June Challenge

Hello by Ren-Yi

Guest Design Team Member Ren-Yi submitted this card for the June Stitching Challenge. Here is what she shared about her experience: "I recently bought a sewing machine to learn how to sew. In case anyone is searching for a entry-level with lots of functionality I recommend getting a Brother CS6000i. According to a sewing friend, my machine was very intuitive to use. I can't really make that kind of assessment since I'm a newbie to any kind of sewing, so I will take her word on it. Since SOS was offering a June Stitch Challenge I saw this as a perfect opportunity to get down & dirty with the basics of sewing. So off I went to design a card based around stitching. Other sewing projects were also on my mind and I was picking up fabric, when I decided that I would cut a little corner off and use it in my card. I thought of creating an easy shaped template to cut out the space, fill the negative space with fabric, backing, and poly-fill to create a cushiony, three-dimensional card, and add a hand-written sentiment on the bottom to give it more of that "stitched with love" feeling. Here is what I learned
* Do not use organic shapes as your first sewing assignment. Stick with straight lines. And practice navigating around.
* Read the sewing machine's manual. There is a tension knob to help adjust threading so that the bottom thread does not poke through the top. And practice various tension settings on card stock.
* Choosing the stitch length directly effects how easily one can navigate the curves. Practice in this would have also helped.
* Pre-piercing the sentiment with a pushpin or needle makes it easier to hand-stitch the sentiment.
* Use heavier card stock.

I am a little disappointed in some of the off-track stitching and boo-boos that happened, but as a first-attempt or proof of concept I think I managed to achieve what I wanted to. I will definitely try this kind of card again after I have become more comfortable sewing and getting to know the ins and outs of my sewing machine. Let's see if I can't give it a cleaner look then...In the meantime wish me luck on my pajama pants. Here is hoping that both pant legs come out the same length! What was your first sewing project? Any pointers?"

Now it's your turn - do you have a new sewing machine you need to try out - or have you always wanted to stitch on a layout - but just haven't yet - or is stitching on a layout or card just an everyday thing for you? Why not take the challenge and send a picture to scrappinpsycho@live.com. Hurry, the challenge ends on June 30th. See all the details below in June Challenge.