Tips & Tricks from the Sewing Room
I have been happily quilting my way through the first decades of this millennium and don’t plan on stopping any time soon. When living and working in the big city, I was pretty much alone with my sewing. I didn’t have a local quilt shop to call ‘home’ and never had enough time to get good at it. Since we retired in 2019 and moved to the small town of Madelia, MN I’ve had the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the process rather than always trying to squeeze in time to cut a few pieces or sew a block or two and move the project forward.
What I have learned is that slowing down and carefully executing each step makes for less frustration and much better outcomes. I always hear comments about how fast I get things done. It took me a while to figure this out as I certainly don’t feel like I’m speedy in my sewing room. I think it’s because I’ve slowed down, enjoying each step. Being careful with reading the pattern, cutting and labeling, sewing blocks with 1/4” seams, and pressing along the way, makes for less ripping and frustration.
I have found that adding a step or two—basting, pinning, trimming—makes for less work, not more. I’d like to share a tip or two with you and if you have a question or comment, would love to hear from you.
Sew Sincerely,
Mary