National Sewing Month Featuring Amy Butler

Amy Butler shares her sewing story for National Sewing Month!

My first sewing project was more of a gluing project, and so began the early makings of me as a sewist. My grandma would let me paw through her beautiful scrap bags of fabric for hours in her cozy attic sewing room. I loved being in that space. G’s house was older with charming dormers that let in just the right amount of warm light. Every summer I would get time with her just the two of us, for a whole week. She’d go out of her way to make me feel special; cutting my toast into triangles, giving me my own little pots of tea and letting me explore her craft room, art supplies and fabrics. When I turned 7, G taught me how to sew on one of her rougher machines. I’ll never forget that first time she let me play in her material. I spent hours making a full collection of summer clothes for my neighborhood friends by cutting, gluing and taping together some pretty stylish halter tops. Their clothes fell apart immediately but they appreciated my efforts, and I’ll always remember that outpouring of creativity and how good it felt. I created a photo collage here with 7 year old me and a pretty accurate photo of G from that era. The fabric scraps in the background are from my Grandfather’s silk ties. G made them into a gorgeous flying geese quilt after he passed and I’m lucky enough to be the keeper of that quilt.

Make sure to sign up for a chance to win fabric from Verna Mosquera along with our Coats Quilt+ thread! You will also be entered for a chance to win our Grand Prize giveaway featuring SEW many goodies including a Janome AMH-100 Machine!

ENTER TO WIN HERE!

National Sewing Month Featuring Verna Mosquera

Verna Mosquera shares her sewing story for National Sewing Month!

When I was a little girl my grandmother would come from Guatemala and spend about 6 months out of every year with my family. She was always sewing and doing handwork. She let me use her sewing machine a little. My mom realized I had a true interest in learning so one summer at the age of 9 she signed me up for a 6 week class at the Singer store in the local mall. 

I really loved the class and remember our summer project was to make a vest. At the end of the class there was a fashion show in the mall in which you would get to wear (show off) your creation. Well, even as a young girl I was a bit of an over achiever. I didn’t just make a vest I made a 3 piece suit! A jacket, pants, vest and a collared shirt. It was just lovely made of tan polyester and calico flowers. I mean it doesn’t get better than that. 

This past winter my mom passed away. As I was looking through some of her items I found the plaque from the trophy I had won. First place, no doubt. So funny because I had no recollection of winning any prize just the memory of proudly wearing that stunning 70’s creation. Thought it was pretty sweet of my mom to save it. That class changed my life and I thank my mom Vicky for recognizing my passions before I was able to. 

Make sure to sign up for a chance to win fabric from Verna Mosquera along with our Coats Quilt+ thread! You will also be entered for a chance to win our Grand Prize giveaway featuring SEW many goodies including a Janome AMH-100 Machine!


ENTER TO WIN HERE!

Great Gift Ideas and a Gift For You!

The Holidays are sneaking up on everybody so we thought it would be a good idea to give you some quick and easy project ideas. Below are pictures of the Leanika Canvas Panels by Dena Designs. The entire pattern and directions come on a 1yd panel. There are two different patterns, one being a tote and one an apron. The tote straps are adjustable and the apron fits most sizes. They retail for around 10dollars so it makes for a fairly inexpensive gift. So if you are running late on your present making/buying this is a great idea that doesn't take much time at all!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

It just so happens we have an extra apron panel around here so comment with your favorite Holiday gift you enjoy making for others and you could be selected to win this apron panel! Don't forget to include your e-mail in your comment. Winner will be chosen on Thursday, Dec. 10th. Good luck!

More Fall FreeSpirit Lines and a Giveaway!

This is one of Anna Maria Horner's collection, Little Folks that is coming out. She has a few different collections that will be on different substrates that we can't wait to introduce!

Jane Sassman's new collection, Sunshine & Shadows


Jay McCarroll's new collection Germania

Tanya Whelan's new collection Dolce

(Fabric images above are not correct scale and do not show the entire line.)

So don't you think it's about time for a GIVEAWAY? WE DO! We have 4, 3yard bundles we are going to giveaway. One will randomly be given to a 'FreeSpirit Follower' and the other 3 will require comments. So leave us a comment telling us your favorite designer between Luella Doss, Donna Dewberry, Jay McCarroll or Jone Hallmark and we will randomly select 3 people to receive 3 yards of these new collections. Good luck! Giveaway will end Monday, Aug. 31st.

Updates, Updates, Updates! (Giveaway CLOSED)

Hey Readers! Well we have big updates at Westminster Fibers that involves our FreeSpirit website. If you have not been to the FreeSpirit site in a while, it's time to stop by because we have made many updates that makes the website more eye-catching, and easier to navigate. Also, a HUGE addition as well!

We wanted to not only show our fabrics, but also show what you can do with the fabric. On the homepage, pictures will fade in and out of finished projects using our new fabric collections, with swatches beside the projects. Also, we have added some 'sort' features that will help you find your favorite collections fast. Last but not least, we have our Westminster Fibers Finished Products on the website as well! This includes Umbrellas, Fabricware, Fleece Kits, Backpacks and Reading Glasses with many more additions on the way.

Due to the Finished Product addition on the website, we are giving away this large Fabricware tray! So post your comments on what you think about the website makeover and we will randomly pick a winner on Thursday, June 11th! Enjoy the website and good luck!