I’ve mentioned starch before, but never devoted a post to it.  Lately I’ve used lots of starch, and noticed different starches when picking up a can (or three!).  So I decided to collect, use, and share my opinions.

Brands represented: Faultless, Niagara, and Best Press

Why take the time to use starch?

I love the crisp, stiff feel to the fabric once it’s been pressed with starch.  It helps make my cuts more precise, and the fabrics less likely to fray.  In my experience, of course.  Starch helps stubborn creases release and lay flat, and crisp fabrics are easier to feed through the sewing machine.  Starch also helps with any precision that I may be aiming for.

When and how to use starch?

I use starch while pressing before I cut … Read More »

Hi there!  I can hardly believe how much of the week has already gotten by me!  I hope you have enjoyed visiting the Giveaway Day posts – I found a few to enter myself too!  Good luck – I hope you win somewhere!

I’ve been sewing up a storm, which I’ll have to share with you later, but I thought I would show you my temporary storage solution I set up this week.

I’ve outgrown my current system, and happened to have this wire unit in pieces.  I just needed a spot to set it up, so I emptied the boxes (fabric orders), that I had set against the wall, and moved in some fabric!  It’s mostly a bunch of piles, but I know exactly what is where, and thankfully my family knows to … Read More »

I know that irons can be a bit of a hot button topic among sewists.  Everyone seems to have their favorite -

I don’t.

When Joe and I were first married, I had a Rowenta iron, which clunked out early on due to a power malfunction.  Joe fixed it, then it started leaving rust marks on items when water was used in the tank.  Finally, we just had to toss it.

Pictured :  Oliso, Reliable, Rowenta, Panasonic

After that, we picked up a cheap Sunbeam model at Costco, and it works, even still.   I will say though, it’s not as hot as I would like it to be.   I just checked the wattage is 1200, and on the low side for irons.   And so, I … Read More »

Hi friends!  I was working on a different project yesterday, and realized that some of my favorite posts are the ones that I asked a question, and you answered!  So I decided it’s time for another question.

As a quilter or sewist, is there something that you would like to better learn, or gain confidence in?

Personally, I would love to be more confident with applique.  I’ve done a bit of applique, but tend to put it off as long as possible.  I always admire these quilts -

when I see them on flickr (click the pic to see credits), or at quilt shows.  I would love to make one, just need to take on a long term applique project!  I don’t even have the book yet…Aunt Millie’s Garden I guess I should move it up the list!

Honestly, I … Read More »

Amy Butler that is!  I have had scraps from my roman shade project waiting for pillows, just no pillow forms.  So I waited.  The kids and I ran an errand for Joe first thing this morning and when finished went to Wal-mart since we were already out – I don’t go often.

I found 2 nice 18″ pillow form on sale – and snatched them up!  After finally getting home, and convincing the boy to at least rest in his bed… I took an hour to whip these up.

Nothing fancy, but functional and cute!  They have an envelope back so I can wash as needed too.

What have you been up to today?

Can we say leftovers for dinner?

Amy

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A couple months back, I decided to try some new thread and the recommended needles.  I had been having trouble with tension in my machine and the obvious lint build up was part of the problem.  I spent a little bit more than I usually do, but I believe the payoff is huge!  My machine has been happier!

And so, here are a few of the finer things I have enjoyed using while sewing lately :)

So Fine Thread &Topstitching Needles by Superior Threads  – The needles seem to stay sharp longer than other brands.Famore Scissors – the tip is tiny, helps to get threads from the tiniest spaces.Patchwork Pins – so tiny and fine, no visible holes left in the fabric after pinning.Selvage Pin Cushion – it stays where I put it while pushing pins in as I sew.

The next thing I need … Read More »

It’s been such a full week!  Thanks so much for your response to my first pattern, and the Blogger’s Quilt Festival! In the mean time, I finished my Madison Bag for myself – and almost forgot to show you.

I love the finished product!  Getting there, was a little sketchy, but the size and shape are so right.

The construction methods were a little frustrating.  This is how I had to maneuver the machine to be able to attach the handles….I plan to try another pattern and see how more recent instructions finish the bag.  I wouldn’t suggest this pattern for a first time bag maker, but it’s so cute.  Don’t you think!?Today is Ella’s birthday – she’s 10. 10!  My first baby, now 10!  She’s been counting down for the last three months, not one second letting us forget that she … Read More »