Sew Better, Faster & More Creatively!
Understanding the parts of your machine increases your sewing knowledge and helps you become a better sewer. An essential part of the machine is the bobbin. This little spool holds the lower thread that interlocks with the needle thread to form each stitch. This post explores six common questions sewers have about bobbins. Read more…
Sometimes I forget how much fun I can have with machine embroidery. I’m working on a project I’ve wanted to stitch for a few years now and I’m loving it! It’s an OESD tiled collection called Modern Petals. Tiled collections are unique in that you stitch a number of small patches, called tiles. Then, you […] Read more…
The walking foot is great to use anytime you want to keep your fabric layers from shifting and sliding. We usually think about using it for quilting so the quilt top, batting, and backing all go under the needle and feed at the same speed without shifting, This helps you avoid puckers and tucks that […] Read more…
We all know a patchwork or quarter inch foot is used for piecing patchwork patterns. Using a consistent quarter inch seam allowance throughout the process means that your patches fit together perfectly to form a specific quilt pattern. But, there are more uses for these feet than piecing. One of my favorite techniques using a […] Read more…
I love adding texture to flat fabric. One of my favorite ways to do this is by stitching double needle pintucks. I’m working on an embellishment project, and I created a diagonal grid with pintucks. Add this technique to quilt blocks, pillow fronts, purses, and to almost any other type of project. Pintuck Supplies To […] Read more…
One of the things that most new sewers and non-sewers don’t understand is the amount of time you spend getting ready to sew. In fact, there are some projects (usually simple) that the actual stitching part takes the least amount of time. In the early years of my sewing journey, I was often frustrated with […] Read more…
How familiar are you with the parts and pieces of your sewing machine? Any time you start something new, whether it is cooking or wallpapering, it’s easier to learn if you understand the language related to the skill. Sewing is no different. If you are new to sewing or using a sewing machine, a good […] Read more…
This 3-panel quilt is made with string quilting, a quilt-as-you-go technique that is decades (maybe centuries) old. I remember my grandmother stitching this technique by hand when I was a child. It’s a great way to use fabric scraps and a fast way to piece and quilt in one step. Finished size:10″ x 12″ Supplies […] Read more…
There’s nothing like a good book. Whether it’s on my Kindle or an actual book with paper pages (which I still love), reading is something I enjoy. And when I can read about sewing, it’s twice as nice! I just received the latest digital magazine, Inspired to Sew, from Schmetz Needles. If you don’t subscribe, […] Read more…
One of the most important parts of a sewing machine is the presser foot. You can’t sew without one because it has several critical jobs to do as you stitch. The presser foot sits on the fabric, holding it to the feed teeth, which helps move the fabric under the needle. The foot also holds […] Read more…