Today I have a beginner’s sewing project for you. There is really no sewing involved, but it pertains to sewing. The materials call for a jar with a lid and a band, so I used a small candle that I had on hand. When the candle is used up I can clean up the jar and put buttons or sewing needles inside.
Here is what you will need to get started:

A fabric scrap of your choice
A jar with a lid and a band
Cotton balls or fiberfill
Card stock
A glue gun

Using the lid of the jar, cut out a circle the same size …read more

I don’t know if you are like me, but if you are then you go through a purse in no time at all. I don’t know why, but I am very hard on purses. Now, I think I have found a solution to the problem of buying a purse every other month. When I found this pattern I was elated. I can now choose the exact color and fabric for my purse and make it myself. Here is a plus, I can also launder my purse and keep it looking nice.
Here is what you will need to get started:

½ yard …read more

Today is my last day of writing for Blisstree, so I couldn’t leave without sharing some of my favorite posts through the years!
There have been posts that people have loved, some that got a way bigger reaction that I ever expected and those posts that people have said “thank you for writing, that’s helped me”.

In no particular order, here are some of my favorites…

My post about a free pattern for a Snuggie has gotten more popular than I ever imagined – apparently people want to make these… lots and lots of people!
You can’t get much easier than these ribbon roses …read more

The fabric on my sewing table has changed dramatically.
Instead of working with a dizzying view of camouflage, my “to-do” pile is a very serene, zen white.

Instead of working with industrial zippers, quilted nylon and heavy-duty elastic, I’ve switched to soft, fluffy fabrics and lots of different kinds of cotton.
That change got me thinking – how does your attitude change when your project changes?
Even little things like my music preference will change depending on what I’m sewing.  During my last project, I liked upbeat music with a good beat and lots of energy.  At the moment however, I’m enjoying a more …read more

I’ve finally finished my DH’s new winter jacket!
I’ve shared a few different glimpses into the process over the past couple of weeks (here’s the first one, second, third and fourth) and now that it’s actually finished, you can see how it came together:

I added a few extra details to the original pattern.  The pattern came with two inset pockets in the front seams and an extra cell phone or MP3 pocket on the chest.  Of course, that wasn’t enough pockets!
I added two cargo patch pockets, with flaps that velcro close, that sit over the hips.  I also inserted a zipper …read more

There are some sewing projects that are more challenging than others to complete…
It may be because they’re so technically complex…
It could be that the fabric is just not cooperating…
Or it could just be that you’re not enjoying the process…
In short – it’s a sewing project that makes you feel like you deserve a medal after it’s done!
But where to get a medal for sewing…
I’ve found one!
Okay, so actually Leviticus Jewelry has found a medal for dressmaking.  It’s a little vintage medal and they’ve made it into a great necklace:

They’ve used brass, silver and gunmetal-toned chains to create the necklace, and …read more

Christine posted a gorgeous fleece wreath project earlier today, using a polyester fleece fabric, accented with paper flowers.
Fleece is such a popular fabric at this time of year – it’s warm, cozy and light to wear.  I do get quite a few questions on how to handle it though. It dulls scissors and needles like crazy, and is even prone to breaking thread if it’s not handled quite right.

In Christine’s post, a pinking rotary cutter or scissors were used to make a decorate edge on the fleece.  I personally recommend never using your “good” fabric shears on fleece – it …read more

By Guest Blogger Kathy Zengolewicz
I have a large family four sons and one daughter and it seems like I have spent most of my time, when they were growing up, at football games, baseball games or other sporting events. They were all engrossed in all types of sports when they were younger and they are the same now as grown ups. I was so happy to find something to make for the boys, grandsons included. This project started out as a plain, ordinary pillow until I changed the cover into a sports themed head rest.
Here is what you will need …read more

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

In my recent post “10 Sewing Room Essentials – For Me” – I mentioned that gridded quilting rulers are one of my can’t live without tools.  And they’re not just for quilting either.
How else can you use them?
Well mine is getting quite the work-out as I sew my hubby’s new winter jacket.
A quilting ruler for sewing clothes?
Let’s see, I’ve used it to measure and cut extra pockets that I don’t have patterns for… and my favorite use has got to be making sure that things are lined up straight.  And that they match on both sides!

Because I’ve altered the basic …read more