Thursday 3 July 2014

SEPTEMBER BLUE GIVEAWAY ..

Hold you breath ladies here it comes ….one of the prettiest, most beautiful collections this year - September Blue is a stunning new collection, designed by Susan Driscoll for the Uk based company Dashwood studios. Inspired by birds and butterflies in a soft baby pink and blue  palette. Perfect for summer shirts, quilting, cushions … (mmmmm… yes I can see this on my sofa) and lots of other unique  creations.  There are  8  fat quarters of the September Blue collection  and 2 complimentary flurry spots from Dashwood  up for grabs- wooozers




To enter the giveaway, 

-Leave a top sewing tip on our blog .. it can be something as simple as - the best way to thread a sewing needle or something much more exciting and challenging  ( saying that threading a sewing needle can be a challenge sometimes)…. I get a lot of new sewers asking for advice on  great first projects etc 

- you also get a second entry by liking my facebook page which you can pop over to here 

-This giveaway is open to everyone  worldwide...
-I will notify the winner via my blog page and my Facebook page.

- This giveaway closes on Thursday the 10th of JULY

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE and look forward to reading your TOP SEWING TIPS 
















100 comments:

  1. I only have a not very exciting but useful sewing tip my mum gave me. When you are cutting out a pattern, don't painstakingly follow the paper pattern exactly, cut it out roughly, pin to fabric and then cut both pattern and fabric at the same time. Much quicker. x

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  2. I have just learned recently that a spool of thread wound in a cris cross pattern likes to be on its side otherwise it will twist and cause issues with stitches...especially when quilting!

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  3. I use an eyebrow thinner to take out stitches on paper piecing when I make a mistake. They are very inexpensive and you get 3 to a pack. I love them

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    1. What a great idea Margaret and easier to grip - I would imagine … Gwen

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  4. Buy a roll of wall lining paper (it costs about £1) - it's perfect for making quick templates! :) x

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  5. I use old cereal boxes for card board templates. I also every year after Christmas get my sewing machine serviced, clear out and re do my fabric stash. Any fabrics unwanted are donated to the local charity shop for someone else to enjoy. Thread up all my bobbins, and new sewing year here I come!!

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  6. My top tip would be to relax and think through each thing before you do it. I have had to unpick so many things due to poor concentration or getting flustered x

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  7. Measure at least 3 times before you cut! Its a bit late if you cut it and you're wrong!

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  8. Always sew with a magnet nearby because you are bound to lose some pins at some point and this is a quick way to find them again.

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  9. I've no clever tips as I've only recently started sewing and been learning as I go. I have noticed though that when the tension is wrong it can usually be resolved by re-threading the machine :)

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  10. Mine has to be carbon paper and a tracing wheel to go over the patterns onto fabric as it saves the pattern if it's in different sizes and plus I don't loose the pieces lol :)

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  11. I was always told that when threading a needle,you should thread the needle onto the thread rather than the other way round !

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  12. I'm new to sewing so don't really have any useful tips yet...think the best I can suggest is to remain relaxed and enjoy what you are doing :)

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  13. Mine isn't much of a secret but when I first started to sew my Mum told me that a sewer's best friend is her iron. She was right so my top tip would be to make sure you a have a good quality iron for pressing all those seams, steaming knits and ironing fabric in general. It just gives a much more professional finish to your projects. :)

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  14. really lovely giveaway! top tip? its true, free motion quilting is easier with a glass or two of wine in you....

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  15. Change your machine needle often and always match the right needle with the right fabric. Great giveaway!

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  16. Make sure you use a ball point needle if you are sewing knits and don't let knits intimidate you.

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  17. If you can, wind several bobbins before starting a project so you don't have to stop in the middle of sewing to do so. Relax and have fun.

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  18. I have already been following your FB page.

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  19. stop when you get so tired that you make mistakes

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  20. Iron fabric BEFORE cutting it!! I've learned this the hard way, believe me!!!

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  21. Always read the full instruction at least twice before even getting out fabric.
    The number of times you miss something 1st or even 2nd time round that can mean wasting fabric or not having a vital piece.

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  22. My top tip learnt this week is to use a walking foot when inserting a zip! So much easier that using a zip foot!

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  23. My favourite sewing tip is this - Measure twice, cut once! Can save so much anguish by following this simple tip.

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  24. I always prewash fabrics before cutting and use a spray starch when ironing. Makes everything much smoother and easier to cut out patterns.

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  25. Mine was measure tide cut once...LOL......let me think now.
    Use that quarter inch sewing foot when piecing a quilt. it makes such a difference .
    thank you this chance....beautiful fabric!

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  26. My tip is have your iron near while you are sewing and more if it`s Log cabin!

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  27. Fab giveaway Gwen. My top tip is to starch then starch again if sewing an equilateral Triangle quilt. Learnt this the hard way! Have to stop the bias stretching so don't over handle.

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  28. I already like your FB page, does that count too?

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  29. Top tip is my favourite tool: a water-soluble pen.

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  30. My top tip is to search the internet for advice if a sewing instruction is confusing, there are lots of great instructional videos out there :)
    Love this collection.

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  31. Ooo what lovely fabrics & fab giveaway, thanks :-)
    My top tip is if you have long hair always tie it back when sewing as I've seen my hair into a seam before! :-S

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  32. My tip is that a quarter inch foot doesn't always give you a quarter inch seam - take the time to test your seam size and move the needle position if you need to. Makes a mahoosive difference to your piecing accuracy. Lovely fabric, thank you.

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  33. My tip is if you have a large project that will use lots of bobbin thread, wind a few bobbins before you start and then you will have one ready to pop in when the thread runs out.

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  34. The best tip I have for sewing is to be original with your creations and enjoy what you're making :) Thank you for the giveaway, would love to win these beautiful fabrics!

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  35. I've also liked your Facebook page and followed your wonderful blog!

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  36. I'd love to win Celtic fusions love your product range x

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  37. Aaaaah! This is such a pretty bundle!!! My tip is to read pattern instructions over a few times and double check measurements before cutting fabric.

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  38. I like you on FB and also left a comment.

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  39. When joining the blocks in a quilt, press all the seams in the even numbered rows to the right, and all the seams in the odd numbered rows to the left. Then when you stitch the rows together the pressed seams will 'nest' with one another, and the quilt will go together like a dream! :-)

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  40. probably quite basic, but I didn't know for my first year or so sewing - never thread the needle with the presser foot down, it throws the tension disc out (or something like that!)

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  41. Gorgeous fabrics! Tip one: if the sewing machine does not work properly after cleaning change the needle and tip two: get sharp needles for hand sewing. I use new ones now and have no ripped fingers any more

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  42. I don't have any original tips, all learned from others like iron your binding down before hand sewing it to back of quilt and read ad enjoy the process. Thanks for a fab giveaway, love the fabric colours!

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  43. Get a small hook crochet hook. You can use it to grab thread at the needle of a sewing machine, tie knots, clean out vents on an iron, grab dust in a sewing machine, etc. 24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com

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  44. Always prewash with at least one colour catcher. This is particularly important when washing red fabric.

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  45. I do like you on Facebook. My top tip for hand applique is to borrow from EPP- cut out your odd applique shapes from paper, press the fabric over the edges as you tack round them. Slip stitch in place but remove the tacking and paper before you get all of the way round. Works especially well for curves. Hope you like it!

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  46. I've never done this, but apparently a cheap toilet bowl (new preferably) brush works on picking up threads from batting design boards. I've seen it work, but haven't needed to test it yet.

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  47. My tip is to thread your sewing machine with the presser foot up BUT make sure you lower the foot before you thread the needle.

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  48. My tip is to pay attention to the fabric suggestions on the back of the envelope. I've not worn things I've made because I've forced the wrong fabric to be the wrong pattern. sarah@forrussia.org

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  49. Don't cut fabric when your tired, you are much more likely to make a mistake from the difficulty focusing.

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  50. Beautiful fabric bundle. Thank you.

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  51. Mine is not very exciting - change your needle more often than you think you need to!

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  52. Ooh what a lovely giveaway! I've not been sewing for very long and am pretty much learning as I go, but my top tip would be to never change stitch type with the needle still down as you could bend or break it. (Plus if you are getting a bit flustered, just step away for a while - and if all else fails, turn the machine off, have a cup of tea and come back tomorrow!)

    Now off to go and like your FB page!

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  53. My tip would be to love the fabric and materials you are working with. No sense in putting a great deal of effort into a project in order to realize that the materials are substandard!

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  54. Sewing over pins can bend your shaft. Don;t ask:(

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  55. My tip is to use the appropriate needle size for the fabric.

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  56. Use fabric weights when cutting out a pattern and always read your pattern through before beginning. A 1/4 inch foot is a sewers dream! Oh that is more than one tip! thanks for the lovely giveaway!

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  57. Remember to change the machine needle when you change fabric. As in balltop needle for knits.

    jachelno at gmail dot com

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  58. When pausing to redistribute a large piece of fabric part-way through sewing, such as assembling or hemming a curtain, make sure that the needle is down first, to avoid pulling the fabric off your sewing line.
    hillwards at gmail dot com

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  59. I follow you on FB

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  60. My sewing tip would be - do not rush the process. Take your time in doing all steps of sewing, and the reward will be an exquisitely finished project. Thanks!

    Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

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  61. I love using temporary spray adhesive between layers of my quilt when I'm machine quilting. It makes everything much, much easier.

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  62. Take your time and think it through before starting. You might catch a mistake in the instructions!

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  63. Use wonder clips when hand stitching binding on a quilt! It really helps.

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  64. I have learned to put a swatch of each fabric on an index card. Then list each shape to match the fabric. Lots of times you get overwhelmed by lots of pattern pieces.

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  65. Take good care of your machine. Oil as recommended and clean lint and loose threads each sewing session.

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  66. I learned that changing to a new needle on your sewing machine solves a lot of problems. I tend to forget this most of the time...
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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  67. I've found that a heavy starch really contributes to the accuracy of my sewing. I also glue baste with Elmer's washable glue when I do piecework. Getting a heavy starch is easy when you make your own - hot water, corn starch and cheap vodka (essential oil for scent if wanted). The vodka isn't a starch even if made with potatoes; it is added to prevent spoilage. Put in a spray bottle and shake very well. Both wash out easily (and always use a color catcher sheet). Thanks for the opportunity! notwendy @ gmail dot com

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  68. I've started threading my sewing machine needle by looking at the side of the needle instead of the front. I'm not sure why it helps me, but I have better luck that way.

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    1. Hope this doesn't count as a double entry. I also use a make-up brush to clean my machine, and I give it a quick brush down every time I change the bobbin. (My machine had a very long hissy fit a few weeks ago because I hadn't cleaned it in forever - so I have made resolution to clean it regularly!)

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  69. measure twice, cut once! And don't cut fabric when you are tired.
    grecomara at gmail dot com

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  70. My momma always told me "You have to be able to rip it apart, if you want to sew it up." So become one with your seam ripper. I actually learned a new way to "unsew." (Ahh, it doesn't matter what you call it, it's frustrating.) Using your seam ripper, cut the top thread every half inch to inch and then pull the bottom thread and you should have it all apart. kthurn@bektel.com

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  71. I liked your facebook page. Very nice. kthurn@bektel.com

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  72. I liked you on FB.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  73. Make sure your rotary cutter (if you have one) is sharp. I was using a dull blade, bought a new blade, and the difference is wonderful.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  74. I'm a new GFC follower.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  75. Clover Wonder clips are my new sewing hint - makes sewing bias binding a breeze. Pins tend to 'bend' the fabric whereas the clips keep it straight.

    another hint for threading your sewing needle is to wet your needle eye with your finger. This changes the positive ion to a negative and the thread tends to glide through the eye better.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  76. Change your sewing machine needle after every big project. A new needle makes the machine run much smoother.

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  77. Best simple tip - instead of wetting the tip of the thread, wet the needle eye. Makes threading any needle easier.

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  78. My best tip is for chain piecing...when you first start sewing, sew on a scrap piece of fabric (this gets any funny stitches out of the way) then start on your "real" piecing.

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  79. My best tip is when you need to hem something, rather than using a ruler to measure the hem, baste a line of stitching with the sewing machine, using the guide on the sole plate as your ruler. Then press the fabric along the basting line.

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  80. My tip would be......light light and more light. Hand sewing and machine sewing can both be intensive, and I'm guilty of getting sucked in, time goes on and the room is dark before I know it. If things are getting tricky, put it down, turn an extra light on, have a cuppa and try again.

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  81. Make a magnetic pin bowl by taping a magnet (ebay) underneath a pretty bowl, Chinese rice bowls work well or look for something in your local charity shop. Cheap, pretty and really useful to be able to just throw your pins in the general direction of the bowl.

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  82. I use quilters tape to baste zips in place. No shifting, perfects zips every time

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  83. Thanks for the opportunity for the fabric---it is gorgeous!! Mt tip is always to have your next piece to stitch under the presser foot! It is easy to keep feeding quilt pieces and you save so much thread and time!!

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  84. Absolutely beautiful! I am just learning to quilt. My mother in law has been helping me and I think her best advice was 'There is no RIGHT way to do something. If it doesn't work for you. Try something else." Thanks for the entry.

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  85. Aaah that blue fabric has just reached out and grabbed me and will not let me go. It's mine. Lol

    My tip, Elmer's washable school glue in bottle form and sticks. Use the glue sticks to baste quilt bindings and use the bottle glue to baste your quilts. Squeeze lines onto your batting, spread with a little foam paint brush, sandwich your quilts, let dry and quilt away. No sewing room should be without this glue.

    tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  86. that looks like a gorgeous bundle of fabric! my top tip is to check measurements before cutting - especially if you have limited fabric and need exact sizes of blocks - ask me how I know !! thanks for the giveaway !

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  87. I like your facebook page - and another tip - press with the iron rather than ironing - avoids pieces stretching :)

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  88. What pretty fabrics! My tip is always always measure more than once and if there is math involved have someone else check your calculations before you use them to cut out anything!

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  89. What a gorgeous line of fabrics! My tip: when matching points/centres of quilt blocks, either machine tack the seam first or stitch a few stitches across the crucial section. That way you can open it up and check the points are matching, etc. and if they're not you either have long (and easy to unpick!) stitches/a dozen or so stitches to unpick, rather than the whole seam.

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  90. I know everyone hears this all the time .but measure twice cut once . It can be costly and if you are using your favourite stash fabric thats long since been discontinued and is the main focus of your project its heart breaking

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  91. If you wind your bobbins on the lowest speed on your machine, you get more thread on each bobbin & they last much longer - a real bonus when quilting. Thanks for the chance to win these lovely fabrics.

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  92. Always sew with a scant 1/4" to make sure that your finished block is exactly the size you intended; Beautiful fabrics!

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