After spending time prepping the pieces for my new bag, I couldn’t let it sit!  Over two days I found the time to put it together and completely love it!

It’s huge – measuring 17″ across the bottom.  My plan with this bag, is to take me through The Sewing Summit weekend, with anything important in it with me!  It is large enough to hold my laptop, more likely I will carry my iPad as it is lighter, any lists, papers whatever I need; I plan to have with me in this bag!  Thankfully there are lots of pockets to keep me organized too!

Both the front and back have the scoop pocket, one with a phone pocket too, and two large zipper pockets inside.  As it is so large, I opted … Read More »

I have a new book to share with you today, just released yesterday!  I had the pleasure of “meeting” Melissa Ramirez a couple months ago, when she offered me a copy of her new book – Pleating for Mercy: A Magical Dressmaking Mystery.

Do I have your attention yet?

This is a fun read with plenty of sewing included!  While this isn’t usually a requirement for my reading – it is a fun addition.

Harlow Cassidy returns to the home of her recently passed away great-grandmother after 15 years away from Bliss, Texas.  She’s been fully immersed in the fashion industry in New York, but her inheritance (great-grandmothers home) draws her back to open a dressmakers shop, in said home.

With her first client comes a lot more than just dresses. There’s the bit about her family having special, magical gifts, and a crime … Read More »

Last week I had a couple of posts with ideas for using Lapel Stick – and I loved working with it!  It’s great for installing a zipper -

without pins, and Sophia and I had a great time learning to sew -

without pins!  The pieces are re-positional so you can be sure that it is just where you want it, and it all washes out, won’t hurt your fabric in any way.

I’m positive there are 500 other ways to use Lapel Stick – what would you do with it?

Here’s your chance to win these two Lapel Sticks!

Leave me a comment telling me how you would use it – for one chance.

Like Lapel Stick on Facebook and leave me another comment – for a second … Read More »

Hi Friends!  Along with the Challenge Link up, I get to share this great product with you, and give one away – keep reading!

Kelly at I Have a Notion invited me to get to know the Beam n Read, and I was happy to test drive this super functional light!  I’ve added mine to my hexie supplies in my new pouch.

The Beam n Read is a great size to work into any bag, and perfect for handwork while sitting in a low light room or in the dark – while not disturbing anyone else around you.

During the hot summer months, our backyard is the perfect spot to cool off after the sun goes down.  Of course I’m not one to sit with idle hands, so I have enjoyed … Read More »

Want to win a new book!?  Check out Pat Sloan’s newest book – right here!  Pat has released 3 books in the last 6 months…not sure how she has managed to survive those months of planning, sewing and writing, but I’m so glad to have a chance to look through this book and share it with you!  Pat you are an inspiration, thanks for sharing with all of us!

What a Novel Idea! is all about using your favorite novelty prints, in fun, quick quilts!  This book is full of inspiration, for your next quilt!

Do you have a collection of novelty prints?  Mine is pretty limited, as is the space I have to store fabric!  The few I have are bright and bold, and were must have, impulse buys.  Sound familiar?  I have a good … Read More »

A Thread of Sky by Deanna Fei is a complex and well crafted novel, that I enjoyed reading!

From the publisher:

When her husband of thirty years is killed in a devastating accident, Irene Shen and her three daughters are set adrift. Nora, the eldest, retreats into her high-powered New York job and a troubled relationship. Kay, the headstrong middle child, escapes to China to learn the language and heritage of her parents. Sophie, the sensitive and artistic youngest, is trapped at home until college, increasingly estranged from her family-and herself. Terrified of being left alone with her grief, Irene plans a tour of mainland China’s must sees, reuniting three generations of women-her three daughters, her distant poet sister, and her formidable eighty-year-old mother-in a desperate attempt to heal her fractured family.

If only it was so easy. Each woman arrives bearing secrets … Read More »

I have a special book to share with you today, it is a piece of history brought to light, and highlights the art of handmade!

Vintage Notions (as in ideas) is a big book chalk full of insights and inspiration.

Amy Barickman has beautifully compiled inspirational essays, cleaver sewing patterns, cooking basics, and beautiful illustrations from the work of Mary Brooks Picken.  Mary was an innovator of her time (1886-1981), she worked diligently to teach women the art of sewing, dressmaking, designing, millinery and cookery.  Women everywhere sang her praises, as she encouraged them to find happiness, and satisfaction in all aspects of life.  AND many of these principles can still be applied to my life today!

The book is broken down into months, as our projects vary with each season.  I love how it’s laid out!

A … Read More »