Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine

Lots of people tell me they want to sew, but they don't know how to use their machine. I can relate! It took me forever to learn that it mattered which way the bobbin went in on the machine. But once I figured that out I was off and sewing. I recommend this video class.




Claudia Miller goes over threading, bobbin winding and insertion, and many other little details to get you sewing.  And best of all the class is free! Its free to register there, too. But you do have to set up a free account. There are many other free classes in other crafty topics, but I haven't looked at them. 

Once you "buy" the free class it is yours to watch as often as you need. Plus, you can ask questions and get help as you go along. You can have your machine next to the computer and go through it with her, pausing if you need to.

If you are looking for a sewing book to get you going successfully, I recommend  The New Complete Guide to Sewing: Step-by-Step Techniques for Making Clothes and Home Accessories Updated Edition with All-New Projects and Simplicity Patterns (Reader's Digest). Take a look at the used books for a better price.

Sewing is such an enjoyable hobby for me, I want everyone to be successful! 

2014 Wardrobe Challenge

 Promotional image by fashionsewingwithangelawolf.com

Are you planning to join the Wardrobe Challenge? The goal of the Wardrobe Challenge is 'to inspire, mentor and challenge you to fill your closet with your own home sewn and restyled garments'. I don't know that I'll be able to keep up with them all, but the first is an inspiration storyboard.   That I can do! I'm constantly overflowing with inspiration. It's the finding time for doing/sewing that is difficult.

One thing I must find time for is finishing my Sewing Class, I haven't watched in a while and I really did enjoy it.

More details about the Challenge along with prize info is here on my Detroit Sewing Examiner page. Please share your inspiration there in the comments section. Lets inspire each other!

My Craftsy Class

I had a little trouble getting my pattern for my Craftsy Class, the pattern got lost in the mail the first time they sent it. But, as always, their customer service was spectacular and I got a new one in 2 weeks. I haven't looked at my class for a while, I've been making things for my shop. I'm so happy I can do the class on my own time!

Anyway the pattern is Vogue V1263. The Donna Karan Collection.

I really like it, it is something I can actually wear when I make it.  I'm pretty sure I have enough of a knit for my first test jacket, but I'm not sure yet what fabric I will use for the finished embellished garment. Maybe something like this: Organic Cotton Jersey Knit Chocolate Brown 

If you haven't tried Craftsy yet, they are having a Summer Sale right now, It would be a good time to give them a whirl.

Denim Wrap Skirt from repurposed Jeans

I love how it turned out!

Now back to cutting!

A Thank You Note

I got a thank you note in the mail today for my article on examiner.com.

 

How cool is that?

May 18, 2013 is Free Class Day!

 

Have you had the opportunity to look at Craftsy yet? Today you can try out a class, up to a 39.99 value for free! This deal is open to new members only. I'm taking the Hand-Embelishing Knit Fabric Class and I am learning a lot! 

**edit November 30, 2013, the graphic in this ad updates with each new sale! If you see it here its still current ;) 

The finished dragonfly scarf

I finished the scarf from this post.  I machine stitched a piece of 1/2" trim along an unfinished hem and then folded it right sides together, sewed and turned.  

 Inside and outside light, it is beige with taupe dragonflies. Aside from my impatience and using the machine, I think it turned out well. :)