Nice to hear you talk about ironing as you go along😊I’ve always told my Daughters and Grandchildren that their iron is one of their most important sewing tools!
Thank you, to me it was reminders. I had to say "NO" to a friend. She was ok with it. Whitney, I am praying for you. The videos are so good. Love learning and being reminded of what I have learned before. The best videos!
I heard this tip from someone, put a pillowcase in the trash 🗑 can instead of a bag, and put small scraps of fabric into that, once filled, sew, donate to a animal shelter, or use for your own pet.
As many years and sewing teachers in 4-H, high school and college, I somehow missed to not turn the hand wheel backwards. I don't often do that, but sometimes I do. You do hear a little bit of grinding or hard pull, so it *seems* that it would not be the right thing to do, but I don't think I was actually taught it. Good video. In high school, the teacher had us tape a little brown paper bag to the table just for threads. My area was always clean because of that. Mother, at home. had threads everywhere and cleaned it later, and sometimes very much later, so I think that was a very useful tip. All the tips are good. Thanks!
Thank you .....valuable information. I learned the hard way about keeping track of threads in the garbage after my cat ate some thread after playing with it on the floor and needed surgery for $1000 when it wrapped around inside her :(. Also saying no is spot on. I’ve had to do that when projects for other people started feeling more like a job than a fun hobby.
A great pile of advice there. Thanks. You could also add to the section of chain sewing to use a spare scrap square at the end of your run of piece sewing. This also helps reduce the thread wastage
I try to buy extra yards of stabilizer/interfacing when JoAnn has their 60% off sales and coupons. Last weekend all the Pellon fabric interfacing was 76% off for their anniversary sale, I paid $10 for six yards of Pellon Shapeflex.
Great tips Whitney. I agree with every single one of them. What’s really frustrating is when they put the child up to asking you to make them a blanket or a curtain for example. I have replies to that one too!!! No can be said in many nice ways and you get your point across!! I’m like you, if it’s gonna stress me out, then it no longer fun and enjoyable. Just say No!!! There’s a lot of things I haven’t had time or felt like making for me!!!Happy Day! 🤗☀️🦜
I totally agree. No seems to be the hardest word to say. I only like making gifts. I do not sell anything. I have to be in the mood. Watching your videos help me to get in the mood. Thank you!
You made me laugh at myself. Years ago, I handpieced a queen sized quilt , it was a grandmother's flower garden, oh yes. With little leaf shaped edging all the way around. And I decided to wait until the last stitch was in place to iron it- thinking, hey all at once is better. Lesson learned, it took hours to iron that quilt. Now. Better believe I iron every stitch.
good tips Whitney! I didn't know the measuring tips and I told myself after I get this order of 7 bears done I am going to learn to say NO!! like you said it is stress I don't need and would rather be sewing something that excites me!
Glad to hear you are practicing a little self care with firm boundaries and clear priorities in your sewing. I was just thinking you look rested and happy when you said this. Good for you. When your hobby becomes a job that takes you over, what do you do for a creatvie outlet? Yeah, take that back for yourself. Good video tips. Thanks .
Last year I made a TOOOON of bears and it went well. I was able to keep a good routine and get them done without much stress. I kept telling myself and others that after the move I would start taking orders again. That didn't happen and now I see that I probably won't ever get back to taking many orders (and I'm totally fine with that). My sewing space is in our bedroom so I can't stay up late to sew (it would keep Jeremiah up) and I only have a few moments during the day when I can do anything sewing related. We are (thankfully) in a place now where we don't need to rely on that bit of side income to cover basic bills so I'm not going to sacrifice my family time and personal time to take on orders that I'm not interested in at the current time. It is hard to tell people no (especially when they are wanting memory bears made) but my family and I come first and I'm definitely not the only person capable of making them. Because like you said it making bears had become a job and when your favorite "hobby" becomes a job what then do you do to relax?? I run into that at times with RUclips since it is a "job" based around my hobby. I get burned out some which is why I will post DIY inspirations sometimes. They are projects I make that I don't film a tutorial for. Just me enjoying sewing. Then after the fact I take pics of what I made and ramble about it for a video :) Some people complain that it's not a step by step tutorial, but at the end of the day if it wasn't for those personal projects that I relax and have fun making I wouldn't have the energy or desire to make all my other tutorials. Anyway, hope you don't mind the super long reply...I tend to ramble when it's late.
Love your last tip. You made an INCREDIBLE video on memory bears, I suggest you send whomever asks to that link so they can make their own. I love your tutorials and grateful for YOU, thank you.
Oh, I really liked #1. Never even thought of it. And #7. I have thread all over the place half the time.....thanks for the inspiration to work on that not so wonderful habit.
My standard reply when someone asks me to sew for them is: "As soon as I get through my own pile of sewing projects, I'll move onto yours." Shuts them right up. :)
I've definitely skimped on stabilizers and interfacing, and I really regretted it. Warped bags, bent needles trying to get through crazy layers, etc. Very frustrating! 100% agree on buying larger quantities too.
Keep an empty Kleenex box by your machine for all those threads. I also have one on my cutting table. LOVE your vintage class 15 machine! Tip 5 is true of all modern machines and vintage Singers but not true of all vintage Whites or Kenmores (117 model number prefix).
Glad you are learning to say "no". I had to learn to do that too. I really wanted my sewing/crafting time to be fun and not like "work" all the time. It is kind of hard to say no, because we are givers by nature but often it is best. You have a husband and kids in addition to your business, so I am sure most people understand, right?
Love these little tips and tricks! I am still new in the scheme of things and am learning mostly via your channel😁 Thanks for sharing!! PS... I know I might not be your typical subscriber (a newbie sewing person) but will you be doing more "how to read s pattern" series videos? I get super confused by pleats, darts, types of "facing" , what "bias cut" means etc etc ☺️ No worries if not but this video reminded me to ask😁 Thanks for being you!!!
Glad you liked the video! I do have a sewing pattern series, but there are only a couple of videos in it so far. Here's the playlist link - ruclips.net/p/PL6bNa81aVS4TseaVTiuGhfikiV-vCCb-5
I keep cut thread in a little container that is kept next to my sewing machine, a pin cushion that I tied to the sewing machine and a fabric container where I keep bits of cut fabric that will be tossed.
Tip #11 - keep a lint roller handy - I usually have it next to my ironing board as there are always threads there and easy to catch them before they fall :)
Your tip about putting the clipped threads into the plastic bag is especially important for cat and dog owners. Cats and dogs can get very sick and even die from eating thread.
I buy pellon p44f, pellon fusible fleece, and pellon wonder under by the bolt to keep on hand. But it depends on the type of sewing you do most as to what would be best for you to have. I wait until I have a 50 or 60% coupon or sale to buy them so it saves a ton of money.
And my usual reply to people asking if I'd make something for them is "you get the fabric and cotton and I'll set up the machine and give my time if I'm able to achieve it. " they tend not to bother buying so I ain't bothered about making for them. When they ask for clothes repairs I say I don't do clothes I only make things 😉
Basically the same there are just different qualities of fabric and some people try to only use better quality cottons for quilting so they hold up well over time. I will use the terms interchangeably to imply that it's a basic cotton fabric, not something like a cotton denim that would be too heavy for certain projects.
O, and -- I had asked a friend at church to sew something for me because I am not sewing so much now and I was thinking she was sewing for money, so I thought she could use the business. Weeks later, her situation changed and I could see the stress my *project* was causing her, so I told her she didn't need to sew that bag for me unless she got to a place where she was ready to start her business up again. By then, maybe I'll be sewing again.
Rule 11 Never loan your extra sewing machine to a family member. The instruction manual ends up lost, and you end up threading the machine and winding the bobbin anyway. (The machine is now home, safe and sound. Still minus manual.)
Nice to hear you talk about ironing as you go along😊I’ve always told my Daughters and Grandchildren that their iron is one of their most important sewing tools!
This step genuinely transformed my projects.
Tip number 9 Never tell your sewing machine you're in a hurry. Tip number 10 Make friends with your seam ripper.
Thanks for the refresher course. a gal thought I was smelling the fabric, when I measured a yard at a sale.
Thank you, to me it was reminders. I had to say "NO" to a friend. She was ok with it. Whitney, I am praying for you. The videos are so good. Love learning and being reminded of what I have learned before. The best videos!
I heard this tip from someone, put a pillowcase in the trash 🗑 can instead of a bag, and put small scraps of fabric into that, once filled, sew, donate to a animal shelter, or use for your own pet.
Great tip!
As many years and sewing teachers in 4-H, high school and college, I somehow missed to not turn the hand wheel backwards. I don't often do that, but sometimes I do. You do hear a little bit of grinding or hard pull, so it *seems* that it would not be the right thing to do, but I don't think I was actually taught it. Good video. In high school, the teacher had us tape a little brown paper bag to the table just for threads. My area was always clean because of that. Mother, at home. had threads everywhere and cleaned it later, and sometimes very much later, so I think that was a very useful tip. All the tips are good. Thanks!
Thank you .....valuable information. I learned the hard way about keeping track of threads in the garbage after my cat ate some thread after playing with it on the floor and needed surgery for $1000 when it wrapped around inside her :(. Also saying no is spot on. I’ve had to do that when projects for other people started feeling more like a job than a fun hobby.
A great pile of advice there. Thanks. You could also add to the section of chain sewing to use a spare scrap square at the end of your run of piece sewing. This also helps reduce the thread wastage
I try to buy extra yards of stabilizer/interfacing when JoAnn has their 60% off sales and coupons. Last weekend all the Pellon fabric interfacing was 76% off for their anniversary sale, I paid $10 for six yards of Pellon Shapeflex.
I try to always buy them on sale. I stock up on the ones I am running out of or don't have.
Great tips Whitney. I agree with every single one of them. What’s really frustrating is when they put the child up to asking you to make them a blanket or a curtain for example. I have replies to that one too!!! No can be said in many nice ways and you get your point across!! I’m like you, if it’s gonna stress me out, then it no longer fun and enjoyable. Just say No!!!
There’s a lot of things I haven’t had time or felt like making for me!!!Happy Day! 🤗☀️🦜
Pre-washing fabric is going to be a game changer. Why have I never considered this? Thanks for teaching an old dog new tricks.
I totally agree. No seems to be the hardest word to say. I only like making gifts. I do not sell anything. I have to be in the mood. Watching your videos help me to get in the mood. Thank you!
Thats awesome!!🧡 Can u do a video on your sewing room? And how you have everything set up.?
i agree. please do this .
I actually had to move my sewing space into our bedroom...so it's crammed into one corner and my fabric is stashed in various rooms of the house.
@@Whitney_Sews Aww ok I need some tips on organizing! Your room looks lovely from what I can see! 💜 xo
Hehe only the parts you see are organized ;)
@@Whitney_Sews 😂😂
these tips were helpful, especially the yard measurement; and the brown sewing machine in the background is unique & so cute.
You made me laugh at myself. Years ago, I handpieced a queen sized quilt , it was a grandmother's flower garden, oh yes. With little leaf shaped edging all the way around. And I decided to wait until the last stitch was in place to iron it- thinking, hey all at once is better. Lesson learned, it took hours to iron that quilt. Now. Better believe I iron every stitch.
Very good and practical tips.
good tips Whitney! I didn't know the measuring tips and I told myself after I get this order of 7 bears done I am going to learn to say NO!! like you said it is stress I don't need and would rather be sewing something that excites me!
Glad to hear you are practicing a little self care with firm boundaries and clear priorities in your sewing. I was just thinking you look rested and happy when you said this. Good for you. When your hobby becomes a job that takes you over, what do you do for a creatvie outlet? Yeah, take that back for yourself. Good video tips. Thanks .
Last year I made a TOOOON of bears and it went well. I was able to keep a good routine and get them done without much stress. I kept telling myself and others that after the move I would start taking orders again. That didn't happen and now I see that I probably won't ever get back to taking many orders (and I'm totally fine with that). My sewing space is in our bedroom so I can't stay up late to sew (it would keep Jeremiah up) and I only have a few moments during the day when I can do anything sewing related. We are (thankfully) in a place now where we don't need to rely on that bit of side income to cover basic bills so I'm not going to sacrifice my family time and personal time to take on orders that I'm not interested in at the current time. It is hard to tell people no (especially when they are wanting memory bears made) but my family and I come first and I'm definitely not the only person capable of making them. Because like you said it making bears had become a job and when your favorite "hobby" becomes a job what then do you do to relax?? I run into that at times with RUclips since it is a "job" based around my hobby. I get burned out some which is why I will post DIY inspirations sometimes. They are projects I make that I don't film a tutorial for. Just me enjoying sewing. Then after the fact I take pics of what I made and ramble about it for a video :) Some people complain that it's not a step by step tutorial, but at the end of the day if it wasn't for those personal projects that I relax and have fun making I wouldn't have the energy or desire to make all my other tutorials. Anyway, hope you don't mind the super long reply...I tend to ramble when it's late.
LOVED the tips. Thank you.
Great tips! Thanks for Sharing!🌻
Love your last tip. You made an INCREDIBLE video on memory bears, I suggest you send whomever asks to that link so they can make their own. I love your tutorials and grateful for YOU, thank you.
I have enjoyed watching you sew and would love to try a few things x
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I really liked #1. Never even thought of it. And #7. I have thread all over the place half the time.....thanks for the inspiration to work on that not so wonderful habit.
My standard reply when someone asks me to sew for them is:
"As soon as I get through my own pile of sewing projects, I'll move onto yours."
Shuts them right up. :)
Best one is I charge a lot more than you are charged in the shops because there is time stress etc etc
I've definitely skimped on stabilizers and interfacing, and I really regretted it. Warped bags, bent needles trying to get through crazy layers, etc. Very frustrating! 100% agree on buying larger quantities too.
Thank you for the great tips
Great info! Thanks for sharing.
Keep an empty Kleenex box by your machine for all those threads. I also have one on my cutting table. LOVE your vintage class 15 machine! Tip 5 is true of all modern machines and vintage Singers but not true of all vintage Whites or Kenmores (117 model number prefix).
Some very important tips thank you
Glad you are learning to say "no". I had to learn to do that too. I really wanted my sewing/crafting time to be fun and not like "work" all the time. It is kind of hard to say no, because we are givers by nature but often it is best. You have a husband and kids in addition to your business, so I am sure most people understand, right?
Awesome tips!!
Love these little tips and tricks! I am still new in the scheme of things and am learning mostly via your channel😁 Thanks for sharing!! PS... I know I might not be your typical subscriber (a newbie sewing person) but will you be doing more "how to read s pattern" series videos? I get super confused by pleats, darts, types of "facing" , what "bias cut" means etc etc ☺️ No worries if not but this video reminded me to ask😁 Thanks for being you!!!
Glad you liked the video! I do have a sewing pattern series, but there are only a couple of videos in it so far. Here's the playlist link - ruclips.net/p/PL6bNa81aVS4TseaVTiuGhfikiV-vCCb-5
Good tips. I bought a roll of that adhesive tape measure and put a few inches on the back of my phone. I'm a geek. :)
I love that idea!
I keep cut thread in a little container that is kept next to my sewing machine, a pin cushion that I tied to the sewing machine and a fabric container where I keep bits of cut fabric that will be tossed.
Thanks a lot some smart idea
very good
Tip #11 - keep a lint roller handy - I usually have it next to my ironing board as there are always threads there and easy to catch them before they fall :)
Great tip! I have to lint roll my white filming space every time, so mine is always next to me.
Your tip about putting the clipped threads into the plastic bag is especially important for cat and dog owners. Cats and dogs can get very sick and even die from eating thread.
Good tips. TFS. Tere
Thanks for the tips Whitney! QUESTION, what is your favorite 'Go To' stabilizer? If I buy a large quantity I want it to be good.
I buy pellon p44f, pellon fusible fleece, and pellon wonder under by the bolt to keep on hand. But it depends on the type of sewing you do most as to what would be best for you to have. I wait until I have a 50 or 60% coupon or sale to buy them so it saves a ton of money.
Will you please post a diy on the memory bears or post a link to one you have already posted.. thank you!,,
ruclips.net/video/TdW8j27YkIw/видео.html
😀
And my usual reply to people asking if I'd make something for them is "you get the fabric and cotton and I'll set up the machine and give my time if I'm able to achieve it. " they tend not to bother buying so I ain't bothered about making for them. When they ask for clothes repairs I say I don't do clothes I only make things 😉
Hi, this video was very helpful. Got a question, if by any chance it ask for a stabalier and don't have on hand what's and alternative?
Depends on which stabilizer it's asking for. They are definitely not all the same
@@Whitney_Sews Would felt or fleece be an option.
I have used felt as a stabilizer in a denim tote bag, but would not recommend it for anything that will be washed much because felt will shrink.
In the years before convenient interfacing, my mother cut another layer of facing out of the same conctruction fabric.
❤️❤️❤️
question : what's the difference between regular cotton fabric for sewing vs quilting fabric?
Basically the same there are just different qualities of fabric and some people try to only use better quality cottons for quilting so they hold up well over time. I will use the terms interchangeably to imply that it's a basic cotton fabric, not something like a cotton denim that would be too heavy for certain projects.
lol awesome :)
O, and -- I had asked a friend at church to sew something for me because I am not sewing so much now and I was thinking she was sewing for money, so I thought she could use the business. Weeks later, her situation changed and I could see the stress my *project* was causing her, so I told her she didn't need to sew that bag for me unless she got to a place where she was ready to start her business up again. By then, maybe I'll be sewing again.
Rule 11 Never loan your extra sewing machine to a family member. The instruction manual ends up lost, and you end up threading the machine and winding the bobbin anyway. (The machine is now home, safe and sound. Still minus manual.)
Whitney,if you haven't heard,ANDREA Mills is very ill,plz.pray for her.😊
I have been praying
I’ve been better at telling people no.