Watercolors

While working on an online class assignment I had to mix watercolors. Now I’m not a watercolorist. I love watercolor and may someday take a class but for now it’s an inexpensive set of watercolors. I mixed my paints and got the colors I wanted for my samples to match my source.

When I later went to do some design work I had to mix the colors again. I realized I should have made some notes the first time. Problem was the set was not labeled. The color names were on the back of the label but they didn’t even seem to be in the same order as the paint colors. So here’s what I did:

 First a good photo of the paint set.

Then I loaded the photo into Photoshop, assigned a number to each color, and printed the results. (You could use any program that will allow you to type over the photo.)

Now as I mix I can make a notation such as 12+4+1. So the next time I need more of that color I know which ones to use. I also list the numbers in order of most used to least used. Now I know this isn’t exact and there are tools and books to guide you through all of this but I’m not at that stage yet.

Happy Stitching!   Rose ♥

Rosie's Monday Night Tidbits

Things I like in my sewing room:

Sticky Notes

When I’m working on a project that requires adjustments to my sewing machine, stitch length, stitch type, feed dogs, etc. I make a note of what I’ve done on a sticky back notepad. That way if I’m interrupted and have to turn my machine off (or if I’ll be using it over the course of days) I can stick the notes to my machine and I’ll have all the settings I need to continue. No more trying to remember what I did the last time!

Index Cards

If you have something that you do frequently but not every day, jot the steps down on an index card. Punch a hole in the corner of the card. Slide it unto a binder (book) ring and hang it near your work area. That way the next time you go to do it you have the steps to follow.
Happy Stitching! Rose ♥

Rosie's Monday Night Tidbits

Okay so I've been meaning to start this for some time now. Why I chose Monday nights I'm not sure but it seems like I always forgot it was Monday night when Monday night rolled around. I'd wake up Tuesday morning and remember what I had planned to do the night before. And it is still Monday night here in Hawaii! So here goes the first one!

I've decided to add a post to my blog to hold my sewing, crafting hints, tips, and tricks. Welcome to the first of many (hopefully!). Please plan to check back weekly to get the latest.

A little known trick has to do with emery powder used to sharpen needles. You know the little strawberry thing attach to the tomato pincushion. Yes it's full of emery powder and it's use is to sharpen your needles. Nowadays people are coming up with all sorts of cute ways to get your needles sharpened. To get the emery powder (or sand) to work it's best magic just squeeze it between your fingers and push your needle through several times. This creates enough friction or pressure to really do the job. Kinda like how you use an emery board to file your nails. And did you know that you can sharpen your sewing machine needles too? Just don't push it in past the start of the shank or you will make a large hole in the fabric and some powder may come out. Sand works much the same way as emery powder. A coarse sand will actually help remove corrosion/rust that you get in a humid place like Hawaii. I use a mixture of emery powder and sand in my needle candies. Yes candy for your needles, they'll love you for it and sew much better! Check them out in my Etsy shop.

Tune in next week for amother one of Rosie's Monday Night Tidbits!

P.S. I have a cute little owl coming to my shop soon whose ears have a secret! I'm going to post a picture of them on my facebook page soon so look for me there and become a fan of Big Island Rose Designs!