Sew Merry

Happy Holidays

It was really starting to feel Christmasy around here with that cold front last week, but even though its warming up, festive reds and green a popping up everywhere, including Sew. Two of my most popular classes at the moment are infinity scarves and Christmas stockings. Recent parties have also included a French Beret class and a cupcake decorating class. It is so great to have clients who are always providing me with fresh ideas and may it long continue! As a school teacher my favorite phrase was, "I have an idea!" and I still love it as Head Sewista.

Since the holidays will probably make a nice jingly whooshing sound as they fly by, I am looking ahead to some new classes for 2015. I know that I will include more garment making classes. They are one of my most requested classes and generally done in private lessons at the moment. 

Also expect to see a few new styles of bags as they are one of my favorite things to make. I will also be expanding on the home decor classes - yes, I am talking floor poufs.

This will probably be all of the blogging I do in 2014, but who knows, I am get really festive and post a new tutorial soon!

I will leave you with a few pics from recent Sew festivities.

Thanks for reading, happy holidays, and I'll see you in the new year!

Throw Pillow Tutorial

Hello sewers, sewists and sewistas!

Let's celebrate the 3 day weekend with a quick throw pillow tutorial, shall we? Throw pillows are one of my most popular classes at Sew because they are quick, easy and a great way to add a little fashion to any room. I hope you give it a try and add some of your own touches like brooches, buttons, printed canvas or what ever else inspires you.

Here is what you are going to need: (for an 18” pillow)

• 18” Pillow form
• ½ yard cotton, canvas, outdoor or denim fabric
• 20” all purpose zipper

Step 1- cut 2 18”x18” squares

Step 2- zipper installation

Place one piece of your fabric face up, and zipper pull down. 

Align raw edge and sew using your zipper foot and a stitch length of 3. 

Repeat with other side, making sure to keep right sides together. 

Make sure to test your zipper to make sure it slides freely. 

Lastly, secure the fabric on each side of the zipper. 

I switch to my regular sewing foot and keep the left side of the foot on the zipper, this helps me make a little stitch about 1/8 of an inch from the zipper to ensure the the fabric won't roll in the zipper's path. Repeat on each side, retest your zip and pat yourself on the back for installing a zipper!

Step 3 - Sew up the sides

You are almost done, and it is very important to unzip your zipper about 3/4 of the way right now. 

Place right sides together and sew a 1/2" seam allowance on the 3 open sides.

Clip your top corners

Turn it inside out and place your pillow form inside and Viola! Your pillow is complete.

A love letter to my supporters and heros

In honor of Valentine's Day, I want to send a little love to a few of the people who have supported me and inspired me in this awesome journey that is Sew! If we were in Elementary, this is what the inside of your card would say:

Chris - You are all I ever wanted, all I ever needed and my life would suck without you!

Terri - You are my Godmother of Hustle

Travis Weaver - you showed me that you can build a business on hard work and providing quality product - no paid advertising necessary.

Sew Dayton, Tinderbox, Rachel's Plan Bee GuerraGirl -You make creativity and the handmade sexy!

Stronge Designs - You are a talented graphic designer and I can't wait to see my Stronge flyer!.

Jake, Jenny, Jamie - you are awesome for getting Sew off the ground and keeping it flying.

Friends, family, and everyone who has brightened my doorstep. I love you all!