Reap What You Sew!

Welcome to my sewing blog. Here you will find personal thoughts (not always related to sewing), ideas, and confessions from someone who loves looking at pretty material and who thinks that stitching things together is one of life's greatest pleasures (or at least one of life's best forms of therapy!).

Jul 17, 2010, Laying A New Lawn is Like a Sewing Project

If you have read my earlier post, you already know that I have been redoing my back yard for the past few months. Anyway, the more I think about this project the more I see similarities to sewing. In fact, I think one reason I haven't been committed to the nearest funny farm since starting this yard overhaul is because I sew! I'm used to "doing and redoing" things. (I also garden, so I'm used to planting and watching things wither away.)

I've decided that putting down a new lawn is like custom sewing. You strive for that "perfect fit"... which means a lot of cutting the sod into strange sizes and shapes. You also need the proper notions to get the job done. Leather gloves are your thimble, a large sharp knife is your scissors (just to name a few).

Just like sewing, you take a chance when you place an order because you can't see it! You trust that it will be as beautiful as advertised... and then you freak out when it shows up full of flaws. (Which is why I will no longer do business with a local company called Jefferson Feed. The sod delivered was not green and not fresh.)

However, I decided to work with it and pieced together the good parts with the not so good. Kind of like making a quilt with new material and really old scraps.

Fortunately, grass (unlike material) can heal itself.. usually. Luckily, this is the back view.

I have a new order being delivered this morning, from another company, and I hope it's fresh and green. I really want to see this whole thing finished. After all, this is one project I can't stuff in a drawer and forget about!

Jul 13, 2010, The Latest Dirt on My Sewing

Confession time. I haven't been sewing. I've been busy playing in the dirt. Ok, not playing, but I've been in the dirt. More specifically... in top soil. Hundreds of bags of top soil. Since early June, I've been adding soil to my back yard to both raise and level out all the low areas (which is more than half of the yard) because every time we get a heavy rain (which is often), the back yard floods, and grass will not grow under water. Therefore, I have been raising the yard in order to raise grass (lawn grass... not the stuff some folks smoke). Anyway, I have put down over 200 bags of dirt since I started this project of mine. Yes, this is my project. I'm the one who likes to grow things in this family. If my husband had his way... there would be artificial turf back there. Anyway, I am now to the point where I have been laying down sod and there's a little more to it than just remembering "green side up"! Unfortunately, the first section I redid settled more than I expected and after a heavy downpour...my newly placed grass drowned. Therefore, I've had to make some adjustments: like add more dirt to the original measurements, rip the messed up part out and do it over. It's a lot more work and a little frustrating, but hey... I'm used to it... its the same thing that happens when I'm sewing something!

Jun 3, 2010, Machine Embroidery Software - Do You Need It? I think so!

To get the most out of your embroidery machine, you need specialized software. Without it, you are severely limiting yourself and your machine. So, before you buy an embroidery sewing machine, here are two important questions to consider.

Do you want to be able to buy embroidery designs and download them directly from the web? Do you want to be able to digitize your own designs? The answer to those questions could save you, or cost you, a lot of money so spend some time thinking about what you really want to do.

If you are eager to get started buying, downloading and sewing out the thousands of designs available and are not interested in the process of learning to digitize (or letting your software digitize the designs for you), then all you need to invest in is a software program and card reader specifically made for transfering designs to your embroidery machine.

One I started with years ago and still recommend to people is the Vikant Ultimate Box. It's affordable and it works will all machines. You will be able to download (transfer) digitized designs to your computer, then take those designs and copy them to a specialized memory card via a "card reader/writer". This memory card then fits into your machine's card slot. Your embroidery machine then reads the card and turns the design into stitches.

If you are interested in actually learning to digitize (and I'm not talking about auto-digitizing where your software does it for you) then you should talk to people who have such programs, talk to dealers who sell them and do your homework! Research, research, research! There are many on the market. (Since I have BabyLock machines, I have the Palette and Designer's Gallery software.) Prices for good digitizing software packages start around $900 and go up into the thousands for commercial/professional digitizing programs. Each brand of embroidery machine has its own unique embroidery "language". Digitizing software will allow you to save, convert, and work with all the different brands.

Like your choice of machine, your choice of software is an investment, so consider it carefully!

May 5, 2010, Ever Consider a Fabric or Swatch Club?

You may already know that I, like many people who sew, sometimes have trouble visualizing specific fabric made into a specific garment. That's why I sometimes wind up with a finished project that disappoints me. The fabric just wasn't quite right for the pattern. I have a whole web page on this subject... however, what I want to bring up today is... fabric and swatch clubs. Note this, I'm not talking about fabric swap clubs.

Anyway, I belong to a fabric swatch club (which means I have a paid subscription) through Vogue Fabrics. If you get Vogue Patterns magazine, you probably have seen their ads. Anway, I pay a yearly membership and in return I get a wonderful package filled with beautiful fabric swatches along with information about the fabric and suggestions for what to make using them. I LOVE getting these packets. I drool over the beautiful fabric swatches which I get to see and touch, at home, on my schedule, as many times as it takes to make a decision. I get to see the newest colors and fabrics offered as well as which fabrics coordinate with each other because it's right there in front of me! A no brainer!!! I also get discounts on purchases by mail or via their website.

Another fabric swatch club that I just discovered, which might be better for beginning sewers or those who like the Kwick Sew pattern line, is the Sewing Studio Fabric Club. Like the one mentioned above, they also send you a packet of fabric swatches from their collections along with ideas and suggestions on patterns best suited for them. I'm considering a subscription.

You can learn more about both (and others) on the web to see if they interest you. Even if you never order fabric after you get a membership, for fabric junkies, trips to the mailbox become incredibly exciting!

Apr 14, 2010, Must Be Spring! I've got a Fever!

I don't need a calendar to tell me it's Springtime. All I need to do is step outside and look at my yard. It's the time of year I seriously battle the dreaded "Spring fever of the yard".

I am burning up with the desire to load my 4-Runner with things both green and colorful. I cannot fight it off... I'm totally infected. I must refresh my flowerbeds and flowerpots!

While some of you have are most likely launching yourself to the fabric stores for the newest Spring offerings... I've been launching myself to the garden sections of Home Depot, Lowes and Wal-Mart. Roses, lillies, flowering ornamental grasses, mandevilla for my trellises! Even dirt! Yes! I must have them for my yard.

Spring is here and after many years of avoiding being infected by the fever it brings, my defenses are down. It's hit me hard and it must run its course. The mental shots I have been giving myself for the last several years to avoid spending any money on flowers, bushes, and other items for the yard have worn off and I chose not to give myself such a shot this year.

It's Spring and Spring Fever is one fever I don't mind having. It will run its course. I will be healed. All I have to do is get my hands dirty and put lots of new plants in the ground.

Apr 5, 2010, Choosing Fabric for Sewing Projects

You need some basic knowledge before choosing fabric for your sewing project.

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Mar 29, 2010, Discover "Little Dresses for Africa" . A Sewing for Charity Project.

If you have never heard of Little Dresses for Africa, you are not alone. I only recently discovered this organization and its sewing for charity project myself. What excites me is that it involves making one of my favorite types of little girls' easy to make clothing. The pillowcase style dress! Even beginning sewers can make these types of dresses.

Little Dresses for Africa is a nonprofit Christian organization whose mission is to distribute dresses to little girls in remote villages of Africa... and they have recently agreed to ship dresses to those in need in Haiti as well.

How can you help?

Make simple pillowcase dresses using the free, easy to follow instructions found on their website. The instructions and information about the project can also be found on the Sewing with Nancy website where she lists charitable projects.

You can be a part of this charity sewing project as an individual or as part of a group. Adults, teens, even children (with supervision) can get involved and you can make your dresses simple or simply stylish! Just be sure to follow the instructions. The Little Dresses for Africa are made slightly different than the way I usually see (and sew) pillowcase dresses.

Make this a personal project or get together a group of your sewing friends and start making Little Dresses for Africa.

I know God will bless you for it.

Mar 18, 2010, Use hot fix crystals or rhinestones and add bling to your sewing projects.

About using hot fix crystals and rhinestones to embellish your next sewing project.

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Mar 11, 2010, Sewing Events. What's Your Favorite?

Sewing events. Quilting conferences. Machine embroidery conferences. Extravaganzas. There are dozens across the country every year. Though the overall theme may be different from event to event, they all share the following: the chance to learn new skills, see (and try) new products on the market, and meet people from all over the globe who share your creative passion.

So... what I want to know is.... what annual sewing related event have you attended recently or in the past that got you fired up about your hobby or specialty? And what specific thing (class, forum, seminar) that you attended while at this event would you recommend to others? Share your thoughts with my readers!

Visit my sewing events page and look for the invitation to share toward the bottom of the page. If you have a personal photo from the event... we'd love to see that as well!

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Mar 6, 2010, Sewing Events and Conferences are SEW Fun! Take a Sewing Vacation.

Take a sewing vacation! Improve your skills and make new friends at sewing events and conferences. Information for sewing enthusiasts.

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Mar 3, 2010, Wee... I love my Wii!

We have had our Wii system for a while now and I have to say (again)... I love it. It gets me off my backside and moving - which is good for my weight and for my heart. My brother lost 12 pounds in one month with the Wii Fit disk. I find that impressive. He said he's the hula hoop champ of the neighborhood on it and my sister-in-law is the knockout queen of boxing. (I've tried the boxing... I suck.)

For me, right now anyway, the sports disk and the Resort disk are my favorites. The other day I was sitting on the sofa after watching one tv program after another, started feeling cold, and decided I needed to get moving to warm up. So on went the Wii and I was happily sweating in no time, which means my heart rate was up and so was my body temp.

I love the tennis and my Mii runs and jumps and gives it her all every time I play. Confession: I used to actually play tennis... now I play at playing tennis and my Mii is much better than I ever was. I played three games of "best of three" this afternoon before going to work. Tonight I have tennis elbow. And my shoulder hurts. I think I played a little too hard... which is silly... after all, it's just a computer game!. If this keeps up, I may need to see a specialist. Are there computer sports doctors to keep up with all the computer sports injuries we inflict on ourselves? Do we dare admit where our aches and pains are coming from? "Boss, I think I threw my arm out slicing fruit during swordplay and need to see a doctor ... so I won't be able to come to work today."

I guess I'll just take two aspirin, cuddle up to the heating pad, and keep my "sports injuries" to myself! For now.

Feb 13, 2010, Sewing News

As someone who sews, I'm always looking for sewing news on notions, products and other interesting items.

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Feb 1, 2010, Happy Birthday Butterfly!

It's a girl! Or maybe a boy! Who knows? For sure... it's a butterfly! It broke out of its cocoon early this morning and I am so excited! I'm a new Mom... sort of. If you read my blogs, you know that I took in a caterpillar (see earlier entry) and I've been waiting for it to "birth" itself. Well it's here!

Unfortunately, we are no longer having balmly seventy degree weather. The cold has returned and now I'm afraid to release it! I did take the container and my new baby outside earlier. When I put my hand inside, he (or she) climbed on and wouldn't get off. I had to encourage it to step over on to the side of the container where I thought it might decide to take flight. (It's wings are dry and flight ready.) Nope. Every time I checked it was still sitting there, not moving. So... I offered it my hand and, it went right back on. Makes sense to me. My hand is warm... the outside air is cold. No dummy there! Well, needless to say, my new baby (and it's plastic house) are back inside my house. I guess I'll be playing mother for a few days... at least until the temperatures warm up outside. I also guess I'd better go ahead and give it a name. Maybe something like... "Lucky"? Here's its birthday photo.

Jan 27, 2010, Sewing Projects Off to a Slow Start!

Ok, I really thought that I would be sewing doll clothes like crazy this month since my granddaughter got an American Girl doll for Christmas. I did make several outfits for this new doll as Christmas presents (gee how did Nana know??) and I went and bought some terrific books with patterns and instructions for wonderful contemporary doll clothes. I even (oh yes, I did!) bought myself a pretty 18" doll to use as a fit model for any outfits I made! She is sitting in my sewing room, probably wondering why she's wearing the same thing day after day, while she stares at my sewing machine. (My husband says she makes him nervous.) Well, I guess I just sort of burned out on the whole thing! Sadly, another sewer has "bit the dust" on yet another sewing project. I had good intentions and will probably make more doll clothes later (much later), but for right now... my creative juices seem to be flowing very slowly. Maybe I'm just having "after holidays" jet lag... or more aptly "sewing lag"! HA! It's not that I'm not doing anything right now. I have someone who needs a Greek costume made for her first grader and I've been making tutus which I'm enjoying the heck out of doing, especially with Mardi Gras approaching and the Saints big win! Yes, I'm a member of the "Who Dat Nation"! Bless you boys! I don't really care if they actually win the Super Bowl.... I'm just thrilled (and I mean THRILLED) that they made it to the big show!!!! Oh by the way, my caterpiller is still in its cocoon and so far... nothing is happening. Pray for Haiti, hug your family, smile at everyone you see, and root for the Saints at Super Bowl!

Jan 11, 2010, Saving the Last of this Season's Butterflies

If you spend time watching the Weather Channel,(Storm Stories.. riveting stuff), you know that the South has been having record cold temps. We're freezing down here... and we don't like it! Anyway, with temps in the 20's and low 30's, this southern belle keeps her southern backside as close to the nearest heat source as possible. Anyway... about the butterfly.

I have citrus trees in my back yard and every year these big beautiful tiger swallowtail type butterflies lay their eggs on them. Especially on one in particular (a small lime tree I have growing in a container). This lime tree is their nursery, all hours buffet, and favorite playground. Which means, I've been able to watch caterpillars turn into cocoons and finally into glorious butterflies for several years now.

Apparantly, however, there was one late holdout this season. Yep, one last caterpillar about to get put in deep freeze... at least that's what I was worried about the night before the temps dropped! So I threw on a coat, ran outside and broke off a small section of branch and put both it and the caterpillar into a large plastic container which now sits in my dining room among my houseplants. (I told my husband I'd find a use for that thing!)

Well, lo and behold... my little late season hold out has now anchored itself and has begun the cocooning stage. That wonderful transition period where something that looks like a giant ugly bird dropping will, in about six weeks or so, emerge a thing of beauty... if all goes well. I'm not Mother Earth, I'm just one of her stewards. I hope this container thing works (yes, I put lots of holes in the cover).

I'll let you know when the blessed event happens.