My daughter is quite the second-hand shopper. She and I can go down the same store isle yet she will come out with several great things, and I come out empty handed. I have discovered that when you go on one of these second-hand shopping trips do so with something in mind and you will…
I must miss the Idaho home of my youth, as this is the second time recently I have shared memories from my childhood there. Hope you don’t mind my strolls down memory lane. When I was young I remember that church bazaars were a big thing. All the churches had them. It is one way…
Recently I had eight teenage girls from the youth group of the church I attend over to my house. They were there because they wanted to make a baby quilt for an expecting and slightly older friend. Although most of them had never sewn before they were up to the challenge. I gave them pointers…
I recall the joy I discovered as a child in going to the Twin Falls County Fair. Growing up in southern Idaho this fair was a highlight at the of the summer season. It was always held on the first the week of September. It was a popular event and a big attraction – so…
Part 5 – Finishing touches The last thing and the most important part of your whole project are the finishing touches. Top stitching (if your pattern calls for it). Choose your thread wisely, take your time and sew straight as you can. Added trim. Adding trim puts a little pizzazz to your project. Buttons. Pick…
There are many small things that you can do in the process of sewing that will make your finished project look sharp and professional. I will share more over time – here are three of the more important tips and hints to get you started: Trimming threads – Take just a second after sewing each…
Picking out your fabric – Fabric may not seem like it makes a difference, but it can make a big difference in your finished project. With a little help and experience you can learn to select the right fabric for the right job. Back to the pattern for just a moment. Each pattern envelope has…
Part 2 in this series: The pattern. Of course the pattern is one of the most important parts of your project. When you are new to sewing you probably don’t know what to look for when selecting a pattern. Pattern companies try to make it easy for beginners these days. Look for the words ‘easy’,…
Part 1 in this series is: Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine. It may surprise you that simply getting familiar with your sewing machine can make a difference in the appearance your finished project. I have been sewing since I was 12 (or thereabouts) and I can use almost any machine. A few years ago I got…
You never know how things might turn out when you do them for the first time, but my first Adult Workshop was great! We had good food, made new friends and learned a lot. I am not sure who learned the most, though, me or the students (I think it was me).