I’m very grateful to have a space in the house I can leave my machines up and ready, that I can dedicate entire pieces of furniture to storing sewing notions and patterns, and that I can call my own even though the door stays open and the dog sleeps under the desk. After two artist […] Read more…
Tips for Perfect Topstitching
Topstitching by its very nature is suppose to be seen. Whether for construction or decoration, wobbly or straight it’s on display. And you would think it’s easy to sew a straight line of stitches, I mean, there’s a guide on the machine right there, but it simply isn’t that simple. However, there are quite a […] Read more…
Simple to Make, Easy to Use, Zero Waste Bulk Food Bags
Why Cloth Bags? A few months ago, maybe longer, my husband and I really took a good look at how much of our trash is food packaging. We were kind of astounded how much of our food came in plastic bags; nuts, oats, granola, flours, frozen veg and fruit, prepackaged veg and fruit and even […] Read more…
What Worked in 2018, and What Didn’t
It’s good, they say, to review your day, and/or your week, and month, and, at the very least, your year. It’s something I’ve not really done, but am beginning to see why it would be a good idea to acknowledge what you did that worked for you or what was even so brilliant it surprised […] Read more…
How to Sew a Throw Pillow With a Case and No Zipper
Here is a quick and easy project that will add to your comfort, cozy-up your space and showcase your favorite fabric – even if you only have a little of that fabric. Did someone say stash buster? The best part is the cover is removable for cleaning and yet, no zipper, or buttons, or even […] Read more…
How to Alter a Pattern to Fit a High Hip
No one is symmetrical but some of us are more asymmetrical which is fine except clothing doesn’t always fit comfortably or drapes correctly. A high hip adjustment is an easy adjustment. It only requires a little extra length be added to the garment, but not at the hem as you may first think. To keep the […] Read more…
18 Gifts You Can Sew
Use your sewing talent and your fabric stash to make some gifts. For a certain occasion or just an “I was thinking about you” here are 18 gifts you can sew. For The Home Placemats This is a gift they’ll use every day. Use a little batting to give the mats some weight and substance and be […] Read more…
Play Time: Easy to Make Felt Finger Puppets
Finger puppets may not grab your attention like a toy that sparkles and squawks but they are fun to make and pretty cute lightweight and take up so little space that they’re easy to take with you everywhere And they can easily distract a fussy baby or keep a toddler occupied while waiting for your […] Read more…
How to Sew Felt Garland
Whether you want to add a little color to a gray room in a grey season or set a holiday mood, or affordably decorate a temporary space (baby’s nursery? dorm room?) a string of felt garland is the ticket. You pick the colors. You pick the length. Two hours from start to finish. The […] Read more…
How to Alter a Sewing Pattern for Scoliosis
All of us have asymmetrical bodies even asymmetrical faces. Yet all the clothes for sale are symmetrical. Usually, our body’s uniqueness can fit into these clothes but for some, especially those with scoliosis, a very common condition in which the spine can form a sideways S or C, finding clothing to fit well and be […] Read more…