Reason to Celebrate

From Melissa Peda - 100billionstars.com

September was National Sewing Month. If your month was anything like mine, you barely noticed it was September, let alone a month long national celebration of sewing.

For most of us, sewing is not an occasional or seasonal activity. We can come up with any excuse to sew, or in the absence of time or motivation, at least buy fabric in hopes of one day finding that time and motivation. Our stashes are proof of this simple fact--filled to overflowing, crammed into hidey holes or simply set out in plain sight. We spend a lot of time dreaming and drooling about one aspect or another of sewing. Celebrating sewing is our way of life.

If I had to pick just one thing to celebrate, it would be this: options! This is an amazing time for fabric lovers and sewists. We're spoiled for choice. With so many designers putting out beautiful, unique prints, there truly is something for everyone. No matter what your style, finding the right fabric is just a click away. With the right pattern, your favorite prints and a few stolen hours at the sewing machine, you're ready to show the world who you are. And if that changes from time to time, you can always sew up something new.

If you're feeling a little boho chic, grab a bit of Zandra Rhodes' Lace Mountain collection and download our free pattern for this floppybag. There's plenty of room for a change of clothes, groceries or whatever else you need to carry. Yet when it's empty, it takes up very little space. 

Earth Day Save the Planet, Joel Dewberry True Colors Shopping Bag

We have teamed up with Creativebug to offer some great classes from our True Colors designers.  Joel Dewberry and his wife Laurie share this great tote project... who doesn't need another tote bag to carry their groceries around in?

Joel and Laurie combine their love of colorful fabric with sewing know-how to make a stunning and sturdy farmer's market tote bag. Both the interior and exterior of the bag are pieced together with eye-catching fabrics. Laurie walks you through the steps for constructing the bag from the inside out, and covers details like adding fusible interfacing and making pockets. Once the sides of the bag are assembled, she shows you how to add the bottom of the bag and hand-sew the opening closed with a slipstitch. A little decorative top stitching gives the finished bag a polished look.  Click here to listen to Joel and Laurie talking about the tote.

Joel Dewberry's True Colors Collection

 

 

Fabulous Fun and Fast Holiday Gift Ideas!

Ho! Ho! Ho! A bit too soon? If you have been in a department store lately, we are right on time. In terms of your sewing, we are certain your machine is already whirring away creating beautiful hand made gifts stitched together with heartfelt love . . . and lots of fabric too! To help your creativity, we are going to be sharing some Fabulous, Fast and Fun project ideas between now and December 23. As the time ticks by the ideas will get simplier so you can create gift, after gift, after gift -- even a few extra just in case! Let's start with this fun, colorful Patchwork Tote featuring FreeSpirit Notting Hill by Joel Dewberry. It could be the perfect tote for your friend's needlework and/or knitting. Or maybe, make one just for you! Click here to start sewing! Ho, Ho, Ho!