It’s always a great pleasure to share our passion for fabric.  We are thrilled to have a network of people we work with to help us spread the fun!  Our friend, Jane Headley, has worked with us for many years as a sample maker and sewing/project advisor.

We asked Jane to do a quick tutorial for National Sewing Month via our Ink & Arrow Academy!   Here, she is showing you how to install an invisible zipper!  *** Sneak peek of our newest collection, “It’s All About Me” which is hitting stores in February 2017!***

Ink & Arrow Fabrics Academy: Invisible Zipper Tutorial from Ink & Arrow Fabrics on Vimeo.

 

That was fun!  Let’s get to know more about  Jane, a fun lady who enjoys our fun fabrics!

Here’s a little Q&A 🙂

  Tell us a little about yourself!

  I’m Rhode Island born and Rhode Island bred and when I die I’ll be Rhode Island dead.  That’s the URI  (University of Rhode Island) “Rhody” fight song.  After graduating from URI,  I taught Physical Education and over the years coached Gymnastics and Track &Field.   I’m married to a great, fun-loving man, have a son, a step-son and step-daughter.  Together we have 7 grandchildren who keep us busy and give us great joy.  In retirement, I keep busy with lots of sewing projects.

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  Fun fact about you?  

 

 

 I love to tap dance!

Victoria Hutto’s “The Beat” collection gets our toes tapping!

 

 

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  How did you get started with sewing?

   My mother taught me when I was 9 and I have never stopped sewing.  In the 60’s everyone, or so it seemed,  made their own clothes.  I was never afraid to try something difficult- I even made a plaid sports coat and striped bell bottoms for my boyfriend- but not to go together! When I was at URI, I took a tailoring class and loved it but, it was too late to change my major at that time.

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  How long have you worked with Quilting Treasures & Ink & Arrow    Fabrics?   What is the favorite part of your work?

  For about 12 years!  I love that I am asked to do something different each time and I actually love deadlines.  It’s also fun to see the new fabrics before they are out in the stores.

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  Here are just a few examples of Jane’s great work with us, with some        behind-the-scenes info on the project!!!

I asked Jane to make a quick & fun table skirt for our “Naughty or Nice” collection – and voila!  Here is an adorable Tree (or in our case) Plant skirt!  🙂

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, the request was “Jane, I need Cat’s Pajamas asap!”  Poof… here they are!  ❤

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  You teach, can you tell us a little about your experience as a teacher?

  Back in the 70’s and 80’s I taught quilting classes in a few quilt shops.  I enjoy meeting new people and have found over the years that you can learn so much from the students.  I taught basic sewing at a local fabric store until it closed.  Now, I am teaching Classic Tailoring, a Chanel Inspired Jacket class and a Little Black Dress class as part of the Master Seamstress Program offered through the University of Rhode Island.  The program  offers a variety of classes in the Fall, Winter and Spring sessions.  You can find out more about these offerings by going to rhodeislandsewingnetwork.com and click on the link.

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  What advice would you give to someone starting out with sewing?

  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes- everyone does.  Sign up for a class at the fabric store near you or look for an online class if you are not near a store.  It is always nice to work with someone who can be there to provide feedback, so look for a mentor.

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  What is an example of a project that was a “happy accident”?

  I can’t really think of anything specific because I usually take apart and re-do and if I mess up royally I usually toss the project and save the fabric for another day.

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**Sneak peek**  It’s All About Me fabric collection by Leslie Moak Murray for Ink & Arrow Fabrics.

This Monique dress pattern from Serendipity Studio features this new collection hitting shops in February 2017!

We just ❤ working with Jane; she is a class act, with lots of experience!   I’ve learned a lot along the way by working with Jane. One of the great things is her sense of humor and willingness to take on projects during crunch time!