Sewing Threads Then and Now

 

As I was putting the final stitches in my latest creation, I began to wonder: What was the first thread like?  So, I decided to do some research.

What I found was absolutely amazing. Did you have any idea that early humans were using very thin animal skins and tendons? Gross! I didn't either, and if you would like to know more, feel free to read in- depth coverage on Sewalot.com

(Apparently, Wilma was stripping the carcass of the sabre-toothed tiger for thread to sew Fred's bowling shirts!)

What thread is the right thread for my next project? Well, that depends on what your next project is.  Here are some guidelines to let you know what to look for based on what you have.

All Purpose -  Pictured at the top of this post and made from cotton, or polyester, and you can sometimes even pick up the much-coveted cotton wrapped polyester thread.  These threads are usually treated with heat resistant finishes to prepare them for the earth re-entry-like friction that occurs in machine sewing.

Heavy Duty - Use this thread when sewing together denim, or canvas.  You can also use it for exterior upholstery.  It is generally thicker than all-purpose thread and is made from nylon, polyester or cotton.  You can either buy this for your machine, or smaller discs of the tough stuff for hand sewing

Pictured to the left is a collection of heavy duty thread spools.  The good thing is that when you are finished with your sewing project, they double as kite string!

Invisible Thread - This thread is the official thread of the Invisible man.  It's made from nylon mono-filament and comes in clear and smoke colors.  Typically used for fabric crafts, machine quilting and applique.
 
Quilting Thread - Both for hand quilting and machine quilting.  It can be either cotton, or cotton wrapped polyester and is usually heavier duty than the all-purpose thread of the same material.  Choose variegated colors so they blend more easily into fabrics.  You can also incorporate the above mentioned invisible thread into your next quilting project.

Upholstery Thread - This stuff is usually a synthetic material, rayon or polyester and is stronger and more heavyweight than all-purpose thread.  Exterior upholstery thread is treated with UV and weather resistance for outdoor projects.

And you just thought all threads were the same!

Thinking Outside the Box: FABRIC SOURCES

So, you're ready to tackle that new sewing project!  You've got your design in mind.  You've got your sewing machine all tuned up.  You've got the bobbins filled.  You're ready!  But how do you find the perfect fabric to go with your special project?  We can't all shop at Mood like the Project Runway designers.

So, where do we find the ideal fabric?  The answer: Almost anywhere!

Of course, there's the obvious local fabric store, but let's delve deeper.

• Check with Mom, or Grandma, or Great Aunt Matilda at that next family reunion.  Odds are good if you're looking for vintage fabrics, they're looking to have you haul away their old stuff.
• Visit your local thrift store.  If Aunt Matilda donated her attic to the local Goodwill, you can probably buy yards of it for $2.
• Talk to your friends, find out what fabrics they have.  They might have something just sitting at the bottom of their closet that they forgot about which is exactly the accent you need on that skirt you're finishing up.
• Go online, eBay, Etsy, or check Craigslist, especially the Free section.  Just found this beautiful post: "Lots of fabric: gingham, felt, flannel and much more. Free to someone who sews and can use it! Please briefly tell why you want it. "
• Get brave and venture into your local flea market, wheel and deal your way into fabric bliss.  
• Check out your neighborhood yard sales.  You would be surprised!

There are countless places to find your new fave fabric.  And, think about it, if you want to stand out in a crowd, there's no better way then by using a textile that has been out of print since your grandmother was younger than you.  And there's no better way to find it than your own way.  Just remember, it's not just a cute top, its a great story.

Sewing Tip - Organize Your Rulers

If you are like me and have waaaaay too many quilter and sewing rulers of different sizes, you know how challenging it is to store them as they tend to flop all over the place.  Here's a great way to "straighten" them out....ok, that was a lame joke;)

Most rulers have a hole at one end.  This is the side of my bookshelf.  I just drilled a screw on to the side and hang all my rulers in a neat tidy pile.  I love it!

SIDE VIEW

FRONT VIEW

Fabric Finds: In The Beginning

This beautiful print by Keri Beyer is on sale along with many other In The Beginning quilting fabrics.  Wouldn't this look fabulous on a wallet or even place mats?  This one is just $2.49 for 1/2 a yard!  These fabric deals are available HERE.

Sewing Tip - How to start a Seam

When starting a new seam on a sewing machine, the tread and needle can jam and drag your fabric down into the shaft of the needle plate.  Thus making you stop, fix the fabric, and start all over again.  This can cause frustration and a couple of colorful comments to spew from your lips.  There is a super simple way to avoid this problem!

 1.  Make your first needle puncture about 1/2" in from the back edge of your fabric, instead of the very beginning of the seam.

2.  While holding the thread tails, sew forward for a couple of stitches.  Then backstitch all the way to the back edge of the fabric.

 3.  Now sew forward again and continue sewing your garment!

How to Make Cafe Curtains in 2 hours

I've been wanting to make curtains for my kitchen nook for awhile now.  The problem is that I need curtains that provide privacy but also let in as much light as possible.  I love the idea of a french bistro cafe curtain, but was worried it would look too country instead of modern contemporary.  I found this look and was instantly smitten!

Here's my interpretation as I wanted the curtain to be recessed in the window as apposed to the rod on the outside of the frame.

I also left my blinds up at the top so I can pull the shades down at night.  These took me only 2 hours to complete and hang as I used a spring tension rod.

 (Uh, btw: taking photos from the inside of the house facing out into the sunny day is extremely challenging.  My camera kept darkening the pics!)





HOW TO MAKE CAFE CURTAINS:

SUPPLIES:

1. Suggested Fabric: sheers, light weight cotton, bleached muslin
2. Spring Tension Curtain Rod
3. Cafe Rings
4. Thread 

Wash your fabric before cutting to pre-shrink.


TOOLS:

1. Sewing Machine
2. Seam gauge or ruler
3. Yard stick
4. Iron

DETERMINING HOW MUCH FABRIC YOU NEED:

Length:
Measure your window's length and decide how long you would like your curtain.  Usually, cafe curtains are positioned at the middle length of the window, but it is not set in stone.  Add 2" for the top seam and 4" for the bottom seam.

Width:
To find the width needed,  measure your window's length and mutiply by 1.5.  You can also add 4" allowance for the side seams (1" on each end), but I did not as, I didn't want them too voluminous. 


CUTTING AND MARKING FABRIC:

 ONE PANEL

Length: Cut your fabric according to your measurements.  Finished length + 2" + 4".

Width: Cut fabric according to window width mutliplied by 1.5.  Optional: add 4" for side seams.  Cut fabric in half lengthwise into two pieces to make a set of cafe curtains for one window.

You should have 2 pieces of fabric similar to the diagram.




DIRECTIONS:

1. Use a seam gauge or ruler and fold down sides 1/2".  Press with iron.  Repeat with other side and second curtain.

2.  Fold down again 1/2" to hide raw edge. Press with iron.  Repeat. 

3.  Stitch close to folded edge.  Repeat. 

4.  Measure and fold Bottom edge 2", press.   Fold again 2", press, stitch.

Repeat with Top edge with a 1" allowance instead.

5.  Stitch closed the opening on sides for tops and bottoms.

6.  Give curtains a final press and clamp curtain clips in evenly spaced intervals.  Hang your new curtains and admire your awesomeness!







Now that I have the curtains, on to the next project!  I would love to complete the nook with this look. Wouldn't my new cafe curtains fit perfectly here, lol :)

Work in Progress-Mod Bag

Here is the next project I have been working on between school and work.  It's a very unique whimsical bag that would be great for the summer.  I hope to have the pattern done by next weekend.