Sew Oregon is in full swing and WOW have we been busy! Hello and thank you to all the wonderful shop hoppers from all over! It's been a blast visiting with you :-)
So in case you're wondering, "Hey, Lauren...why all the Halloween posts and no quilting posts?" that is because I've been so busy with store stuff I have had zero time to work on projects and get articles posted. I begrudgingly admit that the Halloween posts are getting automated and are through the end of the month, because I know I don't have a lot of time right now to dedicate to for real blogging.
Once Sew Oregon is over, Mom and I are venturing over to Houston, TX for the International Quilt Market - Waffle Houses beware! Quilts and hashbrowns...heaven? Yes. But anyway, time is so limited that my quiltiong posts are few and a bit far between this month. I'll try and get some new ones up and automate them out, but I can't promise. But I hope the Halloween stuff is entertaining and inspiring you as much as it does me!
Happy quilting, everyone!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Lovely Frankenstein's 31 Days of Halloween: Where did Halloween Come from?
***Halloween has, in some religious and cultural communities, a profoundly negative reputation. This article seeks to be as neutral and respectful as possible in this regard. I will be making no personal judgement calls as I talk about different religious and spiritual belief systems regardless of they connotations they hold in Western society. I ask that is you choose to comment, that all comments be kept respectful for all.***
Yes, as though it weren't completely obvious, I'm a Halloween fanatic. Why? I think for me it's a mixture of things: I've always liked things that are a bit off color, a little weird and not what most people are drawn to. That I can't explain. Ever since I was a little kid I've been attracted to Halloween, that is, as soon as my Mom explained to me that mummies can't come back from the dead and eat you. Yes, I even liked Egyptian mummies as a little kid too. What can I say, I've always been weird :-) But after Mom cleared that little detail up, Halloween was my thing. October fall is one of my favorite times of year; it's not cold, but there is a definite chill in the air, and the air itself smells like fallen leaves. Yankee Candle, your "Autumn" smell has nothing on the real McCoy. But that late October by nature has a kind of spooky feel as everything just begins to transition to winter. The trees are almost bare, the foliage is dying, animals begin to hibernate, and the migratory birds are mostly gone. It's weirdly quiet, it's just a little creepy by nature, and I have always liked that. Again, there's no explanation for it, it just is what it is. But all of the Halloween things - the monsters, the pumpkins, the paranormal, the trick or treating (and now that I'm just a kid at heart, the trick or treaters), the thrill of being scared but in no real danger, the chance to for one day be something you could never be even with the help of the most advanced science, the entertaining, the tomfoolery, the cute, the funny, the dark and the scary - everything (well, everything non criminal), it appeals to me and gives me joy.
But much unlike other holidays and observances such as Christmas, Hannukah, Easter, or Ramadan, not much thought is given to the origins of Halloween and why we celebrate it much less why some of us love it. Depending on who you ask, Halloween is either a commercial candy company holiday, a dark devil-worshippy holiday or it's just a holiday made up so people have an excuse to dress up and act fools in a socially acceptable context. But even for a Halloween nut like me, the origins of the holiday and why it's as widespread as it is, is a little bit mysterious. I suppose that's also part of the appeal for many people - we don't know WHY we celebrate it with ghosts and bats and pumpkins, we just do! But here is a little bit of history into the origins of Halloween.
Halloween can be, at its earliest, loosely attributed to Celtic Pagan observance of Samhain (pronounced SOW-inn), the Feast of the Dead, though this prospect is the subject of debate through the historical and religious communities. In Celtic Pagan belief, the Feast of the Dead is to honor and celebrate those who have passed - for them, it was not a morbid affair - and it was believed that the barrier between the living world and the spirit world is the thinnest at the end of October and beginning of November. The Feast of the Dead is held to allow the spirits of loved ones when they are most able to pass between world to celebrate with those who are still living. With the spirits present, it was believed that they brought knowledge of the future. Druid priests would try to determine the future, and the Pagan at the celebration would dress up and try to tell each others fortunes for entertainment. Though death and the dead were the focus of this celebration, it wasn't not all about spirits. For the Pagans, death symbolized transition and changes in ones life, and Samhain was the time to take stock of one's life and consider the changes that have occurred or that must be made. Modern day Pagans still celebrate this holiday, though the rituals and observances have altered to reflect their culture changes over the years.
Over hundreds of years, the Celtic tradition of Samhain became subject to the burgeoning Catholic influence over the region, much as the Celtic people themselves. Samhain was replaced by a the Christian paradigm in the form of All Hallows Eve (October 31), All Saint's Day (November 1), and All Souls Day (November 2). The Church retained the timing of Samhain while replacing the spirits and fortune telling with Catholic stories and practices. The Halloween we know is a combination of all three. All Hallows Eve is when the souls lost to Purgatory were said to roam the earth, and so fires were lit to keep the spirits at bay. All Saints Day was a day of observance for the Saints who died as matryrs in the name of Jesus Christ and the Church. All Souls say was the day of prayer for the souls all of the dead. As time progressed, ouside of the Catholic Church, the three days of observance were combined into one Halloween.
So then knowing that, why do we dress up, hand out candy, and willingly surround ourselves with all things spooky? Well, those Halloween traditions are a story for another day.
Lovely Frankenstein's 31 Days of Halloween: Printable Poster
Craftily Ever After is another really good craft blog and Jessica has got a great printable poster perfect for your Halloween home and parties.
You know those "Keep calm and Carry On" posters? It's like that, only it's this:
Yeah. How cool is that?! I all ready have mine printed out and it's ready to get put in a spooky frame I found and get set for the Halloween Cocktail party. Get yours HERE. Thanks Jessica!
You know those "Keep calm and Carry On" posters? It's like that, only it's this:
Yeah. How cool is that?! I all ready have mine printed out and it's ready to get put in a spooky frame I found and get set for the Halloween Cocktail party. Get yours HERE. Thanks Jessica!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Lovely Frankenstein's 31 Days of Halloween: Eyeball Wreath
Here's another creepy one from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.
Though, today it seems like it's a pretty spooky life in the suburbs when people see this fun and strange wreath hanging up! I absolutely love it! how great would that look in a mad scientist themed haunted house? Hmm... I'd make it if I had more time, but this month time is really, really limited so I think it'll have to wait until next year.
This would be fun to make with kids, if they're of the Halloweenish persuasion!
CLICK HERE for the How-To. Thanks Joanna!
Though, today it seems like it's a pretty spooky life in the suburbs when people see this fun and strange wreath hanging up! I absolutely love it! how great would that look in a mad scientist themed haunted house? Hmm... I'd make it if I had more time, but this month time is really, really limited so I think it'll have to wait until next year.
This would be fun to make with kids, if they're of the Halloweenish persuasion!
CLICK HERE for the How-To. Thanks Joanna!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, it's Technical: Choosing the Right Thread for the Job
Thread is one of those things that, unless we're choosing it for the top quilting, we don't think about much. We have "our thread" and we like what we like and that's what we use. Me? I tend to stay with Guterman 50wt. black in the top thread, and that, or Superior Bottom Line gray in the bobbin. I vary very little from that, but I'm starting to find that yeah, I really do need to change it up sometimes depending on what I'm doing. But honestly, I didn't know how I should be changing my threads and why, so I did a little bit of research about the different threads, when and why they're used. I hope you find this as helpful as I did!
Thread Basics 101
Thread Weights
Yes, just like wire, thread comes in "gauges," referred to as the thread's weight. The higher the number, the finer the thread. A good middle weight thread, and most commonly available is 50wt. and it will get the job done with most moderate thickness fabrics, like flannel, cotton, batik. 60wt. is more intended for bobbin thread, or sewing with lightweight fabrics like chiffon. A 40wt. thread is best served for things like cordouroy, canvas, and denim; its thickness will prevent it from breaking as it is pushed through the heavier fabrics.
Cotton
Cotton really is your go-to thread. It works well for most projects, is quite durable and comes in every color under the sun and is reasonably priced. Cotton thread is "Mercerized" meaning it has undergone a process to give it smoothness and a bit of luster and it accepts dye well. It is always wise to use thread to match your fabric, since with lower quality threads (as with fabric) the dye can bleed. It is good to use when you're sewing cottons, rayons or linens. Cotton has very little give to it, so if you're sewing knits or anything in which you need to retain stretch in the seams, cotton is not the right thread for the job.
Polyester
Polyester is widely available, and the subject of hot thread debate (who knew?). There are some who swear by polyester and who will use nothing but, and there are others who completely refuse to use the stuff. I suppose it comes down to personal preference, as with most things, but consider your purpose. Polyester doesn't shrink or fade, because it is a synthetic fiber, and as such it is intended for use with other synthetic fibers. It works well with knits, polyester, and cotton.
Rayon
It is lustrous and a great thread for decorative stitching. It is a synthetic fiber with little give, so it's not suited to anything with stretch (unless in the capacity of embellishment, not seams). It does have a tendency to slip out of machine needles and break, so it can be a little trying in the patience department, but the effect is worth it. It can be used in seams in a pinch, but it's not really the best choice for the piecing work.
Nylon/Monofilament
Nylon thread is meant for synthetics when used in a seam. It is mainly used for top quilting, as it is "invisible" and very forgiving as it embeds in the fabric well to hide stitching errors. While after completion it is very strong, it can snap when sewn in too fast. Some nylons are iron safe, and some are not - it depends greatly on quality and whether they are coated with another heat-safe substance or not. Use a Metallics needle for best results in a sewing machine.
Silk
Silk is perfect for hand applique. It hides well in the fabric and glides through the pieces like a dream. It is on the spendy side, though. It is best suited for "luxury" fabrics because of its cost and its natural sheen. It is also very strong, but you will also find a more limited array of color. It also works well for garments, because it can easily be hidden and it isn't bulky.
Wool
Wool thread is meant less for seams and more for embellsihment and hand applique. The common wool traits are applicable here - it is thicker, coarser and more expensive than your usualy cotton or polyester. You can use them in a machine, but you will need a larger eye for your needle and they fuzz like crazy, so clean out your bobbin case regularly.
Metallics
These are meant for embellishment and top quilting only. It snaps easily, making it a beast to work with, so this is not at all suitable for seamwork - besisde, you won't see that gorgeous shine in a seam anyway. These have a very striking effect on a quilt or garment, but can over power too. To cut down on snapping, use a Metallic needle in your machine for best results.
Considerations
As with all choices in material you can make, consider your purpose. Choose a thread that is best suited to what you're doing and how your item will be treated. Take into consideration the type of fabric you're sewing and its strength versus the strength of the thread - if they are too different in durability, the thread can wear through the fabric over time and create holes, or the wear on the fabric will snap the thread. Needle Pointers suggests that you choose a thread of the same matrial as your fabnric, and the same size as the weave of the fabric to ensure equality in strength. They also suggest, if equality isn't possible, to choose a thread weaker than the fabric - a broken thread is easier to repair than shredded fabric. Always test for colorfastness and be aware of how it will shrink in the wash versus your fabric. If it shrinks more, then it will create puckers which gives a quilt a more antique look. If it shrinks less, the puckers aren't created. Do you want your stitches to show or not? If you do, use a contrasting color or a thread with a different luster than your fabric; if not, choose the same color or luster as your fabric.
Remember, just like fabric, you get what you pay for. While 5 for $1 thread is a bargain for your wallet, it is as cheap as it is inexpensive, and unless it is a major brand on markdown, it will tend to snap, stretch, shrink, fray, fade, and ravel more than the higher quality (and higher cost) threads which will in turn affect the quality of your work. There are many high quality threads out there, and you have to try several to find what you like and what your machine likes best. I prefer Guetermann or Presencia for my top thread, and Superior Bottom Line for my bobbin thread for piecing and applique (we have these at the shop). I'm really partial to Superior Monofilament and Sulky Holoshimmer for decorative quilting. You'll have to find your thread brand of choice for yourself and change up your fiber content for the project at hand.
Sources and More Information
All Free Crafts' article on Thread
Textiles in Depth
eHow
Needle Pointers - explore this one...there is A LOT of information.
Best Sewing Machines' Thread Tips
Thread Basics 101
Thread Weights
Yes, just like wire, thread comes in "gauges," referred to as the thread's weight. The higher the number, the finer the thread. A good middle weight thread, and most commonly available is 50wt. and it will get the job done with most moderate thickness fabrics, like flannel, cotton, batik. 60wt. is more intended for bobbin thread, or sewing with lightweight fabrics like chiffon. A 40wt. thread is best served for things like cordouroy, canvas, and denim; its thickness will prevent it from breaking as it is pushed through the heavier fabrics.
Cotton
Cotton really is your go-to thread. It works well for most projects, is quite durable and comes in every color under the sun and is reasonably priced. Cotton thread is "Mercerized" meaning it has undergone a process to give it smoothness and a bit of luster and it accepts dye well. It is always wise to use thread to match your fabric, since with lower quality threads (as with fabric) the dye can bleed. It is good to use when you're sewing cottons, rayons or linens. Cotton has very little give to it, so if you're sewing knits or anything in which you need to retain stretch in the seams, cotton is not the right thread for the job.
Polyester
Polyester is widely available, and the subject of hot thread debate (who knew?). There are some who swear by polyester and who will use nothing but, and there are others who completely refuse to use the stuff. I suppose it comes down to personal preference, as with most things, but consider your purpose. Polyester doesn't shrink or fade, because it is a synthetic fiber, and as such it is intended for use with other synthetic fibers. It works well with knits, polyester, and cotton.
Rayon
It is lustrous and a great thread for decorative stitching. It is a synthetic fiber with little give, so it's not suited to anything with stretch (unless in the capacity of embellishment, not seams). It does have a tendency to slip out of machine needles and break, so it can be a little trying in the patience department, but the effect is worth it. It can be used in seams in a pinch, but it's not really the best choice for the piecing work.
Nylon/Monofilament
Nylon thread is meant for synthetics when used in a seam. It is mainly used for top quilting, as it is "invisible" and very forgiving as it embeds in the fabric well to hide stitching errors. While after completion it is very strong, it can snap when sewn in too fast. Some nylons are iron safe, and some are not - it depends greatly on quality and whether they are coated with another heat-safe substance or not. Use a Metallics needle for best results in a sewing machine.
Silk
Silk is perfect for hand applique. It hides well in the fabric and glides through the pieces like a dream. It is on the spendy side, though. It is best suited for "luxury" fabrics because of its cost and its natural sheen. It is also very strong, but you will also find a more limited array of color. It also works well for garments, because it can easily be hidden and it isn't bulky.
Wool
Wool thread is meant less for seams and more for embellsihment and hand applique. The common wool traits are applicable here - it is thicker, coarser and more expensive than your usualy cotton or polyester. You can use them in a machine, but you will need a larger eye for your needle and they fuzz like crazy, so clean out your bobbin case regularly.
Metallics
These are meant for embellishment and top quilting only. It snaps easily, making it a beast to work with, so this is not at all suitable for seamwork - besisde, you won't see that gorgeous shine in a seam anyway. These have a very striking effect on a quilt or garment, but can over power too. To cut down on snapping, use a Metallic needle in your machine for best results.
Considerations
As with all choices in material you can make, consider your purpose. Choose a thread that is best suited to what you're doing and how your item will be treated. Take into consideration the type of fabric you're sewing and its strength versus the strength of the thread - if they are too different in durability, the thread can wear through the fabric over time and create holes, or the wear on the fabric will snap the thread. Needle Pointers suggests that you choose a thread of the same matrial as your fabnric, and the same size as the weave of the fabric to ensure equality in strength. They also suggest, if equality isn't possible, to choose a thread weaker than the fabric - a broken thread is easier to repair than shredded fabric. Always test for colorfastness and be aware of how it will shrink in the wash versus your fabric. If it shrinks more, then it will create puckers which gives a quilt a more antique look. If it shrinks less, the puckers aren't created. Do you want your stitches to show or not? If you do, use a contrasting color or a thread with a different luster than your fabric; if not, choose the same color or luster as your fabric.
Remember, just like fabric, you get what you pay for. While 5 for $1 thread is a bargain for your wallet, it is as cheap as it is inexpensive, and unless it is a major brand on markdown, it will tend to snap, stretch, shrink, fray, fade, and ravel more than the higher quality (and higher cost) threads which will in turn affect the quality of your work. There are many high quality threads out there, and you have to try several to find what you like and what your machine likes best. I prefer Guetermann or Presencia for my top thread, and Superior Bottom Line for my bobbin thread for piecing and applique (we have these at the shop). I'm really partial to Superior Monofilament and Sulky Holoshimmer for decorative quilting. You'll have to find your thread brand of choice for yourself and change up your fiber content for the project at hand.
Sources and More Information
All Free Crafts' article on Thread
Textiles in Depth
eHow
Needle Pointers - explore this one...there is A LOT of information.
Best Sewing Machines' Thread Tips
Lovely Frankenstien's 31 Days of Halloween: Make Shrunken Heads from Apples
Because I love ALL things Halloween, from the adorable to the creepy, from the lighthearted to the downright scary, this post caters to the creepier side of the spectrum.
Now, if you're like me, then you like your Halloween decor a little more macabre than the average ghoul (yeah, I went there). CLICK HERE to get to the Craft Bits Halloween page (an excellent project resource, by the way) to find out how to make creepy shrunken heads (if you don't know what a shrunken head is, or what one looks like, I invite you to Google it yourself...it's a little on the freaky side to see) from little more than an apple and some lemon juice. Aside from the not being real heads, they're pretty convincing! I'll be making a few of these for my upcoming Halloween Cocktail party.
Now, if you're like me, then you like your Halloween decor a little more macabre than the average ghoul (yeah, I went there). CLICK HERE to get to the Craft Bits Halloween page (an excellent project resource, by the way) to find out how to make creepy shrunken heads (if you don't know what a shrunken head is, or what one looks like, I invite you to Google it yourself...it's a little on the freaky side to see) from little more than an apple and some lemon juice. Aside from the not being real heads, they're pretty convincing! I'll be making a few of these for my upcoming Halloween Cocktail party.
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