Tag: textiles

July 25, 2023

Test Driving the Mid-Arm Free Motion Sewing Machine

Ace Makerspace recently received a generous donation of a PFAFF Mid-Arm Free Motion Sewing Machine— unlike a standard sewing machine, the mid-arm doesn’t have a feed dog (a mechanism that controls the movement of the fabric underneath the needle) this allows the sewer to move the fabric in any direction to create intricate designs. Here’s a sneak peek at our first test drive and the process we go through when we introduce new tools into our programs.

We always test new tools in teams and reading the manual together is always a good place to start.

When we bring new tools into any of our programs we have a process in place to ensure that the tool is in good working order and that Ace Makers of all skill levels and identities have equitable access to both the tool and to learning opportunities. This work is often coordinated and/or performed by Stewardship Teams— Ace Community Members who volunteer to help lead their favorite Ace Programs— and involves testing the tool both for function and to determine what kind of training, user guides and resources need to be developed before it’s made available to the rest of the community. For this project, Textiles Stewardship Team Member, Liat (you may also know her from Hello Stitch) called in a couple of friends to help out.

After reading the manual they turned it on the machine to see if it worked. The sound it made was a little bit louder than they expected which can be a sign that it needs a little oiling. Since it this was a new machine for them, they debated the topic for the minute and decided to go for it.

Oiling the Mid-Arm.

Finally, it was time to thread the machine and try some free-motion sewing! (Liat made an extra tasty “quilt sandwich”— a quilt top, batting, and quilt bottom layered together—for practicing on).

Does it work? It does!

Playing with the midarm and pondering what a certification class might look like.

Taking a look at the thread tension. It needs a slight adjustment. “This may be something to consider teaching in a certification class.”

Ace Communications Associate, Jacky gets in on the fun!

Successful test drive!

June 30, 2023

Knit Blocking With Pixie

It all started when Pixie’s college friend asked her to knit him a glamourous rainbow shawl for his wedding! They selected a pattern to serve as a starting point, planned the color story, did a little math to figure out how much yarn it would take, and found a dyer (Pook Yarns) to create a custom gradient. Then it was time to start knitting.

On 11/19/22 she officially cast on–a technique for creating the first row of stitches on the needle…

Top: Preliminary sketch of the color scheme. Pixie told her friend “you can be as much of a bridezilla as you want” and received a lengthy list of hex codes in return (html color codes). Bottom left: apx.1000 meters of hand-dyed yarn from Pook Yarns. Image from Pook Yarns. Bottom Right: Pixie improvised a little as she knit to extend the pattern.

…6 months later she finished the last stitch and the shawl was ready for blocking!

See that curly edge? Once it’s blocked it will look totally different.

Blocking describes a finishing process used by knitters and crocheters to even out their stitches and set the shape and size for their pieces. It involves wetting the fabric, stretching it until it’s just right, and allowing it to set as it dries.

Pixie soaked the shawl and carefully wrung out the water before the next step. Tip: Use lukewarm water for blocking.

Pixie used a foam mat and T-pins to hold the shawl in place. Tip: Insert pins at a slight angle for stability.

Since Pixie improvised a little to extend the pattern as she knit, she wasn’t entirely sure what the final shape would look like. Though she started pinning the outer edge into sharp points, she decided to re-pin it with a scalloped edge to better showcase the lace details. She also wasn’t sure what shape the neckline would take and re-pinned it several times to get it just right.

Pixie checks to make sure the shawl is stretched evenly. Each minor adjustment means removing and re-inserting pins until it’s just right. Tip: Allow extra ease when you cast off–technique for finishing the last row–so that the yarn doesn’t snap as you block.

Stretching is an art. You have to fiddle with it to see what happens -Pixie

Pixie posing with her blocked shawl after almost 2 hours of pinning, tweaking the shape, and carefully stretching the delicate lace.

Once she finished blocking she allowed it to dry overnight and then removed the pins.

The moment of truth! Check out that scalloped edge!

Pixie tries on her finished piece!

May 30, 2023

Seeking Textiles Inspiration at Stonemountain

We’ll never pass up an opportunity to frolic with giddy abandon at Stonemountain & Daughter Fabrics! It’s a magical place teaming with vibrant fabrics, notions, and specialty sewing supplies.

Liz and Jacky pose in front of vivid bolts of red fabric.

We went to stock up on fabrics for our beginner-friendly Tote Bag Project Kits, find inspiration for future textiles classes, and buy extra supplies for our first ever Visible Mending Workshop—inspired by Sashiko, a traditional style of Japanese embroidery used to preserve clothing.

Liz browses for blue, black, and/or white denim and cotton fabric for students to use as patches at during our Visible Mending Workshop.

Jacky shows off a cornucopia of colorful Sashiko embroidery thread.

Liz and Rachel admire fabric with bright floral panels. Not exactly right for patches or Tote Bag Project Kits, but super pretty!

Rachel discovers an amazing sequined unicorn patch on the way to the cut table.

Found the perfect fabrics for visible mending and a “Sashiko” pocket guide full of incredible designs and helpful tips!

And playful Fabrics for Tote Kits!

April 19, 2023

Terry Stitcher’s Epic Year of Quilting

Terry showing off her favorite “Lantern Quilt” for a “Reddit-style quilt photo.”

Terry’s been sewing most of her life, but until last spring (2022) had never tried quilting. Now, one year later, she’s made 13 quilt tops and counting! When you ask what prompted her to start, she isn’t exactly sure apart from her “fabric hoarding” tendencies.

I’ve started thinking about my life as a maker life. Making things has always been my favorite part of every job I’ve ever had.

The inspiration for her quilts tends to come from the fabrics she’s collected over the years and her experiences both past and present. She made her first quilt at Ace from a stash of batik and paisley shirts she no longer wears but couldn’t bear to part with.

This block from Terry’s first quilt represents her past as a ceramic sculptor and features her “signature fabric” with a vessel motif.

She uses a special notebook to sketch and plan the layout letting the basic shapes in the fabric dictate what “kind of quilt they want to be.”

Terry showing her preliminary sketch for her “Angry Birds” crow quilt.

Terry talks about how the shape of this tie-dye skirt inspired the curved pattern for her quilt.

You can really see the how the skirt shape and fabric influenced the design for this quilt top.

While she really enjoys the process of making quilt tops, she tends to procrastinate on assembly admitting to a closet full of UFOs (unfinished objects).

It took Terry two tries to get this quilt sandwich pinned.

Terry’s “Racoon” quilt top.

What’s Next?

Terry is getting really into playing with embroidery, applique, and geometric shapes. She’s also planning a Scrub Jay quilt inspired by the birds she and her partner hand feed in their neighborhood.

This embroidered quilt square represents Terry’s experience teaching her parakeet to say, “You’re pretty smart.”

Terry’s Tips and Takeaways for New Quilters

“Don’t go it alone.” Find community whether its online, at Ace, or a local quilting guild.
Try a smaller project like quilted oven mitts or throw pillows to learn the mechanics.
It’s helpful to have a space to work away from the distractions at home (like Ace).

Terry examines her finished “Angry Birds” crow quilt.