TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Sewing {Sue Eggen}

Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

Sue Eggen
Philadelphia 

Giant Dwarf

SA: When did you begin sewing?

SE: My first sewing tool was an old Singer sewing machine that my grandmother Rose had. I remember as a little girl sitting in her sewing room hoping for the day to play on the machine that mesmerized me for hours. My wish came true in 1988, when I wanted to make scrunchies for Christmas gifts. We figured out a pattern + stitched them together. They were a hit + I haven't looked back since!

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine(s)?


SE: I make all kinds of fun + colorful accessories, using recycled + reclaimed materials, like sweaters + corduroy trousers, when I can. I also love using Fancy Felt + German glass glitter in my work.

SA: What machine(s) are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without?

SE: Currently, I use a Bernina Active 240, with the Two Sole Walking Foot, which is the quintessential sewing machine, in coordination with a DeLonghi Stiromeglio Compact Pro 300, which is a magical iron with a gorgeous cork handle. Besides those very important machines, there are the 3 Gs of sewing: Gingher scissors + Gutermann thread + Glue Sticks. Firstly, Gingher makes the sharpest blade in the business. I always have the 4.5" Thread Nippers, as well as the 6" + 8" Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears handy. Secondly, Gutermann is the only thread I'll use. It's strong + the color options are infinite. Lastly, Avery Glue Sticks are my secret weapon. This sticky school supply keeps things in place + dries clear. Think holding a zipper in place or keeping applique in check without pins. Trust me on this one!

SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

SE: If I could add anything to my toolbox, it would be a Hashima Compact Fusing Press. This heated conveyer wonder applies fusible interfacing without hovering over an ironing board, saving countless hours preparing fabric. It's not the cheapest machine out there, but if your time is as valuable as mine, it would be worth saving for.

SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

SE: One of my favorite seamsters is Katie Henry of Made By Hank. This gal is amazing + her work is flawless. I love the texture she creates with fabric + the details that go into her work. Perfection isn't a term I throw around lightly, but I can't think of a better word to describe what she makes with a sewing machine.

photo: Katie Henry

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Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel

Tools of the Trade: Sewing {Forestbound}

Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

Alice Saunders

Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

Forestbound

SA: When did you begin sewing?

AS
: When I was in my early teens I started using my mom's old portable Singer that I'm sure she bought at Sears or JC Penny. it stayed with me for almost 10 years and I remember only breaking 1 or 2 needles during that whole time period. I eventually sewed it into the ground and reluctantly had to find a replacement. the Singer Esteem was what I ended up choosing and I swear it's the best portable machine that I've ever used. I still have one in the corner of my studio!

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine(s)?

AS: I make utilitarian tote bags out of reclaimed historical textiles & hardware.

SA: What machine(s) are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without

AS: As far as sewing machines go, currently I work on a Juki DDL 505 and an old Adler from the 60s .. both heavy duty work horses. Since all of the canvas I use for my bags was once in the form of something else (WWII duffel bag, feed sacks from the 1930's, old Boyscout packs, etc) I take apart a lot of seams and always use my Carl Schlieper Eye Brand pocket knife. I use whatever scissors I find laying around the house which means they are usually pretty dull... so I'm constantly using my Fiskars scissor sharpener.

SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

AS: Well the machines that are on the top of my list are mostly for leather working since I'm pretty happy with my current sewing machine set up (although I would never pass up a Singer Class 7, a heavy duty machine that was used for sewing military tents, parachutes, etc). I currently use the hand held version of all these but having them in machine form would be a dream come true! I'd love a leather skiver, a strap cutter, an eyelet setter, a leather cutting machine and a rivet press. Oh and a workshop in a big ol' mill building to house all these machines.

SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

AS: I'm a huge fan of Jason Gregory who does Makr. His bags are impeccably made and I've always loved seeing photos of his studio since he sews on the most beautiful machines. Also the denim & clothing brand Rising Sun Co. They really value the knowledge and technique of traditional sewers & tailors which is something I have a lot of respect for. They also have an incredible workshop!

photo: Makr Carry Goods

photo: Rising Sun Co.

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Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: sewing

Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

Ashley Anna Brown
Northampton, Massachusetts
Secret Holiday

SA: When did you begin sewing?
AAB: I'd say my first sewing tool was a basic needle and thread. My sister and I would marvel at the beautiful hand sewn quilts (often incomplete) that our great great great grandmother and her daughter made. My mother's great grandmother taught her to sew and she passed those teachings down to me, starting with slow hand piecing and little stitches. But I never had the patience to complete anything. I was about twelve years old when I made my first twin size quilt on a sewing machine. It felt amazing to complete something of that size. I'm still working up the nerve to start a full size quilt that I will sew completely by hand.

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine?

AAB: I make all sorts of things! I mostly make birds (usually for wedding cakes) and tiny little animals, but I love quilting too, when I can find the time. I sew something every single day. No lie.

SA: What machine are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without.

AAB: My sewing tools are far from fancy. Honestly. My number one can't-live-without, better-never-lose tool is actually an old screw driver I "borrowed" from my dad years and years ago. It's the best stuffing tool I have ever used (and I have tried it all!). It's small and light enough to easily grip in my hand, but the tip is big enough to stuff without piercing a hole in my work. If you've been looking for a dream stuffing tool, start scouring your local flea market or thrift store for one of these amazing little screwdrivers. You'll never need anything else.

AAB: My other favorite tool is my sewing machine. I've always used a basic home model (I like Brother or Singer). These work great, but if you use one every single day for hours at a time, it will get worn out pretty quick. Finally this little beauty, a commercial-grade Singer, came into my life. It isn't the fanciest sewing machine, but it is powerful and I don't feel guilty using it every day. You can hear its' power when you step on the pedal, but it won't break the bank.

SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

AAB: I don't really day-dream about new tools. I like to keep things simple. But if I had to choose something, I would say that some day I would like to invest in a pair of Gingher scissors. Those may change my life. I should probably just do it already. 



SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

AAB: I admire many fellow sewers. It's so hard to choose just one, so here are a few of my very favorites: 1. Sian Keegan, 2. Enhabiten, 3. Abigail Brown, 4/6. Tiny Happy, 5. Astulabee.

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Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel

Tools of the Trade: Sewing {Casey Brown}

Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

Casey Brown

Florida

Elegant Musing

SA: When did you begin sewing?

CB
: I started sewing when I was about 6, so if memory serves me right, it was probably a simple needle and thread! It's amazing what such basic tools can create--even the most humble of tools can be highly useful if you have a bit of imagination and know-how.

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine(s)?

CB
: I dabble with a lot of my sewing, but mainly garments are what piques my interest the most. I only really sew for myself, but enjoy making pieces from vintage or vintage-inspired patterns and tinkering with my own designs. Right now I just finished a silk print 1940s dress from a reproduction pattern and a 30s apron (from an original pattern in my collection--one of my favs!) to replace an worn-out one I made as a teenager. I love using my tools to try out a new technique or make things easier with a tried and true job (such as my favorite loop turner--indispensable!)

SA: What machine(s) are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without?

CB
: Cherished tools are: my sewing machines and serger, vintage Dritz bound buttonhole tool, magnetic pincushion (a favorite and must-have since I constantly drop pins), loop turner, pair of Gingher fabric shears and Fiskars pinking shears, pattern weights (just large washers from the hardware store), and my stash of vintage Singer sewing machine attachments--just to name a very few! Does a sketchbook count as a sewing tool? I know I consider it essential to what I do; without it I'd be lost! I tend to scribble down ideas, measurements, notes on construction and work out pattern piece shapes (when I draft my own patterns) in there.

SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

CB
: Top on my list is a professional-style dress form (like what designers and fashion school students use!). I have an adjustable one, but it's got a red cover and dials doesn't make it super-useful for draping (though it can be done) or taking photographs of finished pieces. But I think that is still a bit down the road for me. I'd also love a gravity-fed steam iron; mine is a pretty standard iron from a big-box store and does the job, but a really good professional-grade iron would make my life (and sewing!) so much easier.

SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

CB
: Too many to list! Right now I'm really loving Sarah's blog, vintage bobbin and her sewing projects. She has a similar aesthetic and sews on a shoestring budget, which I can totally relate to! Sarah manages to whip up some amazing garments in between going to college, which I find pretty impressive. A perennial favorite is the amazing and super-knowledgeable Gertie of Blog for Better Sewing. I want to be her when I grow up!

photo: vintage bobbin

photo: blog for better sewing

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Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel

Tools of the Trade: Sewing {Rachel Denbow}

Contributor post by: Shauna Alterio

 
Rachel Denbow

Springfield, MO

Smile and Wave

SA: When did you begin sewing?

RD
: My Meemaw bought me a Kenmoore as a wedding gift almost nine years ago because she felt I ought to have one. She and my mother taught me to sew when I was a little girl and let me use their machines to make barbie clothes and my first patchwork quilt. My grandma made dresses for my mom and my mom made dresses for me. I still use the same machine Meemaw gave me and have recently been making dresses for my daughter, Ruby, from vintage men's shirts.

SA: What do you make with your sewing machine(s)?
RD
: I make quilts, curtains, pillows, clothing, accessories, and a variety of other sewn projects with my sewing machine. Lately I've been using it to make things for our new home but earlier this year I released my first e-course, Modern Patchwork, which features nine step-by-step sewing projects as well as original patchwork block patterns.

SA: What machine(s) are you currently using? What are the brands you love and the features you can't live without?

RD
: My most necessary tools for sewing are my trusty Kenmoore, Gingher scissors, my Olfa rotary cutter, Dritz acrylic ruler, my self healing cutting mat (not shown), straight pins, seam ripper, iron and ironing board. I've also recently been using a felt board for color stories and arranging quilt squares. On top of all of my sewing tools, I regularly use paint brushes, primer, and chalkboard paint to make my thought bubble chalkboards and wire cutters, screw drivers, pliers, and a hammer for DIY projects around the house.

SA: What's tools are on your wish list? 

RD
: I'd love to own a Brother serger in the next year as I've seen how much faster sewing clothing can be with one! I'd also love to have a larger table for cutting fabric rather than doing it on the floor. Oh, and a Wrights Simplicity bias tape maker because it would add hours to my life!

SA: Tell us about someone else working with similar tools that inspires you.

RD
: Jennifer Casa of JCasa Handmade is one of those women who can do it all as far as I'm concerned. She's a talented sewer, knitter, singer, crafter, and now published author! Her first book, Crafting With Kids, will be available April 5th. I first 'met'  Jennifer through a holiday ornament swap back in 2007 and have been inspired by her attention to detail, ingenuity, and generosity ever since.

photo: jennifer casa

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Shauna Alterio is a designer and one half of Something's Hiding in Here. Together with her partner Stephen, she can be found dabbling with all sorts of tools and techniques from letterpress printing to sewing. The duo added haberdashers to their list of titles this year when they created FORAGE, a line of bow ties made from vintage fabrics in limited editions.

blog: somethingshidinginhere

shop: FORAGE.bigcartel