Smile Spinners

Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday! 11/19-11/28!

Smile Spinners will be closed from November 19-28

Weekly Update! November 6, 2023

Hello Creative Enthusiasts!

Here are some SMILES from around the shop!

Sew Many Reasons to Smile at Smile Spinners!

Fun Projects!
Great Classes!
Spending time with Friends!
Fabulous Fabrics!

In this email:

New Arrivals!
Upcoming classes!
November's Class Calendar is complete! View it Here!

New Arrivals!

Click Here for MORE New Fabrics!

Upcoming Classes:

Sew Simple Project! Tree Napkin!

November 11, Wednesday
Time: 11:00
Get Stitching with this sew simple project
- No sewing experience needed!
- You can complete this project in class!
- Use our FREE fabric scraps if you want!
- Click here to register for class!

Let's Start To Make Garments! Gathering!

November 8, Wednesday
Time: 6:00
Meets in the classroom at Smile Spinners
There are numerous places we use gathers in our sewing projects, not just sleeves!
Learn how to setup your machine so that gathering is sew easy!
Click here to register for class!

Let's Start To Make Garments! Neck Edge Finishes!

November 10, Friday
Time: 1:30
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners
In this class: Class #8 Neck Edge Finishes
- Serged
- Facings
- Bias binding
- Knits
Click Here to register for class!

Sew Simple Project! Pillowcases!

November 15, Wednesday
Time: 11:00
Get Stitching with this sew simple project
- No sewing experience needed!
- You can complete this project in class!
- Use our FREE fabric scraps if you want!
Click Here to register for class!

Let's Start to Make Garments! Zippers! (2 classes)

November 15 and 29, Wednesday
Time: 6:00
In class we will practice inserting a Slot, Lap and Invisible Zipper!

Click Here to register for class!

Snow Globe Wall Hanging Workshop!

November 16, Thursday
Time: 6:15
We have been making this tree for a few months! We have made fussy cut snow globes, ornaments, embroidered ornaments, a halloween tree... I think the posibilities are endless!
Click Here to register for class!

Quilt Block of the Month! Trees and Wreaths!

November 17, Friday
Time: 1:30
Meets in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Click Here to register for class!

Sew What Saturday! Workshop!

Everyone asked me WHAT we are sewing? Whatever you want!

November 18, Saturday
Time: 10:30 - 1:30
In this Workshop:
- You choose what you want to work on!
- We are available for guidance, inspiration, & project suggestions!
Click Here to register for class!

Be Sew Sensational! See you soon!

Cathy

Smile Spinners

1975 Valley Rd Marysville, PA

(717) 957-4225

Weekly Update! August 1, 2023

Hello Creative Enthusiasts!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- The August Class Calendar has been posted!
- Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners!
- Find it at Smile Spinners! Services!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

August 2 (Wednesday) - Help! I Think My Sewing Machine Hates Me! Class #5

Trouble Shooting
Time: 6:15
Meets Face To Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners
This is the time to address any problems you may be experiencing!
- Thread jams!
- Fabric placement!
- Thread types!
- Thread breakage!
- Needles!
- Needle breakage!
Click Here to Register!
Reminder: Please review the list of items needed for this class.

August 3 (Thursday) - Let's Make Bias Binding!

Time: 6:15
Meets: Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
This class is for the Quilter, the Sewist, the Bag Creator and the Home Decorator!
- Why Bias binding?
- Why make your own?
- When do you use bias tape makers?
- Learn how to make Continues Bias so your creativity does not stop at the edge of your project!
- Learn how to shape your binding so it lays beautifully around a curve!
- Click Here to Register for Class!
Please review the list of items needed for this class!

August 9 (Wednesday) - Embroidery! Free Standing Lace!

Time: 1:00
Meets: Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Set up and embroider lace with confidence!
- Let's review
  - Stabilizers
  - Hoops
  - Hooping
  - Uses for Free Standing Lace
Click Here to Register for Class!
Please review the list of items needed for this class!

August 10 - (Thursday) Plaza Window #5 (INTRO)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
In this session I will be showing you lots of options so this quilt will suit your style!
- Choose Halloween
- Choose to use a Panel for Kids
- Actually, your choices are endless!
- I will also demo how easy this Wallhanging/Quilt is to construct!
Click Here to Sign up for Class!

NEW CLASSES!

Click Here to view the New Classes in August!

Our Classroom!

Sewing education is important to us! Smile Spinners Stitching Campus has a separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available! Call (717) 957- 4225 for information!

. .

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip! Click Here to Plan Your Visit!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales: We Love Pfaff Sewing Machines!

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot! (Pictured above!)
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning on ALL sewing machine brands!

Repairs will depend on the age (kinda like humans)
Make (Brand)
Model
Availability of parts

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Service!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She also provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, August 2!
Learn more about your Creative Partner!

Be Sew Awesome!

Cathy

Skipped Stitches! Part #1 June 21, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email we will examine: SKIPPED STITCHES :

To understand SKIPPED STITCHES we need to have an understanding of a few items:

Hmmm, How does your machine form a stitch?
A number of reasons why skipped stitches happen?
How to stop to prevent skipped stitches from happening!
And probably more! Have you noticed how much there is to know about your machine?

Let's start with the photo that prompted this discussion!

If you zoom in on the photo you will see 2 rows of stitching.

The row on the right is a row I stitched.
The row to the left was what prompted the customer to bring in here machine.
- I was very excited that this new customer recognized a problem and brought the machine in!
- I was also excited because I get to talk about how your machine forms a stitch!
When you examine the stitches on the right:
- They are all the exact same length
- There are no skipped stitches
When you examine the row to the left
- You will notice that the length of the stitches vary
- And while the stitch length was the same setting as my row, 2.5, very few of the stitches are 2.5mm in length.
- Some are much shorter
- Then a skipped stitch.
- Hmmmm what the ....

There are a few things going on here.

Skipped stitches
Varying length of stitches

Let's work to rule some things out.

First Skipped Stitches

My Rule out list. Things to look at:

Thread: (See old emails, 4/26/23)
- Is the thread spooling off correctly
  - Is the spool supported?
  - Is there label goop on the spindle?
  - Are there any thread tangles?
Needle: (See email, 5/17/23)
- Is the needle the correct type and size for your fabric?
- Does the needle need to be changed?
- Is the point dull?
- Is the needle bent?
- Is the needle in correctly? The flat side to the back is the most common on our home sewing machines.
Foot
- Are you using the correct foot for your fabric type?
- Is fabric flagging happening?
Timing:
- Everyone blames the timing.
- Rarely an issue.
- We will discuss what that means, probably next week!

Other issue, Varying Stitch Length

Let's go back to last week's email
Last week I talked about adjusting the pressure on the presser foot. If there isn't enough pressure on the presser foot your fabric won't move. So, your stitch lenth shortens.
Is this what's going on here? No, because the stitches are varying lengths.
We will look at how I would trouble shoot this.
But one thing at a time!

Let's look at how your machine forms a stitch!

To see how your machine forms a stitch, we have to look under the throat plate.

Remove your throat plate. It may just pop off or you may have to remove some screws.

Then take out the bobbin and bobbin case.

Let's locate the hook. Below you can see the hook. It has a thread loop caught over it

To form a stitch, the hook has to pass behind the needle at the exact time that the needle is in the down position and be close enough to the needle to "grab" the thread but not so close that it hits the needle. This is why it is sew important to have your needle in correctly. The back side of the needle has a "curved out area" called the scarf. This enables the hook to catch the thread.

Now that you have identified the hook, place your bobbin case and bobbin back in place.To form a stitch the hook "grabs" your needle thread. As the hook spins, the thread passes over the top of the bobbin case and bobbin "picking up" the bobbin thread.

Your take up lever then pulls your thread back up into your machine. This causes a loop to form creating the lock stitch.

The hook rotates around and around to form all of those stitches you need to create an item!

Please note I teach all of this in my Get to Know Your Machine Series, which is now called,

Help! I think my sewing machine hates me class!

Click Here to Go To the Class Calendar!

So there you have it! That is how a stitch is formed! That is probably enough information for today!

Next Week we will troubleshoot those skipped stitches!

Be Sew Knowledgeable!

Cathy

Weekly Update! July 24, 2023

Hello Creative Enthusiasts!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- The August Class Calander has been posted!
- Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners!
- Find it at Smile Spinners! Services!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

July 26 (Wednesday) - Help! I Think My Sewing Machine Hates Me! Class #4

Time: 6:15
Meets Face To Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners
In this class we will learn how to perform routine maintenance on our Creative Partners!
- How do we take the machine apart to clean it?
- What should we check for when we have it apart?
- How do we change our needle?
- How to perform a basic cleaning?
- And sew much more!
Click Here to Register for Class!
Reminder: Please review the list of items needed for this class. View the supplies needed for class.

July 27 (Thursday) - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Machine Quilting Part #3

Time: 6:15
Meets: Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Part #3 Machine Quilting Workshop using a Ruler Foot and Templates
- Set-up to use a Ruler Foot
- Practice Free Motion Quilting using templates!
Click Here to Register for Class!
Please review the list of items needed for this class! Click Here to see what you supplies you need for this class.

August 2 (Wednesday) - Help! I think my Sewing Machine Hates Me! Class #5

Class #5 This is the last one in the series! I think!
When trouble occurs!
Fixing your issues with confidence!
- End thread blobs on the back of your fabric!
- Fix your tension problems!
- How do you use your needle threader?
- Help my scissors won't cut!
- Why does my fabric keep bunching?
- Why does my fabric push down in the throat plate?
- Yikes my needle keeps breaking!
- And Sew Much More!
Click Here to Register for Class!
Please review the list of items needed for this class! Click Here to review the supplies you will need for class!

NEW CLASSES!

Click Here to view the New Classes in August!
NEW Classes!
- Upcycle your T-Shirt!
- Halloween Wall Hanging!
- Snow Globe Wall hanging!
- Machine Embroidery Class!
- Quick Project Series! I'll add this soon!

Our Classroom!

Sewing education is important to us! Smile Spinners Stitching Campus has a separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available! Call (717) 957- 4225 for information!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip! Click Here to Plan Your Visit!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales: We Love Pfaff Sewing Machines!

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot! (Pictured above!)
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning on ALL sewing machine brands!

Repairs will depend on the age (kinda like humans)
Make (Brand)
Model
Availability of parts

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Service!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She also provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner!

Be Sew Awesome!

Cathy

Understanding your Creative Partner, Skipped Stitches Part 2 - July 12, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In the email on June 21, we started to examine: SKIPPED STITCHES
I know, I've been slacking on my Wednesday emails so let's get back to it!
On June 21
- I presented my "Rule Out" list (trouble shooting guide) for SKIPPED STITCHES.
- We also looked at how your machine forms a stitch. Hook /Timing
Today we are going to figure out what was happening to cause the skipped stitches shown in the picture below.
We will also discuss the varying length in stitches.

Before we jump into new information, let's have a brief review because I don't even remember what I was writing about!!!

My Rule out list.

Thread: (See old emails, 4/26/23)
- Is it spooling correctly
  - Is the spool supported? Or is it flopping around?
  - Is there label goop on the spindle? (Usually causes the bobbin thread to pull to the top)
  - Are there any thread tangles? (Usually causes the thread to pull to the top or the needle to break)
Needle: (See email, 5/17/23)
- Is the needle the correct type and size for your fabric?
- Does the needle need to be changed?
- Is the point dull?
- Is the needle bent?
- Is the needle in correctly? The flat side to the back is the most common on our home sewing machines. (I see this frequently. Your machine usually does not form any stitches)
Foot
- Are you using the correct foot for your fabric type?
- Is fabric flagging happening? (Will cause many skipped stitches)
Timing:
- Everyone blames the timing.
- Rarely an issue.
- Timing being off means that the hook is not at the correct position when the needle is in a certain position! Resulting in the hook not being able to "grab" the needle thread.

So back to Troubleshooting.

The thread wasn't an issue.
The needle was a new Schmetz Microtex Sharp 80/12
The foot was an open toe applique foot. Should be fine.
The machine was brand new so what was up.
Remember how the stitches were very short then a skip.

So what was happening? The individual was putting on binding.

The variation in stitch length was due to the machine's feed dogs not being able to move along the fabric at a "regular" rate.
- This often happens if the project is hanging off of the edge of a table (Very Likely)
- Is pinched between your body and the sewing table (Very likely, especially around Thanksgiving!)
- Maybe there isn't enough pressure on your presser foot (Least Likely). If that were the case, the stitches would all be very small.
The skipped stitch was most likely due to the weight of the project pulling the needle just enough so the hook could not "grab" the thread to form a stitch.
If the needle was pulled too much it would have hit the throat plate and broken.
Placing your machine down in a Sewing Cabinet or using a Sew Steady Table will make stitching all projects much easier, especially big ones!
Click Here to view our video "Sewing in Comfort"

An understanding of how your machine forms a stitch is sew important. To become sew much smarter...Join me in my new class series: Help! I think my sewing machine hates me class! Click Here to View Our Class Calendar!

Thank you for reading!

Cathy

Weekly Update! July 11, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!
- Find it at Smile Spinners! Services!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

July 12 - Help! I Think My Sewing Machine Hates me! Class #2

Time: 6:15
Meets Face To Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners
Starting to Stitch
- How do I sew straight?
- How do I change to another stitch?
- How do I change the length and width of my stitch?
- Does my machine have more than 1 needle position?
- How do I back stitch?
- Why do I back stitch?
- And More!
Click Here to Register for Class!
Reminder: Please review the list of items needed for this class. Find the info here!

July 13 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Machine Quilting Part #1

Time: 6:15
Meets: Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Part#1 Intro: How to set up for success!
Click Here to Register for this class!
Reminder: Please review the list of items needed for this class! Find the info here!

July 14 - T-Shirt Quilt Talk

Time: 1:00
Meets: Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Please attend this class before cutting into those T-Shirts!
Click Here to Register for this class!
No Supplies are needed for this class.

Our Classroom!

Sewing education is important to us! Smile Spinners Stitching Campus has a separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available! Call (717) 957- 4225 for information!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales: We Love Pfaff Sewing Machines!

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning on ALL sewing machine brands!

Repairs will depend on the age (kinda like humans)
Make (Brand)
Model
Availability of parts

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Sevice!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She also provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, July 12, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner!

Questions????

Attend Classes for Answers to those Questions!

Be Sew Knowledgeable!

Cathy

Weekly Update! June 19, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!
- Find it at Smile Spinners! Services!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

June 7 & June 21 - Buttons and Buttonholes! (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
June 21 is all about buttonholes!
- How to stabilize!
- How to position!
- How to stitch!
- How to cut!
Start having FUN with Buttons and Buttonholes!
A sewing machine is needed for both classes!
Click Here to Register For Class!
If you missed Part #1 you can still join the class by calling the shop! (717) 957-4225

June 15 & 22 - Sergers (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class:
- Identify when to use a serger
- Identify the parts of your machine: Loopers, knives and more!
- Thread your machine correctly every time
- Adjust your tensions
- Learn how to set-up for a variety of stitches
- How to set the differential feed to ruffle or not ruffle the edge, and more!
Please bring your serger to class!
Click Here to Register for Class!
If you missed Part #1 you can still join the class by calling the shop! (717) 957-4225

June 28 - Needles and Threads!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
So many of the issues I see with sewing machines that are misbehaving are linked to your threads and needle choices!
Stop blaming your sewing machine for your thread failures!
Become Thread and Needle Savvy!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 29 - Let's Start to Quilt! Create the Quilt Sandwich!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
Get your quilt top ready to quilt!
- How to choose your batting
- How to create the sandwich
- How to hold that sandwich together
Click here to register for class!

July 5 - Help! I think My Sewing Machine Hates Me! Class #1

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
Click Here to Register for Class!

Our Classroom!

Sewing education is important to us! Smile Spinners Stitching Campus has a separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning on ALL sewing machine brands!

Repairs will depend on the age (kinda like humans)
Make (Brand)
Model
Availability of parts

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Sevice!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She also provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Weekly Update! June 12, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!
- Find it at Smile Spinners! Services!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

June 15 & 22 - Sergers (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class:
- Identify when to use a serger
- Identify the parts of your machine: Loopers, knives and more!
- Thread your machine correctly every time
- Adjust your tensions
- Learn how to set-up for a variety of stitches
- How to set the differential feed to ruffle or not ruffle the edge, and more!
Please bring your serger to class!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 7 & June 21 - Buttons and Buttonholes! (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
June 21 is all about buttonholes!
Start having FUN with Buttons and Buttonholes!
A sewing machine is needed for both classes!
Click Here to Register For Class!

June 28 - Needles and Threads!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
So many of the issues I see with sewing machines that are misbehaving are linked to your threads and needle choices!
Click Here to Register for Class!

Our Classroom!

Sewing education is important to us! Smile Spinners Stitching Campus has a separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Repairs for ALL sewing machine brands!

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Sevice!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner! Controlling Fabric Creep! Adjusting the Pressure on Your Presser Foot!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Fabric Creep! Part 2

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email I am going to continue to address Fabric Creep!

Last week I talked, about What is Fabric Creep?

It is the lump, "fabric blister", that starts to develop in front of your foot as you sew.
The more layers of fabric or the longer distance you sew will cause the fabric to mismatch, top wil be layer longer than the bottom layer, tucks will form or fabric will twist.
Eliminating fabric creep, reduces or eliminates trimming up, tearing out and a whole lot of frustration!

Click Here to Read about Fabric Creep.

Options for Controlling the Creep!

Pinning
Easing in, works best with 2 layers of fabric.
Walking Foot
Adjust the pressure on the presser foot
Pfaff IDT
Stretching your fabric, pulling from the front and back
Glue/Spray Baste

Pinning not only makes you aware of fabric creep it helps to control it.

Before we can discuss methods to control Fabric Creep, you have to understand how to identify it is occuring before it gets out of control!

How do you "see" the "fabric blister" you ask? 

Pinning!

Now you may or may not be aware that I find pinning absolutely necessary!
I have a 2 hour class all about pinning! Life Altering, was how I heard someone describe it!
Pins, yes pins, not those clips!
If your pins are placed 4-5 inches apart, you will notice that a lump is starting to form.
You need to control that "Fabric Blister" before removing the pin.
Pinning not only makes you aware of the Fabric Creep but helps in the control of it. But only if you don't allow that blister to keep pushing and pushing ending in tucks, twists, misalignments.

Easing In!

Pictured above and below you will see my creep controller!
- A Stiletto/Awl helps me to ease the fabric toward the foot.
- An open toe applique foot, my favorite foot, allows me to contol the fabric as it is stitch together.
- No tucks, no mismatching at the end.
- We practice this technique in my Stitching Accurately Class.

But what if you have loads of layers like in the chenille scarf shown last week? What else can you do?

Walking Foot!

I have seen them being called Even Feed Feet, Accufeed, whatever the company now calls it, it is a walking foot.
How does it work?
- Remove your ankle from your machine. Pictured below.

Place the part that looks like a little lever, over your needle holder set screw.
Lastly, align the foot and fasten it to the shaft.

When your needle goes up and down the foot lifts off the fabric.

Honestly, I hate walking feet! They are clunky and impedes my view of my project.

Pfaff IDT!

The black piece clicks into the opening in the back of the foot! Pictured below.

This mechanism pulls your fabric from the top so there is no fabric creep!
No Walking Foot is needed!
All the feet featured below can accommodate the IDT mechanism!
Even the zipper foot!

SEW SIMPLE!

Pop on my desired foot!
Pop the IDT mechanism in place.
Start sewing!
No screwing needed! LOL!
Start sewing
Notice there is no fabric creep!
Smile at your perfect intersections!
Yes, you guessed it I love it!

Next time:

Adjusting the pressure on your presser foot!
Pulling your fabric!
Glue

Bye for Now! Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Fabric Creep!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email I am going to address Fabric Creep.
- What is it?
- Why does it happen?
- Next Week: How to stop it from happening!

So What is Fabric Creep?

I came up with the phrase, Fabric Creep, about 15 years again to describe the fabric lump that appears in front of your needle as you sew.
As I think about it, fabric creep causes a fabric blister!
Certainly, you have had this happen to you!
In the first picture below you can see the lump starting to develop.

In the next pictures you can see what happens if we don't control the creep.

Our fabric can mismatch with the top fabric being "longer" than the bottom fabric.
The farther you sew the worse it becomes.
As an example: I often use the side seam on a pair of pants but mismatching can occur when stitching a short seam on a quilt block.
The Creep can become worse when sewing on the crosswise grain of your fabric or when stitching on the bias due to the natural stretch of your fabric.
See the mismatch in the photo below. Yikes!!

If we are stitching a hem, the fabric can keep pushing and pushing and eventually you will see the fabric twist and you will stitch in a tuck.
I often use the hem in draperies as an example.

If we are quilting we can see bumps developing which eventually get stitched in as tucks!

In the Picture below I was making a Chenille Scarf.
7 Layers of Yarn Dyed Flannel cut on the bias.
On most machines, stitching this would result in a disaster!
The fabric would push and bunch! Tucks, tucks and more tucks, perhaps mixed with a few nasty words!
In the photo below there wasn't any fabric creep! WHY? I'll answer that question next week.

Why does this happen?

Your Presser Foot pushes your top fabric.

Your Feed Dogs pull the bottom fabric.
Causing the fabrics to shift slightly (depending on the number of layers) causing Fabric Creep to occur!
The more layers the worse it gets.

Have you ever had this happen? In my next email I will cover a number of ways to control Fabric Creep!

Pinning
Easing
Adjustment of the pressure on your presser foot
Walking Foot
Pfaff IDT
Gluing
Sewing over pins (NO!)(Never!)

Sew there you have it, Fabric Creep! Now you know what I call that annoying fabric lump and why it happens. Join me next week to find out how to get that Fabric Creep under control for a better outcome on all of your projects!

Be Sew Creative!

Cathy

Weekly Update! June 5, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Services available at Smile Spinners!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

June 7 & June 21 - Buttons and Buttonholes! (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Start having FUN with Buttons and Buttonholes!
A sewing machine is needed for both classes!
Click Here to Register For Class!

June 8 - Learn to Quilt - Borders

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class we will look at the borders on loads of quilts.
We will determine what made them a success or a failure.
We will all discuss how to calculate, cut and add our borders so they lay flat!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 14 - Embroidery - Free Standing Lace

Time: 1:00
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class you will learn about the 3 types of FREE STANDING DESIGNS:
- Thread Only
- Free Standing with Fabric
- Free Standing Pop Up
Click Here To Register for Class!

June 15 & 22 - Sergers (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class:
- Identify when to use a serger
- Identify the parts of your machine: Loopers, knives and more!
- Thread your machine correctly every time
- Adjust your tensions
- Learn how to set-up for a variety of stitches
- How to set the differential feed to ruffle or not ruffle the edge, and more!
Click Here to Register for Class!

Some Images from our Classroom!

Separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!
- Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
- Private classes are available! Call for Information!

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Repairs for ALL sewing machine brands!

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!
Click Here to Browse our Webshop!

Machine Quilting Sevice!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She provides a binding service!
Click Here to Gather Info

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner! Controlling Fabric Creep!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Weekly Update! Monday, May 29, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Clear the Bolt Sale!
- Services available at Smile Spinners!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

June 1 - Workshop, Let's Start to Quilt!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Get to work on creating a pieced project!
Start to apply the skills we have learned in previous classes to create a table topper or a small wall hanging!
It's time to start to utilize many of the basic skills you learned in earlier skill builders!
A sewing machine is needed for this class!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 7 & June 21 - Buttons and Buttonholes! (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Start having FUN with Buttons and Buttonholes!
A sewing machine is needed for both classes!
Click Here to Register For Class!

June 8 - Learn to Quilt - Borders

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
In this class we will look at the borders on loads of quilts.
We will determine what made them a success or a failure.
We will all discuss how to calculate, cut and add our borders so they lay flat!
Click Here to Register for Class!

Some Images from our Classroom!

SALE! CLEAR the BOLT! May 31-June 2, 2023!

CLEAR the Bolt Sale!
15% discount applied when you finish the bolt!
Mini Bolts Included!
May 31, June 1 & 2, 2023
In shop only!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Repairs for ALL sewing machine brands!

Sewing Machine Education!

Get to know your creative partner!
Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
Click Here to view prior emails!
Private classes are available! Call for Information!

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!

Machine Quilting Service!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She provides a binding service!
Turn around time generally 1 week!!!!!!

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, June 1, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner! Controlling Fabric Creep!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! May 24, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email I WAS going to address Fabric Creep.
- What is it?
- Why does it happen?
- How to stop it from happening but that subject will have to wait until next week.

But Instead: I want to discuss Sewing Machine Knowledge.

I just finished reading the book, Lessons in Chemistry! I totally identified with the main character, Elizabeth Zott. She is passionate about Chemistry but most people can't understand her passion. Also, people don't think that she is knowledgeable because she is a woman. How does that relate to your Sewing Machine Knowledge? I am on a one-woman crusade to help people understand their sewing machines! I follow science and apply it to many of the areas of sewing. Sometimes my zest for finding a solution to your sewing woes makes people uneasy. Also, I'm a woman who's ability to understand the mechanics of a sewing machine is frequently questioned!

YOUR SEWING MACHINE KNOWLEDGE!
Let's get a few things straight:
- Your knowledge about your sewing machine has nothing to do with your sewing ability.
- Your knowledge about your sewing machine has nothing to do with how many years you have been sewing!
- Your knowledge does come from attending machine focused classes with someone who really knows how to sew and how to repair your machine!

I see lots of machines that are brought to me because they don't stitch. The reason they don't stitch can be the result of many things.

To figure out what the problem is and how to keep the problem from returning, takes team work. You & Me!

When you bring your sewing machine in for repair I will always:

Take your machine to the back counter
Have a look at it with you in attendance.
Ask you lots of questions.
- Actually, I create a rule out list.
- That is my science background kicking in!
- I start with the most obvious issue and work through to the least obvious.
- Sometimes that involves asking you questions about how you do things, what thread you use, how it is positioned.....
Lastly, we will develop a plan of action.

I am not only trying to determine the problem with your machine, I am also trying to find out why that problem exists.

Are you experiencing large loops on the underside of your fabric because you are not threading with your foot up?
Does your machine not form a stitch because you put the needle in backwards?
Is your fabric not feeding cause the stitch length is at zero?
Is your top tension too tight because your thread isn't spooling off correctly.
Do you have tension problems because your bobbin is the wrong size?
Are you skipping stitches because your thread spool is unsupported?
What if your scissor function in your machine doesn't cut. Does the blade need to be changed or does the lint need to be cleaned out?
Are your needles breaking because you pull the fabric?
Is your project too thick for your machine?
Is your bobbin basket turning out of place because you are starting to sew and your fabric is not under your foot?
And more!

I can easily fix all of those problems! I cannot keep them from returning if YOU do not provide ME with any information about your stitching habits. Knowledge about your sewing machine and your sewing habits are what I need!

Some of you seem to be getting defensive when I try to obtain information about your sewing machine. Remember:

I am actually trying to save you money!
Most times, 95% of the time, there is no repair required! Really!
Often a discussion about your machine fixes the problem and you are on your way! No charge!

How do you become more knowledgeable about your creative partner?

Read the emails I post on Wednesday about Your Creative Partner.
If you have missed some of the emails, they can be found on the home page of the website.
Watch for a new mini series on Understanding Your Machine. July or August Class calendar.
Attend the FREE classes you received with the purchase of your machine!
Ask questions.

Thank You!

So many of you who have taken the time to email me about how much you have learned from the Wednesday Emails!

To the lady who told me she could kiss me because I answered her question about her serger tension, you made me smile many times!

I am always available to help you learn more about your machine (classes, phone calls, Zoom, In person)
We all should be on a quest to learn new things
AND no matter how many years of sewing experience you may have, you can still learn new things!

Be Sew Smart!

Cathy

Weekly Update! May 22, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Closed on Saturday, May 27, 2023 for the Memorial Day Weekend!
- Clear the Bolt Sale! May 24, 25, 26, 2023
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

May 24 - Fiber to Fabric (2nd part)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
So many fabrics so much to know!
Jessica's knowledge of fabrics and fabric production is amazing!
She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management from FIT in NYC! After graduation she spent 10 years working in NYC developing textiles for a variety of industries!
If you missed part 1 you can still join us for part 2. Please call the shop to register!

May 25 - Half Square Triangles

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in Smile Spinners Classroom!
What is a Half Square triangle?
What is it used for?
What are the best methods for creating 1/2 square triangles?
A Sewing machine is needed for this class!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 1 - Workshop, Let's Start to Quilt!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Get to work on creating a pieced project!
Start to apply the skills we have learned in previous classes to create a table topper or a small wall hanging!
It's time to start to utilize many of the basic skills you learned in earlier skill builders!
A sewing machine is needed for this class!
Click Here to Register for Class!

June 7 & June 21 - Buttons and Buttonholes! (2 Parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Start having FUN with Buttons and Buttonholes!
A sewing machine is needed for both classes!
Click Here to Register For Class!

Some Images from our Classroom!

CLOSED SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2023

1 Day ONLY!
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend!

SALE! CLEAR the BOLT! May 24-26, 2023!

CLEAR the Bolt Sale!
20% discount applied when you finish the bolt!
Mini Bolts Included!
May 24, 25, 26, 2023
In shop only!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

SMILE SPINNERS SERVICES!

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:

A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!

Sewing Machine Cleaning and Repairs for ALL sewing machine brands!

Sewing Machine Education!

Get to know your creative partner!
Receive FREE CLASSES with each Sewing Machine Purchase!
Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!
Click Here to view prior emails!
Private classes are available! Call for Information!

5000 Fabulous Fabrics:

Beautiful Cotton Poplins
Jersey Knits
Ponte Knits
Cotton Canvas
Cotton Linen Blends
Flannel
Wool
Rayons
And More!

Machine Quilting Sevice!

Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
All of her work is hand guided! NOT computer generated!
She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
She provides a binding service!
Separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available!

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner! Controlling Fabric Creep!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Needle Knowledge! May 17, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email I am going to discuss NEEDLE KNOWLEDGE!

First some questions ?

What are you currently sewing? (Me - Tamarak Jacket)
Fabric Fiber type? (Me - Cotton Poplin) ???????
Which Needle Brand do you use? (Me - Schmetz)
What size is it? (Me - 80/12)
What type? (Me - Microtex Sharp)
When did you last change your Needle? (Me - When I started the project)
What thread are you using? (Me - Gutermann Polyester, sewing weight)
Do YOU sew over pins? (Me - Never, really never!)

NEEDLE BASICS!

Locate the stitches in the picture above!
- They are perfect!
- The fabric is Cotton Linen Blend
- The needle I used: A New Schmetz, Microtex Sharp 80/12, Chrome Professional Grade.

Locate the stitches in the picture above!
- Yikes!!!! They are awful!
- So what happened?
- The jacket I was sewing had Ponte (Knit) sleeves
- To sew the Ponte, I was using a Schemtz, Stretch Needle 80/12.
- When I started sewing the hem, Cotton Linen Blend, I forgot to change back to my Microtex Sharp Needle!
- Wow! The wrong needle really did make my stitches look really bad!
- All I did to make my stitches look perfect was to change to the correct needle!

You probably all know this by now.....I love to trial, evaluate, compare, analyze, and scrutinize all kinds of different products. Believe me, I have done the same with needles! The info is too much to type here, but if you would like to hear more about my results please ask!

Schmetz is my favorite brand ( Yes, I have lots of reasons)
- I use the Microtex Sharps 80/12 for most of my projects, because I frequently sew with cotton.
- A Schmetz, Micrtex Sharp 80/12 is probably a good choice for you if you sew with the following: Cotton poplin, Cotton Broadcloth, Cotton Flannel, Cotton Velvet, Cotton Denim, Cotton Canvas, Cotton Linen Blend....
- I generally sew on cotton with a high thread count, so the Sharp Needles give me the best stitch quality. The sharp point can easily pierce the fabric fiber. Try it for yourself!
- Reminder: needles break when they strike your machines throat plate which is usually the result of pulling your fabric! A bigger needle probably is not needed. See prior email!

For Knits, Jersey and Ponte, I like the Schmetz Stretch Needle 80/12
For more info visit their website, Schmetzneedles.com
Change your needle every 6-8 sewing hours
Change your needle if you strike something.
In most home sewing machines, consult your users manual:

The needle will be inserted into the machine's needle holder with the flat side to the back.
Domed side to the front.
This is very very important! The hook can only "grab" your top thread and pull it over the top of your bobbin to form a stitch if the needle is inserted correctly. (See anatomy of a needle)

Be sure to insert the needle fully or you will break your needle threader!
For more information join me in my Threads and Needles Class! Click Here to Register for Class!

Time to bring this email to an end! I hope you have enjoyed learning more about your creative partner!

If you have missed any of my emails, they can be found on the home page of our website. Find Emails Here!

Bye!!!!!!

Cathy

Weekly Update! May 15, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Closing Early on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 4P/M
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

May 17 & 24 - Fiber to Fabric (2 parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
So many fabrics so much to know!
Jessica's knowledge of fabrics and fabric production is amazing!
She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management from FIT in NYC! After graduation she spent 10 years working in NYC developing textiles for a variety of industries!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 25 - Half Square Triangles

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in Smile Spinners Classroom!
What is a Half Square triangle?
What is it used for?
What are the best methods for creating 1/2 square triangles?
Click Here to Register for Class!

Some Images from our Classroom!

CLOSING EARLY on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 4P/M

THURSDAY, MAY 18 Smile Spinners will be CLOSING at 4 P/M
I will be traveling to York to Lecture on my favorite subject: Your Creative Partner!

PLAN A ROAD TRIP to Smile Spinners!!

Plan Your Trip!

Smile Spinners Services

Pfaff Sewing Machine Sales:
- A Pfaff Dealer for 21 years!
- The entire Staff sews on Pfaff!
- We love the Pfaff "IDT" system which eliminates the need for a bulky walking foot!
Sewing Machine Cleaning and Repairs for ALL sewing machine brands!
- Follow my weekly emails on Your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Macine!
- Click Here to view prior emails!
Sewing Machine Education!
- Get to know your creative partner!
- Private classes are available!
5000 Fabrics:
- Beautiful Cotton Poplins
- Jersey Knits
- Ponte Knits
- Cotton Canvas
- Cotton Linen Blends
- Flannel
- Wool
- Rayons
- And More!
Machine Quilting Sevice!
- Jo has over 20 years of long arm quilting experience!
- All of her work is hand guided!
- She will piece your backing even matching the motifs!
- She provides a binding service!
Separate building for classrooms: stocked with cutting mats, ironing stations and basic tools needed for creating!
Group and Private Classes are available!

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Learn more about your Creative Partner!

Bye!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! May 10, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner, YOUR SEWING MACHINE, Day!

In this email I am going to address the cause of LARGE LOOPS on the underside of your fabric.
In the past week I had 3 people who had this issue.
All of the people have more than 30 years of sewing experience, so I am sure there are more people who maybe frustrated with the same issue.
Sometimes there are loops, sometimes no loops!
Everyone brought their machines in to have the tension fixed.
Everyone was sent away with knowledge. No fix was necessary!

Troubleshooting Large Loops appearing on the backside of your fabric!

Troubleshooting #1

Is the tension setting set properly?
How do you set the tension on your machine?
- Does your machine have a dial that you turn to adjust the tension setting? If "yes" then
  - Usually the machine has a "normal" range indicated.
  - Check that the machine is set in the "normal" range.
  - Recently, I had a customer who's tension was set at zero.
  - Of course there was no tension on the thread so there were lots of loops on the underside of the fabric!
- Does your machine have a computer brain so that it self adjusts the tension each time you change to a different stitch? If "yes"
  - Lucky You!
  - Continue to troubleshooting #2.

Troubleshooting #2

Is your thread in your upper tension disks?
When threading your machine, should your presser foot be Up? Down? Doesn't matter?

ANSWER! Your foot must be in the UP position when threading your machine.

Your tension disks are just two round pieces of metal (shown below) that open and close depending on the position of the presser foot!
When your foot is UP your tension disks are in the "open" position so that your thread easily falls into the slot between the disks.
If your foot is down when you thread, the disks are pressed tightly together so that many times your thread sits on the outside of the disk.....meaning there is not tension applied to the top thread....Yikes, loops!
So to achieve a balanced stitch, your foot must be up when threading and down when sewing.
Ahhh sewing bliss!

When did it become necessary to thread with your foot UP?
- The machines below are very old.
- One is a very old PFAFF treadle machine.
- Its tension disk are on the outside of the machine but it still needed to have its foot up to open the tension disks.
- Remember that when the disks were on the outside of the machine you could see if the thread was in between the disks and you probably just gave it a tug if it wasn't!
- Please know that in many older sewing machine instruction manuals there was no mention about threading with your foot up so many people are unaware that this is necessary!

For those of you using sergers
- Raising the foot also opens your tension disks.
- Look in the slot by the dials and you will see the disks open as you raise the foot!

Troubleshooting #3

How thick is the fabric that is being placed under your presser foot?
When you lower the presser foot lever is the presser foot able to drop?
It must drop to close the tension disks to form a stitch.
If the fabric that is placed under the foot is too thick no matter what you do you will not have a balanced stitch.
NO ONE can fix that issue!
You have exceeded the capabilities of the machine.
Some of the more expensive sewing machines have a higher presser foot clearance so they are able to have a perfectly blanced stitch when sewing thicker fabrics.

Sewing Summary

The next time you have loops on the backside of your fabric follow the troubleshooting suggestions given above!

Remember

I am always available to help you learn more about your machine (classes, phone calls, Zoom, In person)
We all should be on a quest to learn new things
AND no matter how many years of sewing experience you may have, you can still learn new things!

Be Sew Smart!

Cathy

Weekly Update! May 8, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

May 10 - Exploring Specialty Techniques - Bobbin Work!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners or via ZOOM!
Skill Builder!
In this class we will exploring:
- How to use the gorgeous chunky threads that are too thick to go through the eye of the sewing machine needle!
- How to wind the thread on the bobbin!
- How to mark and position your fabric!
- How to stitch!
All machines can do bobbin work! Join us to find out how!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 11 - Batting IQ

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
Skill Builder
Batting:
- You have spent time and money to make your quilt. Now how do you decide what batting to choose?
- Should you choose: Cotton, Polyester, Wool, Bamboo....?
- What should you know about shrink rate, loft, stitching distance...?
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 12 - Meet the Designer! FREE

Time: 10-1
Get to know the Talented Jo Stefanon!
She designs patterns, she is an artist, she creates garments and quilts and she is a machine quilter.
Jo has been been providing the Long Arm Quilting Services for Smile Spinner's customers for 20 Years!
Meet Jo and become SEW Inspired!
Click Here to register for the meet and greet!

May 17 & 24 - Fiber to Fabric (2 parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Skill Builder!
So many fabrics so much to know!
Jessica's knowledge of fabrics and fabric production is amazing!
She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management from FIT in NYC! After graduation she spent 10 years working in NYC developing textiles for a variety of industries!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 25 - Half Square Triangles

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in Smile Spinners Classroom!
Skill Builder!
What is a Half Square triangle?
What is it used for?
What are the best methods for creating 1/2 square triangles
Click Here to Register for Class!

Some Images from Our Quilting Class!

Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners!!

Next Email!

Next Email: Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Bye! Be Sew Knowledgeable!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Bobbins! May 3, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:

Bobbin Knowledge is essential to achieving a perfectly balanced stitch!

Be Bobbin Savvy!
- Is there a universal bobbin that fits all sewing machines? NO!
- Can you use metal bobbins if your sewing machine has a bobbin "low" indicator? NO!
- Does the direction that your thread pulls off your bobbin matter? YES!
- Does your bobbin have to be tightly wound? YES!
- Does your weight (size) of the bobbin thread have to match your top thread? NO... BUT!
- Is there tension on your bobbin thread? Is it adjustable? YES & YES!

Once again it is time to explore your Creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine!

Why am I addressing this topic?
I see loads of machines that are brought in to me for repair and what do I see?
Many of the machines have multiple sizes and shapes of bobbins that will not work with their machine!
The good news is that once the correct bobbin is used, the machine is fixed!!!!!
Don't be embarrassed but do become sew knowledgeable!

Size Does Matter!!!

Perhaps it is difficult to see all of the various shapes and sizes of the bobbins in the picture above. Zoom in and take a look!
Trust me the bobbins are very different!
There is not a universal bobbin even though you may have seen ads for them!
**Always select the bobbin that is designed for your machine's brand and model. For example: Pfaff sewing machines have a number of different shapes and sizes of bobbins! Ask an expert!

Metal or plastic?

You will also notice that some of the bobbins are metal and some are plastic.
If your sewing machine has a bobbin sensor, a light must be able to pass through the bobbin to reach the sensor, so it's plastic for you.

How should your thread spool off?

If you have a bobbin case that is like the picture on the left, your bobbin needs to turn clockwise.
- A dot placed on the top of the bobbin will turn to the right.
If you have a bobbin case that is like the picture on the right then your bobbin needs to turn counterclockwise.
- A dot placed on the top of the bobbin will turn to the left.

Does your bobbin need to be tightly wound?

Yikes, look at these!
Your bobbins must be wound tightly.
Not loopy, not spongy!
The loose threads below will get caught in the bobbin case as they try to spin.
Most times bobbins like this can be re-wound on another bobbin so the thread does not go to waste.
Having issues winding a bobbin? Ask us for help!

Does the thread used in the bobbin have to be the same weight (size) as your top thread?

Your machine is adjusted to have a balanced stitch with a 50/3 thread.
A heavier or lighter thread can be used in the bobbin if the tension on the bobbin thread is adjusted.
The thread on the right is the correct weight!

How to make adjustments on the bobbin case?

There is a small screw on your bobbin case that can be adjusted.
Pictured on the Left. Adjust the bottom screw
Pictured on the Right. Adjust the screw shown at the tip of the awl.
Be Careful! You can adjust the screw too much and the tensioning pieces will fly apart!

I will discuss this in my Bobbin Work Class being held on May 10!
Click Here to sign up for Class!

Thank you for taking the time to become Sew Knowledgeable about your Creative Partner!!!

If you have an questions please call or stop by for a visit! 

Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners!!

Click Here to view a map and a list of fun places to visit!

Next Email!

Next email: Friday, May 5, 2023 or maybe May 6!

Bye for now!

Cathy

Weekly Update! May 1, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- What are Skill Builder Classes?
- Private Classes!
- Gift Cards!
- Plan a Road Trip to our shop!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

Images below are from the Intro to Rotary Cutting Class!

May 3 - Exploring Specialty Techniques on Your Sewing Machine - Twin Needles!

This class was just rescheduled!
Time: 4:00 PM
All Makes and Models of Machines are Welcome!

Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners
Skill Builder
Your creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine, is capable of doing so many exciting things! Join me to learn about sewing with twin needles!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 4 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Beginning Construction!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
Skill Builder!
In this class we will discuss how to achieve accuracy!
How to achieve the illusive perfect 1/4" and it is not with a 1/4" foot
How to control "Fabric Creep"!
How to have perfect intersections!
***Attend as many of the Learn to Quilt Classes that your schedule allows! You do not need to attend all of them!
Click Here to Register for Class

Above: Shelley got hooked on quilting when she saw how easy it was to get her quilt intersections to be "Sew Perfect"!

May 10 - Exploring Specialty Techniques - Bobbin Work!

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners or via ZOOM!
Skill Builder!
In this class we will exploring how to use the gorgeous chunky threads that are too thick to go through the eye of the sewing machine needle!
How to wind the thread on the bobbin!
How to mark and position your fabric!
How to stitch!
All machines can do bobbin work! Join us to find out how!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 11 - Batting IQ

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
Skill Builder
You have spent time and money to make your quilt. Learn about the types of battings that are available so you can make the right choice for your quilt!
Click Here to Register for Class!

May 12 - Meet the Designer! FREE

Time: 10-1
Get to know the Talented Jo Stefanon!
She designs patterns, she is an artist, she is a machine quilter.
Meet Jo and become SEW Inspired!
Click Here to register for the meet and greet!

May 17 & 24 Fiber to Fabric (2 parts)

Time: 6:15
Meets Face to Face in the Classroom at Smile Spinners!
Skill Builder!
So many fabrics so much to know!
Jessica's knowledge of fabrics and fabric production is amazing!
She holds a degree in Fashion Design and Production Management from FIT in NYC! After graduation she spent 10 years working in NYC developing textiles for a variety of industries!
Click Here to Register for Class!

Skill Buillders! What is a Skill Builder and Why Take Them!

For many years we watched people attend project focused classes. We found people really didn't know how to cut better, piece better, or press better after taking those classes.
Many people were working really hard and not achieving the greatest outcomes. Some gave up on sewing and quilting because it wasn't fun.
About 10 years ago, we decided to focus on making people more skillful so all projects would go together easier!
Skill builders were born!
If you are experiencing difficulty with a technique, give Skill Builders a try!

Private Classes!

Schedule the class that is right for you
Schedule that class on the date and time that fits your schedule
Choose face to face or Zoom format
Decide if this class is just for you or do you want to invite friends?!?
Call the shop to schedule! (717) 957-4225

May 14 is Mother's Day! Get Mom a Gift Card to Smile Spinners!

The gift Card can be purchased and printed without leaving your home! Surprise Your Favorite Mom!
Click Here to Purchase a Gift Card!

Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners!!

Click Here to view a map and a list of fun places to visit!

Next Email!

Next email: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
I will discuss more tips for making friends with your creative partner, Your Sewing Machine. Topic: Bobbins and Bobbin Winding!!!

Bye for now!

Cathy

Stitching Inspiration! April 29, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

I was sew excited to hear that it is going to rain this weekend! We really could use a couple of days of a steady rain. Not only does it mean that we will be getting the rain that is desperately needed, but I can plan some time stitching and not feel guilty that I'm getting quilty! Please laugh now!

Here are a few ideas for some projects!

"Pinwheels" is a very simple pattern that was developed by Smile Spinners long ago.
It can be used as a Baby Quilt, Table Topper or Wall Quilt
The finished size is 40 x 40"
The pattern is available in store or in our webshop!
Click Here to view the pattern
We have given it an update by using fabrics from the Collection "The Littlest Family's Big Day" a children's book by Emily Winfield Martin!
The fabrics are 100% cotton poplin, 43/44" wide
Click Here to view the yellow books
Click Here to view the teal fabric
Click Here to view the border print
We used "Thangles" to make our 1/2 square triangle construction super easy and accurate!
Thangles are available in the shop or on our webshop, Click Here for Thangles
What is a "Thangle"? Join me in Class to find out! Click Here to register for class!

Dresses!

When I saw the dress on the front of the catalog above, I was reminded of this cute cotton poplin in this Subtle Floral design that has a very similar look!
Such a cute fabric for a dress! Click Here to view the fabric or rush into the shop!
The burgundy fabric that is my backdrop for the photo is a beautiful wool!
It would be fantastic in a simple jacket! Click Here to view the wool!

I also loved the combination above!
Fabrics and inspiration are always available in our store or from our webshop!

The next email is on Monday, May 1!

All of my older emails are available on the home page at Smile Spinners .com
Please share this email with your friends!

Enjoy this rainy weekend and get some stitching done!

Cathy

Note to Janice...It is Saturday! LOL!

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Thread Spools! April 26, 2023

Hello Creative Community! Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner Day!

Today we will discuss:

Question:
- Can the size and shape of your Thread Spool cause:
  - skipped stitches?
  - an unbalanced stitch, thread pulling to the top?
  - broken needles?
Answer:
- Yes!
- Don't take your machine in repair....read this email!

First let's look at some pictures!

What do the spools below have in common?
Answer: They hold thread

Next what is different about the spools below?
Answer: The size and shape of many of the spools differ.
- The height and diameter differ
- The size of the opening in the thread spools differ greatly

So should that difference in the spool cause you any concern?

Yes of course or I wouldn't be discussing it!!!!!!
In my email last week, April 19, I showed you a number of pictures
I mentioned that how your thread comes off the spool can cause your top tension to increase (tighten) without changing your tension knob.

I am often asked about what makes a quality thread but I can never remember anyone being concerned about the spool.

Yes, I am suggesting that you have to care about the quality of thread and also the spool it is wound on!
In the olden days....all the openings in our spools were the same.
The spools below all have a small opening. If they are supported on a thread stand and don't have any compression spots they will spool off beautifully. They will not bobble about as the thread pulls off. Sewing life will be good!

Please look closely at the picture below of the spool stand and spool.
The spool in the picture has a rather large opening and looks like is not supported on the top or bottom! Oh!
If that is indeed the case, the spool can bobble around and cause the stitch to pull to the top side and/or to skip a stitch!

The large spools pictured below must have a spool support positioned in the large opening and must be on a thread stand or you are going to be saying %$#&*% machine! It's not your machine!

Now look below.

What do we do with these spools?
The opening is not large enough to put in a thread support as above.
The openings are not aligned so they do not lay in the "well" in the top of your machine. It does not stand up straight on your spool pin nor does it stand on the spool stand.
.
I must admit that when I was gathering threads to take pictures for this email I couldn't believe how many of the spools are like the ones above! I was ranting, who designed these spools!?!
No wonder everyone is having an issue with unbalanced stitches, (thread pulling to the top), skipped stitches, shredding thread, breaking needles.....

So in summary, if you are experiencing skipped stitches, bobbin thread pulling to the top, shredding of your threads, breaking needles, look at the spool your thread is wound on, it just may be the problem!

I hope you are enjoying becoming more knowledgeable about your machine! If you missed any of the Wednesday emails where I help you become friends with your Creative Partner, they can be found on the home page of our website, Click here to go to our Website!

Having problems bonding with your machine? Set up a private class with me. It can be done face to face or via zoom! Call (717) 957-4225 to schedule. Click Here to check on our hours!

The next email is on Friday April 28!

Be Sew Creative!

Cathy

Weekly Update! April 24, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

In this Email:
- Upcoming Classes!
- What are Skill Builder Classes?
- Private Classes!
- Gift Cards!
- Plan a Road Trip!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

April 27 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Cutting Your Fabrics!
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- Skill Builder!
- In this class we will talk about the tools to use to make cutting more accurately!
- Tips will be given to eliminate ruler slippage!
- We will also review some safety rules so that you don't spend a few hours in the Emergency Department!
- Lastly we will practice cutting so you will leave feeling confident!
- ***Attend as many of the Learn to Quilt Classes that your schedule allows! You do not need to attend all of them!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

May 4 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Beginning Construction!
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- Skill Builder!
- In this class we will discuss how to achieve accuracy!
- How to achieve the illusive perfect 1/4" and it is not with a 1/4" foot!
- How to control "Fabric Creep"!
- How to have perfect intersections!
- ***Attend as many of the Learn to Quilt Classes that your schedule allows! You do not need to attend all of them!
- Click Here to Register for Class!
- Above: Shelley got hooked on quilting when she saw how easy it was to get her quilt intersections to be "Sew Perfect"!
May 10 - Exploring Specialty Techniques - Bobbin Work!
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- Skill Builder!
- In this class we will exploring how to use the gorgeous chunky threads that are to thick to go through the eye of the sewing machine needle!
- How to wind the thread on the bobbin!
- How to mark and position your fabric!
- How to stitch!
- All machines can do bobbin work! Join us to find out how!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

Skill Buillders! What is a Skill Builder and Why Take Them!

For many years we watched people attend project focused classes. We found people really didn't know how to cut better, piece better, or press better after taking those classes.
Many people were working really hard and not achieving the greatest outcomes. Some gave up on sewing and quilting because it wasn't fun.
About 10 years ago, we decided to focus on making people more skillful so all projects would go together easier!
Skill builders were born!
If you are experiencing difficulty with a technique, give Skill Builders a try!

Private Classes!

Schedule the class that is right for you
Schedule that class on the date and time that fits your schedule
Choose face to face or Zoom format
Decide if this class is just for you or do you want to invite friends?!?
Call the shop to schedule! (717) 957-4225

May 14 is Mother's Day!

This part is to be forwarded to people of your choosing!

Do You Know That Mother's Day is on May 14?
Well it is!
I'm sure your Mom has done many very nice things for you!
If you ask her what she wants for Mother's Day she will probably answer "Nothing". Don't believe her!
A gift Card to Smile Spinners would be very nice!
The gift Card can be purchased and printed without leaving your home! Surprise Your Favorite Mom!
Click Here to Purchase a Gift Card!

Plan a Road Trip to Smile Spinners! The Red Bud Trees on Rt 850 are still gorgeous!

Click Here to view a map and a list of fun places to visit!

Next Email!

Next email: Wednesday, April 26.
I will discuss more tips for making friends with your creative partner, Your Sewing Machine. Topic: Threads!

Bye for now!

Cathy

Chilling or Grilling? Sewing Inspiration, April 21, 2023

Hello Creative Community

New Quilt Design!

FREE PROJECT SHEET designed by Jo for Smile Spinners! (Purchase of fabrics required)

I hope you have a chance to stop by the shop to view this quilt! The fabrics that we used are so soft and serene that just looking at this quilt makes me calm.

The fabrics were from the Lake Escape Collection from P&B Textiles.
We used a large panel for the center and 6 smaller panels around the edges.
.
Click Here to view the fabric
Click Here to view the Panel
Additional Fabrics used in the quilt
We used a 108" wide fabric for the backing
- Click Here to view the wide backing!
- The above 108" wide fabric also is available in some other beautiful colorways!

RECIPE For FUN!

Smile Spinners Popular Reversible Apron "RECIPE For FUN" is shown in a fun fabric below!

The Pattern was designed by Team Smile Spinners!
It is reversible! For twice the fun of course!
There are 2 styles in the pattern to choose from!
Sized for adults!
Sew Easy!
Click Here to view the Pattern!
Click Here to view the Fabric!
This Pattern is not just for girls! I made this for Josh, my favorite son, awhile ago.
My fabric choices, pizza on 1 side, marijuana leaves on the other! LOL! Mom humor!
.

So now matter what it is you are doing, Chilling or Grilling, Smile Spinners has you covered!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! Troubleshooting Your Stitch! April 19, 2023

Hello Creative Community! Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner Day!

Today we will discuss:

Achieving a Balanced Stitch! Click Here to view a video made by Smile Spinners on the Perfectly Balanced Stitch!

Oh No! What is happening in the picture below?
If you look at the right side of the picture, just behind the foot, you will see the bobbin thread has suddenly started to pull to the top! %&*+()$#@!
Follow along with me as I do some basic troubleshooting.
- Hmmm, the bobbin thread is pulling to the top. It is really pulling to the top!!!!!
- That means, either the tension on the
  - Bobbin thread is Too Little
  - OR
  - There is Too Much Tension on the Top thread.
- Since the stitches on the left side of the picture were balanced I would start looking at why there is too much tension on the top thread.
- I would not even think of adjusting my top tension! There are loads of reasons why your top tension changes and they don't have anything to do with changing the tension dial.
The first thing I always do is to put my presser foot in the "up" position. Does the thread pull easily through the eye of the needle? It should!
In the picture above, the thread was stuck! I couldn't pull it through the needle with the foot up!
Track the path of the thread.
- Where is the spool of thread positioned? I like my thread to always be on a thread stand. Click Here to see the Thread Stand
The following "things" will make it more difficult to pull the thread through the machine, thus tightening the tension on the top thread.
- Is the thread able to pull off the spool without getting stuck? Are there rough spots on the top of the spool?
- Is your thread standing upright on a spool pin?
  - Is it standing up straight?
  - Is a spool cap on too tight so the spool won't spin?
  - Is there goop on the spindle from the label on the thread once again keeping your spool from spinning?
- Is the thread spool bobbing about or leaning to one side?
- Is the thread wrapped around and caught on one of the thread guides?
- Are you using a "quality" thread? Has the thread shredded as it was going through your machine? Are there knots or slubs on the thread? Please Read this prior email for more information!
There are numerous reasons why your top tension maybe too tight, please remember to always check the items listed above.
Do not make adjustments to your tension knob, that will rarely fix your problem. So rarely, that I would bet you are more likely to win the lottery even if you never play! LOL!
Sew what was the problem above?
.
The problem above was caused by a problem with the thread! You can see the thread is pressed into the other thread on the spool. This could be caused by poor storage of the thread or a defect in the thread.
Threads are expensive so store them properly in a spool container. Click here to view a spool storage container!

Sew the next time you experience an issue with an unbalanced stitch, don't touch that tension dial!

Questions? Perhaps viewing our video on Creating a Perfectly Balanced Stitch will help! ( YouTube Video ) Or stop by the shop with your machine!

Cathy

Weekly Update! April 17, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Don't miss out on what's happening at Smile Spinners in the upcoming weeks!

CLASSES: Become Sew Knowledgeable! View the Class Calendar!

April 19 - Exploring Specialty Techniques on Your Sewing Machine: Twin Needles
- Time: 7:00
- Meets via Zoom only
- Your creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine, is sew capable of doing so many exciting things! Join me to learn about sewing with twin needles!
- How do we thread the machine? What can you use twin needles for?
- All makes, and models of sewing machines are welcome!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

April 20 - Pinning
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this "life altering" (customer quote) class on pinning we will discuss what pins are the best for each project and the 5 reasons why pinning is SEW Important!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

April 27 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Cutting Your Fabrics!
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this class we will talk about the tools to use to make cutting more accurately!
- Tips will be given to eliminate ruler slippage!
- We will also review some safety rules so that you don't spend a few hours in the Emergency Department!
- Lastly we will practice cutting so you will leave feeling confident!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

This part is to be forwarded to people of your choosing!

Do You Know That Mother's Day is on May 14?
Well it is!
I'm sure your Mom has done many very nice things for you!
If you ask her what she wants for Mother's Day she will probably answer "Nothing". Don't believe her!
A gift Card to Smile Spinners would be very nice!
It can be purchased and printed without leaving your home! Surprise Your Favorite Mom!
Click Here to Purchase a Gift Card!

Plan a Road Trip! The Red Bud Trees on Rt 850 are gorgeous!

Click Here to view a map and a list of fun places to visit!

Next Email!

Next email: Wednesday, April 19.
I will discuss more tips for making friends with your creative partner, Your Sewing Machine.

Bye for now!

Cathy and Team SmileSpinners

Sewing for Summer! Sew Fast and Sew Easy!

Hello Creative Community!

Today, let us look at some easy garment designs! The dress below was one I created back in around 1980! Yes, you read that correctly! It was made in a French Terry with a matching rib knit that finished the neck! It still looks as good today as it looked way back in the 80's! I probably still have the pattern somewhere in my large pattern library!

So what are you to do if you don't have this pattern from the 80's well look below, the Lobo pattern is very similar in style and would be just as quick and easy to make!

Click Here to view the Lobo Pattern

Note!

The dress would look fabulous in some of the knit fabrics that can be found at Smile Spinners!
Click Here to browse our Knit selection!
This project would be great to make on a serger.
Click Here to view the Pfaff Admire Air Serger

Using a twin needle would be a quick and easy way to hem this item.
Click Here for Info on a class on Twin Needles!

Keeping it Simple!

Easy Patterns Elements
- Sleeveless
- Cap sleeve
- Dolman sleeve
- Raglan sleeve
- Boat Neck
- Round neck

I hope you are inspired to sew some simple summer fashions! After looking through a few of my patterns I found these! I've been inspired!

So good bye, I'm going to sew!!!!!!!!!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! 5 Tips! April 12, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner Day!

As mentioned before, it is very difficult to be creative and to find joy in the process if your sewing machine is acting up! Join me every Wednesday, if you want to gain knowledge about your sewing machine!

Today we will discuss: Why the "scissor function" in your sewing machine does not cut your thread!

Let's set the scene. You push the button to activate your scissors in your sewing machine and sometimes it cuts or sometimes it doesn't. This makes you REALLY FRUSTRATED &#@*%$!!!! So you take your machine in to get it fixed. The repair person changes the blade once again. You just had it changed! You are going crazy! What are you to do?

Repair Notes From Cathy

Rarely does the blade need to be replaced!
Lint and thread push the cutter blade out of position just enough that 1 or both threads don't cut.
The lint is very difficult to see because it is usually gray in color and cannot be seen when looking at the machine from the front.
I turn the machine around so I am looking at it from the back side and press the scissor function button to see the lint.
It is easy to clean the lint out once someone shows you how everything works!

5 Tips to make sure your scissors always cut!

1. Be mindful of the position of your fabric when the scissors are activiated!
- The edge of your fabric should still be covering the opening in your throat plate.
- If the fabric is behind the opening, threads can easily tangle under the throat plate and really create a jam.
- Clear it before trying to start to sew!

2. Use "quality" thread!
- Your thread should be free of slubs
- Your thread should not be fuzzy or hairy.
- Poor quality thread produces lots of lint that pushes your scissor blade out of proper cutting position.

3. Learn how your scissors actually work! What cuts the thread?
- Ask a professional sewing machine repair woman to explain how the threads are cut
- Look under the throat plate and activate the "scissor". What happens?
- What do those parts do?
- Ask for help in understanding how they function, I can't stress this enough!
- The first picture below is the blade, part #1 that cuts your thread.

The picture below shows part #2 that plays an important role in the cutting process.
- Be cautious, in Pfaff machines, this piece is loose and can easily be dislodged or dropped down into your machine.

The picture below shows part #3 that "grabs" the thread and pulls it back against the blade.

Lastly, the cutting blade, part #1, in position

4. Learn how to clean the lint out from beside and behind the blade!
- Often bits of thread and lint hide between the machine and the blade.
- They are difficult to see.
- I've had lint balls the size of a pea come flying out of the area.
- After the lint is out, the cutter works beautifully!
- See photo below. The purple and orange card is in the space.

5. Learn how to clear the thread tangles out.
- Photo below show stuck uncut thread.

The scissor function on the newer machines, less than 10 years, work beautifully! If you are having an issue please consult an expert who can help you understand what the issue is.

Remember, that changing the blade is rarely necessary. A dull blade is usually not the problem, so if that is what your repair person is recommending, maybe they are the one that is not sew sharp!!! Did I just say that?!?

Need help with your machine? Give us a call at (717) 957-4225 to set up a private class which can be face to face or via zoom.

Bye!

Cathy

Weekly Update! April10, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Don't miss out on what's happening at Smile Spinners in the upcoming weeks!

CLASSES:

April 12 - Know Your Machine (Understanding Your Creative Partner!)
- 2 parts - April 5 and April 12
- Part #2
- Time: 7 PM
- Meets via Zoom Only
- Fabric pushing into your throat plate? Scissor function not cutting? Thread jams? Holes in your bobbin basket? I'll address all of those issues and more!
- This class is not about pushing buttons, it is about how your machine forms stitches! If you are having any issues with your machine get signed up for this class!!!!!
- Seriously...don't be whining that your machine doesn't work!
- Click Here to register for class!
April 12 - Basic Hoop Embroidery!
- Class #3
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this class you will explore positioning of your design. Precise Positioning, Beginner Projects and Resources!
- Click Here to Resister for class!
April 13 - Learn How to Make a Quilt! Choosing your Fabrics!
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners
- In this class we will talk about how the choice of your fabric can make your project more difficult. We will also work with scraps to gain confidence in choosing the perfect fabrics for your project!
- Click Here to Register for Class!
April 19 - Exploring Specialty Techniques on Your Sewing Machine Twin Needles
- Time: 7:00
- Meets via Zoom only
- Your creative Partner, Your Sewing Machine, is sew capable of doing so many exciting things! Join me to learn about sewing with twin needles!
- All makes, and models of sewing machines are welcome!
- Click Here to Register for Class!
April 20 - Pinning
- Time: 6:15
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this "life altering" (customer quote) class on pinning we will discuss what pins are the best for each project and the 5 reasons why pinning is SEW Important!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

DO YOU KNOW?

Smile Spinners 2 buildings for twice the sewing fun!
One building is bursting at the seams with fabulous fabrics (5000+), Sewing Machine sales and services, and more!
The Second building is all about education and home to many quilts and garment samples!

Next Email!

Next email: Wednesday, April12
I will discuss more tips for making friends with your creative partner, Your Sewing Machine.
Topic: We will examine the Scissor Function, Thread Snips, in your sewing machine
Tip: Rarely does your blade need to be replaced to fix the issue!

Bye for now!

Cathy and Team SmileSpinners

Sewing Inspiration, April 7, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

Today, I have 2 fun projects to share with you!

Karen C. has been going crazy, well if I'm being honest she is always crazy but she has been busy creating some really fun items! In fact sooooo many that I can't share them all today!

Karen used SmileSpinner's Mini Bagilicious Tote pattern to make this Easter Bag! Simply Adorable! She made a bunch of them!
The Fabric is from Dear Stella! And is still available at SmileSpinners!
So hop to it and make a few of these to use for your next treasure hunt!
Click Here to view the Fabric!
Click Here to View the Pattern! Please note: The Mini is a Pattern companion and contains the templates only. Please purchase the pattern, Bagilicious Shopping Tote, which contains the directions and templates to construct a large shopping tote! Click Here to View the Large Tote Pattern!

Flower the Happy Hedgehog!

Sew Cute! "Flower" the Happy Hedgehog! Janice couldn't resist stitching together this cute 13 x 12" bag!

"Flower" is pre-printed on 100% cotton
Instructions for construction are printed on the fabric panel.
Click Here to view the Fabric!
Janice chose Fun Hot Pink PomPoms to decorate the edge!
Pom Poms! Click Here!

The next email will be sent on Monday, April 10.
Remember all of the previous emails can be found on the home page of our website, Smilespinners.
Click Here to Visit the Website!

Have a Fabulous Weekend!

Cathy and Teamsmilespinners

Understanding your Creative Partner, April 5, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner Day!

Today we will discuss Why Needles Break!

On Monday, I left you with a picture of a very cruddy bobbin case with a broken needle point in it. Here are some more needle bits that I have fished out of machines!

Obvious reasons why your needle will break.

You sewed over a pin and the needle struck the pin. Usually when this happens, a portion of the needle flies toward your face.
- Prevention: Don't sew over pins!
Thread jams under the throat plate.
- Your machine will continue to try to form a stitch but the jam pulls the thread tight and pulls/twists the needle.
- This topic was discussed in the Newsletter on March 29. See the home page of the website, SNIPPETS, to access past newsletters or Click Here.
You have cleaned your machine and your bobbin case is not positioned correctly
- This can cause you to stitch through the bobbin case causing the needle to break.

You are sewing at too high of a speed for your fabric type or project thickness.
- Slow down and enjoy the process!
- I frequently see this when people embroider at full speed on a very dense design.
Single opening stitch plate
- The opening in your throat plate is for center needle position only.
- Change to a larger opening in your throat plate
You haven't changed the needle in a really long time and it is really very very dull.
- Prevention: Change your needle every 6-8 sewing hours.

Not so obvious reasons why your needle will break

The needle strikes your throat plate.
You can see the numerous holes around the opening in your throat plate as pictured below.
I see this frequently when I am repairing machines.
Take a minute to examine your throat plate.

Why does this happen?
People generally think this happens because the needle is not "heavy" enough. That is almost NEVER true!
The strikes to your throat plate occur when you pull or push your fabric.
- Some of you have seen the "experts" sewing without pins and recommending you just pull your fabric from the front and back. DON'T! Your needle will deflect and strike the throat plate.
- Often you are pulling your fabric because your project is too thick.
  - You will find this in machines that do not have a high presser foot lift.
  - The only way to make the fabric move under your foot is to pull it.
  - As you pull your fabric the needle bends and strikes the edge of the throat plate!
- Sometimes the fabric is pulled forward by your body or gets stuck between your body and your sewing table!
- Maybe your project is very large or heavy and is not supported by your sewing table once again pulling your needle.

There are many reasons why your needle will break but rarely is it an issue that needs to be "fixed" by your sewing machine repair person.

Reminder: Do try to find all of the pieces of the broken needle before restarting your stitching.

If you have any questions on the information covered above please contact me by calling the shop!

Knowledge can be Sew Empowering!

Cathy

Understanding Your Creative Partner! March 29, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

Wednesday is Understanding Your Creative Partner Day! Your Sewing Machine!

It is very difficult to create and find joy in the stitching process if your sewing machine is acting up. Join me every Wednesday, if you want to gain knowledge about your sewing machine!

On Monday I left you with a picture of a large thread tangle. Today I would like to write about why that can happen.

Questions to Consider (in the order I would trouble shoot) Top of machine only

Is the thread a "poor" quality? Does it look "hairy"? Does it have thick and thin spots?
Are there knots or slubs on the thread?
Is your thread too heavy? (12 wt.)
Too Light? (60/2)
Is the thread one that is prone to shredding? (Rayon, Metallic)
Is this a problem with your needle?
Is the size of the needle wrong? (Eye too small for the size thread?)
Maybe the needle is wrong type? Is the thread protected by the "scarf" of the needle?
Is there a burr in the eye of the needle? Probably not.

Sew many questions to answer!

A Fun Fact about how your machine forms a stitch is that your thread is pulled in and out through the eye of your needle at least 25 times before it is stitched into your fabric! What!?!?
When you think about that fact, thread going back and forth through the eye of your needle, it is easy to understand how your thread can wear through some of the fibers and get stuck somewhere in your machine!
I've found the top thread stuck in tension disks, thread guides, and in front of the opening in the needle!
Usually the "issue" is poor quality thread. Spool some of your thread off. How does it look? Give it a tug. Does it break easily?
A "normal" size sewing thread is a 50 weight 3 ply thread.
The thread fiber can be cotton or polyester.
I like to use a Schmetz Microtex Needle size 80/12 for most of my stitching.
Needles break when the needle strikes the throat plate. Maybe that is a good topic for next week!

Knowledge often leaves you with more questions. If you would like to know more join me in class or join me each Wednesday!

The class Know your Machine is happening soon! Click Here to Register for Class!

Also, don't forget the Spring Cleaning Event scheduled for Friday, March 31!

Be Sew Knowledgeable!

Cathy

Gift Inspiration! April 2, 2023

Hello Creative Community!

Traveling? Need a quick Gift? Star gazing?

Smile Spinners Quick Travel Pillowcase would be perfect for all of those things and more!

The One-Night Traveler Pillowcase
Size 13" x 22"
Choose a favorite fabric theme (we chose ice cream cones)
Fabric requirements:
- 1/2 yd for the pillowcase body
- 1/4 yd for the wide trim
- 1/8 yd for the narrow trim
You can make this in under an hour!
Add a flashlight and a good book and you have a great gift!

Meet Millie, you often hear her at the shop! She wants to know who Clifford the dog is?

Ok, I think you could use it as a gift for your favorite furry pet too!

Click here to view/ purchase the Pattern!

We also have the fabric but sorry I can't remember the ordering info. Call the shop for info on Wednesday!

Enjoy your Day! I'm heading to my sewing machine!

Cathy

Weekly Update! March 27, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Don't miss out on what's happening at Smile Spinners in the upcoming weeks!

CLASSES:

March 30 - Pockets
- Time: 6 PM
- Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
- While this class is garment focused, pockets are put on many things so don't be put off by the word garment!
- We will practice putting in in-seam pockets, making patch pockets, discuss topstitching skills and more!
- Click here to register for class!
April 5 - Know Your Machine (Understanding Your Creative Partner!)
- 2 parts - April 5 and April 12
- Time: 7 PM
- Meets via Zoom Only
- Fabric pushing into your throat plate? Scissor function not cutting? Thread jams? Holes in your bobbin basket? I'll address all of those issues and more!
- This class is not about pushing buttons, it is about how your machine forms stitches! If you are having any issues with your machine get signed up for this class!!!!!
- Seriously...don't be whining that your machine doesn't work!
- Click Here to register for class!
April 6 - Learn How to make a Quilt - Choosing a pattern!
- Class #1 in the Quilting Series.
- Choose to attend one class or all of them!
- Time: 6:15 PM
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this class we will look at loads of quilt samples that we have made over the past 20 years! We will discuss what makes the designs easy or difficult and the skills you will need to complete each one!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

SPRING CLEANING EVENT:

In the 23 years that I have owned Smile Spinners we have created loads of samples and created lots and lots of scraps! We have also accumulated many other goodies that we no longer have a use for and would like to find new homes for them!

Spring Cleaning Event
Friday, March 31, 2023
Time: 11-4
Don't miss the chance to find a bargain! Many items will be sold at very low prices!

DO YOU KNOW?

Smile Spinners has videos on YouTube?
Click Here to go to the Video Page!

NEXT E-MAIL

Next email: Wednesday, March 29.
I will discuss more tips for making friends with your creative partner, your sewing machine!

Be Sew Joyful!

Cathy

Pattern Inspiration!

Hello Stitching Community!

Today, I have 2 patterns that I would like to share with you!

Deco by Lo & Behold Stitchery

I have long been in love with the pattern "Deco" by Lo & Behold Stitchery.
I have seen it made in many different colorways and all of the quilts were stunning!
3 sizes are available: Baby 45" x 50", Throw 56" x 68" and Bed 102" x 102".
Skill level: Intermediate to expert level
Click here to purchase the pattern

Native Land by Jo Stefanon

Jo has designed a new pattern for Smile Spinners, Native Lands!
It is currently on display in our classroom and it is WOW!
It has a similar look to the pattern above but it has less pieces and larger pieces!
It's finished size is 65" X 85" and could be made larger by adding more borders.
Skill Level: Advanced beginner.
The pattern is available in the shop and will be added to the website soon!

Fabrics used in the quilt above:

Field Day by Kelly Ventura: 11229202 Click here to view the fabric
Freckles by Cotton and Steel: 11230099 Click here to view the fabric!
Alloy by Dear Stella:11228993 Click here to view the fabric!
Aflutter: 112228687 Click here to view the fabric!
Ultra Weave Texture: 11228624 Click here to view the fabric!

I hope you have enjoyed the above patterns!

Stitching is all about options! Options about the complexity of patterns, options about the colors you choose, and options about your construction techniques! Choose what makes you happy!

That's all for today! Watch for the next email on Monday!

Cathy

Trouble Shooting Tips for your Sewing Machine

Hello Stitching Community!

In the weekly update sent on Monday, March 20, I started to talk about the frustration people are having with their sewing machines. Some of the frustrations that I hear about on a very regular basis are:

"Nests" of threads on the underside of the fabric. Sometimes called thread barf.
The machine scissor:
- Does not cut the thread
- Only partially cuts the thread
- Jams and makes a horrible noise
The fabric is sucked down into the opening in the throat plate and gets stuck there.
Tangles of thread form below the throat plate, in the bobbin area, which results in
- Thread jams
- The bobbin case pulling out of position
- Stitching through the bobbin case
- Needle breakage

I will start with "The Cure" for the issues stated above. I will then move onto the why it happens, I will also add all of this information to my Know Your Machine Class. Click here to register!

"The Cure" will seem so simple that you won't believe this will solve your issue, believe me it will!

First a quiz!?!

At the Beginning of Stitching

Where do you position your fabric when you start to stitch? Think about it!
- Is it in front of the opening in your throat plate?
- Is it covering the opening in your throat plate?
- It doesn't matter?
- I can't tell because I can't see the opening in my throat plate?
- Does the picture below show the correct positioning?

ANSWER! The positioning in the above picture is WRONG!
- Positioning of your fabric does matter!
- Your fabric has to cover the opening in your throat plate!
- If you can't see where your fabric is positioned, change to an Open Toe Applique Foot or mark your throat plate with blue tape!

At the End of Stitching

Where is your fabric when you activate your tie off mode, activate the scissor function or just plan "finish" stitching?

What is the position of your fabric when you have "finished" stitching your seam? Think about it!
- Is it behind the opening in your throat plate?
- Is it covering the opening in your throat plate?
- It doesn't matter?
- I can't tell because I can't see the opening in my throat plate?
- Does the picture below show the correct positioning?
ANSWER! The positioning in the above picture is WRONG!
- Positioning of your fabric does matter!
- Your last stitch has to be on the fabric when you activate your scissor function!
- If you can't see where your fabric is positioned, change to an Open Toe Applique Foot.
- Practice activating the end sequence in your machine or back stitching or whatever it is that you do to "finish" but your final stitch MUST be in your fabric!

So what is "The Cure"? The Correct positioning of your fabric at the start and finish! If you pay attention to correctly positioning your fabrics your problems will be cured!

The "Why" to this is a more lengthy answer which I will go into in detail in a following email or a video. It has to do with your machine's hook, how your machine forms a stitch as your thread passes over the bobbin case and how your scissor cuts your thread.

For now, just pay attention to how your fabric is positioned at the beginning and the end of stitching and see for yourself if it makes a difference....I know it will!

Thanks for joining me!

Be Sew Smart!

Cathy

Weekly Update! March 20, 2023

Hello Stitching Community!

Don't miss out on what's happening at Smile Spinners in the upcoming weeks!

In this email:
- Class Alert! Upcoming classes!
- What are Skill Builders?
- Oh +@#$?! What happened here?!? Was this bobbin holder used for target practice?

Class Alert!

March 22 - Basic Hoop Embroidery Series (Class #2)
- Time: 1 PM
- Meets Face to Face (only) in the classroom at Smile Spinners
- In this class explore: Setting up your machine for embroidery, Leveling the unit, Finding designs, Loading designs, and Saving designs!
- Yes, you will need your machine for this class!
- Click Here to register for class!
March 23 - Skills Lab
- Time: 6 PM
- Meets Face to Face (only) in the classroom at Smile Spinners
- In this session you will get to practice some of those skills you have learned in class! Maybe your pieces aren't fitting together... is it your cutting, is your 1/4 inch not a 1/4" or is it your pressing? Maybe you want to start a new project?
- Click Here to register for this class!
March 30 - Pockets
- Time: 6 PM
- Meets Face to Face in the classroom at Smile Spinners
- While this class is garment focused, pockets are put on many things so don't be put off by the word garment!
- We will practice putting in in-seam pockets, making patch pockets, discuss topstitching skills and more!
- Click here to register for class!
April 5 - Know Your Machine
- 2 parts - April 5 and April 12
- Time: 7 PM
- Meets via Zoom Only
- Fabric pushing into your throat plate? Scissor function not cutting? Thread jams? Holes in your bobbin basket? I'll address all of those issues and more!
- This class is not about pushing buttons, it is about how your machine forms stitches! If you are having any issues with your machine get signed up for this class!!!!!
- Seriously...don't be whining that your machine doesn't work!
- Click Here to register for class!
April 6 - Learn How to make a Quilt - Choosing a pattern!
- ???????Class #1 in the Quilting Series.
- Choose to attend one class or all of them!
- Time: 6:15 PM
- Meets Face to Face in the Classrooms at Smile Spinners!
- In this class we will look at loads of quilt samples that we have made over the years! We will discuss what makes the designs easy or difficult and the skills you will need to complete each one!
- Click Here to Register for Class!

Skill Buillders! What is a Skill Builder and Why Take Them!

For many years we watched people attend project focused classes. We found people really didn't know how to cut better, piece better, or press better after taking those classes.
Many people were working really hard and not achieving the greatest outcomes. Some gave up on sewing and quilting because it wasn't fun.
About 10 years ago, we decided to focus on making people more skillful so all projects would go together easier!
Skill builders were born!
If you are experiencing difficulty with a technique, give Skill Builders a try!

Lastly the Bobbin Case!

If your bobbin case looks like the one above, filled with needle holes, you are not alone! I see a quite a few of these each week!
I also see alot of frustration focused at the poor machines.
Do you know why this happens?
Do you know how to stop this from happening?
Do you know how this interfers with forming a stitch?
If the answer to any of those questions is a "NO" then get signed up for Know Your Machine!
Watch for Wednesday's email where I will discuss why your bobbin holder jams, twists and causes you to stitch through it!
What does it have to do with the picture below? Do you start stitching on your fabric or off the fabric?

Bye for now, enjoy your sewing projects!

Be Sew Sensational!

Cathy

Earth Day 2022: Recycle your fabric! (Fabric scraps and old clothing)

Hello Creative Community!

Let’s talk about the importance of recycling our fabrics.

Certainly, we want to make items that will be in our lives for a long time (anyone out there still sleeping under a quilt your grandmother made?), but not everything is built to last forever, and ever, and ever.

When our textile items reach the point of no reuse, you might want to consider donating them to a company that will recycle them for you.

Over the past 5 or so years more and more companies are developing recycling and incentive programs for people recycling clothing, denim and shoes, we’ll list some below, but even better there are companies that will take any type of textile scraps, even those generated while quilting!

Brands we love that also have recycling programs:

Reformation

Patagonia

The North Face

J.Jill

Carters Kids

DSW

All Birds

Super Circle

Also check out:

Our Favorite ways to recycle textiles:

Brands we love that also have recycling programs:

Reformation

Patagonia

The North Face

J.Jill

Carters Kids

DSW

All Birds

Super Circle

Also check out:

End of Year S A L E !!!!!

Yep, we're having a sale.
We know, you're shocked, we NEVER have a sale.
This year is different.
2 days only (December 29th and December 30th)
Select Items, listed below:

Fabric:
Halloween & Christmas Prints 35% off
Yard Sale Fabrics $4.99/yd (1 yd min cut, no exceptions) Previously $6.99/yd
Ponte Knits 35%off
Wide Backing Fabrics 35% off

Sewing Machines:
Elna Serger 664 Pro- $599 (orig. $899)
Pfaff Creative Icon Embroidery Machine $5,000 off

Sewing Furniture:
Sewing Chairs (hydraulic) $299 (reg. $499)
*Select prints $249
Gidget 2 Sewing Table- $249 (reg. $399)
Floor Models as marked

Kindly Note, sale prices are valid on in stock items only, we cannot order special items or out of stock items.
Fabric Sales will be available online, some exclusions may apply.
Feel free to shop online and choose 'pick up in store' for the best selections.
Sale goes live on December 29th at 12am and ends at 11:59pm December 30th.

The Making of a Gift Series #003

Hi Creative Friends,
Gift idea #003 coming your way!
This one is a No Sew (or Low Sew) project: Yarn Dyed Scarves.
People are often surprised how little effort can go into a scarf, honestly, the hardest part is choosing your favorite fabric!!

Cathy has made up a tutorial in case you feel like sewing (err, creating) along with her for 5 min, yep thats all the time this project takes!!
Get the project sheet HERE
Click HERE for the Tutorial
Shop Flannel Fabrics HERE

Find all of your other supplies at SmileSpinners.com or in store

I think the obvious gifting pair up here is a coat or gloves, but unless you have a bunch of left hand gloves from losing them year after year, you're probably well stocked, same for coats, so we thought, why not pair your gift with an experience?
We've missed spending actual face to face time together in the last 2 years, so why not invite your scarf recipient out to dinner? Mangia Qui has been blocking off the street outside of their Harrisburg restaurant so patrons can dine under the twinkling lights al fresco, sometimes theres even live music!
Maybe a frosty activity is more your speed, let me recommend the ice rink at the Giant Center in Hershey. It's open for public skating most weekends!
And if a casual stroll through the crisp fall & winter air seems like the right way to enjoy some quality time with someone you love, might we recommend doing a loop or two around Italian Lake in Harrisburg.

Visit Local:
Mangia Qui
Giant Center Ice Rink Hershey
Italian Lake

Happy making and happy gifting!
Jess & Cathy

The Making of a Gift Series #002

Hi Creative Friends,
With this series find daily inspiration for holiday making and gifting that features our favorite handmade gifts along side complementary gift items from our favorite local shops.

Todays Inspiration is a perfect gift for a host or hostess: a 'beverage' caddy, Pattern by Sallie Tomato
Honestly, I'm thinking you put some specialty sauce in here, some fancy and delicious oil & vinegar combos, even some bottles of wine or cocktail mixers will fit into this caddy, making it the perfect carry-along for any holiday parties.
Check the list below for supplies found at Smile Spinners and our list of local favorites for ideas on how to fill your caddy.
This gift is stylish and useful!
I have to say, we really love the reusable aspect of this project!

Get the pattern HERE
Shop Food Themed Fabric HERE
Find all of your other supplies at SmileSpinners.com or in store

I get invited to my fair share of holiday themed gatherings with friends around the holidays and I love showing up with a special thank you for the host/hostess. I'm filling this caddy with Specialty Sodas from RiJuice (Find them at the Broad Street Market), or Spicy Sauces made locally and available at my fav local market Radish and Rye (how perfect, to put together hot sauce with hot sauce fabric!!).

There is always one beer exchange that I'm invited to and I love Evergrain Brewing and Millworks for their variety ( and honestly their packaging! Perfect gifting for those who love craft brews).
Tait Farms makes drink mixers (among other delicious things) that work in just about anything, try their Shrubs! Recipes available on their website and you can find a nice selection of flavors at Wegmans.

If your people are more into wine, Spring Gate Winery has a delicious selection for any palette, and if your parties are more focused on eating than drinking, remember to visit Tastealotta for the greatest flavored oils and vinegars, along with specialty pastas and other mixes for the chef in your circle.

Shop Local!
RiJuice (Broad Street Market)
Radish and Rye Food Hub
Evergrain Brewery
Millworks
Tait Farms
Spring Gate Winery
Tastealotta

Happy making and happy gifting!
Jess & Cathy

The Making of a Gift Series #001

Hi Creative Friends,
Find daily inspiration for holiday making and gifting that features our favorite handmade gifts along side complementary gift items from our favorite local shops.

Todays Inspiration is a Smile Spinners favorite: The Woven Coaster.
Easy to stitch up and customize for the holidays or with the gift recipients favorite print, you can make one or a whole stack.
Watch our tutorial HERE
Shop Holiday Themed Fabric HERE

Pair your handmade gift with a unique mug from Mud Queen pottery, and top it off with some specialty teas from the Oxford House or coffee from Elementary Coffee Co., Little Amps or One Good Woman. Add in some handmade
specialty chocolates (dipped Pretzels are my fav!) from Mummerts Chocolates too!

Shop Local!
Mud Queen Pottery
Oxford Hall
Elementary Coffee co.
Little Amps
One Good Woman
Mummerts Chocolates

Happy Gift Giving!
Smile Spinners

SEW and TELL! FREE EVENT

Join Us for a Special Sewing Event:
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021
Session #1: 10a-12:30p
Click Here to Reserve your Seat
OR
Session #2: 1:30p-4:00p
Click Here to Reserve your Seat

Help us welcome creative dynamo Nancy Bronstein! She'll be hosting a trunk show featuring all kinds of projects, from quilts using specialty stitches and techniques to garments featuring embroidery, as well as handbags, home dec and more.
This In-Person Event has limited seating. Reservations must be made in order to attend one of her two trunk show sessions.

During this event machines will be on SALE, and we'll be doing fabric and gift card giveaways!!

We are so excited to have Nancy visit with us! She loves to create it all and has plenty of ideas she'll share in her unique Trunk- Show!
WOW, we're honestly just blown away by her talent!
Certainly she will help to give a you a creative boost just in time for all of your holiday sewing!

Remember, Space is LIMITED, Register today!

Sewing and Quilting are Therapy

September is National Self Care Awareness month and today just happens to be National Women’s Health and Fitness day!

#sewingismytherapy #quiltingismytherapy #sewingselfcare #selfcaresewingwithsmilespinners

Sewing is mindful and meditative. Your focus is on the present and on your project. Being creative is incredible for your wellbeing, it provides and outlet to focus your energy and created an enormous sense of accomplishment
Working on a project provides a distraction from negative thoughts. When you’re lost in a project and really focusing on putting together a quilt block, or cutting out your fabric, you have to really concentrate, your brain has no time to focus on the negative and stressful thoughts that arise
Quilting and sewing are both very social activities. We all have spent a lot of time being isolated over the last year and a half and feeling part of a community, either in person or virtually creates a sense of positivity and belonging. Take a class, or better yet, come to our free Common Thread Coffee hour once per month.
Creating something with your own hands fosters a sense of achievement. Working on little tasks one at a time gives you a chance to focus on every step of the creative process. Remember that just reading your pattern is something to be proud of! Choosing fabrics that you love is exciting, and watching your project come together with each step is empowering.

Below are some links that offer more information about the creative connection to a calmer you.

https://happiful.com/how-sewing-can-support-your-mental-health/

https://www.seamwork.com/magazine/2016/07/finding-flow

https://theskillcollective.com/blog/mindful-crafting

If you need help, know that you’re important and you’re not alone.

Seek help from the National Alliance on Mental Illness

The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org

Last but not least, don’t forget to stretch!

If you’ve been sitting sewing/ quilting for a while, check out these yoga poses from Amanda Bisk, certified yoga and fitness coach with a degree in sports science.

Yoga for Desk Workers (Sewists and Quilters Too!)

Wishing you all Happy and Healthy Sewing

You Are Invited! (June 4, 2021)

You are invited to join us for Smile Spinners Common Threads Coffee Hour!

When: Friday, June 4

Time: 10:00

Where: From the comfort of your home! Login with Zoom

Why: Because we miss you!

Sign-up: Please go to the calendar tab @smilespinners.com to sign up so we can send you the link.

Fee: The event is free! The time spent with friends is priceless!

Sewing Machine Masterclass Series (January 17, 2021)

Sewing Machine Master classes are back! This series was started in November so we have had plenty of time to Master using the Zoom platform to present our classes! I even rearranged the classroom to create a mini film studio!

Sewing Machine Master Class #003 is posted on the Class Calendar! In this class we will be Mastering Single Ribbon Stitches! In class #003 you will have to be sewing on a Pfaff that is able to create a ribbon stitch, Pfaff Icon, Pfaff 720 or the Pfaff 5.2 For more information click here.

If you have not joined us in previous Sewing Machine Master Classes, no worries. Each class presents its own body of knowledge or skill so you can join us at anytime. The skills gained in this class will be used to create an embellished pillow, similar to the one show below, in a future class.

We hope to see you in class!

Team Smile Spinners
Teaching you to be Sew Smart

Skill Builders are Back! (January 8, 2021)

Skill Builders are back! We are sew excited to be able to present our classes via the ZOOM platform! If you are knowledgeable about our Skill Builder Series, then head over to our website, to read the details on each class and to sign up! If you are wondering, what is a Skill Builder, settle back while I explain.

Many years ago, we learned that project-based classes rarely taught people how to be more skillful. People would tell us that they were disappointed in how their projects turned out and that lots of swear words were uttered while creating their projects! Instead of continuing to do more of the same, we set out to develop a series of classes that focused on the skills that were needed to complete a project with pride! We called them Skill Builders and started offering them about 7 years ago!

The focus of each Skill Builder class was to provide you with the information that you needed to know before you tackled a project. Cutting, pressing, stitching accurately, knowing your machine, pinning....there are loads of classes! We even set-up a chart to show which classes we suggest you take first! click here As you gain skills and become more confident, we add in project based classes to put your new skills into practice. We titled the entire group of classes Smile Spinners Academy! There are classes for people interested in Quilting, Garment Sewing and Home Dec.

When Covid-19 struck, our very busy classroom was shuttered. With no signs of Covid-19 subsiding, we started working on alternative ways to present classes. In September 2020 we began offering some of our classes via ZOOM. The first classes were awful! That did not deter us! We ran ethernet cables, bought camera accessories and gained knowledge! We listened to customer feedback and with loads of encouragement from a few of you, we are now prepared to offer more! Thank you for your support!

Our new format will be slightly different from our previous face-to-face classes. Classes will be divided into more sessions with a skills lab pulling everything together at the end. For details on each class, please click any of the classes listed on the class calendar.

Please head to our class calendar to view the class schedule! I will be adding more new classes during the next few weeks!

The best part of our new format is that no masks are required! See you in class! Stay safe out there!

Team Smile Spinners
Teaching you to be Sew Smart

Reopening May 27, 2020

Hi Everyone!

Smile Spinners is located in Perry County, PA (in case you've forgotten where our shop is, along with the day of the week, I know I have!).
Last week it was announced that Perry County would move from the red zone to yellow on Friday, May 22.
Almost immediately, I begin to receive inquires about when we would be open for business. So just what does, open for business mean for Smile Spinners? Honestly, I had to think about my answer to that question for quite a while.

Throughout the world, there are many communities. To name just a few, there are, religious communities, over 55 communities, rural communities, and communities of sports fanatics. What forms a community? It is a group of people that have something in common. There is a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing a common attitude, interest or goal.

At Smile Spinners, we have always thought of ourselves as a community. Our common thread is: we all love fabric and what we can create with it. Our sewing passion is where our commonality ends. That is what makes my decision about opening so difficult. We are young, we are old, we are healthy, we are not, we are from the country, we are from the city. We are colorful, we are subdued, we have multiple religious beliefs, political and scientific views. Generally, we are able to weave all the differences together and still form a very interesting, beautiful fabric that we love very much.

When COVID 19 arrived, our ability to be woven together became strained. In addition to all of our other differences, we now add people who think the Corona Virus is a hoax, people who follow the science, people who don’t want to get sick and die and others who just want to get on with it and everything in between. So how does Smile Spinners address the question of opening for our sewing community? How do we make most of you happy (note I said most) and still keep you safe knowing we are all so different? Well, that has taken some thought!

We decided that the only way to address all those differences is to evolve. During the last two months of being closed we’ve added more ways than ever to experience Smile Spinners! Shopping will be offered remotely, in store, one-on-one and in small groups! You get to choose the shopping experience that will work for you and still be able to receive the fabrics you adore!

Read below to learn more!

Shop rules

Masks are required to enter the shop. We expect your mask to cover your nose and mouth at all times
Social distancing, at least 6 ft., is expected
Your patience, understanding and flexibility are greatly appreciated
If you are presently ill, have been ill or have been around someone who is ill please, stay home.
If you have recently traveled (within the past 7 days) please stay home
- Appointments will be needed for many things, we are presently adding them to our website

Online Shopping

Many of you have used our website to place orders over the past 2 months. Visit our WEBSITE, to shop for fabulous fabrics and sewing supplies! Online shopping is always open 7 days/week, 24 hrs. /day.

* Your order is packed and shipped on the same day when placed:

Monday – Friday by 1 P/M EST
Saturdays by 11A/M EST

Curbside pickup

We will resume curbside pick-up. When shopping on-line, choose curbside pickup when checking out. When your order is ready you’ll be notified via email. Visit the shop during our Curbside Pick Up hours (below). When you arrive at the shop, please remain in your car and we will bring your purchase out to you.

* Available Now on:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11-1
Social distancing is required

Personal Shopping - Remote

We love to coordinate fabrics but know many of you find this process intimidating. The Remote Personal Shopping service is for those of you who cannot visit our brick and mortar location. This service is by appointment and is generally done using FaceTime or other virtual meeting platform. Appointments are limited to an hour. View the class calendar for times available and sign-up there. You will be prompted to pay $10 to reserve your slot, which will be credited back to your purchase when you shop with us.

* Available Now:

Wed-Friday as posted
Registration/Appointment is required
Sign up on line

In Store One-on-One Shopping

This service is available upon request for anyone who is hesitant about being exposed to others but still longs for an in store experience. The appointments will be available daily before the shop is open to the public. This means surfaces are clean, the viral load in the air is low and the only one you will be shopping with is me. Sign up online, Personal Shopping, to reserve your time slot.

* Available starting May 26, 2020:

Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday
Times: 10-12
Appointment is required
Masks are required.
Social distancing is expected.

Group Shopping

For those of you who are not bothered by others being in the shop at the same time this is for you. No more than 3 people will be allowed in the shop at one time. A reservation is probably wise but not necessary. Call ahead to schedule an appointment at (717) 957-4225. An Appointment Calendar is being added to the website

* Available starting May 27, 2020

Wed 1-4
Thurs 1-6
Friday 11-4
Sat 11-1
An appointment is suggested.
Masks are required
Social distancing is expected

Sewing Machine Repairs Drop Off

We have provided this service throughout. Please stay in your car; we will retrieve your machine. Click HERE to download and fill out a ‘Drop Off’ Form

* Please tag your machine with your name, address and phone number.

* Please list any issues you are having.

* Include the following with your machine: foot pedal, power cord, bobbin case, bobbin, foot with a wide opening, and a sewing machine needle.

Please do not bring other items. We are not responsible for any items that don’t get returned to you or goes missing.

* Available Now:

Tuesday-Saturday: 11-2
Social distancing required.

Sewing Machine Repair Pick-ups

We will call you when your machine is finished.

Curbside pick-up is available. Please remain in your car. We will bring your machine to you.

* Available Now:

Tuesday – Saturday 11-2 daily
Social distancing is required

Sewing Machine Sales

Start your search for a machine by looking at sewing machines HERE

Call, (717) 957-4225 or Click HERE to email us about setting up an appointment to test-sew machines you are interested in.

* Available Now:

Tuesday-Saturday: 10-2
Appointments recommended
Masks are required
Social distancing is expected

Classes - Remote One-on-One

You have questions, we have answers! Answers about sewing, quilting, sewing machines and more! Held via FaceTime, zoom or similar remote learning platform.

Works with someone to answer your questions, appointments are for 1 hour.

* Available Now:

Email Jessica@teamsmilespinners.com to schedule

Classes - Remote Group

We love to teach you how to sew smarter, not harder. In order to maintain acceptable social distancing we will resume classes via remote learning.

Classes will be offered via zoom or a similar remote learning platform. Please here for offerings.

* Available: Starting June 3

Quilting Service

Drop off and pickup is available at curbside or in store.

Visit our Long- Arm Quilting Page for details and to print/ fill out a form for your Long Arm Quilting Service. Kindly place your quilt in a bag with your completed form.

Call (717) 957-4225 for more information

* Available Now for curbside drop-off:

Tuesday-Saturday: 10-2
Social distancing is expected

Smile Spinners is a private business who takes the safety of our customers and staff very seriously. We are guided by science and research. I hope you appreciate the steps we are taking to maintain the safety of our customers and staff while we work to repair the fibers of our sewing community.

Congratulations! You made it to the end!!

In closing, up until now I have tried to be very politically correct. Those of you who know me are probably expecting a little “Honesty Hour with Cathy” given my medical background in relation to this situation, so, here’s the summary of the blah, blah you just read and how I truly feel...

*If you are someone who has been hanging out in large groups of any kind, usually do not wear a mask or wash your hands, has been traveling around or just generally don't worry cause this virus doesn't scare you and the pandemic is annoying that is your right. Power to you. But, just do all of us a favor and please shop at one of my competitors!

Love ya!

Cathy

Life before Smile Spinners

Many of you are new to Smile Spinners and are probably wondering what makes me qualified to talk about healthcare. Before I owned Smile Spinners, I was a Respiratory Therapist. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care from Indiana University of PA and Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. I worked as a Respiratory Therapist, Respiratory Therapy Supervisor, Clinical Director and eventually Department Director at the former Polyclinic Medical Center in Harrisburg, PA.

In the early 90’s my family and I left Harrisburg to work in Respiratory Care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition to working in a large Pediatric ICU with doctors from around the globe, I developed the first home care programs in the Kingdom which included mechanical ventilation for home care patients and expanded the respiratory therapists role hospital wide.

After working in Saudi, I returned home and started doing a different type of therapy at Smile Spinners. While running Smiles Spinners I also taught health careers at Harrisburg Area Community College. Yes, that is where I drove my students crazy learning the cycle of infection, the proper use of Personal Protection Devices (PPE) and handwashing. Many of them thought I was over top in my demands for excellence when demonstrating those techniques, I bet they are thanking me now!

Sew Random Updates! May 6, 2020

Shop Hours:
Monday - Saturday from 10-1 you can now call the shop, (717) 957-4225 and talk to a real live person!!!!
*Many of you are phoning the shop to inquire about fabrics, sewing machine repairs, new sewing machines, help with ordering on line and some just to socialize with someone different!
*Our physical location at 1975 Valley Rd still must remain closed to shoppers but you can drop off your machines for repair and your quilts to be quilted during those hours!

Classes:
We are as anxious to resume our classes as you are! I'm working to overcome a number of hurdles so the classes we offer are as close to being in the classroom with us as possible. Our internet service here in the country is marginal at best and when I try to use WIFI, oh my, there are not enough bad words to describe the level of frustration one feels! Swear words aside, I have some very long ethernet cables on order which should help with download, upload speeds and better quality transmissions of classes. So, we haven't forgotten about classes.

Elastic and Interfacing:
Sew sorry, but these items are still not available from our vendors. We will keep you updated with their status.

New Fabrics and Notions
I will start to review some of the new products that have arrived at the shop and probably some of our old favorites too!

Masks vs Other Projects
I'm still making masks but trying to move on. Has anyone else found it difficult to shift your attention from mask making to other projects? I actually feel guilty not quilty!

That's all for now! Be safe! We miss you!

Cathy, Jess & Caleb

Email Update: Exciting Updates to Keep You Stitching

Exciting Updates to Keep You Stitching!

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all finding some time to stitch! While so many of us are at home, if you are at all like me, God help you LOL, it’s been very easy to get sucked into the non-stop information being broadcast about the pandemic. I’m watching TV, checking Facebook and my emails and am exhausted and really upset by the end of the day.

On the days where I turn all those things off and head to my sewing room, I find at the end of my day, I can look back at my accomplishments and smile! You know, sewing meditation is a real thing!

Grab your favorite beverage this email is a long one!

In this e-mail find: Masks; “The News Tab”; Shout out to Michelle McGinnis; New Services: Personal Shopper, One-on-one classes; Remote Learning; Sewing Machine: Sales and Services.

Masks
Masks are now an essential part of our lives. Many of you are being asked to go into production of masks for businesses and are being offered a pittance for your work. If you are hesitant to tell people that you want to be paid for your work, please send them to “The News” I’m glad to talk for you!

“The News”
Speaking of "The News" if you haven’s started following Smile Spinners News updates they are on the home page of our website, smilespinners.com. Follow our sewing updates and be in the know!

Shout Out to Michelle McGinnis
I want to thank Michelle for doing a daily spotlight on her favorite small businesses! Her husband, with Michelle’s support, owns a number of local Bleacher Bums stores! If you want to support local small businesses, this is a really appreciated way to show your support!

Small businesses are working overtime to rethink their businesses. They will survive this pandemic because of their grit and determination and your support. We are not waiting for a grant from the government because as you know so many people have gotten the letter that says, there is no money! You will be the ones who can help small businesses, YOU!

So once again Michelle, Thank you so much for spotlighting my business!

New Services at Smile Spinners
Things keep changing and we are working very hard to stay one step ahead of whatever is coming our way. As you have read in my past newsletter, I’m very concerned about everyone’s safety and took lots of pro-active measures in that area long before it was mandated.

Personal Shopper
Over the years we have frequently heard our customers say how bad they were at picking fabrics! Our response to that was, we love to pick fabric, how can we help! When faced with a website full of fabric, picking the best ones can be even more daunting. Yikes!

Need Help? We’ve got you covered! We have two methods to help you! All from the comfort of your home!

I have posted a few Personal Shopper slots so that you can work directly with Jessica to pick fabrics. This can be done via facetime, zoom or a number of other formats. All you need to do is to head over to the website calendar page and schedule in one of the time slots. Currently, you will be prompted to pay $10 to register. This $10 will be credited to your purchase at end of the session.

You can also email to: teamsmilespinners.com and tell us about your project. Send us some pictures, tell us what colors and designs you prefer and we can make some recommendations!

Remote learning
Everyone is using some form of remote learning these days. Many of you who are not in the Harrisburg area or even this country have been asking us for remote learning for a long time. Well, it’s finally here!

My husband, who is not very techy, has been using Zoom for a few weeks to teach his healthcare classes at HACC. It’s gone pretty well except for the power outage and the Internet crash, which was out of his control. So, if Joel can do it, you can too! Shhh, don’t tell him I said that! Not familiar with Zoom? Head to zoom.us

Skill Builders
By May 1, I would like to be offering our Skill Builders Series on zoom. Watch the schedule for these classes, they will be added soon! The class size will remain small so you can get the attention you deserve!

One-on-one classes
These are already being offered. Head to the website, choose the calendar tab and look for the time slots listed to schedule a private class. We have done a number of these with people who have purchased new sewing machines!

Sewing Machine Sales and Service
Need a new machine? It is very easy to buy a machine even though our doors are closed. You can start by going to smilespinners.com to the sewing machine tab. There you can find new and some of our pre-owned machines. Gather some information and then get in touch with us via facebook messenger, or an email to teamsmilespinners.com so we can set-up an appointment to answer your questions. It’s that easy! Classes on how to use your machine will then be set-up through remote learning!

Service
Sick machine? We can help with that! We will pick up and deliver within a 30 mi. radius. Once again facebook message us or email us at teamsmilespinners.com.

New Products
In 2020, before the world changed, Smile Spinners brought in loads of new products in anticipation of new things to come. Well, they got pushed to the back burner for a while, but it’s time to start looking forward to some new exciting things again! We will be scheduling a Facebook live event in the near future so you can see all of the new things that have arrived!

Ok, that’s probably enough for now! Thanks for reading! Stay safe! I hope to see you soon!

Fondly,

Cathy, Jess and Caleb

Masks, What should I charge? April 16, 2020

Masks
Masks have now become essential items needed to carry out our Activities of Daily Living. The cloth masks we researched, refined and perfected weeks ago are now in demand. Many of you have been working tirelessly for weeks producing masks for free. Thank You! You are sew awesome! We helped to flattened the curve and the wave of need for masks seemed to lessen for just a second.

BUT, now that businesses are required to supply masks to all their employees, people are once again scrambling for masks. As a result, many of you are being asked to step up again and make even more masks for free or are being offered so little to make them that it doesn't even cover your supply costs. I think that is deplorable. As a result many of you are asking how much should I charge?

People who don't sew have no idea how long it takes to make anything. Ask any sewist and they will tell you they are constantly bombarded by people to sew this or that. People think we just love to sew things and we should be appreciative that we are being asked to perform a task that we love! The thought of paying someone to do something they love simply doesn't cross most peoples minds! So when asked to make masks, I think you need to be prepared to tell everyone what goes into a well constructed masks!

The materials I use in my masks are simply the best quality 100% cotton that is available on the market. I add interfacing to increase the filtering ability of my masks and am able to say, because I have done the research, that it is pretty damn effective in it's filtering ability! See the study! The cost of the materials per mask is about $5. I've invested in some pretty expense equipment to stitch the mask together so it will hold up after multiple uses. Even though I have the best equipment available, the construction of each high quality mask takes 35-45 minutes! Really! One mask! I’m pretty skillful and it takes me at least that long to make a quality mask. Other items needed in the construction process include: irons, cutting tools, marking tools, and electricity and need to be added to the cost. Oh, I forgot one thing, sewing and sewing well is not done without knowledge, lots of knowledge! Sew what's the cost for all of that?

So how much sewing friends? I would say not less than $20/mask and that is still a bargain! If someone balks at that price, tell them they can always make one of those quick no sew mask like the Surgeon General suggested! Remind them how simple it is. Just cut up a t-shirt and add some elastic bands! Yup, let’s just see how long that lasts!

Interfacing Update April 10, 2020

Interfacing Update:

The fusible interfacings that were being sold by the yard are currently out of stock and on back order from our distributor.
Please note: Fusible interfacings will still be available for our mask kits.

In anticipation of a shortage of fusible interfacings, I have been trialing a number of different interfacings in my cloth mask creations! I have been using sew-in interfacing with great success! They are easy to work with, launder and press nicely. One that I really like and will continue to stock and use in my garment projects is Bosal #304. It is a 50/50 poly/cotton which would be more comfortable when wearing for long periods of time. I will list it on the website. Why not give it a try as an alternative to a fusible!

I'm still having fun making masks. Wonder woman is my most favorite sew far!

Making Masks, New Feature, April 7, 2020

Mask making update

Thank you sew much to everyone who is making quality face masks! Watching the tutorials on how to make a mask out of a t-shirt, sock or paper towel gives me great concern. I think you will agree that the race to throw anything on your face gives society a false sense of security.

I've made loads of masks over the past 2 weeks. As a result, I have tried making many different styles and followed many different tutorials. After loads of fiddling I have come back to Smile Spinners original design the surgical mask design. Click here I like the fact that I can add non-woven interfacing to increase the masks filtering ability and I like the durability of the fabric ties. I have added one new feature that makes the mask very close to a manufactured surgical mask, the nose piece.

New Feature!
I added a piece of binding across the nose area of the mask. I then insert a 3.5" piece of wire into the "pocket" made by the binding. My husband found wire hangers that he used to hang a suspended ceiling was a perfect weight, (about the weight of a paper clip). He then bends the ends around to prevent poking the user. I then stitch close to the ends of the wire to keep it centered. The result is awesome! The mask stays in place so you don't touch your face and no more fogging of your glasses! Check it out below!

Sew Serious COVID 19

This information was sent in an e-mail earlier today. Please sign up to receive our emails! In the future this area will be used for short updates.

Hi Stitching Fanatics,

I want to start with saying, "I love you and miss you". I miss going to the shop, I miss hearing your laughter and I miss seeing your faces light up when you learn something new! In fact, I love all of you enough, that I want you to be around when this is all over!

Essential Service Shop

Today we were asked why we weren’t open because a fabric shop down the road got an exemption to be open. Here’s the answer to that question. Why, because I refuse to put my life, my employees' lives and your life in jeopardy. Yes, you are in jeopardy every time you go out! Milling around a shop, thinking you are getting away with something or that it is safe because it’s a small group of your friends is, I’m sorry, not very smart. Stay home, shop online!

I am speaking from a healthcare professional’s standpoint, which I am certainly qualified to do! Many of you are 60 or more years old! Hell, I’m 65. If you aren’t afraid of this virus and are not using every precaution available to you, you need to get frightened! I’ll spare you the details of what death on a ventilator struggling to breathe looks like! Believe me, it is not something you want to experience! Stay home, shop online!

In a hospital, we would use standard precautions (universal precautions), which assumes that everyone you encounter is infected with something that could hurt you. This should be how you are viewing everyone right now! Customers, your fellow employee, your visiting grandkids, everyone including you! Stay home, shop online!

Yes, we miss you and would love to have you visit our shop, but right now it is not safe. If you take the precautions to stay safe now I will see you in the future if not, well then maybe I won’t be seeing you. Stay home, shop online!

We have a website, www.smilespinners.com, please use it, be safe! We will ship quickly!

Curbside Pickup is NO longer available

I fielded loads of questions about what happened to the curbside pickup option on our website? Curbside pickup has ended for the same reason that the shop is closed….safety! How could curbside pick up be dangerous you ask? Actually, today I watched from my office window as someone dropped off a sewing machine for repair. The person got out of their car, wasn’t wearing a mask, put their fingers to their mouth several times and then went to the back of their car and lifted out the machine. That is exactly how the virus spreads! Mouth, fingers, machine handle. Ilk! So, to keep all of us safe, curbside has ended. Stay home, shop online, we will ship quickly!

News Tab at Smilespinners.com (You are Here)

On the home page of our website there is a place that you can find Smile Spinners News. I update this area very frequently. There you can find: the tutorial on how to make a mask, when interfacing might arrive, if we have found elastic and the answer to many of the questions I answer when I respond to your emails. Please look at The News first before emailing us.

In ending, please, please, please take this seriously because it is very serious. For those of you who are taking this seriously already, Thank you! For now, stay home, stay safe and shop on line! Hoping that we see you soon!

All of our love,

Cathy, Jessica and Caleb

News Update April 3, 2020

Hi Stitching Fanatics,

Ready made masks needed
We continue to receive numerous requests for ready made masks. Jessica recently created a group on Facebook so the people who need masks can connect with those people who are making them. Check it out!

Mask Supplies
Mask Kits continue to be available and can be ordered from our website.

Interfacing is coming in daily.

Small quantities of elastic has arrived. 1/8" and 1/16" are available in limited amounts. Remember, people wearing masks with elastic will develop sore spots on the top of their ears if they are worn for long periods of time.

Curbside pickup
I feel very strongly the people should be staying home. Therefore, curbside pickup is being temporarily suspended.

Email
If you haven't signed up for our emails, now might be a great time to do that! It is the best way to keep up to date with the changes we are making to our services!

That's all for now! Be safe! Stay home! Practice social distancing and meditative sewing!

Cathy

No Fooling! April 1, 2020

Hi Stitching Fanatics!
Thanks for checking into the News at Smile Spinners! Just some quick news updates today!

Online Orders
Online orders are being filled daily. We greatly appreciate those of you who are supporting us by placing orders!Thank You!!!!!

Sewing Machines
Need a new sewing machine? It's never been easier to purchase! It is easy for us to demo machines using facetime or other platforms. The machines can then be shipped directly to your home! Need support to get up and sewing ? We are there to help you!

Sewing Machine Repairs
If your sewing machine is having an issue please check that you have it threaded correctly! Did you thread it with your foot in the up position? Is the thread in your take-up lever? Did you replace the needle? Is the bobbin spooling off in the correct direction? Often times you can avoid a costly "repair" because threading is the issue!

If you are still having problems call us. Leave a message, we will get back to you. We are still doing repairs and cleaning but to keep us safe, we will not work on your machine for 3 days so we are certain there is no virus lurking on your machine!

Masks
We still are receiving mixed messages on whether we should wear masks or not from the Healthcare Authorities. It seems that everyone is leaning more toward everyone covering their mouth and nose with something. The thinking is to stop the "spit droplets" from flying out of your mouth and landing on a surface that someone will touch!

So what does that mean for mask making? There are so many methods for making a mask, choose your favorite and get stitching! Our video is still available on YouTube. For non-healthcare providers; I have been making masks without interfacing. For healthcare providers in low risk jobs: I am making masks with sew-in interfacing. For those of you who are familiar with our freezer paper method I have found that this method speeds pressing the pleats.

We continue to receive requests for 100's of ready made masks per day. For those of you who are looking to purchase ready made masks we are really sorry but we cannot fulfill your requests. If you know anyone who has a sewing machine and just a little sewing experience please have them view our YouTube video on making masks. Click here for the Youtube video

Fabric/Supplies
We have received many concerned phone calls asking whether we will run out of fabric. Please know that we have about 5,000 beautiful fabrics, that will make lots of masks! We are continuing to order and receive non-woven interfacing, both sew-in and fusible and have ordered in elastics in an 1/8 inch rolled variety.

Until the next time...Put on a mask, Don't touch your face, Wash your hands often, Don't turn off the faucet with your clean hands, use good social distancing, be safe, be well!

Bye, Bye
Cathy

Keeping you safe- March 30, 2020

Greetings Stitchers!
Today we are going off the topic of sewing to talk about your health. We are going to talk about some of the protective equipment, everyone is scrambling to find and how to use it correctly.
See below Life before Smile Spinners to view my credentials.

So what should you know to stay safe today and everyday? This is really important! It is common sense which isn’t really common!

#1 Personal Protective gear; masks and gloves, will not keep you safe if you don’t use them correctly! Learn how!

#2 Hand washing has to be done correctly! Learn how!

#3 Hand sanitizer, use plenty so your hands stay wet for 20 seconds

#4 Not touching your face really is very important! Learn why!

#5 Maybe over the top but worth thinking about.

Hand washing!

Many do a fantastic job of washing their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Unfortunately, you can easily undo any good you did when you turn off the faucet. Think about it, you turned the faucet on with your contaminated hands so it only stands to reason that when you turn it off you recontamination your hands! Recommended method: After washing with soap for 20 seconds, with the water running, pat your hands dry with a paper towel. Throw that paper towel in the trash. Obtain another paper towel and turn off the faucet! Drop the paper towel into the trash. Much better! Reference: CDC Hand Hygiene

Masks!
Update: 3/30/2020 Dr Fauci: "Everyone should be covering their nose and mouth with something"! View how to make a mask here.

Everyone is scrambling for mask. The filtering abilities of masks vary greatly. Know what micron sizes your mask will filter and what particle size you are dealing with.

* Important! No matter what mask you are wearing if you are constantly readjusting it then you are touching your face! Don’t touch your face!

*Also: Stop wearing your mask on the top of your head. Stop touching it!

* Stop pulling it away from your mouth to talk. If you are sick now the pathogens are on your hands!

Gloves!

Everyone wears gloves, but just watch someone who is wearing gloves, they touch everything! Gloves are of little use if you put them on, touch all kinds of surfaces and then touch your face.

Why can’t I touch my face!

Things that make you sick, pathogens, have to have a way to enter your body. Portals of entry into your body include but are not limited to, your eyes, your nose and your mouth. Not touching your face is extremely important! Resist the urge, don’t touch your face!

Social Distancing
Stay away from others! This doesn’t just mean strangers, this includes friends and family!

Other precautions I’m taking.

I have been largely working from home but prior to the shop closure:

- we used separate entrances

- we established work zones

- we did not share bathrooms

- we did not share phones, computers, cutting tools, pens etc.

- mail was not brought into the shop.
- deliveries are left unopened for 3 days.

- our hair is pulled back so we don’t constantly touch our hair and face

- shoes are left at the door.
- bags holding takeout food or groceries were not placed on counter tops.

You need to be very cautious! We cannot overwhelm the healthcare system. We can order companies to increase their productions of supplies but there is not a factory that can produce competent health care providers!

Joel Bacon, Mechael D. and Cathy Queitzsch

Life before Smile Spinners

In the early 90’s my family and I left Harrisburg to work in Respiratory Care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In addition to working in a large Pediatric ICU with doctors from around the globe, I developed the first home care programs in the Kingdom which included mechanical ventilation for homecare patients and expanded the respiratory therapists role hospital wide.

Conclusion

I am well aware that over the years I have driven more than a few of you crazy with all the information I have researched on products and techniques! We never just follow the pack; we always do our research first. Yes, many of our sewing decisions are based on supporting science and now you know why!

Be safe and wash those hands!

Cathy

CDC Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force

Introduction to Healthcare, Mitchell,Haroun

Sew A mask- March 25th 2020

Greetings Stitching Community,

I want to start today’s news by thanking everyone who is making masks!
While it is doubtful that you will be featured on any news program, please know that there are many grateful people who are applauding your heroic efforts!
Thank You Sew Much!

The focus of my letter today will continue to be on masks.
If you are interested in other projects please continue to peruse our news.
Many new and exciting projects are on the horizon! Stay tuned!

For information on masks please read below:

Photo Credit: Nadia I.

People in Need

We are continuing to receive requests for masks.

Please let us know if you have masks to donate or sell so we can connect you with people in need.

Who is requesting masks?

Have you found the need for masks confusing? We have all heard the people “in charge “ telling us that there are plenty of masks and the need for home sewn masks is unnecessary. I’m not sure where the disconnect is occurring but we continue to receive requests for completed masks from people who work in nursing homes, home healthcare, doctors offices to name a few. They have told me they were given one disposable surgical mask (single use only) and told to make it last! I also heard a story about a health care provider being ordered to intubate a patient with no protective gear and was told they would be fired if they didn’t! Insane!

Why do people want a mask?

Regardless of the information that we issued in the *bold statements below, people are requesting masks. They want something that will cover their mouth and nose. As we are all aware, the filtering properties of our homemade masks are unknown. Perhaps, just the fact that we cannot put our hands in our mouths and nose, portals of entry for the virus, will be helpful.

- *Please issue the following information with the masks: Masks constructed from the kits make no claims to keep you free from the COVID19 virus.

- * This mask will not replace N-95 masks. Not touching your face, social distancing, good hand washing techniques and all other precautions should still be used!!!!!

Mask Construction

- There is a an updated tutorial with subtitles that is posted on our website and YouTube channel.
Click here for the tutorial

- The research that we found on what materials to use can be found here.
About Non-Woven Fabrics
What are the Best Materials to use for a mask- from an Aeronautical Engineer

- We are unable to do our own research on the filtering ability of the mask kits- but believe us, if we could, we totally would!

- We will use 100% cotton poplin with the highest thread count we have available (60x60). According to some of the studies, this will give us the best filtering that can be achieved with cotton fibers.

- We have included a non-woven interfacing in our kits. Some studies have shown that this increases the filtering ability. (see the research link above) Depending on how the mask will be used, as a cover to another mask or on its own will depend on whether the interfacing will be used.

Kits

- Orders for mask kits can be placed at on our website HERE.

- The orders will be filled within 24 hours.

- Kits can be mailed or picked up at curbside.

- Curbside pickup instructions will be available when your order is ready for pickup.

Pictures of various mask designs

Thank you for sending pictures of your mask designs and design improvements!

Check with our social media channels to see what others are sewing, and to share your projects (masks and others!) with us

Tomorrows Post:

Use of PPE’s and hand washing

Not only is sewing a passion but so is healthcare, after all I was a Respiratory Therapist for 25 years and taught Health Careers for 5! If you were to ask any of my former healthcare students they would describe me as over the top when it came to infection control. At a time like this that is probably a really good thing!

Look for my e-mail tomorrow and until then be safe, wash your hands and stop touching your face!

Love ya!

Cathy

News From Smile Spinners, March 24, 2020

Notes from one of the Stitching Fanatics at Smile Spinners, Cathy

First Kudos!

* To Jessica and Caleb who have worked tirelessly to edit videos, develop masks kits, answer questions and a million other things, Thank You so much! Their dedication is what makes Smile Spinners Sew Awesome!

*To All of You who have ordered mask kits and other sewing supplies from our website, Thank you so much for your support!

Mask Making

I have a number of requests (about 40) for ready-made masks. Please let me know if you have extra masks that you would like to sell or donate.

Website

If you haven’t visited our website lately, www.smilespinners.com, now might be a fabulous time to do so! From the home page you can easily access our Facebook posts, our inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram and our YouTube Videos. You can also see the latest Smile Spinners News! Our large fabric selection, which includes cotton poplins, cotton jersey knits, pontes, and cotton linen blends, is super easy to shop! Grab a beverage and dream!

New Classes and Projects

I have been working to develop some new projects, watch for pictures, to place on our upcoming class calendar! Depending on how long we have to remain closed, many of the classes may be offered in a shorter video version!

Until tomorrow, Be safe, Sew, Social Distance, Sew, Wash your hands, Sew, Don’t touch your face, and of course sew!

Keep Calm and Sew a Mask, March 23, 2020

Notes from Smile Spinners!

Hi Everyone,

As you are probably aware, our physical location at 1975 Valley Rd, Marysville, PA is temporarily closed. Sad face emoji! Hmmm what’s a person to do? Now would be a great time to become familiar with our website, www.smilespinners.com and to follow us on Social Media, Facebook, Instagram, & Youtube.

Yes, we know we are much more fun to visit in person but we are here to help you remotely with your projects. This is a great time to focus on learning a new skill or completing a project! We have already posted tutorials to Facebook, YouTube and will continue to do so! Orders placed online will continue to be filled and shipped! Your questions can be answered via facetime, or email.

Thank you for your numerous inquires on how to construct masks. If you are interested in doing this please read below.

The Research
We have been working on finding information on the best materials to use to construct masks. As you are all aware, masks are used for filtering out harmful particles. In our quest for information we are also concerned about the safety of the materials you are breathing through. I have seen some video’s where people are cutting up any old filters and turning them into masks. As a former healthcare provider (Respiratory Therapist) and educator this scares me! As we find articles on filtering we will make them available to you.

-Referenced articles are available on our facebook video post, date 3/21/2020.
-Links are HERE and HERE

Kits
Many of you have asked for kits, here are some things to know.
- Yes, kits are available. They can be purchased at smilespinners.com

- We will use 100% cotton poplin with the highest thread count we have available. According to some of the studies, this will give us the best filtering that can be achieved with cotton fibers.

- We will also include a non-woven interfacing since some studies have shown that this increases the filtering ability. I am working to gather more information on non-wovens.

- Kits can be mailed or picked up at curbside. See Curbside pickup below.

-* Masks constructed from the kits make no claims to keep you free from the COVID19 virus

- * This mask will not replace N-95 masks. Not touching your face, social distancing, good hand washing techniques and all other precautions should still be used to stay safe!!!!!

Kit Prep

- Please know that your health as well as others is extremely important to us. We will use safe practices to package your kits.

- None of our fabrics have been handled by customers for at least 5 days and some haven’t been handled for much longer!

- Studies show that the virus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours and on plastic for up to 72 hours. Fabric? If you are concerned about the kit, please isolate it! I do that with anything I bring into the house!

Guidelines for curbside pickup

* Our shop is closed. We are strictly adhering to that safe practice. Please do not ask to enter the shop to pick your fabrics or kits.

- We will contact you via text message when your order is ready for pickup. At that time we will give you instructions on how to safely retrieving your order.

- If you require special fabrics please visit our website, www.smilespinners.com

Those in need of Masks

- I have received requests for masks.

- Please forward requests for masks and the number needed to cathy@teamsmilespinners.com

- I will work to arrange to get the masks to those who need them.

In closing, thank you to all of you who have volunteered your time and your expertise to construct masks! Keep in touch via email, and social media until we can see you again!

Stay safe!

Cathy, Jess and Caleb

#SEWcial Distancing and COVID-19 Operating Procedure (3/17/20)

Hi Sewing and Quilting family, its us, your friends in fabric at Smile Spinners!

(We're waving at you from at least 6ft away! LOL)
This email has a lot of information about what we're doing as a business and a creative community as we face the Corona Virus.
Please read the whole thing, its long, but its worth it.
We love you!

Smile Spinners is more than a name, it’s a huge part of our mission statement. As a small business, we are honored to be the place you, our valued customers, come to when you’re having a bad day, need a ‘pick-me-up’ or just need to be around bright, happy fabric!
We will always be that for you, especially considering the present national and global concern for the COVID-19 Virus.
Effective today, to comply with the federal and state guidelines to combat the spread of the virus, we are temporarily halting our walk-in retail operations at our Marysville Shop. Our online operations will continue as normal. We encourage you to check out SmileSpinners.com.
Have a question, we’ll be here, give us a call!

Operations at Smile Spinners will proceed as follows:
We, meaning Cathy, Caleb and Jess will still be at our location, practicing recommended safety precautions from the CDC to package and ship your orders and continue to service and repair your machines.

During this time, we are excited to begin developing the online learning platform requested by so many of you. We’ll be starting with some live videos on Facebook and we’ll add new videos to our website and YouTube channel (yep we have one!!)
The news may be scary, but we’re creative and we’re in this together!
We look forward to sewing with you from our studios and cannot wait to see all of the awesome things you’ll make while practicing SEWcial Distance.

Ways to help us and other Small Businesses you love:
(Adapted from our friends at Calicutts Spices in Hershey PA)

"1.) Continue to financially support a local small business by placing online, phone, or email orders — that helps maintain normalcy as long as possible, and it continues to allow businesses the ability to pay rent, meet payroll for employees, and buy the supplies needed to create products.

2.) Provide encouragement — writing a kind comment here on Facebook, leaving a nice review, or sending a thoughtful email to a small business costs nothing. What it gives to a small business owner and their employees is oftentimes more valuable than money. It is the positive acknowledgment and gratification in your words that reenergizes us to continue to overcome when we are feeling most defeated.

3.) Spread the word — small businesses rise and fall on “word of mouth” and their reputations. If you like what a small business creates, who they are, and how they treat you, then tell your friends and family about them. When the fog lifts, and our lives returns to normal, the awareness spread by you about a small business, can instantly revitalize that small business through increased sales. And it will be as if a disruption to operations never even occurred.

Thank you for your support over the years, and we thank you for your continued support during this extraordinary challenging time!”

Love,
Smile Spinners
Cathy, Caleb and Jess