Sandy's Sewing Solutions By Columnist Sandy Bemis
Q: I wish my comforter were slightly longer, hanging over the bed further. What are my options? A: Many "ready made" comforters are made with a skimpy drop and not enough to cover the top of a dust ruffle. Most mattresses will need about a 12-in. drop so when you are measuring you would add approximately 24 inches to the mattress measurement. I probably would solve the problem you have by adding a border to the comforter. Don't try to match the color but find a compatible print that will coordinate with what you have. You could even ruffle this additional strip of fabric but if you just put a flat piece be sure to use batting to fill this border piece otherwise it will look like an after thought. Q: What kind of sewing desk/table would you recommend? Currently I work on my kitchen table. What do you use? Where can I find sewing furniture? A: Many people have portable sewing machines and always end up sewing on the kitchen table. However, I think it keeps you from sewing as much as you might like because you need to put the machine away for things like dinner! If you have room in your house, find a permanent home for your machine - it will also eliminate back and shoulder problems from sewing at the wrong height. Proper height of a sewing table is very important especially for serious sewing projects. Find the nearest sewing machine dealer and ask to see her catalogs of sewing furniture. Q: What's an easy and quick quilting project? A: When most people ask about quilting they are really asking about piecing rather than the actual hand or machine stitching called quilting. If you want to quilt, or put various fabrics together into a pattern, then I would recommend a small beginner's book to guide you in your first quilting project. A nine-patch is a block that is simple and easy for a beginner and has no points to worry about. I think making potholders out of blocks is practical, fun, and quick.
Sandy Bemis, sewing expert
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