NewsApril2003

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NEWSLETTER April 2003:

This month we're going to talk about the ways to increase your sewing productivity. You've all heard the saying "if there were only two more hours in the day....." We believe that there is a way to optimize your precious sewing time so that it will feel like you have those extra hours. By following the steps as outlined, we feel like you'll cut down on the frustration and stress that can sometimes get in the way of the fun of sewing.

"8 Steps to Optimize Your Sewing Time"

1. Be prepared

Gather and purchase all of the supplies necessary to complete your sewing or craft project ahead of time. Having to stop in the middle of the project in order to run out and get a forgotten essential item is time consuming and irritating.

2. Check the threading of your sewing machine

Double check the threading of your sewing machine to prevent immediate stitching problems. Breaking thread or skipped stitches right off the bat can cause you to lose interest in the project, not to mention the time lost in fixing the problem. And speaking of thread, always use a good quality thread. "Cheap" thread will fray, break and cause knotting of the thread while sewing.

3. Use the correct needles for the project

It is a mistake to simply use the same needle for everything you sew until it breaks. Some fabrics require a fine needle while heavier duck type or denim fabrics require a heavier needle. Keep a supply of assorted machine needles handy so you'll have the correct needle for the fabric you'll be using. In addition, if you hit a pin, you should immediately change the needle. A bent needle, even if only "slightly" bent or nicked can cause skipped stitches and can quite possibly cause damage to your fabric.

4. Cut the fabric carefully

All pattern pieces have grainline markings. The grainline should run parallel with the length of the fabric. If you simply lay the pattern pieces anywhere on the fabric, ignoring the grain- lines, the finished garment will not hang right. The extra few minutes spent laying the pattern pieces correctly and cutting the seam lines precisely will result in a professional looking garment you will be proud of.

5. Practice unusual or new techniques

If your project or garment includes a technique you are not familiar with, or haven't done in quite some time, such as buttonholes or flat felled seams, practice on a piece of extra fabric. It would be best to make two or three practice samples before actually sewing on the garment itself.

6. Clip all threads as you sew

It only takes a second to clip the stitches from the beginning and end of the seams. If you wait until the garment is finished it will become a chore and you may be tempted to leave them, resulting in an unprofessional looking garment. Be sure to have a waste basket handy, or tape a small lunch bag to the side of your sewing machine table in which to toss the threads after clipping.

7. Press seams as you work

Pressing the seams during the sewing process will produce a more professional looking garment, and will also make it easier to sew the seams that will "cross" any of the seams already sewn. Gently open the seams and press flat. You will save time if you sew several seams, then press them all at once, before moving on to the next step.

8. Clean the sewing area

Clean up the sewing area after each project. A great motto for your sewing/craft area is "a place for everything and everything in its' place". Put things away - left over fabric in a scrap box or drawer, scissors, pins and thread back in the drawer. The sewing room will look much better and an organized sewing area is much more inviting than a messy, piled up area with only a "path" to the sewing machine.

*** Have you checked the prices of lingerie lately? Not only are all the lingerie items "pricey", we've also heard from some of our plus size customers who have a hard time finding good looking items in their sizes.

Our solution to the problem is to make your own lingerie. If you've never sewn with tricot or attempted to make your own lingerie, it really isn't as difficult as it might seem. With a little instruction and the proper fitting patterns, you'll be amazed at what you'll be able to do with lingerie.

There are several lingerie classes available for panties, half slip and camisole at http://PatternsThatFitYou.com/lingerie.htm in addition to the free lingerie class entitled "how to renovate an old slip" - http://PatternsThatFitYou.com/frslipcl.htm

=============================================================== +++ This Month's Sponsors +++

http://FaysFabrics.com -- Fay carries a wide variety of tricot, spandex and other stretch fabrics. She also carries notions, ribbons, lace and trims. Her prices are very reasonable. Visit http://FaysFabrics.com and check it out today.

http://SewMachineRepair.com -- The last thing you need when in the middle of a sewing or craft project is to have a problem with the sewing machine! Days or weeks in the repair shop can be very irritating, not to mention the sewing that is getting stacked up. Do your own repair and troubleshooting with the step by step guidebooks available on http://SewMachineRepair.com. ================================================================

Reader Response --

** from Lori N - re: saving magazine articles (March issue)

If you have a computer and scanner, especially a color scanner, you can save storage and organize your projects. I scan the articles I want to save and file them under a file like "quilts", "sewing", "knitting", "kids stuff", etc. It works great if you need to print them out, and makes them very easy to find.

** from Kayla - re: tips

I am a 13 year old girl and am learning to sew. I use your web site to find out tips and I find the site very helpful.

Thanks to both of these for sending along their comments - we welcome comments, hints and tips from all of our readers.

Sarah Doyle is the author of "Sarah's Key to Pattern Drafting" and twenty five other sewing, alteration, craft and business books. She has been teaching pattern making classes for 24 years and now has gone the extra mile to make her sewing, craft and pattern making classes available online. You may visit her main website at http://SewWithSarah.com or visit the sewing, quilting, craft and pattern making site at http://PatternsThatFitYou.com

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