easy sewing tutorial

February 4, 2018February 2, 2018

Pineapple Peek-a-boo Reverse Applique

We love following trends. In the 70s it was bell bottoms and disco. The 80s brought perms and acid wash to the masses. Grungy jeans and flannel were all the rage in the 90s. And today? Well, it’s all about pineapples!

Pineapples are everywhere in fashion and decor. I’ve seen lamps, socks, earrings, and even a little pineapple-shaped dog house for your pampered pup. The whole world is in love with these golden fruits, and it’s no wonder; pineapples represent sunshine and warmth and far-off adventures.

This week I’m making a reverse applique pineapple quilt using fantastic batiks and my trusty Shark Applicutter. This project is so cool, it will be rocking that tropical vibe long after the pineapple trend has sailed away. Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

August 27, 2017August 25, 2017

Reflective Stars Quilt

Half-square triangles are as basic as it gets, but that doesn’t mean they are boring. Those little easy-to-make blocks are so amazingly versatile, I’ll never stop building with ‘em.

Today’s project, Reflective Stars, is a modern mashup of simple and complex design elements. But because we’re using half-square triangles, construction is a cinch! Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

July 2, 2017June 30, 2017

Folded Fabric Yoga Mat Bag

A few weeks ago I demonstrated how to build a thick, sturdy Folded Strips Bag out of jelly roll strips. Today I’m expanding on that concept with a Folded Fabric Yoga Mat Bag. The strips are folded and stitched together the same way, but this bag is designed to fit a rolled up yoga mat.

In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate how to install a zipper and attach circular ends to your bag. Click HERE to watch!

April 23, 2017April 21, 2017

Checkered Cross Quilt

In many forms of art, there are no shortcuts. No “marble carving made easy.” No “glass blowing for dummies.” Talent must be honed over years of meticulous practice, and even then, it takes a good dose of natural ability to succeed.

Luckily, quilting is one art that can be enjoyed by just about everyone, no matter your skill level. Today’s Checkered Cross is an intricate design, but the construction is so simple, even a beginner can tackle this quilt! Click HERE to watch the vid!

April 16, 2017November 9, 2018

Folded Strips Bag

There are hundreds of bag patterns out there, but when I make a tote, I don’t settle for ordinary. It’s got to look great, and it’s got to be tons of fun to make.

This week, I grabbed a jelly roll, ironed the pieces into narrow, multi-layered strips, and started zig-zagging like a madman. It’s a unique construction, but the result is a cool, durable bag that is unlike anything you’ve seen before!

Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

April 9, 2017April 28, 2017

Hexagon Color Wheel Quilt

Crank up the tunes and get comfy, folks, cuz we’re headed for a piecing palooza!

Today I’m stitching together a sea of gray hexagons. Add a punch of rainbow-ordered color, and you’ve got a super-modern color wheel! If you enjoy the piecing process as much as I do, this quilt is going to rock your world! Click HERE to watch the tutorial

March 26, 2017March 24, 2017

Island Sunset

When the sun sets over the ocean, you get a magnificent burst of color – but it only lasts a few moments. Today I’m stitching up an Island Sunset that will remain brilliant for years to come!

This quilt was inspired by Missouri Star’s Disappearing Pinwheel. It’s a project that looks complex, but the truth is, it couldn’t be easier! Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

March 19, 2017March 17, 2017

Reusable Grocery Bag

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a giant floating island of trash that stretches from Hawaii to Japan. It covers an area larger than the continental United States, and it gets bigger every single year.

You can be part of the solution with my eco-friendly Reusable Grocery Bag. It’s super simple to make and extremely durable. Use it in place of plastic shopping bags – Mother Earth will thank you!

Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

Click HERE for a free downloadable PDF!

February 19, 2017February 16, 2017

How To Add Netting To A Landscape Quilt

Freestyle applique leaves you with a million raw edges. And then, when it’s time for machine quilting, you have to carefully stitch along the perimeter of each piece. Frankly, it cramps my “free” style.

Today I’ll show you how to add a layer of nylon netting over your quilt top. It’ll hold everything in place so your stitch patterns can be wild and free.

Click HERE to watch the vid!

February 5, 2017February 3, 2017

Indestructible Luggage Tag

Globe trotters, today’s your day! I’m working on a fabric luggage tag that can really take a beating. It’s made from a solid piece of James Thompson canvas, so it’s incredibly strong and durable.
Customize this project with your favorite fabric color, cool decorative stitching, or even a bit of applique. Then slide in your business card, and you’ve got a unique tag that’ll last for years to come.

Click HERE to get the free downloadable PDF!