Cover's Complete.. Onward!

I am so thrilled with the girls machine covers. We have a few girls who are still putting finishing touches on them, but the work was REMARKABLE. I am constantly wishing I would remember to take pictures of their work.

-One Clever mom suggested using the same method to create a cover for her mixer. YES! you can do this.
Here is a link to a good tutorial similar to what the girls did.
http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2011/01/sewing-machine-cover-tutorial.html


NEXT WEEK--
We will create various Hair Accessories No Materials Required! These will be GREAT VALENTINES!  If you have additional medium ric-rac laying I'm sure the girls would enjoy more options but do not feel obligated to go out and buy any!
Here are pictures and links to some tutorials for your reference.

http://oliverands.com/free-patterns/bow-hair-tie

http://thelongthread.com/?p=669

http://thecraftingchicks.com/2011/03/rick-rack-rosettes.html

and finally

http://img.zszywka.pl/0/0012/thm_7591/opaska2.jpg

WE Gather Together...

Now that the girls know how to gather (and they did when they left class!!) They will be choosing between 3 projects. Let your daughter choose fabrics according to the "recipes" below for one project, to work on in class. (They are of course welcome to work at home as well!)

Reminders:
To Gather-Proper Method
1. Set Tension to 1
2. Set Stitch Length to 5 (some machines only go to 4 which is also good)
3. Stitch one line the length of the edge to be gathered.
4. Hold the bobbin thread of the stitched line and cinch the fabric up.  (be careful to slide the fabric instead of "pulling" the thread or the thread will break)
** on skirts and long edges it is reccomended to stitch 2 lines that DO NOT CROSS, one 1/4 from the edge, and one 1/2 from the edge

To Gather-EASY METHOD
1. Set Tension to 9
2. Set Stitch length to 5 (or 4 depending on your machine)
3. Stitch a line 1/4 from edge of the fabric, while gently pressing your finger on the thread as it goes into the first guide hook on top of the machine.
PRESTO!! Instant gathers...
**if you press too hard the thread will break... just rethread and begin where it broke
** watch the tail of your fabric as you sew!

FOR BEST RESULTS WITH THIS PROJECT PREWASH AND DRY ALL FABRICS IN ADVANCE!

PROJECT CHOICE 1:-Link To Tutorial (ours will be slightly different as we will GATHER the skirt instead of meticulously pleat) The Sash will cover the top edge of the skirt piece instead of having a second finished edge)

Materials:
 1 T-shirt (for top of dress)
Sash- 1/3 of yard (cotton)
Skirt- 1 1/2 Yards of fabric (cotton) **this will allow the "skirt portion" to be a maximum of 24 inches long. If a longer skirt is desired you will need to purchase more fabric.. 1 3/4 Yrd =28 inches,  2 yrds=32 inches
Thread to Match

PROJECT 2:

Link to Tutorial Here:
Materials:
1 Yard (fabric shown in Yellow)
1/2 Yard (fabric shown in green)
1 Button (1/2 inch-7/8inch in size)
Thread to match

Ruffled Apron:

(This tutorial is open to invited readers only)
Materials 1 yard main fabric 1/2 yard accent fabric Thread to match

Christmas is coming!

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

Sewing Machine

I know many of you will be thinking about getting sewing machines for gifts this year and that is wonderfully exciting!

The machine that I have found to be a great starter machine is:
The Brother CE8080-PRW -It is available at Walmart and many online retailer's for about $140

If you want to buy local Triad Sew and Vac on Peter's Creek Parkway will warranty you the following machine (even from user error!) , and provide your first one year Service (a value of $79.95)  for a total of $239.  The Model # is SB700T and it retails in their store with the warranty and service for $269

Either machine will work great and will last a very long time. Triad Sew and Vac will be happy to service the other machines as well, but they will only warranty machines purchased in their store. They do not carry the less expensive machine. I am not receiving any benefits for reccomending either of these machines. I will say that the cost of service should be considered when you make your decision, because you will end up needing either machine serviced eventually.

If you want to purchase the machine from Triad Sew and Vac, you will need to get a business card from me and present it to them for the extra savings.

Projects Projects!

Schedule Reminders:
No Class Nov 6 (Election Day, School Holiday)
No Class NOV 22 (Thanksgiving)
Last Class Before Break-DEC 13
Classes Resume JAN 8


We have entered our "Gift making Frenzy" and like all good crafters we have started EARLY!
Thus far we have made dish towels and crayon rolls. We will round out the holiday season with  a Notebook Cover, Fishing Set, Scarves, Reusable snack bag, and finally a two week project working from a Simplicity Pattern.

You will not need to purchase any supplies until December's two week project which will make a GREAT gift!

I have showed the girls a sample of our Big December Project and they have asked me to "Keep it a Secret" So only look if you feel you must!
The Pattern is Simplicity 2205
We will be making View A (you do not need to buy the pattern!)

You will need (Please bring your fabrics by Thursday NOV 29)
1 yard main fabric
3/4 yard coordinating fabric
1 yard medium weight fusible interfacing (you can often get this prepackaged for $1)
Quilting cotton, light corduroy, denim, and Canvas are all great choices for this project.
Thread to match (there will be topstitching on this project sometimes girls like to have a thread the

I believe most of the girls intend this as a gift for their moms, so you might drop hints about your favorite colors. I know this can be an area of conflict and struggle with moms and daughters, so you may consider organizing one patient mommy to take several girls to the store to purchase the fabric. In the past I have done a "field trip" for some of the larger projects and taken the girls to the Hancock on Peter's Creek to purchase. If this is of interest to you, we can decide for each class if the week after Thanksgiving we would like to use class time to shop.


Thank you again for letting me work with your girls, THEY ARE AMAZING (I'm sure you already knew that!) but one mother to another it never hurts to hear it.

Project for September 18 (20)

Miss Rachel's Capelet Ensemble:

Next week's Project materials:


Cape: 1 piece lining fabric, 1 piece out fabric Each should measure at least 9 inches X 15 inches
Shirt: easily made from 1 outgrown shirt or  1/3 yard knit fabric
Skirt: 1/4 yard fabric (or 1 fat quarter!)

Thread to match
This will likely be a 2 week project because we will cut from a pattern (students will get a copy of patterns to keep)

As usual girls are welcome to my ample scrap collection. But also think about using cast off clothing or linens.
Velcro, and elastic will be provided

In order to plan ahead:
The circle poncho (in lower post) will require:

1 1/2 yards laminated cotton and 2 yards lining fabric (flannel or quilting cotton reccomended)
1 "largish" button as pictured

Sew Much Fun!

Welcome to Summer Sewing DAZE

2021 Ardsley Street

Winston Salem, NC 27103

mriley1@triad.rr.com

Kids Classes
Tuesdays:  12:45-2:45 (2 spaces available)
Thursday:  4:15-5:45  (2 Spaces available)

Women's Sewing Workshop: Every Other Wednesday 7:15-9:30ish (unlimited class size!)
9/12, 9/26,

Kids Classes are $60 a month, and projects will vary.
Women's Sewing Workshop is for women of all levels of ability and interest who want help or assistance completeing projects of their choosing. It is meant as a fun fellowship time and all are welcome.

Project: A GREENER LUNCH

From: KiwiMagOnline
RE-usable Sandwich Wrapper
Tutorial Link HERE: http://www.kiwimagonline.com/2010/08/wich-craft/
All supplies for opening class will be supplied:
If you have some special fabric in mind for this it will take 2  10 1/2 inch square pieces of fabric, where one is a vinyl, laminated cotton, oilcloth, or regular fabric with heat n bond vinyl applied.

Additionally: we will make one "cold" pack, one napkin(fork/spoon wrap) as time permits.

Upcoming projects:
American Girl Doll-t-shirt, skirt, and cape from recycled materials.
Materials list to be posted Thursday.
Girls Rain Poncho with sleeves:

Then--We will kick off a short series of quick gifts to make for holiday giving.
We are going to have SEW much fun!