Change your needles often! Some sewists replace their sewing machine needles every time they start a new garment, others do so every other garment. Some don’t bother changing a needle unless it breaks. A good general rule is to change sewing machine needles at least every 6-8 hours of sewing time. If the fabric you are using is prone to dulling needles (e.g. polar fleece or silk) you should change your needle even more frequently. Why risk damaging your fabric with a dull needle?
Archives for April 2014
Stripey Oliver + S Playtime Dress and Leggings
You might think that I have been sewing non-stop for my only grand-daughter since she was born. Well, you would be wrong. I have made her a few things, but I am not that enthralled with making baby clothes. They grow so quickly that you can barely get something off the sewing machine before it no longer fits. IMHO, buying used clothes from a consignment store is a much better way to dress little ones. Especially ones who go to daycare and return home almost unrecognizable they are so dirty.
But now that my DGD is almost 2 1/2, I am starting to get a little more enthusiastic about spending my sewing time on her clothes. Plus I have been waiting to jump on the Oliver + S bandwagon, so I started with the Playtime Dress and Leggings in a soft, navy and pale grey striped knit. I am not sure of the fiber content as a friend gifted me with this fabric. I thought little red ladybug buttons were a great embellishment, and decided to use the “wrong” side of my coverstitch for hemming the skirt and sleeves. My DGD is a sporty, playful little gal, and this dress suits her down to a T.
There was enough fabric to also make a pair of leggings, which she LOVES wearing. At least today. She is a toddler, after all, so tomorrow could be different. 😉
Ohhh, pockets! Someone LOVES pockets!
This dress is soft and comfy, Nana!It is really fun to stroll around in it!
And if I put on my favorite boots I can RUN in my striped dress and leggings!
Hey! There’s something on my tummy! Can you guess what it is?
Hehe! I bet you wish you had an elephant tattoo on YOUR tummy!
This little outfit sewed up quickly, and is adorable. Of course the model is even more adorable, but I am really happy with this Oliver + S pattern for my DGD. She really couldn’t get any cuter, but I love the playful, comfortable vibe of this fun little dress.
Have you made up any Oliver + S patterns? What did you think? I am a fan!
Happy sewing!
Maris
The Liebster Award – Me?
Well, color me surprised! And super appreciative! Thanks Deanna, (of the awesome blog, SewMcCool), for nominating me for a Liebster award. You have probably heard of this award- it is handed out to new bloggers and/or those who have a small following. So here’s your chance to follow me and show me some reader love! I will reciprocate with loads of pithy, entertaining, and hopefully useful blogging posts about sewing. And occasionally other topics. But almost exclusively sewing. Deal?
I get to answer a few of Deanna’s questions, and then nominate other “new” or “new-ish” bloggers for Liebsters to pass on the love. Here we go!
1. When did you begin sewing, and why?
Oh my goodness, I started sewing Barbie doll clothes by hand very young. Maybe 7 or 8? I don’t remember exactly how old I was, but by mother, grandmother, and both my aunts were all excellent seamstresses so I was around fabric, sewing machines, and sewing projects from day 1. I started sewing clothes for myself with my mom in the sixth grade. Home economics was required in the seventh grade and was an elective in the eighth grade. Because my mom was such a great sewist, my skills were way beyond most of the other girls, and by 8th grade I was able to make whatever I wanted in class. I loved the process of combining fabric and patterns to create unique clothing for myself. Also keep in mind it rains A LOT in Seattle, so having a fun, creative activity that you can do inside is a plus. 🙂
2. When did you decide to “take up†sewing professionally? What was the catalyst?
I dreamed of having some kind of sewing business my whole life, but I “fell into” working as a computer programmer and then a program manager soon after college. The real catalyst was getting laid off from a part-time job I had accepted right after leaving Microsoft. I thought, “this is my chance to see if I can do something with sewing”. I really was not sure where a sewing business would take me, but I had an idea that private sewing lessons might be appealing to already-over-scheduled-women.
Soooo, with my husband’s blessing and support, I filed for a business license, created a web site promoting private sewing lessons, and began teaching group lessons at a nearby fabric store. Business was very slow at the beginning, but I was learning and trying new things as I went along. Two years ago one of my students encouraged me to try a sewing camp for kids, and I am pretty sure I had as much fun as the girls did that first session. I have totally realized my passion – imparting the love of sewing to other people!
3. Which is more important to you – if you could have only one or the other – color or design? Why?
Tough question, because I do love color. But design would be my first choice because beautiful color will not overcome poor design, but black or white + great design = art.
4. If you could sew for any person, living or historical, who would it be, and why?
I would LOVE to sew for Michelle Obama because she has such a great sense of style and has fun with her clothes. Grace Kelly would be an awesome person to dress/sew for too – such a classic beauty and wonderful taste in clothes.
5. Share 5 things about yourself that most people don’t know.
- I am afraid of heights AND snakes.
- I took voice lessons even though my mother told me I was tone deaf (and I’m not, BTW).
- Despite my fear of heights, I went paragliding in Mexico, zip-lining in Hawaii, and walked across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in British Columbia.
- My head circumference is too big to wear most hats. Those “one size fits all” hats should state “except Maris”.
- I was born in France while my dad was serving in the Air Force.
Alrighty now, my questions are:
- What is your favorite period in fashion, and why?
- What do you most like to sew, and why?
- If you could have a super power, what would it be?
- What are you most afraid of?
- What makes you want to jump out of bed every morning?
- What were your favorite 3 activities when you were a child?
- Which is more important to you – if you could have only one or the other – color or design? Why?
- Share 5 things about yourself that most people don’t know.
- What is the best book you have read recently?
- What quality in a friend is most important to you, and why?
And MY nominees for the Liebster Award are….drum roll please!
Crafted by Carrie – what a busy gal she is! Trying to finish up a PhD in Biological Engineering and still she makes time to sew. Beautifully, I might add!
Make It Yourself Mom’s Diary – I can’t believe Laura has time to sew at all. A busy mom of 4! Great artistic & fashion sense!
Core Couture – Ruth is amazing! She blazed ahead in our Ziggi sewalong and finished a killer leather Ziggi.
Happy sewing!
Maris
The results are in for Kids Sew Camp
Fun was had by all, and will you check out the ADORABLE dresses made by these girls in the Beginning Knits class. The pattern we used was McCalls 6787, and all the girls made view B with lace or sheer sleeves. I love how they are all so unique, and everyone was super happy with the outcome. Leggings or jeans underneath and they are styled for the day. Cuteness! I know you can’t see any detail, but the divine Miss M. also made a darling clutch bag during “free sew”, complete with lace trim, a button, and buttonhole. She is ready to go out!
Level 1 kiddos had a great time embellishing cuffs and a water bottle cozy. I love the “I hate having my picture taken” look on Miss L’s face.
I have a new respect for photographers who shoot pix of children. How in the world do you get them all to look cute and do what you want at the same time? Herding cats would be easier. Anyway, drawstring backpacks!
Can you see the backpacks better in this shot? The girls any better? I gotta go practice shooting kid pictures. It’s hard!
In Level 1 we also made pillowcases, but managed to miss getting a picture of those competed projects. Next time!
If you are thinking about signing up your son or daughter for sew camp fun this summer, some of the sessions are already filled. Don’t delay if you want to get in on the fun too!
Happy sewing!
Maris
Changing the world….one girl at a time
Learning to sew is a life-changing experience for some girls. Not because it is another excuse for shopping, or wearing pink, or filling their time with a “feminine domestic arts”. But because sewing is empowering. You will learn how to solve problems. You will learn to persevere even when things go wrong. You will learn to apply critical thinking skills to a construction project. You will learn to operate, and master, a power tool.
Don’t believe me? Well, just take a look. You will see concentration. Focus. Perseverance. Joy. Pride. Empowerment. And much more.
Tomorrow you will see some final projects from this week’s Kids Sew Camp attendees. But watching the process is what rocks my world.
Happy sewing!
Maris
Quick Tip Tuesday: Before you send those scissors out to be sharpened…
…you might try a clean and polish at home first. Jim Peterson, Seattle area Sales Manager for Kai Scissors suggest cleaning your sewing scissors with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove textile fibers. Sometimes even just rubbing the blades with a chamois or a soft cleaning cloth alone will do the trick. Be sure you do not use water which might cause rust. Rubbing alcohol will totally evaporate so it is the best choice for quick scissor clean-up. It works for mine!
Happy sewing!
Maris