Free motion quilting is a fantastic tool for fiber artists – it adds dimension, interest and can act like a drawn line on the surface of the fabric.
It can be challenging to get started for some people.  They tense up and get frustrated because the line isn’t flowing as smoothly as they’d like.
Some teachers recommend beginning with drawing simple stipple patterns (like the piece of one of my art quilts shown here) on a piece of paper.

I’ve never had good luck with that though – the movement of drawing on paper is the exact opposite of quilting.  With drawing, you’re …read more

The clever people over at Threads Magazine have come up with an ingenious way to speed up the production of yo-yos.
Now, I personally like the slow & meditative pace of hand-sewing yo-yos, but this method sounds fantastic for those projects that need to get done right now.
Basically, you’re using the embroidery hoop of your sewing machine to stabilize the yo-yo fabric as you sew around it.  Go check out the article for the complete details.

Okay, it’s a crazy, busy week!  And I’m so bad that you guys don’t even get photos
My outfit is looking amazing… but since my fiance reads my blogs – you guys need to wait until after the wedding to see photos!
I’m sewing my fiance’s vest…
And the tuxedo for our dog.
It may be a slow week for posts here

I have a challenging time fitting pants sometimes.  The darts aren’t always in the right place, or the waist band gaps in the back… not so much fun!
One tip that I learned was to make a set of “paper pants” with your pattern before you even cut out the fabric.
Reinforce the paper pattern by running strips of scotch tape down the inner & outer legs, as well as the center seam.   Lay the pattern on a flat surface and tape or “sew” the front & back together at the inseam.  Overlap the edges so you have the correct seam …read more

I have a confession to make.
I buy blue jeans.
I know, I’m sorry – I should feel ashamed
I do mend them, because no matter how careful I am, I still seem to end up with thin patches & tears popping out in odd places.  I’ve figured out a method of repairing blue jeans that is almost invisible from the outside (of course, if it’s a big hole over your knee, you’re still going to see it!)
You’ll need:

A piece of denim, about an inch larger all the way around than the tear.
A spool of denim thread (it’s worthwhile buying – …read more

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder

This tutorial has moved – you can find the whole how-to part one and part two here

image: © C Findlay-Harder