• Session 14,  Sewing/Quilting

    Hand Sewing Needles

      What is it? -No tools are more basic to sewing than needles are. They existed even before thread and fabric as our ancient ancestors used pointed objects to perforate hides so they could be laced together with leather cords. Centuries of technology later we have highly advanced, modern hand sewing needles that do basically the same thing. But they do it so much better now. Few tools are more useful. This primordial sewing tool has evolved into virtually every genre of sewing specialty including general sewing, appliqué, embroidery, ribbon…

  • Session 14,  Sewing/Quilting,  Tool School Extra Credit

    Scissors Extra Credit

        Extra credit with the Shibaguyz Scissors Both of our mother’s and grandmother’s were sewers. It was never a question of “if” something was handmade, but “what” was being made today? Every afternoon would find Jason’s mom in her sewing room making clothes for the family or dolls and toys to sell. And often Shannon’s grandmother and great aunts worked on fine garments or quilts. Even as adults a favorite Christmas memory for both of us was getting to open a package containing new boxer shorts from Jason’s mom……

  • Session 14,  Sewing/Quilting

    Scissors & Shears

      What is it? -Because of that they have enjoyed the natural evolution that comes with the application of developing technology. The scissors and shears we use today bear but a faint resemblance to those used by our ancestors. In high-quality scissors the blades are extremely sharp and are positioned to increase the cutting and shearing tension at the exact point where the blades meet and the fabric is cleanly cut. A true performance test of any scissor or shear necessarily focuses on how cleanly they cut both multiple layers…

  • Session 14,  Sewing/Quilting

    Curve Ruler

    What is it? -All right, we’ve decided to do a little fashion sewing.  Cool.  We’ve visited our local shop and poured over the pattern catalogs or perhaps searched favorite sites on the internet.  In either case we’ve found a pattern that’s just what we’re looking for.  We’ve reviewed the instructions on the back of the pattern envelope and acquired all of the required notions as well as the correct yardage of that killer fabric that will really make our project pop.  Keep in mind we’ll also want to make it…

  • Crafts,  Session 14

    Macramé Plant Hanger Gauge

    What is it? -When I ask anyone about macramé, no one ever mentions that it dates from the 13th century when it was an emerging art form produced by combining cords and knots to form intricate designs. Nor does anyone ever mention that its popularity peaked in 19th Century Victorian England when it was the “to die for” art form for all of the ladies of the age. You never hear any of that. But when anyone sees actual macramé up close they immediately start talking about the 70’s. Yea…

  • Knitting/Crochet,  Session 14

    Bobbin Tatting Shuttles & Accessories

    What is it? -To assist you in your pursuit of all things tatting, Clover has developed an actual system of tatting products. Improving on the traditional tatting shuttle, Clover’s new Bobbin Tatting Shuttle allows you to wind your thread on a separate bobbin and then just insert it into the shuttle when needed. No longer do we need to wind our thread onto the shuttle itself. We can pre-wind as many bobbins as necessary in as many colors as necessary and all well in advance of beginning our project. And…