Simply Stitchy

Hi all I've been quilting for a while now but last year, 2022, was the first time I attended a quilt show. Well, it turned out to be three quilt shows. All in the same month pretty much. The first was a relatively new outdoor quilt show in a town about two hours away from me. I wasn't sure what to expect but the talent on show, even in the basic quilts, was simply amazing.  I even managed to find a new friend for my sewing area. A Singer 99 from 1926. In need of a little TLC, she has become a welcome addition to my vintage sewing machine collection.     I thought this quilt was adorable. The little cat reminded me so much of my own two little monsters.    As a fan of the Sunbonnet Sue block, this quilt made me smile too! The next was in the closest metropolis to me. It was a lot bigger and was held in a convention center. I didn't think it was possible to get so many quilts all in one area. I found this humerus is a fitting title for the cat with a bone! I was...

 Hi all I don't come across items made from bakelite very often. Apart from two bakelite sewing machine pedals, the only other bakelite item I own is a bakelite thimble .  At one time, bakelite was everywhere. From door knobs to telephones. As the world's first foray into the world of plastic, it found it's way into all aspects of life. I think it peaked in the late 1950s and then slowly fell out of favour through the 60s and into the 70s as the new and improved plastics came into play. Anyway, I have two sewing machines that came with a bakelite foot pedal. One is the Singer 301 and the other is the latest addition to my sewing machine collection. The Singer 66.  Image by Olwen White This type of pedal can be found on sewing machines from around the 1930s through to the 1950s. My 301 dates to around 1954 and my 66 is from 1949. So they fall neatly into that date range. Although it's most often associated with Singer, some other brands also used this type of pedal. Necc...

Hi all, Sewing machine needles come in a whole host of different styles and sizes. It can be a bit of a challenge to choose the right one for your project. Especially as the information on the packet is written in code... Picture of Schmetz Needles by Olwen White In my latest YouTube Video, I show you how to decode the information on your sewing machine needle packet! Simply and easily! Better still, there's a link in the video description to a handy pocket guide that you can keep in your sewing area! The video isn't sponsored but I did reach out to Schmetz Needles to ask permission to use their images. Thanks Schmetz for allowing me to do so!  Enjoy the video and let me know in the comments if the information helps you choose the right sewing machine needle for your project! Bye for now Olly

 Hi all, Finding an old yellow gingham tablecloth at my local thrift store inspired me to think of summer projects! What better way to brighten up a home after an incredibly long winter... and a chilly spring... than a nice summery yellow?    I decided to use the yellow tablecloth as a background for a Half Dresden Plate applique design. After a quick internet search, I found these cute fat quarters from Singer. They don't just make sewing machines you know! They also have a cute range of fabrics! As soon as I saw the butterfly fabric, I knew it would make the perfect center piece for my Half Dresden.  Find out how I made the placemats in my latest video: Why don't you have a go at making a summery placemat for your home? Let me know how you get on in the comments and leave a picture for me over on instragram using the hashtag #Simplystitchyplacemats. I'd love to see your version! You can use any fabric - new, scraps or anything from your existing stash. It's best to...

    Image (c) Olwen White 2023 Hi all,  Many of us get attached to our sewing machines. They become our sewing buddies. We get to know them and their quirks... and they get to know how to push our buttons too!  But the thing is, for many of us faced with the life-changing adventure of moving to a new country, it can be hard to say goodbye to our faithful sewing companions.  Electrical appliances tend to have a motor that is suitable for use in the country you live in. Although some have dual voltage, like hair straighteners and travel irons, many don't.  It's easy to take a dual voltage device with you when you travel. With a range that spans 110 volts to 240 volts, you can use a dual voltage electrical item pretty much anywhere in the world. Well, as long as there is a mains socket to plug it into. As electrical outlets differ from country to country, you'll find that the style of plug will change depending on where you are heading. All you need to overcom...

 Hi all Choosing a sewing thread for your next project can be daunting. Especially if you are purchasing your thread online and can't see or feel the quality, or more importantly, the weight.  You see, your thread weight needs to match the fabric that you want to sew. A heavy thread on a delicate material like silk is going to drag your project down and potentially damage the fabric. While a lightweight thread used to sew denim is a recipe for disaster. The thread won't take the punishment and will break. Leaving your seams gaping and your sewing project in tatters.  Different Thread Types - Image by Olwen White How Do You Choose Threads? There are so many different brands, styles of reel, and weights to choose from, it can be difficult to tell which one you need. So much so that it could leave you feeling bewildered and confused.  The first thing to remember when choosing thread is the most important reason you're looking for the thread in the first place. Your proj...

  Hi all Quilting looks complicated. There’s no denying that. From the intricate designs to the dictionary full of terms, anagrams, and techniques. Starting to quilt as a beginner, can feel daunting. Particularly, when you hit the brick wall known as the Quilt Police.   If you’ve never heard of the Quilt Police, it is a band of experienced quilters who will tell you there is a set way to quilt. With rules to follow. And woe betide you if you break any. From how to quilt, what fabric to use, to something as silly as the size of your stitches. Then there are the traditionalists who believe that a real quilt can’t be made on a sewing machine. To qualify as a quilt they must be hand-pieced and hand-quilted. Talk about sapping any enthusiasm you ever had for being creative. It can leave you feeling more than a little discouraged. Now, before I go any further, sometimes, the rules are there for a reason. Pressing your seams to the dark side is one. By that I mean...