Quilts

I love quilts!  Nothing says "made with love" better than quilts.  They are definitely a labor of love.  My grandma was always working on a quilt when I was over at her house, which made me want to learn how someday.  When blogging first became popular, I found many young talented quilters teaching how to quilt.  They were using such beautiful fabrics too, not the same kind my grandma had used.  I fell in love with the beautiful fabrics that were out there.  Once I started quilting I was hooked.  This led me to open up my Etsy quilt shop selling pre-cut fabric collections that are all ready to quilt together.  So here are some of the quilts I have made over the last several years, some I've kept and others I've given away as gifts.  What I love about quilting is that you can make them as easy or as hard as you want!

 

                                   

 

Magnetic Pin Bowls

Here is an affordable way to make a magnetic pin "cushion" for your pins.  This project ended up being a happy accident in the end, but this is how you can make one for yourself.

I needed something to hold pins next to the sewing machines for my sewing classes.  I love my magnetic pin "cushion" that I have, but they can be spendy, especially since I needed 4 of them.  I saw people spray painting these magnetic bowls that you can find at harbor freight that are used for parts and they are less than $3 each.  This seemed to be the perfect solution!

 First, I used painters tape to cover the magnet and spray painted the top and bottom.  But after the 3rd coat, the paint crackled and looked terrible on the inside.  I didn't want to start over, so I decided to save them by modge podging the inside with fabric where the paint cracked.  I sanded and smoothed out the surface then cut out a fabric circle larger than the bowl, just big enough to cover the inside and sides.  After modge podging those on, I used crocheted bias tape that I had hot glued and modge podged on around the rim.  Make sure to overlap the ends.

Now I have 4 happy accident magnetic pin bowls that work perfectly!

Sewing Summer Camp 2017

I have 3 sessions available for Sewing Summer Camp this Summer.  I'm excited to do 4 fun sewing projects with the students!  We will be making picnic placemats, a beach bag, a patchwork pillow, and a whale stuffed animal.

Each session will be $125 which includes ALL the supplies needed!  The only thing the student will need to bring is their own snack and water. Each class is 2 1/2 hours long, Mon. thru Thurs. 9:00am to 11:30am.  They will learn how to sew with a sewing machine and learn different sewing techniques with each project.

If you would like to reserve a spot, please email me and I will send you the registration form.  Also, please contact me for availability before making your deposit.

Sorry, I had to cancel the July session, but I have updated the dates and added another session in June.

Getting Started...Sewing IS Fun!

                                                      
I have heard from many people who have sewed in the past that say "sewing is frustrating".  I wouldn't disagree because I've been there, but it's usually because the sewing machine isn't cooperating or a pattern is confusing.  Once you fix those two things, sewing is actually really fun and for me, therapeutic! 

First, make sure you have a sewing machine that works properly!  My first sewing machine I bought was a used one, and the bobbin thread was always wadding up under my projects, I just could not figure out how to fix it.  When I finally saved enough money to buy a decent machine, sewing went so much smoother and I haven't had any problems, at least nothing that I can't figure out.  I've had my machine for about 7 years now and still love it!

How much do you have to spend?  I bought my Juki machine for about $400, but you don't even need to spend that much.  In my sewing studio I have machines that cost roughly $100/each.  Figure out what your budget is, what you want to use it for (clothes, quilting, crafts, etc.), and when you shop read the reviews.  I find the reviews are very helpful!  So far my $100 machines have been working flawlessly.  When you are having stitching problems, RETHREAD YOUR MACHINE!  This almost always fixes the problem!

Now when it comes to patterns, start with something that isn't going to be too difficult for you, start at your level and work your way up.  I personally think store bought patterns can be confusing.  It seems like they sometimes miss a step, assuming you already know, it's not always clear.  But people have put out helpful tutorials or videos to help, just search your pattern online and someone may have a lesson how to make that pattern.  I personally like to find tutorials that someone crafty has already figured out and has clear directions with pictures describing how to make the project.  After you do some of these projects you will get better and may even be able to customize a pattern of your own.

Don't be afraid to start, just do it!