Showing posts with label Supplies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Supplies. Show all posts
Sew Your Stressors Away
Do you like to sew? Perhaps you tried crocheting as a child but never liked it. It could be that Aunt Grace tried to teach you how to hem handkerchiefs but you never caught on. Or that lopsided afghan throw lying crumpled on the sofa might be your first and last foray into the land of knitting needles. But even if you have never tried needlework, or if the first effort didn't go over too well, it's never too late to try again, especially since sewing is a great way to reduce stress and express your artistic capabilities.
Although sewing used to be largely a female pastime, today more and more men are giving it a try. Mixed Bible studies have produced hand-sewn quilts that included squares sown by male members as well as the ladies. Male nurses join their female counterparts in the break room to stitch a needlepoint design or knit a scarf. Some men even enter quilting competitions-and win-much to the chagrin of their mothers, sisters, and wives.
Whatever your age, gender, or income status, you may want to take up some type of sewing art as a means of reducing the stress in your life. Many hyperactive people claim that sewing allows their fingers to stay busy while their bodies take a needed break. Sedentary folks appreciate the opportunity to engage minds and hands in productive endeavors while seated in a favorite chair or relaxing environment, perhaps watching television or listening to music at the same time, or engaged in conversation with loved ones. There are those who crochet during their break and lunch times at work, or save their needlework for after dinner while resting in the family room. Some use their needle and thread as a focus point for gathering with others who enjoy this hobby.
Sewing, whether it be through knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, darning, or quilting, as well as other forms, provides a creative outlet for those who want to express beauty or meaning through their hands but are unable or unwilling to do so via cooking, writing, or sculpture. It doesn't cost a lot to assemble the needed sewing materials; the correct size needles, thread, and fabric or background item is really all you need to start. You can put together a sewing basket later, if the hobby really takes hold. Learning how to make small, even stitches that repair torn seams or missing buttons is a valuable skill. Depicting artwork on handkerchiefs, pillowcases, or other household items makes a welcome heirloom for generations to come.
If you're ready to give it a try, pick up a starter kit at your favorite craft or fabric store. Choose a time when other people or tasks won't bother you. Then find a comfy spot and begin your labor of love. Chances are that the day's stress will melt away as you find yourself enjoying the creation of art that unfolds with each movement of your fingers.
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Folding Sewing Table Choices Increase
If you have changed your life with a move, or added children in your life, had relatives move-in or just started sewing, you may have an old table or desk that you have been using for your sewing machine. While this can be made to work, it is often ergonomically stressful on your body. The base of the sewing machine sits up from the table top and so your hands and arms have to support, this puts stress on your shoulders. The new folding sewing table has an inset space in which the sewing machine sits, thereby putting it even with the table top and providing support and a much larger sewing space.
The ease of putting the table up and down is always a serious consideration when looking at a folding sewing table. Try it out. Go to a local sewing store and see what folding sewing tables they have in stock and tell them you want to try the floor sample. Put it up, take it down and roll it on its wheels across the floor to see how heavy it is to you. While it wonderful for this to tell you that its not heavy, it needs to be not heavy to you.
The way the folding sewing table works is that the legs fold down and lock. When you are finished you unlock them and fold them down. This folds into a very small space and the wheels on the end allow for very easy movement. Once again, make sure you try this at a local store.
Storage of the Folding Sewing Table
When your folding sewing table is folded down it can fit under a bed, or stand up in a closet or against a wall. All with about a 3 foot by 6 inch footprint. It will easily go into a closet when folded up and stood on end.
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Portable Sewing Tables Make The Most of Limited Space
Advantages Of A Portable Sewing Table
Portable sewing tables brings immediately to mind the portable furniture that has been sold in the past. You remember the metal wood-look shelves that managed to bend the second you put anything real on them. If these are your experiences with portable furniture you are in for a nice surprise with the portable sewing table. First of all, it really is portable and easy to move, as it comes with wheels. So when its folded up and stood on its end, where the wheels are, its easy to move. No lugging it or trying to walk it across the floor, with the wheels you just slide it where it needs to go. Its designed to stand on end or lie flat with a footprints which is incredibly small. Standing on end its only going to take up about six inches by 3 feet of floor space, the rest is going vertical. That means in can store in a closet on its end or store under a bed while lying flat.
The portable sewing table has another wonderful feature, it is designed with the inset space so that your sewing machine sits into the table leaving a nice flat surface to sew upon. This means that your arms and shoulders are in the correct ergonomic position to minimize physical stress from the sewing.
Did you try and use those metal shelves we talked about earlier, and discover that they bend if you place books on them. They were held together with these little clips that you couldn’t buy anywhere, and they folded under too much weight. Unfortunately, almost all weight was too much. This is not the case with a new portable sewing table, they are constructed from real heavy duty plastic tops and solid pipe metal folding legs. This is not going to crumple under normal use and most heavy-duty use. I assume if you intend to try and damage it severely it would be possible, it most usually is.
A portable sewing table is not too heavy to move easily. If you cannot have the table and sewing machine set up at all times, to take advantage of those free minutes, at least you are not in for a physically demanding ordeal to become ready. This weight issue has also become much more relevant in the last year as shipping costs have risen meteorically.
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Sewing Machine Furniture Designed for Correct Posture
When you find that most of the people around you don’t sew, it can be very hard to explain to them how it can be physically demanding. To them you are just sitting at a desk hold some material while the machine sews it. They don’t see the preparation work and all the other physical labor. The layout of the pattern on the material is time consuming, on your feet work, but it can be much worse, because many tables are too low for long term comfort. The sewing machine sits too high or two low on the non-sewing machine furniture desk, and your neck or arms and shoulders hurt. This all makes sewing a depressing chore, when it should be a fun and enjoyable task making something beautiful.
Good equipment, such as sewing machine furniture, can and does make a difference in how your sewing feels to you. However, many of us don’t have a sewing room and so we are required to fit into an office or set up elsewhere in the home. It makes it difficult to layout your pattern, cut it out and place it on a flat surface while you assemble and sew it. This makes it necessary for some of the sewing machine furniture to be portable.
Portable Furniture Provides Help for Little Space
The portable sewing table can help remedy this, as not everyone has room to keep their sewing furniture assembled and in a room. Homes no longer come with a sewing room, because most people think its silly to sew what you can buy at a store. They have no concept of correctly fitting clothing, or a figure that doesn’t fit the normal body type. They have never seen the beauty of items that are sewn to fit you, in colors you choose and with your style. The portable sewing table is one that can easily be set up and taken down with little effort.
The portable sewing table can be stored with very little space footprint used, as it can fit under a bed, sit along a wall or stand up in a closet with very little space. A portable sewing machine table is a wonder of technology. In most homes space is at a premium, and there is little space to keep your sewing machine table and/or a portable sewing table up at all time. If you can easily move, assemble, take down the sewing furniture you can sew without some much frustration.
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A Guide To Vintage Pattern Terminology
If you are considering sewing with vintage patterns, then you will definitely want to learn the terminology. Vintage patterns come with vintage terminology, not all of which may be familiar. Here are some of the terms you might encounter.
1. Continuous Lap: A strip of fabric cut on the straight grain and used to face edges of an opening or slit in a garment.
2. Jabot: A ruffle or cravat-like accent attached to the front of a dress or blouse.
3. Lapped Seam: A seam in which one seam allowance edge is lapped over the seam allowance of its joining piece and stitched.
4. Pin tuck: Very small tucks stitched just a pin's width from the fold to slightly shape a garment piece. In the late 1920's, a series of pin tucks were often applied across the naural waistline of a frock for shaping and detail.
5. Plaits: An array of narrow (known today as "knife") pleats often applied at the hem of a dress, the ends of sleeves, or around the neck opening.
6. Shirring: Three or more rows of gathers made by small running stitches in parallel lines. The rows are spaced as desired.
7. Slide Fastener: The original term for zippers.
8. True Bias: Fabric that is cut at a precise 45-degree angle to the fabric grain line.
9. Toile: The French term for fabric pattern. Originally pertained to the muslin test garment.
Today, with the help of the internet and the popularity of all things vintage, it's easier than every to acquire vintage patterns. Sewing with the real-deal pattern in its original form is a great experience and a fun way to re-create those wonderful designs from the past. I hope the above glossary of terms will help you easily navigate the world of vintage patterns.
Source: Free Articles
Joyce Boulan is the owner of a website devoted to vintage sewing. You can search for vintage patterns, antique buttons, antique sewing machines and much more. Please visit: http://www.vintagesewingshop.com
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Sewing Tables Galore
Sewing Tables Advantages and Needs
It used to be that sewing tables were a slightly re-tooled kids school desk, and were only made along the same lines, and seldom with a place to inset your sewing machine. New manufactures have entered the field and the choice of a sewing table on which to place your sewing machine has exploded. The sewing tables are the right height to sew, so no more hunching over the sewing machine trying to see what you are sewing or having it so high your arms are in a difficult and uncomfortable position whenever you try to sew. These are often called a sewing machine table, and have a place to which a sewing machine can be attached, and the advantages are many.
The first advantage is the drawers in the new choices of sewing table are much better sectioned and sized for sewing notions and threads. This is wonderful, because I know my threads keep multiplying while I’m not looking. I swear I didn’t have that many a few days ago and I haven’t been to the store, I’m sure it’s a conspiracy. All that joking aside, many people are quite serious about their sewing, even if they are hobby sewing. The sewing table helps organize the myriad of items that I keep on hand. There is no real benefit in throwing away the thread which is left over from a sewing project. You made need to make a fix to it down the line and that color may not still be available, but how to keep it organized.
If you cannot keep all the notions and thread organized they are not of much use. Its hard to spend tons of time digging through boxes of threads trying to find what you need. The sewing table can help with this organization problem, and the items you need are close at hand where you need it when you next sit down to sew.
The other sewing table, the cut-out and pinning table, has also become available, with a higher table top, which means you are bent over a too low table while your lower back and thighs scream. This make sewing much more enjoyable, less stressful to you physically and mentally.
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Sewing Tables Galore
Sewing Tables Advantages and Needs
It used to be that sewing tables were a slightly re-tooled kids school desk, and were only made along the same lines, and seldom with a place to inset your sewing machine. New manufactures have entered the field and the choice of a sewing table on which to place your sewing machine has exploded. The sewing tables are the right height to sew, so no more hunching over the sewing machine trying to see what you are sewing or having it so high your arms are in a difficult and uncomfortable position whenever you try to sew. These are often called a sewing machine table, and have a place to which a sewing machine can be attached, and the advantages are many.
The first advantage is the drawers in the new choices of sewing table are much better sectioned and sized for sewing notions and threads. This is wonderful, because I know my threads keep multiplying while I’m not looking. I swear I didn’t have that many a few days ago and I haven’t been to the store, I’m sure it’s a conspiracy. All that joking aside, many people are quite serious about their sewing, even if they are hobby sewing. The sewing table helps organize the myriad of items that I keep on hand. There is no real benefit in throwing away the thread which is left over from a sewing project. You made need to make a fix to it down the line and that color may not still be available, but how to keep it organized.
If you cannot keep all the notions and thread organized they are not of much use. Its hard to spend tons of time digging through boxes of threads trying to find what you need. The sewing table can help with this organization problem, and the items you need are close at hand where you need it when you next sit down to sew.
The other sewing table, the cut-out and pinning table, has also become available, with a higher table top, which means you are bent over a too low table while your lower back and thighs scream. This make sewing much more enjoyable, less stressful to you physically and mentally.
Singer 1000+ Stitch Function Computerized Sewing Machine
High-tech sewing functionality is right at your fingertips with our remarkable Singer Computerized Sewing Machine. Perfect for all of your fashion, heirloom, craft sewing, quilting and...
Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #178702
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How to Gather: a basic sewing tutorial
Gathering is a technique used in many sewing patterns for such areas as sleeves, ruffles, and waistbands. This video tutorial teaches you the basics of gathering using a sewing machine.
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If You Want To Learn How To Sew Dress Clothes
Whether these are for you to wear or for you to sell, there is a lot to learn when it comes to wanting to know how to sew dress clothes. But once you get the hang of things there is no doubt that you will feel that the skill was a pretty easy one to master. Before you know it, with enough practice, you will be able to teach other people how to sew dress clothes. With the skill you learn you will not only be able to make money from selling your clothes but by also teaching other people how to sew dress clothes.
Getting The Extra Advantage
Once you have mastered the art of sewing and you are moving on to the bigger and better projects, it is important to know that there are a lot of tools out there that you could be making use of. There are a lot of patterns and templates that could help you in learning how to sew dress clothes. Some patterns are ones that are only good for one time and the others are reusable. The reusable patterns are generally the ones you would want to go with because they would be the best value for your money. You certainly never know when you would want to reuse them.
In the end, once you have your own skill, pattern, and schedule set you will be able to turn out a lot of different kinds of dress clothes. And make sure that you save a lot of the stuff that helped you learn how to sew dress clothes because you can use those items when you start teaching other people. Even if you decide not to teach other people, you may decide you want to give them away to someone or even resell them in order to make back some of your money.
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If You Want To Learn How To Sew Dress Clothes
When it comes to learning how to sew, most people start out with small projects and then work their way up to the bigger stuff. This is a good thing to do so that you do not become overwhelmed with everything that you are learning. Taking it one step at a time is always the best thing to do and you should organize yourself a little space of your own such as a sewing table. Once you get all of the basics down, you may go ahead and begin learning how to sew dress clothes.
Whether these are for you to wear or for you to sell, there is a lot to learn when it comes to wanting to know how to sew dress clothes. But once you get the hang of things there is no doubt that you will feel that the skill was a pretty easy one to master. Before you know it, with enough practice, you will be able to teach other people how to sew dress clothes. With the skill you learn you will not only be able to make money from selling your clothes but by also teaching other people how to sew dress clothes.
Getting The Extra Advantage
Once you have mastered the art of sewing and you are moving on to the bigger and better projects, it is important to know that there are a lot of tools out there that you could be making use of. There are a lot of patterns and templates that could help you in learning how to sew dress clothes. Some patterns are ones that are only good for one time and the others are reusable. The reusable patterns are generally the ones you would want to go with because they would be the best value for your money. You certainly never know when you would want to reuse them.
In the end, once you have your own skill, pattern, and schedule set you will be able to turn out a lot of different kinds of dress clothes. And make sure that you save a lot of the stuff that helped you learn how to sew dress clothes because you can use those items when you start teaching other people. Even if you decide not to teach other people, you may decide you want to give them away to someone or even resell them in order to make back some of your money.
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Sewing Tips and Techniques
Sewing Tips and Techniques
Sewing is really considered an art form since the works of talented hands can be made into beautiful pieces of clothing, home decor, beddings and many more. And with today's penchant to show off creativity via fashion, a renewed interest in sewing is seen.Learning how to sew takes time and effort. It may not be rocket science but a certain learning curve is definitely required. If you start a sewing project without even knowing the basics of sewing, then you are almost certain to fail in your endeavor. To prevent this, it pays to know a few basic sewing techniques.
Sewing Steps for Beginners
The following tips will help you get your feet wet in the world of sewing.
1. Prepare all your materials before anything else. If using a sewing machine, prepare your machine and be sure to thread it properly to avoid any hassles during the actual sewing process.
2. Prepare your pattern and guide. Read the instructions before you try anything. Understanding the pattern and guide is essential prior to cutting the fabric as you cannot re-do the cutting once it's done.
3. Prepare your fabric by washing and drying it first. You would want to wash your fabrics prior to cutting to ensure that it will not shrink after sewing the entire clothing.You should also dry and iron your fabric. It is much easier to cut fabrics that have been dried and ironed.
4. Securely pin the pieces of your pattern on to the fabric. Cut the fabric with sharp scissors to ensure that the edges are cut evenly.
5. Baste the pieces of pattern using longhand stitches to make it much easier for you to piece together the edges of the fabric. You may use bright coloured thread to baste your pieces together.
6. Sew your pieces on the edges and then remove the basting thread once you are done.
Sewing is a fun hobby to start and once you get the hang of it, you will soon be sewing different patterns from the simplest to the more complex. Just remember to be patient as it takes time to learn the basics of sewing, but you will always have fun while doing it!
The team behind Sew Sew Simple has served the local community as a High Street retail shop, providing an extensive range of Haberdashery and Soft Furnishings for the last 44 years. Sew Sew Simple stock a large assortment of threads, bindings, buttons, haberdashery, and many more sewing products at discount prices.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/sewing-tips-and-techniques-415284.html
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Sewing a Hobby or Profitable Business?
Now considered a great hobby, fashion-minded folks are designing and also making their own clothing on a regular basis.
Driven by famous celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and P. Diddy and other famous people, young people are adamant about dressing themselves like the people they admire so much.
It doesn't stop there though. Many go a step further and take a stab at designing their own wears for the market as professionals. This can developed into a profitable career in the fashion industry.
As a result of all of this sewing awareness and creativity, sewing and stitching classes are popular these days. This allows interested people who enjoy sewing as a hobby to turn their needlework and pattern creation into a profitable business.
Creating different patterns and sewing individualized hand bags are among the items that are in demand. You can also transform left over scraps of cloth into unique gifts and one of a kind items for friends, family or business associates.
Sewing can be considered just a hobby or you can make it a long term project if you decide to treat it as a business.
Christmas is a great time to make long lasting and memorable gifts. Obviously stockings would be easy to make. Adding some personal touches like names and decorations would be a great way to put your skills to use. Another great idea would be to make mittens and pull over hats for those cold winter days.
A sewing hobby has become the focal point for unbridled creativity. Being able to sew and wear clothing items as wearable art, makes sewing a fun and profitable hobby.
Alan Kircian is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.bigtimewebproducts.com He provides more information on the Sewing Machine at http://www.bigtimewebproducts.com/sewingmachine that you can read about while sitting around in your underwear.
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Sewing - A Wonderful Pastime
To think that in the beginning the only sewing patterns used were to measure from ankle to dirt and chop off the animal skin so that it would not drag on the ground. Now you can get sewing patterns for everything from a simple square sewn together to create a throw pillow to an elaborate wedding dress. You can find sewing patterns by the thousands at any fabric or specialty store, and find specialized catalogues, which cater to custom sewing patterns for any size and style. You can now also buy sewing patterns online from all the classic pattern manufacturers, and the technology of the internet allows formerly unknown pattern manufacturers a chance for the spotlight.
Sewing patterns are simply sheets of tissue paper, which are marked with the dimensions needed in order to produce the garment pictured on the front of the package. When laying sewing patterns on the fabric be sure to avoid laying them on the wrong size or against the wrong part of the grain. It is advisable to take a sewing class before you tackle a pattern, which can be daunting to the novice seamstress.
Sewing can be a wonderful pastime. Sewing patterns for clothes, plush toys, home décor, etc. are endless. Stop in any fabric store and look at the array of fabrics to compliment your home décor or your fashion statement. Many fabric shops offer free or low cost sewing lessons. If you need a wonderful hobby, then sewing could be your answer.
For more information, visit http://www.SewingInfoCenter.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Chandler
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Getting The Right Sewing Machine Cabinet For You
While most people would say that it is not needed, there are certainly many reasons why purchasing a sewing machine cabinet is worth the time and money spent. If you want to have a place that is much more proper storage then the bottom of the hall closet, then the sewing machine cabinet is the perfect choice for you. Also, with certain models of the sewing machine cabinet, there will be a lot of different places that you can stores materials and thread in. This makes a great piece for someone who likes things to be kept organized and clean.
Where To Buy The Right One For You
When it comes to wanting to purchase a new sewing machine cabinet, there is nothing better then doing a little window-shopping first. You will want to make sure that the sewing machine cabinet that you go with is one that will serve you a great deal for not only now but in the future as well. You want to get a sewing machine cabinet that not only takes care of your current sewing needs but also your sewing needs in the future. The idea is to get something that will allow you in grow in the hobby without having to go out and purchase another new sewing machine cabinet.
Generally speaking, the best place to buy a sewing machine cabinet is any place that you can look, touch, and feel the item for yourself. While a lot of people love to shop through catalogs and online, there is nothing better then being able to see something first hand before dishing out the money for it. If you are looking to save a little money then there is nothing wrong with going with a gently used sewing machine cabinet and these can be found just about anywhere. Search your local thrift store, flea market, and keep an eye out for those yards sales and you will find what you are looking for in no time at all.
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