Well, some mothers do have 'em....
It seemed that daughters had their orders in as to what they wanted Mum to sew for them this weekend. One mum has a daughter who is an avid op-shopper and then it's mum's job to transform the 'trash' into 'treasure'. So mum came along with her black fabric and pretty new tea towel (from op-shop) which had to be combined and converted into a wrap-around skirt. Much thought and discussion about what bit was having to go with what other bit and so on. After the mental gymnastics it was onto some embroidery to enjoy some quiet reflection.
Another mum was cutting out a pattern for a skirt for her daughter. After that was all sorted, it was on to cutting out a pattern developed last SSS from a favourite top. Sewer was still feeling a bit ambivalent about the possible outcome so that project has been allocated to stall mode at present.
One of our sewers whos seems to cut out pieces a lot at SSS, brought along some of her completed projects just to prove that they don't always remain as just 'pieces'. She had a couple of wonderfully colour co-ordinated baby blankets for the new additions to her family which impressed everyone.
Our resident cross-stitcher has finally moved on beyond the shoes after several confused counts and pull-backs until eventually, that section was finished to her satisfaction. She is now attempting to outline the clothes, but the reading glasses are not making things quite as clear as they ought to be. A magnifyng glass will probably be a clever accessory to bring along to our next session. Maybe the lighting was different in the small meeting room compared the usual larger Community Meeting Room.
We'll have another SSS in May on Saturday 29 in the Community Meeting Room at Gordon White Library at 1 pm. Bring along your project or take the time to browse either the craft book section or the magazine corner in the library to gain some inspiration. This cooler weather certainly stirs the craft genes!
Happy sewing and see you at SSS soon!
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
Heat plays havoc with sewers socialising
We had a couple of enthusiastic sewers turn up. What we lacked in numbers we made up for in enthusiasm.
Heaps of colour-co-ordinated shapes were cut out in preparation for converting to a future quilt.We look forward to watching this project progress.
A much loved blouse was carefully placed on bleached calico, outlined and then cut so that a pattern was made. We look forward to seeing the next version of this favourite garment arise from the ashes so to speak.
There was discussion as to what colour would work best with a patterned fabric piece. It can be quite difficult to get the right colour match to enhance the original material especially if you want to move beyond the obvious. It's usually best to keep an open mind on this as often you get your heart set on one particular colour match and then you find it can't actually be found. It's amazing how highlighting a particular colour in a patterned fabric can change its whole look and flavour.
The cross stitch project continues to take shape slowly. At least one shoe has now been outlined and the next one is starting to look more shoe-ish. It's obviously a long term project.
After much discussion, we decided that as the last weekend of April was a long weekend we would meet the following weekend. Unfortunately the Community Meeting Room is booked that Saturday, but after some creative thinking it was decided we would be able to work in the small meeting room, using the table in there for cutting projects and machine sewing and if necessary spill out into the media lounge for handsewing projects. It has coffee making facilities so that important aspect is catered for.
So May will be a bonus month for Social Sewing Saturday as we will have two meetings: the first on Saturday 3 May in the small meeting room and the second on 31 May in Community Meeting Room as usual.
Looking forward to seeing how the projects progress and seeing what other clever ideas our social sewers can come up with.
Happy stitching!
Heaps of colour-co-ordinated shapes were cut out in preparation for converting to a future quilt.We look forward to watching this project progress.
A much loved blouse was carefully placed on bleached calico, outlined and then cut so that a pattern was made. We look forward to seeing the next version of this favourite garment arise from the ashes so to speak.
There was discussion as to what colour would work best with a patterned fabric piece. It can be quite difficult to get the right colour match to enhance the original material especially if you want to move beyond the obvious. It's usually best to keep an open mind on this as often you get your heart set on one particular colour match and then you find it can't actually be found. It's amazing how highlighting a particular colour in a patterned fabric can change its whole look and flavour.
The cross stitch project continues to take shape slowly. At least one shoe has now been outlined and the next one is starting to look more shoe-ish. It's obviously a long term project.
After much discussion, we decided that as the last weekend of April was a long weekend we would meet the following weekend. Unfortunately the Community Meeting Room is booked that Saturday, but after some creative thinking it was decided we would be able to work in the small meeting room, using the table in there for cutting projects and machine sewing and if necessary spill out into the media lounge for handsewing projects. It has coffee making facilities so that important aspect is catered for.
So May will be a bonus month for Social Sewing Saturday as we will have two meetings: the first on Saturday 3 May in the small meeting room and the second on 31 May in Community Meeting Room as usual.
Looking forward to seeing how the projects progress and seeing what other clever ideas our social sewers can come up with.
Happy stitching!
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Cooler weather increases creativity?
This weekend is the last weekend in March already so we'll be enjoying some social sewing this Saturday at 1 pm at the Gordon White Library Community Meeting Room.
If you haven't been before just bring along everything you need for your project including your sewing machine if it's necessary for your project. (Don't forget thread, pins, scissors, needles, tape measure, pattern and anything else your project requires.) If you need inspiration beforehand pop into any of our library branches and check out our sewing and craft books and magazines.
While our attendees help each other out and our talented, experienced Library Friend is willing to offer advice, this is not a sewing class but more a sharing of ideas and techniqes amongst folk who enjoy sewing in a social environment.
You do need to be a library member to attend our Social Sewing Saturdays so if you are not a library member yet, bring along proof of your Mackay residential address (your driver's licence is fine) and pop into the main library to join up and get your library membership card beforehand.
Looking forward to seeing you stitching and socialising this Saturday at 1 pm at Gordon White Library.
If you haven't been before just bring along everything you need for your project including your sewing machine if it's necessary for your project. (Don't forget thread, pins, scissors, needles, tape measure, pattern and anything else your project requires.) If you need inspiration beforehand pop into any of our library branches and check out our sewing and craft books and magazines.
While our attendees help each other out and our talented, experienced Library Friend is willing to offer advice, this is not a sewing class but more a sharing of ideas and techniqes amongst folk who enjoy sewing in a social environment.
You do need to be a library member to attend our Social Sewing Saturdays so if you are not a library member yet, bring along proof of your Mackay residential address (your driver's licence is fine) and pop into the main library to join up and get your library membership card beforehand.
Looking forward to seeing you stitching and socialising this Saturday at 1 pm at Gordon White Library.
Monday, 24 February 2014
Social Sewing Saturdays back on schedule
Our 2014 SSS started off slightly slowly. The heat is obviously playing havoc with our creative capacity. Working on our projects in the delightful air-conditioned cool of the Gordon White Library Community Meeting Room certainly made sewing much more fun.
Our faithful FOML was there to show us how therapeutic pulling out can be and how even the most experienced sewers have to rethink and redesign their projects so that they achieve something they are happy with.
One of our regulars came complete with several projects on the go. Paper patterns for a future project were trimmed to the correct size, some fabric was sorted and a blouse alteration project was advanced, all while participating in the fruitful exchange of information and ideas.
Another of our regulars came as always with sewing machine and fabrics in hand and left with one toddler's dress nearly complete and another begun. It is amazing how much can be achieved when there is so little interruption.
Another regular's cross-stitch project has now reached the outlining stage. It's amazing how a simple black line can give so much definition to a shape.
If you're itching to get stitching but not quite sure what project you'd like to work on, come in to our libraries and be inspired by our craft and sewing magazines or the many books which are full of ideas, illustrations and techniques.
Our next Social Sewing Saturday is on Saturday 29 March at Gordon White Library at 1 pm. See you there with your stitching!
Our faithful FOML was there to show us how therapeutic pulling out can be and how even the most experienced sewers have to rethink and redesign their projects so that they achieve something they are happy with.
One of our regulars came complete with several projects on the go. Paper patterns for a future project were trimmed to the correct size, some fabric was sorted and a blouse alteration project was advanced, all while participating in the fruitful exchange of information and ideas.
Another of our regulars came as always with sewing machine and fabrics in hand and left with one toddler's dress nearly complete and another begun. It is amazing how much can be achieved when there is so little interruption.
Another regular's cross-stitch project has now reached the outlining stage. It's amazing how a simple black line can give so much definition to a shape.
If you're itching to get stitching but not quite sure what project you'd like to work on, come in to our libraries and be inspired by our craft and sewing magazines or the many books which are full of ideas, illustrations and techniques.
Our next Social Sewing Saturday is on Saturday 29 March at Gordon White Library at 1 pm. See you there with your stitching!
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
2014 Social Sewing Saturday starts this Saturday
Hello there,
Our Social Sewing Saturdays start at 1 pm this Saturday at Gordon White Library! Bring everything you need to work on your project: thread, scissors, sewing machine, needles, patterns, fabric, tape measure, pins, dressmaker's pencils and anything else you use on your projects!
Looking forward to seeing what you have been working on over the break!
See you with your sewing, on Saturday at Gordon White Library from 1 pm till 4pm!
Our Social Sewing Saturdays start at 1 pm this Saturday at Gordon White Library! Bring everything you need to work on your project: thread, scissors, sewing machine, needles, patterns, fabric, tape measure, pins, dressmaker's pencils and anything else you use on your projects!
Looking forward to seeing what you have been working on over the break!
See you with your sewing, on Saturday at Gordon White Library from 1 pm till 4pm!
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
2013 sews to a close
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..............
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..............
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!
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