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Are You All Ears When You Sew?

Are You All Ears When You Sew?

Written by: 
Linzee McCray

Aside from the whir of your sewing machine, what do you listen to while you sew? 

Or maybe you even dare to lift your eyes long from your work long enough to watch something...We asked Moda folks how they enhance their sewing time and what they're working on now. Here's what they had to say. (And some even shared their holiday decorating!)

Crystal Manning

I listen to a variety of podcasts, occasionally an audio book and love all types of music. A few favorite podcasts are Modern Sewciety, Hello Atelier, and Tell Me Something I Don't Know.

I just finished a throw that my husband and I are giving to his parents for their 50th wedding Anniversary on December 30th. This is the Cross My Heart pattern available on Amy Butler's website. I'm also planning to make some table runners and center pieces for gifts as well. [Crystal’s quilt is made from some of her own fabrics and some FQs that she and her husband selected together.]

Kathy Schmitz

I listen to music, music, music!  Anything from Frank Sinatra to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.  I love the smooth jazz too.

Merry Christmas!

Lynne Hagmeier

I haven’t explored podcasts, yet—but it’s on my list. I usually watch The Talk and Ellen in the afternoon and reruns of Law and Order SVU or movies in the evening while I’m sewing. I need quiet while working on the computer or designing. Seems I have a harder time staying focused as I mature. Robert and I watch a variety of shows if I’m hanging out doing handwork. Right now, a lot of happy/sappy Christmas movies. Our small space doesn’t allow for a regular Christmas tree, so I have a pint-sized one tucked into a vintage wagon. We love all the lights on the window ledges amongst natural greenery, berries and pinecones. I try to keep it more winter-y than Christmas-y so we can enjoy it through January.
Just about finished with the last project for Fresh Cut Flowers – a mini charm pillow with our KT Melons and button accents. So fun! 
I’m also working on a quilt for a 2019 book with hundreds of flying geese in all sizes. Totally loving it.

Jane Davidson (QuiltJane)

I listen to all types of podcasts, audio books, netflix  and youtube videos while I sew. Craft, History, Science…..  I’ll listen to it all.

Carrie Nelson

Music, audiobooks, and a few podcasts. It really is mostly music and books. NO, I am not a Netflix person while sewing—way, way WAY too distracting.

Debbie Maddy

When I sew I listen to books on tape. Occasionally I listen to books that are just stories about people’s lives. Ordinary Grace was one of my favorite books this past year. Mostly I listen to murder mysteries. I love James Patterson. I also like Lee Childs and his Jack Reacher series.

Betsy Chutchian

I’ve been sewing a good bit and cleaning the sewing room and listening to Netflix. I’ve never done much with podcasts, and music in the background makes me nervous, don’t know why but always has. I like chatter, with a story I can follow. A Kindle Fire sits by my machine and I love that it’s portable! I can move it with me per task...ironing, cutting, or cooking! Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas. Take time to enjoy the season!

Betsy also shared her holiday decorating: We no longer have a big tree, instead, I decorate 4 smaller trees, 3 more only have lights,  plus a few trees that are plain throughout the house. Here are 3 of them. I love using antique and new quilts  to drape around a tree, hang on the wall, or place on tables.

Linzee McCray 

I enjoy listening to podcasts while I sew. One I really like is Katie Couric's podcast—she has a great sidekick, a younger guy named Brian Goldsmith and they talk with everyone from Ina Garten and Martha Stewart to top political advisers. I learn a lot. I also like The Crafty Planner, Love to Sew, The Longest Shortest Time (about parenting, even though my kids are grown) and Freakonomics. And Linda B. reminded me in the comments of American Patchwork and Quilting's podcast, hosted by Moda designer Pat Sloan. How could I forget that? Pat's such a natural at hosting—so enthusiastic and friendly—and she's got great guests. 

I listened to that last one while I stitched these last-minute holiday gifts: Soup Bowl Cozies from Lindsay Mayland of Happy Hour Stitches. So cute, and practical, too.

Do you listen to anything while you sew? Or watch something? We'd love it if you shared your suggestions!

 

 

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