Category: Crafting

Crafting · Quilting

More Quilting Fun!

JanetLeave a comment

Personally, finding not only a great quilting pattern but some beautiful fabric can be the best thing ever. It doesn’t matter if you are new to quilting or an old hand at it, there is something special about finding That Perfect Pattern or That Beautiful Fabric Line.

For the newbies: Chelsea over at She Sews Seems shared a beginner friendly car quilt that brought a smile to my face…and made me want to pull out my sewing machine. The fabric line she used is not only colorful but seasonal. Check it out:

Chelsea’s thoughts about using a soft, fluffy backing fabric is a great reminder to think about where, and when, the quilt might be used.

For the more advanced, or adventurous, quilter: Fons and Porter’s Love of Quilting channel has been a joy. I can watch when I want rather than trying to be awake on Saturday morning.

The Cascades of Fall Foliage quilt is a lovely interpretation of a pattern with just a few changes to fit the quilter’s preferences. With reasonably simple blocks, plus some thoughtful organization (love the paper plates!), this project would be a great one to settle in with when the weather is not accommodating being outdoors. Check it out:

I love that suggestion for making a table runner if you don’t want to tackle the full quilt. It will give you the experience to decide if you really want to do that deep dive or not.

Both of these projects are beautiful and would lend themselves to a huge variety of fabric collections. Which one would you make?

Quilting

Learning New Quilting Basics

JanetLeave a comment

I’ve thought a lot about quilting my own quilts rather than sending them out to a long arm quilter. For those of us who are relatively new to the idea, quilting ourselves can seem daunting. Space, experience, nerve, courage, and knowledge seems to conspire against us.

Recently Missouri Star Quilt Company has posted some videos showcasing ruler quilting with HollyAnn Knight. I have to say that for the first time, after watching many instructional videos and classes, I have a better understanding of the process and a bit more willingness to give it a try.

There really is nothing like an instructor who tells you that you can do this, too.

Check out the information in the Description Box beneath the video for more information and links to other videos with HollyAnne.

Crafting

Getting My Craft On

JanetLeave a comment

It feels like forever since I sat down to actually craft in my craft space. Like, I need to dig it out… Long (short) story. This past month I’ve been looking at who I am following to get my inspiration back. Let’s take a look:

Paper Crafting and Card Making

Laurel Beard has returned to her YouTube channel with a new series to help us use what we already have.

Ardyth uses her YouTube channel to experiment with process in ways I might not always want to attempt but am fascinated by none the less.

Call Me Crafty Al creates some amazing card sketches. I’ve used her Sheetload of Cards sketches for years. They are a great way to make a lot of cards with a minimum of supplies. Al (aka: Alicia) has expanded the content on her channel so be sure to click the link to see what she is up to.

Jackie Bolhuise from Klompen Stampers is a long time Stampin Up demonstrator who specializes in quick and easy cards with minimum supplies. She has several series of card templates that are useful and well considered.

Cathy Zielsky is a card designer and a product designer who uses her graphic design background to create some beautiful cards. She does not focus on one particular brand (not even her own) but showcases a variety of brands and supplies. Catch her Wednesday Live show for some interesting banter and beautiful cards.

Gina K. Designs is one of those channels that has a wide variety of topics when it comes to paper crafting. If you are wanting to learn more about Gina’s product line, gain insight with her tips and tricks, this is one to check out.

Fabric Arts

Chelsea She Sews Seams is a great place to go when you are looking to learn how to sew. Lots of encouragement. Lots of great ideas. A great place to relax and learn to take things one step at a time. Chelsea is a great teacher with easy to do projects that are actually useful.

Sew Sew Lounge is one of those sewing channels that landed in my feed even though I have no desire to learn how to make garments. Toni is a long time sewer who loves to share her experiences in the sewing room (good and bad). She has a broad knowledge base that could be quite helpful if you are interested in garment sewing.

Quilting Arts

Missouri Star Quilt Company is a long time favorite. They started out teaching basic quilt making with a focus on pre cuts and have expanded into embroidery and other fabric arts. If you want to learn how to quilt or find a new pattern or test out a new fabric art craft, Missouri Star is the place.

These are some of my favorite YouTube channels. Many have blogs or websites with more information. Grab a cuppa your favorite drink and settle in to see what they have to offer.

Crafting

Want to Learn or Upgrade Your Sewing Skills?

JanetLeave a comment

Recently I came across the latest series from Sew Becca and thought I would share. Why? Becca is a good teacher. I like the way she is presenting this course because it is useful to the beginner and the experienced sewist. Many of us have basic knowledge but for one reason or other hasn’t been near our sewing machine in a while. Some folks have thought that they might be interested in sewing but were intimidated and backed away.

This first installment is excellent and provides a lot of useful information without overloading. From her descriptions of the next lessons, I think we have a lot to look forward to.

If you’ve been thinking about starting, or returning to, sewing Becca’s series might be just what you have been looking for.

Sewing

Celebrating Creativity

JanetLeave a comment

It is no secret that I love creativity in many forms. It is also no secret that I am a fan of The Great British Sewing Bee.

I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying most of the available seasons via Roku but the show is available on a variety of platforms.

This recent posting by WatchMojoUK brought quite a few smiles and a few tears. I remember watching the sewers create these amazing garments.

My mom was an excellent sewer and she made most of my clothes growing up. I know the amount of work involved. That being said, watching these folks put their heart and soul into their creativity – many who are relative newbies to the craft – is incredible.

Take a few minutes to see what magic has been created.

Enjoy!

Around the House · Crafting

Learning About

JanetLeave a comment

I have long been a fan of what could be called DIY shows but that really isn’t quite accurate. From the New Yankee Workshop to This Old House, from The French Chef to America’s Test Kitchen, from Sewing With Nancy to Fons and Porter I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about a topic or two that I might, or might not, have any prior knowledge about.

When we started gaining access to The Great British Baking Show, I started learning a lot about non-American baking. As a rather decent baker, this show was eye opening and fascinating. With Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry as judges, not to mention eventually Pru Leith, I couldn’t help but learn a lot.

A few years ago I happened across The Great British Sewing Bee and was immediately captivated. I am NOT a garment maker, I am a quilter. Totally different skill set. That being said, I have been fascinated by garment construction even though I have had no interest in trying it myself. The Sewing Bee has been an education in and of itself. With top sewing teachers and a Savile Row tailor, it is impossible not to learn a lot about construction.

Recently I came across The Great Pottery Throw Down. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have learned about a process, a skill set, that I had never really given much thought to before.

When I would think about pottery what came to mind was tableware. It never dawned on me that pottery includes hand made tiles, sinks, lamp bases, sculpture, and a whole lot more. Watching the show has taught me so much, not to mention given me a greater appreciation for the processes involved.

There are loads of reality competition shows out there but the ones that really interest me are the ones where I can watch enthusiasts develop their skills, create amazing things and support their fellow contestants.

I may never use the skills I’ve seen but I can appreciate what I have learned. Then again, one day I might decide to give one of these processes a try. You never know!

If you have enjoyed this post, please let me know by clicking the LIKE button below. Thank you!

Crafting · Quilting · Sewing

Creating The Home and Wardrobe You Want

JanetLeave a comment

Most of us already know that finding the designs we want to live with and/or wear is not easy. Actually, I would tend to say ‘all’ of us … The thing is, there are those of us who are not content to just give up and give in, purchasing ready made because that is all there is.

There was a time when ‘ready made’ was extremely limited and if you wanted something you had to make it yourself, providing you didn’t have someone who could do it for you.

You probably know the drill; colors that are not flattering. Shapes that don’t look good on you. Sizes that leave a lot to be desired. A design esthetic that doesn’t resonate with you, or your home. Materials that are not comfortable or don’t wear well (there’s nothing like paying good money for items that barely make it out of the bag before self destructing). And don’t get me started on outrageously expensive pillow covers that can be made for a fraction of the sticker price.

As you might know, I am a quilter not a garment sewer. However, there are times when I contemplate dipping a toe over the line to see what might be possible. I recently discovered a YouTuber that teaches how to sew and makes it accessible for anyone who is willing to try. Chelsea over at She Sews Seams has created a collection of tutorials that cover not only clothing and quilts but some projects that make use of inexpensive materials.

She is one of those teachers who is quick to remind you that you are in charge. She shows you options, provides explanations and provides encouragement. She makes sewing accessible while not requiring it to be expensive.

Check out the bags she made using Dollar Tree items. Don’t overlook her thrift store finds and what she made with them.

Check out Dee & Dory Design Dreamers who love thrifty sewing, too. These ladies know how to find a bargain and where to shop for patterns fabric and notions that won’t break the bank.

The big takeaway from both of these channels is that we can create the wardrobe and home design we want without spending a fortune (unless we want to) and it might not be as difficult as we have been led to believe.

Years ago, after years of watching Nancy Zieman guide me through countless sewing demonstrations, I took the leap and bought my first sewing machine. What nudged me over the edge? Nancy encouraging her audience by telling us that if we could drive in a straight line we could sew a straight line. She was right!

Creating a home that fits your style and aesthetic might not be as impossible as you think. Norene over at The Crafty Organizer has been creating projects for every room in her home and is now embarking on renovating her brand new home. She approaches these projects with an eye to budget and skill level.

Norene looks at efficient use of space and creative ways to use materials. Check out her older videos in addition to following along as she works on her new home.

Think of the possibilities! Think of the adventures!

Around the House · Crafting

One Thing Leads To Another

JanetLeave a comment

Last night I managed to watch a bit of Gina K Design’s June Release show and saw some lovely cards produced with new products. It turns out that one of those products inspired Cathy Zielsky to create a new tool for her craft room, but to share it and her idea for a new card. Check out Cathy’s card:

I have to admit that when I first saw the stamp set Cathy used, I really liked it. I might add it to my Do I Really Want This List. Watching her create her lovely card with it…

Inspiration comes to us in many forms and in many ways. It is that spark (large or small) that gets us to pondering. What if I used this color rather than that? What if I changed this ingredient for that one? What if…

Cathy has said she will link to Gina K’s video from her video, so check that out, but grab a cuppa and settle in for an hour with Cathy as she goes through the process of making her card.

Enjoy!

Crafting

The Idea Book 2.0

JanetLeave a comment

I never come away from a Maymay Made It video that I haven’t learned something, been reminded of something or found inspiration. One of her recent videos checked all the boxes.

Every step of the way I found options for improving my Idea Book for Paper Crafting. I tend to make use of a lot of .pdf instruction sheets but often those rely on the user (me) scanning a QR code to return to the video for more information. Creating paper templates gives me the information I need without relying on the Internet. Perfect for those times when I don’t have access or would rather not.

The supplies needed to create this book are easy to get, too. A trip to your local office supply store should provide everything you need. You could also get dividers that fit the book, too.

I really like the instructions for creating a place to put a label on the end of the book. Easy, flexible, useful.

One thing to think about is creating templates of those .pdf card instructions and tucking all into a sleeve in the book.

How will you create and use your book?