At times the best of pre-planning, best sewing idea to explore, and an ideal stretch of time to sew may not be enough to keep possible sewing frustrations at bay.

To make any sewing project a delight and for that sew-easy experience, consider if the sewing machine needle to be used is adequate for the fabric choice or has it been firmly ensconced in the machine since - forever? Same goes for the sewing machine top thread and bobbin spool or have they been frugally used for many past sewing projects? Are those straight pins sharp enough for wovens or ball points for knits - a straight pin is a straight pin, right? Are the prized dressmaking shears (or pinking, embroidery, short blades, rotary types) scrupulously kept out of sight of family crafting sessions so they are sharp and at the ready for actual sewing projects?

Having a new sewing machine needle appropriate for piercing the type of fabric to be sewn as well as new spooled thread of adequate weight are very important for the sewing machine to deliver even stitches efficiently without breaking, puckering or forming a tangled nest of fibers on the fabric underside when beginning stitching. Of course, a balanced thread tension is formed from having the top thread pass through all thread guides, tension discs adjusted for the upper thread to pass through on its way to the machine needle, and bobbin-case spring tension for the bottom thread at the manufacturers' setting - although it usually does not require adjusting when seeking that perfect symmetrical stitch.

Keeping the sewing machine clean of lint especially under the pressure foot and in the bobbin case area, having a new or mainly new needle, since much debate exist about when to swap it out, let the appearance of skipped stitches be a guide. A sewing machine needle adequate for the fabric type that will pass under it is important. Since it is difficult to determine if a used needle should continue to be ok to sew, best to swap it out for a new one. And lastly, make sure no top thread guides have been missed when threading the machine.

These considerations are really fundamentals and easy to skip when time and economics impact a new or continuing sewing project. Sewing frustrations will crop up from time to time and affect those new to sewing as well as long-time sewers. Remember to clip straggling threads, press all seams as the project unfolds, and short stitch lengths make for a strong seam.

Sew happy, sew inspired.