On edge...

Topstitching is one of those things that can either make or break a project. It adds so much durability and detail to a seam, but it must be straight and even to give a nice finish. I usually topstitch 1/8" from an edge or seam. Edgestitching is topstitching that is even closer to an edge or seam - more like 1/16" . The pattern I'm working on right now involves edgestitching at the hems, neckline, and facings. It gives a very professional finish, and isn't any more difficult than topstitching.

Edgestitching can be done with a basic sewing machine foot. I've been using my clear one because I like to see what is going on with the fabric under the foot. It is just a matter of finding the proper needle position, a reference point for the edge on the foot, and keeping the fabric in line and feeding evenly.

Edgestitching can also be used to hold very thin folds in place. The facing below was edge finished with zig-zag stitching and ironed into a narrow fold.

I aligned the center of the presser foot with the folded edge and set the needle to a good edgestitching position. This put the stitching right through the center of the fold, giving a nice little hem to the facing.

Edgestitching can also be used to attach a facing directly to the inside or the outside of a garment.

As I mentioned, edgestitching isn't technically difficult, it just requires focus and patience...two things that I lack. If I'm in a happy place sewing-wise, I'll often zone out and run off the road, so to speak. And if I'm in a huff and not in the mood to sew, I tend to speed and have terrible accidents. For piecing fabrics, I have a quarter-inch foot that does wonders for keeping me in line, no matter what my state of mind. I did a little research on the web, hoping there was a similar foot to help me with my edgestitching. I found that a couple of machine manufacturers make edgestitching feet, but not mine. So I went to my local dealer and just asked for the heck of it. The owner actually gave me a couple of options, but steered me towards the Ditch Quilting Foot.

It has a blade in the center that acts as guide for stitching right inside or very close to a seam.

It also works like a dream for edgestitching!

This is one of those things I wish I had learned about 20 years ago. It wasn't very expensive, and it is going to make such a difference in my sewing. Now I can just cruise along in la-la land, edgestitching with speed and accuracy.

Fun, Hon!

My best girls from Upstate NY are here this weekend!!! Caryn (on the left) comes to town twice a year to sell incredible jewelry with her husband Cole at the Sugarloaf Craft festival. She is also a fellow YCMT author! She is THE Pie Girl who shares her secrets to delectable fillings and an amazing crust in this eBook. We've had so many amazing feasts at her house, and those gatherings were greatly missed when we moved away from Ithaca. I'm so happy that we still get to reconnect in various cities. This time she brought along sweet Julie (on the right), another wonderful foodie friend. She owned the Cabbagetown Cafe in the 70's and 80's, and is a well-known vegetarian cookbook author. Needless to say, when these two come to town, we eat lots of healthy, delicious food.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, and we spent the afternoon in Hampden, the hippest, quirkiest, most delightful little neighborhood in Baltimore. It is home to the Honfest, a celebration of beehive hairdos, horned-rimmed glasses, and all things kitschy. Our first stop was Cafe Hon.

Of course Louie had to wear a retro Bowling Shirt. Julie stole the spotlight in a Sis Boom Tunic by Jennifer Paganelli. I've never seen a grown-up get so many compliments on a shirt! Even Elvis noticed! It was absolutely perfect for her and she was so happy and comfortable in it.

Can you tell what these ornaments are made out of? And don't you just love yoda??? So clever!

The shopping in Hampden is beyond description. I've never seen so many artsy, fun shops on one block. We spent hours browsing and even came home with a few treasures.

Louie was a great sport and completely amused in most of the stores. He was really impressed to see that "big boy pants" were available in size Squirrel! Today we are out to enjoy more lovely weather and of course, more shopping!

Nesting

Yesterday, I found something very special perched upon our springy wreath!



Inside are three perfect little robin's eggs.




Mom is understandably a little shy when we are outside, but she always stays near her nest.

I'm so happy she decided to build her home on our home! After three moves in as many years, I've become resistant to nesting. It just seems like every time I do something outrageous (and time consuming) to the garden, walls, or windows, we get transferred. The last two moves, I bounced right back and went into a decorating frenzy even before unpacking. This time, I just didn't have it in me. I've hung some pictures on the wall, painted a few rooms (Louie's room was done up in pink), but really haven't had the urge to make the space "mine." Even so, it has a comfortable, homey feel, and I'm very happy to live and work here. I'm planning to do things bit by bit, and hope that we can stay awhile.

I'm in the process of transplanting perennials from the choked-up raised bed to a new border. It is a bit overwhelming because there are so many plants. I can identify most of them by their foliage, but there are some mystery varieties. I need to find places for them soon, because the vegetables are very ready to get outside!

Check out the crop growing on our entertainment center!



I finally hung my YCMT quilt-along project. What a difference it makes in that room!

Aside from gardening and life-maintenance stuff, I probably won't be doing much in the way of domestic nest-building for a while. I'm working with a fabulous collaborator on some very exciting projects, and am so inspired! I'm definitely in heavy duty eBook creation mode. Stay tuned for details and sneak peeks!!!

April already?

Wow! Where did March go? Seriously, it just flew by for me! I've spent the last couple of weeks totally fixated on finishing my latest eBook. I did take a break last weekend to attend an incredible workshop hosted by Jennifer Paganelli. What a dream that was! I had an absolute blast sitting in her sunny living room, making a big mess and soaking up creative energy. It was beyond inspiring, and it was such a treat to spend time with Jennifer and all of the other wonderful attendees.

I know I promised a sneak peak of the new eBook (it must still be March somewhere), so without further ado, here it is:

The eBook is called Precious Dresses, and it includes patterns and detailed instructions for making classic dresses with lots of options. The bodice can be empire or natural-waist length, and can be made sleeveless or with puffed sleeves. You can add a Peter Pan collar, ties, or a sweet little apron. I am so thrilled with the pictures of the adorable little models! I'll be sharing lots more of them when the eBook is finished. We couldn't leave baby brother out, so he is in a Festive Vest and Easy-Fits. The gorgeous fabric is from the Darla line by Tanya Whelan.

The dress fastens in the back with buttons. They are hidden within a placket, so you don't have to worry about making perfect buttonholes. You can even use snaps as an alternative - no one will know :) . I'm still working on some of the details, but hopefully the eBook will be finished up and available early next week. I'm going back in to work mode right now!