Can you think of any bigger problem than someone borrowing your “good” scissors and cuts (ugh) paper.  There are two common scissor problems that have plagued families for centuries. 

1.  "Where are my good scissors when I need them?!" 
2. When someone “actually” finds the good scissors and wants to cut paper.

 If that happens, blood pressure rises, things are thrown, and tears are shed. When this happens do you “call the police, give a good *** whupping, or run to your sewing room a get a new hiding place”.  

Has your mom / grandmother said “ never cut paper with fabric scissors.  But is this myth or fact.  Can you cut paper with them? Or does it really dull your fabric scissors badly?

An expert in the field of scissors Ernest Wright has this to say about this. “Overall, you can cut paper with fabric scissors, but the harsh fibers, minerals, and additives in paper will blunt the blade faster. If you want to keep your fabric scissors sharper for longer, cutting paper isn’t a good habit. But it’s not a big disaster if you do. All scissors become dull with use no matter what you cut.”  But if you do want to cut paper with fabric scissors, regularly wipe off the paper lint on the blades. You may also need to sharpen them more frequently.   Remember we have a guy.  (call us)

The short and easy answer, damned straight it matters. Why? Sure scissors can cut paper. The problem is not the paper but  all the stuff that comes off the paper. That includes different fibers, including materials and minerals added to the wood pulp in manufacturing to make paper stronger. 

A more honest answer? Still yes it does dull your scissors, but the risk might sometimes be exaggerated. In fact, if you wipe your scissors right away, you can limit the impact.  

I’ll tell you a little known secret.  Hairdressers are known to overreact 50 times worse than a protective sewest.   Ha, my brother is a great hairdresser and I know this is a fact.  

That’s all I know about scissors and probably more than you ever wanted to know.  Looking forward to exploring new tricks or tips with you next week.  Til then DON’T RUN WITH SCISSORS.

Last blog of April.  I’ll be posting Free PDF’s hopefully we have made the transition to more comfortable weather.  Hope you enjoy our posts and please share your project with us at on Instagram  #Chateausew&show.

If you have any topic or suggestions for our weekly chat, please email me at chateausew@gmail.com.

Available Monday, May 1 is the Kaffe Fassett  - Darling Duvet Cover & Pillowcases.  It is an intermediate level pattern and involves piecing and quilting.  Getting ready for the beach, pool, or your back yard.  

We have plenty of cute fabrics for this quilt or all the projects you have in mind. Chateau Sew & Sew is waiting to help you.  Call or come by.  

Remember to check out Monday’s, April 24 free PDF   Fabric Palette® - Tablet Case Come back next week we will be discovering new tips and tricks.

Happy sewing 

Karen and Susan

My go to dinner to pull out of the freezer.  Double or even triple this recipe to have plenty to freeze.

Meatball Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 c. fresh bread crumbs
• 1/2 c. whole milk
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 lb. ground pork
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1 c. finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (32-oz.) jar or homemade marinara sauce

Directions

1. In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs and milk until combined. Let sit 15 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, using your hands, combine beef, pork, sausage, onion, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Gently stir in bread crumb mixture, eggs, Parmesan, and parsley until just combined. Form beef mixture into 1 1/2" balls.
3. In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Working in batches, sear meatballs on all sides to develop a crust, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a large bowl or plate.
4. In same skillet over medium-low heat, bring sauce to a simmer, then return meatballs to skillet. Cover and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 8 minutes more.
5. Top meatballs with more Parmesan and parsley.