by onceuponasewingmachine
on January 18, 2017
Is you sewing table anything like mine? Multiple projects going, stacks of fabric and pins! Pins, pins everywhere you look. I have magnets for my pins and I have pin cushions for my pins, but sometimes you just need something cute to help you through. Since Valentine’s day is right around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect excuse.
I found a small paper mache box at Hobby Lobby for just a couple of dollars. All the Valentine’s fabric was already 60% off, so I picked up a half yard. Now, I will admit that this project morphed as I went along. Those are the best, don’t you think?
Want to make your own heart pincushion? Here’s how. [click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on December 19, 2016
Earlier this month I dove into my storage shed in search of Christmas decorations. My most exciting find an almost complete tree skirt. My next mission was to make up two table runners from the Christmas fabric in my stash.
My search of Pinterest turned up several variations of a simple table runner. The use of triangles is an easy way to cut enough pieces for two at the same time. I simply cut my squares in half and presto!
The fun part is that the back of this is different fabric. It can simply be flipped over for a different look.
I used a very simple stitch in the ditch quilting method. I sewed around the the outer edge of the triangles and then outlined each triangle. From cutting to completion it took me about an hour. These would make a great hostess gift or a fun addition to your Christmas table.
Happy Sewing,
Donna
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on December 15, 2016
Winter evenings are always a time I find myself breaking out cross stitch patterns. Curled up on the couch stitching while the wind blows outside just feels right!
Today I’m sharing a free Christmas tree pattern that you can whip up in an evening or two.
[click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on December 12, 2016
When we moved this summer I packed my closets full of fabric and unfinished projects into rubbermaid bins and off we went. Little by little I have been unpacking and looking for specific items. My sewing area will continue to be temporary at least through next summer.
My Christmas decorations are buried deep in the storage shed for now and next to impossible to access. Christmas has always been a time of great joy and large family gatherings. Now with the kids spread from one coast to the other, this year will be quiet.
More reason to decorate and fill our new home with the spirit of Christmas. Being in the middle of a major remodel and having multiple rooms of furniture crammed in one room, with other things in storage, that has not been easy.
In looking for some green felt (I know I have a full bolt somewhere) I came across a box full of Christmas projects in various stages of completion. It also seems I have enough Christmas fabric to start selling it (no worries, that will never happen).
[click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on December 7, 2016
December is one of my favorite times of year. I have a huge fondness for Christmas lights and glitter. I love unwrapping the special decorations I’ve inherited from family members, some no longer here, and find special places for them in the house. It’s a great time to feel wrapped in family, even this year our first Christmas after a move has taken us further away physically.
To celebrate our new tall ceilings in our living space my husband brought home a 15′ Tree. In case you were wondering that is a massive tree. I was half expecting wild life to come sprinting out when he dragged it in to the house.
But for today how about we talk about the things to put UNDER the tree. I’m sharing a small round up of lovely things to gift to the sewer in your life (or links to pass to others if that’s you!)
[click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on December 1, 2016
There are things I never thought that I would sew. Socks and underwear make the list. Having already broken down several times on the underwear front fighting the socks seemed a lost cause.
If you’re going to sew socks go big, right? I made up a pair of Crazy Critter socks for both of my girls. (affiliate link) My oldest immediately started making additional animal demands. Luckily the pattern comes with a wide assortment.
The pattern suggests a muslin. Do that! Feet are funny. I found the length recommendation to be spot on, but width of feet varies. Especially little round baby feet. I also found they are particularly sensitive to the type of knit so be aware you may have to change up your sizing with your fabric selection.
We took the kids on a pretty long hike and they did stay up- which I was worried about. I’m still on mission to find the best sock material, but I’m having fun doing it. Have you ever sewn up sock?
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on November 21, 2016
I really enjoy sewing with print fabrics. Adding buttons can be a challenge. Finding the color that looks just right is not always easy. With Rachel’s little one turning a year old, I have just begun to sew things for her. Recently I finished a Button Up Jumper in a 12 month size.
My stash includes several cuts of fun printed corduroy. The one I choose was what I had left over from a jacket I had made for Ms M. Read all about that jacket HERE.
After going through my three button boxes, I opted for covered buttons. If you have never made one, I suggest giving it a go! They are not difficult to make and I think they make the garment look professional. They do not require a lot of fabric, and there are always small scraps left that are only going in the trash. Why not make use of them?
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on November 17, 2016
Today we are sharing a pattern from the latest issue of One Thimble. One Thimble is a quarterly sewing e-magazine. It features both clothing patterns for women, children, and home. Issue 13 has just released.
[click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on October 25, 2016
Hey Guys! I’m sharing something a little different with you today. I’ve just released my first class over on Skillshare, a video tutorial platform.
I walk through a project with you and give you some tips for those just getting started. It’s 20 minutes that we can sew together! Want to get a peek?
[click to continue…]
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by onceuponasewingmachine
on October 15, 2016
When Rachel and I were at the Sew Pro conference in Chicago last month, we met some great people. The first day it seemed everyone we ran into was a quilter, had a quilting blog or sold quilts. Although that is not our main focus, I have always loved quilting. When the conversation went to unfinished quilts, I was more than a bit embarrassed to say that I have 5 quilts in process and another 5 that I have fabric for but have not started. [click to continue…]
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