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!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This week's member project of the week honoree is Mauimagic for her Puritan Costume Dresses!
Be sure to post your project pictures!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
-----------------------------------------------------------
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!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
This week's member project of the week honoree is Mauimagic for her Puritan Costume Dresses!
Be sure to post your project pictures!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
-----------------------------------------------------------
