In my Journal Cover video tutorial, I mentioned that you can embellish the exterior piece however you like. Really the possibilities are endless. Here’s one I made for my friend, Mandy. [Read more...]
Appliqué Journal Cover
March 11, 2013 By 1 Comment
DIY: Sew a Journal Cover
March 7, 2013 By 4 Comments
What is it about journaling that’s so addictive? Is it sorting through your innermost thoughts? Connecting with parts of yourself that no one else sees? Expressing yourself through words and doodles? That’s all well and good, but let’s get real. It’s the journals themselves, right? I have a soft spot for journal covers. I love getting new journals because the covers can be so beautiful, but then I fill up the journal and get sad because it’s full and then get excited because I get to find a new cover and then I have to journal some more about the sadness and the happiness, and so on and so forth. It really is a vicious cycle. [Read more...]
My Envelope Clutch
March 3, 2013 By 8 Comments
Usually, I procrastinate and procrastinate until the last possible minute, but not this time. I’m done with my envelope clutch a full two days ahead of the deadline! [Read more...]
Clutch-Along with See Kate Sew
February 27, 2013 By 2 Comments
Kate at See Kate Sew is hosting a clutch-along. I’m participating because it seems like a lot of fun and then I have an awesome envelope clutch at the end. I’ve always wanted to participate in an online sew-along like this, but I never hear about them in time or I’m too late and miss them altogether.
Book Review & Giveaway: The Colette Sewing Handbook
February 15, 2013 By 29 Comments
I know, I know; I’m slightly late to the Colette party, but better late than never. This darling book was published back in November of 2011, but it only popped up on my radar around Christmas and I finally got my own copy last month. I had already been itching to start sewing my own clothes again, and I couldn’t have asked for better inspiration than The Colette Sewing Handbook.
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Fabric Stash: Hoarding & Busting
December 4, 2012 By 1 Comment
What a clever little pie chart; equal parts truth and hilarity. What is it about quilting that makes one start hoarding fabric? I’ve done more non-quilt sewing than quilt sewing, so I find it odd that even though I use my stash for all sorts of non-quilt sewing projects, I didn’t really start building a stash until I took up quilting almost two years ago.
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First Steps: Tools of the Trade
December 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Not sure what you need to get started on your sewing adventures? In the fourth video of my First Steps series, I review all the basic tools that I use any time I tackle a sewing project. Once you have the basics, from scissors to pin cushions, it’s all about buying different notions when a particular project calls for them or just when you want a neat and specialized tool that makes sewing easier.
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Easy Peasy Piecing
November 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Last night was the first night I taught a Beginner Piecing class at my great friends’ quilt shop, Inspire! We started with this cute block design called Deck of Cards. The one above is mine and the beautiful ones below were completed by first-time quilters.
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All About: Stitch Length
November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Your machine should have a dial that adjusts the length of your stitches, which may lead you to wonder to yourself, “my goodness, self, there are so many stitch length options, how do I know which one to use?” Stitch length is going to depend on a few factors: weight of fabric, texture of fabric, and the kind of sewing you’re doing. In general, though, you’ll want to use shorter stitches for thinner, finer fabrics and longer stitches for thicker, heavier fabrics and for basting. However, should you wish to know more about stitch length, do read on.
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All About: Machine Needles
November 12, 2012 By 2 Comments
Whether you’re a new sewist or an old hand like me, there is never an end to learning more about the craft of sewing. I thought it would be a good exercise to take the time to write a series on all the small details of sewing that often get overlooked. To start off the series, let’s talk about machine needles.
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