What Am I Sewing Now?

Hi Everyone,

As much as I'm dying to dive headfirst into Talkin' Turkey (from my Bonnie Hunter class--did I mention that I had a class with her last week?) I've been busy with garment sewing--in particular the ice skating costume for my niece.  I mentioned it before and asked if any of you had any advice on sewing a zipper into 4-way stretch Lycra.  The only response I got was not what I was looking for, but still great:  Kathy from Kindred Quilts said that "asking a quilter to sew clothing is like asking Picasso to paint your living room in one color!"  She is, of course, dead on, but nonetheless, I agreed to take on the project.

Today as I was running over 2 hours worth of errands, one of the stops included the fabric store for MORE SEQUINS.  The clerk cutting them for me asked about how I sewed them so I told her I've been zig-zagging over the top of them with monofilament thread onto Lycra.  She said she has sewn with lots of Lycra, but never with sequins.  I took a stab and asked if she put a zipper into a Lycra garment and she said "yes!"  I asked her if she had any tips.  She didn't, other than saying she would zig zag it on.   Then she told me that she sews lots of costumes made of Lycra for...   ...hold on to your hats for this one...     ...male exotic dancer costumes!  Huh!  I bet she does sew in zippers and goodness knows what else!  It was on the tip of my tongue to ask her about "studs" but I decided to stay on my best behavior!

Anyway, here is some of my process:

I am sewing on yards of sequins to this dress.  Here's a mix for you:  sequins, Lycra, and monofilament thread.  Are any of those favorites for you to work with?  I found that if I take my time and go slow, I still screw it up!  No, it just seems that way.  I have broken an entire package of size 90 stretch needles, though.  Two were right in a row.  It's probably a good thing that no one was home but me.

I needed several rows and was considering my choices in marking the spacing when I had a great idea:  I would use the width of my pressure foot to space them.  It worked like a charm, mostly because the pressure foot won't go over the top of the sequins, so I can't get the rows closer together.  The only huge hint here is to make sure the "nap" of the sequins is going the correct way, otherwise, your pressure foot will catch every single sequin.

I worked quite a bit on it today and the end is getting in sight!   I even got the zipper sewn in.  I wasn't able to use the clerk's tip of zig zagging it, though, as my zipper foot only allows for a straight stitch. I am longing for cotton and quilt making!

Speaking of cotton, have you seen all the cute fabric that has come out lately?  In particular, Pam Buda's newest line?  She was kind enough to design it in red, cream, and blue!  The Fat Quarter shop actually sent me a 20% off code in appreciation for my business!  If that isn't enough, I'm off with my friends all day on tomorrow (Thursday) for an area shop hop.  Just the driving will take us over 6 hours to get to the 4 shops we plan to visit.  It's called the Scenic Route Shop Hop and it is.  Last year when we went the dogwood and wisteria were blooming.

One of my friends is considering moving with her husband to a more remote location.  They found a lovey place in the Tellico Plains, Tennessee area.  They were so busy looking at property that she wasn't able to check into the local quilting opportunities.  She asked me if I would check with all of you.  Do any of you know the area--it is southish of Maryville and Knoxville?  She is wondering if there are any shops, guilds, or bees in the area.  Any tips you have would be great!

I better run.  I need to go upstairs and look at my fabric stash to remind myself that I need absolutely NOTHING from the 4 quilt shops we will be visiting.  We'll see how much I come home with.  If you are following me on Instagram, I will keep you posted all day long.

Have a great day!
JoAnne