with Rob Appell
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!
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!)
My Man Sewing team loved this quilt so much, everyone wanted to take it home! That’s when I knew I had to give it away to one of you, of course! One lucky winner will be taking home my Rainbow Strips Quilt, signed by yours truly, and to top it off, I’ll add some free motion quilting to it!
Click here to enter: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/88e8f17c15/?
The giveaway will run until Friday, July 21, and the winner will be announced the following week!
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!
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!)
I’ve got to admit, I’m a bit of a tree hugger. And with good reason!
Over the course of one year, a 100-foot-tall Oak can convert 50 pounds of carbon dioxide into 6,000 pounds of oxygen. That’s a lot of fresh air!
That same tree can sustain 284 species of insects, which, in turn, support countless birds and small mammals.
In short, trees are amazing! Click HERE to learn how to make my latest tree-inspired design, The Tree Hugger Quilt!
If you’re like me, and always on the go, then packing your sewing supplies is a must! Having a highly portable sewing station on the road is exceptionally helpful for working on projects, and is especially handy for toting tools to and from workshops! That’s why I designed the Tool Kit Journal.
This unique carrying case can be customized to fit a variety of supplies. Fill it up with your most-used sewing tools, and you’ll have everything you need in one neat, portable package. Click HERE to watch the vid.
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 me know in the comment section!
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!)
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!