Pineapple Peekaboo

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  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. ThisRead More →

Folded Fabric Yoga Mat Bag

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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!

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Cutting down on waste is one of the best ways to take care of Mother Earth, so I love working on reusable projects. My Double-Pull Drawstring Bag is a great substitute for throw-away bags, and it’s a cinch to make. In the tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to create this highly customizable bag, with French seams and casings! Use it as a super-durable shopping bag, a gift bag, or a travel toiletry kit. Organize small toys, sewing supplies, or electronic accessories.  The possibilities are endless! Click HERE to watch the vid, and if you think of a clever use for this bag, let meRead More →

FMQ Skills and Drills: Basic Twist with Rob Appell

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Come on, baby! Let’s do the twist! It’s time for another Free Motion Quilting tutorial. This week, we’re working on a Basic Twist.  It’s a simple motif that packs a punch when you need to fill large areas. In this tutorial, I’ll show you two versions of this design, so pick your favorite and start stitching! Click HERE to watch the vid. (This is the 17th video in my FMQ series. I’ve gone over techniques, troubleshooting, and tons of cool motifs. Check out the entire collection HERE!)

Let Rob show you a great spin to the Burst Block!

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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!  

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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

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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!  

Check out Man Sewing's Indestructible Luggage Tag Tutorial!

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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!