The Sewing Room

positivelymummy

Rummer wrote: »

I bought a rotary cutter and mat recently and I was so impressed at how easily it cuts! I got a fiskars one as they seemed to be one of the main brands when I searched. I didn't notice different sizes really but maybe there are. The mat I got was just a general craft one with lots of different measurements on it.

mine is olfa i think (its yellow) had it over a year, used it loads and not needed to change the blade yet! (but i still hold my breath when i use it..thanks to the lady at the shop scaring me when i bought it!):D i think it must be the 45mm one? i dont have pinking shears yet..still on my list of things to get:rolleyes:

mi55pink

Can I join too?

I made all my Christmas presents this year and plan to do it again next year but will be more organised this time. Starting mid November was a BIG mistake! :eek:

Plus I want to spend more time making things for myself this year.

I am only a beginner really but getting better. I have a blog but don't think I can post links on here (search Google for Little Pink Lady).

xx

positivelymummy

mi55pink wrote: »

Can I join too?

I made all my Christmas presents this year and plan to do it again next year but will be more organised this time. Starting mid November was a BIG mistake! :eek:

Plus I want to spend more time making things for myself this year.

I am only a beginner really but getting better. I have a blog but don't think I can post links on here (search Google for Little Pink Lady).

xx

pinklady thats an amazing blog!!! i want everything on it!!! :beer:
i love your felt robin, you must sew every day!!! gonna read more later...and ps..i love Lowry by the way and have loads of his prints..well i was born in Salford:Dooh and his niece was a friend of my mums!

louisaL

oo please can i join too i am in desperate need for a new sewing machine so going to be looking in the jan sales. i got my first one ( a jerome) about 10yrs ago but i've lost the screw which holds the needle in. i'm a complete novice mind you and can only do basic things like pillows, cushions etc but i like to have a go. i have attempted curtains and made a teddy in school.

my plan is to make a patch work quilt this year and would love to make teddys for my 3 nieces and nephew (1,2,5 and 7) with their initials sewn in gold thread on the paws for christmas.

stardrops42

louisaL wrote: »

oo please can i join too i am in desperate need for a new sewing machine so going to be looking in the jan sales. i got my first one ( a jerome) about 10yrs ago but i've lost the screw which holds the needle in. i'm a complete novice mind you and can only do basic things like pillows, cushions etc but i like to have a go. i have attempted curtains and made a teddy in school.

my plan is to make a patch work quilt this year and would love to make teddys for my 3 nieces and nephew (1,2,5 and 7) with their initials sewn in gold thread on the paws for christmas.

I love the teddy idea, how lovely to personalise them as well:A I would love to receive such a thoughtful gift.

louisaL

stardrops42 wrote: »

I love the teddy idea, how lovely to personalise them as well:A I would love to receive such a thoughtful gift.

i am good at thinking of designs but them coming out the way i intended is another matter LOL

sandy2_2

I had a pair of pinking shears and never got on with them, they were too heavy and stiff. Now just use a good pair of sharp scissors, which are kept well away from OH, paper and kitchen! Use zigzag stitch on the machine to neaten clothes seams.
Some of my tips are...keep your sewing machine oiled regularly and free from lint build up, make sure you have the right needle for the job in hand and I try to use a new needle for each project, so they are always sharp, invest in a needle threader and a pair of small scissors for snipping off cottons, press seams and darts as you go.
Sandy

louisaL

can i just ask, when making a patchwork quilt do you have to sew the patches onto a backing material first? or just sew the squares together?

Trow

I found this just now - I love it and think it might be something I try soon! http://www.spoolsewing.com/blog/2008/05/16/bird-mobile/

The bird pattern is at the top of the page on the left hand side.

I got my new machine out of it's box today, and have threaded it, wound a bobbin and done a few lines and curves, and then made a grocery bag out of one of my daughter's old t-shirts a la Martha Stewart.

So I'm feeling quite pleased with myself, I thought it would take much longer to get to grips with the machine, but it's really quite simple.

positivelymummy

louisaL wrote: »

can i just ask, when making a patchwork quilt do you have to sew the patches onto a backing material first? or just sew the squares together?

you sew them together, i would start off with something really easy, i did this one back in feb using a charm sqaure pack;

http://snippetsofaquilter.blogspot.com/2007/10/charm-square-quilt.html

and ""waves"" to Trow, long time no see!!! thanks for the links:beer: