Q & A: Threads

Photo Credit: Martha Bernabe

From time to time I get some really great questions! Here is another good one from Rosies!

Question: What type of thread do you suggest for laminated cotton? Oilcloth? (and chalk cloth)

Answer: Any old all-purpose thread that you have laying around will work. If you're going out to buy new thread for your project, I recommend that you go with Gutterman. Coats and Clark is fine, but if you sew for a living (like all day, everyday), I have found that Coats and Clark can make your machine a little linty. Sometimes the color and the price of Coats and Clark is just too good to pass up though, so I'll get that in a pinch.

Happy Sewing!!!

OCA Sewing Tip: Top stitching with Teflon Presser Feet

I bought a Teflon presser foot for a photoshoot for my upcoming book, Sewing with Oilcloth, that's due out in August. So, when I was making a laminated cotton apron the other day, I was pleased to have this on hand. I've always just made due with my roller foot,  but let me tell you this bad boy was worth all $48 of the precious dollars that it cost me (Bernina presser feet always cost a fortune, but not every company has such high prices for specialty feet).

Top stitching a pocket onto my laminated cotton apron was a totally breeze once I switched feet. Laminated Cotton has a tendency to get caught up under a normal presser foot or a roller foot--because of this I've ended up with little pinches and tiny pleats in my past attempts at top stitching (not pretty, not acceptable!). If you don't have a fancy Teflon Foot and don't want to invest in one, try out the tape trick, it helps a lot!!!

Happy sewing,
Kelly

Great idea! Oilcloth Upholstered Bench

I love this project, even if it makes me regret that I got rid of our own big, over-sized foot stool a couple of years ago.  Hannah from Angel Babies, Paint and Cookies reupholstered a tired old bench with the brown lace oilcloth. See the before, after and the how it's done here!

Great idea! Pillows with Chalk Cloth Applique!

 

Look what I found by chance yesterday... Merriment Designs walks you through her super cute pillows that are decked out with playful chalk cloth appliques! How cute are these? Grab a fat quarter for chalk cloth and some pretty cotton and get going!

Merriment Designs COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use this project and pattern for your own personal use. Please post a comment below or email me if you use this project so I can smile when I see that it’s being used. Craft and pass it on!