Sewing » Product Reviews

Machine embroidery fonts from Apex

anneweaver — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:52:27 +0000

If you like to add a little machine embroidery to your sewing projects, then check out Apex Embroidery Fonts & Designs. They have a full selection of fonts for monogramming or personalizing sewn objects, and they’ll be adding a new font each Monday until 2010. If you sell your items at craft fairs and boutiques, you’ll be happy to know that their policy allows you to sell items embroidered with their designs. There’s also a small selection of free designs. Go to Apex Embroidery Fonts & Designs.

[photo from Apex Embroidery Fonts & Designs]

[tags]sewing, machine, embroidery, fonts, monogram[/tags]

Review + Giveaway: sewExpecting eBook

anneweaver — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:43:26 +0000

sewExpecting is the new eBook from Leigh Ann Tennent (The Object Project and Strawberry Truffle). If you’re an expecting mother, or know someone who is pregnant, or just like to have sweet baby gifts on hand just in case, this eBook is for you. In it, you can find patterns and instructions to make 20 – yes, TWENTY – different projects for baby:

A basic infant bib, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
A basic toddler bib, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
A toddler bib with a storage pocket that doubles as a crumb-catcher!
A basic burp cloth, plus a patchwork and appliqued version.
A burp cloth with an innovative storage pocket!
Three styles of changing mats.
A very cool diaper clutch with instructions for 2 looks.
A textured securtiy blanket to keep little fingers busy!
A satin lovey.
A very simple, super-quick quilt!

All of these projects are boutique-quality, assuming of course that you construct them of quality materials.

The instructions are straightforward and are geared toward those with limited or no sewing experience. (Experienced sewers can probably skip straight to the patterns and use the instructions just as a quick reference guide.) If you’ve wanted to learn how to sew but haven’t known exactly where to start, sewExpecting is a good place to begin. The beginning of the eBook gives quick instructions for basic sewing, applique, and patchwork skills that you’ll need to create the projects. Most of the projects are constructed with from simple shapes, with minimal fuss.

sewExpecting is available from Strawberry Truffle for $22.00.

By now, I know there are more than a handful of you who want a copy of sewExpecting for your very own. And so Leigh Ann has graciously offered to give away one copy of the eBook to a lucky Craft Gossip reader. Here’s how it will work:

To enter, post a comment on to this Craft Gossip post telling me which SewExpecting project (listed above) you think will be the first one you’ll sew. One entry per person, please. Deadline is Friday, August 7, 2009 at 10:00 pm CST. I’ll choose a winner at random the following day.

Cool tool: Stuffing Fork

anneweaver — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:15:06 +0000

Heather Bailey posts a review on her blog of a new tool offered in her store. It’s the Stuffing Fork, created by Barbara Willis. This little gadget is made to help you push the stuffing into pincushions, softies, or any stuffed item. It apparently works particularly well with smaller stuffed items, allowing you to place the stuffing exactly where it needs to be inside your item. Read more about this cool tool from Heather Bailey’s blog, or buy one from her online store.

[tags]sewing, gadget, tool, stuffing, fork, softie[/tags]

Introducing Threadbanger Sewing Machines!

candi canncel — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:49:38 +0000

Janome has paired up with the fabulous Threadbanger to create some cool sewing machines.

TB12 features 12 stitches and a cast aluminum body. This machine is based on an older Janome model. As someone who sews solely on vintage machines because they are metal and not made of plastic like newer models tend to be- these machines are workhorses!

The second machine, TB30 is a bit fancier featuring 30 stitches and one step buttonholes.

These machines are perfect for the DIYer that wants something cooler than your typical sewing adventure!

Pretty in Pink

candi canncel — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:30:34 +0000

One of my students needed a new iron to go with her new found sewing obsession. She is also addicted to pink. Everything is pink! So why not a pink iron?

The Rowenta Iron for Pink- DZ5065 is a heavy-duty iron that not only works fabulously, but all proceeds go to a great cause!

Twirly Girls

candi canncel — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:32:15 +0000

I just came accross this website called YouCanMakeThis. They feature an adorable little skirt for girls. Part bohemian part Princess, the Double Layer Stripwork Twirl Skirt is seriously cute!

Organize your Sewing Supplies!

candi canncel — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:22:14 +0000

West Elm, the swanky modern furniture retailer gets crafty! They have just came out with an adorable craft-inspired storage solution.

These lidded round nesting boxes have craft tools printed on them.The set of 3 boxes feature scissors, ruler and needle and thread. Finally a chic way to store all your sewing supplies!

How To Use A Needle Threader

Shellie — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:31:36 +0000

Ok, so I first thought who doesn’t know how to use a needle threader and what’s the point of this article?

but then I realized my husband didn’t even know what it was let alone what it did.

Debbie colgrove from Sewing@ about.com has this “how to” well covered with her article “How to use a needle threader”

Have you been using it correctly ? or are you actually one of those people who can see the thread!!