Tetrahedron Kite

Need an idea to use those old pattern tissues?

My daughter made this tetrahedron kite for school.

She used straws, glue, string and, of course, old pattern tissue.

Want to try it yourself?  Instructions for tetrahedron kite.

Feline Friday- Kittens!

My kids discovered a feral mama cat and her 3 kittens nestled close to our house.

I think they are maybe 2 weeks old and look healthy so far.  Unfortunately we can't keep them because we already have Alice and Emma (adopted from another litter by a feral mama).

Hopefully we can find homes for these.

They are awfully cute!

Here is Alice, while I am working on the computer.

Apparently I wasn't paying enough attention to her!

Book Review- Dancing With Thread by Ann Fahl

I am really excited about this new book I just bought!  It is Dancing with Thread  by Ann Fahl.  As you may know, I am working on improving my free motion quilting skills with sewcalgal's free motion quilt challenge (it is never too late to join!).  In March, the featured expert was Ann Fahl.  Here is my practice free motion quilting for that month.  The book has 94 pages of beautiful and inspiring photos and instructions.  Her quilts really speak to me and of course there are a few cats in there along with flowers and other animals as examples.  I can't wait to get started! 

What Students Are Saying About My Sewing Classes

Over the years, I have taught group and individual sewing lessons to children and adults.  I really love watching my students gain confidence and start seeing all the possibilities opening up before them.  Sewing is such a great hobby because it provides a creative outlet as well as opportunities for saving money (when you alter your own clothes or create gifts instead of buying them).

Here are some comments from past students after a class:

"Cynthia was an excellent instructor.  I thoroughly enjoyed the class and plan to

continue to use what I have learned."

"I learned a lot in class.  Some things I was never taught before I took this class."

"Cynthia is great!"

"Cynthia is the most patient teacher!"

For future classes:

http://www.quiltingadventures.com/ (August 2012)

http://www.henrico.k12.va.us/adulteducation/ (fall 2012)

Contact me for individual lessons or sewing coaching



Feline Friday- Hand Embroidery

My daughter drew this picture when she was about 3 years old.  Recently, she decided to hand embroider it.  She wanted me to join in the fun so she drew a cat for me to embroider. 

It was a fun project to do together!



How to Hem Pants with a Rolled Hem

Creating a simple rolled, top stitched hem is really easy to do!

Here are a pair of pants needing to be shortened.  Decide how wide of a hem you want (here I'm doing a 1/2" hem.)  For a 1/2" hem, double it because you will be turning it over twice.  So I will need 1" hem allowance.  Mark the new hem and then add the 1" hem allowance.  Cut off the remaining fabric.  Press up 1", then fold down 1/2" and press.  The raw edge should now be enclosed.

Stitch close to the fold.  All done!  See the finished hem below.  (Below left shows outside of hem, right shows inside of hem).



Feline Friday- Free Motion Quilting

Good Feline Friday to you!  I stitched the kitty above without breaking my thread- one continuous line and totally free hand.  It was a fun warm up for this month's free motion quilting challenge on sewcalgal! You can still join in too.  I loved the exercise this month by Leah Day.

Spontaneous and wiggly!  Otherwise known as Double Stipple and Railroad Tracks.  I did not have any of the special tools she mentions, but was still able to do it.  I'll try the tools next time.



Examiner Interview

I got interviewed for the Examiner!

Cynthia Stockdon
Thanks Becky!

Feline Friday- Psykopaint

My daughter learned about psykopaint at school, in art class.  You paint over a picture.  There are different styles of painting to choose from.  I experimented using a picture of Alice and Emma.  The one above was my first attempt.

This one is paw prints!

It was fun to play around with, but now- back to sewing!

Student Projects

I teach sewing to students in organized classes as well as individuals.

Here are some projects by a young student of mine. 

(Sorry about the picture quality- I was using my phone.)

She sewed the above top, skirt and sash. 

 Top has a velcro closing in back and the skirt has an elastic waist.

This skirt has a back velcro closing.  On the pattern envelope, it showed a poodle skirt, but my student wanted a tiger skirt!  Very creative- good job!

We used Steam-A-Seam to attach the tiger.