Archive for the ‘Quilting and Sewing’ Category

Four Types of Quilts: A Guide on the Four Basic Quilting Techniques

Remember the first time you saw a handmade quilt? I find that there’s something magical about those carefully stitched pieces coming together to tell a story.

Today is a helpful post for those of you who are starting to quilt, interested but not sure where to start, and the more adventurous quilter that wants to try something different!

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Not sure whether or not to pre-wash your fabrics before starting a project? This guide will help you decide!The debate among sewists and quilters about pre-washing/not pre-washing fabrics reminds me of the political debates going on now (and for a small eternity until November)! Both sides have valid points, both sides make you question the other, everyone assumes you’re on their side, and, if you’re found out to not be on their side, you’ll certainly be looked down upon! But, just like with politics, you’ve got to cast your vote at some point and live with the consequences. So, let’s get the facts straight and I might even tell you what I think. (Continue reading…)

A complete guide to all the names of pre-cut fabrics and how to use them!The excitement of a new quilting pattern—I’m not sure anything beats it! You scan the fabric requirements and dream of all the possibilities; you can smell the fabrics already! But then you are stopped in your tracks—Honey Buns?! Fat Eighths!? No, your pattern isn’t taunting you, I promise. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of pre-cut fabrics. I’m going to give you the full guide on these strange names and what they mean. (Continue reading…)

This is a great tutorial for those who are begining to quilt or sew. It fully explains how to use a rotary cutter and mat for cutting quilt pieces.Quilting seems daunting even to the bravest of beginners—hand them a self healing mat and a mini pizza cutter and they are sure to sweat a little. It’s intimidating! Today I’m going to show you best practice cutting for quilting. Once you read through this tutorial, you’ll be ready to go! This is also a great brush-up for experienced quilters and their cutting techniques. (Continue reading…)

A list on what you need to start quilting. Lots of great tools for starting to quilt and useful articles!Lots of people feel overwhelmed by the idea of taking on their very first quilt. Straight lines and perfect seams can seem so intimidating. But if you ask me, having the right tools and a good pattern is all there is to it. I think that just about anyone can take on a quilt without fear and trembling! There’s certainly some tools that I adore that aren’t completely necessary, so I’ve compiled a no-nonsense list below for the absolute beginner! Here’s what you’ll need to get started: (Continue reading…)

Make-a-new-shirt-from-2-old-ones.-This-DIY-shows-you-step-by-step-how-to-blend-two-shirts-to-make-a-larger-size.-Perfect-for-outgrown-shirtsThere’s a t-shirt hanging in my closet from 6th grade…you don’t need to do the math, but 6th grade was a long time ago (at least in t-shirt years).  I can’t seem to let this shirt go—I want to do something with it, but I’ve never found the right thing to do. I think I’ve found my answer in today’s post: today we’ve got a guest post from Denise over at DIY Crush. I’m so excited to have her on the blog today with her t-shirt recycling project! Make sure that you hop on over to her site, DIY Crush for more great patterns and tutorials. The stage is yours, Denise! (Continue reading…)

How to choose fabrics for a quitFrom time to time, I head up north for a few days and spend time with my family. I somehow always end up wandering around my mom’s quilt store, touching, feeling, and gazing at all her lovely fabrics and notions–it’s aways a much-need time of relaxation and inspiration for me. More often than not I experience a few customers that walk in, wide-eyed and terrified of choosing the fabric for their next quilt. If that’s you, today I’m going to give you some great tips for choosing fabric for your quilt! Make sure to get the free Fabric Selection Checklist and keep it in your purse for your next fabric run. (Continue reading…)

Pattern Cover-Online OnlyThere’s something about buds on the trees that just makes my heart race! I get in such a clean out the house, get me outside for any reason sort of mood, and I’m ready to take on the world again! Today I’m releasing a new pattern that will get your heart racing and be your perfect companion for such a mood! I proudly present to you Bucket Brigade: perfect for cleaning and gardening supplies, DIY projects, and, of course, crafting and sewing storage! (Continue reading…)

Tea to Go Tea Bag WalletYou never know when you’ll need your favorite tea—you don’t know when it’ll strike: at work, on the long drive on the way to a vacation, on the way to your sister’s house, at the hotel (where you know they will be out of English Breakfast!)…who knows, but we all know that sometimes you just need  your tea to go!

Today I’m sharing a pattern designed and loved by tea drinkers! My mom and I worked together on this pattern, so I’m pretty tickled to release my first pattern with my mom! I hope there’s many more to come. Make sure to download your copy of my Tea to Go tea wallet pattern or grab a quick and easy kit with the fabric included, and be sure to check out all the delicious details below. (Continue reading…)

Spring Fever saleAnother spring release is coming your way today. I’m super excited to share with you my Burst Throw Quilt! This is one of those projects that started out as something completely different than what you see in the pictures, but I love what I ended up with: a modern, simple, large block quilt! Make sure to get all the sweet details and images below and don’t forget to pick up a copy for yourself! This pattern has been tested to ensure that it’s perfect and easy for you to navigate. So, a big thanks to my fabulous pattern testers! You’ll see their images posted here as soon as they are done with their final touches. Now, onto the story behind this quilt… (Continue reading…)

The best way to store fabric! Use cardboard bolts to store your fabric stash!Well, as you know, my basement remodel is in full force…my office has flooring and due to some *ahem* unexpected budget busters, we’ll be saving up (again) for the ceiling and baseboards. BUT that does not mean that I can’t start moving into my new studio! I’ve chosen to layout my office so that my sewing machine and serger live quietly in the closet, which means that my fabric stash has to find a new home, no more hiding in the closet! (Continue reading…)

Tunic Sewing PatternWorking from home doesn’t exactly encourage one to dress up…in fact, some days when I hear the doorbell ring, I may or may not answer depending on the state of my sweatpants and t-shirt. Needless to say, I’m on the hunt for an outfit that is cozy, pretty, and acceptable to wear at home or on a few errands. Well, my friends, I’ve found it! The Sneha Tunic by Wardrobe By Me is the answer to my prayers. You can dress it up, and paint on those Jeggings, or dress it down—take a look! (Continue reading…)