Sara's Blog: Live on the Set

Hello Now Sewers!

As you know, we were in the studio a few weeks ago filming another 12 episodes of the show!  What a blast we had with some very clever and talented guests!!  We are very excited to share with you the schedule of dates for the next 12 webisodes to air:

September 13 Marsha Kirsch - Quilting in the Hoop featuring the Yarn Couching Foot
September 27 Linda MacPhee - Slinky Knit Wrap Dress
October 10 Debra Danko - Oversized Flower Power
October 24  Londa Rolfing - Not Your Average Sweatshirt Jacket
November 12 Julie Mallory - 4D Family Portrait
December 3 Beth Wheeler - Altered Photo Artistry
December 19 Vanessa Dyson - QBOT
January 2 Marie Seroskie - Scallops and Home Dec 
January 23 Linda MacPhee - "Green" Bag
February 6 Andrea Bishop - Embroider with Electric Quilt
February 20 Karina Hittle - Busy Baby Accessories

Some of these talented guests are relatively new to the industry while others may sound familiar to you.  I hope that you enjoy this latest list of Sewlebrities!
Sara

It's that time again, another new guest from our most recent taping of Behind the Seams!

Every time I am with jared Collins, I learn something new.  He knows so much about what a sewing machine can do, and how to set the stage for successful embroidery!  In this weeks webisode, Jared shares with us how he comes up with some of the designs he uses on his embellished shirts.  Even better, he gives us some helplful information on choosing stabilizer, needles and thread.

You'll notice that the needles and stabilizers we featured this week are from Inspira. Lately, I've been using these stabilizers and needles with superior results.  As you know, I'm a Pfaffie and the new Inspira needles have been designed with our machines in mind.  They come in all different types and sizes and have been producing exceptional results.  The stabilizer has been newly redesigned with a color coded labeling system so  you can easily determine wether the roll you pickup is a wash away,cut away,or specialty type stabilizer.

As a new embroiderer, One of the things I struggled most with was figuring out what kind of needle and stabilizer I should be using for each project.  Lately, I've found a couple of tools to help take away some of the confusion.  First, the "Needle Genius."  This helpful tool has two discs that are labeled with fabric type and thread type.  You simply line up your fabric and thread and a display window will show you what type of needle will yield the best results.  For stabilizer, Inspira has created the same type of guide wheel on which you align fabric and thread type and the best stabilier will appear in the display window. It will also tell you if you should be using a stabilizer on type of your fabric as well as behind it.  Be sure to stop by your local Pfaff dealer or sewing store and ask about these two products.  I am sure they will help you achieve fabulous embroidery results!

Until next time!

Sara

Hello again!

It's been a while since my last posting... I have been busy, busy, busy!  So, what have I been up to?  Sewing and most importantly lining up all of the guests for our next taping!  We will be heading back into the studio again in July and this is the time when lots of work begins; sewing samples for the set, coming up with show topics and projects, arranging the guests and studio and SEW much more!  I am really looking forward to this taping and soon I'll start letting you in on who some of our up and coming Sewlebrities will be!

Speaking of Sewlebrities... Our latest webisode is up!  Lynda Howell joined us from the Stitch Connection and let me tell you, I learned so much sitting next to her for 30 minutes!  She is truly an innovative sewer with adorable ideas and endless tips and techniques!  She has many books and patterns on hand and machine applique.  What I love so much is how she uses lots of the stitches in her machine for applique, not just your standard straight and blanket stitches.  Even better, she teaches us a quick software technique.  Karla and Jennifer also came up with quick easy ways to use hand applique patterns with their machines!

I am sure you are going to love Lynda's webisode, for more of her books and patterns, be sure to check out www.stitchconnection.com  Aside from the fact that Lynda is so talented and so clever, it was a pleasure to work with her.  If you ever see her booth at a show, please be sure to say, "Hello."  She has a wonderfully warm nature and you will undoubtedly leave her booth with a smile on your face!

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Sara