Notion of Note

One of the most precious gifts I ever received was a box of handmade ornaments from my mother the first Christmas that I was married; a gift that will go on giving for many years even now that she's gone. Everytime I get them out they remind me of her and I smile.

If you're looking for a homemade Christmas for you or your loved ones check these ideas out. Holiday coasters and ornaments, gingies, snowmen, candy canes, and Santa's. We've also got a lot of new gift card holder designs this year. Sew cute. I can't wait to start a set for my own family!  

Notion of Note

Whether you're trying to get embroidery designs square in the hoop or placing an applique in your quilt one hand notion is the PAL or Perfect Alignment Laser.

It will even help you place a picture on the wall or sew a precisely straight seam.

Watch the video and see how versatile this notion is!



Learn Sewing from Basics to Masterpiece at the Kalamazoo Sewing Center

Learning to hoop

We're often asked if we offer classes---and the good news is yes we do! We offer everything from private instruction with you and your sewing machine to basic sewing skills classes to creating dream quilts and embroidery.

All our sewing machines come with a class in how to use your machine to make sure you get the most out of the features and accessories that your new machine offers.

But if you've already bought a machine from a competitor, we'll help you use that machine too. (fee applies.)

Beginning Sewing Projects---
Pajamas and pillowcase 

Our beginning sewing classes get you started with a solid set of skills once you know your machine and are comfortable with it. In most of our beginning classes, you start with basic, easy projects where you learn how to use a pattern, cut fabric, and sew in a straight line. Other classes may teach you how to install a zipper, sew buttons, or sew on a curve.



Quilt Piecing--1/4 inch seams

And everyone who has attempted a quilt after a lifetime of garment sewing knows what a different skill set quilt making requires. So we have a beginners quilt class that helps you sew a pieced quilt with 1/4 inch seams, then make a quilt sandwich with all pieces together and finally bind the quilt to make your first masterpiece.

learn how to use sewing feet and applique

If you're interested in embroidery, we have simple and elaborate projects that can teach you how to hoop properly, select colors, adjust designs, or use software to digitize your own work of art.





For more information give our class calendar a look or call the store to see how you can come join in the fun of learning new sewing skills. Fees apply to most classes and require the purchase of supplies to make the class project. But keep in mind a how to use class is included with the purchase of any new machine.

Embroidery, Applique, and ribbon---sew sweet!

It's Back to School Sewing Time

We're in the last days of summer and heading toward the back to school rush. With money being tight for most families, more and more moms (and dads) are dusting off that sewing machine and creating back to school clothing, supplies, and totes. The best thing about sewing your own (besides the more reasonable price for a designer piece) is that your child and you can be creative and get exactly what you want in color, size, and material.

At the sewing center we have literally thousands of embroidery designs that are suitable for kindergartners on up through college; designs to suit any hobby or interest.

We also carry 5D Software that allows you to digitize your own designs from a piece of clip art or a school logo. How cool is that? And it is simpler than you might think---we even have classes to show you how!

So here to get your creative juices going are some projects scoured from across the internet:

• Laptop tote/messanger bag with free instructions from Coats and Clark. We carry an assortment of Coats and Clark threads in the Sewing Center to help out with your projects.
• Also from Coats and Clark is a handy wall organizer. I'm thinking of attaching magnets to the back for an organized  locker. The best part of this project is that it recycles jeans---bet you have plenty of worn out jeans if you have school age children. Use store bought embellishments or grab that embroidery machine and use some of those designs. Come see us if you can't find exactly the right thing for your child. We've got plenty of designs!
• When you have school, you have lots of books. With books you need bookends. Such a simple project is this one for fabric bookends. This is a real beginner project and I'm thinking you could add any trim or embellishment that you can find that makes you happy.
• And with all those kids getting together, you'll need tissues and plenty of them. Here's the plans for a handy tissue cover. So easy to make and won't your child feel special!  
• And finally when all the kids get together for homework after school, they'll need some drinks. And how do you keep whose drink is whose straight? With cup cozies of course! Made right on your sewing machine. This project would be perfect for that embroidery machine but also is within reach of a regular machine. Find the instructions on the Better Homes and Gardens site here.   

And remember, we have all sorts of sewing machines, threads, designs, software, and notions and know how. So stop by and see us---we're here to help.

 

Notion of Note

Love, love, love the free motion quilting design of this package from Anita Goodesign! Just look at that quilting; candles, packages, gingies, snowmen, and ornaments all quilted with no hassle on your holiday table runner or pillow cover.

The possibilities! Come in today to see all the Anita Goodesigns we have in stock.

New Product Coming--Embroidery Software for the Mac!

Coming soon to the Kalamazoo Sewing Center---embroidery software made for Mac Users.

We will be taking pre-orders between September 1 and October 18, 2012. Everyone that pre-orders will receive an exclusive free gift from Husqvarna/Viking.

Stay tuned to kalamazoosews.com, Our Facebook Page, Pinterest Page and, of course, right here on our kalamazoosews blog for information as we receive it on this great new product.