Embroidery Foot Maintenance?

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We all know that we are supposed to service our machines on a regular basis and most machines also require oiling in between maintenance. But, have you ever considered oiling your embroidery foot? 
 You will notice that your embroidery foot has a little spring , the foot moves up and down along a shaft, this is the area that can use a little oil. Grab your sewing machine oil and place a drop on the shaft, try using a Q tip. Then give it a quick wipe to remove any excess oil, now your foot is as good as new. sierrafiberarts.com

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Accessorizing Your Sewing Box

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In a pinch we can sew with little more then thread and a sewing machine. Ask any sewing group and you will fine common items in there sewing box's. A person who appliques will have applique scissors and marking pens, yet those who garment sews might fine these notions at the bottom their list. The following list is a starting point for stocking your own sewing box, pick and choose what you will need for the projects you wish to sew.  sierrafiberarts.com

 Shears                                                                 Small double curve scissors

Applique scissors                                                   Small screwdriver
Straight pins & Magnetic pincushion                        Thimble
Hand needles                                                        Needle threader
Seam ripper                                                          Tape measure

Stiletto or Awl Tweezers                                        Marking pen  

Tube turner                                                           Chopstick

Press cloth                                                           Fray Block or Fray check Glue stick

Rotary cutter                                                         Self healing mat

Acrylic Quilter's rulers (6"x12"-6"x24")

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Embroidere's Wand

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The Embroiderer's Wand is a needle-like tool with a rasp-like end that will take a thread from the front and take it to the back. All you have to do is insert the wand next to the thread you want to move to the back of the project and push it through. The rasp-like end grabs the thread and takes it with it, thus moving the thread end instantly to the back of the work. So if your scissors aren't quite as sharp as you'd like them and you want that little piece of thread gone, the wand works wonders. It's also great to move any loops to the back of the project. The Embroidere's Wand can be purchased at
sierrafiberarts.com

How do you feel when you are sewing?



This longarm or free motion pattern is a 1/4 pattern there are two folded sides, you can enlarge this vintage pattern to the size block you need, you can right click and save picture as, to your folder.

 

 

Costumes?

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Halloween is around the corner, here is a tip for working with fur or feathers when making costumes. When using fur fabric or feathers the fluff can get caught in the feed dogs or wrapped around the presser foot. Try placing a water-soluble topping on top of you fabric to control the fluff or feathers, this will make the feathers or the fluff of fur slide easily under the the presser foot, with out getting caught in your machine. When done you can easily tear away the topping from the stitching with no visible residue.
Water Soluble Topping can be purchased at sierrafiberarts.com

What is your favorite time of the day to sew?

 

 

 

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Dental-Tools Really!

Threading Serger Loppers is sometime be impossible. So we will borrow tools from our dentist, Dental-Floss: you can purchase them at the drug store. You can go loopy looking for them if you drop them, so tie a ribbon to them and tie them to your serger. Simply pull the end of the thread through the loop on the threader, and then push the straight end of the threader through the hole in the lopper from front to back. Another great tool is a Dental-Mirror. Tackle troublesome needle insertion with the help of a dental mirror so you can see the holes that the needle must go in. Also try the Bernina brush/needle inserter, for easy needle insertion.
                                       

        what's your favorite Quilt Designer?

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Glue: it not just for paper

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There are a wide variety of fabric glues on the market today, fabric glue can offen replace basting. Just dab small swips at least 1/8" from the outer edge. Appliqués can be placed with a glue stick on the wrong side of your fabric, turn appliqué over, then press with a hot iron to your focal fabric. Eliminate pins when working with synthetic suede and leathers by using a glue stick. Keep your washable glue sticks fresh by storing them in the refrigerator.





This longarm or free motion pattern is a 1/4 pattern there are two folded sides, you can enlarge this vintage pattern to the size block you need, you can right click and save picture as, to your folder.





Machine Embroidery Tips

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We will be exploring sewing and machine embroidery tips and tricks, some are new and

 some are old, also we will be randomly adding free clipart, longarm quilt patterns and

 vintage quilt blocks, that you can use for your quilts, embroidery tips, ideas, questions and

 answers, and new product information. I will be mentioning various products that can be

purchased at our web store sierrafiberarts.com 

Have a question about machine embroidery techniques or problems?

• For us who have arthritic fingers - you can buy rubber grips that are used on the end of a ink pen - I cut them to size and slip them onto the screw of my embroidery hoop. It gives better grip when I finger tighten it the hoop.

•  Quilting is really no different than machine embroidery...your needle is moving very fast and you are sewing a straight stitch. If you are using a titanium needle, it should last 5 times longer than the regular needles. These needles are available in four sizes to accommodate all thread types, including metallic threads.  One thing to remember about needles:If you start having problems with frayed thread or thread breaking change the needle,it's often the culprit, yet very easy to fix. The Topstitch needle has a larger eye and deeper groove,(Superior Titanium-coated Topstitch Needles).

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Good Sewer or Great? Notions make the difference

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What's the difference between a good sewer and a great sewer?

We will be exploring sewing tips and tricks,  some are new and some are old, also we will be randomly adding free clipart, longarm quilt patterns and vintage quilt blocks, that you can use for your quilts. I will be mentioning various products that can be purchased at our web store sierrafiberarts.com.

Did you know?

• That a magnetic kitchen bar from the kitchen isle can be used to hang your scissors, tweezers, machine screwdrivers, and other assorted metal tools, just hang it on a wall or a cabinet door for easy access.

•  Thin Vinyl Strips (Hugo's Amazing Tape) can be used to wrap loose ends of thread around the spool , just stretch lightly as you wrap for it to hold in place.

How many of you use Hugo's Amazing Tape?  Dose it work?

 

This longarm quilt pattern is a 1/4 pattern there are two folded sides, you can enlarge this vintage  pattern to the size block you need,  you can right click and save picture as, to your folder. 

Class List

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Check out the New Web Site

sierrafiberarts.com

for a full list of classes

Sierra Fiber Arts 7462 N Fresno Street Fresno, Ca 93720 559-432-8900

Class Schedule   November-December click here

Class Policy Project classes may include any brand of sewing or embroidery machine.  When bringing your machine to class, make sure it is in good working order as we cannot interrupt the class to help with repairs.  Also, bring the machine manual and accessories. It is helpful to have some notions, for example, scissors, pins, fabric marker, ruler or any of your favorite notions.  We cannot accommodate children or guests during classes. Refreshments brought to class should be covered. Register early to guarantee your seat and to avoid class cancellation.  Notify the store promptly if a cancellation is necessary.  Class refunds cannot be made within seven days of class. However, customers are welcome to find their own class replacements. When you register early and prepay your class, you will receive the supply list and software if needed. Software should be installed onto a stick or laptop prior to class. Payments may be made by telephone using any major credit card.  Call Cherl, Sandie, Valerie or Brittney at 559-432-8900.