February  2012
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Events on February 7, 2012
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Events on February 8, 2012
9
Events on February 9, 2012
  • Working with Patterns: (Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16)
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: 7:30 pm
1011
Events on February 11, 2012
1213
Events on February 13, 2012
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Events on February 15, 2012
16
Events on February 16, 2012
  • Working with Patterns: (Jan. 12, 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16)
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: 7:30 pm
17
Events on February 17, 2012
18
Events on February 18, 2012
19
Events on February 19, 2012
20
Events on February 20, 2012
21
Events on February 21, 2012
22
Events on February 22, 2012
  • Perfect Fit Skirt (Feb. 22, Feb. 29)
    Starts: 6:00 pm
    Ends: 9:00 pm
23
Events on February 23, 2012
  • Working With Patterns (Feb 23; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29)
    Starts: 5:30 pm
    Ends: 7:30 pm
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Events on February 25, 2012
26
Events on February 26, 2012
27
Events on February 27, 2012
2829
Events on February 29, 2012
  • Perfect Fit Skirt (Feb. 22, Feb. 29)
    Starts: 6:00 pm
    Ends: 9:00 pm
 
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Sewer's Toolkit

Check out some of these helpful sewing resources:

List of Sewing Supplies

 

Download and print this list of supplies needed when first learning how to sew.
Fabric Stores in the Washington, DC Area

 

View and print  this list of fabric stores in the Washington metropolitan region.
Janome 11590 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine

Sewing Machines Used in My Studio

Below you can find a list of sources for purchasing Janome 11590 Sewing Machines, the models I use in my studio. (And no, I don’t receive any kick-back from Janome for recommending these machines, I just find them to be good-quality, user-friendly machines for a very reasonable price).
threading Threading Diagrams

 

Threading your machine correctly is essential to successful sewing! SewUSA provides a library of free threading diagrams for many major sewing machine brands.
instruction Sewing Machine Instruction Manuals

 

Lost your instruction manual? This manual finder from www.sewitworks.com can help you find a copy of your manual for free or at a low cost directly from the manufacturer.
sharpneedle Needle-Thread-Fabric Guide

 

This guide from www.sewitworks.com can help you understand the differences between sewing machine needles and help you choose the right type of needle and thread for your project.

How to “Catch” Your Bobbin Thread

This video tutorial shows you how to “pick up” the bobbin thread when you’ve loaded a new bobbin in your machine. The machine shown here has a top-loading bobbin (similar to the ones I use in my studio), but the process is the same even if your machine does not look exactly like this. (Doubleclick to see full size view)
pillowtutorial

How to Sew a Throw Pillow Cover

A video tutorial from the Washington Post with step-by-step instructions on how to make a basic throw pillow cover.
SMMFFF6091 Guide to Presser Feet

This tutorial from flossie teacakes featured on Sew Mama Sew has some great information on what different presser feet are for and can do.
Stack of patterns, courtesy velvetstrawberries.typepad.com.
 Shop for Patterns Online

Check out patterns from home (or work!) from the following pattern companies:
TAlining7 Free Tutorials, Patterns, and Project Ideas

 

Looking for free patterns, tutorials, or just some inspiration? These sewing sites are a great place to start:
SEW_Rupp

Great Books on Sewing

Small Projects

Clothing

Good Beginner Books

General Reference
website Design Your Own Fabric

 

Can’t find exactly the right fabric? Make your own! Spoonflower offers print-on-demand fabric for $18-32/yard.