Crochet (and other needlework) for Novices
Practical and useful tips, resources and ideas for anyone starting on crochet or other needlework crafts.

Archive for: July 2010



July 30, 2010

Brother CS6000i - Computerized Sewing Machine

Filed under: 12 - 30 Jul 2010

Choosing only one computerized sewing machine out of the whole lot that is available is quite a daunting task, but here is a small power horse the Brother CS6000i, that you might be interested in. This deal certainly is a steal, the machine has received rave reviews, take some time to see what this machine has to offer. So let us see what the Brother CS6000i has to offer.

Variety of Stitches

For a small computerized machine it has 60 different stitches you can select. Yes, that is right. Imagine what you can do with so many different stitches. The different stitches will assist you in several tasks such as mending, hemming, making clothes, decorating, quilting and much more. One of the most difficult tasks with a manual sewing machine is to make buttonholes, but the Brother offers seven different stitches for this. You can also adjust the stitch length and width.

Stunning Assortment of Presser Feet

• You will get seven different snap on presser feet with this machine.
• Buttonhole
• Overcasting
• Monogramming
• Zipper
• Zigzag
• Blind Stitch
• Button Fitting foot.

When you have to change the presser foot you do not have to struggle and screw them in and out, you easily snap them on and off. A walking foot feeds the material evenly and at a constant speed.

Foot Control

Many women are used to a foot control, but the Brother CS6000i can operate without it. The Brother has a built-in one touch start and stop as well as a reverse characteristic. A one touch start/stop/reverse operations allows sewing with or without the included foot control

Additional Functions

Great LCD display
Button control stitch option
Extra wide work table
One touch start/stop/reverse operations
Easy automatic needle threading
Quick-Set Bobbin (trademarked) with horizontal loading
Free-arm sewing machine
Electronic tempo control
Sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute
Dial control upper thread tension
Automized thread cutter
Changeable needle position
Presser foot lever control
There is a carrying handle which is built in
Simple and easy to carry or transport
Fantastic accessories included
Automized needle threader

Everywhere online you will see that women rate this machine very highly, especially the value for money aspect. If you don’t get on with computers then don’t avoid this machine simply because it is computerized, it is as easy as 123 to use. You will find that the manual is comprehensive and easy to understand. For more information on computerized sewing machine visit us today.


July 23, 2010

Sewing Resource List for Creating Great Clothes

Filed under: 12 - 23 Jul 2010

Do you think you’re somebody that loves homemade projects and stitching and you really are currently at last able to get that regular sewing room together that you have often dreamed of having? For many people, having a space or area of the household they can allocate to stitching can create a huge difference in their enjoyment and productivity when it comes to this hobby. Whether you stitch as a hobby or perhaps for a personal business, this may be a dream come true. Fill up your sewing room with that brand new Juki Serger you’ve been desiring and loads of fantastic fabrics and style publications that guide you to dream huge when it comes to your own apparel masterpieces.

Within this article, we will go over some fundamental suggestions with regards to a broad regular sewing equipment list and also the likely things that you might like to put on your wish list for future consideration.

To begin with, of course the best stitching room will have the most recent sewing machine. If you’ve been stitching for a number of years, you’re probably conscious that these machines are available in an amazing array with regards to capabilities as well as selling price. If stitching is merely a hobby for you personally, perhaps the latest sewing machine isn’t on the must have shopping list. In the event, however, you are getting this devoted stitching place established to operate your sewing as a business, you might find that buying a good quality commercial strength sewing machine is worth the cash invested.

Another important device which you might like to think about in the event that stitching is your living, would be some type of serger, such as the Juki 655, for example. This machine will make your stitching more durable and professional looking, specifically if you are doing a whole lot with pretty stitching. The serger is really much more of a luxury product that you should think about when your small business is truly creating wealth. You can do much of the identical quality or focus on other advanced regular sewing machines, though the serger helps it be a lot easier to accomplish.

Moving on to lower priced things, absolutely no stitching room would be complete without having cutting resources, fastening gear, measuring systems, fantastic designs and fabrics and lastly plenty of pins, needles and threads. This section of your shopping trip should be very enjoyable especially with regards to picking your amazing style designs and fabric. If you’re someone who likes to stitch, strolling into a material shop is most likely a great experience.

Hopefully by now you’ve prepared your own personal shopping list which includes the most recent elegant sewing machine, the Juki MO655 for serging abilities and every one of the cutting, fastening as well as measuring tools which you will need to make this stitching room complete. If you’re considering purchasing high-priced gear like an authentic sewing machine or serger, do make sure to take some time to carry out satisfactory research to ensure you’re certain of what you need before investing that kind of cash into your own equipment. Once you’ve completed the research and read some customer evaluations on the certain stitching devices that you are considering, you are able to feel comfortable to make your sound decision and purchase.

Happy Sewing!


July 22, 2010

Looking For Sewing Machines for Beginners

Filed under: 12 - 22 Jul 2010

There are a lot of people of all ages worldwide learning to sew for reasons far more interesting than earlier times. Women sewing baby quilts and regular mending were common events of yore. Today various reasons abound, some want to give a unique stitch on their apparels whereas others learn for the regular repair work. Some take it as a hobby; others use it for minor mending while still others want to get that extra freaky stitch on their denim. Though the reasons are many an issue common to all is deciding on the best sewing machine for beginners.

All beginners should be equipped with basic knowledge before venturing out on a search for the perfect sewing machine for beginners. Thankfully there are a remarkable set of sewing machines in the market available. Local shops will give you leads on which are the best sewing machine for beginners.

Although initially you don’t have to be brand savvy, you will find good beginner sewing machine models from Singer, Brother or Kenmore available at Wal-Mart or Sears. Most shops will also give you a demo of the machine before your purchase. Whichever the brand, always get their basic or earlier versions as they will be simpler and easy to handle. Get more idea about sewing machines from books like The Sewing Machine Book. For example, try The Sewing Machine Book or Fine Machine Sewing, Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines etc.

Never make a decision solely on price tags as the cheap ones may malfunction very quickly with you running to find its service center. Make sure you purchase a reliable machine and the best option in sewing machine for beginners would be the simple mechanical ones. Mechanical ones are the best in sewing machine for beginners to learn needle positioning and speed control.

Interestingly now sewing machines are sold at some fabric stores too which provide a trial for their prospective customers free of cost. You can try out simple stitches on these machines that will help you get an idea on its workings.

Acquaint yourself with simple stitches and abstain from trying complicated and designer styles at the beginning. In the initial stages try a straight stitch, zigzag and button holes limiting stitches to short lengths. Then go for the fancy styles like triple zigzags on elastic clothing and some creative decorative stitching too.

You don’t have to get frustrated at initial falls as consistency and resilience are the pillars for any passion to build on.

Visit us as we look sewing machines:
Beginner sewing machine
Compare sewing machines


July 20, 2010

Conceal Your Pillow Line Of Stitching Gap Using Hand Blind Stitch

Filed under: 12 - 20 Jul 2010

Your room may appear perfect, but aren’t you ignoring something important? Are your pillows matching with your room décor? If not, then why not design decorator pillows that can match with your bedroom or living room. You can use some fancy or simple designs according to your will. The concluding step, however, is closing up the open area by stitching it. The space is concealed by the hand blind stitch, which just requires hand and you don’t need to fix sewing machines for the reason. The correct stitches must not be seen on the pillow seam, which elaborates the name of this kind of stitching. Now you are spared from sewing machine repair as you won’t need those gadgets for this type of stitching.

Initially let’s see what the essentials for hand blind stitch are. There is not a lot of stuff to gather. All you need is a thread of the same color as the pillow, needle, scissors and iron. In order to provide finishing touches to your pillow, apply the hand blind stitch keepin in view the following steps:

• You need to press beneath the edges of the cloth surrounding the space. The best time to do this is the moment you are about to place the pillow covering over the pillow. The pressed areas will help you in stitching.

• Then you need to get a thread of about 15 inches long. Pass the thread from the needle’s eye so that you get a double thread with equal lengths, next fasten the termini of the thread making double knots.

• Keep your pillow in your lap with the space open towards you. Pass the needle from the fabric on one place and draw it from the other side of the opening. Make sure to bring out the needle from the point where you pressed the fabric. This way, you can hide the knot of thread and afterwards continue stitching the fabric at the right end of the gap.

• Afterwards, do a tiny stitch with the needle on the other side of the cloth, just beneath the press region on the fabric. Stitch just across the gap such that the fabric joins and creayes almost 1/8 inch long stitch.

• Move your needle to one stitch back on the first side

of the fabric to the place where you pressed. While doing so, don’t forget to do the stitch through the gap again.

• Carry on with the stitching of both sides of the fabric through the gap. It has to be accomplished in a back and forth movement through the gap until you seal it shut.

• Finally, fasten a knot on the needle’s end of the thread such that it remains on the cover. Pass the needle in the pillow to make an inch long stitch then bring the needle back again. Trim the thread slightly above the pillow cover. The final stitch conceals your knot invisibly into the pillow.

Once you have a ornamented pillow on your bed side, all you need to give is a hand blind stitch to provide it a few final touches.


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