tutorial – Man Sewing

November 19, 2017November 17, 2017

How to Piece a T-Shirt Quilt Top

If you have a collection of cool t-shirts, it’s time to transform those puppies into a quilt! We tend to hang onto t-shirts because they hold great memories: killer concerts, unforgettable vacations, college days. Even if you don’t wear them anymore, they represent happy times.

But if you think you enjoy those old t-shirts while they’re stuffed away in the back of the closet, just imagine how much you’ll love having them on display as a totally unique, totally awesome quilt. Click HERE to check out my best tips for making your t-shirt quilt a success!

September 10, 2017September 8, 2017

Hot Iron Travel Cover

I’ve been lucky to travel all over the country to share my love of quilting. After so many trips, I’m pretty good at packing my gear quickly, but waiting for the iron to cool off can really slow me down!

That’s why I made this week’s tutorial, the Hot Iron Travel Cover! This little insulated cover slips right over the hot plate of your iron! Click HERE to watch the vid!

September 3, 2017September 1, 2017

Free Motion Quilting: Seasonal Pumpkins and Holly

Rev up those sewing machines and get ready to stitch, cuz I’ve got two new FMQ motifs that are going to rock your holiday socks off!

Pumpkins and vines are perfect for all kinds of festive quilt projects. So crank up your favorite Halloween/ Thanksgiving/Christmas mix tape, and have a blast whipping up these cool little designs! 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 16, 2017July 14, 2017

Lined Zipper Pouch

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!

July 9, 2017July 7, 2017

Reverse Appliqué Snowflake Quilt

Do you remember making snowflakes in grade school? We’d fold the paper into an itty-bitty triangle, snip out shapes with little safety scissors, and then open it up to reveal a frosty masterpiece. Good times!

Today we’re kicking it back to those school days, but this time we’ve brought along our best sewing shears and a yard of batik. Click HERE to learn how to make an applique Snowflake Quilt!

June 25, 2017June 23, 2017

Water Bottle Holder

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!)

June 18, 2017June 16, 2017

Rainbow Strips Quilt as You Go Tutorial

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!

June 4, 2017June 2, 2017

Tree Hugger Quilt

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!

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!