Cool People Sew

Scrappy Birdie Towel

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:04:00 +0000

Oh my do I have a lot of scraps!!!

I continue to save them, because I knew they would come in handy.

Check this out...

From a scrap of terry cloth, fabric, old dress, and a button

The scrappy hand towel was made!

Bird inspired because it is spring time!

This is sure to surprise those using your guest bathroom.

Knock off Anthro Mugs

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 01:29:00 +0000

So "knock off" week was fun for me at SYTYC,
because I got to make something that I couldn't afford to buy!!

Ha! Ok maybe you can afford to shop at Anthropologie, but not me. And even if I can buy it, something inside of me screams,

"YOU CAN MAKE THAT!"

Anthropologie Homegrown Monogram Mugs

I had been eying these mugs for a long time and thought that this challenge would be the perfect time to make them.

I started out with some simple white mugs, ceramic paint, and floral stamps.

I did some bigger mugs too, because let's be honest I drink a lot more coffee than those small mugs will hold!

Thrifted Kitchen Island

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:00:00 +0000

This has to the best challenge ever!!!

I L.O.V.E the thrift store and visit mine often {atleast a few times a week}.

It is just so much fun to find rejects and turn them into treasures. There are days that I hear lamps whispering to me..."take me home and make me pretty." I know that some of you understand what I am talking about.

Anyways, there was a sofa side table with a marble top that was destined to be something amazing staring at me this week. I needed a small kitchen island and knew the top of that table would be perfect!!!

After finding some old shutters the kitchen island project began.

First I measured and used the miter saw to cut the shutters down. No husband needed. I just got brave and did it. It was kind of empowering.

I used a few screws to create the shelf in the island and top, which secured the base and then placed the marble on top and used a strong adhesive glue to hold it down. Lastly a quick coat of pretty paint!

I am already loving it! I gave it a small lip, so I can pull stools up to it for my kitchen "helpers/mess makers."

Dollar Store Ruffled Bubble

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:16:00 +0000

Well here was my dollar store challenge over at SYTYC last week!

So I think I spent more time wandering around in the Dollar Store than I did working on my project this week!!! Who knew there was so much in that store and in such a small space. I think I was in there wandering the isles for at least two hours with a baby on my hip... whew!

Okay so here is my project, inspired by the wonderful warm weather around my parts. We needed a new summer bubble for my new crawler. Who doesn't love to see chubby legs in the summer time!!! They are so sweet.

So using a pattern, I cut two super soft $1.00 shirts, extending the straps so they would tie on the shoulders.

I added a ruffle across the chest using scraps from an old shirt.

And lastly, I ruffled the edge of the legs using a zigzag stitch and add buttons for the closures from the same old shirt.

Simple but practical.

Dollar Store Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:15:00 +0000

So I mentioned that I was crafting in a friendly competition over at S.Y.T.Y.C.

This week was a Dollar Store Challenge and I have to say it was a hard one for me!!

Go over, check it out, and vote for your favorite {I hope it is mine :)}

Here are a list of the great bloggers that are participating!

Wendy @ Craft Goodies
Angela @ The Wray Sisters
June @ Creations by June
Kimberly @ Bugaboo, Mini, Mr. & Me
Brittany @ BK’s Craft Blog
Amanda @ Simply Homemade
Taylor @ Taylor Made
Jama @ Cool People Sew
Sarah @ Sara vs Sarah

Easy Peasy Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:13:00 +0000

I am so excited to be crafting on soyouthinkyourecrafty.com!!

Did you vote?? So here was my project!

Who doesn’t love a CHEAP, EASY, CUTE sewing project!!!

I love to thrift and see simple shirred dresses like this one on almost every rack! So I thought… “Why not make a pair of girlie pants out of these castaways?”

The ruffle is there, the elastic is there and the side seam is sewn… simple simple simple!

~~Using a pant pattern~~ or really just another pair of pants, I created the legs, using the ruffle along the bottom of the dress as the ruffle along the bottom of the pants. I also used the already sewn side seam of the dress as the side seam of the pants.

I altered the shirred top of the dress to be the waistband of the pants and that is it!

Added a fabric flower for f.u.n. to the waistband…

And that is it!

This simple pair of pants took about 10 minutes and cost 2.99! I hope you go make some too!

SYTYC

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:12:00 +0000

I am so excited about getting to be a part of this super fun crafting competition!!!

So You Think You’re Crafty is a blog where lots of fun ideas are born!

Check it out over the next few weeks and vote!

Happy Sewing {or crafting}

Jama

My New Website..

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:35:00 +0000

~~Dear Followers!!!~~

~~I have migrated my blog from blogger to wordpress.... sigh....~~

~~I am not techno, but didn't want to pay to have someone else do it.~~

~~I apologize if this has caused some confusion, but the feed is now different.~~

~~The address is still at coolpeoplesew.com!!!~~

~~I am competing in a little crafting competition the next few weeks and would love for you to check it out an soyouthinkyourecrafy.com~~

Dear Fellow Sewers,

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Today I got on the computer for the first time in a few weeks and did a few house keeping things. Among those, I checked on my sewing blog. Wow!! I can't believe that I have not posted since October. I am such a SLACKER! I have been sewing a project here or there, but mostly trying to keep my family together.

I don't write much on this blog, because I know that you want to learn to sew! But I thought I would take a minute and encourage those who are like me and have had to put sewing on hold. In May we moved and then in June we brought home our sweet baby girl! Having three kiddos definitely threw me for a loop. I did a few projects like baby bedding and cloth diapers, which didn't last too long :) Atleast I tried! HA!

Well right about when I felt like I was getting it all under control, my husband had a dream job interview working as the International Manager of Lifeline Children's Services!! So November we began interviewing and then in between Christmas and New Years we moved! Whew... I get tired thinking about it :) Right now we are living with his parents and HOPE to close on our new house March 5! I should have a lot of new house sewing projects soon. All of this to say, not much sewing has been going down around here.

As I was looking back over my blog and reading such sweet encouraging comments, I realized that this is what I love to do!! I love showing and teaching others how to sew. I love seeing your creations and being inspired to keep going. I know that there are a lot of you sewers, who want to sew but you just don't have time right now. I hear you! And that is okay! Being an available mother and wife is much more important than another dress or pillow.

So I encourage you other seamstresses that are so frustrated that you can't find time to do what you love! So much of being a wife and mama is at times sacrificing what you love to care for those you love. For me, at times, this means sewing! But I encourage you that soon the dust will settle and those little kids won't be so little anymore. They will not need you to ties all of their shoes, they will be able to fix their own lunch, and we will have time then to sew.

But I can see the light at the end of the my tunnel and know that soon I will find my place behind my sewing machine. That my little moments of sanity will be in my new sewing room! But until there is peace in my home I am holding down the fort around here :)

I am getting excited about spring. What are you sewing in preparation for warmer weather! What would you like to see posted here on Cool People Sew? I am excited about sewing for a little girl this spring. I started a bishop dress a few months ago, that desperately needs finished.

Is there anyone who would like to share a project?? I would love to have you as a guest blogger, while I am getting things moved and under control around here!

Email me at coolpeoplesew at gmail dot com!

Happy Sewing!! Jama

Vintage Baby Bedding

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:04:00 +0000

It took me a long time to get it finished, but I am done!

It was so much fun to sew for a girl :)

Inspiration piece: a vintage hand-stitched unfinished quilt

{sorry lighting is not good in her room}

above crib: eeboo counting cards

idea from amanda, my friend :)

{red and white mini dot ruffle and eyelet ruffled trim and ties}

{paired with a pink floral sheet}

{simple bird mobile: fabric, yarn, hoop, and beads}

{ruffled adjustable skirt}

{Ironically I finished this right at the same time they announced everyone should remove their bumpers. We are going to trust the professionals and take them out... but it made pretty pictures right?!? There may be a post soon on how to use your repurpose your bumpers.}

cloth diaper tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:24:00 +0000

I have been working on a project this week and it has taken me all week to perfect it!
A lot of you are going to think I am crazy, but the past 2 weeks I have been giving cloth diapering a try. And to my surprise it has been really easy. Now I still use throw aways when we travel or go to church, but when we are home I have been sticking to cloth!

So I have fallen in love with the ease of Bumgenius diapers... but I don't like the cost {I have one}.
So this week I worked on a homemade version!
I made one, tried it, and tweaked it several times, before coming up with what I liked best.

Here is the tutorial I used:::

Cloth Diaper Revolution Tutorial

I made the Sham pocket version, using PUL and used Suede for a soft inside.
The tutorial was great and very easy to follow, providing great sewing tips along the way!
The only alterations I made:: I added an extra layer of PUL under the velcro strip at the top, to prevent leakage through the seams and altered where the sham pocket was located inside the diaper.

This diaper has a removable soaker pad inside, for easy washing and drying. For the soaker I used a combination of terry cloth, ZORB, and fleece. I am still testing out which soakers work best for day and night time diapering.

I hope by simplifying cloth diapering that I will actually stick with it!

And for all those wondering... the poop really isn't that bad!! :)

onesie up-do

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Lately I have been working on putting together a few things for baby E's fall wardrobe.

My boys are officially B.O.Y.S. and they live in camo pants and super hero t-shirts.

Perfectly okay by me, because this year I get to play dress up with my new baby doll!!

{and isn't she a doll}

I mean I could kiss those cheeks all day... and I do :)

Let me tell you about this outfit!

The onesie was not anything special and I actually had to remove a small rose from the front.

Other that that it was simple and plain, which makes for a great canvas!

The red material was a old, thin sweater that I cut to make the heart applique, skirt, and headband.

By using the already finished seams for the hem of the skirt and ruffles, it cut down on a lot of sewing time and I was able to make more per minute :)

{3 kiddos has really cut down on my sewing time, nobody warned me!!}

Tricks to sewing on a skirt::

use the elastic bobbin thread to allow for stretch and use a zigzag stitch

{brother surprised her and stole kiss}

{baby leg warmers 75 cents at consignment, boo-yah}

{used a zigzag stitch around the heart and to attached the skirt}

{who doesn't love a flower on a baby's head!}

{flip that skirt up and you find ruffles on her cute baby bum}

More to come... I actually made 3 outfits in an afternoon for her.

I hope to play dress up again and get more pictures!

hootie hoot pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:38:00 +0000

I have have a new problem...

and it is called Pinterest!!!

Seriously I know it has taken me a long time to jump on this band wagon.

And to be honest, I tried to avoid it {just like facebook} but I caved.

It has sucked me in and now I will never have enough time to do all my sewing projects.

It is a do-it-yourselfer's best and worst nightmare.

TOO many ideas and not enough time!!!!

Seriously, I am in love :)

One sewing project was this cute Hootie Hoot Pillow.

Made just for baby E's room, this pillow will give you a preview of more to come!

I have made her bedding and can't wait to show you soon.

how to wind your bobbin.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:38:00 +0000

bobbin:: is a spindle or cylinder, with or without flanges, on which wire, yarn, thread or film is wound. Bobbins are typically found in sewing machines,cameras, and within electronic equipment {from wikipedia}

Now a bobbin is that small spool of thread found in a small compartment under your needle. Although it may look complicated it really is simple. It basically it used to create the underneath side of your stitch. But before you can use your bobbin, you must wind it!

There are 2 different types of bobbin compartments: a horizontal bobbin {drop in and no bobbin case} and a vertical bobbin {has a metal bobbin case}

{horizontal bobbin, pic from here}

{vertical bobbin and case}

Again, just like threading sewing machine, winding your bobbin is different for every machine. For exact details look at your machine manual or google it!

But we will give it a go...

General Ideas behind winding your bobbin::

1. Remove your bobbin case from under the needle compartment if you have a vertical bobbin, by either opening the small bobbin case door. For horizontal bobbins, simply slide the plate open and pull the bobbin out of the case.

2. Tip the bobbin case over and let the bobbin fall into your hand out of the case{vertical bobbins only}.

3. Clear the bobbin of any thread! You want to begin with a clean bobbin... don't be lazy and add on top of your other thread :) It isn't that big of a deal, but does affect your sewing towards the end of your bobbin thread.

4. Place your thread on the spindle.

5. Loop the bobbin thread over the bobbin thread tensioner. My machine sends the thread through the tensioner and then around a small metal knob. This will be the tricky part :)

6. Next thread the end of the thread through the small hole on top of the bobbin.

7. Holding the thread in, place the bobbin on top of the bobbin spindle.

8. Disengage the needle mechanism, which usually also engages the bobbin winding mechanism. Every machine does this differently, but mine you slide the bobbin hook over and this will wind the bobbin and prevent the needle from going up and down.

{pushing that hook towards the bobbin disengages the needle and engages the bobbin}

atleast on my machine :)

9. Continue holding the free end of the thread and begin pressing the foot pedal, which will begin to wind your bobbin.

10. Let it wind a few times, then stop and clip the top free thread. Begin winding your bobbin again until it stops.

9. Fill you bobbin completely. It should be smooth, even, and snug!

Now you need to place your bobbin back into its case!

{make sure to thread it through the bobbin notches}

Make sure the thread is pulled through the bobbin tensioner on the bobbin case {vertical} or is threaded correctly through the tensioner on the machine {horizontal}.

{hold the lever and place back in your machine}

Horizontal will look more like this...

{horizontal bobbin picture from here}

If you want to pull your bobbin thread up to through the machine, turn the hand wheel and move your needle up and down. This should grab you bobbin thread and move it to the top of the needle plate.

like this...

{hold thread tight}

{turn handwheel making needle go down and then back up}

{your bobbin thread will be pulled up through your plate}

{pull tight}

my diaper bag.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:56:00 +0000

{my crocheted diaper bag}

One of the first sewing projects after our little girl came, was out of necessity!

I needed a diaper bag that could function as a purse, diaper holder, and 3 kiddo cup holder.

I knew it needed to be cute, so I could carry it every where! I cannot take credit for the inspiration... it came from a dear friend and so my crocheted diaper bag was born.

I used on old crochet table cloth to create the outer shell and detail for the straps. And just fabric scraps for the main body, pockets, and straps of the purse. At first I was a little scared to cut the table cloth, because I thought it might unravel. But it did great and has continued to hold up after 2 months of use already! I also used the detailed edges of the table cloth for a little detail on the straps of the purse... it was already so pretty.

As I was sewing I was thinking about the sweet older lady who made this table cloth forever ago and never imagined it would be used for a diaper bag for a precious little girl :) I love flea markets!

{inside pockets of my purse... excuse the mess and the random string :)}

{who doesn't love a big pink button}

general idea of threading a sewing machine.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:29:00 +0000

Now this post is a little tricky.

Some of you may have inherited a sewing machine from a grandmother, mother, or even yard sale, but you may not have inherited the owner's manual. What good is that machine doing you if you can't thread the dadgum thing?!?! I have been there and threading a machine can be a little intimidating. But don't let this seemingly impossible task keep you from pulling your sewing machine out of the closet. Get that baby out and let's figure out how to thread it!!!

Now the best thing for you to do is to find a great seamstress friend that can come over and teach you/figure out how to thread your machine. There is nothing better than an expert!

However, we may not have the resources to her or you may live out in the sticks {I used to}.
So next I would recommend Googling it!!

I google everything and most people ask me how I learned to sew... I googled it!

Try typing in your machine's name and then "how to thread" or "owner's manual."
You maybe surprised what you find!

I am going to try to explain the basics behind threading a machine. Understanding the parts of the machine is crucial, so go back and review if you need to.

{picture from here}

The General Idea Behind Threading Your Machine:

1. You will first place your thread on the spool pin.

2. Make sure your presser foot is in the upper position.

3. You will guide the thread along the top of the machine and into atleast one thread guide. Typically you will go around a round button looking thing before going into the thread guide.

4a. {older machine:} On an old machine you will see a round knob that will be the tension mechanism. You will pull the thread down through the metal disks and back up around the knob.

4b. {newer machine:}On a newer machine you will not see this part, but it will happen when you pull the thread down and back up inside of the machine.

5. Next look for the thread take-up mechanism {area on a machine that will go up and down when you turn the hand wheel}. Place the thread through this arm. Some machines will let the thread slip in and others require you to thread it through the hole. Do what you need to.

6. Now the thread will go down on the left side of the take-up mechanism.

7. Most machines have a thread guide right above the machine sewing needle. Place the thread through this guide.

8. Lastly, thread your needle from front to back.

9. Next test your machine, by hold the end of the thread and turning the hand wheel. Look for any thread flying around... if you don't see any you probably did a great job :)

Now you are going to have to wind and thread your bobbin, but we will do that another day :)
so for now...

2 months

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:27:00 +0000

I cannot believe it has been 2 months since she was born!!!

I am sad to admit I have only sewn 4 things since she has been here :(

two jumpers with bloomers, a diaper bag, and her baby bedding

{maybe I could post some pics}

But who could walk away from these sweet cheeks to sit behind a sewing machine :)

I love this girl!!!

where have i been???

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:35:00 +0000

Some of you may have read my profile and known that we have been in the adoption process...

well this is why sewing has been put on the back burner :)

meet our sweet little girl!

we are in love!!!

hope to post some fun girl stuff soon!

I am still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:48:00 +0000

I am so sorry that I have fallen behind on this blog!!!

I will not give you a sob story, but just share that we found out we were MOVING 2 days before we moved... HA! You can imagine what my life has looked like over the past week and a half. I was one panicked mama, but now can say things are better and I hope to finish up last weeks posts soon!

Thanks for hanging in there with me :)

let's talk about the parts of a machine.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:39:00 +0000

{picture from here}

I wanted to go over the basic parts of a sewing machine. This will not be to explain in detail how the machine works, but will give you an idea on parts and how to use them while you are sewing. You have to understand your tools, before you can really use them!

Power switch: used to turn your machine on and off

Presser foot: detachable metal device that holds the fabric down against the feed dog

Presser foot lifter: usually at the back of the machine, this raises and lowers the presser foot

Throat plate: metal plate covering the feed dog, with a hole for the needle to pass through

Feed dog: small metal device with teeth that carries the fabric forward or backward when sewing

Needle: moves down to interlock the upper thread with the bobbin thread and up tightening the stitch

Thread take up: goes down releasing the upper thread allowing the thread to interlock with bobbin thread and then goes down to tighten the stitch

Upper tension regulator: can loosen or tighten the tension of the upper thread, creates a balanced stitch

Thread guide: directs thread from the spool to other parts of needle

Spool pin: the rod that holds the spool of thread

Bobbin winder: mechanism close to balance wheel for winding the bobbin

Balance wheel {or hand wheel}: on the right side of the machine, controlled by the belt and if turned will put the needle up and down

Stitch length regulator: controls the length of the stitches, make this longer for a gathering stitch

Stitch width regulator: controls the width of stitches, usefully on a zigzag stitch

Bobbin case: under the feed down, it is a metal case holding the bobbin that directs and controls the tension of the lower thread

Foot control {pedal}: the gas pedal of the machine, making it stitch

what to look for in a good sewing machine.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:38:00 +0000

I thought that I would include some advice on sewing machines.

Let's start with the basics...

A sewing machine can be very basic to extremely complicated.
Very basic machines are simply mechanical, while other are electronic {computerized}.
While the type does not matter, they will perform different functions.

When looking for beginner machine I would encourage you to find one with the following features...

1. Automatic button hole... usually this is a 1,2,3,4 step function found on the front of the machine.
2. Adjustable needle position, which will allow you to move the needle to the left and right.
3. A machine that performs a zigzag stitch that is adjustable in stitch width and length.
4. A machine with a back-stitch function to finish your stitches {older machines do not have this}.
5. A machine with a thread cutter and light!

These are basic functions that I used every time I am sewing!
There are lots of other features that are wonderful but not necessary for a beginner.

Some of these are...
An up and down needle position button.
Adjustable sewing speeds.
One step button hole function.
Memory functions to save common stitches {such as button hole sizes}.
Fun fancy stitch options.
And this list could go on and on...

Some basic presser foot attachments that are handy...
basic presser foot, button hole foot, zipper foot, and blind hem stitch foot

Other attachments that are wonderful, but not necessary...
Rolled hem foot {give you a nice rolled edge} and ruffler foot {actually creates a ruffle}. Specialized feet cater to what you are specially sewing.

When shopping for a machine I would suggest going to a dealer and letting them show you the different functions of their machines. You are not necessarily going to purchase one from them, but you will become more educated on sewing machine functions and you can decide what you would like in a machine.

You can purchase machines from Walmart, Target, etc. However, beware that you are not going to get the customer service or care that a sewing machine dealer will offer.
Most shops offer free classes, when you purchased a machine and they are worth it!!!
They will teach you the functions of your machine and you will begin learning how to sew.

Good basic brand machines are Singer, Brother, Janome, Bernina, and Baby Lock.

{my first machine}

My first machine was given to me from my parents, I sewed this machine to death and the technician told me to just throw it away! I went home and tried to save it, but did end up tossing it. I love that machine and it was perfect for my beginning sewing stages and lasted me 4 years of not stop sewing! Not bad right?!?

{I saved up for this one}

I have a Bernina Activa 220, but remember that I started off on a much more basic machine! My Bernina machine was purchased 4 years after I sewed my first machine to death :) I do love this machine and it stitches beautifully but I would probably save a little more to get a few more functions :) What can I say! I love my toys :) Overall a great machine though.

{Janome Magnolia 7330}

My sister got a great deal on a Janome machine that has tons of bells and whistles on it. She really has loved it and has gotten good customer service from the dealer. This is middle of the range machine that should last you as long as you sew {other than servicing}!

Some people have asked me about the combo sewing/embroidery machines. I have not purchased one of these machines and hear mixed reviews about them. I have friends that have enjoyed them, but then have friends that are always taking them to the shop. I do know that my embroidery machine needs service much more than my sewing machine, so if possible I would avoid buying a combo... but just because I cannot do without my sewing machine!!! I would do lots of research and reading reviews before purchasing a combo machine.

I know buying a machine is intimidating, but enjoy the process of learning along the way! Email me please if you have any questions! {coolpeoplesew@gmail.com}

how to sew on a button.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Thu, 05 May 2011 02:19:00 +0000

I was going to create a my own video... but this was great!

{hang on through the beginning}

let's learn about needles.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Wed, 04 May 2011 12:19:00 +0000

sewing needle {according to wikipedia}: a long slender tool with a pointed tip

Originally made from bone or wood, modern day needles are constructed from carbon steel wire and then plated with nickel or gold. Needles can get fancy and sometimes are plated with platinum or titanium.

Hand-sewing needles:

These needles have a hole in the blunt tip of the needle, called the EYE. This eye is used to carry thread through the fabric. They also have a pointed tip that varies according to needle type. Needles are sized according to needle thickness and length. The thicker the needle, the smaller the number on the package. Example: Size 1 will be thicker than a size 10 needle. Take a look at these sharps...

{picture from here}

Some basic hand-sewing needles include...
sharps {general sewing needle with sharp point, medium length, and round eye}
embroidery {similar to sharps, but with a longer eye for multiple threads}
quilting {shorter needles with a smaller eye, used to make finer stitches}
milliners {longer needles used for basting and pleating}
ballpoints {have a rounded point, used for knits}
beading {small point and eye to fit through beads or sequins}
bodkin {long thick needle with ballpoint, used to thread elastic or ribbon}
upholstery {heavy long needles, straight or curved used to sew heavy fabrics}

Sewing machine needles:

It is important to understand the needle choices you have when you are using your sewing machine. If you are doing only beginner sewing you would probably be satisfied with using the size 80/12 universal needle. But if you want to improve your stitch quality, then it is best to understand how to pick the best needle for the job.

Let's go over the anatomy of the sewing machine needle...

{picture from here}

shank: is the top of the needle that inserts into the machine
shaft: body of the needle below the shank, this part determines the needles size
front groove: sits above the needles' eye, cradles thread for smooth stitches
point: tip of needle that penetrates fabric and passes thread to bobbin, different types needles have different shapes
scarf: indentation at back of needle used to prevent skipped stitches
eye: hole at the end of needle that thread passes, size determined by needle type

Your needle choices will be determined by fabric, thread, and stitches that you will be sewing.
The type of fabric will determine the shape of the needles' point and the fabric's weight will determine the needles' size.

Needle sizes {diameter of needles} are printed on the needle package something like this...

80/12

80 is the European measurement for the diameter of the needle
12 is the American numbering

60/8 {lightweight} georgette or organdy
70/10 or 80/12 {medium weight fabric} linen, lycra, jersey
90/14 or 100/16 {heavy weight fabric} denim, vinyl, upholstery, canvas
110/18 or 120/19 {very heavy weight fabrics}

Needle names and types determine the needle point.
{Remember this will be determined by fabric type}

universal {slightly rounded point}
jean/denim {slim and acute point}
embroidery {small ballpoint point to prevent damaging embroidery stitches}
quilting {slim acute slightly rounded}
microtex {very slim and acute}
topstitching {sharp, extra pointy}
metallic {universal point}

Whatever needle is needed one of the most important things to remember is to always change your needle when you need to!!! A bent or dull needle can snag or damage your fabric and break stitches, which can lead to a frustrated seamstress :) So change those needles often!!

let's learn about fabric.

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Let's talk about FABRIC!

Fabric is a form of cloth, which is a textile. Textile traditionally meant "woven fabric," coming from the Latin word textere meaning, to weave. We could go on for hours and hours discussing the different types of fabric. Just like thread, fabric can be made from different types of yarn...polyester, cotton, silk, nylon, wool...

Woven fabrics are made from 2 sets of yarn, a lengthwise called the warp and crosswise called the filling/weft. The warp is put onto the loom and the filling is threaded through to create the fabric.

Knitted fabrics are made from a single yarn or sets of yarn. Loops are formed with the yarn and put together. The crosswise loops are called courses and lengthwise loops are called wales.

When sewing, it is important to understand the construction of the fabric, because different cuts of fabric have different stretches and properties while sewing. Of course if you are just doing a crafty project, this may not matter. But when sewing clothing the stretch of the fabric will affect the final product!

When you purchase fabric the fabric is cut or torn crosswise.
There is a little stretch in crosswise.

The lengthwise seam is finished by the manufacturer and has the least about of stretch. Most patterns have you cut pieces along the lengthwise grain {like mine up there}.

The bias is the across the fabric 45 degrees and is the stretchiest or the most give. Cutting fabric this way is great for items that turn and curve like cording or ruffles or plackets.

Fabric is so wonderful! I could spend hours and hours looking at the pretty colors and different types. I love fabric and sometime buy it, without a project in mind. However fabric can be made cheaply and poorly woven. This is not a big deal, when doing small projects, but when sewing clothes or draperies that you want to last, you want to buy good quality textiles!

I hope this helps :)

and the winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (Ketcham Family) — Tue, 03 May 2011 03:52:00 +0000

Jenny!!! "And I am now a fan on facebook too."

Look out for an email Jenny and thanks everyone for playing :)
Hope to have another great giveaway soon!!!