I must admit, I sometimes take shortcuts in my piecing, or the "good-enough" approach, for the sake of getting a piece done. But spending a day with Sally Collins has definitely inspired me to reach for a higher standard, slow down and invest the time it takes to achieve that better result.
This was a class on Precision Piecing, techniques that are critical in Sally's work, some as small as 12" square with thousands of pieces in them.
So the class was about miniatures, but the lessons learned really apply to "big" piecing as well.
One thing that I need to re-train myself to do is the way I chain piece. When I chain piece, I stop about a 1/2 inch from the end of the one I'm sewing and pick up the next unit, then I guide with one hand the last one thru the machine and with the other hand guide the next one. According to Sally (and I saw it too) all feed dogs pull to the left, so by not really holding that last piece as firmly, it had a tendency to "wave goodbye" at the end instead of a nice straight line.
So Sally's suggestion is to wait until your needle is off the previous piece before picking up the next one. Don't lift the presser foot all the way or you will dis-engage the machine. Just lift it slightly and put the next piece in.
This made a big difference, especially in a little piece.
Now no laughing------at the end of the day, this is what I had finished:
look at the grid lines on the board....that's right, it's a 3" finished star and inside it is a 1-1/2" star. I was exhausted, I needed a nap and a glass or two of wine.
Ok, this may not have been the class with the largest project result, but I know it will have a big impact on my projects going forward.
And on a personal note, Sally could not be a kinder or gentler teacher. She is encouraging, engaging and really knows her stuff. If she's in your neighborhood, RUN to sign up for her class.
Hugs and Stitches!
Megan
P.S. to our favorite import----Happy Canada Day!!!
