The Sewing Room

Hello again and welcome to my weekly post where I share ideas that I hope will inspire you to spend your weekend doing something fun and creative and… maybe learn something new along the way!

Before September completely slips through our hands I’d like to say a word or two about sewing and National Sewing Month.

(The above image is from the National Sewing Month website. If you want other graphics to promote NSM or your site or other social media platforms, the site has a link that will direct you additional downloadable files.)

Sewing was my path to quilting. Before I even thought about quilting, I was making many of my own clothes in high school – an accepted practice back then as a majority of the designer clothing and designer labels available for mass production were in the very beginning stages of influence and significance.

Forty+ years later, fashion and design trends continue to be vitally important guiding principles that help us form many of the decisions we make.

Since the Industrial Revolution our culture has gradually evolved from “handmade” and “homemade” to mass-produced and ready-to-wear however, the need for self-expression remains unchanged. The need for self-expression is just as vital to our sense of well-being today as it was in generations past.

Sewing, of course, is not the only path to self-expression but for those of us who love the texture of fabric and find inspiration creating an usable item from a flat piece of cloth, a pair of scissors and a spool of thread, sewing offers endless opportunity for self-expression.

Are you new to sewing? The National Sewing Circle is a great place to start.  Instructional videos are available and cover a wide range of topics.  While browsing their site earlier today prices on most (if not all) instructional videos in this cateory are drastically reduced!

I also found a project pattern set – 10 patterns for $15.99!

All this is just for starters…

So scroll down and let’s get this weekend started!

1. Work + Flow

September, aka National Sewing Month, offers 30 full days to sew, create, design and dream. That’s the potential for a LOT of projects and ideas to be transformed into projects. With that comes the potential for many projects to go unfinished or neglected however, there is a solution: “WorkFlowy“.

I discovered this system of organization about a year ago and love it. It is a clean, uncluttered outline format designed to help you keep track of multiple projects.

WorkFlowy is designed to not only help you get organized, you stay organized.

Do you look at your ‘To-Do’ list and feel so overwhelmed you don’t know where to start?

As you accomplish a task or goal, you are able to mark it off (a line is drawn across the task) and the wording is faded. (You can completely remove as well – your choice) but sometimes a visual that allows you to see what all you have accomplished is just the incentive you need to forge ahead – to put one foot in front of the other and get that next task checked off.

What else is so great about it?

It’s FREE. It’s FUN and it’s EASY to use. Want to take a look around? Here is your very own invitation to organization!

---

2. Fall in Paducah

The American Quilt Society has created another Four days of Fun – September 11 – 14. It is my intention to be in Paducah, KY this time next year. If I start planning now…today…(see item #1 above) that is a goal that should be completely doable. While I’m there, I’ll also be taking a tour of National Quilt Museum.

---

3. What’s Happening in the Sewing Room

It seems a quilter I follow – Sherri at A Quilting Life and a blogger I also follow – Christy at Confessions of a Serial DIY’er have been channeling each other’s thoughts.

~~ My own sewing room is getting smaller by the minute however, I am not at a point in my life where that is going to change anytime soon. So, in the meantime I have to continue to make the most of what space I have. Accomplishing this involves organization and re purposing existing furniture.

The image above is a sewing table I found in a thrift shop about 20 years ago. It needs some TLC – quite a bit of TLC to be honest, but I think after a little cleaning, some fresh stain or paint, leg extensions and new hardware, this would be one (of many) solutions to my sewing room organization dilemma.

~~ Bowl Fillers – I’ve been scouring Pinterest for ideas that are cute, unique and easy to make. I found a few but when I checked out my blog following this morning and found these cute, unique and adorable sweater pumpkins I knew my quest was over.

Now, if I want to get both of these projects done this weekend, I will certainly need to plan ahead and get organized!

The sweater pumpkin post includes a video tutorial – watching this first will surely save time and frustration I would otherwise experience if trying to “wing it” on my own.

---

4. Going Green

I love the idea of reusable shopping bags but I don’t love the bags I’m currently using. Browsing the web for ideas and inspiration brought me to this shop and then to this colorful pattern!

As much as I love color, I may give this pattern a try in a solid canvas or even waxed canvas to make it super sturdy and water resistant. I think it would be fun to make 3 or 4 of these for each of the four seasons and a perfect excuse for a fabric road trip!

To accomplish this monumental task without adding to my unfinished project pile, devote one weekend at the beginning of each season for purpose of making 3-4 reusable bags.

My ‘WorkFlowy’ is getting a workout!

---

5. Hey Susan! What ‘Ya Cookin’?

Pam at House of Hawthornes has done it again. This time with a quick, easy and delicious recipe using all my favorite ingredients: apples, walnuts, cinnamon and butter. 15 minutes to prepare + 2.5 hours in a crock pot – the result = a slice of autumn heaven in a bowl…

I can’t think of a better way to end a weekend full of planning, dreaming, creating, re purposing and organizing than this!

---

How will you spend your weekend?

Have a favorite recipe? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Be Creative & Have Fun This Weekend!

I cannot believe how fast this past week has flown by!

Kids are back in school. Retail merchandise and displays are making their seasonal shift replacing outdoor furniture and pool side toys with Halloween, fall themed (and in some cases Christmas) decor.

As much as I love the scent of pumpkin spice, watching the transformation of color to the typical red/orange/yellow hues in everything from nature to fashion, snow flakes and jingle bells I’m not yet ready for any of that. Not yet.

Today, my main interest is the coming weekend and as I have been doing every Thursday for the past month, providing you with a handful of ideas to inspire that spark of creativity you need to make the most of your weekend.

Let’s enjoy these last few days of August and who knows, you might also find something that helps to be a little more prepared for what fall and winter will soon bring!

So with that in mind let’s head…

---

1) On the Road Again

If the combination of a road trip and quilt festival is on your agenda for the near, mid and/or not-too-distant future, now would be a good time to start making plans for one of American Quilter’s Society (AQS) sponsored Quilt Weeks. Their first is already underway in Grand Rapids, MI, but if you hurry and don’t have to travel too far, there is still time to attend on Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th!

This is too far a drive for me right now and if the hubs and I hadn’t made a trip to Michigan a few months back I would very likely be there now! Reading about this brings back memories of the Kansas city Regional Quilt Festival (KCQRF) I attended back in June. I loved every minute – especially the class learning to use the “Clammy” template and being able to take a test drive on a high an end Janome and Juki sewing machine.

I will admit, my bucket list does include another trip to Paducah, KY – this time to hopefully attend an AQS Quilt Week (I’m not going to make it there this year) and visit the National Quilt Museum.

---

2) Getting Things Done

So, let’s assume you’re simply not in the mood for another sewing/quilting project. Typically, when this happens to me it is largely due to feeling overwhelmed and nothing makes me feel more overwhelmed than disorganization.

I cannot live in clutter – everything must have it’s place and when not in use, it must be IN that place!

When I began quilting as a serious hobby, I soon realized (like after about 15 minutes or so) that this new hobby brought with it a new set of organization and de-cluttering challenges. There are a multitude of issues regarding storage alone – fabric, patterns, thread, bobbins, presser feet, rulers, scissors and rotary cutters and cutting mats – and this is just for starters. From this, you need storage for quilt kits and works in progress. And beyond storage, is the need to be able to access what you need, when you need it and be able to do without wasting a lot time searching.

Having a small space to sew is a double-edged sword. While there isn’t a lot real estate to store and display my quilting items, when I do find myself having to search for a particular item the space in which it is potentially located isn’t large, so… it should take too long to locate “that” item, right?

As much as I’d like to answer in the affirmative, most of the time the answer is no. If I had space to devote to the storage unit in the image above (hat tip to myblogika.com) I would be able to report that a majority of my storage issues would be solved!

However, until that day arrives, I have discovered a couple of very useful and efficient strategies that have helped immensely – especially in keeping up with my works in progress.

Kate Colleran of Seams Like A Dream reports she is currently working on “about 14 quilts”. I am finally down to 2 but the prospect of a third and fourth in the planning stages has me a little anxious – I cannot imagine how many anxiety-reducing medications I would need if I had 14 quilts PLUS a multitude of other projects in the works, and ALL with October and November deadlines!!! Wow.

So how do I stay organized and keep up with my handful of projects?

~~~ These handy, dandy storage bins with lids – Snapware 16″x3″ Storage bin w/ Turquoise Lid:

I have a stack of them – they are the perfect size to hold all your cut quilting pieces, backing fabric, pattern and thread. If you are like me, when you have o stop in the middle of a project – sometimes for a stretch of several days and do not have the space to leave everything out until you return, being able to pack everything into one stackable, covered bin is a lifesaver!

Another go-to storage item is from Sterilite – these are another of my favorites!

---

~~~ Utilize a Design Wall for Multiple Purposes:

To channel Kate Colleran once again – she speaks of using her Design Wall to help with visually organizing quilt blocks and has taken the idea one step further through the use of a curtain rod for a similar purpose.

You can read more about my thoughts on both of my design walls here.

The more of use them (both the large wall mounted shown above with, if all things, a UFO from Kate Colleran’s Road Trip Quilt Along!) and small portable shown below with an empty surface…

… the more I rely on them not just for quilt top design but to keep me on track. It is my intent that as long as an unfinished quilt is still up on both walls I won’t begin a new project until at least one quilt top is ready to come down.

Looks like I can start something small 🙂

---

3) Vintage Quilting with Jo Morton

I can’t talk about Jo Morton without revisiting the KCRQF where I was able to view and vote on several beautiful quilts however, the ones that really struck my eye were those in that warm, primitive style that is so Jo Morton.

One of my favorite online fabric and quilting shops: Connecting Threads has available for sale (and on sale!) a book by Jo Morton entitled, “Hearth & Home”. I think this book paired with these fabulous fabrics would be the perfect ticket for some serious weekend sewing!

---

4- Words to Live By

For those of us with an interest and desire to be our own boss – earn a living without corporate 9-5 grind, building an online business – at least today – seems like the most sensible and profitable way to achieve that.

The days of receiving any type of reward for company loyalty are gone and what has evolved is an entirely new mind-set. One that allows each of us to be in charge of our own financial destiny. The new start-up culture is slowly but surely replacing the oppressive corporate ladder that only a few were allowed to climb.

I will admit here today, one of the purposes of my website is to use it as a tool to earn income in my retirement (I actually have a 5-year plan for that), and a large part of that success is by harnessing the power of social media.

If your weekend plans – this one or any other weekend – involves building / tweaking / updating / branding or re-branding your online business image, Melissa at Tailwind has a ton of information to help you take your brand or business to the next level.

Here is an excellent and timeless article (note the date) on how to “Plan the Ultimate Pinterest and Instagram Visual Marketing Strategy”. However, after all is said and done, the key to success be it blogging or social media lies in knowing your audience. And this is the one main aspect I continue to struggle with.  (I do have one solution at the end of this article!)

---

5) Saving the Best for Last

Adding this little jewel to my weekly blog was a complete surprise! Just as I was putting on the finishing touches, adding images, editing, etc., with only an hour or so from hitting the button to publish this blog another email from Kristi at Addicted2Decorating lands in my inbox! I was not expecting this but what a happy surprise this turned out to be!

Her newest project really speaks to me… actually, it’s practically yelling at me! This large Craft-Sewing-Workroom table is exactly what I’m looking for. As much as I love power tools I don’t have the tools (or right now the time, space or motivation) required to build a table like this but it doesn’t stop me from wanting one nor does it stop me from thinking of ways to acquire one (or two) as she plans to do.

Building two of these tables that can be pulled together when a larger surface is needed or separated when a smaller work surface is needed is a brilliant idea.

So where am I right now?  On pins and needles waiting for Part 2 of this project!

___________________________________________________

So here’s my plan for this weekend:

~ Finish a couple of charity quilts

~ Organize my sewing space (gotta make room for Christmas!) and,

~ Continue the quest to define my audience. This article may just what I need to better understand how to define my target audience so I can continue delivering high (maybe even higher) quality content to my loyal followers each week!

Now it’s your turn!    What will you be doing this weekend?

Once again it’s Thursday and with the weekend barely around the corner, you know what that means! A front row seat to view five of my favorite ideas and inspirations collected throughout the week – and in plenty of time to ensure you have the Best Weekend Ever.

So let’s get started:

---

1) My Sewing Room:

Making a Machine Stitch Bible. This is something I’ve wanted to do for quite a while and discovered it’s usefulness when I was making a baby blanket using machine applique. Knowing exactly how a decorative stitch – especially a blanket stitch – appears when using different stitch widths and lengths. This saves time having to reset these settings each time you turn off your machine or change from a decorative stitch to a straight stitch and back.

Of course, another option would be to invest in a machine with a stitch setting memory but until that happens, I plan to create a stitch bible.

I also see this as a great “filler” project for those says when I want to sew something but I don’t have the time or motivation to start a big project.

Need more reasons to sew a stitch bible? Five more can be found here.

---

2) Flipping Out:

Here is an update on the “stitch-and-flip” applique technique I talked about last week. It took a while to get a few shapes with edges that would easily turn and maintain the appearance of a flower.

The blue background is one solid piece – I went ahead and did a blanket stitch all the way around. The yellow and gold petals are separate units – each sewn using the stitch-and-flip technique as well. Before adhering to the blue base I did a few quick embroidery stitches and finished off the embellishing with a button.

Here is a close up:

My plan is to make this into a small pillow – the checkered fabric will be used for the back, a white front with an applique flower and blue piping around the perimeter.

Stay tuned for the finished product!

---

3) What’s Happening in Hamilton:

Today’s Daily Deal: The “Deal” is for today (8/15/19) only but even without the discount, this is still a very good deal for any day of the week. Perfect for the little ones in your life. When I see such fun projects like this it makes me sad my “little ones” are too old for these cute guys however, I may go ahead and sew up a couple of these for Christmas.

Returning to the subject of applique – a topic I can’t seem to get too far away from these days – you must check this out! I’ve renamed it, “applique-all-the-way” and a great way to get through a small basket of scraps!

---

4) Planning Ahead:

” The Quilting Tool that Makes You Smarter” ~ Stephanie Palmer.

Taking a closer look, I certainly agree however…this new (and improved) 2020 Quilting Planner offers so many more benefits! Not that being ‘smarter’ isn’t great…it is! But this “quilting tool” is just as functional, informative and inspirational as it is educational. That’s packing quite a punch between covers of a spiral bound stack of paper!

Just for starters, this planner will help you become more organized which translates into better time management which leads to improved creativity. An elevated level of creativity then leads to higher quality products which in turn not only makes you a happier (and smarter) person but increases the level of happiness your followers and the recipients of your handmade treasures will experience as well!

I cannot think of one reason not to go here and pre-order yours today but, if you do need a reason, maybe this will help!

---

5) Kristi’s Sewing Room:

Simple DIY Curtains: It’s been a long while since I’ve attempted making my own window treatments. It is a project that requires a lot of space – tabletop / counter top space and LOTS of fabric. Sure, the interior designer in me prefers the quality of designer drapes ( you can read why here and here) but at the same time, the logical left side of my brain finds it hard to resist a great bargain on ready-made off the shelf drapes.

Kristi at Addicted 2 Decorating has found a solution that is nothing short of pure genius. For her particular space I think it is a very logical solution that checks off many boxes: 1) Softens the hard lines and finishes within the space, 2) absorbs sound, 3) visually provides a line of continuity between the trim height discrepancy between the french doors and the solid doors on either side and 4) creates a design detail that helps to establish the french doors as a focal point.

The image above gives only a sneak peek of the room but does give a good illustration of the drape’s effect.

Going back to give greater attention to that trim detail in the image above (and she has blogged about it as well in a previous post), I’m wondering if there is another way to camouflage that height discrepancy. It would involve some deconstruction and re-construction…something like this maybe?

I believe, continuing with the current drapery panels on either side of the doors, the trim height discrepancy would not be noticed at all.

---

Anyone with a DIY project on their To-Do list this weekend? Feel free to post comments or any images you would like to share in the comments section below.

Happy Thursday and as always….

Have the Best Weekend Ever!

Susan

Here we are again… Thursday has arrived and Friday just called to announce she will be arriving bright and early in the morning!

I’m glad you have arrived – the perfect place to gather all the ideas and inspiration you’ll need to carry you through and have the Best Weekend Ever!

---

So, let’s get started:

1. Let’s Have Some Cake.

It’s Layer Cake week at the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Head over and take a look at the great deals on layer cakes and while you’re there, take a look at the multitude of and eye-catching and layer cake friendly quilt patterns! Each one is available as an instant download (my favorite) or for purchase in paper. The layer cake special end tomorrow (8/9/19) and if you’re looking for an excuse – reason to take a road trip to Hamilton, MO, this Friday would be the day!

---

2. Vintage Finds

Looking for a fresh Vintage font, or, even better, a fresh, Vintage font bundle? Rather than release just one product, the Artisan Collection bundle is being released to include 6 different products: 11 fonts, 16 premium logo templates ( for use only with Adobe Illustrator) and 20 vintage shapes. If your brand is calling for some vintage style you can also save a bundle on this bundle but you’ll need to move fast – it is only for a limited time.

---

3. In the Neighborhood

Nothing does a better job of catching my eye than the contrast of black and white or, as in the image above, black and white with little pops of color and this great find has certainly caught my eye! I’ve been saving (hoarding) fabrics that would be perfect for this project. This is also THE project for when you cannot or do not want to invest in time-consuming tasks such as perfect cutting, perfect piecing or perfect anything and yet you want the finished product to have a perfectly neat and polished appearance. I also feel these particular geometric shapes lend themselves to this applique technique – something I’m – once again – putting on my to-do list for this weekend!

---

4. Just Beachy

Anyone ready for the beach? Already at the beach? Or anyone, like me, who would love to be at the beach but a beach vacation is simply not on the itinerary for this summer?

I was scrolling through of the images I captured while on vacation 5 years ago: (The “Good Pictures” are on another PC)

These still do the job to convey as sense of nostalgia – I so love the sound of ocean waves and the feel of sand beneath my feet!

Ironically, my next great find is not found anywhere along the east coast or even on a beach for that matter but rather in a Bake Shop, the Moda Bake Shop to be exact. So where is this leading? To another sea shore. This link will take you to the latest block of the At the Seashore Quilt Along – a QAL I didn’t have time to start when it began June 3rd. However, the blocks are available by scrolling through the blog roll and the QAL itself continues through August 26th.

Here are few of the beach – seashore inspired blocks:

Need more inspiration from Moda? Check out their Cutting Table here.

---

5. Good Design

This final item for this Thursday’s round-up still has us enjoying the great outdoors. A short trip inside a major retailer will quickly remind you that fall and winter are in the not-too-distant future and now is the time to take full advantage of all the fresh air, warm sunshine, and cool water summer has to offer!

A visit to one of my favorite monthly publications has all the outdoor inspiration you’ll ever need to help you soak up every last bit of summer in the most stylish way possible.

Here is a slideshow that showcases the best in terms of architecture and design. It is a home that was designed and built to take full advantage of lake views and demonstrates one the most efficient uses of land resources I’ve observed in a long time.

---

Whether it’s a short road trip to Hamilton, MO, a medium-sized road trip to Austin, TX, a long road trip to the Atlantic beaches of North Carolina or no road trip at all – we’ve got you covered and ready to have the Best Weekend Ever!

What inspired you this weekend?

Hello!

And, welcome back to “Thank Goodness It’s Thursday”, or (TGIT) !

The day when Friday calls to announce she will be arriving tomorrow, but have no fear! My Quilting Space has been busy this past week collecting a few fun ideas and inspirations all designed to have you prepared and ready for you to have the Best Weekend Ever!

For the first time in a really long time I’ve taken the time to observe summer’s transition from July to August – a pastime I typically save for the fall when the change in seasons, weather, etc. is more noticeable and much more anticipated.

However, this year, I seem to have a new perspective on life and I feel I have this blog, my quilting hobby and my website to thank.

I am also thankful for This past week has been chocked full of useful information and inspirations culminating into this one serendipitous event and the result of pure coincidence (I don’t think I could pull this off if I intentionally tried)but, all Four of my Favorite Finds this week revolve around the letter “K” – Kansas City, Kristi and Kori or the “K” sound – Christy!

So, lets get started with this super Special “K” Weekend!

---

1. Calling All Architecture Aficionados! In particular, those, like me, who love the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. If you want to own a FLW home, it just so happens one of two FLW homes in the Kansas City area will be put up for auction in August. I’m looking for my checkbook now!

---

2. DIY of the Week – Christy of Confessions of a Serial DIY’er has a great solution for that pesky headboard (Shown above), or in my case a foot board, just lying around in your basement collecting dust. While I don’t have power tools or access to power tools needed to make this same transformation, I do have a couple of ideas that I can do. A) Attach the foot board to the back of a ready-made bench. Or, B) Re purpose it into a rack to hang quilts!

Gail at My Repurposed Life has at least 50 different solutions for that headboard or foot board just sitting around doing nothing!

---

3. On the Subject of DIY – If you’ve never heard of Kristi at Addicted 2 Decorating, now is a fine time to get to know her! In addition to totally remodeling and renovating the home she shares with her husband, Matt, she is blogging about every aspect of every project she does. The image above is from one of my absolute favorites!

Her latest project can be found here.

If ever you needed color inspiration, project instruction or just want to see what happens when you make a decision, create a plan and stick with it, this is the place where you will find all this and MORE. This girl is amazing!

---

4. It’s OK to Applique. And this video by Kori will have you saying it’s not only OK to applique, it’s Thursday…and what better way to spend the day than doing a little applique? The video is short and sweet but the technique is a huge game changer!

The image above is just one example of a “stitch and flip” applique project from Kori Turner-Goodhart’s amazing new book.

I DO have to try this technique THIS weekend – and I promise to post my finished project here so, stay tuned!

---

I hope you were able to find at least a little inspiration to get you motivated for the weekend. If you went with item #1, then you could potentially do items #2- #4 in your new address!

Leave a comment and share how this was Your Best Weekend Ever!

Susan

CONGRATULATIONS!

You did your part – survived the climb up and over hump day! Now it’s my turn to deliver a road map that leads you to the weekend.

As of today, Thursday’s are no longer considered “Friday Wannabe’s”.

Thursday now has it’s own special significance. It is the day when Friday calls to give you a head’s up that, ready or not, she will be here tomorrow! But before she arrives, you need to be prepared and there is no better place than My Quilting Space to get started.

This is the place where, each Thursday, I offer a variety of ideas and inspirations I’ve collected throughout the week, all wrapped up and ready for you to enjoy just in time for A Best Weekend Ever!

So let’s get started!

1. Christmas in July.

Approaching this final weekend in July it seems fitting to squeeze in at least one more ‘Christmas in July’ project. OK, so I already have 3 Christmas projects going but when I came across this “Pine Tree Strip” quilt pattern in my stash by Deb Eggers of “The Cottage Rose” I knew I had to begin a search for the perfect fabric – as a jelly roll precut. I may have found it here . I will likely purchase this online but if I had the time, I would much rather make that 1.5 hour drive to what I consider to be the most wonderful road trip “quilt fabric or bust” destination in the entire Midwest!

2. Barn Quilts.

Continuing on the subject of quilts – barn quilts to be exact, I’ve had my eye on these. A Google or Pinterest search will locate several articles and videos however, I found this short, sweet and to the point instructable to be a great place to start for those who seriously want to give this a try. I know I do…and will…eventually!

So, you like the idea of a barn quilt but not ready to take the DIY route take a look here – you’ll find so much inspiration you’ll be adding another day to your weekend!

3. Cutting Edge Design.

Another item I’ve kept my eye on for sometime. When I first learned that this and similar cutting machines could cut fabric for quilting I have been all eyes and ears. I’ve been reading reviews mainly to find a reason NOT to buy one these…no such luck – at least not yet. However, now through the end of July you can get a substantial savings on all Cricut machines and accessories.

4. Creativity Part 1.

Each Monday a set of unique fonts and templates are available as a FREE download for a limited time. Re-discovering the powers of power point, I found this template to be as interesting as timely. Follow their TOS and while you’re there take a look around…the level of creativity showcased on this site is truly awe-inspiring.

5. Creativity Part 2.

I’ll finish this round-up of goodies with a visit to my go-to platform for all things graphic: blog banners, Pinterest pins and Twitter posts, etc. I continue to use the FREE service and pay for individual elements as I go but I also recognize that at some point it will be to my benefit to go Pro. It’s FREE for 30 days!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you found at least a little inspiration and a few ideas to carry you through the weekend.
I’ll see you again next Thursday with another collection of ideas and inspiration designed to fill your weekend with discovery and creativity.

As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments about any of the topics listed above and…

Have the Best Weekend Ever!

Susan