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Extra Credit: Pins
Pins By Shannon and Jason It goes without much debate that the pins are the multi-tasking wonder of any creative space. And, more often than not, we tend to take them for granted until we can’t find one… or as the case might be, find the RIGHT one. Our philosophy in our art and life is to Embrace the Creative Chaos which means we have a w-i-i-i-de variety of projects going on all at once at any given time. So, for us, having the right pin at the right time…
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“Quick” Yo-Yo Makers
“Quick” Yo-Yo Maker with Instructor Steve Butler Class 162 View at our website What is it? Fabric yo-yo’s. What’s not to like? They’re fun, fast and a definite avenue for creative expression. What can you make with these little fabric gems? Who cares? For some it’s nothing more than a therapeutic journey to some level of nirvana. But if you’re actually into making something with them, those little creative fabric medallions are perfect for all kinds of home décor applications like doilies, quilts, bead spreads, pillows, placemats or fashion accessories like dresses, vests, headbands…
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Fabric Folding Pen
Fabric Folding Pen with Instructor Steve Butler Class 161 View at our website What is it? We get it, no one likes to take the time to press fabric pieces when putting together that new creative inspiration. The sewing machine is ready, that fabulous fabric is ready, the complimenting thread is ready and, most importantly, we’re ready. Taking the time to press those preparatory seams just feels anticlimactic somehow. The truth is though, those initial ironing steps are a significant factor in determining whether our finished project is something that is polished and…
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Tracing Paper “Clover Chacopy”
Tracing Paper “Clover Chacopy” with Instructor Steve Butler Class 160 View at our website What is it? When it comes to sewing, and that’s what we do, tracing our pattern designs onto fabric is one of our least favorite activities. We find that perfect pattern, amazing fabric and complimenting thread and we just want to jump right into the sewing process so we can experience that highly anticipated creative fervor. But hold on, there is still the drudgery of the not so exciting prep work. Bummer. Probably the least favorite is tracing the pattern…
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Hot Ruler
& Hot Hemmer Hot Ruler Large and Hot Hemmer Square with Instructor Steve Butler Class 159 View at our website Visit our website What is it? If we were to make a list of essential actions required to achieve our most lofty creative aspirations when sewing, pressing would be near or even at the top of that list. Precise pressing of our project component pieces during the construction process often marks the difference between a completed project that appears polished and professional or something that appears more homemade and amateurish. By pressing during the construction…
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Extra Credit: Hot Hemmer Square & Hot Ruler Large
Hot Hemmer Square & Hot Ruler Large By Shannon and Jason Well… Clover has done it again. Just when we were looking for a product, here they are with exactly what we need. They have expanded their line of pressing tools to include the Hot Ruler Large and Hot Hemmer Square. If you are a garment sewist, the larger ruler is something you are already familiar with, and it is this product we were JUST looking for to use in our own garment making as well as to adapt for quilting.…
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Tracing Wheels
Tracing Wheels with Instructor Steve Butler Class 158 View at our website What is it? The genesis of almost everything we create when we sew begins with a pattern of some form. Fashion, fashion accessories, heirloom, purses and bags, quilts, home decor, they all use them. In our selection process we identify potential candidates from the perfectly posed pictures on the pattern packaging. The next step is to look at the pattern itself to get an idea of what it will take to complete that project. Some patterns are very complex while others are…
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Amour Crochet Hooks
Amour Crochet Hooks with Instructor Steve Butler Class 157 View at our website What is it? Check any fashion magazine or even publications in the vein of Architectural Digest or House Beautiful. In the forefront or perhaps even as a worthy supporting accessories cast you’ll find an old friend, crochet. Fashion and fashion accessories, home décor and even amazing independent pieces add enhancing accents to any scene. Yarn shops, magazines and online sources are replete with enumerable projects, designs and just pure inspiration. In an effort to accommodate the demands of this expanding creative…
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Extra Credit: No-Sew, Iron-On Octopatch
No-Sew, Iron-On Octopatch By Shannon and Jason Oney the Octopatch Here, in our part of the world, we are entering that time of year when the skies are clearer, the breeze is warmer, and the wind carries the unmistakable sound of screaming little folx who have looked forward to summer break for months but now they have entirely too much time on their hands and are sooooo bored with everything and what were you thinking giving them three juice boxes (they have how much sugar??) and maybe that giant Slurpee…
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Stitch Guide
Stitch Guide with Instructor Steve Butler Class 156 View at our website What is it? Ever watch an accomplished sewer lay down a line of stitches? It’s always perfectly straight or curved as desired. It looks easy, right? Well, easy until you drop the presser foot and the stitching begins. Then the skills of said sewist become glaringly evident. There’s nothing automatic about perfect straight or curved seams. It takes years of honing those skills to be proficient. And absent those skill enhanced perfect seams our sewn projects will constantly remind us, “It could have been better.” And…