Confession time: I sew almost everything on a universal needle. And the reason is that all those needles look the same to me, so once I switch out one needle for the other, I’m left wondering where to put the … Read More...
Tutorial: Leather tissue pouch
Delia from Delia Creates shows how you can make this simple leather (or faux leather) tissue pouch. It’ll hold a travel pack of tissues, and look quite stylish doing it. The edges of the leather don’t need to be finished, … Read More...
Tutorial: Color Me pillowcase
Hayley from Welcome to the Mouse House shows how you can make a color-me pillowcase that little kids will LOVE. It’s made with her new Color Me fabric line for Michael Miller fabrics, which is like the most fabulous coloring … Read More...
Tutorial: Sweatshirt Market Tote
Portia from Makery shows how you can make a sturdy market tote out of a sweatshirt. It takes just a few cuts and a few seams to make one. The sweatshirt material is a heavier weight fabric, and the way … Read More...
Types of interfacing and how to choose the right one for your project
As sewists, we put a lot of thought into choosing the right fabrics for our projects. The right weight, the right color, the right prints. It’s just as important to choose the right interfacing for your project. Though it never … Read More...
Tutorial: Adjustable strap bow tie
Michelle from The Ribbon Retreat shares a tutorial showing how to make and adjustable strap bow tie. The bow tie and the neck strap is easily made from a wide ribbon. You could also make one from fabric. She shows … Read More...
Tutorial: Rice-filled foot warmer
There’s just no getting my feet warm in the winter. I wear socks or slippers all the time. Sitting on the couch under a quilt, I find myself trying to tuck the quilt under my feet so absolutely no cold … Read More...
Tutorial: Felt candle and vase holder centerpiece
This felt centerpiece holds a collection of taper candles and small flower vases. You can wrap it around to make an arrangement that is pleasing. Johanna Rundel shares a tutorial on her blog showing how to make one. It looks … Read More...
Help for a tangled bobbin mess
Sewing is a wonderful hobby that can bring peace and joy to your life. Whether you’re working on a quilt, a dress, or a simple project, the feeling of accomplishment when you see the finished product is unparalleled. However, sometimes … Read More...
Tutorial: Pretty Poppy Pillow
Mark Montano shares a tutorial showing how to make this eye catching Pretty Poppy Pillow. The bold flowers and the black and white stripe background feel like summertime, which is a welcome diversion from a cold gray February. The flower … Read More...
Free pattern: Bucket Basket Tote
Shannon from Very Shannon shares a free pattern for her Bucket Basket Tote. A gentle curve across the top gives it a beautiful, sophisticated silhouette. With a wide bottom and straps for easy carrying, it’s a perfect project tote for … Read More...
Tutorial: How to make a PDF sewing pattern with Photoshop
Shauna from Shwin & Shwin shares a 3-part tutorial showing how she uses Photoshop to make a printable PDF sewing pattern. Her tutorial goes from sketch to print, starting with a paper pattern and then showing how to digitize and … Read More...
Tutorial: Change colors on your serger without rethreading
I think the hardest part of learning to use a serger is just getting the thing threaded, especially the lower threads. There are places where one needs a pair of tweezers to pull the thread through. So once you get … Read More...
Tips for using high-density foam in your sewing projects
High-density foam is a good choice for cushions or soft toy blocks. The dense foam holds its shape better than the lighter stuff. Kelly from Just Another Project shares some tips for using high-density foam. She includes tips for buying … Read More...
Tutorial: Printing PDF patterns at a copy shop
I don’t necessarily mind printing & assembling a PDF pattern at my house, but there are many sewists who do not enjoy this task. For those people, many PDF patterns also offer a copy shop version of the file. This … Read More...
Tutorial: Reversible pillow cover with vintage and Cuddle fabric
Ashlee from My So Called Crafty Life takes vintage pillowcases to a whole new level when she adds a Cuddle layer. Now they’re reversible pillowcases that have vintage charm and are also cuddly soft. I love this idea! You can … Read More...
Tutorial: Create a contoured waistband
If you get that annoying gap at the back of a waistband, you might need a contoured waistband. A contoured waistband will hug to your curves and create a smooth line at the waist. Sunni from A Fashionable Stitch shows … Read More...
Tutorial: Sew up some pretty dish towels
Chris from Made By ChrissieD shows how you can make your own dish towels. The sewing is all simple straight seams, good for a first sewing project or a quick afternoon project. She uses some premium toweling fabric from the … Read More...
Tutorial: How to make a lettuce edge on your serger
A lettuce edge takes the tendency of a knit fabric to stretch when hemmed and turns it into a feature. It stretches and distorts the edge on purpose to make a pretty ruffled effect, much like the curly edges on … Read More...
Tutorial: Shrink your college hoodie to fit your child
Miranda from One Little Minute shows how she sized her husband’s college rugby down to fit her son. How cute is that! It’s not that difficult to do, using a shirt that fits your child as a guide for recutting … Read More...