As someone who grew up sewing clothing and accessories, the world of quilting has always seemed like a foreign country. The precision, the rules, those quarter inch seams?! But the color play did look like fun … and I could use a little work on my sewing precision … So, I joined a block of… Continue reading early bird gets the quilt …
Category: techniques
sewing tip of the day
Sometimes it’s the little things. Little things like trying to sew a small seam or applique or binding. Little things like a little ripple in the fabric layers; that if left unchecked will become a big pain. Little things like a small bamboo barbecue skewer!? Yep, best little tip I’ve received in ages. Use the… Continue reading sewing tip of the day
denim, denim, and more denim!
or, big time bargains …
Fabric shopping … one of my favorite activities. But sometimes the best finds are off the beaten path. I make a lot of bags and smaller items so I don’t needs yards and yards of material. Often, I’m looking for just that special piece that will make a project come alive. Thrift shops are great… Continue reading denim, denim, and more denim!
or, big time bargains …
babies are grand
And the first grandbabies in a family are a joy. But the first great-grandbaby? Well, that’s a special gift. And one that requires special gifts! My brother’s first grandchild was born this winter and has inspired a mountain of baby themed sewing ideas. Quilts, jammies, hats, bibs … but the one that I actually followed… Continue reading babies are grand
table aprons, aka coasters …
Aprons for your table?! Definitely. Looking at our old plastic coasters, I realized we were overdue for an upgrade. Time to add some style to the coffee table and protect it as well. I had some gorgeous jewel-tone cottons with gold accents in my stash that just called out to be quilted into a small… Continue reading table aprons, aka coasters …
mom jeans …
Uh oh, I was informed that I’ve got “Mom jeans.” How did that ever happen?! Fortunately, we have ways of dealing with this type of fashion misstep. Armed with a rotary cutter, 6″ ruler, thread, an old towel and a flannel sheet I made quick work of those jeans (and a couple other old pairs… Continue reading mom jeans …
bias tape:
it seemed so simple at the time …
Launching into making vintage-styled aprons brought an unanticipated sewing challenge … bias tape. Yards and yards of bias tape. It sounded so simple, so direct. “Bind raw edges with double fold bias tape.” Right … The first challenge? Buying the bias tape. Easy, just go to the fabric store. Look at all those colors! Well,… Continue reading bias tape:
it seemed so simple at the time …