Sewing: Essential Equipment

9 things a sewing room can’t be without

1. Needles

needles-sewing.jpg (300×297)

Picture courtesy from Google

Needles of various sizes are used for all sorts of tasks, from visible hand sewing and embroidery to basic machine stitching and decorative machine effects

2. Pins

Picture courtesy from Google

Pins hold fabric in place before basting and stitching. Craft pins are suitable for many projects, while longer, finer pins are better for delicate fabrics. Use safety pins for threading elastic and cords through channels or for holding layers together when quilting. If you tend to lose or drop pins on the floor, buy ones with large pearl or beaded heads so you can find them more easily. e.g scarf pins ehehe

3. Measuring tapes

Picture courtesy from Google

These are necessary for accurate working and making sure the dresses and pants fit the wearer perfectly. Their pliability makes them ideal for measuring curves. When placed on an edge, a measuring tape can follow lines to give accurate sizing. Use a metal retractable measure for drapes.

4. Scissors

Picture courtesy from Google

Scissors essential for sewing. Use long-bladed shears for cutting out fabric and smaller, sharp-pointed needlework or embroidery scissors for snipping threads. Paper scissors are also must for cutting patterns and templates, as dressmaker’s shears will blunt when used for paper or card.

5. Ruler

Picture courtesy from Google

Use 15 cm ruler for measuring shorter lengths and long tape measure for 30 cm. A clear plastic rules is ideal as you can see the fabric beneath it.

6. Iron

Picture courtesy from Google

An iron is a vital of a sewing room’s equipment. Use it to open seams, press hems, and create folds and creases. An iron can often reduce the amount of pinning or basting between steps of a project. It also improves the finish of a piece of clothing, sharpening edges, smoothing creases, and reducing bulk.

7. Seam ripper

Picture courtesy from Google

This is a small tool is shaped to make it easier to undo stitches sewn in the wrong place. They vary in size but choose one that fits comfortably into the hand.

8. Work surface

Picture courtesy from Google

A flat surface at a worktable height. such as a table or worktop, is a fundamental part of a sewing room. Although you can cover the floor with a sheet before laying fabric over it for cutting out, most work needs a handy surface to prevent your knees and back from aching.

9. Sewing machine

Picture courtesy from Google

Your sewing machine need not be the latest in sewing technology but it must be reliable and provide the functions you need. Look after it, keep it lint and dust free, and have it serviced regularly.

DIY Roses from old newspapers

Hari ini saya ingin berkongsi bagaimana saya membuat Roses dari suratkhabar lama. Actually saya ada tools dari Sizzix, tapi kali ini saya buat dengan manualnya based dari Sizzix style.

1. Memula cari newspapers, saya foldkan kepada 4 bahagian. Dan lukis bulat seperti gambar di bawah ini (ps ni saya lukis di satu page nak tunjuk sebagai contoh)

wpid-20131217_121952.jpg

 

2. Kemudian gunting mengikut garisan bulatan yang anda telah buat.

wpid-20131217_123924_1.jpg

 

3. Setelah itu bolehlah digulungkan suratkhabar yg telah dipotong iti dari mula hingga habis bulatan.

wpid-20131217_124122.jpg

 

4. Setalah habis digulung, anda boleh lepaskan untuk membentuk kelopak yang diingini. Dan setelah berpuashati bolehlah gamkan di hujung kelopak terakhir untuk final touch up ~aww~ lihat gambar seterusnya. gambar ini dari sudut belakang bunga kita yer puan-puan

wpid-20131217_124639.jpg

Finale. You all boleh colorkan bunga itu depends kepada creativity korang and time yang korang ada. Ok tak?

wpid-20131217_125646.jpg wpid-20131217_142942.jpg wpid-20131217_142949.jpg wpid-20131217_142956.jpg

Buying a sewing machine

I am planning to buy a sewing machine for myself. That would be my next year’s resolution. One of the resolutions I wish to achieve. hehehe

So I have come out with these tips for buying a sewing machine.

1. Research
If you have decided to invest in a new sewing machine, do as much research as possible before you commit yourself to a particular make or model. Lucky me, I also have my husband helps me with my research. Ask your friends about their machines (if any), attend sewing exhibitions, or visit sewing machine retailers to ask their advice. If you googled, you will found couple of vendors in Malaysia such as LSN, Kraf Ezee, Epal Janome, etc. But LSN is always having open store concept which you can try out their machine before purchase

2. Types of sewing
Whether you quilt, make clothes or drapes, or do machine embroidery, it will affect your choice of machine. Select machine that will suit your needs and consider how you would like your sewing to develop. Do  not restrict yourself or you will quickly grow out of your new machine

3.Stitches
There will be certain stitches you know you will need. E.g you may require a good variety of buttonholes or a nice range of decorative stitches. Make sure the machine you choose includes what you require.

4. Try it out
When searching for a new machine, take some of fabric with you. Try out different machines with the type of fabric you tend to use and see how it copes. Some models work better with thin and delicate lingerie type of fabrics, while others are more suited to thick layers of quilting, or maybe denim.

5. Local retailer
Carefully consider where you buy your machine. There may be a fantastic  deal on the internet but sales advice may not easy to be access. Your local dealer, however, will be there to help in the months or maybe years to come., an will offer a far better service if bought the machine from them directly.

So, what are you waiting for. Lets hunt and share with me your final result!

Galaxy Gift: Personalised Plate

Jika anda seorang yang gemarkan kelainan, anda boleh mencuba untuk mendapat personalised signboard plate untuk diri anda.

Harga yang ditawarkan bermula dari RM59.90 sehingga RM79.90. Additional cost jika berminat untuk menukarkan color font anda sebanyak RM10.

Jangka masa untuk disiapkan adalah dalam 5-10 minit saja.

Kedai ini anda boleh lawati di Mid Valley, tingkat 3. Ia berhadapan dengan Hinode Shop.

image

image

image

image

image

Cindy’s Card

IMG-20130919-WA0001

I did this for my colleague for her wedding. Using quilling technique. And you can see my ugly handwriting that I should do more training on this. hahha. This simple design i made using the materials below. Glue, cutter, bamboo quilling tool and scissor. Tadaaa.. siap jugak! hahaha 20130919_180353