If you love crafts, JoAnn Fabrics is having a “pre” Easter sale, April 9-11th both online and in their stores.

While it’s a little late for Easter crafts, you can still get some fabulous decorations and home items for as much as 40% off. You can also get a jump on summer decorating items for 40% off.
We frugal folks like discounts, don’t we? Besides that, what better way to celebrate spring than with new crafts and projects.
Image: JoAnn Fabrics

So how are you all doing?  Got the fabric shakes yet
I’ve found some great ideas for “stash busting” projects out there:

Got some spare ribbon?  How about making a ribbon bracelet.
Use covered button forms, fabric & embellishments to create earrings.
Does your watch band look a little shabby?  Try fabric!
Check out this charming little bird brooch.

Now what if you’re trying to de-stash your yarn collection?  Noreen from Hankering for Yarn has some fun & easy projects, perfect for using up those little pieces of yarn that you’re holding onto.

Make a spool-knitted kittycat bookmark.
Enchant a lucky child with this collection of …read more

I’m trying to get my sewing table cleared off (I’m a world-champion stacker!) as well as finishing up some of my UFOs (un-finished objects)
I’m actually doing pretty well!  I’ve got my DH’s new bathrobe done (it needed a belt):

And I got the buttonholes & buttons sewn onto my Dad’s corduroy shirt:

I probably should have ironed the shirt before I took photos – oops!
I still have one more big UFO for someone else to do… but I’ll get it done

My mom & I have being fabric shopping together since I was old enough to appreciate the wonders of the bargain wall   We always have to hit the big 50% off sale at my favorite local fabric store.  I think I was quite restrained this time:

I stocked up on notions and got enough fabric to make a dressy reversible wool shawl/wrap.  Too much fun!

Did you know that the rubber stamp & scrapbooking aisles at your local craft store can hold all sorts of treasures for embroidery & fiber people?
I’m making a memory box and wanted to have a ribbon wrapped around it.  I’ve got some luscious chocolate-brown dupioni silk that’s the perfect color.  But, it’s a little plain still…
I then found some great butterfly rubber stamps
By the way, I find that foam stamps, rather than the harder rubber ones, work the best on fabric.  The lines are simpler & you usually get a clearer impression.
I started off by cutting a rough …read more

I’ve got my muslins all neatly cut out & interfaced.  They’re sitting on my ironing board, just waiting for me to get cracking on the sewing   When I have time…
I’ve found that I usually like to iron my fabric, cut out the pattern and interface one day.   I then start sewing on the next day.  It just seems to work better for me to start fresh with everything set up & ready to go.
How about you all?
Are you one of those people who likes to get it done in one day?
Or are you a more multi-day kind …read more

I love Etsy – it’s a great place to discover new artists, find great clothing, accessories – even stuff for your house!  Did you know that I have my own etsy shop?  It’s here
Etsy & their sister site, Instructables, are coming together to host a great contest, “Sew Helpful“.
They are asking people to make something to be listed on Etsy, but to document the process of making it.   You then list your creation on Etsy, and post your tutorial on Instructables.  There are some yummy prizes – three Singer sewing machines are up for grabs!
Go check out the …read more

I’m enjoying an afternoon in my studio and wanted to work on my backlog of projects   I’m trying to complete an overdue gift for my sister-in-law & thought I’d share it with you all.
I’m making a table runner out of a cotton-linen blend fabric.  I’m going to applique a celtic interlace on to the center of it, out of the same fabric.
I have one little problem…  The celtic interlace I want to use isn’t an iron-on pattern, it’s been printed off from my computer.  It’s from a Dover copyright free book of designs.  I started off by scanning …read more

I got this in the mail yesterday… oh my goodness, too much fun!  It’s a new release from Crown Publishing, and written by Annabel Lewis, a designer & ribbon shop owner.
I’ve got an incredibly busy weekend ahead of me, but I’ll be trying a few projects from the book & will share them with all of you