If you’ve been sewing as long as I have, you probably remember using scissors to clip threads as you stitched. At the end of every seam and line of stitching, you lifted the presser foot and pulled the fabric away from the machine with tails of thread still attached, and then clipped the threads. Historically, […] Read more…
How Straight Do You Sew?
One of the first challenges for new sewers is learning to sew a straight line. Even some sewers with more experience sometimes struggle with this simple sewing task. It is important to be able to sew straight because crooked or wavy seams can affect the look of your finished project. If you are sewing clothing, […] Read more…
My #1 Reason for Using the eco Mode on my BERNINA
I sew on a BERNINA machine and most current BERNINA machines have a little-used feature called the eco Mode. This shows up on the front of the machine to the right of the screen, near the bottom. To activate this function, simply touch the eco icon. Eco Mode Function So what happens when you activate […] Read more…
Sewing Circles: Circular Appliqué!
Stitching perfect circles using the Circular Embroidery Attachment is fun to do and can create beautiful designs on your fabric. One of the great things about the Circular Embroidery Attachment is that it can be used for stitching circles using any technique. From decorative stitching to pintucks to couching and more, This post is focused […] Read more…
Custom Labels and Tags with Sewing Machine Lettering
Lucky you if your sewing machine has lettering. You can easily create labels and tags for your quilt, garments, and almost all of your projects! I like to stitch on twill tape, and I have a great tip for easily stitching down the center of the tape. I’m sewing on my BERNINA 790 PLUS but […] Read more…
Does Your Sewing Machine Have Snap-On Presser Feet?
Many brands of sewing machines have snap-on presser feet that are easy to attach and detach from the machine. Changing the presser foot takes only a few seconds. This makes it easy to expand what your sewing machine can do. Along with the feet that are included with your machine, most machine manufacturers have additional […] Read more…
Serger Quilted Tablet Tote
I’ve had a BERNINA L 860 serger for more than a year and I have hardly used it! One of my resolutions for 2024 is put it to work and this post is the first one of the year. I made a custom quilted tote for my favorite device – my mini iPad. Quilting with […] Read more…
Three Ways to Hem
One of the more practical ways to use your sewing machine is hemming. Whether you are making the garment shorter or extending the hem to make it longer, it is a simple process to finish a garment or customize the fit of ready-to-wear and hand sewn clothing. Hemming is a word that describes a variety […] Read more…
12 Days of Christmas Sale!
For the next 12 days, you can buy a holiday gift for yourself or a sewing friend. Starting today and ending at midnight on December 25, my classes are at the lowest prices ever! Know Your Presser Feet! Feet-ology is an informative course that I’ve developed as an introduction to the entire line of […] Read more…
Three Fabric Embellishments
I love to add texture and color to fabric for a unique look. Here are three videos from my You Tube Channel, each one featuring a simple way to elevate the look of your fabric. In most cases, I embellish flat fabric and then cut out the pattern for the project I am making. This […] Read more…