Posts Tagged ‘Arts’

Making Beautiful Quilt Borders

Friday, January 1st, 2010

We started the borders by adding blocks to complete the range of your borders on the sides of your material. We calculated the dimensions of slashing, as well as the size of your blocks. If you haven’t done so, use the example as followed to measure your blocks. Example: Three blocks appraising the 10-inch square, in addition to the four, terrazzo at one inch width, which adds to 34 inches? How to create borders: Once you finish your dimensions, insert 1/4-inch seam and leave space to each side of your textile. The side borders should measure up to 10 x 34, i.e. width and length. The finishing measurement is factored into the 1/4-inch seams you inserted. You will need to take up the spaces or seams left (later) to complete your borders. Once you insert 1/4 inch you will have created 10 1/2 x 34 1/2, which is the inches you will use to cut to fit the borders along the side. Use the same dimensions to cut at least two borders. The borders will cover each side of your fabric. Now measure the lower and upper borders. Add your blocks together to achieve your size. Follow the same method as outlined in the example above. Once you achieve your dimensions finish the width on one side of your borders. You should have counted 10 x 43, width and length unless you are quilting a larger or smaller quilt. Next, insert another 1/4 inch to your seams and leave space to each side. Refer to your measurements 10 x 43. You will need to cut from the borders to achieve 10 1/2 x 43 1/2 inch to fit the edges at the top and bottom of your fabric. You are creating a framed quilt so to speak. You may need to trim your borders to fit. How to trim borders: Starting at the crown of your quilt and working down to the middle, measure your quilt. You wan the length dimensions. If your dimensions are 30 1/2 inches, thus round it off to the nearest tenth, i.e. 30 to complete your calculations: You will need to insert 1/4 inch into the seams and make room for your sides. Next, use measuring tape, or a ruler to measure your quilt. Measure from the alongside and factor in the dimensions of your borders. Now insert the 1/4-inch seams to the sides. Once you finish your borders, you will need to start stitching after your prep the strips of your borders. Start by folding your strips. You will need to fold them in half and search for the middle, then press until your borders crease. You can pin to mark. Now find the middle of your sides by performing the same action as you did above. Mark again, and then start stitching your quilt. The center should be aligned. The right sides should come together, as well the crown should center. You will need craft pins to hold your ends in tact. Along the length, start stitching your borders. You will need to work the fabric as you stitch to keep it in tact. If you are sewing on a machine, you can place the excess over your machine parts, which accept the input of your fabric (Feeder dog) to align. Hold back the shorter top layer and begin stitching slowly. The feeder will work the layers through. You can pull the layers at the top through to slow the excess while allowing your feeder to pull the layer at the lower end through. Now connect your borders, by stitching it to your quilt. Insert the side of your fabric and allow your feeder to pull back the layers at the top. Press out your borders and leave a seam to work through the fabric border.

The Borders of Your Quilt

Friday, January 1st, 2010

We started the borders by adding blocks to complete the range of your borders on the sides of your material. We calculated the dimensions of slashing, as well as the size of your blocks. If you haven’t done so, use the example as followed to measure your blocks. Example: Three blocks appraising the 10-inch square, in addition to the four, terrazzo at one inch width, which adds to 34 inches? How to create borders: Once you finish your dimensions, insert 1/4-inch seam and leave space to each side of your textile. The side borders should measure up to 10 x 34, i.e. width and length. The finishing measurement is factored into the 1/4-inch seams you inserted. You will need to take up the spaces or seams left (later) to complete your borders. Once you insert 1/4 inch you will have created 10 1/2 x 34 1/2, which is the inches you will use to cut to fit the borders along the side. Use the same dimensions to cut at least two borders. The borders will cover each side of your fabric. Now measure the lower and upper borders. Add your blocks together to achieve your size. Follow the same method as outlined in the example above. Once you achieve your dimensions finish the width on one side of your borders. You should have counted 10 x 43, width and length unless you are quilting a larger or smaller quilt. Next, insert another 1/4 inch to your seams and leave space to each side. Refer to your measurements 10 x 43. You will need to cut from the borders to achieve 10 1/2 x 43 1/2 inch to fit the edges at the top and bottom of your fabric. You are creating a framed quilt so to speak. You may need to trim your borders to fit. How to trim borders: Starting at the crown of your quilt and working down to the middle, measure your quilt. You wan the length dimensions. If your dimensions are 30 1/2 inches, thus round it off to the nearest tenth, i.e. 30 to complete your calculations: You will need to insert 1/4 inch into the seams and make room for your sides. Next, use measuring tape, or a ruler to measure your quilt. Measure from the alongside and factor in the dimensions of your borders. Now insert the 1/4-inch seams to the sides. Once you finish your borders, you will need to start stitching after your prep the strips of your borders. Start by folding your strips. You will need to fold them in half and search for the middle, then press until your borders crease. You can pin to mark. Now find the middle of your sides by performing the same action as you did above. Mark again, and then start stitching your quilt. The center should be aligned. The right sides should come together, as well the crown should center. You will need craft pins to hold your ends in tact. Along the length, start stitching your borders. You will need to work the fabric as you stitch to keep it in tact. If you are sewing on a machine, you can place the excess over your machine parts, which accept the input of your fabric (Feeder dog) to align. Hold back the shorter top layer and begin stitching slowly. The feeder will work the layers through. You can pull the layers at the top through to slow the excess while allowing your feeder to pull the layer at the lower end through. Now connect your borders, by stitching it to your quilt. Insert the side of your fabric and allow your feeder to pull back the layers at the top. Press out your borders and leave a seam to work through the fabric border.

Introduction To Crafting Doll Dresses

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Doll dresses are fun to make. First, however you must learn the rules for beginners to make quality designs. To start you will need to consider fabric. Some people like multi-colored clothing, however the clothes must harmonize to deliver quality dresses. To make sure that you accomplish quality doll dresses, you will need the right equipment and tools. You will need a sewing machine, cleansers, universal needles, including stretch needles, pins, olfaa panel, and a rotary or gyratory cutter. You will also need hand-sew needles, dressmaker scissors, sewing scissors, fabric glue and pen, greaseproof paper for tracing, pencil, measuring tape, lace, ribbons, fasteners, elastic, paper scissors, etc. Before you get started, you will need to clean your sewing machine. Use “Dust Away,” to spray your machine near the bobbin region. You will also need to clean the bar where the needles are installed, as well as the “tension” discs at the top. Once you clear the machine of dust, use a drop of oil. Now you are prepared to make doll dresses. Before I forget, make sure you have thread, specifically DMC broder if you intend to make French dresses. How to trim: You can use the pin tuck method to trim your doll dress. You will need twin needles, and a foot that is designed for pin tucking. Set up your machine. The right needle should be clockwise while the left counterclockwise. At the “tension” discs, you should have the left needle threaded on the same side, and the right needle threaded on the right thread. To keep your dresses fresh, you can use starch to spray your dress prior to pin tucking. How to pin tuck skirts: When pin tucking skirts make sure you leave some space. How to pin tuck sleeves and/or bodice: Take a square of your fabric and pin tuck it. You can cut out the upper section of the dress and/or sleeves after. Keep in mind when you start pin tucking for sleeves and bodice, the fabric size is modified, or reduced. If you are not familiar with pin tucks, you can tuck your doll dress. To tuck you merely consider the size and width of your garment. To start you press down, pressing the folded center. Along the fold and edge of your fabric, stitch the width precisely. As long as you stay consistent within your stitching lines, you will do fine. You should always start sewing at the grain after pulling a single thread. After you complete your dress, or near the finish, you may want to consider bows, tassels, smock, or hand sewn objects. Hand embroidering is ideally used in finishing. Use a range of DMC embroidery to make finish your dress. Smocking is the added finishing whereas you use patterns to complete your dress. Silk ribbons, satin single and double ribbons make up a great pinafore, or back dressing. Tassels are easy to make, yet you will, need crochet threads and/or embroidery thread to complete your mission. You will also need cardboard in which you will need to cut out a part a length longer than your tassel. Use your thread, wound it around the cut part, and continue until you have achieved the thickness you desire. At one end of the part, use the same thread and channel it through the thickness. Next, tie the thread so that it knots and at the opposite end of your part, cut. Do not cut your thread. Now you are ready to make your tassel. To finish, at the knotted region, convey your thread so that it meets with your tassel. Next, wound another part of thread about the finish of your tassel a few times. Knot the area so that it is taut. At the finish of your tassel, skid the thread in to fasten your finished work. If the finish necessitate cutting to make sure it is constant, do so now.

Making Dresses for Your Dolls

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Doll dresses are fun to make. First, however you must learn the rules for beginners to make quality designs. To start you will need to consider fabric. Some people like multi-colored clothing, however the clothes must harmonize to deliver quality dresses. To make sure that you accomplish quality doll dresses, you will need the right equipment and tools. You will need a sewing machine, cleansers, universal needles, including stretch needles, pins, olfaa panel, and a rotary or gyratory cutter. You will also need hand-sew needles, dressmaker scissors, sewing scissors, fabric glue and pen, greaseproof paper for tracing, pencil, measuring tape, lace, ribbons, fasteners, elastic, paper scissors, etc. Before you get started, you will need to clean your sewing machine. Use “Dust Away,” to spray your machine near the bobbin region. You will also need to clean the bar where the needles are installed, as well as the “tension” discs at the top. Once you clear the machine of dust, use a drop of oil. Now you are prepared to make doll dresses. Before I forget, make sure you have thread, specifically DMC broder if you intend to make French dresses. How to trim:You can use the pin tuck method to trim your doll dress. You will need twin needles, and a foot that is designed for pin tucking. Set up your machine. The right needle should be clockwise while the left counterclockwise. At the “tension” discs, you should have the left needle threaded on the same side, and the right needle threaded on the right thread. To keep your dresses fresh, you can use starch to spray your dress prior to pin tucking. How to pin tuck skirts: When pin tucking skirts make sure you leave some space. How to pin tuck sleeves and/or bodice: Take a square of your fabric and pin tuck it. You can cut out the upper section of the dress and/or sleeves after. Keep in mind when you start pin tucking for sleeves and bodice, the fabric size is modified, or reduced. If you are not familiar with pin tucks, you can tuck your doll dress. To tuck you merely consider the size and width of your garment. To start you press down, pressing the folded center. Along the fold and edge of your fabric, stitch the width precisely. As long as you stay consistent within your stitching lines, you will do fine. You should always start sewing at the grain after pulling a single thread. After you complete your dress, or near the finish, you may want to consider bows, tassels, smock, or hand sewn objects. Hand embroidering is ideally used in finishing. Use a range of DMC embroidery to make finish your dress. Smocking is the added finishing whereas you use patterns to complete your dress. Silk ribbons, satin single and double ribbons make up a great pinafore, or back dressing. Tassels are easy to make, yet you will, need crochet threads and/or embroidery thread to complete your mission. You will also need cardboard in which you will need to cut out a part a length longer than your tassel. Use your thread, wound it around the cut part, and continue until you have achieved the thickness you desire. At one end of the part, use the same thread and channel it through the thickness. Next, tie the thread so that it knots and at the opposite end of your part, cut. Do not cut your thread. Now you are ready to make your tassel.To finish, at the knotted region, convey your thread so that it meets with your tassel. Next, wound another part of thread about the finish of your tassel a few times. Knot the area so that it is taut. At the finish of your tassel, skid the thread in to fasten your finished work. If the finish necessitate cutting to make sure it is constant, do so now.

Old Sewing Machines Belongs To A Time Lost Now

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

All vintage items are guaranteed to have their own appeal and the same holds true for old sewing machines. Since age-old times, a sewing machine was a classic and functional piece of equipment and it has gone hand in hand with good clothes. a good seamstress or tailor had to possess one of these to rise in the ranks of skilled workers and catapult to limits where he or she would be asked to stitch clothes for the nobility.

Vintage or very old sewing machines are available with noteworthy brands such as Elias, James E.A Gibbs, A.B Wilson, Singer, Grover, and Featherweight Fever amongst many others. Their vintage collections are easily available over the internet though not so much with easy money.

The great news about using old sewing machines is that unlike cars and other vintage collectibles, these can be reused repeatedly. This is probably because; the old collection was an intelligent composition of the right shapes, sizes, nuts, and bolts. Because they were made with so much expertise, their endurance until this date can be counted upon.

As mentioned earlier, old sewing machines are quite expensive and quite deserving so. The value will continue to appreciate however what really decides the cost of a piece are factors such as rarity of the product, their current condition, their completeness as also where they are available geographically and what ties in closely to the last point is the cost of transportation.

Old sewing machines sometimes go far back as the beginning of the 80’s and the 90’s. Gibbs, for instance, patented his sewing machine as early an 1856 and that is currently in Washington. This particular model was actually a rework of the original single thread, chain stitch sewer that was further redefined by Willcox and Gibbs together.

Following this distinctive discovery, brands such as Singer and others also started to patent their individual designs however the machines made by Willcox and Gibbs remained as original and reliable as others. The mention of old sewing machines without these names is incomplete. At that time, a sewing machine of the glorious fame would cost as high as fifty US dollars.

When you are buying, old sewing machines through online then be cautious about its quality and authenticity. It is quite impossible to ascertain a products’ credibility online and thus it is always a good idea to consult a goof antique seller before investing in an expensive product. Nevertheless, old sewing machines exude a charm of their own in addition to reflecting your good taste in vintage collectibles.

Which Craft is Right for Me?

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Diana discovered the joy of pottery after suffering a terrible divorce. Taking a seat at the wheel with a lump of clay, she felt an immediate release. Her mind cleared and her heart rate slowed down. She was able to relax in a way she hadnt for weeks. Better than therapyand medication! she happily reported to her doctor after her first day at a community education class, where she went on to make friends with fellow potters, further enriching her life.
For Kris it was counted cross-stitch. The repetitive motion of the needle passing up and down through crisp cloth put her in a near-meditative state, the way yoga does for some. In this state Kris was able to work out solutions to her daily challenges. It was like the ideas dropped into my mind out of the sky, she told a close friend.
Shawn found furniture restoration to be wonderfully soothing after a stressful day at the office. The raw scent of wood loosened him up, and he was surprised how satisfying it was to sit down at a table he had restored himself.
Such is the world of DIY. Discovering the right craft for your personality and temperament can be a reward that transforms your life.
The crafting world is as wide and diverse as a tropical rainforest. Each crafting activity has unique benefits and challenges. You could spend your entire life just trying out different crafts. While this may be fun, it can be expensive and frustrating. Should you desire to narrow your search down, this article will act as your guide by investigating the world of crafts as they fit into five spectrums. If one activity doesnt suit you, take heart. Crafting is for everyoneyou are bound to find that perfect match.
1. Short-term projects vs. long-term projects.
Do you have a need for immediate gratification? If you do, you might prefer cake decorating, ceramics, candle-making, lotions-n-potions, or cut-n-paste projects (scrapbooking, collage, and decoupage), which deliver results relatively quickly. Conversely, if you are known to possess the patience of Job, needlecrafts and quilting may be your thing. (Although quilting by machine cuts down the time dramatically). If you like long-term projects, pottery and gardening are also excellent choices, since they involve several steps.
2. Fastidiousness vs. playfulness/ looseness
Needlecrafts, baking, and jewelry-making require a meticulous and careful eye, whereas cooking, gardening and cut-n-paste projects are more appropriate for the playful type. Keep in mind that many activities can go either way or are best for those who can balance a bit of each quality.
3. Planner by nature vs. spontaneous to the core
If you dont mind doing a little math, counted cross-stitch, knitting, and crochet are great activities. Needlecrafts, quilting and sewing also require planning and pattern-reading. If all this sounds too boring or frustrating and you prefer to jump headlong into projects as soon as you feel an urge, cut-n-paste, candle-making, ceramics, or pottery may be a better fit.
4. Space available
Do you affectionately call your apartment a cupboard? If you need an activity that takes up little space or can be cleaned up in a jiffy, yarn and needlecrafts can be tucked away in a basket or a drawer. Baking and cake decorating use what you probably already have in your kitchen, and jewelry only needs a modest tackle-box with little compartments for beads and tools. But perhaps you have a room or a whole basement where a hobby could take up a permanent residence? Pottery is such a hobby. If you quilt by hand you will need a room where a fairly large frame can be set up (unless you only want to do baby quilts). A table for laying out and cutting patterns is required for sewing, and most people dont appreciate having to lug out the machine every time you want to work on a project. (However, it can be done.) Lotions-n-potions, and candle and soap making can be done in the kitchen as long as precautions are taken, but ideally they need a separate space, since you are using dangerous chemicals that you dont want to accidentally mix with food. Gardening is ideal if you have a nice-sized yard, but many green-thumbed apartment dwellers find cultivating the space around their windows, on their patio, or even potted indoor plants a satisfying diversion. Dont lose heart if you dont have space for an activity that interests youjust sign up for a community class!
5. Available funds for expenses
Each craft has a range of what you could pay for the activity, depending on your taste and willingness. If you are picky about using only hand-dyed, organically grown 100% wool yarn, you are going to pay a lot more than someone who works with an acrylic yarn available at the closest Woolworths. It is a good idea when just starting out to borrow someone elses equipment, or use inexpensive supplies until you know it is an activity you are going to stick with. Then you can slowly replace your supplies with quality items that you appreciate. On average, pottery and sewing require more expensive equipment to begin, while you can garden, cross-stitch, or cut-n-paste on a shoestring budget. Yarn crafts are the cheapest activities to try, since they dont require a lot of expensive equipment to start. Again, a class might be the best investment for the more expensive hobbies.
If you still aren’t sure which craft is right for you, talk to other crafters about why they enjoy their craft. Ask if you can join them one day to see if it is something that appeals to you. Be patient with yourself as you begin each new activity–nothing kills the excitement of trying something new more than impossibly high expectations. Don’t worry–as you continue, your skills will improve. You will also know better which activities suit you best.