Simply Stitchy

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...

 Hi all, I'm always surprised by the reaction I get when I tell people I quilt. It's either a mixture of awe and wonder. Or they are totally flabbergasted. Followed by questions like these: "That's complicated isn't it?" or, "I could never do that." And even, "Wow! You bought a yard of fabric to cut it into little bits... then stitch it back together? Why would you do that?"  The thing is, quilting doesn't have to be complicated. Nor does it have to involve stitching tiny snippets of fabric together. In today's video I'm going to show you how to make a quilt top using nothing but a Jelly Roll.  A Jelly Roll is what's known as pre-cut fabric. It's usually made up of 42 strips of 2.5inch wide fabric. Each strip is the width of the fabric from selvedge to selvedge. Which for quilting is usually between 42 and 45 inches long.  So come on over to my YouTube Channel and sew a Jelly Roll Race Quilt with me! Find out why it'...

Hi all I've been test driving a new sewing machine. Its the Brother SE625. A sewing and embroidery combination machine with a 4x4 hoop. Now, I've been looking at getting an embroidery machine for some time. But, there have been a lot of negative comments about 4x4 hoops. The main one being, they are too small.  Well, when this one came up at a reduced price earlier this year, I thought, what the heck. Let's give it a go and see if 4x4 hoops really deserve all the bad press. Find out how I got on in this video: Bye for now  Olly This article may contain Amazon associate links. I may earn a referral fee for any purchases made via these links. This does not cost you any extra, and there’s no obligation to use the links. Although, they do help support me and this blog. The items showcased may be available from other suppliers if you prefer not to use the links. For more sewing tips and adventures, follow me: Twitter Facebook Instagram   YouTube