Friday, December 11, 2009

Winner of the Leanika Panel is...

Amy said...
I always love a pretty apron. This year I've been busy making purses for just about everyone on my list.


Well Amy, we hope you enjoy making this apron! We will be contacting you and getting this apron in the mail!


Thanks to all who have participated!

Friday, December 04, 2009

Great Gift Ideas and a Gift For You!

The Holidays are sneaking up on everybody so we thought it would be a good idea to give you some quick and easy project ideas. Below are pictures of the Leanika Canvas Panels by Dena Designs. The entire pattern and directions come on a 1yd panel. There are two different patterns, one being a tote and one an apron. The tote straps are adjustable and the apron fits most sizes. They retail for around 10dollars so it makes for a fairly inexpensive gift. So if you are running late on your present making/buying this is a great idea that doesn't take much time at all!


GIVEAWAY CLOSED
It just so happens we have an extra apron panel around here so comment with your favorite Holiday gift you enjoy making for others and you could be selected to win this apron panel! Don't forget to include your e-mail in your comment. Winner will be chosen on Thursday, Dec. 10th. Good luck!

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Laminated Fabric




Above are our newest laminated fabrics! The top photo is out of Anna Maria Horner's fabric, then the swatches consist of Heather Bailey, George Mendoza (Art of Possibility) and Annette Tatum.

Below are some sewing tips that will help you in your Laminated sewing projects!
Tips for sewing Laminated fabric
From Coats and Clark

Thread: Use All-purpose thread. Dual Duty XP or Coats Cotton All-purpose
Needles: Size 12 or 14, sharp. A smaller needle makes a smaller puncture hole.

Presser Foot: A Teflon coated presser foot will prevent the presser foot sticking when sewing on the laminated side. This is especially helpful when topstitching. A roller presser foot may also be used.

Tips:
Use a longer stitch length (3mm or more) for seaming and topstitching. Shorter stitch lengths can have the affect of perforating the fabric.

Select a pattern with simple lines and seaming. Avoid eased, gathered or intricate shaping because the fabric does not give.

It isn’t necessary to straighten the grain on a laminated fabric, it will not shift due to the coating.

Cut in a single layer with the right side up. For pieces cut on the fold, fold wrong sides together.

Mark with chalk or smooth-edged tracing wheel.

Holes may remain in fabric, so place pins in seam allowances and avoid having to rip seams. If making a garment, be sure of fit and make alterations to pattern before cutting out.

Do not touch an iron to the right side. Use a warm iron on the wrong side.

Welt, flat-fell or topstitched seams will lie flatter than a plain seam, since seams cannot be pressed open.