Needle Arts with Vision Loss Blog
National Sewing Month
I am reminded that in the USA September is National Sewing Month. You may learn more at NationalSewingMonth.org and their 2015 theme of "Sew for the Charity of it!" American Sewing Guild (ASG.org) has selected the Anti-Ouch Project for this year's project. This is the...
Insight Radio August 26, 2015 Interview
For those of you who missed my radio interview with Sandra Gayer, here is just my portion of the Insight Radio Early Edition program: Thank you for listening. ...
“Insight Radio” Interview
A few weeks ago I had an interview with Sandra Gayer in London via Skype for Insight Radio in Europe. It will broadcast between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM Wednesday, 26th, morning London time which is between 11:00 PM and 12:00 PM Tuesday, 25th, night California time. Here...
Discovery: My favorite Needle Threader
I am elated to find a vender selling my favorite needle threader! I wanted to give the metal 4-inch-looped-needle-threader to those who attended my book launching party this past March, yet discovered the venders no longer carried them. I was so sad. This morning I...
Q & A: Finding Others Who Enjoy Needle Arts
Question: Where can I meet others who like Needle Arts/sewing/textiles? There are numerous Needle Arts Guilds and Textile Museums one can join to find friends who share your passion or interests. Also, find local sewing schools or fabric and yarn stores with classes...
Q & A: Recommend 2015 Sewing Machines for VI/Blind
Question: What current 2015 models of sewing machines would you recommend for someone visually impaired? Recently, I was at a sewing machine shop looking at machines to check out current models for my visually impaired students. It is best and easiest if the machine...
Looks for Spring/Summer 2015
2015 Spring/Summer Fashion Descriptions Spring is my favorite time of year with new flowers, birds chirping with much song in my garden, along with more daylight and warmer weather. These changes in season influence fashion colors and textiles. Although in the San...
“How To Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight”
The machine sewing book is finished! Can be purchased at this link- Needle Arts with Vision Loss: How to Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight: https://smashwords.com/books/view/530511 You can sew without sight! "How To Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight" is the third...
Happy Sewing in this New Year 2015!
“How to Enjoy Machine Sewing Without Sight”, the third book in the Needle Arts with Vision Loss series is soon to be published! The book is in the final editing stage; next it will be recorded as MP3. My hope is for the MP3 and e-book formats to be published on the...
Q & A: Tactile Markings for Laundry Machines
Question: How can you make laundry machines tactile for use by a visually impaired individual? To use laundry machines independently for pre-shrinking fabric, the machines should be marked with tactile labels indicating cycle, load size and temperature dials/settings....
Discovery: Alabama Chanin
It is always fun to discover a new resource to help with a Needle Arts project. If my students don’t want to cut their own strips of cotton knit jersey used in knitting, crochet or braiding, this material is available out of organic cotton in about 52 color choices...
Q & A: Adapting a Yard Stick
Question: How does a Visually Impaired or Blind person use a yardstick if they cannot read the markings on the tool? Some measuring tools are adapted with tactile markings or audible feedback. No matter which needle art form you enjoy doing there is at least one...
2014 Fall Fashion Descriptions
2014 Fall Fashion Descriptions As I mentioned a year ago, I share current fashion colors, styles, designs and fabrics with my visually impaired students. This year I did let the Spring/Summer pass by without description on this website. I am not letting this...
Crochet Lace?
Thank you to those who have shared in the joy of the first two Needle Arts with Vision Loss books being completed. Yes, I am working on the Machine Sewing book slowly, yet surely it will get done while enjoying doing other needle arts along the way. This week I was...
Listen Now!
I am so happy to let you know that you can now listen to the audio version of my two new Needle Arts with Vision Loss books. Book #1- Needle Arts with Vision Loss: How to Enjoy Making Braided Rugs Without Sight...
Needle Art Inspirations
Use the two new Needle Arts with Vision Loss books as sources of inspiration. Friday, March 14th is the release date at the Smashbook link- Make coasters with either of the suggested crafts. Sample or purchase Needle Arts with Vision Loss: How To Enjoy Making Braided...
Happy stitching in the New Year!
The art work for the first of the "Needle Arts with Vision Loss" books is complete! A big thank you to the best calligrapher, Victoria Hoke Lane! This means I hope to have two books published very soon in e-book format with the MP3 versions made available at the same...
Q & A: Alternative Labeling
Question: What are some alternative labeling techniques to use in needle arts with vision loss? Labeling with organization is key to preventing much frustration in the process of making projects. There are many forms of labeling depending on one's vision, tactile...
Q & A: Threading a Hand Sewing Needle
Question: How can a hand sewing needle be threaded without sight? The techniques are very similar to threading a sewing machine needle, as mentioned in my November 1st writing. The key to success is having a long eye needle, a stable holder for the needle, a magnet to...
Q & A: Threading a Sewing Machine Needle
Question: How can a sewing machine needle be threaded without sight? There are numerous types of needle threaders on the market. Some work better than others. The two favorites for my students and myself are the 1-inch-wire-loop attached to a guitar-pick-style-handle...
Q & A: Adapting Sewing Machines with Tactile Markings
Question: How are sewing machines made tactile for a Visually Impaired or Blind person to sew with accurate seams and settings? My own sewing machine is marked with the guide tape and tactile marks I use with my students. While teaching my sighted niece sewing, she...
Q & A: Adapting Sewing Machines
Question: What type of sewing machine is the easiest or best for a Visually Impaired or Blind person to use? What to Look for in a Sewing Machine Consider what you will be making and doing with the sewing machine before purchasing a machine for the first time or...
Q & A: Adapting Measuring Tools
Question: How does a Visually Impaired or Blind person use measuring tools if they cannot read the markings on the tool? Some measuring tools are adapted with tactile markings or audible feedback. See Resources below. No matter which needle art form you enjoy doing...
Looks to Catch for Fall 2013
This is the time of year I begin closely looking at the Fall Fashion regarding colors, textiles and designs/styles to share with my visually impaired friends and students. With this knowledge, they have an idea of what may be available in the stores to add to their...
World of Color
While recently visiting Kilkenny, Ireland, I met Dee and Inma leading a creative crochet sculpture project. They are using similar materials with their group as I have done with my students- Using large crochet hooks and strips of fabric cut from knit t-shirts. Both...