Catch The Sewing Bug!
Sewing News From "The Bunkhouse"
"Sewing With Intermediates!" August 2007
In This Issue
Sewing with Intermediates
Free e-pattern
Quick Links
Greetings!
Make a Head & Neck Cool Wrap
Polar Fleece Tips
Children's Sewing Contest
Website Closeouts
Sewing With Intermediates!
Pins & Needles Cover
"Pins & Needles"

An Intermediate Sewing Book

Pins and Needles continues what Stitches & Pins started, delving into more difficult sewing techniques like waistbands, zippers, and set-in sleeves. There are sections on Polar Fleece, Heirloom Sewing, Quilting, and projects using the Serger. In all, there are over 30 projects, something to be stitched or quilted for every season of the year. All the patterns, Girls sized 8 - 16 and Misses sizes 8 - 16 are included in a handy pocket built into the back of the book.
80 pages plus lots of patterns! Spiral Bound;
$24.95
Read more, view projects, and order,
click here
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FREE!

Doll Clothes Pattern

ebook version

doll quilt photo

Purchase our book, Pins & Needles, between August 1 and August 15th, and receive FREE, our 18" doll clothing patterns ebook pattern that matches the projects in Pins & Needles.

Be sure to write "free ebook" in the comments section on your order form to recieve this offer.

Plan on taking your doll with you to your next pajama party or camp out, dressed in outfits that you have made yourself and that match your own. Pins & Needles 18" doll clothing patterns include eighteen projects that coordinate with the projects in the book, including jumpers, vests, polar fleece garments and accessories, heirloom blouse, sundress, hats, jackets, sweatshirt, sweatpants, t-shirt and shorts, and more!

Quick Links

Our Website

Books

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:: 1-800-337-8845
1-509-337-8845
Bunkhouse Books
JoAnn Gagnon
Waitsburg, Washington
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~ Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel. ~
Author Unknown

Greetings! Our book this month, "Pins and Needles" focuses on the intermediate seamstress who would like to try some new techniques and further her construction abilities. Be sure to check it out!

Where we live it's been hot! One of the best ways I know to handle the high temperatures is with the head or neck cool wrap. It's very simple to make. Once you use one, you'll want to keep a couple on hand in the refrigerator all the time.

Be sure to check out our new "Childrens Sewing Contest", and encourage someone to enter!

Stay cool, and have fun sewing this month! ~JoAnn

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Free Pattern:

Let's Make a Head and Neck Cool Wrap

Skill Level: Beginner

Head & Neck Cool Wrap

Materials and Supplies:

  • 1/8 yard fabric

  • 2 teaspoons Watersorb, medium (purchase where plant supplies are sold)

Cutting Out Your Pattern:

  • Cut out one fabric piece, 4" wide by 42" long

  • Fold in half lengthwise, and taper ends (A).

Sewing Your Cool Wrap:

  • Pin, and then stitch the open edgs at 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a 3" opening in the middle for turning and to add the crystals.

  • Clip across corners (B).

  • Turn right side out and press.

  • Measure 9" from the point on each side, draw a line across the width of the fabric and stitch (C).

  • Measure 2 teaspoons of Watersorb, and put in center opening.

  • Machine top stitch opening closed, stitching close to the edge (D).

To Activate the Crystals:

  • Soak the wrap in cool water.

  • Store in a ziploc baggy and refrigerate until ready to use.

  • Cool wraps can be used repeatedly, rehydrate as needed.

cool wrap images

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Sewing Polar Fleece

We have several Polar Fleece projects available in our intermediate sewing book, Pins & Needles

Tips for Stitching Polar Fleece:

  • Never iron Polar Fleece. It will leave a permanent shine, and crush the loft.

  • A walking foot for your machine helps feed bulky fabrics evently. If you have access to one, use it!

  • Lengthen your stitch length to 6-8 stitches per inch. The bulk requires more thread per stitch.

  • Loosen the pressure on the presser foot to help the fabric feed better. (check instruction manual)

  • Use a ball needle. Ball needles spread the fibers rather than cutting them.

  • Right side of fabric can be determined by pulling the edge of the fabric. It will roll to the wrong side.

  • The crosswise grain, or stretch should always go around you.
  • Use long, glass head pins.
  • Use Wonder Tape to prevent stretching and shifting. This is double sided sticky tape that washes out. Can be used in place of pins.
  • Sew slowly and carefully as stitching will hide and is difficuly to see to take out.
  • Trim regular seams to 1/4", or trim them with serger as you stitch.

You will love working with Polar Fleece! ______________________________________________________

We want to encourage children to sew, so we've put together our first sewing contest.
Brief summary of contest:
..Age Categories: 6 - 12 years old and
3 - 18 years old
..Project to Sew: Make a potholder. You can use a
pattern or design your own. It
can be any shape or size.
..Rules: It must be usable!
Limit of 2 entries per child
..Submission: Must submit photograph and form by
October 15, 2007
..Judging: Each category will be judged separately.
Judging will be based on creativity
and quality of construction.A panel
of 3 judges will select the 5 top
entries in each category. These
top entries will be asked to send
us their potholder for final judging
of construction.
Awards: First place - $40 gift certificate
2nd place - $25 gift certificate
3rd place - $20 gift certificate
4th place - $15 gift certificate
5th place - $10 gift certificate
Be sure to download the information and submission form in pdf format at our Sewing Contest website page.
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Website Closeouts:

We are currently closing out our A ctivity Bags and K its for projects in Stitches & Pins and Buckles & Bobbins on our website. Be sure to check out these great values !!

 
Copyright © 2004 Bunkhouse Books. All rights reserved.
JoAnn Gagnon, 1-800-337-8845