Teaching ideas shared with my daughter, now a sewing instructor

Here are some tips for you as a teacher.  This is a random listing.
For you as a new teacher you need to know that folks will come in with all different kinds of machines.  Just remember these things that could go wrong if someone doesn't know their machine.
1.  the bobbin may not be in correctly 2. the machine is not threaded correctly 3.  the tension is not set correctly. 4.  the needle is in wrong.
Most machines thread about the same, needle placement could be different.
If folks are buying machines from where you work, they may think that you know how they work.  If the store has a machine in your class room you need to be familiar with it.  They will also think you know about all machines so be prepared to tap dance your way through.  But if you don't know say that, perhaps you could ask if they have the Manuel for the machine or who they bought it from.  A lot of folks will get machines from thrift stores, yard sales, inherited from a family member.  Use the internet to for information.
If you have kids or adults that come in with a machine that is threaded look at it so when it becomes un- threaded you might be able to get them back on track.  If a needle breaks and it will, make sure you have all the parts, that way you know that a piece of it is not in the bobbin area of the machine.  Use the brush to clean after that happens, sometimes you can get the part out  and sometimes the machine is dirty and that's why the needle broke. 
If you teaching newbie kids and you use the paper idea, you can either keep the thread in or take is out.  I usually do it without thread, but they are sewing on my Bernina's and I know how to re-thread.  So you have to decide what works best.  I usually draw about four straight lines on a piece of paper and have them sew on the lines.  This way they can practice raising and lowering the presser foot and learn speed control on the foot pedal. 
Be careful of speed demons.  You want to show kids how to keep their fingers out of the way of the needle when the machine is working.
Well I probably have more thoughts on this but you get the idea.  Just remember for newbies they have no idea of the lingo of sewing or what tools to use or how to use them.

I am very proud of you this is the best job for you. 
LOVE

Hi there, just checking in

Hi, there world, just checking in.  I have been very busy with my new job as librarian and the wonderful work of machine quilting.  I hope to have some new photos of quilts that I have quilted soon.  
I had a very, very quick visit with my kids this past weekend.  It was Greg's (my husband) mothers day gift to me, and we picked up a car from Kelsey (my daughter).  You could count the minutes I spent with both Sean (my son) and Kelsey. I am grateful for even those few minutes though.  My children are great adults and are plowing through life.  I hope someday it won't be so hard for them.  The day when they don't have to worry every morning if they have a job or if their education they are working so hard to get will pay off.  
Well, off to get the quilting done.  I'll update you all later.  Have a good spring day.

My quilting style

I believe that each person who pieces a quilt and quilts a quilt develops their own style.  I know that is true, because I have seen it and I am sure you have too.  I use the terms, free form, primitive and wonky.  Maybe a couple more names but we won't talk about that.  I never thought of myself as being an artist, but in ways I have become one.  Whatever the style or name I know I love what I do.  The skill of quilting challenges me and pushes me to a new level.  I am very fortunate that my customers allow me this.  I am not perfect and I really do not strive to be.  I want my customers to be happy with what I have added to their work.  Now not all days are bliss I must say.  But for the most part things turn out pretty good.  As long as my customers allow me I will post their quiilts, quilted.

Things are shapeing up

Storytelling was awesome today!!!  I forget the tune to a song, but Lilli, a parent helper, helped me.  thanks
I am quilting a couple of cool quilts right now and wish I had more time to spend each day, but I think when I post the pictures you will agree.  I am very excited about life right now.  It is a feeling that I haven't had for a while.  I have missed it.  I think part of that is because it is spring time.  I know in our area it doesn't feel that way, but I always get a feeling of hope this time of year, no matter what the weather is like.  I think that is what keeps me going, that feeling of hope.  Well here's to another day, Cheers!!

I am on my own

Today I do storytelling on my own.  I have studied.  I have sang songs (to my husband) and I have prepared a craft.  Let's do this. 

Cautious Blogger

Today was the beginning of my 4th week of being a librarian.  What I have found is that being a librarian is more then just checking out/in books.  You have to do storytime!!  Now my recollection of storytime is with my kids, sitting on their beds and reading to them at night.  Well, my new version is a whole lot different.  I am reading to 3 and 4 year olds groups and this summer will be doing a large group event for 6 weeks.  I will have an audience.  Now as some of you know, being in front of alot of people just really isn't my thing.  I cry, I forget what I am saying and am just generally nervous.  So somewhere deep inside me I have to bring out the "performer" part of me.  I discovered the "artist" part when I began machine quilting.  I guess deep inside of  a person are all types of skills, personalities and strengths just waiting to come out.  So if you are downtown during the summertime, take a peek and see the "performer" in me, just bring the Kleenex.

Learning Everyday

Well, Here I go with another change in my life.


I closed my store front business at the end of 2010 and took some time off. Folks thought I would be retired, but I really didn't feel or like that idea. I have been on a couple of small vacations, but during that time I knew I had to get refocused and back on track. So I got a job as our town librarian, which actually has always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid. I love libraries!! I continue to do machine quilting and am feeling very good about my life right now.

I am planning on creating a couple of videos on techinques that I think you will appreciate.

I will be posting quilts that I have quilted so that you can see my style. Stay tune I feel that the fun is just about to happen, again.