You can't use up creativity.
The more you use, the more you have.
~Maya Angelou
The more you use, the more you have.
~Maya Angelou
Fabric Sources: Wool
Join us once again on our journey of knowledge, processing, impact, and more as we continue our series on Fabric Sources, this time learning about wool. Read the full article here.
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Classic Christmas StockingCelebrate the holidays by hanging these cozy stockings on your mantle. These easy construction techniques will allow you the time and opportunity to make several—for your family and as gifts! Click here to download pattern and instructions. Courtesy of ShannonFabrics.com |
How Do they Make That?
Have you ever wondered how a flag is made? As the lead-in to the story states, "Betsy Ross would be impressed by this operation." North American Manufacturing in Scranton, PA produces about 8,000 full-size military-grade flags annually. The process of cutting and sewing each flag takes about 30 minutes and requires hawk-like vision to spot any anomalies. Debbie Wademen, production supervisor at the plant, says she enjoys sewing and creating with her hands. We can all certainly relate to that! Read the full article here.
Grams per Square Meter What is that about and why does it matter?
GSM stands for grams per square meter and is a standard industry-wide method of measurement of the density or weight of a fabric. (In the US, because we haven’t embraced the metric system of measurement, you might see this measured as oz/sq yard.) The GSM measurement is not thread count, which is a different method of classifying fabric, as explained here.
Sewing Disasters
We've all had an oops or two in the sewing room, but these sewing disasters shared by our social media followers had us cringing:
We've all had an oops or two in the sewing room, but these sewing disasters shared by our social media followers had us cringing:
- Julie sewed the right sleeve into the left armhole.
- Debbie Jean caught her fabric in the serger knife which created an ugly "V" and a necessary creative opportunity.
- While ironing the weddings gowns she had made for her and her soon-to-be wife, Lauren accidentally burned the bodice of one of them in a very conspicuous spot. Proving though that love can conquer all, her tears ended up as happy ones on their special day when the gown held together and their new lives began.
- Lillie tells everyone she puts her heart and soul into everything she sews. Or at least her DNA because she bleeds on every sewing project.
- Shellie once put two left fronts on a blouse.
- Mrs. D said she once jumped ahead in the pattern directions for a tote basket because she *thought* she understood it, only to find she missed the part about folding a certain way. She ended up folding the piece incorrectly, cutting both pieces, leaving it unusable, and requiring another trip to the store for more fabric. Taking it all in stride though, she shares that she's been ruining fabric since 1976.
- Gail's older sister had cut out a dress from a fabric that had a large circle pattern design. She left the cut pieces — and her fabric scissors — out though. Enter her younger sister who saw her own creative opportunity in the project and cut out several of the circles from the fabric. Lesson learned: "put away your scissors and your sewing project."
- Diane accidentally cut a big chunk out of the bottom of a wool plaid swing coat that was destined for a state fair contest. Still intent on entering, she carefully pieced in a matching chunk backed with fusible interfacing and hand-stitched it so it was practically invisible. Unfortunately, there was no ribbon that year, but she still got a thumbs-up from the judge with a comment, “Great job on the patch!”
