Hello again!

I hope you are all doing well, and that your summer is being a safe, happy, and healthy one.

If you live in a well-populated area, it is likely that you have at least one sewing, craft, or needlework store nearby. You might even have more! Maybe you belong to a sewing or quilting guild, or take classes to learn new skills and share the joy of sewing with others. But if you live in a less crowded area, that might not be the case.

Of course, you can always order your supplies, notions, and patterns by mail or over the Internet. (Check out the selection of patterns at our sister site, SewingPatterns.com). We also have a selection of links for you to check out, at: Links.

Maybe you live in an area without an active sewing group, or maybe you do not drive, or there is no public transportation near you, or it is just not convenient for you to get out of the house, for whatever reason. What do you do then? How do you share your knowledge, ask questions of more experienced sewers, or commiserate on the frustrations of the UFO’s (Un-Finished Objects) we all have hiding in our sewing area?

The answer is as close as the magic box you are sitting in front of right now. With the wonder of technology, you can meet and talk with others in chat areas. We have a weekly chat session on Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern time, which last for about an hour. It is a wonderful chance for you to meet people, talk about sewing or other crafts, and learn something new. (Yes, I know there are many stories about the danger of Internet chat rooms. Use the same common sense you use when meeting anyone new, and do not reveal any information you are not comfortable sharing, like your full name or your address.)

Why don’t you come give the chat a try? It does not cost you any money, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the experience! The link to the chat room is on our Community page at : Community Page.
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Fancy Footwork

Here is information on another presser foot for your machine.

The Narrow (or Rolled) Hem foot is an odd-looking piece, with a scroll-like area. It is used, as the name implies, to make a narrow, rolled hem on light or medium weight fabrics, and may be available for your machine in different widths. While it may take a little practice to be comfortable with, it is a skill worth learning.

Here is how to use the foot:

1. Turn under the edge of your fabric 1/8", then again, for approximately two inches along the hem and finger press.
2. Place hem securely under foot and take a few stitches.
3. Raise foot with needle in down position, pick up hem and gently work it into the scroll area on the foot.
4. Lower presser foot and continue sewing, gently feeding the fabric by holding the edge of the fabric between the thumb and forefinger of your hand and guiding it into the foot. The presser foot will roll the fabric.

Here is a simple project that will help you learn to use the Narrow Hem foot.

Simple Scarf

• Take a piece of lightweight fabric, such as batiste, a silky polyester, or challis, and cut it to about 60” by 12”. You can make it a different size if you want; this is only a guide!
• Square off the edges of the fabric.
• Make a narrow hem on each of the long edge of the piece, and then do the same on the short edges.

Your new scarf is done!

Here are some ways to wear it.

That’s it for now!

May you always have time for sewing, and may your fabric bins never be empty!