Lansing Clippers Sew

The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo November 11 to 13, 2021 Novi Michigan                                   The sewing expo was on again this year and I was excited.  Having missed it and a sewing adventure in Canada in 2020 because of Covid, I greatly anticipated a chance to be immersed in sewing.  The Expo was like a retreat with the opportunity to try new techniques and hopefully reenergize my sewing.  The classes and teachers did not disappoint me but the shopping was considerably less than in previous years.  The major sewing and quilting machine companies were represented but there was very little fabric, notions, and other tools.  The classes gave me a chance to use Juki (serger), Viking, Janome, and Bernina sewing machines.  I discovered that while I am a committed Babylock user, I still like the Viking and the Janome was very similar to my Babylock.  I took five three-hour classes and learned in all of them.  First was Alicia Welcher’s (Classic Sewing Magazine) 5 Zippers, 5 B

  Quick Gifts to Sew      "Quick Gifts to Sew" was the topic for discussion at the Lansing Clippers November meeting.   The meeting was once again held via Zoom; however, plans are being made to hold in-person meetings next year.   All of us are looking forward to that!   Some of our members showed gifts they were making for Christmas.   They included finger puppets, small bags with zippers and a see-through vinyl side, potato bag, pattern weights, tree decoration made from strips of fleece, and balls made from fleece for indoor play.   There was a wide variety of ideas for gifts that you still have time to make before Christmas. If you missed the meeting, don’t despair.   Maybe you can get an idea from the above list.   If you don’t have a pattern for those items, try looking for a free pattern on the internet.   There are lots of freebies out there.   Start by searching for “free pattern for finger puppets” or whatever item you need.    Below is a list of just a few s

  Where Did My Desire to Sew Go? In the past 18 months, I have suffered several sewing slumps.   This is rare for me.   Usually, I have more ideas for projects than I have time to sew, but the desire to sew is always there.    I believe this desire is fading due to the isolation caused by the Covid-19 virus.   I expected the isolation from family, friends, church, shopping, and other business.   I did not expect the isolation to cause my desire to sew to evaporate.   In fact, I think I considered it a chance to have a lot more sewing time.   I do have the time, but I don’t feel like sewing.   Where did my desire go? Prior to the pandemic, I was a part of several sewing groups.   I believe this is referred to as social sewing.   I met with friends to sew every Wednesday, one Friday of each month, and one Saturday of each month.   In addition to those meetings, I also attended the Lansing Chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG) meeting once a month.   There were also specialty gro