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!  

Glimpse the Designer Diamond Royale!

	Store Events |  Website | Kalamazoo Sews Blog
	Meet the Designer Diamond Royale with a chance to pre-order with $3000 in give aways!  Order now for delivery toward the end of September/beginning of October and receive a bonus gift worth $3000! Watch the video below and take a look at the special dimensional stitches on the model's gown. Stitches that are just now being newly patented by Husqvarna Viking. Don't forget to click on the picture to enter the Crown Jewel Sweepstakes. Win won of several Husqvarna Viking Jewels!    **Please see store for complete details as additional restrictions may apply.	Kalamazoo Sewing Center: 5401 Portage Rd., Suite 6 Portage, MI 49002 (269)342-5808 Fax: (269) 342-0456 email: mail@kalamazoosews.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, Saturday 9:30-1 Closed Sunday Class schedule is subject to change. Please give us a call if the weather is inclement. Join us for a class Click for complete class and event schedule! Share and Chat with us:
	Come see us real soon!

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!

Tools, Tips, Tricks and a Chance to Win!

Join us this Friday for the Toolin' Around Event!                                                                        

	Store Events |  Website | Kalamazoo Sews Blog
	Join us this Thursday! Just a couple more spots left for this Thursday's Toolin' Around Two Event. This is a brand new event that we're sponsoring after the Toolin' Around One event success in April. Call today to pre-register.   Enter Daily to win one of many prizes from Husqvarna Viking!  Enter to win one of Husqvarna Viking's new crown jewels. Enter daily for more chances to win and be sure to share with your friends! Get your Diamond by the end of the week! There are only two Designer Diamond Deluxe machines left at the special close out prices. Over the past month we've gained 30 happy new Designer Diamond Deluxe owners. We have classes planned just for these new owners to learn how to use their new machines. Hurry in and grab one of these top of the line machines at the special price. Time is almost up and you won't ever have this chance again!     **Please see store for complete details for all as additional restrictions may apply.	Kalamazoo Sewing Center: 5401 Portage Rd., Suite 6 Portage, MI 49002 (269)342-5808 Fax: (269) 342-0456 email: mail@kalamazoosews.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, Saturday 9:30-1 Closed Sunday Class schedule is subject to change. Please give us a call if the weather is inclement. Join us for a class today! Click here for the complete schedule! Share and Chat with us:
	Come in and see us today!

Last Chance on Our Sizzling Summer Deals!

Our Diamond owners are really creating spectacular projects! Here is Mrs. Ashley with her gorgeous creation. Due to our recent sale we have many new Designer Diamond Deluxe owners who are busy getting creative for the fall and holiday seasons.

We have just a couple of Designer Diamond Deluxe Sewing Machines left. Hurry in because the special deal of up to 60% off is almost over. Don't miss your opportunity to get this top of the line machine so that you can get started on the creations of your dreams.

Don't forget! Our Toolin' Around Two Event is next week. This event promises to be full of great tips, tricks, and tools to make sewing fun, more rewarding, and to help you obtain professional results with all your sewing projects.

Join us for Fall Sewing Season!

As the dog days of summer wind down we're gearing up for the fall sewing season at the sewing center. We've got a lot of fall projects planned and we're sewing up the samples like our elegant in the hoop clutches that we've been embroidering this month.

We've also combed the net this week to bring you a few ideas and inspiration to get those creative juices going. Don't miss our Pinterest page and like us on Facebook so you won't miss out on any of the news and projects that we will be bringing to you this fall:

Time to get out those scraps and head over to this blog to get the scoop on how to make a pretty little round trivet. I could use a draw full of these myself---you can never have enough trivets. I envision making some in holiday colors and some in the orange and russets to match fall leaves. They would certainly make great hostess gifts or even a little something for that desk mate at work.


There's plenty of inspiration over at the Husqvarna Viking site.
How about a free plan for a fall shawl---perfect for those chilly nights?  Fringed with embroidery thread, this project is simple, elegant and fun! Best of all, it uses the scraps up from previous projects. Make a couple in fall colors.

It's back to school time and if your student is going with an e-reader there's a really easy e-reader case on the Singer.com site. The complete project plans can be downloaded. This project would also make an excellent Christmas gift if you're getting started early this year.

If you're looking for more inspiration don't forget our Toolin' Around Two Event on Thursday August 22, 2013. We will have a lot of ideas, inspiration, tips, and tools to make all your fall projects shine. Advanced registration is required and space is going fast---be sure to call today!

And while you're in the store visit our notions and pattern department. We've been getting new fall and holiday items in daily! And take a look at the new line of Vintage Simplicity patterns at simplicity.com---so Jackie O!

        

August Sewing Sales, Deals, and Events!

	Store Events |  Website | Kalamazoo Sews Blog
	Last chance to get that Diamond!  The last days of our Designer Diamond Deluxe special are upon us. We only have a couple of machines left at this great price. Come see us and join our Diamond Club of owners! Thinking about getting an embroidery machine?  We have so many great classes and projects planned for this fall. And many of the best projects use embroidery machines. Projects like our Wildflower Quilt and our Towels and More classes use an embroidery machine to create wonderful gifts and decor. If you've been dreaming of these projects but don't have an embroidery machine yet consider one of our Designer Topaz embroidery machines. These machines have some of the advanced features at an entry level price. So you can come join us for all those projects that you've been dreaming of doing! For a limited time you can also get 5D Embroidery free with the purchase of a Topaz so you'll have the tools you need to personalize your projects and designs. Hurry in!     Toolin' Around Two Event coming soon!  Our first Toolin' Around event in April was so much fun we just had to have more! So, as promised, we're hosting a Toolin' Around Two Event full of new tips, tools, and tricks to bring more ease, professional results, and fun to your sewing studio! Please call to register today because space is limited and spots are going fast! Join us for a Class!	Kalamazoo Sewing Center: 5401 Portage Rd., Suite 6 Portage, MI 49002 (269)342-5808 Fax: (269) 342-0456 email: mail@kalamazoosews.com Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, Saturday 9:30-1 Closed Sunday Class schedule is subject to change. Please give us a call if the weather is inclement. Grab this month's free project and design from Husqvarna Viking and myembroideries.com: Share and Chat with us:
	Come and see us today!

Come Join Us for Toolin' Around Two!

Our first event in April generated such excitement, as promised, we are holding another. This is a completely new and different event with many more tips and tricks to make sewing easier, more professional and, best of all, more fun! Won't you call today and register and say you'll join us?