I enjoy sewing purses and usually end up making several every year as Christmas gifts.
I’ve pretty much everything from the most basic tote-bags to elaborately quilted and embellished purses.  I have to admit – I enjoy it when people actually use the bags I make too
I think this may be a pattern I try out this year for gifts – and even better, it’s free!

Fabric.com is offering this great “Nomad” hobo bag as a free download until January 14th, 2010.  So you’ve got lots of time to download it
Simple hobo bags are great for everything from …read more

I know that most kids are already back hard at work at school, but there are always a few “Mom – I really need…” that pop up.
I’ve collected a few quick and easy free patterns for back to school sewing patterns (of course, you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy them either!) to hopefully make your life a little easier.
Fabric lunch bags are an easy way to “green” your family.  They’re washable, reuseable and customizable.  This pattern is from Sewing.About.
I think water bottle carriers are such a handy thing – I’ve been using one for years.  They allow …read more

BurdaStyle is a great source for all kinds of trendy and fashionable sewing projects.
Clutch purses make great easy to carry purses for dressy occasions.  This free how-to for a ruffled clutch purse is perfect for summer weddings, parties and more.

Think about how pretty that would in a nice, crisp duppioni silk?  Or with contrasting rufflesa and an embroidered accent?  You could even add a short strap and turn it into a wristlet, or add a longer skinny strap to slip over your shoulder.
So many options…
image: BurdaStyle

I just don’t seem to be as interested in really fussy, detailed sewing during the summer time.
Maybe it’s the distraction of all the interesting things happening outside, but I definitely prefer simpler, faster projects.
This skirt/dress pattern from Fabric.com fills the bill perfectly!

The “Nancy” dress is a simple convertible pattern that can go from skirt to dress, just by unfolding the yoga-style waistband.
Even better?  It’s free!  That’s right, you can download the pattern and make it yourself – no charge
image: Fabric.com

Sewing books or needle books are a great to keep your various needles, pins and even buttons organized and easy to find.
They’re also a great gift for a beginner (or not-so-beginner) sewer as well!
Martha Stewart Crafts has a lovely little pattern for a simple sewing book:

It’s an easy how-to and would make a great beginner sewing project.  If you want to get a little fancier, you could embroider a monogram on the cover, or add a little decoration.
image: Martha Stewart Living

b5media’s Lifestyle channel bloggers are a crafty – and romantic bunch!  Check out some of these great ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts for the whole family!

Junk Creation has 10 different ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts and activities.
Junk Creation also has an awesome tutorial for make-your-own candy message hearts!
Layers Upon Layers has pretty mixed-media art ideas to give as gifts for your special someone.
These heart-themed pieces of jewelry are sure to make some smile on Valentine’s Day from Jewelry & Beading.
Tree Hugging Family has some great eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for your kids.
Tree Hugging Family also has some fun recipes, activities …read more

Are you making crafts for Valentine’s Day?
Did you know that there are lots of free patterns and tutorials for Valentine’s Day crafts, sewing projects and even cross stitch charts in the Tangled Thread archives?  I decided to make things easier for you and have got a bunch of the patterns for you here:
♥ Three patterns for hearts & roses cross stitch.
♥ Try sewing your own lingerie for Valentine’s Day.
♥ Here are two of my easy hand-embroidered felt “Heart Felt” cards.
♥ This is another Heart Felt card – this time it’s accented with French knots.
♥ I made these cute little embroidered …read more

There are quite a few new babies and mommies-to-be around here lately, so I thought it would be fun to have a project for them!
Do you want to make a hand-made gift for the next baby shower, but don’t want to make the standard bib or receiving blanket?  Check out this great free pattern for a baby swaddler. It’s sized for newborn to three month old infant.  There are so many cute ways you could customize it – just make sure the embellishments are washable and baby-safe!
image: Stock.xchg

I’m so excited to introduce you to my latest blog for b5media – The Doggy Blog!

The Doggy Blog is a celebration of life with man’s (and woman’s!) best friend.  I cover everything from selecting your new puppy, care, feeding, grooming – even celebrity pets
To mark the occasion, I wanted to remind you all of my free pattern for an easy dog bandana – just think how cute this would be in a Christmas fabric!

Of course, you could also embellish it with your dog’s name, Christmas or holiday trims – or even paint it
image: © C Findlay-Harder