What a great day for a blog. April “fools” Day! I guess I could spoof you all by telling you tips that really aren’t tips. How about I leave an ingredient out of the “special” recipe I have included. But I think I’ll be boring and predictable and just give you some facts about something we hold dear to our hearts. OUR SEWING SCISSORS!
Scissors are used for cutting various thin materials, such as paper, cardboard, metal foil, cloth, rope, wire, and fabric (fabric being the most important). But within the fabric category there are many different types. The earlies scissors manufactured in China (of course). The year was 1663. They looked like these Steel Thread Snips . It’s a must have for a sewing collection. They easily snip off unwanted threads or small bits of fabric and are super-sharp. The snips comes with blade cover for protection. Durable high-carbon steel, spring operated design.
But these snips are only the beginning. Made in Solingen, Germany the best choice of manufacturer for Sewing Scissors are the Gingher 8-inch knife edge Dressmakers Shears. Features of these scissors include:
- Bent handle design holds fabric flat
- Knife edge cuts multiple layers
- Longer cut ideal for patterns, seams or long swaths
Snavida another exceptional brand for sewing scissors for fabric and are made from high-carbon steel construction with anti-rust titanium coated very sharp blades, which are tempered and ground on both sides for increased sharpness and longer life, high-density steel makes 5 times harder and sharper than any other so-called "high quality" normal stainless steel sewing shears. These are made in Billnäs, Finland.
No matter what brand you choose, your fabric scissors need to be sharpened regularly. This for me is about every 6 months because I use them a bunch. For you maybe one a year. If you don’t know someone who sharpens scissors, ask your favorite fabric shop. They are bound to have a suggestion. If you are in NOLA, we have a guy we recommend. Sharp scissors make a project go faster neater and with less oops. Just be sure to keep those digits out of the way.
Spring is here. I’ll be posting Free PDF that will help with the transition from Brrrr to more comfortable weather. Hope you enjoy our posts and please share your project with us at on Instagram #Chateausew&show.
Available Monday, April 3 is Free Spirit Fabrics – Girls Summer Dress. It is a beginner level and easy. If your weather is still a little cool put a cute blouse under it and off, you go.
Surely you will be wanting new spring fabric to make all your summer wants, Chateau Sew & Sew is waiting to help you. Call or come by.
Remember to check out Monday’s, March 27 free PDF Easy Ruffled Collar
Come back next week in our journey of running with Scissors.
Happy sewing (and snipping)
Karen and Susan
Any way better to start the Spring? I don’t think so!
Strawberry and Spinach Salad
- 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 5 c. packed baby spinach (5 oz.)
- 2 rotisserie chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" pieces
- 2 c. thinly sliced strawberries
- 3/4 c. chopped toasted pecans
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 5 oz. feta, crumbled
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk the lemon juice with the mustard. While whisking, slowly pour in the oil until the dressing is combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add spinach, chicken, strawberries, ½ cup pecans, and onion to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine.
- Pile salad onto plates and top with the remaining pecans and a generous crumbling of feta.