by Dave | Jan 2, 2016 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
New Sewing Machine
Christmas was a few weeks ago. Who received a brand new sewing machine? Now what? If new sewing person or it’s been about say, 25 years or more, I may be able to help.
- Threading the needle on your new sewing machine. It seems something that should just happen, right? In reality it’s not that easy. Read the manual, if you still cannot threat it or the bobbin. YouTube has amazing tutorials.
- That’s a great accomplishment. Now, when you start sewing make sure to hold onto the bobbin thread and the top thread for a few (10) stitches. If you don’t, you get a horrible thread mess and hate yourself for wanting a machine. Trust me on this.
- Another helpful hint, make sure your first stitch onto the fabric is no on the very corner edge. Even one centimeter down is better than the corner. This sometimes causes the fabric to get stuck in the machine under the feed dogs. Yeah that is a pain for sure.
- If the fabric happens to cause a few problems for you like getting stuck and not letting your needle or machine operate, rock the wheel on the right end back and forth until you can free the needle.
- I discuss bird nesting, that horrible annoying bobbin mess, here.
- Once you get past the initial learning curve of your machine, you’ll be ready to work on some straight lines. You’ll probably need a few supplies to get started.
Important Supplies
*Pins with glass heads
*Pin cushion
*Titanium needles (you will thank me for this later
*Seam ripper (save your project tool)
*Fabric scissors (fiskars…..I made the mistake of buying singer to match
my machine) No skimping here. Good scissors will save you a lot of
trouble.
*Tape measure it’s horribly shocking to have to measure yourself, but
much needed.
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by Dave | Dec 23, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fitting, Lucy's Sewing Lab
I wish I would have had a Guide to Sewing tools and accessories guide with me my first sewing Christmas. Christmas for a sewist is a dream come true! My sewist’s first Christmas was so fun! That was me last year, with gift card in hand and twinkle in my eye. I had an idea of what I wanted, but the things I bought were and still are, lifesavers for me.
Even though a purchasing guide would’ve been a great help, I still spent the money! The first purchase was cutting board.ds. I bought a and have never regretted it. Actually I purchased two! One extra large cardboard one like this,
I also purchased a recovering cutting mat that works perfect with my rotary rotary cutter. It’s perfect for any sewist, it cuts through several layers at once and never seems to dull.
I also purchased a roll of iron on interfacing. Good grief, we go through that like mad, don’t we? The purchase was wise, because I’m still working on that roll. I’m so glad I have no need to panic when I’m sewing and realize I don’t have the supplies I need.
Since it was Christmas, I splurged on some really nice scissors also. It changed my sewing game. They are so sharp and cut so well. I bought these but wish I had seen the gold ones, aren’t they cute? 
Of course I hit the fabric bargains and stocked up on fabric I just knew I couldn’t live without. If I had it to do over, I may have purchased a dress form. I still don’t have one of those. I really think a dress form is a must have for any sewist. The hanger just doesn’t do the garment justice. Maybe this year I’ll purchase one? I’ve been eyeing the Dritz one, 
I don’t know though. I’m pretty thrifty so I’d really have to consider all the options before making that purchase. Maybe if she came in pink? lol
Those are my suggestions for purchases if you happen to receive a gift card or some cash for Christmas. No matter what, I hope you ENJOY!
by Dave | Dec 9, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews
As sewists, are we continually researching and Right now I am enduring the Janome, Singer comparison. Are either superior machines to the one we use the most? Right now I’m smack dab in the middle of a Janome or Singer Heavy Duty comparison. I own the boastful best machine according to the best of list here. I love my Singer, really I do. But, we seem to fight a lot. She’s not enough for me. I work that poor girl to death and beyond. I need a machine that can handle the pressure I put on it. You and your machine become like an old married couple. It is very important to do a lot of research and analyze your needs prior to purchase.
- WHY? Where will I find the time and why am I really considering buying a sewing machine? Some of us came back from a sewing hiatus although many more are fresh beginners. For this very reason, learn from my mistakes. Purchase the best machine with the fewest options. Learning to sew is hard enough. Learning all the functions adds to the complications. Unless you are planning to make everything in the world, a basic machine is more than enough.
- If your plan is to make a career change, a basic machine is going to frustrate you. Most prefer an overlock machine for speed and complicated projects, otherwise go back to plan A.
- You can always upgrade later, and most sewists own more than one sewing machine to meet all their needs.
- HOW? How much can you afford to spend without feeling guilty if you are not sewing 24/7? I set my limit around $150. I really wanted that pretty black computerized anniversary edition Singer machine. It didn’t fit my budget, and it did not have the options I was looking for in a machine. A lot of machines are plastic, I am sorry about this especially when that plastic costs $100 and up. I made a list of the things I “thought” I needed in a sewing machine.
- I wanted state of the art
- New and fancy
- Pretty
- Which should I choose? Janome or a Singer
- Yes, I’m shallow and didn’t think beyond those things. The machine I balked at, was my second purchase, and I never use the fancy pretty state of the art computerized machine.
- WHO This is often more a sentimental answer than logical. Without a doubt I was only looking at Singer machines. To me, they are the only machine, lol. I learned on them and felt a certain comfort using a singer.
- Learn about the different brands prior to purchase. The Sewing Machine Wizard, found here is the most informative site I’ve found. Real people tell you what they love and hate about their choice of machine.
I did my own research and actually, sad for me, because I wanted a reason for another machine, my Heavy Duty Singer outperforms the Janome of the same class. Sewing is an art and no two people are going to have exactly the same opinion on sewing machine.
Janome, Singer Comparison
- Best Reviews– made a great comparison chart for similar Janome and Singer machines.
- Singer’s selling point is the 1,110 stitches a minute. I love sewing fast 🙂
- Janome paled in comparison, their strongest point being ease of use.
- The Singer sales currently on Amazon for $126 and the Janome for $135. Fewer options and a higher price? I’m sticking with my Singer, for now.
- Amazon– came up with completely different results via purchasers reviews. It was a Brother and Singer war. Still the Singer 4423 ranked 3 while the Janome 2212 came in eleventh.
- Everyone has their own opinion based on their needs. Today, until I have about $400 to blow, I’ll stick with my Heavy Duty Singer. At least now I know my machine is superior.
by Dave | Nov 28, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
I LOVE MY subscribers!
You all are so loyal and dedicated! I love you for hanging in there with me. Since April 2015 when the site launched and I started my first real serious blog, 3,000 of you wonderful readers have enjoyed my space on the internet enough to subscribe. THANK YOU SO MUCH! We are growing so rapidly I’ve had to upgrade software. We are growing, keep coming back, you can look forward to a members only area soon with paid tutorials as well as FREE tutorials of my own designs.
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by Dave | Nov 27, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
Just a quickie reminder today is NOT the last day of sales!
Black Friday door-busters run from 6 a.m to noon. Sales include an extra 15% off your entire purchase, including door-buster deals. From noon to close, take 10% off your entire purchase, including door-busters.
Door-busters include:
Saturday-only specials include saving an extra 15% off your entire purchase with coupon from 7 a.m -noon.
by Dave | Nov 25, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
HANCOCK Turkey Day SALE
Hancock Turkey Day Sale starts at 4pm. You know, by 4pm you are full, rested, and happily dreaming of the goodies you need to sew. You do not have to wait until Friday at the crack of dawn! Hancock fabric is stepping it up a notch this year with a 20-page ad and 540 deal listing.[envira-gallery id="2536"]
[envira-gallery slug="hancock-hours"]The deals begin with 10% off your entire purchase on Thursday.
Then there are these coupons as well
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by Dave | Nov 25, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab
The Holiday is tomorrow, get some good deals, today is WiLd Wednesday!
Wild Wednesday…..most women are in the grocery stores or kitchen. The savvy woman already has everthing ready to go and the turkey is defrosting. She, her laptop, her list, and mind are on the great deals for Wild Wednesday. She may hit a few stores as well, I avoid leaving my house the day before Thanksgiving. There is just too much panic out there for me to deal with unless the store is Hancock. I like to visit this store a day early and make a list of what is going on sale and in stock. We have two pretty close to us so that helps out too.
Amazon, don’t forget about this online retailer who likes to strut their stuff at the holidays. Take advantage of Amazon Prime for FREE for the first 30 days. Think of all the money you will save on shipping! Amazon’s Deal of the day is something to keep an eye on. We all know you are not sewing all your presents. Even though I wish I knew how to make socks, I don’t but Amazon does. Today they are offering SINGER 1304 Start Basic Everyday Free Arm Sewing Machine with ZigZag, Blind Hem Stitches and more for $69 plus free shipping
Hancock Fabric has just rolled out their new Designer Club. It’s FREE for the first 30 days and you will always recieve a 10% discount and a 10% rebate when using this card. There are a variety of stores to use the card for savings, including Starbucks! :-)[envira-gallery id=”2521″]
[envira-gallery slug=”2521″]Hancock also has their sewing machines on sale today, most with an average savings of $50.
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by Dave | Nov 24, 2015 | Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews
Hancock Pre-Black Friday
Hancock Pre-Black Friday sales are nothing short of spectacular! Do not miss the pink tag sale items. Today I bought bead strands in the pink sale items for 25 cents each! You better belive, I stocked up. They also had earrings, home decor, and tons more things to purchase for dirt cheap! The coupons for this sale are such an extra bonus I couldn’t believe it!
Black Friday is one of my favorite days of the year! I realize this does not hold true for everyone a lot of people’s favorite thing of the year is to avoid Black Friday. I posted JoAnn’s goodies earlier, you can compare the prices for your own shopping pleasure. Hancock Fabric’s Understands……No One has to wait for Black Friday or Regret missing sales! Start shopping now, Look at what Hancock Fabrics has to offer!
November 19 to December 2 (Avoid Black Friday sale)
Visit www.hancockfabrics.com all the juicy details
- Entire stock of novelty cotton prints
- Licensed Character Fabrics including fleece, cotton, and flannel (wonderful for all those children’s items begging for the Christmas Tree)
- Entire stock of accent pillows (faster to buy the accent pillows as gifts at 40% off than handmade)
- Cotton quilting prints ( I don’t know if you ever thought about this, but this fabric is amazing for curtains, throw pillows, children’s room decor, the list goes on and on)
- Batiks
- Throw blankets (again, you can purchase faster than making them)
- Utility panels
- earrings
- Apparel lace and trim by the yard ( we all love to get a little gussied up around the holidays, don’t we?)
- Baskets
- Buttons
- Sewing Baskets (for the sewist on your list this year)
- flannel (wonderful for sleepwear as well as apparel)
- Faux fur (all the rage and looks great on blankets)
- Denim (too many uses to list, and while it’s on sale, buy some extra, this is a staple)
- All Christmas home accents (everyone likes adding a few new things to their festive decor, right?)
- Social and Career fabrics (parties, work, work parties, it’s on sale)
- Home Decor fabrics
- Christmas fabric (perfect if you wanted to make some throw pillows of your own or coordinating dresses)
40% off is just the beginning…..look at some of the 50% off offerings
- Denim
- All Christmas home accents
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- Social and Career fabrics
- Home Decor fabrics
- Christmas fabric
by Dave | Nov 22, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique
UPDATE
The labels went through some change prior to printing. The original draft didn’t seem to fit my branding. The final image is now shown in the feature photo. I love it! I love the thought of putting clothes on with this label.
Are Clothing Tags Important?
I don’t know about you, but, I make a great deal of the gifts during the holiday season. Clothing tags have become necessary. Gifts go home and used without my supervision. Thank goodness lol So, when my granddaughter gets dressed in LucyLou 918 originals. She needs to know her clothing is on her the right way. Also, when I make blankets, purses, scarves, and other wearable items, I want bragging rights. Don’t we all want people to know about our art?
I have tried so many methods of making clothing tags. I’ve used cotton ribbon similar to shoestrings and written on it with a marker. I didn’t like the way it looked. I am professional and my clothing and other items should reflect such in the clothing tags. In the olden days, haha, my grandmother would sew a 1″ piece of lace in the back, she didn’t want me looking silly either.
I’m going to make mine like this:
- I’m using my lovely printer, its honestly nothing special. It was free with the purchase of my MacBook Pro about five years ago.
- First I’m going to design my logo. Using an illustrator program and possibly a clip art or symbol you create to represent your line.
- Then, when I feel fully satisfied with the appearance, I’ll reverse it. This is the MOST IMPORTANT part.
- Reversing the image will ensure perfection when ironed onto your ribbon or whatever you choose to use for your clothing tags.
- I will do a rough run with printer paper and inspect the logo.
- If you need a visual, this is a great video on my channel.
- When I’m satisified with the look I’ll print it onto the transfer paper, I bought mine at Amazon. I love their free and fast delivery special! I’ve included a link for you.
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- I’ll probably use 1″ ribbon to make my labels.
- The internet has a great application on the Avery site.
- Enjoy! Knowing everyone will know who made your item 🙂
by Dave | Nov 20, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews
I surf the web quite a bit, the blogs incorporating inspirational, fashionable, tutorials are my favorites! I don’t know about you, but I get inspired with other people’s creations. Fashion sewing blogs keep me on my toes. I take it all as a challenge. My ultimate favorite is not even aimed at the sewing community.
Who, What, Wear is a daily inspiration. I especially love the fashion trends section.
Inspirational Sewing Related Blogs
Colertterie: Has been mentioned many times on my blog. I love her instructional manner. I read her book! I seriously went to the library and checked it out. She is such an inspiration. Make a wardrobe that’s truly yours. That is exactly what I love about her! She doesn’t want you as a clone of her, she wants you to learn and be your own person.
Dixie DIY: Is inspirational, I love how she mixes a circle skirt with a sweatshirt, but for the most part, we don’t share the same style. Which is fine. The completed projects section is a great place to start if you are looking for overall ideas.
Cloth Habit: I love to dream that one day I won’t even need Victoria’s Secret. Well, so far in my few attempts, they have nothing to worry about.
Ladybird: Is not only inspirational she’s quite the teacher as well. Check this out, she goes into great detail about how to create your own personal croquis.[envira-gallery id="2415"]
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Julia bobbin: I love this blog. Not only does she look cute and hip, she can sew! She’s also into pop culture and shows the reader how to make things you see people wearing on TV. An actual “as seen on TV” blog lol. You, too, can look like Jess from New Girl, or someone from Mad Men, who cares? She has great sew alongs as well. Check her out!
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Erica B. : Look at that ^^^^^^^^ love at first site. If you need me, I’ll be over at her place. I want to know the art of cultivating a stylish wardrobe! I know how I do it, but WOW, someone with blog I can relate to…YESSSSS! She sews like I do by looking through fashion mags. LOVE
WOW, if you have not hung out on any of these blogs, I hope you do now! Enjoy!
