Tag Archives: sewing

Sew What!

Posted on by

When I was growing up many parents in my neighbor made their kids clothes. Not mine, she couldn’t (or wouldn’t?) but one of my older sisters did. She was a whiz on the sewing machine. She would even make matching outfits for the three girls still living at home (herself, me and another sister). I still remember a yellow Easter outfit that she made for us. It was too cute! And she made my first halter dress. During this time, we seemed to always need dresses sewn for some special occasion at school or church. Today, kids are told they … Continue reading →

Round Robin – Jennifer Chiaverini

Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the wildly popular breakout novel “The Quilter’s Apprentice,” brings us the next segment of the Elm Creek Quilts series with this book, “Round Robin.” A round robin is a project where one person starts it, passes it on to another, who adds on to it, until it comes back to the original person. In this way, many friends can work together and create something beautiful that reflects all of them. Sarah McClure, co-director of Elm Creek Manor, wants to give a special gift to her friend and partner Sylvia Compson. She can think of no better … Continue reading →

Sewing on Your Layouts

Including real stitching on your layouts has been a popular technique for many scrapbookers. It gives a softer and more delicate look to your creations. Even if you don’t have a regular sewing machine, you may still be interested in including stitching on your layouts. Rather than make the large investment in a big sewing machine with many bells and whistles, here are a few other options. Good old needle and thread. One option is to pull out some thread in a coordinating color that will go with your layout. Use a paper piercer to punch tiny holes where you … Continue reading →

Learn to Sew to Save Money

If you don’t already know how to sew, it’s a good idea to learn. If you can sew a straight line, you can make lots of great stuff for your home and family. It should be done on a sewing machine, and if you don’t have one of your own, you may be able to borrow or friend’s. You might also be able to purchase one on sale or pick up an inexpensive used one. With the money you save, the sewing machine will pay for itself in no time. Curtains only require sewing a few straight lines and can … Continue reading →

Sewing with Felt 2: Kids’ Art Pillows

Do you have a favorite drawing that your child has made? Besides just saving the piece of paper, you can turn your child’s masterpiece into a felt pillow that will can be on display and decorate a room, all the while allowing you to store away the precious drawing. You will need a few simple sewing skills to complete a pillow, but these are easily learned. Check out this blog on basic sewing skills and you’ll have all the information you need, even if you’ve never sewn a stitch, or taught a child to sew. You will need: Simple drawing … Continue reading →

Sewing with Felt 1: Door Hanger

When you’re teaching your kids how to sew, there is no better fabric than felt. Felt doesn’t fray on the edges, it stays put, it’s inexpensive and available in every color you can think of. Lately, there have been felt available in new patterns like animal prints, flowers, sparkles and polka dots. A simple project to start with is a door hanger. This one has a heart design on the front, but you can adapt it to any simple design you want. If you or your child haven’t sewn before, or if you need a quick brush-up or some basic … Continue reading →

CPSC, VSM Sewing Inc. Announce Recall of Sewing Machines

February 7, 2006 Release #06-082 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 446-2333 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. You should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Husqvarna Viking Designer I Sewing and Embroidery Machines Units: About 55,000 Manufacturer/Distributor: VSM Group AB of Husqvarna, Sweden, and its subsidiary VSM Sewing Inc. (Husqvarna Viking), of Westlake, Ohio Hazard: Electrical arcing can occur in the machine’s power supply, posing a risk of fire. … Continue reading →

Make a Baby Cuddle Blanket

A small fleece blanket with ribbon trim in different textures around the edges is a great gift for older kids to make for new additions to the family. The blanket is small enough for a baby or toddler to carry around without dragging and it fits neatly in a purse or diaper bag. It’s big enough to cuddle with, and the trim provides tactile interest to soothe a sleepy tot. This is a picture of my daughter and her 11-month-old half-sister with the blanket she made her for Christmas. You can buy these blankets in the store for a lot … Continue reading →

The Joy of Giving Homemade Gifts

I make a lot of homemade gifts for my friends and family, and I encourage my children to do the same. There is always value in the process of creating and giving something on which you have spent a lot of thought and time, but sometimes the rewards are even greater. I made everyone in my sister’s family personalized sock monkeys for Christmas this year. (See the Sock Monkey Family blog) I knew they would all like the monkeys, but I wasn’t sure my 11-year-old nephew would be overly thrilled in the long run with a homemade stuffed monkey. I … Continue reading →

Felt Monsters

So you’ve conquered teaching your kids a straight seam and a whip stitch. Maybe you’ve sewn a couple of beanbags. Now it’s time for something really fun. This is my kids’ all-time favorite sewing project, because not only do they get to sew a stuffed toy, they get to design, it, too. You will need: Two pieces of felt (size is determined by the size of monster you want to make, but two 8 1/2 x 11 inch pieces should be more than enough). Paper Marker Straight pins Needle and Thread Scissors Stuffing (synthetic fiberfill is best, but you can … Continue reading →