RSS Feed
Feb 27

Quilting Pattern – Frequently Asked Questions & Answers On Quilting Patterns

Posted on Saturday, February 27, 2010 in Sewing Machines

If you’re considering purchasing a quilting pattern, there are often a number of questions that may well come to mind. This quick article should answer your questions about quilting patterns.  

What is a quilting pattern ?
A quilting pattern is much like that of a sewing pattern. What you get with a quilt pattern is one total quilt block pattern detailing the placement of patchwork, as well as strips of fabric.

What designs are offered with quilting styles?
There are many styles available for all levels of quilters. For Newbies you will find basic quilting patterns needing the positioning of no more than 10 material pieces, whereas the expert sewers have complicated quilting patterns needing a lot more material pieces for a complex pattern.

Where can I get quilting patterns?
Quilting patterns are available in craft stores, however the more seasoned sewers prefer the selections which might be bought at online stores. Virtual shops have a wider selection when it comes to quilting patterns, even the extraordinary, and one of a kind quilting patterns.

Do I need to be a skilled sewer to make use of quilt designs?
No, you will find quilt designs for the newbie, advanced, and also the veteran sewer.

Are there additional websites that contain info about quilting patterns?  
Helpful web forums may be nearly impossible to find.  One web community that I do suggest for quilting pattern info, nevertheless, is http://quilting-pattern.bidandblog.com .  In this site, you’ll acquire a ton of free, member-posted answers to faq’s.  In addition to a boatload of “frequently asked questions”, the site also provides live auctions for quilting patterns; a free quilting pattern email alert service; and a no cost auto-bidding gizmo.  And, there’s always a user on the discussion board that is able answer any quilting pattern related question.  

 Mail this post
Feb 27

Tips On How Your Sewing Machine Can Transform a Hobby Into a Source Of Income

Posted on Saturday, February 27, 2010 in Sewing Machines

Have you ever heard of machine quilting before and have no idea what it meant? All it means is that you are using a sewing machine to put a quilt together. Just imagine a very hefty flexible sewing machine. For those of you quilters that have been creating quilts by hand for your loved ones or close friends you may want to expand your thinking. Perhaps it is time to begin thinking about selling some of your quilts instead of giving them away.

Here’s one quick resource before we get started:

Click this link to purchase a brand new sewing machine and get 50% off:
Portable Sewing Machines.  You also get up to $40 in free gifts with each order.

Now, let’s take a quick peek at more useful guidelines.

So you are probably wondering, how does one change from quilting by hand to using a machine to quilt? If you are quilting one quilt at a time and still want to keep that special, personal touch there are manual quilting machines. Don’t worry these manual quilting machines will still allow you to let your creativity flow to create the most personal most distinctive quilts. You will soon realize that going from quilting by hand to quilting using a machine that you will have more time to create more quilts.

Once a hobby you can now look down the road and realize that you could start your very own quilting business, but if so you may need to research computerized quilting machines.
Think about how wonderful it would be to be able to just program in all the information you need to about the quilt you are wanting to make and the rest is done by the machine for you.

There are countless makers of sewing machines that create machines for every possible level.

Who doesn’t love a quilt that has been handed down to them from generations before them? It usually took a relatively long time to make a special quilt by hand to pass down. Since quilting machines are now available you can drastically save time and also increase the number of quilts that you can make.

With the manual quilting machine, you have greater control for the more personal touches that will make your quilts something that can be handed down.
Manual quilting machines allow you to have more control and give you the ability to add personal touches to your quilt that you are handing down.

For further information about quilting machines you can refer to websites, blogs and forums online. Don’t feel like you are alone during the course of developing your very own business.

One of the best, and least expensive, ways for people to find out that you are there and what your product is to participate in local craft and hobby fairs or shows.  Get your product out there to the people and one way in doing that which is very inexpensive is to partake in local craft and hobby fairs.

Incidentally, here’s another resource worth checking out: Portable Sewing Machine

Arrange a way to get a table set up at one of craft or hobby fairs to that you can show off your quilts to people, you may even sell a few. By doing this, people will also be able to visualize your hard work and see the quality of it.

Advertising in the paper or on line can not give your quilts credibility like this can. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth, if people like your work they will tell others.

 Mail this post
Feb 27

Bernina Sewing Machine – The Top Five Most Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bernina Sewing Machines

Posted on Saturday, February 27, 2010 in Sewing Machines

When a deciding on a bernina sewing machine, there are often questions to be asked. I have created a listing of frequently asked questions, and their answers, in order to help you decide which bernina sewing machine is the best for you.  

How many stitch types are there on a Bernina Machine?
Every Bernina sewing Machine will contain several stitches that you’ll be able to choose from. The variety of stitches and designs will vary according to the type that you purchase. Nonetheless, a few machines will require different presser feet for different stitches. Bernina sewing machines additionally provide the quickest stitch rate on the market. The 830 type can sew up to 1, 100 stitches per minute.

Could I embroidry using a Bernina Sewing Machine?
Bernina sewing machines make available several different features in addition to options for both sewing and embroidering. Some bernina sewing machines offer both sewing as well as embroidery while you will find machines that are just for embroidry only.

What capabilities can be purchased with Bernina sewing machine?
Each Bernina sewing machine offer many capabilities in addition to distinctive functions. For instance, the Bernina 830 provides 50% extra area than other leading styles available today. There is a fifteen inch lengthy extender arm that may supply the consumer over 12 inches of work area to the left of the needle. If you’re working with bulky projects this might be very valuable.

Are Bernina sewing machines light as well as protable?
You will see that several of the Bernina sewing machine models are quite lightweight as well as portable. In fact, several machines have cases for carrying the machine from one place to another safely. Many machines weigh fewer than ten pounds, making them best for transporting.

My concern about bernina sewing machines did not get listed in these five questions. Any ideas?  
Internet sites on bernina sewing machines are rare.  Nevertheless, one really good bernina sewing machine resource that does supply a ton of of information is the very popular discussion board at http://bernina-sewing-machine.bidandblog.com .   Within this free forum (that is specifically about bernina sewing machines), you’ll get every answer to every question that you could likely possess.  Additionally the forum has realtime bernina sewing machine auctions and a free bernina sewing machine email alert service.  Plus, it’s fun to use and absolutely available for free.  

 Mail this post
Jan 8

Camouflage Fabric – Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Camouflage Fabrics

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

Contemplating buying a camouflage fabric? Here’s the top 5 frequently asked questions on camouflage fabrics.  

How much would camouflage fabrics cost?
The value you pay for camouflage fabric will be based on the type of material your buy. For instance, cotton material will be less pricey when compared with fleece and rayon. Nonetheless, for the best discounts on camouflage fabric it is best to shop on the web today.

Is camouflage fabric in style?
In recent years camouflage fabrics are getting very well liked with young adults. Even though camouflage fabric was previously for hunters as well as adventure type folks it’s now nice for everyone to wear. Kids and adults alike love the look of camouflage fabric.

What colors are camouflage fabrics?
Camouflage fabrics come in several various designs. One can choose from standard green camouflage fabric, contemporary blue camouflage fabric, or even vibrant pink camouflage designs nowadays. Regardless if you are looking to hide in the woods or even stick out in a crowd you can find exactly what you need.

How do I know just how much camouflage fabric I need?
When you want to complete a design that includes camouflage fabrics you will have to examine the pattern for you to discover how much cloth you need. Nevertheless, you should probably purchase a bit more material than the design requires should you make a mistake.

What other websites have information on camouflage fabrics?  
Web discussion groups on camouflage fabrics are very unusual.  Thankfully, the web community at http://camouflage-fabric.bidandblog.com provides a boatload of camouflage fabric faqs at no cost.  It’s probably the net’s most lively forum where you will probably unearth practically any answer that you might think up about camouflage fabrics, not to mention that it’s free of charge.  And Bid and blog’s forum provides realtime camouflage fabric auctions and a free of charge camouflage fabric email alert service.  Anyhow, that’s my two cents.  

 Mail this post
Jan 8

Quilting is a Form of Sewing Usually with Three Layers of Material

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

Quilting is a methof of sewing material together to make a thicker padded material usually using three layers. Quilting can be done on a variety of textile products including wall hangings, clothing and bed spreads. Quilting can make a project thick, or with dense quilting, can raise one area so that another stands out. Quilting can be done by hand, by sewing machine, or by a spacialist longarm quilting system. The padded quilted fabric was used for its warmth and or for its protection. Ancient Eqyptian sculptures are seen with clothing which appears to have been quilted; probably for added warmth.

A quilter is the name given to someone who works at quilting. Quilting is usually done with three layers, the quilt top, batting and backing material. “Paper” quilting was used during American pioneer days. Hand quilting and machine quilting are the more widely used methods. Hand quilting uses a running stitch by hand to sew your thread across the entire quilt. A quilting hoop or frame is used to hold the pieces being quilted. Hand quilting is enjoying a resurgence today and especially well done by the Amish. The pieces of the pattern are put together with the sewing machine before quilting. Quilters may use multicolored or metallic threads to add to the richness of the quilting design.

Your quilting stitches can be either done in decorative patterns or straight lines. Quilting serves three purposes: 1) to hold all three layers of fabric together, 2 ) to add design and beauty to the finished product, and 3) to trap air in the layers to make the finished quilt much warmer than just the three pieces of fabric would be. Quilters usually start quilting from the middle and working out to the edges. Quilting can use decorative stiches in complex designs and patterns. Quilting is often combined with embroidery, patchwork, applique and other forms of needlework.

Traditional quilting is a six-step process that includes: 1) selecting a pattern, fabrics and batting; 2) measuring and cutting fabrics to the correct size to make blocks from the pattern; 3) piecing (sewing cut pieces of fabric together using a sewing machine or by hand to make blocks) blocks together to make a finished “top”; 4) layering the quilt top with batting and backing, to make a “quilt sandwich”; 5) quilting by hand or machine through all layers of the quilt sandwich; and 6) squaring up and trimming excess batting from the edges, machine sewing the binding to the front edges of the quilt and then hand-stitching the binding to the quilt backing.

You can fold fat quarters into triangles and bundle them to create stacked stars before giving them as gifts. Once your have learned the basics of quilting; you can create the quilt of your dreams. Quilting basics are included from cutting to finishing and quilting tips. This is a fabulous opportunity to bring your friends, daughters, sons, or granddaughters (or anyone else) to see what quilting is all about and why we enjoy it so much. Invite your friends and family to join you in quilting. If you love quilts your will find something you can do regardless of your skill level.

Whether you are an absolute beginner that wants to learn the art of quilting or a seasoned quilter looking for expert tips and inspiration you will find helpful information here with this FREE Ebook. Download the Ebook and share it with your friends.  You will find valuable resources and tips here that you want to refer to again and again.  There are millions of quilters world wide.

 

 Mail this post
Jan 8

Different Colors To Use For Your Kid’s Bedding

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

Therefore, in choosing for the perfect bedding set for girls can be both fun and tricky. It’s enjoyable because there are a lot of different designs which can really apply to girls. As you know daughters are more flexible when it comes to the right designs as compared to boys. However, the tricky part comes in because girls tend to be picky about designs regardless if it’s simply for a bedding set. It is also important to have childrens bedding. You will find that there are a lot of concepts that come into play when it comes to choosing bedding sets for girls. Through time and experience, I have learned this lesson well, so I thought about sharing you these important points when buying girls bedding sets.

Consider the Age

One of the things you should consider is the girl’s age. You will find that this will help trim down all of the choices you have in mind. These days, there are many different designs made available for girls bedding sets and they range from themed characters to abstract designs. Time and time again, character themed designs have made themselves such a favorite when it comes to bridesmaid gifts giving because it somehow adds a personalized touch to your gift. When it’s hard to achieve doing that on your own, opting for character themes makes the task much easier to handle.

For girls under 12 years old but not way below than 5, you can try giving them cartoon character themed bedding sets. Therfore, to have an assurance that you are getting the right one for them, it’s best to ask the child’s guardians. On the other hand, you can still try giving cartoon character themes for girls aged 13 until 17 or even up. Moreover, if they really happen to like that accurate character. But there are also other shops which sell personalized character themed bedding sets based from movies and real celebrities. In addition to that you can also try giving these for a change.

Colors Matter

Although girls are generally not too discriminating when it comes to colors, it still matters a lot if you pick the right color that the person likes. [ChooseSelect] from among the many range of pastel colors that are available for girls bedding sets. This will help you fuse in more artistry and imagination to the bedding draft you choose to have as a gift. Try to be more experimental with the color’s hues so that you can still add some flavor to the bedding set gift which you will be giving. In addition to that, it is also important to give groomsmen gifts. If the person happens to like violet, play up with the idea and choose girls bedding sets with hues of lavender or purple. As you stick with the basic idea, you still get to play up with the colors.

Keep in mind that no matter what the color or design is. You must to ensure that it fits the personality of the girl. If she is enjoying the princess themed trinket or wall decor. Then naturally a daughters princess bedding set would work out nicely. If she is into nature and like ladybugs or butterflies, then a girls butterfly bedding set would likely make her satisfied. Simply take the little girl’s likes and dislikes into account and you cannot fail.

 Mail this post
Jan 8

Encouraging art and creativity in your children

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

If you are reading this article, chances are you have a creative soul and love to let your immagination soar - because - why else would you be visiting a site aimed at crafts, hobbies and other such creative pursuits?You may well be talented and artistic however, have your children inherited this creativeness and resourcefullness? And if they haven't - are there ways you can stimulate this part of their lives? Here are a few tips as to what you can do…

Encourage the creativity in your children by providing them with the time, resurces and the space for making art. Try to set aside interruption-free time for drawing, in a mess-proof zone – so that their creativity can run wild. Make sure you cover all surfaces so that any splashes of paint or scribbles of crayon are ‘caught’ – because  nothing squishes creativity more so than a parent saying “Don’t make a mess” every 2 minutes.

Choose the right drawing materials too as this is very  important. Many craft materials can be improvised, but when drawing tools and paper are required, opt for a small selection of good quality age-appropriate products, rather than loads of inferior products. Be sure to check safety information and follow instructions. Young children should always be surpervised during ‘art time’ because many necessary materials – such as crayons – pose a choking hazard.

Surroundings: As with writing or working at a computer, good posture and a comfortable position are important for drawing. A child-size table and chair is actually preferable to an easel. If the chair is a little high, provide a phone book as a footrest. A coffee table and a cheap plastic chair work well. A small kitchen storage trolley is a perfect solution for containing supplies, or if space does not allow, a portable fishing tackle or tool box is a good option too. Messy toddlers may need a drop-cloth and supervision to avoid ink-stained walls, as even ‘washable’ pens often don’t deliver on that promise!

Art Materials: Avoid cheap markers, too-hard pencils and thin paints – these types of materials are discouraging to the child and therefore  a waste of money. Provide many sheets of blank paper to inspire their crativity and occasionally invest in a large canvas so that your child can paint something ‘grand’ and chances are you’ll want to hang it on your wall!  Provide also coloring books or coloring pages which are bountiful online – coloring pages are not so great for creativity, however they do provide children with the  chance to practice their fine motor skills and sometimes it’s very relaxing and just what they need to simply color in without the ‘pressure’ of thinking about WHAT to draw. 

For example little girls may enjoy coloring images of Barbie and at sites like Barbie Coloring Pages you’ll find the best coloring pictures of Barbie

When it comes to drawing and coloring, at each age/stage of your child’s life provide….

Toddlers

  • Child-safe markers and wipe-off boards
  • Chalk boards and safe chalk
  • Plain paper and coloring pages

Juniors

  • Sketchbook
  • Student colored pencils
  • Washable Markers
  • Oil pastels
  • Plain paper and coloring pages

Middle School

  • Sketchbook  or scrapbook
  • Graphite Pencils
  • Watercolor sketch paper
  • Watercolor pencils
  • Marker pens, marker paper
  • Plain paper and coloring pages

High School

  • Sketchbook  or scrapbook
  • Quality drawing papers and boards
  • Graphite Pencils
  • Artists’ quality colored pencils
  • Illustration markers, marker paper
  • Pastel paper and hard pastels if liked
  • Plain paper and canvases to work on

All ages

  • Safe sharpeners, erasers, dusters, stencils and rulers
  • A  folder for storing large pieces
  • Storage boxes for smaller pieces
  • Consider photographing or scanning pieces for a permanent record.
 Mail this post
Jan 8

Helpful Sewing Tips And Tricks

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

To improve your sewing quality or speed up your work there are several different tips and tricks you can try. Sewing just like any other hobbie or past time can become to many very engaging. You can easily express your creative side by designing and making clothes for either yourself or others. There is a very small amount of sewing experts today, however, there are a lot of people who sew and have almost perfected the master of it. So if you want your finished projects to look beautiful and perfect what do you need to do? There is no limit to what you can do when you finally have the knack for sewing, practice makes perfect.

 

Here’s a quick resource:

 

Click this link to purchase a brand new sewing machine and get dirt cheap:

Hand Held Sewing Machine.  You also get a 110% low price guarantee.

 

Read on for more functional tips.

 

The best place to start is with a few tips related to tension.

Inserting the needle with the flat side towards the back is what most of the top loading bobbin machines require. This process of threading the sewing machine will not go so well if the presser foot is not raised during the process. When the presser foot is raised it causes the tension to become lower and may in fact make the thread loop. At any time you see looping in the thread, 90% of the time it is because this step was done incorrectly.

 

Sometimes if you are still experiencing tension related issues you can go a step farther to see what could be wrong by putting in a color thread that’s different than the one you were using, If the upper part of your sewing is showing that may mean oftentimes that your bobbin tension needs to be tightened. You may have to refer back to the sewing machine manual if that none of the above fixes the problem. Calibrating your sewing machine correctly will be precisely outlined in the owner’s manual. The manual may even have some advice that you may appreciate and find very helpful. More experienced sewers usually wont refer to their sewing machines manual because they feel there wont be anything useful to them but surprisingly there are tips for them as well.

 

Another very crucial element is maintaining your sewing machine. In order to properly clean some of the parts, they will need to be removed completely. If this seems to be difficult to do and it is worrying you call and get help from the makers support.

{But if you are consistent with cleaning the machine after each use then you will ensure that there will be far less repairs to the machine in the future.lTo ensure that you will have less repairs in the future with your machine then be consistent and diligent about cleaning and maintaing your sewing machine.} Changing the needles often is another thing you should try and do.

 

Incidentally, here’s another resource for you: Electric Sewing Machine

 

Here are a few other tips that are of importance to bring up. Getting rid of the needles for the most part should be a pretty easy, uncomplicated thing to do. Even though it may seem simple there are quite a few sewers that drop needles on the floor or store them in a place where they can easily be knocked over. You may want to try a container like an empty plastic film roll box.

 

Learning to sew can be a fun and exciting hobbie. When you decide to take up sewing you may be overwhelmed by the many sewing machines that are available and it may deem hard to find the perfect one for you. But it is vital that you find the correct one for you, so that your sewing skills will not be compromised, like the speed of your sewing and the quality of your work.

 

Don’t forget the phrase, practice makes perfect so the more you practice the better your end result will be.

 Mail this post
Jan 8

Five Constructive Sewing Tips

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Sewing Machines

It’s hardly thought of and it’s out of sight but the sewing machine has the key role in creating chic and glamour in our world of fashion. Today the world of fashion would be much different without the sewing machine. Ultimately in some way or another regardless if we are male or female, rich or poor, the sewing machine directly or indirectly has a particular place in our life.

 

Here is a quick resource for you to take a look at:

 

Click this link to buy a brand name sewing machine and get at wholesale prices:

Sewing Machine Small.  You also get up to in free gifts with each order.

 

OK, now let’s take a look numerous functional tips.

 

Over the years the sewing machine has come along way with it’s technology and use just like many other inventions. Manual stitching has been replaced with the automated sewing machine. Piles of good quality, well designed clothes can be created by the manufacturer at a minimal cost to them all in part by the automated stitching mechanism of the machines.

 

Just like cars can come in many differents make, models, sizes etc.. made by different makers, so do sewing machines. Sewing machine models array from inexpensive conventional machines to expensive chic and refined machines. These different makes and models of sewing machines have different features, performances and prices. Before you select a machine to purchase give mindful thought to all the specifics of the different machines.

 

If you are just beginning to sew a low cost sewing machine with basic features and essentials would probably do just fine. However a more advanced sewer might choose a machine that is more expensive that has more unique features. Your selection process for a sewing machine depends on the purpose behind wanting the sewing machine. {The machine should make sense for the purpose you are buying it for, whether you are a professional sewer or a stay at home mom wanting to learn to sew.}

 

For more professional projects like quilting, dress making or other specific crafts a stitching machine is necessary because it offers a wide variety of stitching features along with automated controlling options. If the purpose for the machine is for small repairs and alterations then a basic sewing machine fits the purpose.

 

By the way, here’s another resource worth checking out: Electric Sewing Machine

 

Professional sewers will need and want a sewing machine that offers a wide range of stitching and they will also be using their machine more frequently. But if there are features on the machine that you wont be needing for your purpose then look for a machine that better fits your purpose with only features you need.

 

There are sewing machines that offer space to store your accessories underneath, so if space is limited this type of machine may be ideal

 

When trying to find the right sewing machine for you, make certain you know all you can about the different types before you make your decision. For home sewers the electronic sewing machine is perfect and comes in a variety of prices, stitches and functions. However, sewing machines that are computerized allow precise control to the user and create hundreds of different stitches.

 Mail this post
Jan 7

Sewing Machine Repair Ideas and Tips

Posted on Thursday, January 7, 2010 in Sewing Machines

Some great ideas on repairing your sewing machines, saves you from buying a new one!  repair sewing machines

Stitching Machine repair is not necessarily on the minds of folks when they’re looking to purchase a sewing machine to be used at home. Typically they aren’t brooding about what occurs when this machine breaks, it is easy to mend, where do I get spare parts, what parts break most often , at such like. Another thing most of the people don’t understand, that if you plan on hiring somebody to come and fix your cherished stitching gear when it breaks, plan on paying lots of money as there aren’t many’Sewing Machine Repair’ specialists so the few that are                                                               round, will charge a hefty price. 

<3  Click Here To Learn How To Sew Like A Professional!  <3

All of the reasons above are sound reason to learn some fast basics about repairing your stitching machine. These are some idea’s to get you moving :

*Repair Manual: when you’re purchasing your machine, confirm it comes with a fix manual and then make sure you keep it put away somewhere you will be capable of finding it when things start to break. If your stitching gear did not come with a manual, make sure you ask the sales associate what some of the best repair manuals are and purchase one at that time. Doing both these things will save everyone a bunch of time and head ache’s in the long term.

Find Out Sewing Tips From The Video Below!

Not What Your Looking For?

*Internet Tips: If you neglected to do either of the steps above and you end up with a broken machine, you are lucky because now days the web contains a huge amount of information and you may be capable of finding what you want on the internet. Start by searching for the maker’s website to work out if there is any free information there and then move to other sewing forums and website for some tricks and  tips .

*Upgrade : if you’re using a device for stitching that’s’s more than twenty years of age and sewing patterns and fabricit breaks, it make actually be time for an upgrade as it will not be work the cash and time to fix. Machines for  sewing  today have made many advancements, including the simplicity of repair and you would be better off with a revised model. Try to sell your old machine and put the money you get for upgraded gear.

Outline Stitching Machine Repair doesn’t have to be a headache. There are a few steps which are discussed above that one can to do try and lessen the time, energy, and cash it takes when your sewing machine quits on you right in the middle of a massive project.

Baby Lock Sewing Machine

If you are considering purchasing a baby lock sewing machine, but you are not completely sure which baby lock sewing machine will best fit your needs.

Singer Sewing Machines

Singer – Sewing Machine Parts – Find information on replacement parts for your Singer sewing machine or Singer industrial sewing machine here. Part charts, instruction manuals and service manuals available for download.

Can Anyone Recommend A Supplier For Sewing Machine Repair Parts?

I have a old Singer Stylist 500 series (532) sewing machine that has finally given up the ghost. I am looking for two replacement parts. 1. Rotating hook drive.  

Keeping your Sewing Machine clean

Today on Diane Gaudynski’s blog, she posted some information about keeping your sewing machine clean.

Question About Sewing Machine Repair?

can i fix this myself (i can’t say i’m super familiar with the inner workings of the machine itself)? do i need to take it into a shop?

Secrets To Sewing Machine Maintenance

The manufacturer will recommend a certain oil to use on your machine and that is the one you should use. When in doubt, refer back to the sewing machine manual. 

 Mail this post