April 14, 2020
This week’s free project is face masks. We share a couple of options for instructions, give you a supplies list of what you need, and finish off with some tips for straps options. Project 1: An easy sew option from our friends at Castle Sewing Centre who service all our machines. Download the pdf instructions here. Project 2: PHere is an alternate project tutorial from Craft Passion for a more…
April 22, 2019
By Kitka Neyedli, Stitchery quilting and sewing instructor and guest blogger. If you are looking for a portable, meditative activity to keep your hands busy and your mind relaxed, then English Paper Piecing might be just your thing! English Paper Piecing (or EPP for short) is a fun method of hand sewing small scraps of fabric together to create a multitude of patterns. This old quilting technique became popular in England (hence the name) in the 1800’s […]
July 2, 2018
What are some of the key techniques every patchwork quilter should master? Here are some tips to get you started on achieving that perfect finish. 1. Match colours and patterns. Lay out your fabrics beforehand in a bright light (preferably daylight) to check how the colours match up. Your colour palette can be drawn from one chosen fabric or from a selection of 2 or 3. Limiting your palette to 3 dominant colours will make life easier and the overall piece more cohesive.Patterns should be balan […]
February 21, 2018
A roundup of the top 5 sewing things I am currently happy about. Some are new things; some are regular essentials. This post is part inspiration and tips for you, and part insight into the heart behind The Stitchery Sewing Studio. Fabric delights I have been selecting lots of delicious fabric for Spring 2018. Some of my favourites include the linen cotton canvas with insect print (top right), the intense florals from RJR Stu […]
January 2, 2018
Well finished seams are key to achieving a professional look. Do it well and it makes your piece. Here are 5 tips to sewing a perfect seam on a sewing machine. 1. First, press, press, press. The more you take time to iron your fabric and your seam the better your finished piece will turn out. Iron your fabric before you start. Press your seam flat open or towards one direction. Often, vertical garment seams will be pressed towards the centre back. Check the pattern for instructions. 2. Align, […]
