• Knitting/Crochet,  Session 11

    Takumi Knitting Needles

    What is it?– In its most elemental form, knitting is simply a method by which we apply various technique to yarn with knitting needles and turn it into a unique fabric that mirrors our creative intent.  Using knitting needles we are able to manipulate yarn to create multiple loops in a line on the needle shaft or cord. As each of these rows progress, a newly created loop is pulled through one or more loops from the previous row, placing the new row on the gaining needle. The resulting knitted fabric consists…

  • Knitting/Crochet,  Session 11

    Darning Needles

      What is it?– In the history of mankind it is hard to find a tool that is more enduring, more useful than the hand sewing needle.  Initially they were basic to the production of everything we made from clothing to shelter.  And we still use them today.  Modern needles, however, have become much more specialized, adapting shape, length, diameter and eye to meet the unique requirements specific applications.  Darning needles are just one category of those specialized hand sewing needles that has been modified for specific techniques.  Basically, darning needles…

  • Session 10,  Sewing/Quilting

    Air Erasable & White Marking Pen

    What is it?– “The devil is in the detail”.  It’s a common enough phrase.  Perhaps some of us has even used it.  But what does it really mean, “the devil in the detail”?  How often do we start a project that looks like it’s going to be a snap, only to get bogged down in all of the details.  You know, all the little things that consume so much time, make us a little crazy and eventually affect the quality of our finished project or maybe even determine if it gets…

  • Session 10,  Sewing/Quilting

    Magnet Pin Caddy and Dome Threaded Needle Case

    What is it?– “I’m on pins and needles.”  We’ve all heard the phrase and we know what it means.  A sense of anxiety or suspense.  But how could that possibly apply to sewing?  Pins and needles of course.  We all use them but they’re all armed with wickedly sharp little points.  Hence the anxiety or suspense.  We’ve all been stuck more than once while we’ve had to sort through a pile of pins or needles looking for the one we need.  But it’s a hodge-podge of shafts and points all aimed…

  • Session 10,  Sewing/Quilting

    Best Premium Assortments

    What is it?– We’ve all been to our favorite purveyor of all things sewing and been amazed by the extraordinary selection of sewing machine needle styles.  Lots of names like universal, denim, stretch, jersey, etc.  It all sounds impressive but is it necessary?  Can we do it all with just a universal sewing machine needle? Yep, we can.  Do we want to?  Nope.  Why? Picture this.  You’ve engaged a world class gourmet chef to prepare dinner for a very special family gathering.  You’ve purchased all of the ingredients she specified and…

  • Session 10,  Sewing/Quilting

    Best Premium Needle Anatomy

      What is it?– Every Tool School is packed with valuable, useful information.  But if you use a sewing machine at any point in your creative process, this one may be one of the most important.  So pay attention because there may be a test at the end of class.  If I were to ask you what you thought was the most important physical element of your sewing machine what would your answer be?  The sewing machine itself? How about a quality thread?  Perhaps even the needle?  Well, they all work…