Weekly Sewing Digest - 5/14 - Hand Sewing!

**nuisance26** · 05-14-2010, 11:25 AM

This week is a reminder that although our machines are fabulous tools, we shouldn't forget to keep up our hand stitching skills and learn new ones!
I learned to sew by hand from library books before I owned a machine. There's something about taking the time to do it by hand that connects you very much to the process of construction. I found that it helped me understand the sequence of construction and the reasoning behind certain stitches much better than later, when I flew them through my machine!
You may be surprised how durable hand stitching is. I'm still using a skirt I hand stitched together over ten years ago. It's never needed seam reinforcement or repairs!
So unplug the machine and take the time this week to stitch something by hand, it feels great!

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If you're new to hand sewing, start with a Basic Tutorial on materials needed, threading and knotting, and covering Running, Basting, Back, Slip, Whip and Blanket Stitches.

How about trying a different way of knotting your thread?

Do you need to brush up on your hemming skills?

Practice your stitch repertoire with some buttonholes, appliqu, or coasters.

Scrap crafts and Quilting are fantastic ways to keep up your needle talents!

How about an unusual way to use your hand sewing skills? You can make and bind your own books!

Want to show off your amazing hand stitching abilities? Make an old fashioned sampler!

Easy to understand embroidery lessons will increase your stitching prowess!

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This week's member project of the week honoree is Mauimagic for her Puritan Costume Dresses!

Be sure to post your project pictures!!!

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If you would like to sign up for the sewing club please see this thread: Sewing Club Sign Up

Actively participate by posting a thread of your own telling us about your latest project or questions, or join us on the 2010 Sewing Challenge thread! You choose what you want to accomplish for the month, one item, 4 items or more and post away!

And lastly, we share a Retreat Weekend with the other hobby clubs here: Monthly Quilting/Sewing Retreat 2010 Currently it's held on the last weekend of the month. We gather to power through our UFO's, urgent projects and just have fun crafting together all weekend. So set aside as much time as you can for the weekend of May 28-30th and plan to join us!

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**Darlene** · 05-14-2010, 12:54 PM

I learned a new way to knot my thread, THANKS! I've always seen people knot quickly but never knew how they did it. Now I know...knowledge is power man. woohoo! Love this post Constance.

Congratulations mauimagic!

**mauimagic** · 05-14-2010, 04:25 PM

Mahalo for naming the costume Project of the week!!

I love to hand sew, and was very happy to see this week's subject!! If I can get my friend to take a picture of the Quilt that I handsewed for her over 40 years ago - I'll post it here. Not only could I not believe that it still exists - but even more so that she still uses it!!

Hand sewing is so comforting and calming!! Cannot wait to see what projects people take on!! Mahalo!!

**frugalfranny** · 05-15-2010, 01:55 AM

Hand sewing?

**mauimagic** · 05-15-2010, 02:45 AM

hand sewing is not a disease FF!! Nor is it contagious - unfortunately!! Try it some day, I know that you'll like it!!

**mamamia** · 05-15-2010, 03:51 AM

How pretty is that, nuisance! But even prettier, is the way your thinking. I'm so on board with taking the time to meditate on the project at hand. It truly does connect mind to matter, and always in a good way.

I've never learned to use a machine. And I'm not much of a hand sewer for that matter. So I'm afraid that unless it's something like making a simple pillow, I won't be able to join this fun project thread. I will drop in for sure to see everyone's progress. And who knows? Maybe they'll be something I could handle by hand, and I'll join up with you guys.

Have fun ladies! Be sure to post your pics too!

Theresa

**mauimagic** · 05-15-2010, 03:53 AM

a simple pillow would be perfect mamamia!! You could even make placemats, napkins, potholders - it's all the same straight stitch!!

**frugalfranny** · 05-16-2010, 12:51 AM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

hand sewing is not a disease FF!! Nor is it contagious - unfortunately!! Try it some day, I know that you'll like it!!

Maybe in my next life!!!!!!!!!!!

**mauimagic** · 05-16-2010, 12:57 AM

...moving right along because I am not ready for FF to have a next life so soon.......DH just asked me to sew a button on a pair of his shorts - so glad that I have cleared off that table!! That is so he could put his shorts there so they will be right in my face and I will do it tonight!! Hand sewing to the rescue again!!

**nuisance26** · 05-24-2010, 11:00 AM

~I did a bit of hand sewing yesterday. I altered a maternity shirt and attached the new armhole opening bindings by hand. Turned out nice I think!~

**mauimagic** · 05-24-2010, 12:18 PM

Your new top looks great nuisance!!

My hand sewing has been limited to sewing buttons on DH shorts!!

**Luckybustert** · 05-25-2010, 12:52 AM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

hand sewing is not a disease FF!! Nor is it contagious - unfortunately!! Try it some day, I know that you'll like it!!

This is where we need one of those smilies for raising an eyebrow...lol...I got some experience in hand sewing over the weekend and I must say it was NOT my favorite part of the project. Maybe it's one of those things that grows on you?

I am trying to find my camera charger....need to charge my camera so I can share pics of the pretty new pillow I finished yesterday.

Originally Posted by nuisance26

~I did a bit of hand sewing yesterday. I altered a maternity shirt and attached the new armhole opening bindings by hand. Turned out nice I think!~

That did turn out nice -- you did a great job on it!

**mauimagic** · 05-25-2010, 01:03 AM

You are so right LB - need pictures!!

Hand seWing is relaxing and great to have around for some pickup Work!! Honest!! Really!!!

**frugalfranny** · 05-25-2010, 01:07 AM

The top looks cute nuisance! NIce job.

Originally Posted by Luckybustert

I got some experience in hand sewing over the weekend and I must say it was NOT my favorite part of the project. Maybe it's one of those things that grows on you?!

Don't count on it!!