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So you've taken a Sewing Machine lesson with me, you've got your machine set up and ready... now what? People ask me what a good sewing beginner project is, and I always say-- pajama pants! They are typically only 4 pieces to put together, and there is no special fitting necessary. They work well in woven fabrics, which are easier for beginners to start sewing with. If the pattern only lists knit fabrics, move on to the next one. Fran Pajamas from Closet Core, available thro

Here are some tips for picking out a sewing pattern that will help you before you start. I'll be referring to aspects of physical patterns (usually come as paper pieces in envelopes) but this should apply to digital patterns as well. A digital pattern should come with everythign that a traditional paper pattern does-- size chart, recommended fabrics, pattern pieces and good instructions. If any of these are missing, it's a dud. #1 Know your measurements! You'll want to tak

So, my art studio has started having their holiday-style event the second week of December, which happens to always be when my birthday lands for several years in a row. I'll be open Saturday, December 13th from 12pm-5pm for an open studio, with holiday treats, decorations and maybe some party favors. As always, yeah, I hope someone comes in and says, "I need to buy ONE OF EACH for everyone I know!" but a few hours of art talk and community are really all I ask for. Last ope

Thanks to all who came out to my open studio-- the weekend really threatened rain, but I was talking to people all day. This was the first open studio where I was really pushing my sewing lessons -- it's great when you figure out what people want, and it's something you can offer. Saw a friend that I have had in my needle felting classes at Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp ( go! ) , and it's always so strange and wonderful to see someone you only see once a year step out

So you're trying to use your sewing machine, and the stitches are messed up! The thread keeps getting wound knottily around the bobbin, stitches are getting skipped, the whole thing is a mess. It's probably one of three problems: top thread, bobbin thread, or the needle. First off, if you're noticing nests or bad stitches or the machine's fouled up and won't move- IS YOUR PRESSER FOOT DOWN? Sorry for yelling, but go ahead and fix that, ok? Don't sew with the presser foot in

When I teach beginners, I try to emphasize that, while you may be scared to start sewing, nothing about it is inherently scary. When I am gone and someone is reading my eulogy, I'm pretty certain the only thing they'll be able to say I "always" said, is, "Nothing explodes, nothing spills, nothing stains" regarding sewing. It's an art form I've always been drawn to because it's not particularly time-intensive to set up or clean up. Start, stop, come back to it a year later--

Sewing machines are genius. Absolute marvels, without which we would definitely not be dressed as well as we are now (unless very, very...

How do you name something that may be new? There's definitely the hurdle of convincing yourself you've really done something unique, but...

Meet Tara de la Garza-- she gets her inspiration from the vast waste that comes from us humans, and makes beautiful things. Her current...

More info about the monthly Queer Craft Club at the Jumbo Jibbles studio in San Jose.

I've been shopping on Etsy since 2005. Yes, let your jaw hit the floor. I bought a little zine, and I wondered, "What does Etsy mean?" A...

Are you plagued with imposter's syndrome? It's ok, pretty normal. I've been getting through it lately after my therapist told me to make...

You know you're meeting people on the worst day of their life, usually, so it's not always pleasant. Tomorrow is the free Stuffed Animal...

Doing a little weird public service next Saturday-- drop-in hours for the Stuffed Animal Hospital. Bring in your messed-up stuffies and I...