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Everyone loves this little guy, and I get so many compliments on it. This bunny bag has two floppy ears and a little cotton bunny tail. When you wear it as a backpack, it will look like a bunny’s butt. ???? So cute. Just in time for Easter. Hippity Hoppity! I’ve seen so many people trying to copy this bag on Pinterest. This is the original! “The Newton Bag” One of my good friends has a son named Isaac. Since he was little, Isaac loved his Eeyore stuffie. Almost everyone knows what Eeyore looks like. Well, this past year, my … Read more

Do you need an easy reusable shopping bag pattern? I never have enough of these fabric bags, so I wrote up this tutorial for you. I’ve got a ton of Valentine’s Day stuff.  Contents1 Why I Love This Easy Reusable Shopping Bag Pattern2 FAQs3 Step-by-Step Tutorial4 The Final Why I Love This Easy Reusable Shopping Bag Pattern I have a love affair with pink. As you can tell by the site. One of the reasons why I must love Valentine’s Day so much. 🙂 So for this fabric shopping bag, I used pink fabric and love designs to make this … Read more

This is my guide on the different types of sewing machines, along with sewing machine reviews. Different Types of Sewing Machines I also have several basic sewing tutorials. The following is a list of the sewing machines types available for purchase. Each article has some information about the type of machine, along with reviews of models and my recommended make and model. Amazon is a great place to buy pretty much any type of machine. You used to have to buy, and repair, machines at a specialty shop. P.S. I’m filling in all sorts of information, so come back for … Read more

What are the basics of sewing? I’m creating a comprehensive series on how to learn the skills you need to start sewing. For beginners or advanced users alike. What Are The Basics of Sewing Did you know you can buy fabric on Amazon? Sometimes you can get a great deal, too! Also, check out my guide for the different types of sewing machines.

There are lots of sewing tools to choose from. So what are the 5 types of sewing tools? You might get overwhelmed on what to buy, but sewing doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is my list. This is another article in my Basics of Sewing series. To get started in sewing, you need some basic supplies such as scissors, an iron, and needles. Optional items include a sewing machine, a cutting mat, and a rotary cutter. These items can often be expensive, but there are cheaper alternatives to every tool that you can buy. But there are also a … Read more

Here is a Brother serger 1034DX review. In my opinion, one of the four best entry line serger machines based on the price and features. Brother makes great machines, and it won’t let you down. The Brother serger 1034DX is the latest addition to the family of Brother sergers. It’s one of of the recommended sergers. It still has some great features and benefits who want a reliable serger but don’t want to spend a fortune. It has numerous benefits, but it does not have a built-in rolled hem. It also only has 3 or 4 threads. Contents1 Brother Serger … Read more

Are you about to have a sewing machine but wondering what is a serging sewing machine? Here’s a guide for the details you need to learn what a serger is. The serging sewing machine is more commonly known as a serger or an overlocker. It offers multiple threads that stitches stretchy or even thick fabrics. Sergers also cut the fabric as it sews the edge. Another function is called overcasting the edge of your fabric, which is basically like wrapping the thread around the edge. By comparison, a regular household sewing machine uses 2 thread sources (the spool and the … Read more

Do you know how to sew without a needle and thread? I didn’t know, so I did some research on what I could do when I left my sewing supplies at home. Some are temporary solutions. But some are legitimate, no-sew options that might work better than the traditional supplies. To sew something when you don’t have a needle, you can use glue or pins, or you can make your own needle from bone, a syringe, or a paper clip. Contents1 How To Sew Without A Needle And Thread2 The Fabric Glue No Sew Method2.1 Spray Adhesive2.2 Fabric Glue2.3 Fusible Bonding Tape2.4 Fusible … Read more

Is it sewing or sowing? The difference between sewing and sowing is that sewing involves joining pieces of fabric together, while sowing involves putting seeds in the ground. People who sow seeds generally want to grow food to eat or grow beautiful flowers, trees, or shrubs. People who sew clothing together want something to wear. Both types of people may sow or sew just for the pleasure of the activity. Sewing or Sowing? Hmm… The two words are often confused with one another, but they have different meanings. Sow means to plant seeds in soil and then wait for them … Read more

Here is a list of all my crafting, sewing, and food link roundups for blog posts. Many feature my own work. Blog owners can add their own links at the bottom of each page.

What are the feed dogs on a sewing machine? This metal piece is an important part of the sewing machine. The feed dog is a metal plate that has little gripper teeth, and it is located underneath where the needle is. The feed dog is a metal plate that moves up and down to push fabric along. It is underneath the fabric, with the needle on top of the fabric. The teeth help grip the fabric, and it moves in spaced steps in conjunction with the needle going up and down. What Are The Feed Dogs On A Sewing Machine? There … Read more

Here are all my free easy sewing patterns that you can use and download. Each comes with full instructions. More to come soon! 🙂 Free Sewing Patterns Easy Did you know you can buy fabric on Amazon as well? Sometimes they have really good deals! Here is a list of my sewing patterns to download. You’ll receive each one as a separate email for signing up to my newsletter. If you want more than one of them, just sign up to each one. Don’t worry, you won’t receive multiple newsletter from me.  (Just the email information to download the pattern.)

Contents1 Hand Sewing the Hem Stitch2 How to Hand Sew a Hem Stitch3 Step One: Match Your Fabric4 Step Three: Knot the End & Hide It5 Step Four: Stitch Straight Through6 Step Five: Repeat7 Do you hand sew a lot? Hand Sewing the Hem Stitch I love my sewing machine, but sometimes it’s easier — and better — to hand sew something together. I like to do a lot of sewing by hand with hemming even though it’s probably just as easy to do it by machine. Today, I’m going to show how to do some hand sewing hem stitch. How to Hand Sew a Hem Stitch Just like the name implies, this … Read more

Here are some fall homemade decorations and easy autumn decorations that are simple and beautiful. Many of them are also cheap. Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the colors — oranges and browns — and the weather! And what fun! Hay rides, pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving! And yes, the decor, too. Contents1 DIY Fall Homemade Decorations: 25 Beautiful Ways To Celebrate The Season2 Spray Painted Gourds3 Shabby Chic Happy Fall Pumpkin Door Hanger4 Easy DIY Fall Burlap Wreath5 Shabby Chic Fall Wreath6 DIY Thanksgiving Wreath7 Pumpkin Checkers Game8 Waxed Leaves9 Waxed Leaf Garland10 Apple Spice and Everything Nice Candle11 A Wooden Pumpkin12 Pumpkin Mason Jars13 Pine Cone Vase with Fairy Lights14 Metallic … Read more

Contents1 Must-Have Supplies for Sewing Beginners2 Must-Have Sewing Supplies for Beginners3 What Sewing Supplies Do I Need?4 What Is A Good Sewing Machine For Beginners?5 Sewing Machine Needles6 Cutting Tools in Sewing7 Fabric Scissors8 Seam Ripper9 Small Scissors for Snipping Threads10 Rotary Cutter11 Sewing Measuring Tools12 Measuring Tape13 Set-Healing Cutting Mat14 Rotary Cutting Rulers15 Ironing Stuff16 An Iron17 Ironing Board18 Sewing Marking Tools19 Other Sewing Notions20 Needles21 Straight Pins22 Pin Cushion23 Thread24 Elastic Thread25 Pattern Weights26 Freezer Paper27 Fabric28 Fabric Glue29 Conclusion Must-Have Supplies for Sewing Beginners What are some of the essential supplies for sewing beginners? When you are new to sewing (or even when you are … Read more

Here’s a list of 25 easy Fourth of July crafts that you can do with your kids or just to decorate for a festive party. Appropriate for young kids to adult. Contents1 25 July 4th Crafts2 1. Fabulous Fourth of July Tie Dyed Dress3 2. July Fourth Cheer Bow4 3. Hand Print Fourth of July Shirt5 4. 4th of July Star Sun Catchers Kids Craft6 5. Patriotic Wreath7 6. 4th of July Water Blob8 7. Fourth of July Clothspin Wreath9 8. Fireworks Painting10 9. Patriotic Flowers11 10. Easy Painted USA Decoration12 11. Festive Hairclips13 12. Patriotic Paper Chain14 13. Uncle Sam Duct Tape Hat15 14. Fourth of July … Read more

The summer is here! I love the weather (even if it’s hot and humid here in PA), gardening … and, of course, summer vacation. I sought out 30+ easy summer crafts for kids to keep those little hands busy. Ages from toddlers to preschoolers – and even tweens and adults! I really love all these crafts. Part of me wishes that I had little ones again so I can make them up. Be sure to stop by and visit my own list of crafts – my favorite is the no-sew bow.

40+ Super Easter Craft Ideas For Preschoolers Easter time is so much fun. Here are some Easter craft ideas for preschoolers. I see a ton of crafts for adults or even older kids, but these are appropriate for the younger child. Be sure to check out some more Easter Bunny Crafts and Easter Foods, and my own Easter bunny drawstring bag tutorial. Also, please make sure to have adult supervision even with easy crafts for kids! Bunny Treat Cones These paper cones are great for favor “bags” for the kiddos. Bunny Cup I think this tutorial a great craft to … Read more

What could be better than a free baby romper sewing pattern? I mean, other than baby, of course. I’ve collected 22 free onsie patterns that you can download. A Free Baby Romper Sewing Pattern? (How About 22?) I didn’t realize that “romper” was another word for “onsie.” But here are some free ones for you. Want some more things to sew? Try this large list of free Valentine’s Day sewing patterns. Baby Ringer Onsie You can literally make any style for baby with this PDF download template. Upcycled Romper My kind of baby style! Turn a t-shirt into a baby romper. … Read more

What are the best sewing machine brands? There are tons of sewing machine brands on the market. It can be very confusing to purchase a new one. Be sure to check out my guide to what you will need in your beginner sewing box. Contents1 Chart for the Best Sewing Machine Brands — 2019 Guide2 1. Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine3 2. Brother Project Runway Sewing Machine4 3. Janome 2212 Sewing Machine5 4. Janome 8077 Computerized Sewing Machine6 5. Juki HZL-F600 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine7 6. JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine8 7. SINGER 7258 Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine9 8. SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist Computerized Sewing Machine10 This is my list … Read more

Today, I am going to show you to how to create a bokeh effect with Christmas tree lights. I love doing this, especially for portraits. They make everything sooo elegant! My helper today is Joe, who is the most patient model ever. He has to be for all those Instagram shots. Contents1 How To Create A Bokeh Effect With Christmas Tree Lights2 First Of All, What Is A Bokeh Effect?3 Let’s Talk About Depth of Field4 So What is Bokeh, Really?5 Cut To The Chase & Tell Me How To Create A Bokeh Effect With Christmas Tree Lights6 1. Use a Wide (Low-Number) Aperture7 2. … Read more

Blue 3″ Ribbon White cotton fabric Red cotton fabric 2 Packages, Iron-on Stars Fabric Fray Iron-on double-sided tape Hair elastics Contents1 Step-By-Step Instructional Guide to Making Your Own Cheer Bow2 Tips for Perfecting Your Bow Technique3 Adding Some More Finishing Touches4 Want to Be Totally Awesome?5 The Final of How to Make a Cheer Bow Out of Fabric6 Step-By-Step Instructional Guide to Making Your Own Cheer Bow7 Tips for Perfecting Your Bow Technique8 Adding Some More Finishing Touches9 Want to Be Totally Awesome?10 The Final of How to Make a Cheer Bow Out of Fabric Step-By-Step Instructional Guide to Making … Read more

Sew on some sequins or beads. Add some lace or ribbon. Use fabric paint to create designs or patterns. Sew on some patches or appliques. Use a bleach pen to take dye out of your tie dye. Contents1 Styling Your Tie Dye Dress for July 4th Celebrations1.1 The Final2 Adding Embellishments to Your Tie Dye Dress3 Styling Your Tie Dye Dress for July 4th Celebrations3.1 The Final4 Tips for Achieving Vibrant Colors and Patterns5 Adding Embellishments to Your Tie Dye Dress6 Styling Your Tie Dye Dress for July 4th Celebrations6.1 The Final7 Materials Needed for the Tie Dye Independence Day … Read more

Making fabric bows!! Bows are so beautiful. This tutorial is part of a series of 10 posts … all about bows! I am going to craft or refashion 10 projects using fabric bows in some way or another. After the series is over, I will come back to each post and add all of the tutorials. For this bow, you could make it into a hair bow or even just add some flair to a shirt or something. My daughter has already requested a bunch of hair bows. Making Fabric Bows … Bows, Bows, Bows Everywhere! Sometime around Christmas of last year, … Read more

For Christmas, our family makes homemade gifts for each other. We’ve had this tradition for a long time, so I’m constantly on the hunt for a DIY, homemade gift that does not totally suck. Like most teenagers, mine have some high standards.  I originally made these cute little key fobs during Christmas a few weeks ago for the women in our family (my kids as well as sister-in-laws, nieces, and friends), but I just haven’t gotten around to writing about it. Key fobs are so easy to make! This entire batch of key fobs took me less than 15 minutes. … Read more

I love upcycled clothing because not only is it frugal, but it is also eco conscious.  Eco fashion!  What a great phrase.  At any rate … on my mother’s last visit to my house, she left behind this shirt.  I really like it, but I didn’t want to touch it because it holds some nostalgic value for me.  Also, it is about two sizes too big for me.  What to do? (Sorry for the photo.)         Upcycling a Shirt How-To Since I had so much luck with dying, I decided the easiest way to upcycle this would be to dye … Read more

My daughter Liz has an obsession with colored jeans. She must have had a dozen pairs before the craze even started.  One day, we decided that we were going to make our own pair of colored jeans using an old, ugly pair of dark denim that she had floating in the back of her closet.      The first step is to bleach the jeans.  This was actually a difficult step, or at least time consuming and it made our bathroom smell like a pool.  We finally figured out that if you just left the jeans in the bleach water, it … Read more