On Fabrics: What’s a Selvage? What’s “On Grain”?

You have heard people use these terms when talking about fabrics but may not be clear on what they mean.

Selvage refers to the edges that run along either side of a length of fabric. You can spot them because they appear finished off.  Also, when you purchase fabric, it is cut along the crosswise grain, at right angles to the selvages and the lengthwise grain. The lengthwise grain is the strongest and is least likely to stretch. That is why we strive to cut quilt pieces “on grain”.  If you use a pattern for making a garment, you will see arrows printed on the pattern pieces, which indicate where they should be placed on the lengthwise grain. Hope that helps!

Getting your sewing machine to come out of the closet…

People often come to our studio with sewing machines that have been tucked away for years without cleaning or service. They are understandably reluctant to rummage around the unfamiliar parts for fear of damaging them or not being able to get them back together.

We suggest:  Call us for an appointment at The Stitching Studio.  Bring the machine and the instruction booklet which came with it.  Often, we can help you to get it cleaned, oiled and running. We can make sure you are threading it correctly and help you to figure out how to use the various features of your machine.

Otherwise, if your machine, has seen hard use, we recommend that you take it to a reliable sewing machine service shop,

If you’re in our area be sure to visit:
South Portland Sewing
14 Cottage Road, So. Portland, ME 207-799-0032
Debbie and Pat will take good care of your machine…tell them The Stitching Studio sent you

April Newsletter for Download

Download a pdf version of our April newsletter by clicking HERE.

How to Take Care of Your Sewing Machine

We went right to the experts for this topic: the folks at South Portland Sewing Centre.

Debbie gave us the following advice:
1. Have your machine serviced annually.
2. In addition, conduct mini tune-ups yourself as recommended in your sewing machine manual.
3. About every 8 hours of sewing time, or once a season if you do not use it as much, clean lint from the bobbin case area and lubricate with a drop or two of oil.
4. Change needles frequently.
5. Cover your machine when not in use to keep it dust free.
6. Clean your machine if it is going into storage.
7. When you take your machine out of storage, run it for a bit unthreaded.
You can find South Portland Sewing Centre at 14 Cottage Road, South Portland, Maine, or call 207-799-0032.

10 Rottary Cutting Tips

How did we ever make quilts without rotary cutters, self-healing mats and all sizes and shapes of see-through rulers? They save us scads of time and improve our accuracy. Here in the studio, we encourage using some good habits when we use these tools:

1.    Stand when cutting, with your body straight in front of the cutting mat, for good leverage.
2.    We especially like rotary cutters with the blade that retracts as you set it down. If you are using the type which requires clicking a button to retract the blade, be diligent in making certain you retract the blade every time you put it down.
3.    Change blades when they become dull.
4.    Make your cuts by running the cutter away from you, paying attention to the location of your fingers.
5.    Cut with the grain of the fabric when possible.
6.     Arrange for good lighting in your sewing space, and select rulers which are easy to read.
7.    Since rulers can vary slightly, use the same ruler for the whole project.
8.    Use the shortest ruler which is appropriate for the task, so it is more e manageable and less likely to slide.
9.    Once you have cut a straight edge on your fabric and are ready to cut the pieces for your quilt, turn the cutting mat rather than the fabric so you will not disturb your straight edge.
10.    This may seem a little odd, but we suggest to people that they teach themselves to cut with both right and left hands. That allows them to simply switch hands rather than moving the mat or the fabric.  It really is not that difficult. Give it a try!

Learn to Sew or Quilt at The Stitching Studio

How often we hear people say, “I have always wanted to learn to sew”…or” to quilt”!  If you are one of those people, now is the time! You do not have to wait for a workshop to be offered.  All it takes is a call or an e-mail to us, and we can get you on your way!

We have people of all ages coming in for lessons, everyone from twin 10 year olds, (two pairs from different families!)  to people well into their 80’s.

Your lessons will be designed to fit your skill level and goals. Bring a friend and save on the cost, or sign up for 4 classes and save that way. We have flexible hours to fit most schedules. Don’t wait another minute !

Selecting the Right Fabric for Your Sewing Project

One of the concerns learners ask about is how to select appropriate fabrics for your projects. Here are a few thoughts that we hope will get you started. For more in-depth information, give us a call or email to schedule some classes. Bring a friend or two and get great rates!

If you are using a commercial pattern, most of them list suggested fabrics on the envelope. If the pattern calls for a knit fabric, then you must use a knit (stretchy) rather than a woven fabric.

It is helpful to open out the bolt of fabric so you can see and handle one layer of the fabric in order to judge whether the weight and appearance are what you want. Squeeze a handful to see whether it will wrinkle. Slippery, silky and lightweight fabrics are more of a challenge to work with.

The end of the bolt of fabric will list the fibers used and the care instructions, as well as the price. Watch for sales and buy the best quality you can manage. In most fabric stores, people at the cutting counter will answer questions you may have.

Happy Sewing!

Jo

2007 Annual Holiday Open House!

It certainly is looking a lot like Christmas with fat snowflakes drifting down outside our window!

It’s the perfect time to stop by our annual Open House! This year we will have FOUR dates to choose from:

Saturday and Sunday, December 15 and 16

from 9:00AM to 4:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22

from 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Stop by to pick up some last minute Christmas presents or stocking stuffers for friends and loved ones. We have a variety of quilts, wall hangings, table runners and fabric gift bags. Special holiday items include our woolen gingerbread man garland and festive throw pillows for that special holiday touch. You can also pick up gift certificates for personalized or group sewing and quilting classes here at The Stitching Studio.

We’ll have hot mulled cider and other tasty treats so bring your friends and swing on by. We look forward to seeing you there!

Happy Holidays,
Jo

P.S. If you would like to come to the Open House but the time schedule does not work for you, call us at 892-2605 to arrange for a personal visit.

November/December calendar available

We’ve posted our full calendar of November/December Workshops and Open Sews.  Be sure to check out our Upcoming Page to see what’s happening!

Open Sew: Saturday, October 6th!

Autumn is here, enticing us to use its rich, warm colors in our sewing. What a good excuse for making a new, cozy throw, perhaps using flannel or fleece for the backing! It is a good time to begin thinking about the holiday gifts and decorations we want to create, gathering inspiration and, of course, fabric! As the days grow shorter, and we spend less time outside,hopefully we can use some of that time with our sewing machines.

At The Stitching Studio, we are starting off our autumn activities with:

Open Sew on Saturday, October 6 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM

You are invited to bring along a project you are working on, or perhaps need some assistance with. Enjoy escaping for some sewing time and companionship! We have lots of quilt/sewing books and magazines to spark your creative ideas. See what we have been working on in the studio, and what we are planning. We have added sewing machines and work space

Cost for the Open Sew is $5 per hour. Bring along a friend who is new to the studio for no charge.

Please email or call ahead 892-2605 if you can plan to join us.

We look forward to seeing you!

Joanne

PS. We have added sewing machines and work spaces in the studio. Stop by to check things out!