[Lindsay]

This sounds lovely! I live in Grand Rapids, and I would cherish such an opportunity. I can’t commit to hosting at my house (just yet at least…we homeschool, and are in flurry of end-of-year projects and performances, and my modest house feels overrun with art, science, and history paraphernalia!), but there are some nice bakeries or cafes we could meet up at (Wealthy Street Bakery, perhaps?). I will make a point to check in here again soon to see if GR has traction as a meet-up cite. I could even do Holland, Lansing, Kalamazoo, etc.

[Lindsay]

I wish I could remember the pattern that my favorite tip of 2010 came from, but I am not certain which one it was.

I loved the helpful suggestion of using a square of tissue paper under the edge of very small fabric pieces. The feed dogs can grab the paper to begin advancing the fabric when there is not enough stitching yet to guide it. This is helpful for fabric button loops, finishing fabric ties, etc. When I’m done, I just carefully tear away the paper at the perforations. So easy.

Its just the kind of finishing detail that sets O+S instructions apart!

[Lindsay]

I only iron wovens for my kids. In some strange way it allows me to enjoy those tiny garments longer. I have always loved clothes and fabric, so whenever my kids grow out of a size, I kind of miss what they leave behind.

As for during the construction of a garment, I think pressing may be one of the most important things a sewist can do. I noticed a big difference in the quality of my garments when I started to press every seam as I sew it. Yes, every seam. I love how the heat sets the thread in the fabric and gives it a crispness and accuracy.