Sewing/Needlework
- Inspiration from the Past
- Inspiration from Sewing Magazines
- Learning to Sew
- Keeping Your Sewing Space Tidy
- Summer Sewing
- Sewing for Easter
- Sewing Kits
- New Quilting Articles
- Cross Stitch Photography
- Embellishments
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
History offers a great source for ideas and inspiration for the needlecrafter.
When looking for ideas for something new to do, taking a look at sewing and needlework from history can be a great source of inspiration.
Needleskills in previous generations were highly prized and were practiced by people from all walks of life. Some people would undertake needle craft projects for recreation, although for the majority of people being able to sew was an essential part of life.
There are plenty of places to find out more about sewing in days gone by. Museums and private collections can be a great source of information and today, many of these publish photographs and details of their exhibits online.
Many of these items can be used as inspiration for contemporary projects - purses, clothes and household accessories are all great items to look at.
Have fun!
Needleskills in previous generations were highly prized and were practiced by people from all walks of life. Some people would undertake needle craft projects for recreation, although for the majority of people being able to sew was an essential part of life.
There are plenty of places to find out more about sewing in days gone by. Museums and private collections can be a great source of information and today, many of these publish photographs and details of their exhibits online.
Many of these items can be used as inspiration for contemporary projects - purses, clothes and household accessories are all great items to look at.
Have fun!
Inspiration from Sewing Magazines
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Achieving the balance between well styled photographs and the need to be able to clearly see how a design is formed is obviously quite a challenge!
One of the interesting things about sewing magazines is looking at the photographs of latest patterns and designs. It is really useful to look at the new designs from different pattern companies and see how the trends are looking for coming months. Sometimes, however, the photographs are so highly styled it is very difficult to make out the details of the pattern. On the other side of the coin, though, when the photograph demonstrates the pattern or the design in very simple ways and when the garment has been made with plain material to show off the pattern detail, the finished effect can be boring and put sewers off trying something new.
Getting this balance right is obviously quite a challenge and can make a big difference to how we as readers see a pattern and what we think about it. A sewer often needs imagination to be able to see through a pattern as it is presented and imagine it when made in different materials or with special embellishments. One of the joys of sewing is this flexibility to be able to customize and adapt patterns and designs, however it is also nice to see the pattern as it was originally designed.
Fortunately today there are other ways of finding out about great designs and patterns. Sewing blogs and websites often show photographs of finished projects and this can be a really useful way to get ideas for how patterns look when they are completed. This also gives a sewer an insight into the clarity of the instructions and the ease of which the project is completed. Another way that the traditional crafts and technology sit comfortably side by side.
Getting this balance right is obviously quite a challenge and can make a big difference to how we as readers see a pattern and what we think about it. A sewer often needs imagination to be able to see through a pattern as it is presented and imagine it when made in different materials or with special embellishments. One of the joys of sewing is this flexibility to be able to customize and adapt patterns and designs, however it is also nice to see the pattern as it was originally designed.
Fortunately today there are other ways of finding out about great designs and patterns. Sewing blogs and websites often show photographs of finished projects and this can be a really useful way to get ideas for how patterns look when they are completed. This also gives a sewer an insight into the clarity of the instructions and the ease of which the project is completed. Another way that the traditional crafts and technology sit comfortably side by side.
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
There are lots of resources to help beginner sewers, including websites, free videos and community groups.
Learning how to sew is easier than ever before. There many great resources to help a beginner sewer, as well as some great beginner sewing projects that are quick to finish, but certainly not boring. There are many websites and directories that offer a range of free sewing patterns of all descriptions.
Other places where help can be found are on the video sharing websites such as YouTube, where many users have recorded and uploaded videos on a variety of sewing and needlecraft subjects. A quick search will provide an interesting range of results.
Sewing guilds and other local craft groups are also a good place to find instruction and many sewers are happy to spend some time teaching someone a few basics. If there aren't any local groups then why not pop a note into the window of a store or community hall and see if there are any sewers or needlecrafters who will be willing to help.
Sewing is such a versatile and adaptable craft, and knowing a few core basics will give you the foundation on which to build.
Other places where help can be found are on the video sharing websites such as YouTube, where many users have recorded and uploaded videos on a variety of sewing and needlecraft subjects. A quick search will provide an interesting range of results.
Sewing guilds and other local craft groups are also a good place to find instruction and many sewers are happy to spend some time teaching someone a few basics. If there aren't any local groups then why not pop a note into the window of a store or community hall and see if there are any sewers or needlecrafters who will be willing to help.
Sewing is such a versatile and adaptable craft, and knowing a few core basics will give you the foundation on which to build.
Keeping Your Sewing Space Tidy
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
How do you store your sewing and needlework supplies and equipment to ensure that you can lay your hand on the perfect item at any time?
Keeping any work area tidy is a challenge. Just the sheer fact that it IS a work area and not a display area means that things are constantly being used. One of the joys of sewing and needlework is that the crafts are so versatile and varied and as such there is always something new to be doing. Keeping hold of odds and ends is also part of the fun - scraps of interesting fabric or old buttons and other notions create great embellishments for other projects. There are plenty of ready made sewing storage equipment that can be purchased from craft and hobby outlets, there are also lots of items that can be found around the house that are also useful for helping to keep sewing areas tidy. These include:
- Food Tubs - food containers such as margarine or icecream tubs make great storage for small items and are easy to stack. A simple label on the side will help to identify the contents.
- Cutlery Drainers – these are useful for keeping pens, rulers and other tall items together and won't take up too much room on the work table.
- Biscuit Tins – tins that have held biscuits or other foods are great for keeping fragile items safe.
- Tool Boxes - standard tool boxes are handy for keeping scissors, needles and other sewing tools together. Tool boxes can often be found reasonably priced at hardware stores.
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Summer is getting closer and we'll soon be in the midst long summer days and balmy nights. Now is the time to start planning summer projects!
With Easter now behind us it is time to start thinking about summer projects. There are so many great things to sew it is sometimes difficult to know where to start! Beach bags, summer clothes, light weight scarves or shawls, picnic blankets and outdoor table settings are all popular projects. Other quick summer projects include sunglass cases, travel wallets, passport cases - to name just a few!
Now is the time to start planning so this means looking at websites and through magazines looking for ideas and projects. Planning ahead means that fabric and other items can be purchased with plenty of time left to sew the project before the summer arrives. Many stores have their summer lines in, and there are lots of wonderful lightweight fabrics available which are great for summer projects. Sewing and needlework magazines are starting to feature summer projects and reviews of summer patterns, and these can be a great source of inspiration!
When planning summer sewing and needlework projects it is also useful to consider a couple of small projects that can easily be slipped into a bag for a bit of quiet stitching during a day out. Cross stitch and needlepoint are good projects that are easy to carry around, as are small pieces of embroidery.
I wish you luck with what ever your summer sewing plans are!
Now is the time to start planning so this means looking at websites and through magazines looking for ideas and projects. Planning ahead means that fabric and other items can be purchased with plenty of time left to sew the project before the summer arrives. Many stores have their summer lines in, and there are lots of wonderful lightweight fabrics available which are great for summer projects. Sewing and needlework magazines are starting to feature summer projects and reviews of summer patterns, and these can be a great source of inspiration!
When planning summer sewing and needlework projects it is also useful to consider a couple of small projects that can easily be slipped into a bag for a bit of quiet stitching during a day out. Cross stitch and needlepoint are good projects that are easy to carry around, as are small pieces of embroidery.
I wish you luck with what ever your summer sewing plans are!
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Egg cozies, easter bunnies and table decorations are quick to make an can being a handmade touch to your Easter table.
With Easter just days away, it is not too late to sew a few holiday themed decorations. Egg cozies, of course, are great for Easter. They are quick and easy to make and a few can be sewn from odds and ends of fabric. Egg shaped motifs can be cut from fabrics and sewn onto plain napkins and table runners to give an Easter theme to table decorations. These can be decorated with some additional embroidery or perhaps some beads for added sparkle.
Easter bunnies are also quick and easy to make. With a bit of creative thought, templates can be found all over the place – cookie cutters, clip art or children's coloring books all have images with strong bold lines that are ideal for sewing patterns. These can be quickly sewn and stuffed to make cute little decorations. These are also a fun project for children and ideal for them to work on over the holidays.
Easter egg dye is also good fun and when you have finished coloring easter eggs, dyes can be used to dye fabrics and yarns. The main thing to remember when using easter egg (or other dyes such as food coloring or KoolAid) is that protein fibers such as wool and silk work best. Cottons and other vegetable fibers do not take this type of dye so well. However a great holiday project would be to try some different dyes and fabrics and see what effect is achieved.
Happy Easter Holidays!
Easter bunnies are also quick and easy to make. With a bit of creative thought, templates can be found all over the place – cookie cutters, clip art or children's coloring books all have images with strong bold lines that are ideal for sewing patterns. These can be quickly sewn and stuffed to make cute little decorations. These are also a fun project for children and ideal for them to work on over the holidays.
Easter egg dye is also good fun and when you have finished coloring easter eggs, dyes can be used to dye fabrics and yarns. The main thing to remember when using easter egg (or other dyes such as food coloring or KoolAid) is that protein fibers such as wool and silk work best. Cottons and other vegetable fibers do not take this type of dye so well. However a great holiday project would be to try some different dyes and fabrics and see what effect is achieved.
Happy Easter Holidays!
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Kits are a great introduction into a new needlecraft and a recent trip to a craft store offered an exciting array to pick from.
I spent a pleasant few hours in a craft store recently, browsing the aisles and looking to see what is new and exciting in the world of needlecraft. The shelves were packed with fabrics, notions, books and patterns as well as a full range of supplies for many other needle crafts. What better way to while away a few hours!
It was exciting to see the wide range of kits and packs available for many of the different sewing craft disciplines. As well as cross stitch kits, there are also kits to make soft toys, embellishing kits, packs for quilting, kits of supplies to make hooked rugs - to name just a few. Many of these kits provide all the supplies that are required plus instructions making these a good way for beginners to try a new craft.
Kits can often be found on sale and these offer excellent value for money. Seasonal kits are sold at the end of a season, for instance Christmas kits sold off in January, however if there is nothing that will date a kit (for instance a date) they can be used the following year - or even given as a present.
Some kits are targeted specifically at youngsters and in craft stores these are stocked either in a specific section for children or along side other kits. In general stores sewing kits for children can often be found in the toys or activities section.
It was exciting to see the wide range of kits and packs available for many of the different sewing craft disciplines. As well as cross stitch kits, there are also kits to make soft toys, embellishing kits, packs for quilting, kits of supplies to make hooked rugs - to name just a few. Many of these kits provide all the supplies that are required plus instructions making these a good way for beginners to try a new craft.
Kits can often be found on sale and these offer excellent value for money. Seasonal kits are sold at the end of a season, for instance Christmas kits sold off in January, however if there is nothing that will date a kit (for instance a date) they can be used the following year - or even given as a present.
Some kits are targeted specifically at youngsters and in craft stores these are stocked either in a specific section for children or along side other kits. In general stores sewing kits for children can often be found in the toys or activities section.
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Three new articles have been published about different aspects of quilting. These are an interesting read for novice and experienced quilters alike.
One of our regular writers, Christine Mann, has published three new quilting articles that will make interesting reading for quilters. These can be found following the links below:
Quilting is such an interesting and varied subject. Quilters produce a whole range of work from the most intricate and detailed work, through to pieces that are quick and easy to make.
Inspiration from History
When looking for inspiration for quilting and other needlecraft projects, many needle crafters look to the past for inspiration. Many museum and galleries have wonderful examples of needlework that were stitched and created many years ago, in fact examples of needlework exist in many important historical collections.
Looking at the work that was produced all those years ago often makes me think of the lives that the people would have lived then. Sewing, however, was a necessity and not a pleasure therefore people would have had to have sewn in very difficult circumstances. The combination of poor light and poor eyesight would have meant that many people were almost working by feel and touch. We are very lucky, in these days of new technologies, to have the range of options that are available to us – and I will try to remember that next time I moan about not quite having the right sewing gadget or the perfect supplies for a particular project
Quilting is such an interesting and varied subject. Quilters produce a whole range of work from the most intricate and detailed work, through to pieces that are quick and easy to make.
Inspiration from History
When looking for inspiration for quilting and other needlecraft projects, many needle crafters look to the past for inspiration. Many museum and galleries have wonderful examples of needlework that were stitched and created many years ago, in fact examples of needlework exist in many important historical collections.
Looking at the work that was produced all those years ago often makes me think of the lives that the people would have lived then. Sewing, however, was a necessity and not a pleasure therefore people would have had to have sewn in very difficult circumstances. The combination of poor light and poor eyesight would have meant that many people were almost working by feel and touch. We are very lucky, in these days of new technologies, to have the range of options that are available to us – and I will try to remember that next time I moan about not quite having the right sewing gadget or the perfect supplies for a particular project
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Taking good photographs of your cross stitch is a useful way to record your work. Having good quality images is also useful when sending submissions to magazines.
Taking good photographs of cross stitch is useful it you intend to record copies of your work. This can make a great archive to look back on and also remind you of work that you have done. Taking good quality pictures is also useful if you intend to send examples of your work to magazines.
Sending examples of your work to magazines can be a great way to let people know what you are working on. Many magazines encourage letters and photos from readers. An interesting development that has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, is the number of magazines that also have interactive websites. This means that they have discussion boards and forums and encourage readers to communicate both with the magazine team and also with the reader community. This is a useful facility for people looking to exchange news and views with like minded people.
Sending examples of your work to magazines can be a great way to let people know what you are working on. Many magazines encourage letters and photos from readers. An interesting development that has grown in popularity over the last couple of years, is the number of magazines that also have interactive websites. This means that they have discussion boards and forums and encourage readers to communicate both with the magazine team and also with the reader community. This is a useful facility for people looking to exchange news and views with like minded people.
Posted by
Kate Pullen
Kate Pullen
Using embellishments is an ideal way to customize and adapt items and create one of a kind garments.
Adding some embellishments to an item is a good way to customize it and create something unique. This is demonstrated in 49 Sensational Skirts by Alison Willougby, where one simple skirt design is transformed by the creative use of embellishments. While some of the designs might be a bit wild for every day wear, the book certainly whets the creative appetite.
So many garments can be given a new lease of life with the addition of some embellishments. Just a few beads or perhaps a spot of embroidery can transform a plain garment into something a little special. This can be a great way to explore new techniques without committing to a major project that may have a huge financial or time investment.
Part of the key to adding embellishments is having a stash of useful things to call upon. Some people might call this rubbish – odds and ends of materials, cast off buttons and zips, discarded garments etc – however for the creative sewer or needlecrafter these are absolute treasures! Keep a look out at garage sales, thrift shops and charity stores for ‘useful’ treasures. Piles of useful items can be found that can be used for a whole variety of embellishment projects.
It is surprising what the creative sewer can turn their hands to!
So many garments can be given a new lease of life with the addition of some embellishments. Just a few beads or perhaps a spot of embroidery can transform a plain garment into something a little special. This can be a great way to explore new techniques without committing to a major project that may have a huge financial or time investment.
Part of the key to adding embellishments is having a stash of useful things to call upon. Some people might call this rubbish – odds and ends of materials, cast off buttons and zips, discarded garments etc – however for the creative sewer or needlecrafter these are absolute treasures! Keep a look out at garage sales, thrift shops and charity stores for ‘useful’ treasures. Piles of useful items can be found that can be used for a whole variety of embellishment projects.
It is surprising what the creative sewer can turn their hands to!
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