Each month, I’ve taken up the #sbbsewfor15 challenge on Instagram from @southbaybella to try to improve my quilting and crafting skills. She’s pushed me to wade into very unfamiliar waters with curves, free motion quilting, and now applique! But go big or go home, right? The August applique challenge got delayed and eventually happened to fall on Labor Day weekend. Normally I would have big … Continue reading Upcycling a Purse with Applique
I’ve been thinking a lot about trying to reduce my family’s use of single-serve plastic. I have 3 kids and that means we often turn to whatever’s easiest even it it’s not the best. So this will be in baby steps… I’ve started by getting silicon reusable straws that we use both at home and on the road. We all have metal water bottles. I’ve … Continue reading Reusable Sandwich Bags
A few months ago, I started getting Paint Brush Studio (PBS) Fabrics as part of their Sew-cial Network. I can’t tell you how impressed I’ve been with these fabrics! I’m not getting paid to say this–seriously, I just love the feel and quality. Check out their collections online here and then find where to buy some for yourself from your local quilt shop on their … Continue reading Improv-piecing Pillows
Today’s roundup of some of the internet’s best free quilting patterns and sewing ideas with Back to School in mind. It is hard to see summer come to an end, but I have to be honest: I love sending the kids back to school! I now have 2 in elementary school with my toddler still at home full time. Controlled chaos over here. So giving … Continue reading 8 Easy Sewing Back to School Ideas
Earlier in the summer, I accepted the challenge from Quilter’s Candy to make her Starburst Chain pattern. The winner got a stack of delightful fabric, so I was admittedly stash motivated. I didn’t win in the end, but with the black background I think I may have had the most unique entry 🥰. I’m a HUGE fan of neutral dark backgrounds: black, gray, and navy … Continue reading Starburst Chain Quilt Top Finished
I got these awesome sauce plant-themed prints (Green Thumb Girls by Carolyn Suzuki) from PBS Fabrics and knew I needed to use them with my succulent collection. I used this tutorial from Spoonflower as a starting point, but soon realized the tapered pot I was using wouldn’t work exactly as instructed. With the 20″ diameter, I had to strip piece the circumference and worked in … Continue reading Fabric Planter Covers
I learned to sew and quilt as an adult. I watched You Tube videos, joined Instagram, participated in a few quilt-alongs, and attended my local guild despite being the youngest person in the room and needing a babysitter to help me get out of the house. Immediately, I found a sense of belonging and community. I have built my stash with the help of many … Continue reading Crafting for a Cause
