Make a Fidget Quilt with Rob Appell

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A fidget quilt is outfitted with a variety of textures and moveable parts: prairie points, ric rac, pockets, velcro, zippers, you name it! It’s purpose is to occupy restless hands and soothe anxious minds – all while keeping your legs warm. Fidget quilts can provide tons of comfort to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, and fiddling with those little parts and pieces is great exercise for the mind as well as the hands. (They are also great for kids and adults with ADHD, ADD, or autism.) These quilts are super fun to make, and they bless the lives of those who receiveRead More →

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In About Man Sewing, Shark Applicutter
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I began work on the Shark Applicutter more than five years ago, and the reason I invented it was a safety issue. I had started using the smallest rotary cutter I could find, an 18mm, to cut out the shapes used in my Endangered Species project. These quilts featured an “up close and personal” portrait of each endangered animal and required a lot of intricate cutting. As we all know, necessity is the mother of invention, so I started using my rotary cutter in a new way, holding it like a pen instead of using an overhand grip. When I used it this way, I couldRead More →

Create a Shark Appliqué Design with Rob Appell of Man Sewing

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In Bonus Video, Free Printable Download, Giveaway, Shark Applicutter
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I knew the first ever Sharkapalooza Week at Missouri Star Quilt Co and Man Sewing had to be special, and what better way to celebrate this fintastic week, than with a FREE  Shark Applique Design download! To make this project, I grabbed my trusty Shark Applicutter, a Colors of Moda–Blues Fat Quarter Bundle, and some Heat N Bond Feather Lite and ironed on some fusible before I dove into cutting! Once I had all of my pieces ready to go, I went directly to my sewing machine…I couldn’t wait to see this shark come to life! After sewing the appliqué, I used a remaining fat quarter as aRead More →

Learn how to use a walking foot and stitch in the ditch with Rob! Appell of Man Sewing

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Stitch in the ditch is a style of machine quilting that simply follows the seam lines of the quilt top. The trouble is, all those layers of fabric and batting can really bog down the operation.   My advice? Swap out your presser foot for a walking foot. The walking foot is like “4-wheel drive” for your machine. It gently guides the top layer of fabric in sync with the feed dogs, so everything stays smooth and properly sandwiched. Click HERE to learn how to stitch in the ditch with your walking foot!

Lined Zipper Pouch

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Let’s talk zippers. Zipper installation is a must for any sewist, but it can be pretty intimidating at first, so this week I’m making it easy. I’m working on a simple zippered pouch that is designed to fit a small 1st aid kit. (Of course, you can customize your pouch to fit anything under the sun!) It’s a cool project that is super versatile, and I’ll share my best tips for perfecting those zipper skills. Click HERE to watch the vid!

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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No matter where you adventures may lead, it’s important to keep your water bottle handy. From an afternoon at the skatepark to a backpacking trip through epic mountain ranges, hydration is key! This week I’m working on a simple mesh & paracord water bottle holder that can fit a variety of water bottle sizes, and is sure to keep your H20 close at hand! Click HERE to watch the tutorial! (Need a cool new water bottle? Click HERE to snag a Man Sewing bottle like mine!)

Rainbow Strips Quilt as You Go Tutorial

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Quilt-as-you-go is a nice change of pace for a quilter like me. I generally spend many happy hours piecing, sandwiching, and machine quilting my projects, but a quilt-as-you-go is finished in one step. The top is actually built on a foundation of backing and batting, so the quilt is complete the minute the last piece is attached. Add a quick binding, and you’re ready for snuggle time! Click HERE to watch the vid!  

Troubleshoot Drop in Bobbins with Rob

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A sewing machine is an amazing tool, but it needs regular maintenance to function at its best. If you’re worried about working on your own machine, don’t be! I have over 15 years experience as a sewing machine technician, and I can tell you, cleaning routines and basic fixes are a piece of cake! Today I’m demonstrating how to keep your drop-in bobbin in tip-top shape. Click HERE to watch the video. (Check out more sewing machine maintenance tutorials HERE!)

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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 →