Anyone who walks into our store will immediately see our Machine Department. The ladies that work in that department are an invaluable source of machine knowledge and can help you find whatever bobbins, feet or software you may need for your particular brand of machine. But we'll highlight those lovely ladies another time. Today, we wanted to point out a facet of our store that many people don't know about: that we have an extremely busy and expert repair department.
And by department, we mean Andy.
Andy has been repairing machines for the Sewing Studio for years, which makes him the most knowledgeable person we know about the innards of sewing machines. He can, and has, repaired machines from half a century ago as well as the latest in computer controlled machines.
In fact, his eyes will light up if you bring in an old metal machine, as he claims that if you keep you mom's old workhorse in top condition it will continue to serve your grandchildren's quilting and sewing needs.
As with any machine with moving parts, yearly maintenance is recommended to keep it in great shape. But, be aware that due to his technical prowess Andy is often running two weeks from the day you drop off your machine until it's ready for you to pick up. He's just that popular!
So be sure that you can take a short vacation from your sewing projects while your machine is in the shop. But don't worry, when you have it back it will probably be running better than the day you originally unboxed it.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I'm a Fabricoholic
Sometimes, when walking through the store, rubbing fabrics between my fingers, I feel the need to confess my addiction of fabrics to a room full of strangers with the same disease who simply won't judge me for it. When I see commercials for the TV show "Hoarders", I'm often reminded of my 'stash'. Although my collection is only one or two storage tubs, and nowhere near as bad as the people on that show, I feel guilty all the same.
I just can't help myself sometimes, you see. Some fabrics are just too beautiful, too luxurious, to allow to sit unpurchased on the racks. Yes, I may not have a project in mind for this particular piece, but on the day I do I can't guarantee that it will still be there, so I most certainly should buy it now.
Coupons are a dangerous thing in my hands. It gives me an excuse to buy one of my coveted prints or soft velvets at a discount so I don't feel so guilty about adding it to the stash. It just makes sense to me that I'll save money in the long run by buying it now, for a discount, than in the future when I really need it and will be forced to buy it at full price. After all, coupons expire. You have to use them while they're good or it's like throwing money away. Right?
And then I remember that night - that late night - I was working on a project that needed a little something extra; a velvet sash to tie around the waist. There were no stores open, but I did have my stash...
The creative muse had seized me, and there was no going to bed unless I wanted to lay there wide awake while the specter of that dress danced before my eyes, taunting me in its half-finished form. Creative projects are like brain viruses that you can only expel when you complete it, otherwise it will gnaw at your consciousness until you do.
So I dug into the stash, and sure enough, there was the perfect piece of velvet that I had purchased years ago that absolutely finished the dress. I was not only able to go to sleep peacefully, but I knew my random purchases of beautiful fabrics were completely justified in that moment.
Yes, I may be a fabricoholic, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, I consider it to be one of my more attractive qualities. And on nights when I need to dive into a storage tub or two for that beautiful piece I bought previously, it's actually a life saver.
BlogCatalog
I just can't help myself sometimes, you see. Some fabrics are just too beautiful, too luxurious, to allow to sit unpurchased on the racks. Yes, I may not have a project in mind for this particular piece, but on the day I do I can't guarantee that it will still be there, so I most certainly should buy it now.
Coupons are a dangerous thing in my hands. It gives me an excuse to buy one of my coveted prints or soft velvets at a discount so I don't feel so guilty about adding it to the stash. It just makes sense to me that I'll save money in the long run by buying it now, for a discount, than in the future when I really need it and will be forced to buy it at full price. After all, coupons expire. You have to use them while they're good or it's like throwing money away. Right?
And then I remember that night - that late night - I was working on a project that needed a little something extra; a velvet sash to tie around the waist. There were no stores open, but I did have my stash...
The creative muse had seized me, and there was no going to bed unless I wanted to lay there wide awake while the specter of that dress danced before my eyes, taunting me in its half-finished form. Creative projects are like brain viruses that you can only expel when you complete it, otherwise it will gnaw at your consciousness until you do.
So I dug into the stash, and sure enough, there was the perfect piece of velvet that I had purchased years ago that absolutely finished the dress. I was not only able to go to sleep peacefully, but I knew my random purchases of beautiful fabrics were completely justified in that moment.
Yes, I may be a fabricoholic, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, I consider it to be one of my more attractive qualities. And on nights when I need to dive into a storage tub or two for that beautiful piece I bought previously, it's actually a life saver.
BlogCatalog
Monday, September 12, 2011
Get to Know the Store: The Bridal Department
A destination of dressmaker for several decades, the bridal department showcases some of our most luxurious fabrics. Although called Bridal because all of the fine silks and velvets make you think of a wonderful wedding day, anyone interested in fashioning an evening gown or prom dress should make it a point to spend a few hours perusing the racks in Bridal.
To get to the bridal department, simply enter the store and walk straight back down the center aisle until you find heaven. Once there, you'll most likely be helped by Ms. Tina. She'll be able to direct you in whichever direction your plans dictate, and if you need advice she'll be glad to offer it with a great deal of honesty honed by a solid upbringing in the South. Her knowledge of fabrics and her good-natured ribbing will both set you at ease and get your project off on the right foot. She's a true gem and a wonderful resource for any level seamstress.
But, what kind of fabrics do we have in Bridal, you ask? Whatever you could possibly imagine, is our answer. We have it all. So the real question is, what's your project?
Obviously, if you are in the market to complete your perfect wedding vision with a custom dress design of your own, we have beautiful peau de soie, which is a medium to heavy, drapeable fabric with a satin weave and de-lustered finish that comes in many shades of the traditional white. This fabric can also be used for bridesmaids dresses, evening gowns, saris, or homecoming or prom dresses and is available in many colors.
You'll also find silks of all varieties. Silk is such a wonderful fabric for any fine dress, really, and can also be incorporated into a home dec project as well. Which is not to say that you shouldn't also run some satins through your fingers for a dose of luxury as well.
If you can think of a wonderful fabric you want to use in your dress, chances are that we have it in any variety of color -- and if we don't we can more than likely order it for you.
But we know that it takes more than just fabric to complete a wondrous creation. We carry all of the extras such as decadent trims, tiaras, veils, gloves, and silk flowers that finish off your dress like a cherry does a sundae.
The only issue you might have is the overwhelming choices our Bridal department offers you. If you're the type of person who thrives on possibilities, Bridal should be your destination of choice.
To get to the bridal department, simply enter the store and walk straight back down the center aisle until you find heaven. Once there, you'll most likely be helped by Ms. Tina. She'll be able to direct you in whichever direction your plans dictate, and if you need advice she'll be glad to offer it with a great deal of honesty honed by a solid upbringing in the South. Her knowledge of fabrics and her good-natured ribbing will both set you at ease and get your project off on the right foot. She's a true gem and a wonderful resource for any level seamstress.
But, what kind of fabrics do we have in Bridal, you ask? Whatever you could possibly imagine, is our answer. We have it all. So the real question is, what's your project?
Obviously, if you are in the market to complete your perfect wedding vision with a custom dress design of your own, we have beautiful peau de soie, which is a medium to heavy, drapeable fabric with a satin weave and de-lustered finish that comes in many shades of the traditional white. This fabric can also be used for bridesmaids dresses, evening gowns, saris, or homecoming or prom dresses and is available in many colors.
You'll also find silks of all varieties. Silk is such a wonderful fabric for any fine dress, really, and can also be incorporated into a home dec project as well. Which is not to say that you shouldn't also run some satins through your fingers for a dose of luxury as well.
If you can think of a wonderful fabric you want to use in your dress, chances are that we have it in any variety of color -- and if we don't we can more than likely order it for you.
But we know that it takes more than just fabric to complete a wondrous creation. We carry all of the extras such as decadent trims, tiaras, veils, gloves, and silk flowers that finish off your dress like a cherry does a sundae.
The only issue you might have is the overwhelming choices our Bridal department offers you. If you're the type of person who thrives on possibilities, Bridal should be your destination of choice.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Quality Fabrics: Good Cottons
It may come as a surprise to some of you (but not all) that there are different quality fabrics. Not just that silk is obviously finer than cotton, but even within the realm of cottons all fabrics are not created equal. One distinguishing factor is the thread count.
Thread count is the number of fibers both horizontally and vertically in a square inch of the fabric. Obviously, the higher the count the stronger the fabric. But what does that mean to a quilter?
Primarily, it means your quilt will stand a better chance of withstanding time. Lower thread count fabrics will fray easier and stitches will lose their integrity rather quickly. Imagine spending all that time on a quilt, hoping to turn it into an heirloom for your new baby granddaughter, and it pulls apart before she's out of diapers. But that's only if the thread count is horrifically low.
Higher thread count cottons are just softer. And when you imagine that newborn skin, don't you want the softest materials rubbing up against it? That's why it's important to ensure higher quality cottons go into your quilt.
Another element to your cottons you want to look for is that the pattern is woven into the fabric and not simply stamped on in ink. If it's just a pattern stamped in ink, it runs the risk of smearing or washing away too easily.
There are many fine cottons that are imported, and are always an excellent place to start, especially for an heirloom quilt.
When quilting, it's important to take the time to choose quality fabrics lest you want all of your hard work and creativity lost before it really has the chance to be appreciated.
Thread count is the number of fibers both horizontally and vertically in a square inch of the fabric. Obviously, the higher the count the stronger the fabric. But what does that mean to a quilter?
Primarily, it means your quilt will stand a better chance of withstanding time. Lower thread count fabrics will fray easier and stitches will lose their integrity rather quickly. Imagine spending all that time on a quilt, hoping to turn it into an heirloom for your new baby granddaughter, and it pulls apart before she's out of diapers. But that's only if the thread count is horrifically low.
Higher thread count cottons are just softer. And when you imagine that newborn skin, don't you want the softest materials rubbing up against it? That's why it's important to ensure higher quality cottons go into your quilt.
Another element to your cottons you want to look for is that the pattern is woven into the fabric and not simply stamped on in ink. If it's just a pattern stamped in ink, it runs the risk of smearing or washing away too easily.
There are many fine cottons that are imported, and are always an excellent place to start, especially for an heirloom quilt.
When quilting, it's important to take the time to choose quality fabrics lest you want all of your hard work and creativity lost before it really has the chance to be appreciated.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Wintersburg Winter Shop Hop
Any quilters out there? We thought so. It's time for another bi-annual Shop Hop! It's a ridiculously fun event that spans seven Central Florida shops over four days. It's a quilter's dream!
The only thing you need to participate in the Shop Hop is a love of quilting, and a passport which you can purchase at any of the participating shops. The object of the Hop is to visit each store on the list to get your passport stamped and turned in at the last store you visit in order to be entered for the grand prize of 70 yards of fabric! There will also be a second prize of 35 yards of fabric and $50 and $75 prizes at each store. Over 15 Prizes will be awarded in all!
You can also collect a quilt panel from each store that can be combined into a beautiful quilt (some assembly will be required, but that's the fun part!) Each store will have their completed quilt on display for you to admire and be inspired by, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase the finishing kit.
The Shop Hop will start on October 5th and run through the 8th. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Friday which gives you three extra hours until 8 p.m.
In addition to The Sewing Studio, participating stores include the Bernina Sewing Center in Lake Mary, Quilters Cove In Orlando on Curry Ford, Clermont Sewing and Quilting, Cornerstone Quilt Shop in Orlando at East Colonial, SEW-MINI Things in Mount Dora, and Nancy's Quilt Shop in Winter Garden.
Passports sell for $5 prior to the event, and for $6 during the event.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick the brains of the quilting experts at each store and be inspired by the thousands of yards of wonderful fabric on display to create your own special quilt.
The only thing you need to participate in the Shop Hop is a love of quilting, and a passport which you can purchase at any of the participating shops. The object of the Hop is to visit each store on the list to get your passport stamped and turned in at the last store you visit in order to be entered for the grand prize of 70 yards of fabric! There will also be a second prize of 35 yards of fabric and $50 and $75 prizes at each store. Over 15 Prizes will be awarded in all!
You can also collect a quilt panel from each store that can be combined into a beautiful quilt (some assembly will be required, but that's the fun part!) Each store will have their completed quilt on display for you to admire and be inspired by, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase the finishing kit.
The Shop Hop will start on October 5th and run through the 8th. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Friday which gives you three extra hours until 8 p.m.
In addition to The Sewing Studio, participating stores include the Bernina Sewing Center in Lake Mary, Quilters Cove In Orlando on Curry Ford, Clermont Sewing and Quilting, Cornerstone Quilt Shop in Orlando at East Colonial, SEW-MINI Things in Mount Dora, and Nancy's Quilt Shop in Winter Garden.
Passports sell for $5 prior to the event, and for $6 during the event.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick the brains of the quilting experts at each store and be inspired by the thousands of yards of wonderful fabric on display to create your own special quilt.
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