but satisfied.

Now I am unpacking the samples and getting the sewing room re-organized. Ready to begin some new projects!

Happy stitchery,

Charlene

Serging some nifty kitchen gloves

2011-10-23T16:50:00.000-04:00

Always love to find new ideas for the serger and Bernina has a nify pair of gloves. Buy regular kitchen gloves and add a nice ruffle to the edge. I plan to make my ruffle from oilcloth! Looks fairly quick and easy so thinking of some nice gifts while I am at it.

Have fun making your own!

Charlene

Book Givaway!

2011-10-14T10:38:00.000-04:00

I have gotten the advance copies of my new book, with more on the way! I am absolutely in love with the publisher's work. A very, very talented group of people!

As I am now working on the third book all about sergers, full of many projects to complete on the serger - I hope to have your questions in my book. What questions do you have about sergers or working with one? I have gotten some great ones so far.

A book givaway is always nice! I will have a drawing for a signed copy of my new book, The Sewing Machine Classroom. All you have to do is send in a question about sergers. Send to me at charlene@thesewbox.com. Also please send your full name and address. The publisher will send you a release form letting us use your question and name.

YOU can be in my new book AND have a chance to receive a copy of my newly released one - before they hit the book stores!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

Amulet Pouch

2011-10-02T17:32:00.000-04:00

After making just one of these lovely pouches, you will be making one for everybody! According to
Wikipedia an amulet is many things. It can be an object that protects one from trouble, intended to bring good luck and protection, Amulets can be many things - stones, gems, coins, rings, plants, and of course, pouches to hold any of those special objects, or even prayers.

An amulet is worn at heart level. You can fill your own with special objects someone has given you, or prayers for a loved one.

They are quite easy to make, either on the sewing machine or using your serger. I recently made one of silk and the serger was the best choice, to keep from fraying. A good time to use special stitches or sewing machine feet. Use the cording or beading foot to add beads or sequins. Do some couching, or embroidery.

Cut two pieces of fabric 3 x 7" - a cover and a lining. Measure over 1" from each top side and mark (will leave an inch left in the middle). Now measure 1" down from the top. Draw a line from from the side edge to the top. Cut. I pin both the cover and the lining so they remain the same size.

If your fabric is brocade or silk you should overcast the edge. This keeps it from fraying while you work on it. If your fabric is sheer or very lightweight, you should also cut a piece of medium weight stabilizer.

Now the fun begins! Pull out all those lovely threads, beads, sequins, anything! First fold the bottom up about 2/3. Fold the top down. How does it look? Is this the size flap you want? If not then just refold to get the right look you want. Now remember which side will show on the outside. I go ahead and mark it somehow, especially if your fabrics are the same.

Time to decorate! Embellish it anyway you want! Remember, if your fabric is sheer or lightweight, place the stabilizer under the cover fabric while you embellish the piece. This will keep all your stitches sharp and provide ample support for couching.

Time to add the lining and hide all those inside stitches. Your choice:

Place right sides together and stitch around the two sides and top. Open to right side. Topstitch the bottom closed. Fold the bottom up 2/3 and stitch the bottom area. Keep the flap free.
Place wrong sides together. Fold the bottom up 2/3 and overcast the two bottom edges.

Stitch a buttonhole in the middle of the flap. Add button and add a lovely strap.

Your amulet pouch is ready to be worn over your heart. Fill with all your prayers and special objects.

Enjoy!

Charlene

Sewing Machine & Serger Feet and accessories

2011-09-21T18:23:00.000-04:00

Always nice to share a reputable business - The Colorfulworld of Sewing. Whether you are looking for sewing machine feet, serger feet, or sewing accessories you can certainly find it here AND personal customer care. I needed some feet very quickly for my serger, and they arrived in no time. These are probably 3 of my favorite feet - gathering foot, piping foot, and the beading foot.

If you haven't used your serger for a while, time to pull it out and see what feet you may have. They make so many tasks easier!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

National Sewing Month

2011-09-06T07:10:00.000-04:00

We have all kinds of special months celebrating so much of what we do, and who we are. September is National Sewing Machine Month and time to celebrate!

What types of sewing will you do this month? Are you sewing for organizations and hospitals in need? Teaching our younger generation to sew? This is the month to find something - somewhere - that can help others in even a small way.

What will you plan to do? Let us know! Give a post and tell us of all the fantastic things you are doing for others!

This is a nice time to reflect on all the sewing skills you have, and those you are still wanting to learn. Find your local quilt shop and see what classes are offered. Two of my most favorite and I mean FAVORITE stores in my area are:

Bella Quilts, Hamilton, Ohio - staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and the fabric is outstanding! All types of classes are offered from quilting to hand techniques. Love the Civil War era? Raven is not only the owner, but a true expert! You will find many lovely fabrics replicating the time.

Pohlar Fabrics, Liberty, Indiana - I call my best kept secret in Indiana but as many of you are finding your way there - I guess the cat is out of the bag! You will be greeted by Rose, her daughter Megan, and a wonderful staff. There are bolts upon bolts upon bolts of fabric and it would take a day to see it all!

For myself a little reminiscence - so much to be thankful for and to celebrate this month. My first book, The Sewing Machine Attachment Handbook, was a true love to put together. If you haven't found it yet, grab one as stores can sell out quickly. You have all those attachments, both vintage and new, and time to put them to work! They will make your sewing enjoyable.

My second book, The Sewing Machine Classroom, is due to be released shortly and the excitement is high! Need some refresher or just learning to sew? This will give you a very nice reference book to keep by the sewing machine. Special fabrics, special threads, and so many types of needles do take a tad of adjustments on your machine. Learn how AND see some techniques in action. Battenburg lace is still a favorite of mine, or make your own handlooms to decorate and insert. So much is in this book, and in a nice friendly format. Already to be pre-ordered from Amazon. I will receive my advance copies in just a few short weeks. Can not wait!

Now I am working on the next book, so far called Simply Serging. As we go through the writing and editing process the name may change but you get the idea. You will learn a bit about sergers, maybe help you muddle through which one to buy, and then on to so many quick and easy projects! There will be at least 25 in this awesome book and right now I am just having a super time developing and choosing which ones YOU will enjoy the most.

Questions about sergers? I want to include you in this next book. I have already received some great and challenging questions about sergers. Send me yours and it will be included. Send the question to my email charlene@thesewbox.com. Also give me your name and full address. The publisher will want to get your permission to print the question. This is such a fun part of the book! No matter the question, send it on. If you are pondering it, then others are too.

So much fun during the past year - whether I am teaching a class, presenting at a conference, or just playing in the sewing room - I enjoy every minute. AND the best part is "talking" with all of you about sewing! keep the emails coming!

Some fun things: There are so many to choose from! I love using sewing attachments whether they are vintage or new. I keep all my machines running and go back and forth between the sewing machine and the serger. Would you believe the serger did the first photo? Absolutely easy to gather and sew onto another fabric in one sewing pass. The same can be done on the sewing machine using the double shirring gathering foot! Now aren't we a lucky bunch to have so much information at our hands?

No matter what you are doing - keep sewing!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene

Serger Gathering

2011-08-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

So many things to gather with granddaughters! Give it a whirl with your serger, whether you have a gathering foot or not.

Without a gathering foot serger settings:
left and right needles at the highest number
differential feed (if you have it) about 2
stitch length at 4 (longest stitch length)

Set your fabric under the standard serger foot and go! Serge off, leaving at least 7 or 8 inches of thread tail. Don't cut threads close to fabric or you will lose all that work! Also don't pull on the edge of the fabric, or again - gathering is lost!

On the other hand, if you find you have too much fullness then give that edge a slight pull. Adjust gathers.

If you have a gathering foot, follow the settings given for your machine. You also have the advantage of being able to gather and sew to another piece of fabric at the same time.

Have fun and just enjoy the serger!
Charlene

The Sewing Machine Classroom: Learn the Ins & Outs of Your Machine

2011-08-19T08:21:00.000-04:00

So excited! Amazon has my book, The Sewing Machine Classroom, ready for pre-order!

Talk about fast. Editor has sent it off to the printers and soon I will have my very first "look-see" of the book actually printed. Once we take a good peek, then the printer continues printing the books. Can't wait to actually hold and read through again. As soon as it becomes available, I will have them on hand to sign for you!

I do hope you like this one as much as many of you gave enjoyed the Attachment book. Both are nice reference books to keep by the machine. I certainly hope to help you gain control of YOUR sewing machine (and not let it control you!). Once again, the publisher did a most fantastic job of photography, editing, layout, design - a very talented group!

I am so proud to begin working with them on the next book. For this one, we are stepping to the serger. So very much fun coming up with the patterns and tips! So onward to the next one! Photo shoot scheduled for early November and I will certainly be ready!

You get to be in this book! Just email me a question about sergers or serging. We will choose a certain number to place in the book with my responses. Just email your question, name, and address (later the publisher will need a release form to print your question). Email to me at charlene@thesewbox.com. Simple enough! All questions are welcome, regardless of whether you think it is a very simple one. Love the challenge of sorting through and coming up with nice and clear answers. So, your time to shine! Send them on!

Happy Stitchery!

Charlene