Four sewing enthusiasts brought along their latest projects for our last get together for 2013. One participant thought that quilted jar covers looked pretty easy but they turned up a few challenges which our trusty FOML sewing expert eventually tamed after some discussion and persistence. Another regular participant finished off a pair of pants for herself as well as making a couple of pairs for her child. One of our regulars did manage to make a pattern from a top that she likes amongst much socialising. Another of our participants who had the joy of buying bunches of batik in Bali, now has the challenge of converting these fabulous fabrics into a quilt, so embarked on cutting a few patches to get the project under way.
Many thanks to my library buddy who stood in for me and looked after our sewing devotees so well.
Wishing you all every success in sewing over Christmas and we'll meet again at 1 pm on 22 Febrary 2014 full of new ideas and projects!
Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2014!
A sewing tip! Keep using your needles and thread through the humid summer to help prevent the development of rust! Well, any excuse..............
Tuesday 3 December 2013
Thursday 28 November 2013
SSS this Saturday at GWL at 1 pm!
Hello everyone,
Just a reminder that Saturday is the day to bring along those projects that you are working on and just need a bit of uninterrupted time to get a bit more done on them.
We'll be meeting at 1 pm at Gordon White Library on Saturday 30 November.
While these are NOT sewing lessons we do like to share ideas about how to proceed on a particular projects that we are working on. Make sure if you are bringing your sewing machine or overlocker that you've remembered all the accessories you need to work on your project, including thread to match your project.
For those who like to plan ahead, our first get together will be on Saturday at 1 pm on 22 February at Gordon White Library.
Keep that creativity flowing and happy sewing!
Just a reminder that Saturday is the day to bring along those projects that you are working on and just need a bit of uninterrupted time to get a bit more done on them.
We'll be meeting at 1 pm at Gordon White Library on Saturday 30 November.
While these are NOT sewing lessons we do like to share ideas about how to proceed on a particular projects that we are working on. Make sure if you are bringing your sewing machine or overlocker that you've remembered all the accessories you need to work on your project, including thread to match your project.
For those who like to plan ahead, our first get together will be on Saturday at 1 pm on 22 February at Gordon White Library.
Keep that creativity flowing and happy sewing!
Monday 28 October 2013
SSS's stitch up from Saturday 26 October, 2013
We had a lovely roll up on Saturday and projects of all shapes and sizes were in various states of progress.
One participant was sewing the cutest baby bibs - bright small, even retro prints on one side and the softest fabric as backing on the other. After using the actual bibs on bub, our crafty mum found that some adjustment to the pattern was necessary to make putting the bib on a bouncy bub easier and to ensure a better food catch. So not only do the bibs look great but they are user friendly both for mum and baby.
A welcome newcomer to our group was intent on learning how to machine quilt the colourful patchwork quilt she had designed from fabric fragments she had found at home. She certainly was having fun sewing different quilt designs and seeing the variety of effects she created.
Another participant found the society of social sewers soothing as she methodically unpicked some stitching that had gone awry. Unpicking fine fabric with well matched thread is never easy or fun but having a chat with like-minded folk while one does it at least makes the onerous task more bearable.
One of our regular participants kept R, our FOML expert in all things fabric, busy as she sought assistance and advice as to how to cut out a dress and then a pair of pants. Hopefully she will have two new garments to wear if she continues to work on the projects at home as she grows in sewing skill and confidence..
Another regular participant was planning another project journey as she traced from a pattern onto her pattern fabric and contemplated which colours to put where to make the top special and unique, one of the many joys of sewing clothes for oneself. This can be such a traumatic part of the journey too as the options are endless. This is where the social aspect of our sewing Saturdays can be so much fun as everyone adds their ideas into the mix.
Our skilful FOML, brought along the Christmas wreath that she had begun last SSS. The finished project looked great and some lucky member of her family is going to receive a wonderful Christmas gift. Unfortunately demands on her time meant she did not advance too far on her next Christmas project which was inspired by ginger bread folk.
Another cross stitch project did not progress too far either but with so much going on it was rather difficult to sit and actually do the counting necessary to follow the design faithfully but she had her fat pants on and was dealing with it! Sometime a project advances in just tiny stitches!
Despite discussion on Saturday to the contrary, we will be sewing again on
Saturday 29 November from 2 pm until 4pm!
Unfortunately I'd got my clashes wrong and had to revert to the original date. If the booking prior to our booking is changed, I'll keep you all informed via this blog.
Meanwhile keep on stitching and keep that smile on your face!
One participant was sewing the cutest baby bibs - bright small, even retro prints on one side and the softest fabric as backing on the other. After using the actual bibs on bub, our crafty mum found that some adjustment to the pattern was necessary to make putting the bib on a bouncy bub easier and to ensure a better food catch. So not only do the bibs look great but they are user friendly both for mum and baby.
A welcome newcomer to our group was intent on learning how to machine quilt the colourful patchwork quilt she had designed from fabric fragments she had found at home. She certainly was having fun sewing different quilt designs and seeing the variety of effects she created.
Another participant found the society of social sewers soothing as she methodically unpicked some stitching that had gone awry. Unpicking fine fabric with well matched thread is never easy or fun but having a chat with like-minded folk while one does it at least makes the onerous task more bearable.
One of our regular participants kept R, our FOML expert in all things fabric, busy as she sought assistance and advice as to how to cut out a dress and then a pair of pants. Hopefully she will have two new garments to wear if she continues to work on the projects at home as she grows in sewing skill and confidence..
Another regular participant was planning another project journey as she traced from a pattern onto her pattern fabric and contemplated which colours to put where to make the top special and unique, one of the many joys of sewing clothes for oneself. This can be such a traumatic part of the journey too as the options are endless. This is where the social aspect of our sewing Saturdays can be so much fun as everyone adds their ideas into the mix.
Our skilful FOML, brought along the Christmas wreath that she had begun last SSS. The finished project looked great and some lucky member of her family is going to receive a wonderful Christmas gift. Unfortunately demands on her time meant she did not advance too far on her next Christmas project which was inspired by ginger bread folk.
Another cross stitch project did not progress too far either but with so much going on it was rather difficult to sit and actually do the counting necessary to follow the design faithfully but she had her fat pants on and was dealing with it! Sometime a project advances in just tiny stitches!
Despite discussion on Saturday to the contrary, we will be sewing again on
Saturday 29 November from 2 pm until 4pm!
Unfortunately I'd got my clashes wrong and had to revert to the original date. If the booking prior to our booking is changed, I'll keep you all informed via this blog.
Meanwhile keep on stitching and keep that smile on your face!
Monday 21 October 2013
Social Sewing Saturday for October Already!
Hello fellow social sewing folk!
Another month nearly over already! I hope you have some projects ready to be worked on.
We'll be meeting at the Gordon White Meeting Room from 1 pm till 4 pm - back to our usual time this month.
If you haven't been before, please bring your sewing project along, your sewing machine if your project requires it, and any other bibs and bobs you need. Needleworx,Spotlight or Lincraft are not too far away if you need something. The library has a heap of books if you're short on ideas and looking for inspiration!
Looking forward to seeing you sewing on Saturday, 26 October!
Another month nearly over already! I hope you have some projects ready to be worked on.
We'll be meeting at the Gordon White Meeting Room from 1 pm till 4 pm - back to our usual time this month.
If you haven't been before, please bring your sewing project along, your sewing machine if your project requires it, and any other bibs and bobs you need. Needleworx,Spotlight or Lincraft are not too far away if you need something. The library has a heap of books if you're short on ideas and looking for inspiration!
Looking forward to seeing you sewing on Saturday, 26 October!
Monday 30 September 2013
September 28 Social Sewing Saturday
Hello there everyone,
Well after a bit of kerfuffle to get started and after sharing the space after 2 pm with some tasty foods we eventually got started on the various projects that we'd brought along.
Our expert FOML, as ever, very patiently assisted with various requests from our sewing enthusiasts. One participant took home a cheery yellow dress as a result of her persistent efforts and R's advice and assistance. Another made a start on experimenting with new styles utilising that fabric stash from home as well as developing and gathering ideas on how a store-bought item could be re-designed to fit the buyer better!
That twirly beanie still defies all attempts to be replicated but the item produced has added to that long list of possible beanie options. Another participant has made a start on another cross stitch project which should keep her occupied for a while. Interminable interruptions meant that the Christmas banner did not advance as far as hoped but progress was made on the most festive way to join the designs together and yet make the project sufficiently compact to send overseas to where a decorated fireplace can be a meaningful part of the Christmas decor.
Looking ahead......
All being well, we shall meet again on Saturday 26 October at 1 o'clock ready to share our ideas and work on our next projects.
Just letting you know in advance to assist with your busy schedules, our November SSS will take place a week earlier than usual and will be at 1 o'clock on Saturday 23 November.
We will be taking a break over December and January just to take the pressure off that busy Christmas, school holiday period.
Well after a bit of kerfuffle to get started and after sharing the space after 2 pm with some tasty foods we eventually got started on the various projects that we'd brought along.
Our expert FOML, as ever, very patiently assisted with various requests from our sewing enthusiasts. One participant took home a cheery yellow dress as a result of her persistent efforts and R's advice and assistance. Another made a start on experimenting with new styles utilising that fabric stash from home as well as developing and gathering ideas on how a store-bought item could be re-designed to fit the buyer better!
That twirly beanie still defies all attempts to be replicated but the item produced has added to that long list of possible beanie options. Another participant has made a start on another cross stitch project which should keep her occupied for a while. Interminable interruptions meant that the Christmas banner did not advance as far as hoped but progress was made on the most festive way to join the designs together and yet make the project sufficiently compact to send overseas to where a decorated fireplace can be a meaningful part of the Christmas decor.
Looking ahead......
All being well, we shall meet again on Saturday 26 October at 1 o'clock ready to share our ideas and work on our next projects.
Just letting you know in advance to assist with your busy schedules, our November SSS will take place a week earlier than usual and will be at 1 o'clock on Saturday 23 November.
We will be taking a break over December and January just to take the pressure off that busy Christmas, school holiday period.
Thursday 26 September 2013
Social Sewing Saturday is on this Saturday (Sept 28) at GWL
Hello everyone,
Just a reminder to get those projects ready for progress this Saturday!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Just a reminder to get those projects ready for progress this Saturday!
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Sunday 1 September 2013
August Social Sewing Saturday
We had an enthusiastic bunch turn up on SSSaturday. Robyn, our FOML expert in many things textile, was kept on her toes assisting one lady to use her first paper pattern and then to pin it up and cut the project out ready for sewing. Unfortunately her sewing machine had discarded its presser foot en route to the library so the project was not able to progress any further.
A couple of our participants happily knitted their projects in the calm cool of the community meeting room.
Another project required thinking hats to be donned again and again. One enthusastic sewer had brought in a reversible beanie which she was attempting to clone. Despite many efforts the original retained its secret although there was another prototype developed which caused much delight.
A blouse was pinned and some pants were taken up in preparation for wearing. A few squares were cut as the starting point for a quilting project.
Everyone appeared to have travelled further along in their various projects and enjoyed a convivial social Saturday at the same time.
All being well, we shall gather together again for more social sewing at 1 pm on Saturday, 28 September.
Happy stitching!
A couple of our participants happily knitted their projects in the calm cool of the community meeting room.
Another project required thinking hats to be donned again and again. One enthusastic sewer had brought in a reversible beanie which she was attempting to clone. Despite many efforts the original retained its secret although there was another prototype developed which caused much delight.
A blouse was pinned and some pants were taken up in preparation for wearing. A few squares were cut as the starting point for a quilting project.
Everyone appeared to have travelled further along in their various projects and enjoyed a convivial social Saturday at the same time.
All being well, we shall gather together again for more social sewing at 1 pm on Saturday, 28 September.
Happy stitching!
Tuesday 6 August 2013
Busy sewers in July
We had lots of interesting projects this month at Social Sewing Saturday. From dresses inspired by Pride and Prejudice to blanket gift making without any sewing required, we were all enthused to get our projects going and completed.
Robyn assisted me with creating armhole facings where once there were cap sleeves, I missed most of what she was doing because I was too busy chatting, I can only hope I have the kind of skill she has one day...
the next Social Sewing Saturday is on 31st August, looking forward to see you there!
Margaret xx
p.s. did you know that there are many other social sewing groups? If you are interested in how they work, check them out here:
Sew Make Create My Messings Sew Brunswick
Robyn assisted me with creating armhole facings where once there were cap sleeves, I missed most of what she was doing because I was too busy chatting, I can only hope I have the kind of skill she has one day...
the next Social Sewing Saturday is on 31st August, looking forward to see you there!
Margaret xx
p.s. did you know that there are many other social sewing groups? If you are interested in how they work, check them out here:
Sew Make Create My Messings Sew Brunswick
Thursday 13 June 2013
The next social sewing saturday........is June 29th at 1-4pm!
Hello there,
Do you need some help with your sewing project? Maybe you would like to challenge yourself and start a new one? Do you have a half done project that deserves to be finished? Or just join us for a creative afternoon, meet some new people over a cup of tea and share some sewing stories.
Bring your own project and materials to our Sewing Social Saturdays where an experienced teacher will be present to assist you and give you tips on your current sewing project!
Bring a friend or family member, look forward to seeing you there!
I have been enjoying the 'ask the reader' segment on Coletterie, check it out here
What do you think? Is your taste in fabric different to your taste in clothes?
I am notorious for spending time and moula on beautiful liberty prints, only to find they don't suit me at all! oh the travesty....
Social Sewing Saturday will be on again in June, on Saturday 29th, Gordon White Library Meeting room at 1-4pm.
Do you need some help with your sewing project? Maybe you would like to challenge yourself and start a new one? Do you have a half done project that deserves to be finished? Or just join us for a creative afternoon, meet some new people over a cup of tea and share some sewing stories.
Bring your own project and materials to our Sewing Social Saturdays where an experienced teacher will be present to assist you and give you tips on your current sewing project!
Bring a friend or family member, look forward to seeing you there!
I have been enjoying the 'ask the reader' segment on Coletterie, check it out here
What do you think? Is your taste in fabric different to your taste in clothes?
I am notorious for spending time and moula on beautiful liberty prints, only to find they don't suit me at all! oh the travesty....
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Social Sewing Saturday has been brought forward....to this Saturday, 18th May!
Hi there everyone,
This months meet up has been brought forward to this Saturday due to a clash in the bookings for the meeting room at Gordon White Library.
It is on this Saturday, 18th May at 1pm-4pm at Gordon White Library.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Margaret
This months meet up has been brought forward to this Saturday due to a clash in the bookings for the meeting room at Gordon White Library.
It is on this Saturday, 18th May at 1pm-4pm at Gordon White Library.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Margaret
Tuesday 26 March 2013
2nd Social Sewing Saturdays!
So heartwarming to see everyone come along for a second round of social sewing.
Despite being late to my own date, everyone was enthusiastic enough to get started without me.
Did you know that we have a Friend of the Library, Robyn, who used to teach textiles, helping our participants with their projects? She is very tactful and I learnt how not to 'over sew'. Which means, you dont need to zig zag EVERY edge of your seams or iron them face out. You can actually zig zag them TOGETHER after trimming to reduce bulk.
So there you have it, I have been overworking my machine, go through the thread like there is no tomorrow and whipping myself into a frenzy for no reason. Thanks Robyn!
We have another beginner sewer in the ranks who has completed her second project for a boys room, simple but effective, check it out below...
Despite being late to my own date, everyone was enthusiastic enough to get started without me.
Did you know that we have a Friend of the Library, Robyn, who used to teach textiles, helping our participants with their projects? She is very tactful and I learnt how not to 'over sew'. Which means, you dont need to zig zag EVERY edge of your seams or iron them face out. You can actually zig zag them TOGETHER after trimming to reduce bulk.
So there you have it, I have been overworking my machine, go through the thread like there is no tomorrow and whipping myself into a frenzy for no reason. Thanks Robyn!
We have another beginner sewer in the ranks who has completed her second project for a boys room, simple but effective, check it out below...
There is plenty of room for cutting out and having a bit of fabric envy....
The next session is on Saturday 27th April, enjoy your Easter!
Cheers,
Margaret
Thursday 28 February 2013
Our first meetup!
So Social Sewing Saturdays is a go!
Thank you to all those that attended, it was a great first occasion to see how it was going to work and I hope you all achieved something worthwhile.
I succeeded in working out what to do with a black and white fat striped silk voile, thanks to the lovely participants scouring the Burda and Stitches magazines.
So a quick online trip to Fabric.com and I have purchased some white taffeta as a lining. next stop is www.sewingpatterns.com for the McCalls pattern we found.
Wish me luck as I get photocopying and pasting pages together, urgh.
The next session is on Saturday 23rd March, as the following Saturday is Easter.
I can't wait to see what projects everyone is going to bring in! (Easter bonnets anyone?)
See you then,
Margaret
Thank you to all those that attended, it was a great first occasion to see how it was going to work and I hope you all achieved something worthwhile.
I succeeded in working out what to do with a black and white fat striped silk voile, thanks to the lovely participants scouring the Burda and Stitches magazines.
So a quick online trip to Fabric.com and I have purchased some white taffeta as a lining. next stop is www.sewingpatterns.com for the McCalls pattern we found.
Wish me luck as I get photocopying and pasting pages together, urgh.
The next session is on Saturday 23rd March, as the following Saturday is Easter.
I can't wait to see what projects everyone is going to bring in! (Easter bonnets anyone?)
See you then,
Margaret
Thursday 7 February 2013
Welcome to Social Sewing!
Hi there!
If you have seen the flyer or stumbled across it on the library website you will get the idea of what its all about.
Uninterrupted time with other sewers to learn and share skills as well as the space to spread out your projects.
There are hundreds of sewing blogs out there and many many more independent pattern designers selling their designs from their websites.
You can download patterns and stick them all together as an alternative from purchasing from haberdasheries.
You can also join in the conversation about all things sewing, technical, political and social to do with sewing.
This blog is a space to keep updated with whats happening at Social Sewing Saturdays and as a local space to connect to the library resources on sewing.
If you have a favourite website or blog, make sure you share by posting a comment and I will include it in the blogroll!
Social Sewing Saturdays are set to begin at Gordon White Library meeting room on February 23rd.
If you have seen the flyer or stumbled across it on the library website you will get the idea of what its all about.
Uninterrupted time with other sewers to learn and share skills as well as the space to spread out your projects.
There are hundreds of sewing blogs out there and many many more independent pattern designers selling their designs from their websites.
You can download patterns and stick them all together as an alternative from purchasing from haberdasheries.
You can also join in the conversation about all things sewing, technical, political and social to do with sewing.
This blog is a space to keep updated with whats happening at Social Sewing Saturdays and as a local space to connect to the library resources on sewing.
If you have a favourite website or blog, make sure you share by posting a comment and I will include it in the blogroll!
looking forward to seeing you there!
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