National Sewing Month Is in Full Swing!

September is one of those months that has a LOT going on.

For starters, September is National Sewing Month. For those of us who sew and quilt on an almost daily basis, this is just a Tuesday! But give me a reason to pull out the margarita machine and I’m in!

I did a little digging and discovered this is a great month for learning, collaborating and shopping. On that note, I’ll dedicate this post to ways to enjoy and celebrate National Sewing Month!

LEARNING

1. Quilter’s Paradise Summit Fall 2026. Learn a new technique, brush up on an old one or sit and soak up the knowledge these 40 artisans have to offer. The free version officially starts on the 21st. But if you’re like me and like the convenience of watching the sessions at your own pace and like the idea of having access forever, you sign up as a VIP at any time. The lessons of FMQ gave the incentive to jump in and get started! The three highlighted here are so inspiring!
2. Quilters Candy Quilt Pattern Writing Course. This Elizabeth Chappell’s FINAL live quilt pattern writing course. True, she advertises this as a “quilt pattern writing course” but in reality, this course SO much more! If you are serious about taking your quilting business to the next level or are seriously interested in starting a business, this course is for you! My first pattern from this course is shown above and here.

COMMUNITY

1. As I write this, Week 3 of the Sweater Weather Sew Along (sponsored by the Nine Patch Collective) is underway. So far, I’m staying on track with one! I’ve not only finished blocks 1 and 2 but finished them ON TIME!!!
2. Sew a Jelly Roll Day, (sponsored by Moda Fabrics) is Saturday September 19th. The tradition began as a way to encourage quilters to use (vs keeping in storage), the Jelly Roll cuts of fabric they have on hand. I’m actually using a batik jelly roll from about 5 years ago. I have gathered all 42 pieces of fabric and sewn them together, (end to end). Now, I’m waiting for the green light to assemble this into a Jelly Roll Rug. Fingers crossed this turns out to look like a rug and not another bowl!

BARGAINS & SALES

I have a love-hate relationship with quilting. Not piecing the quilt top but the actual quilting all layers together. Lately, the love-hate relationship has been mostly hate. The hate has grown to a point that stops me from finishing the quilts that need quilting. I want to blame my domestic machine (a larger Janome 9450 that is designed for quilting) for not being up to the job. As a result of this line of thought, I’ve spent way too much time deliberating on whether or not to purchase a long arm machine.

Armed with the determination to find the solution and restore my joy in quilting again, I began my search for a long arm. I had two requirements: 1) It needed to be small enough for my sewing room and 2) Be within my budget.

My search led me to these two possibilities:

1. Janome Versa Pro 20 (shown above left) at the Missouri Sewing Machine Co.
2. HandiQuilter Amara ST at Quilting is My Therapy. (BTW – this is a heck of deal. Handi Quilters are 30% off!)

I performed exhaustive comparisons between the two machines. After speaking with my husband, we both agreed that either machine is the best option.

The big money ball was set and ready to roll until, while sitting at my sewing machine, a thought came over me. I took a long, hard look at my current machine and table set up and realized the problem. Quilting is not so difficult because of the machine. The problem is lack of work surface. My current sewing table is simply too small. Add to that, my machine sits too high.

Choosing either of the long arm machines would not solve the workspace issue. In fact, the workspace on each machine would be significantly less than what I have now.

For two and a half weeks, those sewing-furniture ads bombarded me; I rolled my eyes at them and scrolled past, but now they look pretty good.

My search for the “perfect” sewing cabinet is currently a WIP (like the stacks of fabric on my sewing table) but here is a quick rundown of what I’m liking so far:

1. Create Room from the Dream Box XL Plus to the cute Cubby, they appear to have something that your sewing room or craft space could use. Personally, I’m looking at this.
2. Koala Quilters Vision and Companion Cabinet at the Missouri Sewing Machine Co.

I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I envision a trip to the MSMC. I’ll report my findings and hopefully, an image or two of my latest purchase!

Enjoy the remainder of National Sewing Month and if you participate in Sew a Jelly Roll Day be sure to show off your creations!