Sewing techniques, tutorials, and everything that goes along with them
Why you should change your sewing machine needles often? Watch my interview with Rhonda from Schmetz Needles as she gets to the point!
Here at Zede’s Sewing Studio we go directly to the best source as we strive to get you the most accurate information available!
Still on the road, Linda B.
This Saturday, will be our second session of Serge Ahead! Just ask anyone who attended the first session how beneficial it was! I have noticed that several are already putting their cord covers to good use. In fact, we even have our technicians questioning about them!
The next project will be the rice bag. Who couldn’t use one of these to ease our muscles after a long day of creating at our sewing machines? Be sure to sign up quickly, space is running out, and we want to make sure there is a kit available for you. Also remember, you will need the book, Ready, Set, Serge by Georgie Melot.
Why not make it a goal this year to learn more about your serger, and have a great time doing it.
See you then, Linda B.
It is so easy to embellish a little girl’s holiday dress using the Sashiko.
To add a touch of elegance to the bodice of this cotton velvet dress, a rectangle large enough to cut the bodice from is sewn with a metallic silver thread. This is done by first drawing a line at a 60 degree angle from one bottom corner of the fabric to the top. Using the Sashiko, the silver thread is sewn on this line. A second line is sewn one width of the presser foot away from the first. The third is sewn approximately one inch from the second. Repeat the spacing of the second and third lines across the fabric.
Moving back to the first line, go in the opposite direction and repeat the spacing of the third line and then the second line until all of the fabric is done . Once all these parallel lines are sewn, you will go to the other bottom corner and draw another 60 degree line to the top. This line will intersect the other lines. The same spacing sequence is repeated in this direction also. These threads add a very subtle glitter within the pile of the velvet. From this newly created fabric the bodice is cut.
After the entire dress is constructed in the usual manner, rows of Sashiko stitches can be sewn above the hem. These rows were sewn in pairs to simulate pintucks. This adds a touch of sparkle to the skirt.
Finally, a rose bouquet can be made from silver ribbon and bows with long streamers to add the little extra pizazz that every little girl loves.
You can view other projects made using the Sashiko. Everyone has different ideas. What are yours? Want to share some?
We all love giving handmade gifts to family and friends. Unfortunately, I find that I am constantly on the “go”! So I was really excited when Zede let me help her with her 5 Quick Gifts class. She helped us to realize that with just a few simple techniques, wonderful handmade gifts were a reality.
Imagine a business/gift card holder created with two simple seams. A scarf with a slit to insert the other end, the secret being knowing how to match the right sides correctly. A 5 step bag that introduced some to zippers. A wine bottle gift bag in less than 5 minutes. And a fully lined stocking–the secret being in how it is layered.
The best part of the class was hearing the reactions of the class participants as they accomplished each project or learned a new skill. Check out the photos to see the results.
Zede also brainstormed a list of quick gifts. So for those of you that are puzzled as to what to make, be sure and check it out below!
Remember not everyone has sewing skills. Even if the gift is easy to make, it may become a treasured present because of you taking the time and effort to create it for them. Have fun creating!
Have any other quick-and-easy sewing gifts to add to the list? Create your own in the comment section.
Happy holidays to all and all a good night! Happy sewing!
I hope you are still looking for a fun and easy way to create a dazzling wardrobe! This idea was used in my mixed media class as a way to use the LUMIERE paints. I really enjoyed this project because the paints did all the work. Each paint contains a variety of colors, so they provide a range of dimension and sparkle with minimal effort from you. If you enjoyed coloring books–this project is for you!
I’m sure that you noticed I had to add a few hot fix crystals, but I guess that is the diva in me. I’ll continue to look for new inspiration!
What little cook wouldn’t enjoy having their very own apron? This is a fun gift to make and the “recipe” is easy!
Begin by cutting a triangle off each side of the top portion. I cut about 4 ½ inches from the edge and about 9 ½ inches down the side on the diagonal. The attached picture shows the triangle portion I cut from each side.
Next, finish the cut edge and fold under about 1 inch. Press the fold, then sew near the edge with a straight stitch. Insert the 2 ¼ to 2 ½ yards of ribbon inside the seam feeding from one side to the other for the ties and neckband. Next, fold up about 8 inches on the bottom.
Sew this folded portion along the sides to form a large pocket then divide into 3 sections by marking the seam line with chalk. Sew down each line to make the pockets.
The little apron is now complete except for decorating. I embroidered the child’s name along with flowers or animals. However you decide to decorate the apron, it will be a hit because it was made especially for the child!
Just like all good recipes this one was passed on to me by a great cook and a very good seamstress….Zede! The holidays are just around the corner and children love to make cookies and special treats! This little apron would just be “the icing on the cake!”
If you make an apron, would you mind uploading a picture of it on our Facebook page?
With all the talk about the economy these days, it has been mentioned that sewing is making a resurgence because it is less expensive to mend something than to buy a new something. In this country, sewing and quilting are now looked upon as luxury hobbies- but there are still people in this world who create textiles in order to sustain the lives of their children and themselves.
Trama Textiles is a cooperative of over 400 indigenous Guatemalan women who use backstrap looms to make handmade textiles that are then sold in their own country and online. These women are a part of a people who have faced severe hardship, war, and genocide that almost no one in the U.S. knows about. And how are they dealing with it? They are weaving.
To these women textiles mean food. Textiles mean an education for their children. I’m involved with a project to raise awareness about Trama Textiles in one of my classes at Stephens College in Columbia, MO. My group is organizing an event at Orr Street Studios that will showcase examples of Trama’s work in different stages of production, and educate people about how these women work to make these beautiful cloths.
An exact date and time for the event is coming soon, hopefully by October’s club. At club, we will also be accepting donations to Trama Textiles. These donations go toward scholarship funds and the purchase of supplies. Please know that any donation, no matter what amount, is extremely appreciated.
Take a look at their website, www.tramatextiles.org to see just how beautiful the products are – let us know what your favorites are in the comment section and we’ll try to get them in for our event in November.
Let your inner diva scream!
Why not embellish your wardrobe items with some Barbara Trombley’s Art Glitter. This is not the kind that you use on your art projects. It is a specially designed glitter and glue that creates a permanent bond to your fabric when heat set, allowing it to be washed in a machine. It bonds great to cotton, but unfortunately not to silk.
In less than an hour, I was able to design, and embellish this scarf!
First I created a curling pattern that I wanted to replicate. Next I transferred the pattern to the scarf. I would avoid a marking pen with wax as it may resist the glue. Then I worked in small sections across the scarf, applying glue and sprinkling glitter on while the glue was wet. I shook the remaining glitter onto a piece of paper and back into the container for next time. 
I then heat set the glitter according to the directions on the package. And finally I couldn’t resist adding a few hot fix crystals. I can’t wait to wear it; it reminds me of a snow storm.
I have also used this glitter to embellish my quilts. The rose bud quilt that hangs in Zede’s Sewing Studio uses the glitter for the raindrops.
I also used it to embellish a butterfly on another of my quilts.
For those of you interested I am making available the curling pattern that I used on my scarf. You can stop in at Zede’s and pick up your copy of the pattern during the next week (downloadable version coming soon).
Also if you want to explore more options for embellishing your wardrobe, consider taking the Mixed Media class on Monday, Sept. 21st, from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. I’d love to help you add some pizzazz to your wardrobe and projects!
What are you going to embellish? Take some photos and post them on the Facebook page.
During the July Sewing Club meeting, we asked you to grab your favorite notion and sit in front of a video camera and tell us why (insert your favorite item here) is your favorite notion.
To get things rolling, Mallory picked the Embroiderer’s Buddy. Watch below!
More to come!
What’s your favorite notion? Let us know what it is and why in the comment section below…
Free Motion Thread Playing Class, Wednesday, July 15th, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.Looking for a new way to embellish your clothing or add more dimension to your art quilts? Why not consider free motion thread playing?
This class is designed for someone with basic sewing skills who has the free motion embroidery capabilities or a BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) for their sewing machine that wants to develop their skills in this area.
We will cover the basics of free motion embroidery, consider the possible uses for the technique, and then allow time for you to develop your skills.
We cover how to replicate what we see with threads.
And we will cover how to accent items to make them stand out!
Zede has a supply list for the class, so stop in soon and check out the class samples.
Learn to embellish your cloths with free motion techniques – sign up soon. Classes have been filling up fast.
I hope to see you there!
Stitching the summer away,
Linda B.
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