Sew Better, Faster & More Creatively!
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 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…
This tutorial features my latest MAQ (mini art quilt) and I loved sewing it for two reasons. One, I’m using fabric and materials that I really like and two, I challenged myself to make it without buying anything! Everything I used is from my stash of fabrics, buttons, trinkets, cardstock, etc. If I make about […] Read more…
I’ve told you before I like things in miniature. (Click here to see my Mini Coiled Containers.) If it’s tiny, it’s cute! That must be why most people love babies – they are tiny human beings! This post is about making a petite sewing book filled with bits of fabric, stitched with some of my […] Read more…
If you’ve tried free-motion stitching and gave up after one or two tries, I have a stitching exercise that may help you get started. I’ve talked to a lot of sewers about this type free-motion stitching, which is where you, and not the machine, move the fabric. Quite a few say something like, “Oh, I […] Read more…
When you first learn to sew, there’s a lot to learn. You take a few baby steps and learn it bit by bit. And truly you can keep learning for decades because the scope of sewing is deep and wide. No matter how much I know or what I’ve learned about sewing, I keep discovering […] Read more…
Keep your small scissors handy with this unique vintage-style sewing accessory that has a lot of character and is fun to make. It only takes a few minutes to complete and you’ll always know where to find your scissors. Supplies 1 ½” yards of measuring tape twill tape, ½” wide Polyester or cotton thread for […] Read more…
I own a BERNINA 790 Plus and it is the best sewing machine I’ve ever had. I could write a book about all the things I like about this machine but today I just want to discuss four little features that make a big difference in my sewing. Some of these features are easy to […] Read more…
Today’s sewing machines come with hundreds of stitches, for both practical and decorative techniques. When you look at the practical stitches, it’s sometimes hard to know how to use them. Here’s one of my favorite practical stitches with three useful techniques. The Universal stitch starts with two vertical straight stitches and then takes a horizontal […] Read more…