Kathy's Kwilts and More: New Year New Sew- simply by Ti blog tour

I am back for another day with the Sewing by Ti blog hop. Originally I was going to do that Valentina coat by Violette Field Threads, but ran out of time, so that will come later.

So what to share? I am in a lot of groups on facebook and I am noticing a surge of new sewers. I thought I would share a bit of how I got started and then share some tips for sewing knits.

I started sewing around age 9. I grew up watching my mom sew for us, as well as my aunt.

This is the machine I learned to sew on.

My aunt was awesome, and I loved the hand me downs from my cousin. My aunt alsof made the most awesome Barbie clothes. Unfortunately, I don't have the clothes or pictures.

So, I started with sewing in 4h. It was thrilling to go to the county and state fairs and see blue ribbons. I had a great record book and in my last move it got lost with my pictures. BIG HINT HERE: TAKE OODLES OF PICTURES AND SAVE THEM. Most of mine were at the time on an instamatic 110, using the rolls of film. Now I try to make sure when I take pictures, they are backed up, on my laptop, a flash drive, and anywhere else I can think of.

Then in Jr high and high school I took home economics classes. I loved sewing.

In 1985 I became a mom and decided I would like to sew for my baby. I made cute outfits for him and really had fun. Since then, I have sewn a wide variety of things.

I enjoy sewing. It makes me happy to make things for my children and grandchildren.

Here are just a few pictures of things I have made.

Hand smocked blessing dress for a granddaughter. The embroidery is known as shadow work. You do this from the wrong side.

A Cinderella dress I made for my daughter.

A tricot nightgown for a granddaughter

So, here are some hints for sewing with knits. This is what works for me and the way I do it.

* I use just regular all purpose thread on my machine. I sew on a Viking Lily 550.

* I use just a regular straight stitch. I don't have an issue with seams popping. I may slightly stretch my fabric, but I don't always think about it.

* I use a universal or ball point needle.

* I do use a serger at times and I use just regular Maxi-lock serger thread. They do make a stretch thread, and I just recently bought some, but have not tried it.

* Probably the most important thing is to try these ideas and other ideas and see what works for you.

I would love to hear what got you started with sewing and what things you enjoy sewing. Please follow me, as I have more blog tours coming up as well as some finishes that I am going to be sharing here.

And please visit the other bloggers on the tour.

Monday, January 1st: Introduction- Sewing by Ti

2nd With Love In Every Stitch

3rd FABulous Home Sewn

4th Kathys Kwilts and More *** You are here. 😀

5th The Fairy Dust Bin

6th The Bear and Pea Atelier

Sunday, January 7th: Minn's Things

8th Lilla Gumma

9th Threadistry

10th Very Blissful

11th Margarita on the Ross

12th Stitched by Jennie