Darlene’s Thread: How to Make a Silk and Bead Necklace, Work with Chenille Like a Pro
Happy New Year!
This is my favorite time of year when we all feel as though we have a new beginning. There’s nothing like starting a new sewing project to get the creative juices flowing. There’s nothing like starting a new workout routine to improve your health and well-being and there’s nothing like inviting a new pet or child to share your life! There’s always time to experience new beginnings when we set aside time for them. Sewing old and new is one of my favorite activities to spend time on!
» More sewing ideas: A versatile floral accessory you can wear as a headband or a belt!
Once you begin your sewing adventure you’ll be surprised at how satisfying it is to make something with your hands or how creative you’ll feel transforming flat fabrics into wearable garments. You may even be surprised at how much you’ll treasure your new sewing machine, your new circle of sewing friends and a fascinating variety of new projects.
Silk and Bead Necklace
I fell in love with a silk and bead necklace in Venice Italy and made one when we returned home. The easy One-Stitch necklace instructions are listed below. You may want to hand paint the silk to take this to the next level, or use crystal spacers instead of beads for a more elegant look. Either way, it’s sure to elicit a compliment or a conversation. You can choose the fabrics and beads to match any ensemble giving you all claims as the artist you are!
SUPPLIES
3 7/8″ x 40″ strip of silk
18 tiny 1″ round Styrofoam balls (available at a craft store)
19 large hole beads
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Fold the silk strip in half lengthwise and sew 1/2″ seam from edge.
2) Turn right side out. Work one Styrofoam ball into the silk tube and push it to the center.
3) Weave the silk tube through one large bead hole on each side of the Styrofoam ball. The pointy tip of an awl will help you push the fibers through the hole. Repeat the process until the entire necklace is beaded.
4) Tie loose ends together or stuff one end inside the other and top stitch or slip stitch for a cleaner finish. Striking!
Chilly Weather Chenille
Have you ever wondered how a ‘furry’ chenille texture embellishment is made? This easy topical decoration adds warmth and personality and can be used on a wide variety of items from bathmats to teddy bears. Making your own chenille has its advantages because you can choose the exact color as well as the length and thickness you want the chenille pile to be. Anyone can do this with a simple straight stitch! Having a chenille attachment foot like the one offered in our January 10th Today’s Special will make adding chenille even easier!
Here’s all you have to do: cut 1/2″ or 3/8″ or 5/8″ bias strips ( I ordered them already cut!)
Newcomer TIP: A bias strip is a narrow piece of material cut on the diagonal compared the way the straight grain runs on a piece of fabric. This gives the strip built-in stretch!
Lay or layer them in stacks of one, two or three onto your project and stitch down the center.
With a wire brush or stiff bristle (like a nail brush) give the edges a vigorous brushing and watch in amazement as all the little fibers perk up!
Your easy to execute chenille fringe can make a warm and inviting statement on your next project!
Tune in on Monday, January 10th for a very special Singer Today’s Special! Here’s our schedule:
12 A.M., 1 A.M., 8 A.M., 11 A.M., 12 P.M., 4 P.M., 7 P.M., 10 P.M.
–Darlene
More Sewing Tips from Darlene Cahill:
» Top 10 Sewing Tips to Always Remember
» Choosing the Right Scissors to Make the Cut
» Which Sewing Machine is Right for You
More Sewing and Crafts from HSN.com:
» Shop Sewing New Arrivals
» Stay steady and organized with a great sewing table
» Shop all crafts and sewing supplies
Please forget all the other questions I’ve asked as I have decided to get the feather weight. I have a larger machine and that will do the ruffler foot. I was delighted, however to find out that the circular stitcher will work on the feather weight. My main question is, will you be presenting the feather weight on the 27 of Feb? I’d love to have a clue. God bless
sorry to ask so many questions but I did not see where you could use a ruffler foot on the singer quantum stylist. I saw where you could use one on the curvy and I’m not sure about the new feather weight. Those are the three I am looking at. I was sure you would know since you use two of the stylist machines. Which would be the best also for quilting such as room to work around? THANK YOU!!!
Hope you are feeling and staying well. Can you tell me if singer will have the quantum stylist back in Feb? Leaning towards that one. Thanks
Darlene, do you know when the next dates will be for Brother machines? Hope they get the new circular stitching attachment with flex pay. Thanks Stay warm.
Hi Doodle52,
I’m so sorry to say that I don’t have any idea when Brother will be on again. Keep checking our “When to Watch” section of the blog monthly for more up to date details as they come up.Meanwhile, Brother machines have many special unadvertised sales on HSN.com so keep tabs on our sewing site!
I’m getting ready to get the varigated thread to use for circular stiching and wondered if I should use varigated thread for the bobbin too. Need to make sure I get enough. Thanks
Hi Doodle52,
There’s no need to waste your pretty vareiegated thread in the bobbin unless you’re stitching an item that will be seen on both sides such as a scarf. Use a solid color from the variegated pallet and with the correct tension adjustments, you won’t even see the bobbin thread. Happy Circular stitching!
Dear Sewthankyou, I was astonished when I went to Singerco.com and discovered that the Singer Futura Quartet was labeled as sold out. Is Singer planning on producing more of these machines? I clicked on distributors but nothing showed up. Is this machine a one time batch as a test to see how it would sell and then not be brought back again for another 2 to 3 years or more? I’m just curious.
Hi Kyucker,
The 4FQ will be part of Singer’s main inventory. There is a tempoary shortage due to the demand world wide and the unexpected Today’s Special that HSN brought you in October. Singer had to ‘borrow’ from other accounts to fill the HSN demand and now machines are being produced to replenish inventory. We should have them back in stock any week now and they are scheduled to be back on air in March. Sit Tight and Happy Sewing!
Darlene, luv to watch you and thanks for all the tips. My question is and this will sound dumb, but on the circular stitching that Cathy used at the end of the last showing, Jan 10, how doe you get the different thread coloring on the larger circle shown? Hope you weren’t ill. God bless. “learning to sew” Mo.
Hi Doodle 52,
I’mfeeling much better thank ou for asking! You can acheive different color waves on your applique or decorative stitches when you use varigated thread. These threads can be found at your local fabric store and come in a wide variety of colors. Use them for embroidery too— for surprising results! Thanks for writing! Enjoy your sewing journey~~~
thanks for the tip on varigated thread for circular stiches. also, have you made any dvds on sewing? I would be interested in buying them if you have. You are a joy to watch and keep things so simple to understand.
Dear Darlene,
Have a singer futura ses1000 on the way and just wondered if you can buy additional hoops in larger sizes. Thanks so much for the wonderful tutorials.
Hi stephloveschad,
Thank you for your recent purchase of the SES1000. You made a very smart choice! The SES1000 will come with two hoops–the largest being approx: 5″x7″ with a stitch field of approx: 4″ x 6″. The designs and software have all been digitized to work within the two hoops stitching fields so you will not be able to use a larger hoop with this model. The NEW! 4FQ –temporarily out of stock has a 6″ x 10″ field and does multi-hooping giving you designs as large as 12″ x 20″ Sweet~
Dear Sewthankful, I have not seen any replys from you lately. Are you doing ok? I hope that everything is going along well for you. I was able to catch the 7pm show with Darlene. I was concerned when on the Video that Kathy was doing the sewing and heard that Darlene had become ill. How is she doing? Have you talk with her lately? I hope that the both you and Darlene will be back soon. I hope that this finds you both doing well.
Hi Kyucker,
Thank you for your concern. I have been resting all week and feeling much better. Today I’m catching up on correspondence and was happy to see a note from you–one of our long time sewing friends. I’ll be writing my next sewing blog this week so I invite you to check back at the beginning of February for more tips,tricks,ideas, info and inspiration! Thanks again for sending your positive wishes~~~Stay Warm!!!
Dear Darlene- In reading these comments seems like I missed hearing you were ill. You are such an inspiration to all of us who sew I just wanted to wish you well and God bless. Please take all the time you need to get well, we need you back on the air giving us all your great tips and encouragement!
Hi Darlene,
Love watching you on the sewing shows. Just wish there were more. I was just wondering where I might get some of the patterns that you make on the show and also can you say where you get your chenille strips from? I loved the little green bag you made with the chenille strips on it. Thank you very much! Jembug54
Hi jembug,
Thank you so much for watching our sewing shows. The little green ‘doggie carrier’ or the water bottle holder? The water botttle cozie is featured in my May 2009 blog. Although the bottle pictured is embroidered, instead Simply chenille a piece to replace the top two inches across the top of the outside and finish as directed. The doggie carrier was sent by Singer but I’m sure it was a major pattern company. Write to me on FB or my website for more detailed info, OK?
Darlene:
I hope you are feeling better. I was not able to watch the daytime shows and had planned to watch the evening shows and you fell ill. Hope you are doing better.
While watching the 10:00p.m. show Kathy said you purchased pre-cut strips were they Jelly roll strips or were they cut bias strips cut on the bias.
Ihope you can post the complete directions for how you applied the strips on the towel and bath mat.
thanks again,
virginia
Hi Ginger 12357,
Thank you for your concern. I’m feeling much better. The pre-cut strips are called Blooming Bias and are available on line. They were 3/8″ x 25 yard rolls cut on the bias for around $10.00. Color choices vary from different websites. I’ll give you a direct link on FB or my personal site if you write to me there. The directions are directly above inside the blog with pictures. Enjoy Chenille-ing!!
please where do i get the chenille foot for my curvy
marsha in tennessee
Darlene, I have looked at the chenille foot that you showed yesterday and looked on line for something like you showed. The only thing I can find is a textured roller foot, will this work, it sure liked what was on the machine. I just want to tell you I have 2 different machines from HSN. My first purchase was the Euro-Pro computized sewing machine and it has been a great machine for the last 10 or so years. I also own a brother embroidery machine. Thanks Joaine
Hi Joaine,
The textured roller foot is NOT the same as the chenille foot. It doesn’t have the strip guide space to slip the strip into.However, Can you sew the bias strips on with the roller foot? Yes! But you’ll have to work slowly and carefully to stay on track especially if you are using multiple layers. You’ll find that the roller foot will allow you to sew curves which is not ideal for the chenille foot. Dive into your project. You can do it!!!
I would love to know more about the jacket that Darlene was wearing last night when the Singer first aired. Would like the pattern number, co and any tips on fabric, etc. thanks, it is so cute.
Hi sewwhat158,
Thanks for complimenting my latest print blocking ‘Desigual’ inspired creation. I used discontinued home dec sample swatches, Amy Butler cottons, rayon and a taffeta lining. It was a princess style jacket from McCalls but I pieced the fabric before cutting out the pattern pieces. This is my new take on quilting! I’m workingo in a longer print pieced coat that will feature a large embroidery across the upper back to wear in the next Futura Quartet airing.Breaking Sewing Rules!
Thank you so, so, so, much for the chenille trick! I always wondered how to do that! YOU are the best! Love all your ideas and fun sewing inspirations!
Hi Dawncracker,
I always wondered about that too and just tried it for the first time when I was introduced to the chenille foot. It’s easy and fun and sort of magical as you watch it transform before your eyes! Hope you share your masterpiece. Click on your machine and upload a picture under the projects tab. Keep sewing creative and thanks for watching our shows!!!
i do radio control with my thumbs. i sew for our boat club,mending bouys that have been hit by rc boats. now i can do mono gram with the newly ordered CURVY. i have lousy vision so hope i can thread the needle,on presentation Darleen you did it old fashion way. i was hoping it would be automatic and easy, however if this is the only draw back,i will just have to get a large magnifing glass. i am looking towards a new adventure and with all the singers available: I HOPE I MADE RIGHT CHOICE THANKS
Goldenthumbs,
Take heart! Your new CURVY will have an automatic needle threader. I hand threaded the sample i was working on becasue the threader was out of whack and there was no time to correct before airing.Follow these rules for perfect results every time: 1) be SURE that your needle is in it’s uppermost position before threading 2) release the thread and threader hold ‘gingerly’ and at the same time to give adequate ‘ease’ without harshly snapping the mechanism. Enjoy your CURVY!!!
When you said on air that you bought the strips already cut, did you mean traditional bias tape? If not traditional bias tape, where did you get your bias strips?
Thanks,
annieoakley25
Hi Darlene!
I missed the premier of the Futura Quartet, any idea when or if this is coming back to HSN? Please let me know, I would love to order one.
Thank you!
Do they intend to bring back the futura singer sewing machines.I would like to advance from the euro-pro to something which has more decorative stitches and that it has a usb port to the computer. Thanks again for all the tips that give on air when showing the sewing machines. Like you I started sewing on a machine at age 10 and have never stopped. I worked for a sewing company and learned so much while I was there after6yrs.Now I sew for craft shows and do have a home business in alterations.
Hi Joaine,
It sounds as though you have put your Euro-Pro to good use! You’re an industrious inspiration and a combination machine would be a smart choice for you! The Singer SES1000 and the SES2000 as well as the Singer Futura Quartet will be back on air at HSN throughout the year and on HSN.com so keep checking back. Our February dates are the 1st and 27th and although I don’t have a product list yet, I’m relatively sure that one of them will be featured and they’re ALL great choices!