It’s that time of year when many people reflect on what they have accomplished in 2007, and make a new list of things to complete or do differently for 2008. As a sewer, there are many things that will help start the New Year on the right foot and expand your sewing talents. Below are 11 resolution suggestions that can help us become better and more organized sewers.
If you have additional sewing New Year’s Resolutions, I would love to hear from you. Add your own suggestions by leaving a comment at the end of this e-mail!
1. Clean your machine – start the New Year with a clean sewing machine. If you have had it serviced within the last 6 months, take time to remove the stitch plate, the bobbin case and the hook. Brush out all the lint, and if you machine requires oil, place a small drop in the proper place. If you don’t know where you should be oiling, call me and I can walk you through it. Or bring in your sewing machine and we can show you exactly where to clean and oil. Did you know that you should clean your machine after every 4-5 bobbins? If it has been over a year since your last sewing machine service, bring in your machine for its yearly check up. Same day appointments are available by calling ahead. Click here to read what our expert sewing machine technicians check and clean when your machine is in for service.
2. Discard bent and dull pins – pull out your pin cushion or pin magnet and sort through your pin collections leaving only your favorite pin type. I love having all the same length of pins on my pin magnet. I try to keep out any strays that I have picked up along the way.
3. Sharpen scissors, rotary cutter blades, and kitchen knives too – gather them all and have them professionally sharpened for 2008! Ryan does an excellent job on all types and sizes of tools. Wow – what a difference! Scissors – $5, Rotary Cutter Blades – $3 and Knives – $4.
4. Separate out old or different brand bobbins – if you have recently purchased a new sewing machine, be sure you are not using the old bobbins in your new machine. Each machine requires different bobbins. Remove the temptation of using those old bobbins in the new machine by packing them up and keeping them with the older sewing machine. If you know that the older bobbins are wound with quality thread, purchase extra new bobbins and transfer the thread to use with your new machine. If you can’t remember when you originally wound the older bobbins, or with what kind of thread, discard the thread immediately. If you pass on that older machine to someone else don’t cause them to struggle with old or poor quality thread. Click here to read a past tip, “Can I Use Any Bobbin In My Machine?”
5. Clean and organize the drawer you use the most – nothing feels better than a little cleaning and organization of an area that you use often. Take a couple minutes to empty out and organize that top drawer that houses all your favorite sewing tools.
6. Take a needle inventory – Lay out all your sewing needles. Check that you have a variety of different types and sizes for upcoming projects. Sewers should keep the following needles on hand in a variety of sizes: Denim, Stretch, Ballpoint, Quilting, Topstitch, Universal, Microtex Sharps, Leather, Double needle and a Wing needle. This way you will have the right needle for ANY project you want to sew!
7. Designate a wall or folder to keep “ideas” in. This way when you need some sewing direction, you will have plenty to choose from.
8. Sign up for a class or Sewtopia Club 2008 – take time to advance your sewing education. Try new techniques and expand your sewing knowledge base.
9. Computer backup – When was the last time you backed up your computer? Are all those digitial pictures safely stored on CD’s should anything happen to your computer? How about all those embroidery designs you have purchased? Take an afternoon to save all your precious hard work.
10. Update software – check all software programs to be sure that you are using the most current version. Budget for upgrades if you are not using the current version. By keeping all software programs updated (i.e. Accounting software, embroidery software, photo software) will help keep your computer working for you instead of against you. If you plan to update your computer in 2008, updating software will insure a seamless upgrading process.
11. Double check power strips / battery back-ups – take time to dust off those power strips that are probably out of sight most of the time. Check that all cords are safely plugged in completely and that no cords have been damaged. Click here to read a previous tip “Sewing Machine Insurance“.
If cleaning and organizing your entire sewing room is on your 2008 “To Do” list, click here to read The Domestic Diva’s suggestions for organizing every part of your sewing room. She offers suggestions and pictures for all types of sewers needs in her “Sewing Room Organization Challenge”.
For additional “Healthy Sewing Habits” to practice year-round, check out the 2007 list.
Add your own sewing New Year’s Resolution’s to this list! I would love to add more suggestions to the 2008 list. Click on “Leave a Comment” to write in your own personal Sewing New Year’s Resolutions.
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