Does a blog post have to focus on one particular project, technique or idea?  Maybe, but not today. Lets just have a sewing “conversation” about nothing in particular. Like an episode of Seinfeld, which was “a show about nothing”.    Lets just hang around and talk. Join in with your comments.

1. Pins should face the same way on a magnetic pincushion.   Otherwise there’re lots of pin pricks and discomfort. Guess how I came across this gem; heh, my fingers used to be at the dangerous end of these very sharp, very thin pins until I started to face all of them one way on the magnetic pincushion. Now I pull out a pin by it’s head from one side of the pincushion. No, I’m not OCDC, just a seamstress with pin holes in my hands. Ouch.
2. Pre-waxed hand sewing thread is available! Well, the picture is just a snapshot of my sewing room corner.  I believe you already know that hand sewing thread should be bees-waxed and ironed (to set the wax in the thread) before hand sewing. I just found out from this YouTube account from a very nice gentleman tailor that pre-waxed and pre-cut thread lengths are available commercially, which will save some sewing time. Not sure where they can be purchased, though. Maybe a tailor’s shop? Sorry, I could not find the particular video by Mr. Jim where he mentions the pre-waxed thread.  Maybe you want to browse through the videos. They are informative.
3. Thread a hand sewing needle with the nap, as it is coming off the spool. Speaking of hand sewing, I’m not sure where this tip came from. So, if the tip-giver is reading this, thank you!
4. Take a hammer to bulky points, usually done on jeans hems. This time I used it on that snob of a fabric called silk velvet.  It worked! The other layer is cotton in this item, but the bulk at the collar/ felt neckline seam was beady and irritating, so I took an extreme measure. I hammered it into submission; do not overdo the hammering, though.  Disclaimer: I DO NOT recommend it in all cases. You be the “decider” and hammer a sample first. “Decider” is a funny term; is it a legitimate term in the English language?
5. Have you looked at this new blog Uh Oh Embroidery? The writer is Nicole, and I love her posts! There is little content there because it’s a brand new blog, but what’s there is terrific. Don’t you love the premise of the blog? It focuses on machine embroidery oopsies and how to save them.  Non-embroiderers will also like Nicole’s fun site. Go give her some love. No, she does not pay me to say this. I just like to pass along good things.
6. Which of the following is correct?    a) Pressure foot      b) Presser foot
7. I’ve been saving this Michael Kors top for re-fashioning, but cannot focus on how or what. The sleeves are billowy and raglan, and the neckline is way too wide.   I could remove the sleeves and use the embroidered sleeve border to make a stand up collar close to the neck (throwback to the 60s). That would make it a halter-like item, and I don’t do halters. Any other ideas? By the way, this belonged to one of my daughters. My daughters are a great resource for good clothing which can be re-fashioned for myself.  I’m still consciously working on busting my stash, though.
8. Because what’s a conversation among sewing enthusiasts without sharing a stash item?    I love this silk crepe with a New York print, purchased in New York City! It is a 15 year old old stash inhabitant. Maybe it will see light of day in 2017.

Have a great rest of the summer, friends! Keep on sewin’.

Samina