The Odds and Ends quilt block is simple to make using quick pieced HST and a bit of strip piecing. Whip one up today with these beginner friendly instructions.
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I have been meaning to share photos of my quilt studio since we moved once again. My quilt studio for 2024 is very similar to every one I have had in the past but I think this is the largest.
Since we are all stuck at home madly sewing every last scrap together ;) hahaha! Impossible I know! I thought I would post this scrap binding tutorial from a little while back… just in case you can’t get to the store to buy binding to match all those newly finished quilts! Here is a great way to use every last scrap no matter how skimpy the size. I have the hardest time throwing away odd sized strips… you know the ones left at the end of your yardage once you’ve cut all your 2½” strips (or whate
Who doesn't love a tiny pattern to use up odds and ends? So here you have it: 10 *more* free crochet patterns that use 10 yards of yarn - or less!
A closeup of the reinforced square bottom which enables this bag to stand on its own. The bottom of this bag has held up well in spite of being used regularly to carry a couple of heavy books plus other odds and ends. It's crocheted tightly enough that my keys and pens/pencils won't poke through.
In store-bought clothes, you’d usually see that the waistbands of pull-on pants or skirts are topstitched. At home, I try to achieve that same look too. But it’s not just a matter of esthetic; by topstitching the waistband, the elastic inside does not roll or move anymore, so you will never have to fuss with it. […]
A blog about quilting, sewing, baking, teaching, retirement, and other tidbits odds and ends.
Find out how to create a lettuce hem on your garments using a regular sewing machine.
This animal play mat is the perfect way to blend form and function— saving those little kiddo knees from hard floors and engaging their imagination in the process. You can customize this rug according to your kiddo’s animal preferences, but I thought the lion was really fun. Let’s talk about how to plan out and…
Bunching thread? Breaking needles? Skipping stitches? It happens to the best of us. We consulted Becky Hanson of Singer Sewing Company to keep your sewing experience positively seamless.
When it comes to a seam that conceals all raw edges, French seam and Hong Kong seam finish seem to be first that come to people’s mind. But I think the flat felled seam deserves equal accolade. Flat felled seam is, well, flat. Unlike French seam and Hong Kong seam, there is nothing that sticks […]
I had a sheep herding webinar today at noon, so I got up and took Bender and Rico for a nice walk after breakfast. When we got home I took my computer into my sewing room, logged onto the webinar, …
Let's face it. Crafting can get intense. Some people don't understand why you need 6 different sets of needles (at least), handfuls of pins, bags upon bags of fabric, and a bin full of other fun odds and ends. Yes, you most likely do need all of those things, but you also need a way to make sure we know what we have in our craft arsenal! These organization and style tips will not only help you stay organized, but they are also super stylish and will help dress up your craft room. For the Yarn Stash 1. Wine Rack Storage Source: Repeat Crafter Me 2. Clear Plastic Bins Source: Life Creatively Organized 3. Scrap Yarn Clothespins Source: Heather J's Life 4. Pegboard Wall Source: Knits For Life 5. Stacked Wooden Crates Source: Make And Do Crew For Sewing + Other crafts 6. Straw holders = Ribbon holders Source: The Wight Family 7. Cute Frame Pin Cushion Source: Craftaholics Anonymous 8. Pin Magnet Bowl Source: DIYready.com For Small Spaces and Craft Closets 9. Floating Shelves Source: Polished Habitat 10. Over The Door Pegboard Source: A Girl and a Glue Gun 11. Hanging Makeup Organizer Source: Fall For DIY 12. Hook + Dowel Wrapping Paper Station Source: Woman's Day For the DIY-er and Budget Queen 13. Cereal Box Dividers Source: I Heart Organizing 14. Modge Podge 6 Pack Holder Source: Cat On A Limb 15. Scrap fabric organizer Source: Design Sponge For Added Beauty 16. Colorful Tapestries Shop our tapestries 17. Macrame Wall Hangings Shop our macrame wall hangings 18. Quirky Quotes and Signs There is is! Let your creativity flourish with these DIY organization hacks, and share your tips and tricks with us here, or on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #darngoodyarn.
Learn sewing secrets that every beginner should know. These sewing tips will save you time and frustration!
When I first began quilting I discovered how expensive it can be to buy the supplies and tools that will help you get started. Even simply buying the basic equipment, things can be pricey (use those coupons!). Not long after I bought my supplies and began quilting my first project, I happened upon a tip online for sharpening rotary blades, enabling them to remain sharp for a longer period of time. Using this tip, I don't have the need to change my rotary blades very often. And I don't have to invest in a pricey rotary sharpener. I estimate I change mine every 2-3 months after constant use. This method gives me maybe another 2 months or more before I absolutely need to change the rotary blades. The great thing is, this method isn't expensive in the least, AND uses items you most likely have in your home already! It's awesome! You will need: * rotary cutter with blade attached (preferably used already, right?) ;) * cutting mat (if you have an old one, it's perfect for this project!) * aluminum foil - about 12-18 inches long 1. First you will want to pull out a piece of aluminum foil. Make it about 12-18 inches long. The measurements aren't exactly important. What you are going for is the thickness of the foil when we fold it in a moment. So therefore, the more you have the better. But you don't want it so thick you can't cut through it, so thus the above measurements. Don't stress it...this is going to be easy, I promise! 2. Fold the aluminum foil in half, width-wise, then again length-wise. Fold over again and again until you have a little folded rectangle as in the image below. This is the beginning of the magic... 3. With your rotary cutter, carefully cut length-wise across the foil creating long strips. Don't worry about straight lines or cutting all the way through. What you are looking for is the rotation of the blade as it cuts. You want the blades to be as evenly sharpened as possible, so the more the blade turns around as you cut, the more evenly sharpened it will be. Cut multiple lines across, evenly moving your blade back and forth, back and forth across the foil. I like to roll the blade backwards after cutting across, then move forward again so I can make sure it's really sharp. Continue cutting until the entire surface of the foil rectangle has been cut into shards/strips. (Don't worry about cutting all the way through the foil layers). 4. If your blade has not cut through the foil the entire way (mine is usually so dull it won't cut through!), you can fold it over again - be very careful as the shards of foil are sharp! Then you can make more cuts. You get more bang for your few cents this way. ;) Now you should have a nicely sharpened rotary blade! Sometimes I like to test the sharpened cutter on some fabric too, so I may see if it's been sharpened enough, and evenly. If it still needs some sharpening, you can always get another piece of aluminum foil and go through the process again. It only takes a couple minutes to do. If you find that after using this method your blade still doesn't seem sharp enough and won't cut through your fabric, then it's most definitely time to insert a new blade, as according to your manufacturer's instructions (this process is also very easy to do, just be careful not to cut yourself). I hope you find this easy tip for sharpening your rotary blades really helps you and saves you big bucks! :D
Who wants to use up some leftover YARN? I know I have been lately! Today I have a HUGE list of free stash-buster crochet patterns for you!
A free online sewing class from craftsy on how to sew a zipper. Learn basic zipper techniques, tips & how to properly insert an invisible zipper
Watch this video to learn how to do a beautiful rolled hem using the rolled hem presser foot on your sewing machine - great with slippery and sheer fabrics!
Today I am finally sharing the pattern of this cute little bear that I made for each of my three children over a span of seven years. For many years, many people asked about the pattern but I feel not confident to share as I was amateur in sewing and writing tutorials (i still am!). All of my patterns are conjured in my brain and I sew following my heart most of the time. That means my templates are changed whenever I want or I wish to. There's just no fixed instructions for my sewing. Of course, I always choose the easier way out! So this is the newest bear addition. I call it "Teddi the Bear" just like what my youngest son calls him. Okay, I stole the idea from him actually. Fabrics are Paperie by Amy Sinibaldi from Art Gallery Fabrics. I have been saving the fabrics to make this bear seriously. They are a perfect match. Smiling bear with a crooked nose. Different wooden buttons for the arms and legs. And an adorable "handmade" tag at the leg. The adorable back pose. He can stand, sit and pose! I am have taken hundreds of pictures but posting just a few so as not to bore you. A happy family! Look at all their expressions. So cute! Each bear has a different face. Papa bear (1st bear) looks like a monkey, Mama bear (2nd bear) looks like a doggie, Baby bear (3rd bear) finally looks like a bear. To cut the story short, I think I am ready to share this bear pattern. It's not a perfect one but I believe all kids will feel ultimate happiness when they receive handmade presents from their parents. No matter how bad your sewing is, it's the thoughts and heart that count. It's the LOVE! "Handmade presents are treasures that would be cherished forever..." This bear is the easiest bear you can make I promise you. I used to handsew all the previous bears until Teddi the Bear that I try to use machine sew since it might be easier for most of you. If you choose to handsew, it'll just take a little longer (make a small bear perhaps?). If you wish to machine sew, you still need to do some handsewing like blind stitch or ladder stitch or connecting the body parts together. What you need: - scrap fabrics - thread (i recommend quilting thread but you can use whatever you have) - normal needle (for patchwork and sewing of eyes) - a very long needle for joining the body parts - buttons - black or brown embroidery thread for the nose and mouth - stuffing (cotton or polyester) Now you are ready to go! I am going to keep this tutorial straightforward. You can do your own version without following entirely. Don't worry at all with mistakes or wobbly stitches or anything. I term my sewing as "lazy sewing without restrictions". So just enjoy the joy of making this bear for someone you love! Download the pattern here (Page1 and Page 2). You can print at whatever size you want depending on how big you wish the bear to be. A 100% no scaling print gives a 11" tall bear. **Remember this FREE pattern is only for personal use. You can make as many as you want for your children or loved ones. But, do not make a truckload of it to sell!** Cut out all templates. For "feet" template, glue it on a soft cardboard and cut it out again. One important point: Remember to hide all knots inside the bear! (look at this video for how to do it) Step 1: Arms Take two fabrics and pin them right sides together. Place template on top and trace. Handsew (upper pic) or machine sew (lower pic) along the traced line, leaving a 3-4" opening (preferably not at the curves). Trim the seams to 1/4" and snip generously. Turn inside out. Put stuffing inside (but not too full until bursting!). Ladder or blind stitch to close the opening. Take another two fabrics and repeat the same way for the other arm. Step 2: Legs+Feet Repeat the same way as how you sew the arms but do not sew the straight line as it's the opening. After stuffing (please stuff more here so bear will have stronger bigger legs to sit or stand), sew continuous stitch around the opening and pull to gather. Tie a knot. For feet, place template on fabric (fussy cutting is great here!) and cut 1/4" bigger around. Use continuous stitch around the edging and pull tight to gather before tying a knot. Iron. Take out the template by bending the cardboard. Iron once more to define the shape of the feet. Repeat for another feet. Pin the feet on the legs and blind stitch in place. Step 3: Body(front)+Body(back) For body (front), pin two fabrics right sides together and place the template on top. Trace the template and sew along the line (but not the opening). Repeat the same way for body(back). Now join the body(front) to body(back) by pinning the two parts together right sides together. Sew along the lines and snip several times at the seams. Turn inside out and stuff the body full. Sew a continuous stitch around the opening before pulling the thread tight to close the opening. Tie a knot. Step 4: Face+Head Repeat the same way as how you sew the body(front)+Body(back) Step 5: Ears Pin two fabrics right sides together and trace template onto fabric. Sew along traced line (except opening and trim to 1/4" seam allowance. Snip generously for easy turning out. Put just a little stuffing. Fold in the seams at opening. Pin in place and whip/blind stitch to close the opening. Now position the ears 1" each from the centre of head. Pin and use ladder stitch to secure the ears. Give a little tug when tying the knot for a gathered crinkled ear look. Step 6: Joining of body parts This is the long joining needle that I bought many years ago from Spotlight. To join the face/head to body: Find the centre of both parts and pin down in place. Use ladder stitch to sew them together. You don't have to be neat or accurate here. The important point to to sew them tight so they don't separate. Pull the thread tight after sewing one round around the neck. Be generous with your knots. To join the arms: Using a long joining needle and thread (with several knots), poke through one side of the bear. Take a button, place about 1" down from the top of the arm and guide the needle through the button holes. Then return the needle to the other side of the bear by poking through the body. Take another button with the other arm and repeat again. Remember to pull the thread tight each time you join to hold the arms in place. Repeat this joining a few times. For the last time, make several knots and hide it under the armpit. Note: The curved part is the upper part of leg. To join the legs: Repeat the same way as how you join the arms. Make sure you sit the bear and position the legs so the bear can sit rather comfortably without topping over. The butt must be on the table together with the legs. The legs should be almost parallel to the arms. Step 8: Eyes+nose+mouth You can use two buttons for the eyes. Or you can use embroidery floss to sew them. When using buttons, use the same way as to join the body parts with buttons. Give a slight taut or pull to hold the button eyes together. I use embroidery floss to sew the nose and mouth but you can choose anything else to use like beads. For the nose, there's a pointy part at the face that marks where you can start sewing. I encourage you to draw the nose and mouth position using water soluble pen first until you are happy with how they look. Lastly, you can add any embellishments like lace as scarf or fabric tags like me or anything you wish to! And there you go! You made a teddi bear! Hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun making as many bears as you can! Please tag #teddithebear in IG to share with everyone your very own handmade bear!xx
A blog about quilting, sewing, baking, teaching, retirement, and other tidbits odds and ends.
In this post, I'll show you how to restore, clean, and use your Singer 15 sewing machine, one of the most iconic sewing machines Singer ever made.
A blog about sewing unique clothing from thrifted sheets, geeky crafts, and cats.
Well, after y’all loved the Coach’s last post, I talked him into doing another one. Enjoy! I tried to explain that this was a one time deal the first time I agreed to post on the blog. It didn’t help when you readers started leaving comments about how funny my post was and now here...Read More
I'm quite sure you know this feeling: once upon a time, you owned a gorgeous, store-bought garment that actually fitted perfectly. This is wonderful... What's not so wonderful about it, is that after wearing it all the time, it reaches this point where you really cannot wear it any longer! What to do? It isn't always easy to find a pattern that matches the style lines and ease of the beloved garment! To make sure your new garment looks exactly like the old one, there is one perfect solution: copy the garment! This tutorial shows you how to make a sewing pattern from an existing article of clothing without taking it apart. Once I realized I could copy my favorite clothes, life got a whole lot better. It's a fantastic solution to avoid fitting problems, too, because the fit should be the same as what you already know you like. Let me show you exactly how to do it for yourself.
"Whether you need to finish up a textile project or to adjust an existing hem, you may usually think of sewing. Sewing a hem can be tricky and require a little experience to get it right. However, there are modern solutions to this everlasting problem, and one of them is the hemming tape. Hemming tape is super quick and easy to use, helping you save a lot of time and hard work. You might still need to experiment a bit to learn how to apply it well, but I guarantee you it’s worth the effort. "
Learn all about how to sew lace to make beautiful handmade clothing. These sewing tips work for sewing and altering lace dresses.
Hey everyone! How’s your summer going? Our family is looking forward to a few road trips this Summer – some camping, some exploring, some reunions. I’ve been meaning to make some of these seat belt covers for a year or so now because the back seat belts sure rub on my kids’ necks. Ouch! So when the ThermOWeb Blog asked for a tutorial using their Fusible Fleece I knew these would be perfect. These are a quick project and I had everything I needed in my stash. You can find the tutorial here on the ThermOWeb Blog. Happy Sewing!
Learn the best ways to end your crochet projects with these binding off and weaving in techniques. Don't let your hard work unravel!
The Stitch Sisters Guide to Sleeve Hacking. Everything you need to know about sleeves. Guide to Sleeves. Dressmaking fashion style statement sleeves.
"Edged in Black" by Audrey Arno, 7" x 7" Hello from a long-absent quilter! It is autumn in Wisconsin, Oliver is sleeping near me, now 12 and sweeter than ever. I admit to being a bit surprised that this blog is still online, gosh. Alas these past few years I have not been able to quilt due to a variety of "perfect storm" events, but this past summer I have been sorting through so many saved fabrics, books, quilts, magazines, letters, ribbons, business cards, oh my....several rooms of things to go through, air out, read, save or discard. I've found many interesting items I had forgotten about, articles or photos I liked and then realized they were mine (ha!), and ended up thinking it might be a good thing to start blogging and share few of my thoughts and photos again. They reminded me of friends, quilters, so many experiences over the years, like vintage fabrics that are re-discovered and more beautiful than ever. I’ll begin with the little quilt, above, rolled up in a packet of small treasures I had put away for safekeeping and forgotten. “Edged in Black” by Audrey Arno from Tulsa, OK, was from a collection of "little" quilts made for sale to support Ami Simms' Alzheimers project, raising money for research. They were displayed and sold at one of the big quilt shows I attended and this one spoke to me, a wonderful mélange of vintage fabrics, beautifully designed and pieced. When I held this quilt yesterday the idea that sprang to mind was to make small projects with some of your fabrics you have saved or put aside because they are so special. Don’t simply store fabric, instead make something small and easily completed, and enjoy it, donate it, gift it to another quilter who would love it. It needn’t use vintage fabrics although some of my very first new fabric purchases are probably now old enough to be classified as antique….! It can be from your special collections of batiks, or hand dyed, or conversational prints, blue and white fabrics, whatever. Someone would love it and a small piece can be framed for display or added to a small area in a house. Recently I watched a news story about the container ships backed up and no merchandise to buy for Christmas, oh no. What happened to making something from what you already have? Or doing something special for someone? Or give a day helping a relative with things to do around the house? We don’t need any more things in the house, but of course a small handmade gift would be welcomed with happy delight. Below are photos of just that, a small quilt pieced from an old very worn tied quilt that my mother’s grandmother had made from fabrics in the early 1900’s. My mother made a label so it is documented nicely, and I treasure this little quilt especially since my mother has been gone now for some years. The quilt is about 16" square, the blocks each 2 1/2" finished, and it is hand quilted. The border fabric was new. On the simple label below it is documented, so nice for any piece you make. I loved this in 1989 but it is more precious to me now. It has been lovely sharing some thoughts with you today; see you next time! .......Diane
You may have heard of chain piecing quilt blocks, but have you chain piecing quilt rows? This technique will save you time and keep you organized!
Learn how to sew stretch fabric with these tips about the fabric itself, needles, stretch stitches, sewing machine settings & more.
