Halloween

Embrace the Cozy Season

October 26, 2024August 26, 2024by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

It’s almost time for Fall JUKI lovers, so let’s indulge in sewing projects that capture the essence of Fall! Whether you’re a sewist or a quilter, Fall offers a beautiful opportunity to create cozy, stylish, and functional items for yourself and your loved ones.

In this blog, we have three projects you can create this autumn and recommendations for JUKI machines, accessories, fabrics, notions, and threads to ensure your creations turn out beautifully! Let’s go ahead and dive into one project we’ll be sharing later this month.

Autumn Throw Pillows

The JUKI TL-18QVP is ideal for creating autumn throw pillows. It offers precision and versatility for piecing and quilting. Its robust build and advanced features, like the automatic needle threader and adjustable presser foot pressure, make it perfect for adding decorative touches to your pillow project.

We recommend using autumn colors like deep oranges, rich browns, and forest greens in fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials are durable, easy to work with, and ideal for home décor. Consider patterns with leaves, pumpkins, or plaid for a seasonal touch!

When it comes to notions, choose a high-quality pillow form for a plush finish, or use the stuffing for a custom shape like a leaf, ensuring it’s filled to your desired firmness. For marking your design, use a fabric marking pen or chalk marker, preferably with disappearing ink for easy removal.

When it comes to thread, select a high-quality polyester in a matching or contrasting color to enhance your pillow’s design. This will provide durability and a smooth finish. A universal 80/12 needle works well for most cotton and linen fabrics, while a 90/14 needle is better suited for heavier materials, such as vinyl, if you’re planning to use it in your projects.

Stay tuned here for our project release!

JUKI Accessories:

Walking Foot: This foot is ideal for sewing through multiple layers of fabric, ensuring smooth feeding of the fabric for a professional finish. It’s handy when working with thicker fabrics or multiple layers.
Free Motion Foot: Perfect for adding custom quilting designs and free-motion embroidery to your pillow. It allows for greater control over stitching patterns and design elements.

Additional Tips:

Pre-Wash Fabric: Pre-wash and iron your fabrics before cutting to prevent shrinkage and ensure smooth sewing.
Press Seams: Press seams open or to one side to create a crisp, professional finish.

2. Cozy Beanie

The next project we’d recommend trying your hand at is a cozy beanie! For a cozy beanie, select warm and stretchy fabrics like fleece or jersey in autumn colors or patterns. These materials provide comfort and warmth on chilly days, and those with spandex or elastane offer added stretch.

The JUKI MO-2000QVP serger is a good choice for this project. Our sergers can efficiently handle knit fabrics and sew and finish edges with precision in one step. You can incorporate an elastic band to keep the beanie in place and maintain its shape to ensure a snug fit. Fabric clips can help hold knit fabric layers together without causing snags or distortions.

Remember your thread! Polyester thread offers both stretch and durability to prevent breakage or unraveling with the fabric’s stretch. A ballpoint needle, size 70/10 or 80/12, is ideal for knit fabrics, as its rounded tip helps avoid snags and skipped stitches.

JUKI Accessories:

Elastic Foot: Attach elastic bands evenly and securely.
Gathering Foot: Create ruffles or gather fabric; it can add decorative elements to your beanie.

Additional Tips:

Stretch Stitch Settings: Use the serger’s stretch stitch options or differential feed settings to ensure the fabric maintains its stretch and does not distort.
Use Fabric Clips: Instead of pins, use fabric clips to hold knit layers together to avoid snagging and ensure a smooth sewing experience.

3. Quilted Autumn Table Runner

For this project, check out the JUKI Kirei HZL-NX7. Like our other computerized machines, The HZL excels in quilting projects by providing ample space and quilting features perfect for crafting detailed and beautiful autumn table runners. The ample throat space and quilting capabilities make it ideal for handling larger projects.

For a quilted autumn table runner, choose cotton quilting fabrics in warm autumn colors and patterns. Fabrics like flannel or cotton with leaf or plaid designs will give your table runner a seasonal touch. Quilting cottons are durable and come in a range of fall-themed prints!

Check out medium-weight batting to provide coziness and structure to your table runner. Cotton or polyester batting works well for quilting projects, too. We recommend keeping your quilt ruler and rotary cutter nearby for precise cutting and piecing of quilt blocks. This helps to ensure accurate measurements and clean edges.

And, of course, thread! We recommend using 100% cotton quilting thread to achieve a smooth, durable finish. This thread can be used for both piecing and quilting since it blends seamlessly with quilting fabrics. The quilting needle, size 75/11 or 80/12, both are suitable for handling multiple layers of fabric and the thickness of batting.

JUKI Accessories:

Quilting Foot: This is essential for free-motion quilting. It allows you to maneuver your quilt with ease and helps create intricate quilting designs without getting caught in the fabric.
Extension Table: If you need extra space, we recommend this one. It’ll provide extra space for quilting larger projects and help maintain smooth fabric movement. It’s beneficial for managing the bulk of a quilted project.

Additional Tips:

Quilt Designs: Experiment with different quilting designs, such as meandering or echo quilting, to add texture and interest to your table runner.

These fall projects are a delightful way to decorate your home and wardrobe with seasonal charm! Creating projects like throw pillows, beanies, and table runners brings a touch of Fall into your daily life and enjoyment in making something beautiful and functional.

Each project offers an opportunity to experiment with seasonal fabrics and patterns, transforming simple materials into cozy, personalized décor and accessories that reflect the theme of Fall.

With the right JUKI machine and accessories, you’ll have the tools to craft these fall projects easily! Whether you’re using a serger, computerized, or semi-industrial sewing machine, these machines’ quality and versatility ensure your projects turn out beautifully. Find the right fabrics, notions, and threads, and you’ll be equipped to produce stunning pieces that celebrate the fall season in style. Happy sewing!

JUKI Posts

What’s the JUKI Stitch?

October 19, 2024August 26, 2024by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Halloween is the perfect time to let your creativity run wild, and if you’re looking to take your sewing projects to the next level, it’s time for you to check out the TAJIMA 8-needle embroidery machine! Known for its versatility and advanced features, this machine is ideal for easily creating detailed, spooktacular designs. Let’s explore how the TAJIMA 8-needle machine and its various accessories can bring your Halloween dream costumes to life!

Discover the TAJIMA 8-Needle Embroidery Machine.

The TAJIMA 8-needle embroidery machine is known for its precision and versatility. It features eight needles, allowing users to embroider up to eight thread colors in a single pass. This multi-needle setup is beneficial for creating complex and colorful designs, making it the perfect companion for projects like detailed Halloween costumes or elaborate decorations that require a broad spectrum of colors. The machine’s innovative design incorporates a computerized control panel that allows for easy programming and design customization, allowing users to execute intricate patterns easily.

The TAJIMA 8-needle machine operates with high efficiency and speed, thanks to its advanced motor system and precise stitch control. It comes equipped with automatic thread tensioning and color change capabilities and ensures stability during use! It is an excellent machine for various project needs, like creating personalized apparel, home décor items, and more! The TAJIMA machine’s ability to handle diverse and exciting projects makes it a fantastic tool for professional embroiderers and hobbyists looking for high-quality results.

You can learn more about the TAJIMA Sai here!

Accessories for Every Project

Now, let’s talk about the TAJIMA 8-needle machine accessories, available to enhance your sewing experience for the costume season! These accessories will make it easier to tackle various types of projects, from large capes to intricate embroidery on smaller items like hats or dress collars:

Magnetic Frames: For big projects like Halloween quilts, the large magnetic frame allows you to stitch larger areas in one go, reducing the need for multiple frames and ensuring a seamless design. Think of designs you want to add, like quotes, witch drawings, or bats!
Cap Frames: When working on Halloween hats or themed caps, the cap frames ensure precise and smooth embroidery, accommodating the curvature of the hat and providing a professional finish. Here you can add designs like ghosts or a phrase like “BOO!”
Sneaker Frames: Sneaker frames are perfect for customizing Halloween-themed sneakers. They allow detailed embroidery on the unconventional surface of sneakers, making your designs pop. This is a great way to accessorize a costume! Add spooky designs, use glow-in-the-dark thread, or stitch patterns like spider webs for a vampire costume.
Sock and Wristband Frame: Embroidering on sweaters or jackets for a spooky Halloween look is made easy with these specialized hoops. They hold the fabric securely while you stitch, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of fabric shifting. You add details to the sleeves, like pumpkins or fall leaves, for a more generic fall look!

You can watch these accessories in action by visiting our JUKI Home Sewing YouTube here.

Incorporating Built-In Stitch Designs into Halloween Projects

With the TAJIMA 8-needle embroidery machine, the possibilities for Halloween projects are endless. If you don’t know what you would add to your Halloween costume or decorations, we’ve put a few ideas below. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your spooky creations!

a. Haunted House Quilts: Turn a standard quilt into a haunted masterpiece with ghostly and cobweb-inspired stitch designs. The machine’s stitches can create delicate, eerie patterns, while bold silhouettes like bats or witches add a striking effect.

b. Spooky Embellished Costumes: Enhance your Halloween costumes with embroidered details. Use the 8-needle capability to incorporate multiple thread colors and designs, such as eerie eyeballs or gothic patterns, adding a unique touch to cloaks, capes, and more. Layer your stitching to add texture to your designs and vision!

c. Halloween-Themed Accessories: Elevate your trick-or-treat bags, spooky pillows, and other accessories with intricate embroidered designs. Utilize spider webs, jack-o’-lanterns, or black cats in vibrant thread colors to make your accessories stand out. Looking for a trick or treat bag idea? Visit us here for free project ideas!

d. Personalized Home Decor: Create personalized Halloween decorations by embroidering spooky quotes or family traditions on table runners or wall hangings. The TAJIMA machine’s variety of stitch textures allows you to create striking and unique decor items.

Tips for Creative Success

Experimenting with textures is key to making the most of your TAJIMA 8-needle embroidery machine. The machine offers a variety of stitch textures that can add dimension and depth to your Halloween projects. You can create more engaging and visually interesting designs by layering different stitches.

Color choice is also crucial for Halloween projects. This holiday is known for its bold and vibrant colors, and the TAJIMA machine’s ability to handle up to eight thread colors simultaneously allows you to craft intricate, multi-colored designs that truly stand out. Use colors wisely to achieve the most striking effects, like Pumpkin Orange, Midnight Black, Eerie Purple, or Vampire Red.

Before diving into your main project, take some time to experiment with different stitch designs and thread colors. This practice will help you understand how various elements interact and allow you to refine your approach, ensuring the best possible outcome for your Halloween creations.

Need help deciding on what to be this year for Halloween? Finding inspiration for your embroidery projects can be an exciting journey, and there are numerous ways to spark your creativity! Explore Pinterest, Instagram, and dedicated crafting websites to learn more about current trends and unique ideas. Check out the JUKI Home Sewing social media pages or website for project inspiration and tips that can provide fresh ideas and motivation for your next work!

Ready to get stitching? The TAJIMA 8-needle embroidery machine gives you the tools and features to create exceptional Halloween designs. So grab your fabrics, choose your threads, and let the embroidery magic begin!

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Sewing Haunted Halloween Delights

October 21, 2023August 10, 2023by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Halloween, the most thrilling time of the year, offers a perfect opportunity for crafty individuals to unleash their creativity. If you have a JUKI sewing machine, you’re in luck! JUKI machines are renowned for their quality, precision, and versatility, making them ideal for various sewing projects. In this blog post, we will explore beginner-friendly Halloween projects you can create using your JUKI sewing machine. Get ready to infuse some spookiness into your sewing skills and bring the Halloween spirit to life!

Spooky Placemats:

Transform your dining table into a haunted feast with custom Halloween-themed placemats. Choose spooky fabric prints like spiders, bats, or jack-o’-lanterns and cut them to the desired size. Use your JUKI sewing machine to hem the edges neatly. To add an extra touch, sew on appliqués, such as a ghost or a witch’s hat, to each placemat. These simple yet stylish placemats will delight your guests during Halloween dinner parties!

Trick-or-Treat Bags:

Nothing says Halloween like trick-or-treat bags filled with sweet surprises. Create your unique bag using your JUKI sewing machine and some festive fabric. Cut two rectangular pieces of fabric and sew them together, leaving the top open. Add a handle using a coordinating fabric strip. To make it even more exciting, consider adding Halloween-themed appliqués, such as a black cat or a pumpkin, to the front. Your trick-or-treat bag will be the envy of the neighborhood!

Join us on our project page here to create a Halloween trick-or-treat bag with JUKI!

Decorative Pillow Covers:

Give your living room a spooky makeover with Halloween-themed pillow covers. Select fabrics in eerie colors like black, orange, or purple. Measure your pillows and cut the fabric accordingly, leaving enough allowance for sewing. Use your JUKI sewing machine to sew the sides together, leaving one end open for inserting the pillow. For added flair, sew on decorative elements like ribbons, lace, or felt appliqués in the shape of bats, spiders, or ghosts. These pillow covers will add a touch of Halloween charm to your home decor.

Costume Accessories:

Elevate your Halloween costume by crafting unique accessories with your JUKI sewing machine. The possibilities are endless, whether you want to be a witch, a vampire, or a superhero. Create a witch’s hat by sewing black fabric together, forming a cone shape. Embellish it with ribbons or sequins. Craft bat or spider wings using fabric and wire, and attach them to a black leotard for a DIY superhero or fairy costume. The JUKI sewing machine’s precision stitching will ensure your costume accessories are sturdy and long-lasting.

Halloween Garland:

Deck your halls with a spooktacular Halloween Garland. Cut out triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric in Halloween colors and patterns. Sew the pieces together using your JUKI sewing machine, leaving a small opening at each end. Turn the fabric right side out and press it flat. String the banner pieces together with ribbon or bias tape, and hang it above your mantelpiece or doorway. Add flair by attaching felt or fabric letters that spell out “BOO” or “Happy Halloween.” Your banner will set the mood for a frightfully delightful celebration!

Check out how we created this set here for Valentine’s and design it for your Halloween theme!

With your JUKI sewing machine as your trusted companion, you can dive into the world of Halloween crafts and create delightful projects that will add charm and spookiness to your celebrations. The possibilities are endless, from decorative items like placemats and pillow covers to costume accessories and banners. So, gather your fabric, thread your JUKI sewing machine, and let your imagination run wild this Halloween season. Prepare to impress your friends and family with your handmade creations and have a hauntingly good time!

JUKI Posts

Magical Sewing Techniques for Halloween Costumes

October 7, 2023October 10, 2023by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

Decorative stitching is a wonderful way to add flair and personality to your Halloween creations this month. You can transform your creations into unique and eye-catching pieces with the right sewing machine and techniques! In this blog post, we will explore five different types of decorative stitching and how you can incorporate them into your costume creations. Let’s delve into decorative stitching and discover how these techniques can elevate your sewing projects.

Satin Stitch:

The satin stitch is a dense and smooth decorative stitch perfect for creating bold outlines, filling shapes, or adding intricate details. It is commonly used for appliqués, monograms, and decorative borders. To create a satin stitch, set your sewing machine to a wide zigzag stitch and shorten the stitch length. Use a satin stitch foot or a stabilizer underneath the fabric to ensure smooth stitching. Experiment with different thread colors and widths to achieve the desired effect and make your designs pop.

Craft a fairy or mermaid costume and use satin stitch to embellish the wings or scales, adding a touch of enchantment. For spooky creatures like witches or vampires, the satin stitch can create intricate appliques on capes or hats, bringing them to life. Additionally, you can use satin stitch to embroider haunting motifs like spiders, skulls, or bats onto costume pieces such as vests, gloves, or masks.

Decorative Embroidery Stitches:

Embroidery stitches offer a world of possibilities when it comes to decorative stitching on garments. From delicate flowers to intricate motifs, countless embroidery stitches exist to explore. These stitches can embellish collars, cuffs, and pockets or create beautiful focal points on your garments. Transfer your design onto the fabric, and use embroidery floss or decorative threads to bring your vision to life.

Use this technique when creating a whimsical fairy costume and using decorative embroidery stitches to add intricate floral patterns or delicate butterfly motifs to the wings and dress. For a frightful twist, bring your vampire or witch costume to life by embroidering intricate cobweb designs or eerie symbols onto capes and hats. Additionally, you can use decorative embroidery stitches to add a touch of mystique to costumes such as fortune tellers, pirates, or mythical creatures. With various stitches like chain stitch, feather stitch, or French knots at your disposal, you can create captivating textures and embellishments that will make your Halloween costume truly unforgettable.

Decorative Hemstitching:

Hemstitching is a classic decorative technique that adds elegance and refinement to garments. It is often seen on hems, cuffs, and necklines. Hemstitching involves creating a row of evenly spaced and neatly aligned holes along the edge of the fabric, followed by stitching that secures the fabric and creates a decorative effect. You can achieve hemstitching with a wing or twin needle on your sewing machine. Experiment with different stitch widths and thread colors to create unique and personalized hemstitched details.

Imagine sewing a vampire or witch costume and using decorative hemstitching along the edges of the cloak or cape, adding a subtle yet mesmerizing touch! For ethereal creatures like fairies or mythical beings, you can incorporate decorative hemstitching to create intricate patterns on the hems of flowing skirts or sleeves, evoking a sense of enchantment. Additionally, consider using this technique to add texture and interest to costumes like ghosts or ghouls, where delicate and uneven hemstitching can mimic the appearance of the tattered fabric.

Scallop or Shell Stitch:

Scallop or shell stitching is a beautiful decorative stitch that adds a feminine and playful touch to garments. It is commonly used on necklines, hems, or as an accent trim. The scallop stitch creates a series of rounded or pointed arches resembling scallop shells. You can achieve this stitch using a decorative stitch setting on your sewing machine or with a scallop-shaped embroidery foot. Experiment with different stitch lengths and thread colors to create varied and delightful scallop designs.

Consider crafting a mermaid or ocean-themed costume and using the scallop or shell stitch to create a stunning scale-like effect on the tail or bodice. For angel or mystical creature costumes, incorporate this technique to embellish the edges of wings or capes, evoking a sense of enchantment. The scallop or shell stitch can also create spooky accents on costumes like witches or sorcerers, where a scalloped hem or trim adds a touch of eerie elegance.

Pintucks:

Pintucks are tiny, parallel folds of fabric that add texture and dimension to garments. They are commonly used on bodices, collars, or as decorative accents on sleeves. Pintucks can be created with a pintuck foot on your sewing machine, which helps guide the fabric and maintain even spacing between the folds. Experiment with different pintuck widths and spacing to achieve the desired effect. Pintucks can be further enhanced using contrasting thread colors or adding decorative stitching along the folds.

Imagine crafting a Victorian-inspired vampire or steampunk outfit and using pintucks to create intricate details on the bodice or sleeves, giving it an air of timeless elegance. For magical creatures like fairies or enchanted beings, pintucks can create delicate pleating on flowing skirts or delicate wings, adding a touch of enchantment to the costume. Additionally, pintucks can be utilized to create structured elements on costumes like knights or superheroes, providing a bold and heroic aesthetic.

Decorative stitching opens up a world of creative possibilities in garment creation. By incorporating techniques such as satin stitching, decorative embroidery stitches, hemstitching, scallop or shell stitching, and pintucks, you can add depth, personality, and uniqueness to your garments. These techniques allow you to experiment with different thread colors, stitch widths, and designs, giving your creations a personalized touch. So, unleash your creativity, explore these decorative stitching techniques, and let your garments become works of art. Happy sewing, and may your decorative stitches bring joy and beauty to your sewing projects!

JUKI Posts, JUKI Spotlight

It’s Always Halloween with Christina O.

October 22, 2022October 18, 2022by sewinwithjukiLeave a Comment

With the fall season upon us and our favorite spooky holiday around the corner, we’re here to introduce Christina O, owner, and designer of Agashi! A handmade collection, the Agashi style focuses on modern gothic apparel & accessories; intended for those who love to celebrate Halloween every day of the year. Join us this month as we get to discover the history of how Agashi came to be and how Christina found her passion for fashion and running her shop.

From a young age, Christina became obsessed with sewing and crafting. From creating outfits that her Barbie dolls could wear to upcycling projects on her mother’s old Kenmore, Christina would constantly find a way to work on her craft. Then, with dreams of leaving her small town after high school to become a fashion designer, she focused on what she would need to do to achieve her goals.

Coming from a family where becoming a fashion designer seemed more like a faraway dream than reality, Christina was prepared to do everything it took. Evaluating her options, she entered her community college before transferring to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) for their fashion merchandising program. While her path to becoming a fashion designer changed for Christina and may have been different than she planned, her dream is still happening!

“It wasn’t going to happen easily for someone like me, and I was prepared to do whatever it took. Not having many resources will force you to become resourceful.”

While Christina admits she would’ve chosen the path of the self-taught designer over school, her hard work was beginning to pay off. After college, her downtime was focused on sewing and creating. However, after trying her hand at creating accessories for her shop, she soon realized apparel was her favorite project to focus on. By Halloween of 2010, she was able to move to Philadelphia, where she ended up meeting her future husband, Paul.

It wasn’t until 2013 that Christina launched her current fashion brand Agashi! With only $50 worth of material, she was able to put together a few harnesses and kawaii-style dresses for the first few months of her shop opening. Over the next couple of years, Christina would go on to add theatrical crinoline pieces and obtain some of her first custom-order customers, burlesque performers! This success was a step in the right direction, leading to her career change in 2015, where she could quit her day job and place all her focus on her brand.

It was in 2017 when Christina and Paul moved into their first home in Philadelphia. Agashi began growing faster than ever, surpassing their home space and pushing Christina to open up her first official studio space in 2018, including shop assistants. While the shop continued to see great success over the next couple of years, 2020 brought the shop to a slow down, causing Agashi to be brought back home after closing the studio due to the pandemic.

Due to Christina’s passion for the business, Agashi is still live and running! She also launched her first YouTube channel for sewing, DIY, and Behind the Seams content during the summer of 2020, creating a new connection to her community of followers and new sewists. During this time, she began modeling a new path for her business, one where her passion for creating fashion and teaching sewing skills could intermix. Now, Agashi offers smaller quantities of made-to-order wear at faster turnaround times, allowing Christina to slow down and push her passion for teaching into the mix.

One focus about Agashi that never changed was sustainable fashion. While she acknowledges that not everyone has the financial ability to only buy made-to-order, Christina sees sustainable fashion as “buying with a purpose and purging clothes slower.” To avoid over-production, Christina focuses on creating made-to-order pieces and upcycles 90% of her fabric scrap pieces when sewing.

“My entire process is slow, intimate, and intentional. I’m grateful to have customers who invest in my custom pieces. They aren’t ordering for instant gratification, but rather an affordable luxury item they can cherish.”

Battrix Velvet Bralette (made 100 from upcycled velvet scraps)

Avoiding offers from manufacturers, the quality of her work and products is what Christina focuses on when creating her apparel. With each project feeling personal, she continues to place a lot of thought, time, and labor into each stitch of her pieces. Her dedication and message seep into her packaging with a handwritten thank you note, sustainable packaging, and self-sewn reusable gift bags.

While the shop’s plans for sales may have changed, her fashion design hasn’t! Those lovers of the gothic aesthetic and Halloween can find a piece they’ll love in Christina’s shop. Christina was inspired by cinema with darker themes like Addams Family Values, The Dark Crystal, and The Return to Oz. She found herself naturally drawn to the characters portrayed, connecting to the “weirdos” of the films. As someone who grew up having trouble making friends, finding a connection in these films inspired her to design fashion for grown-up sizes. With a variety of minimal designs, horror lovers like herself can easily wear fashion with spider webs and bat wings, celebrating their gothic ways!

Her style inspiration can also be pinpointed to vintage lingerie catalogs and old runway shots from McQueen, Mugler, and Gaultier. Victorian and Rococo fashion inspire Christina heavily over today’s fashion, feeling that the style now is only a repetition of the past.

“Agashi is for anyone who celebrates Halloween once a year or every day.”

It’s this niche design and theme that brings attention to Christina’s shop, where lovers of all Goth and horror can find fashion pieces that fit within the modern world. Thanks to social media, Christina has been able to build a community of over 100 thousand followers that have followed along the journey to where the business is today. Whether they’ve followed because they found interest in the shop, or her recent videos showcasing tips and tricks to sewing, she’s been able to utilize these platforms to grow her business and expand her brand awareness.

As a business owner focused on social media for branding, she consistently posted content multiple times a week that revolved around her work and brand aesthetic. With Instagram being her platform, she’s focused on showcasing her work and her as a creator and behind-the-scenes looks. Focusing on building that connection between her customers and art is one of the reasons she’s been successful, with social media allowing her to connect with other creators, customers, and sewists.

While today’s social media can be more brutal to gain popularity on, Christina’s advice is to diversify your social media presence and focus on platforms that will help build your community. She recommends focusing on video content that’s popular right now and seeing how you can share behind the scene looks or process videos, as viewers will always love feeling like they can relate to you! Sites like Tiktok and YouTube are her favorites. This is thanks to their ease to use and the sewing communities that have been built.

Her new focus on sewing tutorials and tips is an excellent passion for Christina. When asked about her current sewing machine choices and what she would recommend for a new sewist, she reminded us that finding the perfect machine is just like dating!

“You want to know what you’re looking for and find the best machine to match your sewing needs and goals. And yes, just like dating, you will be disappointed with some machines.”

Her first tip for new sewists is to find a second-hand or vintage machine. Focusing on budget-friendly when entering a new hobby will allow you to get a taste of the craft while letting you hone your skills. A few basics, like a straight & zigzag stitch and a buttonhole feature, are perfect when starting off. Once you feel more comfortable or your skills begin outgrowing your machine, you can start focusing on upgrading and buying the suitable machine for you. For Christina, this answer comes in a rotation of 3 domestic sewing machines, 4 sergers, and 1 coverstitch machine, one being her trusty TL-2000Qi!

It was in August 2020 when she searched for a “straight stitching beast,” focusing on the features wishlist, the budget, and the space, she chose the TL-2000Qi. Looking for industrial power that would fit her studio space, Christina loves its power and the finished quality of her projects when she creates on it, using it for her final seams on every order. Her dream goal? All industrial JUKI machines!

Beyond her tips and tricks for sewing, Christina also has advice for sewists out there who plan to open their small businesses. “Always invest in yourself and learn from your mistakes,” she says, encouraging those out there to keep investing in their passion and to never stop learning. While Christina earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising, she still acclaims herself as a self-taught sewist and designer. She encourages you to find your best path, whether it be fashion school or self-taught, and to learn at your own pace to enjoy the journey.

Focus on building relationships with those in your community, and choose it over the competition. Christina focuses on finding her own identity and experiments by not comparing herself to others. Because of this, she’s been able to plan the new future for Agashi. With a new effort to prioritize her mental health, Agashi will begin scaling down on made-to-order apparel and start focusing on teaching sewing next year. This will include DIY sewing kits for clothing and accessories and focus on those who don’t have many resources to learn sewing beside the internet.

“There is plenty of space for everyone to succeed together.”

Grateful to the community she’s been able to build and proud of how the brand has grown and evolved over the years, Christina and her brand Agashi will continue to flourish in the fashion industry! We can’t wait to see the new changes soon to come, and we’re excited to learn alongside her followers! If you love Halloween or want to learn new sewing tips and tricks, join us in following Christina’s journey below and wishing her a Happy Halloween!

Find Agashi and Christina below!

Etsy (Paper Bats)