EVERY STORE IN AMERICA IS HAVING A HUGE SALE!!
In case your young sewist is thinking sewing accessories for Christmas I thought you might like to know some things every sewer should have!
1) Scissors (3 kinds) 1-small scissors for trimming threads, 1 medium pair for pattern cutting or applique work, and 1 pair of shears-these have the handle offset so you can cut fabric with it lying on a flat surface. (There is a great pack of these three kind of scissors on sale for 9.99 at Hancock's this weekend)
2) seam ripper- there are many different styles and kind but it is always helpful to have one on hand
4) flexible measuring tape- they come in many different colors and styles, you can even choose one that retracts.
5) Elastic and Thread Get a "hank" of 3/4 inch elastic knit non roll elastic for waistbands, and 1/4 inch elastic for doll clothes. Buy good quality thread mettler, gutterman in white, black, and cream.
6) pins- any kind will work but the girls are most successful with are longer. In our "classroom" we use ceramic extra fine pins because they are easy to sew over and they don't melt if you accidentally iron them. They are more expensive so use a coupon! I also reccommend a magnet wand, or small magnet in the box to keep them from spilling every where!
7) a small bag ( Really I thought we would make one after Christmas) with a zipper to keep these items together.
8) patterns- This week at Hancock the McCall's patterns are one sale for 99 cents, next week the Simplicity ones will be 99 cents. It is always fun to have a few small projects put aside for a rainy day- get one for a small tote bag, apron, stuffed toy, and maybe an American girl doll outfit (I'll also be giving the girls one for Christmas)-- There is also a beautiful book called "Little Things to sew" by Leisel Gibbons, that I don't have, but have looked through online and it is great. Her patterns have EXCELLENT EXCELLENT instructions and techniques. You can check out her website at
9) Stash-- Every sewer has a little stockpile of fabrics not for a specific project, but just in case the urge catches you. You can quickly build up a range of beautiful fabrics with 1/2 yard cuts, or a stack of "fat quarters" at Hancock fabrics this week, their "top drawer" line of fat quarters is 40% off.
Again again, I can't thank you enough for letting me work with your girls! I love seeing how they have grown so much already.
Summer
