The blog of Zede's Sewing Studio and her instructors

Wow! 

That is the only word I can think of to express my enthusiasm with the Trapunto technique Linda B. taught the other night.

If you haven’t learned the easy technique of  Trapunto from Linda B. you are missing an amazing discovery.  Check out Zede’s Sewing Studio class schedule and sign up for this class.  It is amazing!

This smooth free-flowing creative adventure just unfolds as the design takes on its unique style.  This techniques makes quick work of a very detailed traditional method.

I know for a fact that I will be making many more Trapunto designs and sharing them with family and friends.   Thank you so much Linda for helping us step out of our comfort zones and explore our creativity.

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The enthusiam of a new student just makes my heart sing with joy.  I love to watch the smiles of new students when they complete a technique with their sewing lessons.  It is so rewarding when the light bulb glows in their minds of all the things they can do now that they know how to sew.
Sewing lessons begin with learning how to operate a sewing machine with safety. Then the student moves to the next step of learning how to sew a straight line.  Once these steps are mastered then the fun begins to blossom.  Students start to imagine all the projects they will be able to create and make all by themselves.  Our newest student’s comments were “This is so much fun! I didn’t know it would be like this.”  What a Joy!  Be sure to check out our Kids Sewing Classes at Zede’s Sewing Studio.  We have several types of classes available just for kids.  Come and join our fun!

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I can’t believe that January is already over!  But it is amazing what we accomplished in January.  We got back in the swing of things after the holidays with a super club.  It was full of great prizes, fun games, a ton of opportunities to sharpen your sewing skills, and of course an outstanding show and tell!  But we were just getting started!

We rolled right into our first lock-in of the year.  Several took the opportunity to create a Simply Chic Carry-All to help organize our sewing equipment or to use when traveling.  It was exciting to see the different fabrics and embellishments that were chosen.  I can’t wait to see these at the next club.

Then we kicked off our new group, Serge Ahead!  Many of you showed up to learn more about your sergers.  We started out by making cord covers to help organize our sewing areas.  As was presented in club, we will work our way through the projects in Georgie Melot’s Book, Ready, Set, Serge. But don’t feel bad if you couldn’t make the first session,  in March we will complete a new project.  So check the classes section to sign up.

Several got wrapped up in making fabric wrapped bowls with Pat F.  I was fortunate to see some of the completed projects at the shop.  Some were even motivated to create other items!

Then we were excited to have a great group for the Meandering Method of Quilting class.  I was excited to see how quickly the students were replicating fun machine quilting patterns on their class samples.  I can’t wait to see how they use this skill on their projects in the future!

In the mean time, we kept busy with a wide variety of guide classes.  Many got to know their new Bernina Artista Software under the guidance of Joanne, and their BabyLock machines better with the help of Jane and Linda T.

Of course Rocci kept our next generation of students busy, and those of you that participated in Embellisher Enthusiasts know what fun Pat and Jane had planned for you.

It seems like there is always something happening at Zede’s Sewing Studio.  If you haven’t checked us out lately, please feel welcome to come in and see what is happening.  Or better yet, why not join us for club this week, or sign up for the Jelly Rolls into Coins class and find out what you have been missing!

Always on the look out for sewing fun, Linda B.

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My version of Gilda Baron’s project shown on Talking Threads is my show and tell.  Everyone at club thought all my substitutions were a hoot.  Where fabric paints were recommended for the sunset and mountains,  I used finger-paints , leftovers from my home daycare.  Sticky dots are another thing not to be found at ten o’clock on New Year’s Eve- so I cut tiny circles from painter’s tape.  These were used for the sun and flower tops.  Corrugated cardboard was something I thought I had left over from Christmas packaging, but no such luck-I pulled cardboard boxes apart and stripped off the heavy paper layer that covers the corrugation.  This worked really well as a stencil for the flower stems, again with finger-paints.  Bubble wrap I did have, but for some reason the bubbles were covered with a protective layer, which did not peel off.  The end of a pencil dipped in finger-paints and used as a stamp was a great substitute to make more flowers.  

I was so impressed with Gilda Baron’s segment on Talking Threads that I bought her book, “The Art of Embroidered Flowers.”  From this book I took her idea for using Pearle cotton to make French knot flowers.  The cotton should have been dyed, but  I painted crochet thread with the finger paints for my substitution.  Also I finger-painted muslin instead of dying it for the cut out flower heads.

I guess it was  funny to listen to all my improves,  but I just wanted to try it right then.  I had a blast making this project.    Maybe it might have been better using the suggested materials, but I thought it was ok for a first attempt.  What better way to welcome the New Year?  Has anyone else tried any of Gilda Baron’s techniques?

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Let’s dive right in and explain how we created the mini piece of art.

To add a touch of elegance to the bodice of  this cotton velvet dress, a rectangle large enough to cut the bodice from is sewn with a metallic silver thread.  This is done by first drawing a line at a 60 degree angle from one bottom corner of the fabric to the top. Using the Sashiko, the silver thread is sewn on this line. A second line is sewn one width of the presser foot away from the first.  The third is sewn approximately one inch from the second.  Repeat the spacing of the second and third lines across the fabric.

Moving back to the first line, go in the opposite direction and repeat the spacing of the third line and then the second line until all of the fabric is done .  Once all these parallel lines are sewn, you will go to the other bottom corner and draw another 60 degree line to the top.  This line will intersect the other lines.  The same spacing sequence is repeated in this direction also.  These threads add a very subtle glitter within the pile of the velvet.   From this newly created fabric the bodice is cut.

After the entire dress is constructed in the usual manner, rows of Sashiko stitches can be sewn above the hem.  These rows were sewn in pairs to simulate pintucks.  This adds a touch of sparkle to the skirt.

Finally, a  rose bouquet can be made from silver ribbon and bows with long streamers to add the little extra pizazz that every little girl loves.

You can view other projects made using the Sashiko.  Everyone has different ideas.  What are yours?  Want to share some?

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Noriko Endo, from Japan, is truly an artist.

Ms. Endo started by making traditional quilts and has progressed to these wonderful confetti landscape naturescapes.  She says she derives her inspiration from walks in the woods and always has her camera with her to take photographs.  From these photos she creates her quilts. What is really incredible is that she makes them from scraps of fabric cut up into toothpick size pieces. She creates a color palette of these cut scraps to match her photo and it really does look like confetti. It’s amazing!

Ms. Endo lays clumps of color on top of batting that covers backing  fabric. After she has all of her confetti laid out that represent the foliage and background of the photo, she adds her tree trunks, covers with black tulle, and long arm quilts it all in place.  After the quilting she may add more fabric for trunks and with free motion embroidery, bring the work to life.

Really,  even if you are not a quilter, which I am not, take the time to view  her interview with Alex Anderson.  Ms. Endo makes it look so easy,  I can’t wait to try her technique.  The interview is in 3 segments, so make sure you scroll down and click next to see it all.  This really is worth your time to view.

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We all love giving handmade gifts to family and friends.  Unfortunately, I find that I am constantly on the “go”!  So I was really excited when Zede let me help her with her 5 Quick Gifts class.  She helped us to realize that with just a few simple techniques, wonderful handmade gifts were a reality.

Imagine a business/gift card holder created with two simple seams.  A scarf with a slit to insert the other end, the secret being knowing how to match the right sides correctly.  A 5 step bag that introduced some to zippers.  A wine bottle gift bag in less than 5 minutes.  And a  fully lined stocking–the secret being in how it is layered.

The best part of the class was hearing the reactions of the class participants as they accomplished each project or learned a new skill.  Check out the photos to see the results.

Zede also brainstormed a list of quick gifts.  So for those of you that are puzzled as to what to make, be sure and check it out below!

Remember not everyone has sewing skills.  Even if the gift is easy to make, it may become a treasured present because of you taking the time and effort to create it for them.  Have fun creating!

Zede’s Quick and Easy to Make Gift List:

• 5 Step Bag
• Credit/Business/Gift Card Holder
• Scarf with a Slit
• Quick Stocking
• Circle Jewelry Bag
• Back Pillow
• Neck Rest Pillow
• Sleep Mask
• Coasters
• Napkins
• Travel Pillow
• Laundry Bag
• Shoe Bag
• Head Band
• Travel Document Bag
• Gym Towel with a Zippered Pocket
• Tie Holder
• Tool Pouch
• Pincushion
• Needle Case
• Kitchen Towel Apron(see Linda T’s Blog)
• Grocery Bag
• Cosmetic Bag
• Cosmetic Cape
• Bottle Bag

Have any other quick-and-easy sewing gifts to add to the list? Create your own in the comment section.

Happy holidays to all and all a good night! Happy sewing!

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Ease around your sewing room or while you’re traveling, making a mini pin cushion is super simple.

Have any super simple projects to share? Add them to the comment section below…

PS – these make great Christmas gifts!

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Rocci’s Sewing School hosted a fabulous Holiday Camp for the Kids Can Sew Program at Zede’s Sewing Studio November 16th and 17th.

The project was a wonderful holiday strip quilt that the kids did a fabulous job creating.

Camps are held approximately 2-3 times per year. The projects that are chosen for the camps are based on the season and/or holiday at that time. The students love the camps and sign-up as soon as possible.

The Camps focus on fun, education, social interaction, and most of all a sense of accomplishment by the students when they have completed their own project.

All this elevates the students’ self-esteem and confidence.

Be sure to check out the class schedule at Zede’s Sewing Studio web site for all the upcoming classes for 2010.

See you at Zede’s!

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