I didn't really have a hotspot in my sewing room, but I had two huge ones in my bedroom. I dismantled both of them today and got all the junk out of my house! My bedroom looks so much bigger. Back to the sewing room tomorrow, though! Thanks so much for doing this again, Karen.
Hello Karen from North Carolina. Thank you so much for discussing differences between De clutter and organize . Starting in early , began a major DeClutter since I had not been sewing 2 years. I had knee and hip surgery in 2024. In December after my De Clutter I now know that I need to work on organizing. I'm finding now when I start to SEW, things are not quiet where they need to be. So as you continue your DeClutter each day I'm trying to find that time to Organize. Thank you . I always enjoy your videos and am really ready to get back in that sewing room.
On stitch length: If paper piecing reduce your stitch length so the paper rips off easier and your stitches don't pull out. (140 or 150). A Walking Foot is also good for piecing strips because it helps the top and bottom fabric feed equally through the machine ( you won't have one piece stretch and end up longer than the other). Feather Weight machines are cute and sew great but they are quite heavy to travel with. I bought a small Bernina to travel with and all the bobbins , feet and walking foot etc. are interchangeable with my Quilting Edition Bernina. Bernina is changing their bobbins on their new models so I am not sure how the compatibility will be or if they have changes other items as well. Pressing to the side or pressing seams open: I use both methods depending on the block. If the blocks are very small or if there are many seams converging into one spot I press open. to reduce bulk. I was told once that the reason quilters recommended pressing to a side is because the seam is less likely to pull apart with the strain of being used and washed. The quilting holds the two fabrics together better making the seam stronger, as on a bed quilt. When quilting by machine areas of multiple layers of fabric where seams meet can make bumps or hard spots that can be difficult to quilt, like breaking a thread or needle or causing dragging which can distort the pantograph pattern in those areas. Happy Quilting
Brother also sell a walking foot that you can attach different feet to - open toe, stitch in the ditch AND 1/4 inch foot. I bought one recently with all the different attachments. And I rarely take it off.
One place that I went to for classes, had us all tie a ribbon or something to our scissors and tools. The same ribbon or piece of fabric on all one's tools. 20 years later, my small scissors still have their tie on them.
Hi Karen, I missed your live but I’ve been following your declutter challenge. Unfortunately, I can’t participate until February at the earliest! My husband had a total shoulder replacement surgery on Dec 2nd and I fractured my back on Dec 10th so I’ll have to wait until I recover to begin! Thank you for all the great information! 😊
I’ve purchased a Pfaff Passport sewing machine for carrying to classes & retreats. It has a self threader, built in walking foot. Built in snips, does a limited but good of range of stitches and is light to lift & carry. It was @ $1000 Aus $.
Bernina has a dual feed that is pulled down like the walking foot. I have a color changing purple/blue metallic featherweight and a black one. I think the color changing one sews better😉🤣
Question please - how do you keep track of fabric brands/ where you brought the fabric from. I have a pile of fat quarters I found a project for and I need a little bit more but have no idea where I brought them from what collection or brand. No google camera not helping lol. Do you label or do something else cool so you can reorder the same fabric later down the line.
Karen, Have you heard of Ally Ryde? She's an engineer and designer, Aussie who lives in Italy. I'm looking at making quilt patterns, saw your interview with geeky bobbin, but Ally popped up on youtube and I enjoyed her advice on developing quilt patterns and general design advice. Might make a good interview. Love your videos, thanks.
I was lucky enough to receive someone's old serger, which gave me an economical way to try it (only cost was cleaning/replacing a blade ~ $100). I'm glad I took the chance - it finishes seams easily and quickly. I have even made flannel boxers for grandsons quickly by sewing the seams with the serger. I do like to make garments, so this has become a good investment for me. I am still learning what else it might be used for. *I like to sew garments, but have sewn patches together for a bag using the serger. **The older machine is a bit tricky - threading tools are essential! Currently I am trying to figure out the tension because I messed it up while rethreading...but I am very glad I accepted this gift.
@@KathyM-c6i You're welcome - it took me three years thinking about it, which also helped me say yes to the opportunity to have one, even though I wasn't sure where I'd put it. It lives on a table in my basement, so perfect for summer work...not so much now in the (very) cold months - hence the delay in figuring out the tension issue. I am hoping the declutter challenge will reveal a new place for it to live!
@@hollymoseley1355 I think that's my problem.. I'm looking for a "really good reason.." (aka, excuse?) to get one without feeling like I'll only be adding to the collection of sewing items that I don't use. I don't want to call any of it "clutter," because I'm actually very well organized -- I just own TOO MUCH 😅
For the person who was asking about triangles/the next one to do - I found this really excellent masterclass recently. ua-cam.com/play/PL-noqoeaGWzZDtag9w_9TwD2JqNRmeBjw.html&si=YzLKT9S79rWWRn6I
The link to Tiny Orchards video on the best markers
ua-cam.com/video/BnQltGhFKFE/v-deo.htmlsi=ZCksVVmI1sGhA7qM
I didn't really have a hotspot in my sewing room, but I had two huge ones in my bedroom. I dismantled both of them today and got all the junk out of my house! My bedroom looks so much bigger. Back to the sewing room tomorrow, though! Thanks so much for doing this again, Karen.
Hello Karen from North Carolina. Thank you so much for discussing differences between De clutter and organize . Starting in early , began a major DeClutter since I had not been sewing 2 years. I had knee and hip surgery in 2024. In December after my De Clutter I now know that I need to work on organizing. I'm finding now when I start to SEW, things are not quiet where they need to be. So as you continue your DeClutter each day I'm trying to find that time to Organize. Thank you . I always enjoy your videos and am really ready to get back in that sewing room.
On stitch length: If paper piecing reduce your stitch length so the paper rips off easier and your stitches don't pull out. (140 or 150). A Walking Foot is also good for piecing strips because it helps the top and bottom fabric feed equally through the machine ( you won't have one piece stretch and end up longer than the other). Feather Weight machines are cute and sew great but they are quite heavy to travel with. I bought a small Bernina to travel with and all the bobbins , feet and walking foot etc. are interchangeable with my Quilting Edition Bernina. Bernina is changing their bobbins on their new models so I am not sure how the compatibility will be or if they have changes other items as well. Pressing to the side or pressing seams open: I use both methods depending on the block. If the blocks are very small or if there are many seams converging into one spot I press open. to reduce bulk. I was told once that the reason quilters recommended pressing to a side is because the seam is less likely to pull apart with the strain of being used and washed. The quilting holds the two fabrics together better making the seam stronger, as on a bed quilt. When quilting by machine areas of multiple layers of fabric where seams meet can make bumps or hard spots that can be difficult to quilt, like breaking a thread or needle or causing dragging which can distort the pantograph pattern in those areas. Happy Quilting
Karen, could you share your skin care products/routine? Your face looks so smooth and glowing!
Karen, Thanks for your encouragement about not stressing out if I fell behind. I feel better already. Starting day 3 tomorrow!
Char from Kentucky
Creative Grids rulers are my favorite! They don't slip or slide nearly as much and are very easy to read precise measurements.
Hello everyone. I think the feature on the Bernina sewing machine similar to a walking foot is called dual feed not BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator)
Brother also sell a walking foot that you can attach different feet to - open toe, stitch in the ditch AND 1/4 inch foot. I bought one recently with all the different attachments. And I rarely take it off.
One place that I went to for classes, had us all tie a ribbon or something to our scissors and tools. The same ribbon or piece of fabric on all one's tools. 20 years later, my small scissors still have their tie on them.
Thank you for sharing so many insights on off the cuff ideas!😮
Hi Karen, I missed your live but I’ve been following your declutter challenge. Unfortunately, I can’t participate until February at the earliest! My husband had a total shoulder replacement surgery on Dec 2nd and I fractured my back on Dec 10th so I’ll have to wait until I recover to begin! Thank you for all the great information! 😊
I’ve purchased a Pfaff Passport sewing machine for carrying to classes & retreats. It has a self threader, built in walking foot. Built in snips, does a limited but good of range of stitches and is light to lift & carry. It was @ $1000 Aus $.
Bernina has a dual feed that is pulled down like the walking foot.
I have a color changing purple/blue metallic featherweight and a black one. I think the color changing one sews better😉🤣
Idea for future videos… I would like to see a new pattern using the Mary’s triangle block. It is such a versatile block.
Happy New Year from St Louis MO
Hi from Melbourne Australia. 29 degrees Celsius here. A lovely sunny day.
What do you use when piecing with flannel. I'm a new sewer but I know they stretch a lot.
Featheweights are wonderful to sew with
I have been binge watching your posts all day as Im snowed in and not well.
Im in sw Ohio with 8" + snow!
Get well soon
First time watching your live. Recently discovered your channel.
South East Ohio
Question please - how do you keep track of fabric brands/ where you brought the fabric from. I have a pile of fat quarters I found a project for and I need a little bit more but have no idea where I brought them from what collection or brand. No google camera not helping lol. Do you label or do something else cool so you can reorder the same fabric later down the line.
How do you make accurate half square triangles with 5” charm squares? You don’t have extra fabric to cut them down to size.
Use the sales, been a divorce, small scraps or buy mint squares.
I hand quilt in a big hoop and find it very relaxing what brand of thread is best for machine pieceing
Owh nooo Karen, I missed this again….when will be you next Q&A please.
Anyhow I am watching the recorded one now.
Hi Karen. Are there still places available on your trip to ?Iceland later this year?
Karen, Have you heard of Ally Ryde? She's an engineer and designer, Aussie who lives in Italy. I'm looking at making quilt patterns, saw your interview with geeky bobbin, but Ally popped up on youtube and I enjoyed her advice on developing quilt patterns and general design advice. Might make a good interview. Love your videos, thanks.
Janome M7 had a 1/4 inch walking foot. It’s amazing
Hello from Diane in SiouxFalls SD
They do make a 1/4” foot for the Janome acufeed
Janome has an acccufeed flex foot (like a walking foot) and it has a 1/4' one.
Hi from Brisbane Australia
How do you keep your videos stored? Sorry I guess that’s more UA-cam than quilting 😜
Janome have an acufeed system which is a walking foot and they have a 1/4 inch attachment for that
My is too much fabric. Are you doing a decludder of fabric?
Hi. Tammy from Missouri
Hello from Texas
Hi from Missouri!
Might someone explain to this quilter what use a serger *might be to me? I'm always hearing quilters mention their sergers.
Thanks in advance :)
I was lucky enough to receive someone's old serger, which gave me an economical way to try it (only cost was cleaning/replacing a blade ~ $100). I'm glad I took the chance - it finishes seams easily and quickly. I have even made flannel boxers for grandsons quickly by sewing the seams with the serger. I do like to make garments, so this has become a good investment for me. I am still learning what else it might be used for. *I like to sew garments, but have sewn patches together for a bag using the serger. **The older machine is a bit tricky - threading tools are essential! Currently I am trying to figure out the tension because I messed it up while rethreading...but I am very glad I accepted this gift.
@@hollymoseley1355 Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know what you use it for. Greatly appreciated ☺
@@KathyM-c6i You're welcome - it took me three years thinking about it, which also helped me say yes to the opportunity to have one, even though I wasn't sure where I'd put it. It lives on a table in my basement, so perfect for summer work...not so much now in the (very) cold months - hence the delay in figuring out the tension issue. I am hoping the declutter challenge will reveal a new place for it to live!
@@hollymoseley1355 I think that's my problem.. I'm looking for a "really good reason.." (aka, excuse?) to get one without feeling like I'll only be adding to the collection of sewing items that I don't use. I don't want to call any of it "clutter," because I'm actually very well organized -- I just own TOO MUCH 😅
Donna from Missouri
🎉❤hello from Washington
Hi Karen.
Hi from KC
For the person who was asking about triangles/the next one to do - I found this really excellent masterclass recently.
ua-cam.com/play/PL-noqoeaGWzZDtag9w_9TwD2JqNRmeBjw.html&si=YzLKT9S79rWWRn6I
It’s call BSR
Rats….missed the live feed….ugh!!