How to choose sewing thread

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date December 21, 2015
1 Comment on How to choose sewing thread

How to choose Sewing Thread

Another year almost gone and I’ve just got time to squeeze in a final blog post. Possibly the subject I’ve been asked about most this year is How to choose the correct machine sewing thread?

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags all-purpose sewing thread, beginners sewing, best thread, care of a sewing machine, how to choose, How to choose the correct sewing thread, how to use a sewing machine, kilner jar, learn to sew, sewing classes east Lothian, sewing jersey fabrics, sewing lessons, sewing room, sulky, Vintage-style decoration

Start ’em Young. Sewing Classes for Children.

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date October 12, 2015

sewing classes for children. Two young girls learning to sew beside their Mums — sewing classes for children. Kids can learn to sew, using a sewing machine safely and confidently from around age 7.

Sewing classes for children are an important part of my class programme. I learned to use a sewing machine at age 7. So I’m committed to the belief that children should all learn to sew when they’re very young (girls and boys!)

This week at Artisan Stitch, I held one of my sewing classes for children, or rather for children and their parents ( to qualify you had to be under 16 and bring your Mum). Attending were Sophie, aged 9, and Libby aged 12, with their Mums Jen & Jackie. Both girls threw themselves into the lesson with enthusiasm and completed their sewing practice sheets, then both passed their Sewing Machine Driving Tests with distinction.

Beginners Sewing

Tags beginners sewing, Childrens Sewing Lessons, crafts classes for kids, fashion design, kids classes edinburgh, kids crafts edinburgh, kids sewing central scotland, kids sewing course, kids sewing edinburgh, sewing classes for children, textiles heritage, workshops for kids lothian

Autumn-Winter sewing classes

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date September 28, 2015

My schedule of Autumn-Winter sewing classes is here, covering October and November. These include some more of my popular ‘Essential Skills’ classes, now re-named ‘Beginners’ Sewing Skills’. This covers basic sewing tasks like sewing straight seams and how to finish off the raw edges, taking up hems, making neat machined buttonholes, and inserting zips.

Beginners Sewing, childrens sewing classes, Dressmaking, seasonal crafts, sewing, textile art

Tags Childrens Sewing Lessons, felting, Felting workshop, sewing classes, Sewing Classes for Beginners, Sewing for Children

What Sewing Machine should I buy?

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 24, 2015
1 Comment on What Sewing Machine should I buy?

Buying a Sewing Machine

Buying a sewing machine is exciting but can be very confusing. If you’ve had a look already, then you’re probably baffled by the huge range of makes and models out there. Why are some less than £100 and others cost several thousands. Don’t thy all do the same thing? So you’ll be asking yourself ‘What Sewing Machine should I buy?’

Beginners Sewing, sewing, workshops

Tags buying a sewing machine, care of a sewing machine, Childrens Sewing Classes, choosing a sewing machine, how to choose a sewing machine, how to use a sewing machine, learn to sew, sewing classes east Lothian, sewing classes edinburgh, Sewing Classes for Beginners, sewing lessons, sewing machine features, sewing machines for beginners, starter-level sewing machines

Best Foot Forward – A Guide to Sewing Machine Presser Feet & Accessories

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 17, 2015

sewing machine presser feet are diesigned to make each sewing task easier — sewing machine presser feeet

A Guide to sewing machine presser feet and accessories

Sewing machine presser feet are specialised for every sewing task and are designed to make your sewing easier. If you don’t use the best foot for the job, then you’re making your life more difficult that it needs to be. When you got your new sewing machine home, did you eagerly unpack it and start sewing, wondering what the bag full of strange little metal and plastic thingies were for? Well these are your sewing machine presser feet. And have you got them out and used any of them since? Or have you struggled on, wondering why the fabric was pulling and puckering?

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags applying bias binding, blind hem, buttonholes, darning foot, embroidery foot, Pfaff sewing machines, pin tuck, presser foot, quilting guide, zipper foot

Generation Hop

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 3, 2015

Generation Hop

This sewing class shows a generation hop. Here we have 14 year-old Sophie and her Gran (14 years plus), learning to make a fold-up tote shopping bag. This was Sophie’s first ever sewing project and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Sewing is an activity that can be undertaken by everyone, and truly spans the generations, as evidenced in this photo.

Beginners Sewing, childrens sewing classes, sewing

Tags fold-up tote bag, gifts to sew, learn to sew, sewing for beginners

Get to Grips with Zips

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date July 22, 2015

One of the most tricky things to do in sewing is putting in zips – but once you get to grips with zips, they’re not that bad. As my Tuesday evening regulars agreed last night, whatever you want to make – a skirt, trousers or dress, you need to put in a zip. Here they are getting to grips with zips. Everyone agreed that they’re not so difficult after all once you know how!

Get to grips with zips - How to sew in zips - a pile of brightly-coloured zips — How to insert a zip – zips aren’t so scary when you know how to sew in a zip

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags beginners sewing, inserting zips, learn to sew, sewing classes, sewing lessons

Get to the Point! How to choose the best sewing machine needles.

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date July 6, 2015

How to choose the best sewing machine needle. A selection of sewing machine needles

How to choose the best sewing machine needles.

Sewing machine needles come in an assortment of types and sizes. Using the correct needle is important to achieve a successful outcome to your sewing project. The wrong size or type of needle can cause breakages of either needles or thread. Uneven or skipped stitches, and snags or holes in the fabric are also symptoms of the wrong needle. You should choose your needle firstly according to the purpose/project, the fibre-type and fabric construction, then the fabric weight.