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…
Presser Feet
The Itty Bitty Sewing Book
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…
Easy Tip for Beginning Free-Motion Stitching
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…
Five Things I Wish I’d Known as a New Sewist
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…
Vintage Scissors Necklace
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…
Four Things I Love About My Sewing Machine
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…
A Practical Sewing Machine Stitch You Probably Never Use
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…
My Go-To Presser Foot
I own all of the BERNINA presser feet and I have to say, I use ALL of them. Some more than others and there are a few that I only need on an occasional basis, but I love having access to the tools I need to sew any technique, any fabric, and any type of […] Read more…
Easy Applique Mug Rug
This quilted mug rug is embellished with a simple applique technique. Both the quilting and the appliqué techniques are stitched at the same time, making this a quick and easy project. Finished size: 8” square Supplies Two 9” squares of coordinating fabric One 9” square of low-loft batting One 9” square of appliqué fabric One 9” […] Read more…
8 Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Sewing Machine
Buying a new sewing machine is exciting but can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices with a wide variety of features and functions. To find the best machine for you and your sewing interests, it will take some research and thought on your part. Once you’ve decided to shop for a new […] Read more…