Upcoming Event: Clothing Re-Mix + Re-Make IN APRIL

Want to get involved at a Spins & Needles event? They're planning a big clothing and modification swap and we're on the lookout for some volunteers to:

*Sort clothing

*Assist at sewing stations (must have knowledge of how to use a sewing machine)

*Assist at embellishment stations (must have knowledge of how to add beads, buttons, other embellishments to clothing)

*Assist at printing/stencilling stations (must have knowledge of a printing technique)

If you're interested, send us an e-mail at spinsandneedles@gmail.com.

A Shout Out

After a wonderful Turkey time with the family I decided to take some time for myself. Something that hasn't happened for a while. So, I'm in my studio and tidying up, passing the vacuum, arranging, observing, enjoying, it dawned on me: I've been sewing (domestically) for over twenty years! Why was it important for me to learn to sew?

What was it that drew me to want to sew or to want to learn to sew? Below is a sampling (not in any order) of some answers that could:

• the economy (my own lack of $)
  
• the environment
• personal expression
• availability
• quality
• material
• vocation
  

Over the years the priorities change. Today, when a recession, life style choices and attitude adjustments are imminent, would learning or picking up sewing be a part of your life?

Please let me know by either taking my poll (on the right of this post) or by dropping a comment.

I'd love to learn what you have to say about sewing.

This poll is on until November 25, 2009!

REVOLUTIONARY ART @ CYCLELOGIK

This neighbourhood girl, knitter of fine yarn, sewer of ladies apparel, appreciator of ladies' roles, borrower of good ideas, composter, recycler, bicycler, and tap dancer is participating in "Revolutionary Art" at CYCLELOGIK this Friday, July 4th.



Do read the top right column. C'est moi! I'm submitting a piece. Now off to attaching ruffles!

Woo! CBC Ottawa Morning Interview

Listen to Hallie Cotnam and Me talk about Lunch Apparel by visiting this link and click on "Fruit cover-ups"!

Lunch Apparel: Hand Knit in Ottawa

• Hand knit sweaters to keep your apples, peaches, plums, & bananas from the sharp objects in your bag.
• Encourages the eating of more fruit.
• You know what they say: "An apple a day keeps you healthy"
• Brighten up your fruit basket at home.
  
• Yes, these sweaters will keep your fruit warm, too.

Available at:

• Heaven's To Betsy, 1243 Wellington Street West, Ottawa CANADA
• Workshop Studio & Boutique, 242 1/2 Dalhousie Street North, Ottawa, CANADA
• Ladyfest Ottawa Not Your Grandma's Craftsale, Saturday, May 10th, 2008 @ Jack Purcell Community Centre, 10 am - 5 pm, $2 Suggested Donation

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Yarn Studio is having a Birthday and 500th Post Celebration Contest. Check her out and submit your entry! Don't forget to say that you found her through this blog.

Sockem Socks

The first of a pair. And the first attempt at Waving Lace Socks, by Evelyn Clark. Pattern is found in Interweave's, Favorite Socks.
This yarn is Wolle Rödel Sport & Strumpfwolle Mini-Ringel, in gold tones. It is a wool and nylon blend, and not soft.
The needles I used are bamboo and 2.5mm.

Hustle Bustle Skirt End-Result

This is the beautiful Sophie H.
She modeled for me for a photo-shoot in early February.
I'll post some pictures of the shoot later-on.

Thanks for your comments.

Hustle Bustle Tutorial Part V

Here is the back of the skirt.

And the front of the skirt.

Hustle Bustle Tutorial Part IV

Gather Ruffle by matching Ruffle to Skirt notches. Pin occassionally at key areas.

Sew the two layers together, distributing the gathering equally along the skirt edge. Here I lifted the two pieces to show the gathering above and the clean straigt piece below.

Sew between the two rows of stitching for consistent gathering.

Finish the hem of the ruffle by foldind the long edge 0.5 x 0.5cm and topstitch along the folded edge.

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The Hustle Bustle Skirt Pattern is available at my etsy shop, fabric is not included.

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More of this tutorial to come

Hustle Bustle Tutorial Part III

Button holes!

From button hole to button hole draw, the tie will be drawn towards the back.

Clipping the edge of the tie and pull through.

Sew the edges of the ruffle together and baste two rows of stitching along the top edge.

* * * * *
The Hustle Bustle Skirt Pattern is available at my etsy shop, fabric is not included.

* * * * *
More of this tutorial to come