Friday, May 27th, 2011 - 10:30 am

We began by looking through Grama's pattern book. She explained that you can find them (used) for really cheap as the store brings in new ones. Out with the "old" in with the new, although after looking through them one can see that most of the styles, if not all of them, are wearable today. Just pick what you like and make it! Then we saw some very nice curtains in this book which sparked a discussion about different ways to make them. Vita suggested that we could find inexpensive sheets at a discount store and explained that since they already had a casement (where you'd put the curtain rod through) built in, any sheets would do. Grama said not to worry about the thread count, since you're not sleeping on them. Grama also said you could add tabs to the tops of the sheets (if your curtain rod won't fit through the casement or you just like the look of tabs)and hem them too, if you wish. We then discussed different types of sewing machines. Grama says that an older metal Kenmore (I have one!) will last you forever, she had one too. Loosh had an older heavy duty metal Singer that she found at a sewing machine repair shop for 30 bucks - what a steal! Vita also got a metal Singer (?) online for a bargain. So keep your eyes open, just because a machine is older doesn't mean it's ready to retire. I had my Kenmore stored for many years and all it took was some WD40 to make it sew like a charm. Loosh gave Grama some stretchy fabric that she used part of to make a really neat scarf - she was wearing it over her lovely curls and it sort of hugged her head. This fabric was somewhat loosely woven (you could almost see through it) and delicate. She didn't want to make the poncho she had planned for it out of it anymore because it kept catching in her needle/bobbin. Grama explained that if you put tissue paper on the bottom of your fabric before putting it under the foot that your needle and bobbin won't catch and mix up the thread - making a terrible knot. Then afterward, just tear away the tissue. Loosh showed us the trim and other deals she got from Fashion Fabrics. She got some really neat things to use in creative ways for only a buck or two, such as some black beaded trim that we suggested that she use on a denim purse she plans on making. This is a store we'd all like to "tour", to be scheduled at a later meeting. Vita borrowed Loosh's YoYo book, Lucy borrowed Grama's poncho pattern, and Loosh borrowed Grama's moomoo and sweater patterns. I shared the beginnings of my very own fabric "stash" and asked for advice about how to use it to make aprons. I wanted to know how Grama chooses her colors and patterns. I'd like to continue to make aprons like Grama's because her's are so beautiful and creative, but Vita suggested that I find my own taste and start simple. Great suggestions, as I tend to try to eat the whole enchilada at once. I then shared my kid's apron idea using two wipeable place-mats (the vinyl type). We are planning to make these as our group project at our Sewing Tea, to be held at the Voltaire Street house in OB on Sunday, June 19th, at 1:00 pm. I will be having a small buffet style tea and snacks, and I plan to set up a very long table or two for room enough for everyone to create their own child's apron. Grama has donated some materials (place mats, yoyo's, and eyelet for the edges) for the group project, it's our goal for everyone at our Sewing Tea for everyone to be supplied to make one of these aprons (I will shop for some extra place mats too!) Loosh and I will bring our machines, and hopefully Vita will be able to bring hers too. We also discussed making a list of items that we could sell at a booth at one of our beach communities' farmer's markets. We are hoping Sonia, from mermaidincali.com, will come to our Sewing Tea as a guest speaker of sorts to share the how's and what's of her Etsy site. Then, at Grama's prompting, we all discussed different names for our group as Grama thought it should have something more modern and catchy. We had some pretty good laughs as we threw out some pretty wild names and looked them up (all taken), but then Grama came up with "Sew Lo Mio" and we ALL loved it. Found out it wasn't taken yet and viola! Our new name, which when we start sewing as a business will go on our labels. Exciting! Sew Much To Do (oooo that one would've worked too! Probly taken...) and so little time to do it. Don't forget to save the date for our Sewing Tea to be held on June 19th, 2011, at 1:00 pm, at 4948 Voltaire St. #2, San Diego, CA 92107. If you need directions call 818-923-1383 (Lucy).

Friday, May 20, 2011 - 10:00 am

In attendance: Grama Mary, Vita, Loosh, and Lucy. We had a time of "show and tell". Grama Mary shared some of her patterns and books. She also agreed with Vita that you should never use your paper patterns, always trace on (don't know the name of it) pattern fabric and cut out from that. This way your paper patterns stay intact. Aunt Loosh borrowed the T-shirt book and Lucy borrowed the Embroidery Fun book from Grama. Grama instructed us to never pass up a piece of good fabric and not to restrict shopping to just fabric stores - she makes wonderful aprons out of things like pillow cases (she shared an apron that she's making for Aunt Becky that is beautiful - out of a pillow case!), and other such fabric sources that you can even find at second hand stores. Grama also helped Lucy with improving her Mexican Peasant dress around the neckline. Aunt Loosh also gave a wonderful suggestion to cut the knots and use glue instead on the loose ends of the stitching (on the back of the embroidery) to make it cleaner looking because embroidery should look the same front and back. Also, to make it washable Aunt Loosh suggested iron-on material so the embriodery stiches won't come loose in the wash as the glue probably wouldn't hold forever. Aunt Loosh shared fabric remnants and patterns that she got at last weeks' sewing fair. She also shared some of her books and the mermaid doll that her friend Sonya made, as well as the link to Sonya's Etsy site which is www.mermaidincali.etsy.com. Aunt Loosh also shared more ways to get more knowledge such as a sewing cruise, fabric store run, classes, etc... Who knew there were so many different ways to get out there and learn to create?! Vita shared her Barbie doll idea using Juanita's old Barbie dolls. She will make Summer a fabric door/wall hanging with clear pockets that she can store her dolls and doll clothes in. Also she will make a purse with clear outside pockets for the dolls, and clothes and such can go in the main compartment of the purse. Genius! She also shared her remnants and more patterns for purses. Aunt Loosh showed us how to make yo-yo's using a yo-yo maker machine. She gave one to Lucy to take home, along with instructions. Aunt Loosh will ask Sonya to come share with us at the Sewing Tea to be held at Lucy's house in OB, around end of June. Our next meeting will be on Friday, the 27th of May, at 10:00 am at Grama Harrar's house. Aunt Nina will be there to share some things with us too.