We had Fun and Learned a Lot!

Thanks to sewing expert Katrina Walker,  the Kalamazoo Sewing Center's Husqvarna Viking Toolin' Around Two event was a success. Everyone went home inspired and full of tools and ideas to make sewing more fun and easy.
Katrina talked about all her favorite tools and the tips that she has picked up during her years of working in the garment and textile business. All eyes were on the big screen as the Interchangeable Dual Feed Foot was demonstrated. She dazzled us with her haute couture dress fashioned with prairie points. She demonstrated tips and tools to sew slippery fabrics like silks. And she showed us how to add special details to our sewing to make every garment special.

And we spent the afternoon getting tips on embroidery, stabilizers, and sheep. Katrina advised us to be sure that we set up our machines to sew the way we want to sew. Today's machines have many features that can be set up your way. She says "Don't let your sewing machine boss you around---you be the boss and set it up your way!" And when you buy a machine from us we'll give you a class to show you how.

Come see us today!  

Grab Some Knit Fabric and Stitch up a Fall Wardrobe!

 

Even Feed Foot

Planning on sewing some of those fall knits---the ones that look so good, are so comfy, and stretch to fit? If you have one of the Husqvarna Viking model sewing machines, like the Designer Ruby Deluxe or the Designer Diamond Deluxe then all you need to do is look to your built in sewing advisor for advice. Program in knit as your fabric and your built in sewing advisor will pick the stitch and let you know what foot and needle to use. If you're not lucky enough to have the built in sewing advisor, never fear! With a bit of know-how you too can stitch knit fabrics like a pro.

Knits are fabrics that are looped together rather than woven. Knits are stretchy and require seams that stretch too. Seams that are not stitched especially for knits will not give and are more prone to break than stretch.

The first thing to consider when stitching knits is your needle. There are special needles made for stitching knits. The sewing machine needles specifically for knits have a special scarf that helps them through the knit without pulling and stretching the fabric. This special scarf also prevents missed stitches. Keep a supply of stretch needles on hand in different sizes so that you'll have the correct needle for any project.

Then you'll need to consult the owner's manual for your machine on the recommended stitch for knits. A regular zigzag stitch will usually work, but as machines have become more sophisticated the machine manufacturers have included other suitable stitches to help you make your seams in knits perfect. Be sure to review the recommended foot to use with your machine's recommended stitch.

Stitch a sample using a scrap of fabric from your project. Adjust the width and length of the stitch if necessary. Be sure that your fabric sample isn't puckering. If you're still having problems consider purchasing an Even Feed Foot for your machine. An Even Feed Foot helps beginners and experienced sewers alike feed all sorts of fabric through their machine evenly and uniformly.

So don't be afraid to grab some knit fabric and a pattern made for knits and add some wonderfully comfy clothes for that fall wardrobe!

A Dual Feed Foot with Interchangeable Feet of its own!

Leave it to the Husqvarna Viking folks to come up with the foot that we've all been dreaming of---a dual feed foot with more than one foot of its own so that we can use it to stitch more than a straight stitch!

The Interchangeable Dual Feed Foot (sometimes called a Walking Foot or Even Feed Foot ) helps you out on all those projects that a typical dual feed foot helps with; feeding heavy quilts or other projects, moving knits or slippery fabrics through your machine evenly. The difference is that you can use this foot with more than just a straight stitch. Included in the package is a spare foot for zigzags and available separately is a Changeable Decorative Foot that has a flange that keeps decorative stitches straight down seams and is perfect when you're stitching in the ditch on those quilted projects.


This is one of those feet that every sewing toolbox requires. Come in and see us today. Available for machine #5, 6, and 7.

Machine Quilting

One of the best ways to learn how to sew is to piece a quilt. By the time you've pieced your first quilt top you'll know how to sew a straight stitch. If your top has a bit of applique, you'll be the master of curves, fancy stitches, and those supplemental feet that came with your feet.

And all these skills learned will transfer into other sewing that you do whether it's home decor or designer fashions for your family.

If you've been to any of the great quilting classes at the sewing center lately, you probably have some quilt tops done. If you're the average customer, you are daunted by the next step: the quilt sandwich and putting it all together with machine quilting. At the sewing center we have special classes where we gather together to put our quilts together. It's a job where you may need an extra pair of hands and room to work and we're here to help.

Stitching in the ditch

The most important step in quilting your quilt is basting the sandwich layers together. Sewing Center experts recommend spray basting as the best way to sandwich your quilt components prior to quilting. But if you don't like the spray or have allergies, we have special pins for pin basting or you can baste with a needle and thread. Whichever way you baste, be sure to take your time to get all the layers smoothly together. This will make the rest of the quilting process easy and fun.

Even Feed Foot really helps quilting

One of the easiest quilting techniques is the stitch in the ditch method. This is where most quilters start because it requires a simple straight stitch around the quilt squares. There are special stitch in the ditch feet with flanges that ride the seam to keep your stitches straight. If you're having issues controlling your quilt, try an even feed foot as a tool to keep your quilt straight and evenly fed through the machine.


As you become more experienced you can begin exploring the quilting options your machine gives you. For example, the new Designer Ruby Deluxe has a number of built in quilting stitches that can make the quilting as creative and fun as piecing your quilt. And with these stitches the actual quilting of your quilt becomes less intimidating.



Designer Ruby Deluxe Quilting Stitches



More fun Designer Ruby Deluxe Stitches 

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Your Singer Sewing Machines also have many fun stitches for quilting also.

Singer 7469Q Confidence Quilter 









7469Q Stitches

The best way to try all these fun quilting stitches is to enroll in a sewing center class to  make a pillow topper. A fun, smaller project will bring out the designer in you and will provide courage and experience to tackle those large quilt projects that await you in the sewing room.

The best way to learn sewing is take a class at the sewing center and we have some really great classes planned for this holiday season. Won't you join us, take some time to relax with us and make a few gifts or decorations that are just you. It would be so awesome to help you create a wonderful holiday season for you and your family!