Mannequin Door Stop

I just love having my windows open during the spring and fall months but that means that my doors tend to slam shut at the wrong moment. (think during a conference call, dead of night or when taping a how to project. You name it, it’s happened!) That means door stops are a MUST in my world.

The best is that before I could even finish this little guys Lady A was claiming one.  She says it is perfect for her room and reminds her of the city. Love that she keeps NYC close to the vest! (Secretly, I miss it too.)

And the second bit of goodness, is another sneak peek at this amazing fabric collection Eclectic Elements designed by Tim Holtz.  Love that I am getting to work with it before it actually hits the market!  Keep those eyes peeled , it will start to hit the retail stores mid summer.

So head on over to The Shabby Creek Cottage today and grab this download-able door stop pattern.  It is perfect for any space, even your sewing studio!

In the meantime, if your in the Portland area be sure to stop by the market to say hello.  You will find me at the Coats & Clark booth by booth #2355 and I would love to create a make & take with you!

This post Mannequin Door Stop Project appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

This is super exciting news for me.  I have been told that it is like a sea of eye candy for fabric lovers.  And let’s face it, I love candy and one might say, have a small fabric addiction.

Doesn’t that look like fun?? Photos from left top corner clockwise- Thimble Blossoms, Pellon, Amy Butler, Andover.  Photo sources: Pellon, Camilleroskelley, Scrap Therapy , Thimbleanna

Do you want even more news?  Well, I was asked by Coats & Clark to create a Make & Take  for their booth.  A Make & Take is a small project that can be done in a flash showcasing a specific product.  I will be working with the new line of Tim Holtz fabric Eclectic Elements and Phoomph. (Insert small squeal here!)   So, here are two quick photos of the proto types.  I can not wait to see what all of the attendees create and will be sure to bring back tons of photos.  I PROMISE!

So, if anyone is going to be walking the floor this week at spring market? If so, please be sure to stop by booth #2355 for a visit and a quick crafting project with me.  It would sure brighten my day to meet you in person and get our craft one!

Wish me luck!

This post Spring Market Work In Progress appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

When I look back at some of the projects shared with The Sewing Loft community, I see that many involve paper sewing.  So, I wanted to share some basic fundamental tips and tricks to ensure you have a smooth and successful outcome.

Paper Sewing Tips & Tricks

• Stitching on paper will dull your needle. So, be sure to dedicate one needle for this task and use it over and over. *Tip: I like to dab some nail polish on the shaft of my paper needle for easy identification.
• Adjust your stitch length to be slightly longer.  If the stitches are too close together, the paper will tear. Remember, we are punching holes.
• Since pins are not an option (they leave holes) consider applying a small amount of adhesive to ‘stick’ things together.  Just place it where you will not be stitching. That would gunk up your needle. You could also use paper clips.
• Make sure your bobbin is full when you start your project. If you run out of thread in the middle of a seam it will be hard to re-align your stitching.  Also, consider using invisible thread in the bobbin since thread will show slightly on the face of your project.
• Always stitch on the right side or ‘face’ of your paper.  The holes do not look nice from the back side.
• When turning corners stop with the needle in the down position, lift the presser foot and turn.
• To knot your stitches, pull the top thread to the bottom and hand knot; trim or use a piece of tape on the back to secure in place.
• Take your time and sew slowly! Unlike fabric, once the needle makes a hole in the paper, it is there forever.
• Play with decorative stitches and by all means add color!
• Maintenance Alert: Paper sewing creates more dust than stitching on fabric. So, be sure to pull out that spray can of air and clean out your bobbin case when you are all finished.

Now, how about a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing?

• Greeting cards
• Notebooks
• Post cards
• Paper Garland
• Mixed Media Art -my kids LOVE this! Here is one that Lady A is working on.

Paper sewing is a great way to start younger children on a machine.  Let them create a simple line drawing on standard paper and allow them to add colored thread.  This will get them acclimated to the machine while creating their own art.  Or for the younger kiddos why not try your hand at some simple stitch cards.  Just fold over the tip of a pipe cleaner, grab some yarn and stitch away.

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Hello! Are you new to The Sewing Loft?

If so, I’m glad you stopped by and hope that something has inspired you to keep your needle moving!  Don’t miss a single project and subscribe via email HERE! Bonus- free embroidery pattern with sign up.

Another great way to connect with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter , Google + or Follow my blog with Bloglovin.  I’m looking forward to getting to know you and creating together!

This post Paper Sewing – Tips and Tricks appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

The Trim Trade Wrap Up

 I am so inspired by all the fantastic trims everyone has collected and shared from their stash.  To see more, check out the flickr group.

A big fat ‘Thank You’ goes out to Cori of Let’s Eat Grandpa for being my swapping co-host! Parties are fun but they are better with partners. With her help, we were able to bring you fun storage ideas and a huge round-up of trim projects.

With each SWAP, I learn something new, make a few more friends and receive a wonderful surprise in the mail.  I do hope that you will join us for the next one.  My wheels are already spinning and the planning has officially begun.  I am thinking pin cushions are next on the list and let’s be fair, you all know that I have a pin cushion crush!  That means, I have a few special things already in the works, including a few new pattern designs in the works.  So, keep your eyes peeled for the announcement to come more towards the fall.  But the big question on my mind right now is -What will you make with your new trims?

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Hello! Are you new to The Sewing Loft?

If so, I’m glad you stopped by and hope that something has inspired you to keep your needle moving!  Don’t miss a single project and subscribe via email HERE! Bonus- free embroidery pattern with sign up.

Another great way to connect with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter , Google + or Follow my blog with Bloglovin.  I’m looking forward to getting to know you and creating together!

This post The Trim Trade Wrap Up appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

Funky Sunglass Case

This project is for stitchers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Materials:

• Crazy Square Block or any 12″ quilted square
• 12″ zipper
• seam binding

Basic Instructions:

1. Pin your zipper in place along top edge of square. Attach your zipper foot to machine and straight stitch your zipper in place.
2. Trim away excess bulk of material between zipper and stitch line. *Be careful not to cut the zipper tape when trimming.
3. Turn zipper tape down towards inside of case and straight stitch in place. This will clean finish your closure edge.  *Note: I used a dark thread and would recommend using a white thread or something that will blend. Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the other side.
4. Then zip your square closed and determine the position of your opening.  I like mine off-center.  Turn wrong side out and pin sides in place.  Straight stitch each side closed. Repeat to other side.
5. The sides can be clean finished with seam binding or left raw. It’s really up to you.
6. 

This sunglass case was extremely easy to make and was finished in less than 30 mins.  Really fast!

Hello! Are you new to The Sewing Loft?

If so, I’m glad you stopped by and hope that something has inspired you to keep your needle moving!  Don’t miss a single project and subscribe via email HERE! Bonus- free embroidery pattern with sign up.

Another great way to connect with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google +.  I’m looking forward to getting to know you and creating together!

This post Funky Sunglass Case Carrier appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

Janome Magnolia 7325 Sewing Machine • Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores

Fat Quarter Shop • Sew Sweetness • Aurifil • Pellon

Coats + Clark • SewCanShe.com • Andover Fabrics

Go To Patterns • FreeSpirit Fabric • Aurifil • Imagine Gnats

Sew South (Sewing Swag) • Kindle Fire (Blogger-sponsored prize)

Craftsy

To enter the giveaway, simply “Like” all of the Facebook pages below, and fill out the Google form letting us know you did. We know you will love them just as much as we do!

Make sure you only enter ONCE, because this form is shared on all of the participating sites. Duplicate entries will be deleted, and giveaway ends Friday, May 10th. Good luck!

No purchase necessary. For alternate entry, e-mail lindsay(at)craftbuds(dot)com with your full name and the subject line “May Giveaway Contest.” The sponsors will ship all prizes within 7 days of the end of the giveaway. Giveaway ends Friday, May 10th at midnight EST. Once the giveaway ends, winners will be chosen using Random.org and contacted within 24 hours by e-mail. The main contest post at CraftBuds.com will be updated with winners’ names once we’ve heard back from them. Winners will need to respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen. International entries are welcome; Some giveaways open worldwide.

Wow, now that’s a great way to Spring into May!  If that’s not inspiration to clean out the studio and get creative, I don’t know what is.  Just think about all the goodies you could make with those prize packages. Wishing everyone the best of luck!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This post Spring into May Giveaway appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

So, I thought it would be fun to take the day and unpack Grace, the newest member of The Sewing Loft team.  Actually, I wanted to introduce her to the girls.  I thought it would be nice for them to get some hands on time practicing all her fun decorative stitches.

The unpacking process went super fast.  They were somewhat interested in the parts but really just wanted to get to stitching.

One of the 1st things I recommend with any new machine is to “get friendly with your manual”! This booklet should be your BFF, especially during any late at night stitching session. You know what I talking about- the ones when you’re under the gun to wrap up little Missy S’s custom for Halloween and something goes wacky with the thread.  (Trust me, I have been there!)

Exploring Decorative Stitches

So, after Missy S picked out some neon orange thread from my messy box, we went straight to work. I started with a quick lesson on ‘how to’ thread Grace, pulled out some scrap fabric and put the girls to work!  I need to clarify the lesson part.  Missy S was really walking me through the steps.  She was following the numbers on the machine and made it seem like she had been sewing for ages!  The Baby Lock Grace is so intuitive with threading that even my 9-year-old understood how to do it without looking at the manual! Now that is a complete home run in my book.

She was a Rock Star! She understood how to change each stitch and had fun calling them out as she stitched the afternoon away.  I can not wait to see what she is inspired to create with this new machine.

So, what about you? Have you ever created a sampler with all of your machines fancy stitches?  Or are you looking for an interesting way to use those decorative stitches? Well how about creating a few Crazy Quilt Blocks with your scraps and using them to add more detail.

This post Exploring Decorative Stitches appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

These are some of my favorites.

50+ Trim Projects to Inspire You

1. Baby Bib Free Pattern 

2. Child’s Tool Belt

3. Doll Clothes Free Pattern

4. Banner Bunting

5. Animal Love Plushie

6. Paint Brush Peeps

7. Ruffle Trim Binky 

8. Hair Bow Holder

9. Lace Hem Skirt

10. Embellished Onesie Dress or Embellished Onesie 

11. Little Girls Dress 

12. Shoe Refashion

13. Scrappy Headband

14. Satin Rosette Belt 

15. Lace Trim Shorts

16. Scarf

17. Lacey Flowers & Socks

18. Flower Headband

19. Lace Cuff

20. Easy Belt

21. Old School Ribbon Barrettes 

22. Tee Shirt Refashion or Onesie

23. Curly Ribbon Bows

24. Simple Hair Bow

25. Embellish a Vintage Dress

26. Scrap Bracelet

27. Elastic Headband with Bow 3 in 1 Pattern Option

28. Air Freshener

29. Tote Bag Free Pattern

30. Zipper Pull

31. Holiday Ornament

32. Gift Basket

33. Greeting Card

34. Lace Zipper

36. Drawstring Bag  Free Pattern

37. Ric Rac Flowers 

38. Print on Elastic

39. Handbag with lace detail Free Pattern

40. Lunch Tote Free Pattern

41. Gift Tags

42. Bowl Covers

43. Tea Towels

44. Cloths Pin Bag Free Pattern

45. Couch Caddy

46. Posy Cushion

47. Love Appliqué Towel Free Pattern

48. Pillow Covers

49. Pom Pom Pillow

50. Create your own Ribbon With Scraps

51. Mini Quilt Border

52. Holiday Stocking Free Pattern

53. Lampshade Redo

54. Embroidered Pin Cushions

55. Easy Purse Handles

56. Trim on Curtains 

57. Clothing Travel Bag Free Pattern

58. Ribbon Jar

59. Artwork

60. Display Jars

61. Table Runner

62. Schoolhouse or Kite Table Runner Free Pattern

63. Printable Art Free Pattern

Now, how’s that for some creative inspiration?  I just knew there were amazing projects out there and I was determined to find them!  Do have a post you’d like to share? Leave me a link in the comments and I will be sure to include them in a follow up post. 

Oh and if your trim collection looks anything like mine {imagine a of big box of trims – think hot, HOT, tangled mess} you will want to head on over and check out Cori’s post today on trim storage.

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Hello! Are you new to The Sewing Loft?

If so, I’m glad you stopped by and hope that something has inspired you to keep your needle moving!  Don’t miss a single project and subscribe via email HERE! Bonus- free embroidery pattern with sign up.

Another great way to connect with me is via Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Google +.  I’m looking forward to getting to know you and creating together!

This post 50+ Trim Projects to Inspire You appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

Staple Blankie – Sewing Humor

Does your work make the cut?  Check out our flickr group to see what others in our sewing community are working on.

This post Sewing Humor – Staple Blankie appeared first on The Sewing Loft.

Knit Fabric + Serger = Go Time!

My goal was to serge through my pile of knits and create a bunch of goodies before the girls got home from school.  Well, I am happy to report that sewing on my serger was a success…. Well, almost!  I finished 2 shirts and 2 skirts.  Plus, I had a bonus project of bleaching and dying fabric.

Do you ever have that happen? My machine was humming along and everything was great.  Then that pink fabric hit me like a ton of bricks and derailed the train! In the end, I think it was worth it. And if the rain ever stops and the sun shows back up, I will share a few photos and the easy how to.  Let this be a lesson, if you don’t LOVE your fabric, change it! There are always options.

Don’t forget that I love seeing what your working on too.  Please feel free to share on the Facebook page or in the flickr group!

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