Episode 497: Create Your Dream Sewing Space
Listen to the show in the player at the end of this post.
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Create Your Dream Sewing Space
The ultimate sewing room means something different to every quilter. There's no size-fits-all when it comes to sewing spaces. Each quilters' needs and décor styles are different. Lindsay leads you in a guided meditation to visualize your dream space -- everything from colors to storage to room layout. Then, Elizabeth offers small steps you can take to make your current space feel closer to your dream space. These steps work for a variety of budgets and square footage, so you can work with what you have.
UFO Challenge
Lindsay shares about the art of pairing habits together to make finishing UFOs easier. She suggests that every time you to have that urge to do something you're trying not to do (maybe it's drink a soda, or grab a cookie, or shop online for things you don't need – any habit you're trying to break), you make your way to your sewing space and start working on a UFO. By sewing, you're keeping your mind and hands occupied on something other than the bad habit you're trying to break, and you're making progress on a UFO.
What We're Loving
Lindsay shares storage products that are really helpful for quilters. See the list below:
Quilting Changes Everything
There are many programs in prisons and jails across the country that teach inmates how to sew and quilt. One of these restorative justice groups is located in Jefferson City Correctional Center in Missouri. Alison shares the story of a group of ten inmates who attend meetings where they are able to sew quilts and blankets to be distributed throughout their community. Kevin Yancey, coordinator for the group, said "The quilts are a physical way for the offenders to make amends to the community for their crimes, so it is a vital part of the change that is necessary when these men return to society."
Collector's Corner
Jody shares the history of redwork embroidery. Starting in the 1880s, redwork was in vogue. Designs were traced onto plain fabric, typically white or off-white cotton, linen, or silk. Stitchers used Turkey red colorfast floss to embroider the designs. Redwork was done with a simple stem stitch, allowing stitchers of all expertise levels to participate. It was the perfect project for children to learn to stitch. The resurgence of embroidery has seen new books and patterns published with updated redwork motifs and projects.
Get patterns for redwork on a table topper, pillow, tea towel, and ornaments.