Machine Doodles on Zoom
Free Stitching on the sewing machine has been part of my textile art practice for some years now, I was introduced to the technique while at an Embroiderers Guild group stitching session and haven’t looked back. Over the years I have tried and tested various methods of stabilising fabrics, transferring images to stitch and adding interest with appliqué. Having said all that I am still learning and pick up hints and tips all the time, most recently when Harriet Riddle visited Stitching Kitchen in January and taught us about sketching portraits using the sewing machine.
Recently I was asked by another sewing business owner if I would be interested in giving a demonstration of Machine Doodles within her subscription box membership via zoom - I did hesitate a little as it has been a while since I have used zoom in this way, and between you and me last time I went on zoom to demonstrate a craft I really didn’t enjoy myself - it felt like talking to a void!
I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone and take the plunge. After all, I've been teaching Machine Doodles—using free-motion stitching to create images and quilting patterns—for several years. During that time, I’ve learned how to troubleshoot all kinds of issues with the technique on a wide range of sewing machine types and brands.
So thanks a million to Debbie Marsden for inviting me to demonstrate. Debbie runs the amazing subscription box sewing club - This Mummy Sews. Her subscribers were all about to receive their next pre-cut garment to sew for their little ones, this month it is a denim jacket and she wanted to help those who wanted to embellish their jackets the skills to do so.
So I took my notes which I use when I deliver my in person Machine doodles class and expanded on them with a few guidelines from Debbie as she knows her typical new mum sewist has an entry level sewing machine - which might not have the option for feed dogs to drop so they will need to be covered. Talking for an hour in person is easy as you have lots of questions and comments to bounce off but on zoom its a different matter so I have to plan a bit more content.
She also gave some pointers on what her members may wish to embellish their denim jackets with - simple bright coloured images with some stitched names or statements. I put together some images to use as a starting point for Free Motion appliqué including flower, fairy, tractor and dinosaur to use as demonstration pieces for the zoom talk. These are now available for free from my website.
The talk flowed well and despite loosing some of my precut fabric pieces and my snips at one point I demonstrated with only a couple of thread breaks and plenty of wobbly stitching but that is all part of the charm! One Lady even had a go while I was presenting - she really got the hang of it too!
I have put together a starter kit for any one interested in getting started with Machine Doodles and these proved really useful for the members of theThis Mummy Sews community as they get started with Free Stitching on the sewing machine. You can get yours here: Machine Doodles Starter Kit.
I really enjoyed delivering this online training, and judging by the comments below do did those who watched live during the demo! If you have a group or membership which would benefit from an online demo do get in touch.
