Bari J.

Art Gallery Fabric's Fat Quarter Gang!

Fer-shizzle! This has to be the best gang evah! I can't wait to see what they do with LillyBelle!

Check out the details about Art Gallery Fabric's Fat Quarter Gang and get involoved here.

Bari J. + Suzy-Homemaker = Kid Pattern Yumminess!

About a year ago I mentioned to my friend Suzy of Suzy-Homemaker if she'd like to do a project with me. I adore Suzy. She's not only an incredible designer, she's also one of the best friends a girl could ask for.

It's been a long time coming... please welcome Suzy as the first licensed pattern designer for Bari J.! I love what she's done with the first two girls clothing patterns. Both are available this June. Retailers, please contact me for ordering information at Bari at BariJonline dot com.

 

Also coming in June... two bag patterns by yours truly...

All of the fabrics featured are from my LillyBelle line for Art Gallery Fabrics.

 

Making projects look professional... pillow details and a zipper how-to.

Today was the start of pillow making for my quilt market booth. If there's anything I've come to really understand in the past few years, it's the details that really count in making projects look professional. For pillows in particular there are a couple details that I think make things really have polish.

On this pillow, you'll note several things. First, the corners are rounded. After I cut, I always take a bowl from the kitchen and draw rounded lines at the corners. This way, I don't have those dog-eared corners where there's no fluff.

Second, I always cut my fabric an inch shorter than the pillow size. If I have a 24" pillow, I cut at 23". When I pop the pillow form in the cover, it really fills it up nice and fluffy. Love that.

Another thing that I'm really loving these days in the way of detail is adding things like piping and ruffles... and fringe. And pom poms. Here, there's piping outlining the mid-section of this pillow. I think adding a detail like this gives added punch and definition. For the ruffle I used a solid from Art Gallery Pure Elements to frame the pillow very nicely. The Pure Elements colors are uber-rich. If you are interested in an easy way to do piping, I love using Nancy's Zieman's Wrap and Fuse piping which made by Clover. It makes piping super easy. It is cording covered with fusible web, so you simply cut your fabric, wrap it around and fuse it together, saving you a sewing step... and pins. I adore it. Also, it comes in several sizes. 

I additionally think that a pillow should be fluffy. I always use fusible fleece as interfacing to give it some added oompf. 

One last thing... it's easy to make a pillow back where you overlap two pieces, insert the pillow between and use ribbon or trim to tie it, but I think a zipper makes it have a professional polish you really can't get with the overlapping method. A couple years ago, I learned an extra easy way to do this... here's how...

1. Divide the width of your pillow in two, and add 1 1/4" to the width to get the measurement for the piece you should cut. So, if your front is cut at 23" X 23", your back will be cut at 24 1/4" x 23". Cut the piece in half so you have two pieces measuring 12 1/8" x 23".
2. Place the two pieces right sides together, and BASTE a 5/8" seam allowance along the raw edge of the 23" side.
3. Press your seam open.
4. Place a zipper the length of the seam on the wrong side of the fabric so it is centered on the seam and pin it in place. The pins should go in horizontally. Do not trim the zipper at the top. The bit of fabric on the zipper above the pull should be aligned with the top of the seam. Trim the bottom to the length of the fabric if it is longer than your pillow.
5. Turn the panel over so your zipper is underneath. With your zipper foot on, feel for where the zipper teeth are, and top stitch the length of the zipper about a scant 1/4 from the zipper teeth, removing the pins from underneath as you go along. Do the same on the other side of the zipper teeth.
6. Open your basted stitches, and voila! Your zipper can now go up and down... but remember, if you cut the zipper, don't open it all the way or you won't get it back together. You can now sew your pillow as ususal, but do so with the zipper partly open so you can turn it when you are done. Also, again if you cut the zipper, be very careful as you get to the teeth at the bottom. I lengthen the stitch there so it will go over and test by turning manually that I won't be hitting the teeth. Also, I then go back and forth over that area several times to reinforce it.

I hope that helps, and if you want, on the next pillow I'll videotape as I go along... I have at least two more to go before market!

Details on the fabric here: The maing fabrics are LillyBelle, of course... the center is Lily Bouquet and the sides are Flower Pop. The piping is Art Gallery's lace elements, and like I said before, the ruffle is an Art Gallery Pure Elements.

i love zippers, why you must buy this pattern, and please don't sew your fingers.

Sometimes we suffer for our art. But we probably shouldn't sew our fingers for it. However, that's exactly what I did in the making of this pattern. I should say before I start that the actual injury didn't turn out nearly as bad as it looked and is healing well. It just hurt like hell at the time.

Earlier this week, I was installing a very simple zipper for this new pattern. However, I made the hole for the zipper just a tiny bit too short. The metal part of the zipper was in the way. So... I decided to cheat. I made the stitch slightly longer and was going to push past the metal part. Which is something you shouldn't do. I should have made the hole slightly bigger and avoided the metal. And if I really didn't want to do that I could have made the stitch slightly longer and manually turned the needle past the metal. And if I really HAD to use the petal to sew through, I could have used a "Purple Thang" to push the fabric through instead of my hands.

But no. Never you mind that I knew all the various ways to cheat without sewing my hand, I went ahead and did it anyways. 

The noise of the machine hitting my finger was ... unusual. I didn't know what had happened for a second. Except that there was searing pain for some reason. I must have looked away. And then I looked down. The needle had broken. It was in my finger nail and I could see a tiny bit of it sticking out the other fleshy side of my finger. 

Blurg. 

Very quickly, I pulled the needle out. This happened in a matter of seconds after the collision. 

And then, my brain apparently started to digest what just happened. I wandered into the bathroom to wash my hand (hub came in after me), when suddenly I thought I was going to vomit. My head started spinning, I started sweating, the blood rushed out of my face and blammo. I passed out. 

Talk about a drama queen. Jeezy pa-leesy! I'm telling you. While the nail is cracked, what this injury looks like is that I had a tiny shot in my nail. It feels at the most, bruised. But in my defense, I swear, there was really a tip of a sewing machine needle in my nail. 

All this said. I believe this may have happened for a reason. You see, the good news its, you will benefit greatly for my suffering. I now know that if the zipper is 7" I should write the pattern to say the hole should be 7 1/4" which will put the metal pieces out of the way of any cantankorous needles. Go ahead. Thank me for saving your fingers.

The other good news: I totally adore this bag. (Warning: Here comes the sales pitch sounding stuff... but really I'm just excited! Ok. I also believe that this pattern better darn well sell to make the finger sewing episode worth it. You know what I'm sayin'.)

I think it feels part sporty and part sweet. It has pockets out the ying yang for convenience and ruffles for the girly me. The vertical zipper pocket is a great spot for my phone. Plus, inside there are two other pockets: A divided patch pocket and another (horizontal) zippered pocket. This kind of zipper, while it looks complicated is shockingly easy to install. I would say, even easier than a little zipper pouch. Really. I'm not kidding. I've been a fan of zippers for a long time, but I've fallen in love with this installation, and I'm putting them everywhere. Love love.

The other feature I'm crazy over is the strap. It actually can be used as both a hand strap, and be worn longer to go cross body or over the shoulder. You'll see in the photo at the top the strap is doubled. Below is the long strap. I think the hardware makes it look super professional too. And it's all hardware and zippers that you can get at the big box store... you know the one. 

Below you can see how the strap hooks onto itself to make a shorter handle.

For the magnet, I did something extra special. I have long had a battle with magnetic closures because after much use on fabric they wear and eventually tear your bag. Here I've created a reinforcement that adds detail and a punch of color. I've noticed this on some of my store bought bags, and I love the feature.

Here are the details:

The fabric, of course, is from my LillyBelle line from Art Gallery... Henna and Garden Rocket on the front and the strap is flower pop. The lining is a staple from Art Gallery Floral Elements group.

This pattern and LillyBelle will be available in early June.

Sewing Pattern Sneak Peek

I'm super happy about this new pattern. I had been working on a prototype for nearly a year or more on and off knowing I needed a cover myself. I finally perfected it with a zipper, an adorable pocket with piping for your headphones and contrasting fabrics. Super thrilled to see it in my new LillyBelle collection.

Coming, May 2012

(not final cover)

"Quilts Take You Home" ...

Between sewing samples and designing patterns for quilt market from my limited LillyBelle strike-off stash, designing a new line which will debut at market, and house hunting (we are still waiting on the short sale) just one of the many things I've worked on in the past couple weeks is this fun pattern cover for Road Home Quilting.

Now I'll be immersed in the new line plus a special little project for Miss Kay at Serendipity Studio until at least Friday... I've promised myself I'll finish two prints a day. Then it's sewing sewing sewing sewing sewing sewing... If I don't surface before May 14, please send reinforcements.

Introducing... LillyBelle!

My first line with Art Gallery Fabrics will be released soon... for now I'm so excited to tell you a little about it and share a bit of the world of LillyBelle with you! Please watch the video below. Also, please join Pat Bravo and me for a live twitter chat tomorrow at 1PM EST ... details here.

 

Good Lord, My Sewing Machine is SMOKING!

This is not the way I planned for her to go. 

I bought my sweet and lovely Pfaff about eight years ago used and she worked extremely hard for me for those eight years. And she was well taken care of. She had yearly/bi-yearly spa dates over at the sewing machine shop. She has had her circuit board replaced. 

But despite all her tender loving care, when it's time, it's time. And you know it's time to replace your beloved sewing machine when certain things happen. One of them is she starts to smoke.

No. I'm not kidding. There was actual smoke coming from the top of my sewing machine. Now granted, I let her cool off for an hour and then sewed two king size pillowcases with her and she seemed just fine. But the truth was undeniable. She'd been on fire. Somewhere within the mechanisms of her sweet little frame, there had been an actual fire. Or was about to be a fire. 

I could no longer be in denial. I needed a new sewing machine. And considering what happened to her sister, Babylock Grace, when I opened the rear gate on my SUV (she may or may not have fallen out), I knew I needed a work horse that would not be in need of a backup for at least a little while. (Have no fear. Grace is currently undergoing a series of treatments at the spa. I will need her and all of her stitches very much.)

I ended up buying the above sewing machine, a Juki T2010. I am totally in love. Of course there are a few things I'm not totally in love with, but let me tell you, this baby is a speed demon work horse. 

Made of steel, the Juki T2010, has some incredible industrial like features. She's a straight stitching/quilting machine. No fancy schmancy stitches or functions that can break.

Here are the things I love about her:

• Has a built in cutter in the foot pedal. You just step back with your heel and the thread is cut. Love that!

• Great LED lighting.

• Doesn't make any clicking or crazy sounds when you turn her on.

• Has a handsfree knee-lifter lever for the presser foot. This is key when you are fiddling and fuddling with pieces of fabric trying to keep them straight while putting under the presser foot. In fact, I had no idea what I was missing. This thing is the bomb.

• This sucker is FAST and has three speed settings.

• I haven't witnessed it myself yet, but I hear tell she sews through multiple layers flawlessly.

• Has a needle down and feed dogs down position.

• Came with an extension table that has legs that pop up for easy storage. My last table's legs we stationary or screwed in, which made it very difficult to store.

• The stitches look impeccable.

What I don't love:

• The bobbin case is to the side, and it's a little goofy to reach in that way to put it in.

• You have to screw off the presser feet, which is inconvenient.

 

Overall, I am crazy about this machine so far.

Now, let's get sewing, right? Last night I finally finished my sister Ilisa's 40th birthday quilt using my down and dirty new sewing machine ... It is *slightly* overdue. Her birthday was in April.

But alas, the top is finished and I'm sending it out for quilting!

This quilt is made from Flower Sugar by Lecien and was started last winter. You might want to check out the post. There are links to videos on how to machine stitch a hexie quilt. 

I have to admit to procrastinating on this quilt. Once I got to the white hexies it became quite boring and tedius. I'm thrilled it's finished. And I really can't wait to give it to my sister, who I adore. Happy (um, belated) birthday, Ilisa!

 

There once was a very fickle decorator...

Not so long ago I begged Super Husband to hang a rod over the buffet in our kitchen... so I could stage a quilt for a pattern cover. 

Super Husband doesn't really take well to "knocking holes in the wall" because I need to take a photo for a single pattern cover. He also doesn't take well to rearranging furniture and stuff like that ... This is what he says, "If I knock holes in the walls every time you have take a photo there would be thousands of nail holes in every wall of this house.".

To which I say, "But how am I supposed to stage this quilt and get a beautiful pattern cover? I NEED you to hang a curtain rod over the buffet!". Or "I need you to hang this coat rail in the living room!"

The bottom line here is, the rod over the buffet in the kitchen? And the coat rail in the living room? They are "permanant". Super Husband is "Not. Moving. Them. Again.".

Which means there must always be a quilt hanging above the buffet and in the living room. And the problem with this is that not every quilt I need to take a photo of is always going to look fantabulous with my decor at any given moment. Know what I mean? 

Especially since I may or may not be prone to changing curtains and pillows every five to ten minutes... Um. I mean months. It *apparently* *seems* as though I change curtains and pillows every five to ten minutes. Apparently I am very fickle with the decor in this house.

Whatever.

When there's new fabric, there's new pillows. And there are new curtains. Duh.

The only obvious solution is I also need to keep making new quilts to go in these places that go with the curtains and pillows and all the other changes I make every five to ten minutes.

Which is a very long story to tell you the reason for my presto-chango-quilt-o-rama this weekend. Here's the latest "over the buffet" quilt rendition... I'm loving this new one. If you are wondering, the fabric is my Paris Apartment mixed with Atsuko Matusuyama's Fruit Flower Garden printed by YUMA (the seed packets and the border prints). I am thrilled with it's off-centered-ness and somewhat planned scrappy look. And you may or may not notice... I was extremely reserved with color/pattern here... Um. For me, that is.

It took every single ounce of will power I had not to add in one more print or one more color. I was like crazy uber disciplined. 

 

 

 

 

My Loss of Brain Cells? Your Gain!

I wanted to give-away one of these Springtime in Paris Pocketbook kits during the Sewing Summit, and wouldn't you know it, I totally forgot. I'm 42 years old, and apparently my brain has reached it's capacity, thus anything extraeous spills over. It's problematic, really.

The good news is, because I didn't give away a kit when I meant to, and I love to give stuff away (always better than winning), I'm thinking I'll give the kit to a blog reader. I'm sure you agree this is a good idea.

The kit holds about 3/4 yards of fabric combined, interfacings, a zipper, a magnetic closure, ribbon, plastic canvas and a Springtime in Paris Pocketbook sewing pattern. I'm offering up the kit in the orange Paris Apartment fabric colorway in the 14" size.

(This cover was the alternate that didn't get printed... in case you are wondering.)

What you need to do to win is simply leave a comment here. Your comments are numbered. I'll be picking a winner using random.org on Friday, no later than 8PM PST.

Thanks for entering!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, a silly little video I made for Sewing Summit. This video played prior to class starting as people walked in. I wanted to get the party started, you know. I also plied students with chocolate. That's the secret to a good class. Silly songs and chocolate. 

 

The song on this video is called My Pocketbook ...  iTunes. I think they have a bunch of great kid's music.

 

 

UPDATE: OCTOBER 14, 2011 8:10PM PST

AND THE WINNER IS...

#31, Lisa

If this is you, hit contact at the top of this page to send me your address!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS POST.

 

 

 

Sewing Summit and a Bag Handle How-to Video

Warning: I'm about to be somewhat corny. The reason is that I'm still feeling all warm and fuzzy inside from Sewing Summit. As the event approached, I have to admit, was nervous. Would people like my presentation? Will I live up to who people think I may be? Will they be disappointed? How am I going to teach a whole handbag in one hour without the use of any sewing machines?

But in the end, all that anxiety was for nothing. Sewing Summit was filled with down to earth people. There was lots of learning and sewing and it was a low key, accepting atmosphere. All of which we have two wonderful, passionate women to thank, Erin and Amy. The most wonderful part of the weekend was truly meeting all of the "friends in my phone" from Twitter.

While there, I taught Handbags 101. Because I knew I only had an hour (and no one would be sewing) I made a ton of how-to videos for my class. And in the spirit of Sewing Summit (which in the end sorta' felt like it was about sharing and sisterhood as much as sewing), I'd like to share one of them with you. This video is about how to make a cute trendy handle. In it I am referring to my Springtime in Paris Pocketbook pattern (there's a kit here) which I taught in it's entirety. But, of course, these handles can be made for any bag. Happy stitching!

 

 

First Bari J. how-to video... Fabric Collage How-to plus a free collage pattern at Gen Q!

I can't tell you the number of times I've been asked for a how-to video on fabric collage. This technique, which I use for many of my sewing patterns and in Inspired to Sew, is among my favorites. It involves free motion quilting raw edged fabric motifs to create a lovely shabby design. Here are a couple extra helpful hints: A question I get asked a lot is "do you turn your edges under?". The answer is no. Another question I get is "should I glue the motifs down?". The answer to this is also no. First off, it tends to gunk up the needle. Second, when you use glue or iron on materials such as fusible web the collage doesn't get the frayed edge and scrunchy look we are going for. Enjoy the video and let me know if you have any questions!

 

For a brand new, FREE, project that uses fabric collage head to today's post on Gen Q. I've created a zipper wristlet pattern that will get you started. For other fun projects, please see my book, Inspired to Sew, as well as my sewing patterns which you can find here. Kitchen Art is among my most popular patterns.

Free Project and Kit Giveaway at Sew4Home

I was away when this project made it's appearance on Sew4Home so I'm sorta' late to the party, but if you make your way over there, you can still download it and comment to win a kit. Good luck!

I thought I'd get more done this summer than I did. In the end, I ususally over estimate my get it done prowess. I know some of you've been waiting on the Beachside Holiday pattern... it will be back from the quilter soon, and I promise I will bind it FAST and take photos. The pattern is done. I'm just waiting on a good photo for the cover. So, if I'm not overestimating my binding skills (ahem) it really will be done shortly.

Also, I did say I'd have the Fall Quilts and More in my shop and it is now there. (Wipes sweat off brow. Marks one thing off The List.)

And now I'm wondering... What else have I promised? Seems like I'm working my tushy off here. Although ... just thinking aloud here... the tushy seems rather large for having worked it off... and on the other hand, the juicing has really been helping... if you wondered.

On the sewing front, I made my little 2 year old nephew a t-shirt. The guy is obsessed with clocks for some reason. My sister has a photo of him sleeping with his wall clock. So for his birthday party he will be wearing this hand embroidered T-shirt. I'll post the pattern over on We Love French Knots for any of you who want a cute simple clock pattern. I hear toddlers love them. Apparently it's not just our little man.

I will admit that I did make curtains for our kitchen again this weekend. I say I'm "admitting it" because I might have a small problem with changing curtains in that same spot...this is the fourth curtain rendition for the area. Can you tell that this is one of my favorite prints from Paris Apartment? (hint: the background on this blog)

I blame it on being a fabric designer (and mind you I am not whining ... I am SO lucky). But you want to use your fabric for everything. And you really shouldn't have four million different fabrics in one room. So I'm trying to go more one tone... I didn't get too far on one tone, but this fabric does have a cream background. And I went and made pillows to go with them. I'm thinking I brought it together by mixing white and cream, no? We are getting closer to matching or something of the sort.

I have a couple projects that have got to get done... stuff for other people's blogs and such and then I swear to the heavens above I will finish that hex quilt that was for my sister, Ilisa's 40th birthday which was in April. I am SUCH a slacker bad sister!!! 

Ah, well, as I write, The List, it is a-growing. So have a super day, and happy sewing to you!

  
I prefer not to call them UFOs (unfinished objects). I prefer "Ladies In Waiting".

I finished several projects this week, not the least of which is the Beachside Holiday quilt top. Hallelujah! Now it just needs quilting and binding and it can become the pattern cover. I'm almost done with the writing and graphics on it... so that's the last task.

Next up is my sister's hexagon quilt. It was for her 40th birthday, and at the rate I'm finishing stuff it may be for her 50th. (Just kidding, Ilisa, it really is next on the list.)

Hey all. I'm working on the Beachside Holiday quillt today. I expect to have this pattern done by the end next week, the latest. Also, I need to know what you think... I'd like to make some videos for this blog... I plan on working on a fabric collage video first... what other tips, techniques etc would you like to see demonstrated?

In the meantime, I've just created a "handbag supplies and KITS" page on my website to kick off my very first magazine kit, Strip Ease.

I hope you'll check it out... Quilts and More Fall '11 hits stands today! And I will have a supply of them on my site by next week as well.

In the way of really cute handbag supplies, I just got these last week... I think they'd be perfect on this bag, don't you? They come in lime green, red and light blue.

 

Were you wondering where you could get some Paris Apartment Fabric? Cause I know you want to make a Bari J. Green Living Market Bag in it, yo. (snort. I said, "yo" and it wasn't in a sentence with yo-yo.)

I updated the photo for the PDF pattern in some Paris Apartment fabric. You can get this pattern in my shop, fat quarter shop and on patternspot.com. 

Whoa... sidetracked again. My point was ... I was getting to ... I'm making a list of all who carry Paris Apartment Fabric. Below is who I know has it so far. I know there are more stores that have it cause I hear a whole bunch of it sold, so if you are a store who has it, be sure to let me know and I'll add it to the list that I'm about to put on the sidebar. And thank you, btw, for stocking it in your stores. I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you are happy with this line.

Fat Quarter Shop

Hawthorne Threads

Hip Fabrics

Pink Chalk Fabrics

Sew Mama Sew

In other news, I've started posting embroidery stitch videos on We Love French Knots, so it's time to high tail it over there and get you a look! The big old Grand Launch is about to happen, and you are going to need to know the stitches to win goodies.

 

Hi there. Posting from my phone again.

This has been an excellent week. I taught wonderful and interesting women and learned a lot myself. I roomed with Tula Pink here in Sisters and got to know her better. She's such a doll. I just totally love her. You know, when you are assigned a room mate you hardly know it can be sorta scary. I think we lucked out though. We got along just great.

Yesterday's class was tons of fun. It was called "get ready for the holidays" and was a gift making class. Students were able to choose from 5 projects and do two.

This sweet lady did the ruffled belt from my book. And others made pot holders and aprons. Love this one made from Paris Apartment. She decided to add a touch of collage too.

Today I'll be hitching a ride home with another teacher headed back to the bay area. But not before I head out to see the festival! More on that later.

Keep up with my day on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/barij

And this student has made a pine tree!

The awesome thing about the internet is that you can take a class like this Wherever You Are In The Entire World.

I'm so thrilled to announce that I'm teaching a class online with Rick Rack: Thread Therapy for Sewers. 

We're making my Patchwork Rose Handbag from my book, Inspired to Sew.

Let me tell you why you need to take this class:

A: If you've ever been afraid of installing zippers, this bag will make that phobia Disappear!

B. I'll teach you how to make those nifty flowers.

C. If you are already a handbag and zipper expert, you like totally need another handbag.

D. I'm very charming and funny "in person" even though my husband says I don't have a funny bone in my body (a fact I have been disputing for 20 years).

 

Plus all this is part of the class!

1 autographed copy of my book, Inspired to Sew (optional if you have it already)

 1 downloadable Inspired to Sew Patchwork Rose Zippered Bag how to sew video demonstration;

1 downloadable project instruction sheet w/step-by-step color photos (PDF);

Supply list; and

1 hour live chat with ME! (Seriously, who could pass THAT up? Giggle. Snort.)

To sign up, click HERE!

Register today through July 20, 2011. Class starts on July 22, 2011.

 

 

This sure has become the land of give-aways lately. It's madness. But I promise you, you are going to want to stick around for this one.

It's time to give away a one of my Paris Apartment design cards for Slice Fabrique!

Of course, you do know that they're available from Strawberry Patches if per chance you don't win. I hear they are really popular at her store. Speaking of which, Susanne, we are passing through in July and I intend to halt the Ackerman-Mobile for a stop there. Hub and the kids will be *thrilled*, I'm sure. But Pam Kitty Morning tells me that it is a must do. And I always listen to Pam. Right, Pam? I always listen.

Wow... I digressed. Where was I?

How about a Slice Fabrique Machine to go with that card? You don't want a card without a machine, do you? That doesn't make much of a giveaway. Luckily, Making Memories has generously offered a machine as well. (No, Mom, Ilisa and Lara, you can not enter this giveaway.)

This little mint green sweetie makes the cutting fast and easy, and of course it is super accurate. As a bonus, I love the sound it makes as it's cutting. It's this low "I'm working and doing my thang" sound. I don't know. It just makes me happy. I also like to look under that clear plastic window and see the mechanism moving. (crazy town? I don't think so. I betcha' you'll do the same thing.)

 

Below are some projects I have already made. I think my next endeavor will be the dress form. I have a slight penchant for them. I should show you my little dress form collection one day.

You'll probably note that though I've machine appliqued each project I can't help myself but add little embroidered details. I think you should too. It seems only right that when machines are doing most of the other work that you should pitch in a teeny little bit.

This pillow was made for my booth at quilt market. I love that it fills up an entire 16" pillow.

Heather from House of A La Mode likes it a lot. I was watching her like a hawk 'cause I thought it might, you know, walk away. Heather loves pillows.

This is another version I did for the card's packaging. As a side note, Making Memories took this photo. I've been wondering whose bed this is because I think it needs a pretty quilt. I'm just saying. It's a nice photo and all, but I'd like to see some Paris Apartment fabric on that bed.

This tea towel comes as free project with full instructions with the card. Indeed, I have been wondering who's kitchen it is in. I'm liking the granite a lot. And I totally want to know what the cups say on the inside. I'll have to ask them about these things, huh?

I'm planning on incorporating this piece into a quilt possibly. You can embroider any message onto the banner that you'd like. This just says, "Paris". Apparently this little birdie has never been and would like to go. (That's a hint, Super Husband... read: I am the little birdie. I want to go to Paris.)

So, have I convinced you yet that this is a little device you simply can't live without? The bottom line is, the thing is too fun to pass up. The possibilities are endless. 

To enter to win... 

Leave a comment saying which applique you'll do first and what you'll put it on.

A winner will be picked on Friday the 24th using random.org.

Please visit the Slice Fabrique Blog

and the Slice Fabrique Facebook page for more information about the products.

 

And the winner is... #166, SoCalGal!

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED, A WINNER HAS BEEN PICKED. Thank you too all who participated for your wonderful comments!!!

 

 
It's a hard bit to swallow, being reviewed is. Truth told? I don't have exactly the thickest skin ever so I'd been putting off reading reviews of my book, Inspired to Sew. You know, when you send your baby out into the world, the last thing you want to see is her criticized. 

Admittedly, I'd glanced to make sure nothing totally evil had been said, but today I got brave and ventured over to Amazon to take a deeper look. And turns out I was worried over nothing. Isn't that always the way it is? Nine reviewers said really really nice things and there are even a couple great editorial reviews. 

At any rate, I'm not saying all this to get you all to say "aren't you wonderful" blah blah... But just to say that it's so nice to see my work be appreciated. I'm honored beyond words that you like what I do. To all who have purchased Inspired to Sew and to the sweet people who left reviews of it... Thank you. You make my days.

 

The original of this piece was made for an auction in SIsters, OR this summer where I'm teaching at The Quilter's Affair. So if you're going to be there come and bid high for a good cause!

But if not... I wouldn't want to leave you out. I've made it into a PDF pattern. And, not to leave you hanging if you don't already know the the stitches... there are 7 embroidery stitches included with detailed instructions and illustrations. Never you mind you'll only use five of them in this pattern. Two are just for fun! 

This pattern is based on my Paris Apartment fabric line, and will be one in a series of patterns.

You can get this pattern, here, on PatternSpot.com OR on my website (scroll to bottom).

Happy stitching!

I've been asked over and over for pdf sewing patterns. I've debated, I've hemmed, I've hawed, but I've finally made the leap into the "wave of the future" with a few downloadables! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think.  So... how about I do a little PDF pattern giveaway? Comment here, letting me know what you think of PDF patterns... Do you use them? Do you prefer them over paper? What do you like about them? What would you like to see from me?

Tomorrow at 5PM(ish) I'll pick a random winner to receive one of the two pdf patterns below for free. Pleeeeaaase don't forget to leave me your email address so I can send it to you, k?

There are two PDF patterns available and you can check them out on my website (scroll to bottom for pdf's) and at PatternSpot.com.

New, and not available on paper:

A long time favorite:

And the winner is, #12, Mary Grace! 

Comments are now closed

I'm exhausted. I shouldn't be writing this because I should go to sleep, but I felt compelled to tell you that I'm exhausted. I've finally got my patterns about ready to go to print (thank heavens), I've been sewing like a mad woman and everyone in my house is ticked off at me for ignoring them. And that includes the dogs.

People in this house are not used to me throwing frozen lasagna at them and saying "see ya". And heavens to Betsy, they've had leftovers too. People are not happy with me. They're socks don't match, their clothes are not clean and more than once a teenager has called from school to say, "Hey, my lunch account is not full." That's life in this household right now. That's life in this household the month before quilt market.

Ah well, whatever and whatever. I have my patterns almost ready, I've ordered postcards (above), the booth is being built (thanks to one INCREDIBLE Super Husband who has more fabulous ideas than you can imagine), and samples are being made. Oh, and I ordered "I'm Inspired to Sew" pins for 100 lucky people. I'll pass them out at my book signing (Saturday the 14th at quilt market, C&T booth) and then the rest will get given away at my booth. And "oh" again! I have a surprise, non-fabric related product that will most likely debut in my booth. It's pretty stinking cool, if I say so myself. 

Maybe someday I'll send my kids to college with $ from this business and they'll thank me for not matching their socks.

More art for your kitchen... My fourth Spring pattern release is a sweet little apron. It has two rounded pockets and features a double skirt with a collaged border plus a heart shaped waistband. Instructions for free motion quilting and fabric collage are included.

Based on the original Millie Fleur from my handbag line, this new sewing pattern is updated a bit. Now it's fully reversible. It's also easy to sew with a drawstring closure. This pattern will be available early May. Featured here in my Paris Apartment fabric line from Lecien.

Edit (7:20PM): My sister just pointed out that it was the day of my grandma Millie's birthday. This bag is named for her. I knew it was her birthday when I wrote a check this morning, but it didn't occur to me until my sister said something on about it on Facebook. Oddly, I felt driven to post this today. I finished the sample late last night and spent the day photographing. Happy birthday, Grandma. You must be watching down from above.

It even has a pretty back side with a sweet pleated pocket:

And you get two bags for one with it's reverse side.

Since my Paris Apartment samples arrived last week, I've been on a tear to finish my sewing patterns. I'm loving how this one turned out. Jolie Vie will be available to order in early May. This new series of patterns is all about living pretty. I'm hoping you'll be brave and put it on the floor! It's washable and has a felted wool backing so it's nice and cozy too. If you insist on being a sissy, I'll allow it to go on a table top as well. It sure would be "pretty".

 

I've been giving you snippets here and there of Paris Apartment. I have now been cleared for take-off and can show you the complete collection. As much as I love my three previous lines, there is something so entirely close to my heart in this one. I can't put my finger on it, but when the samples came the other day from Lecien it brought me to tears. The fact that it came from Japan made it even more amazing to me. This line went to print in southern Japan the day before the earthquake and tsunami hit the north. I'm told the mill continued functioning in Osaka. It's due to their hard work and spirit that I am able to hold this fabric at all. As I sew, I will be thinking of them. I can't wait to see the pretty things you all make with it. 

 

Quilt shops: the collection is available to order from Lecien. 

Fabric is due to arrive in stores in June.

Be on the lookout for a free quilt pattern coming soon!

 

 

 

The photo above is the *temporary cover* for my newest pattern, Springtime in Paris. It's temporary, because I'm still not positive about the photo. It's almost there. 

I need to get cracking with the writing part of this, but I thought I'd share a little of my process with you.

I was thinking about this as I was working on it. A lot of how I work has changed over the years. For one thing, I'm much more patient with myself. I know that there are a lot of variables that come into play that I don't think of when I come up with my "great idea". Oftentimes, it takes many tries to get it right. Sometimes, many many tries. The Izzy Pincushion Pattern for instance? That took me six tries before Izzy would stand up on her own. And at one point, I was so tired, that I sewed her tail to her head and her ear to her butt.

So, with that kind of experience behind me, I knew when I started this bag, that could be the case. When the challenges came up, I was prepared. In the past you might have found me curled up in the fetal position claiming I was never going to make it and that possibly the world was ending.

Years ago, the first bag I made was an envelope clutch. Not only did I not have a pattern, it was the first time I'd taken out my sewing machine aside from 10 years earlier to make some very simple curtains. It took at least 10 attempts before I figured out the geometrics of that first bag. And I wasted tons of fabric doing it. It was incredibly frustrating. Now if I need to make something that is brand new to me, I at least know to make a muslin first. 

For this bag, it wasn't exactly "new to me". So I decided to "skip the muslin". Afterall, it's based on a pattern I made years ago for my handbag line, the Lizzie Pocket. So it was going to be "no problem."

Except, for the sewing pattern, I wanted to change a couple things. First, I wanted to add a zipper. And I also I wanted it to have a handle.... And I wanted it to have a flat bottom. Oh, and also? I wanted to finish the ends of the zipper using ribbon. I knew how to do all of these things except that I'd never added a zipper underneath a flap before I'd never used ribbon at the ends of a zipper, and I wasn't exactly sure where the heck the handles were going to go. I knew in the seam with the zipper it would have been bulky and goofy, so it wasn't going there. Since I was at a loss, I decided to bag the handle for the first prototype. (yes, I totally knew there would be more than one prototype.)

So here was the first try (make a note of this... I finished this whole bag, hated it, ripped out each seam and made it a second time with the same fabric)

My reaction (I talk out loud to myself in my studio): "Whoops! That right corner doesn't want to sit right... And wow, I think I made the loop a little long for the button. Do I want a button? Yes, I want a button because some people won't have the magnetic closures so I need to give them an option here. Also, It sure would be nice if it came in two sizes... Hmmm... I'll deal with that later."

Here's take two, I worked it with the handles. And it was a great idea... except...

Me to self and possibly to Izzy and Max the giant Labradors who live here: "ooooh, that's much better. Still not crazy about the loop. And what am I going to do about the handle". ((You can't see here, but it was flipping backward)) "Hmmm, maybe I'll add some buttons" (I tried that, I don't like how it looks) "Hmmmm... maybe a *bunch* of buttons will make it work. Could be cute?What about some French knots? Oh, what the heck, I'll try both."

Oh lord help me! WHAT was I thinking?

Ah! Much better:

Hello? What about actually SEWING the handles to the top of the bag? Oh. I see. (Sheepishly) That works nicely.

Some other challenges along the way... first, the zipper: Turns out, you need two pieces of ribbon for each end, and you have to sew them on at the same time. (3 tries, 2 uses of the seam ripper before I got it straight.) 

Another of the things that had to be different about this pattern as opposed to the Lizzie Pouch was that it needed to use different pattern pieces for the flap, back and front whereas Lizzie is made from one piece of fabric that is folded to form an envelope. One of the reasons for this was of course, the zipper. It needed a seam to rest in. Which meant that the zipper, the flap and the back panel would go in that seam. That actually turned out to be only slightly challenging. I relented, and did the "B" word. Basting. And it truly required it so I didn't mind so very much.

That's it in a nutshell... at least the prototyping part. It wasn't too painful, and the pattern will be better for all the effort that went into it. 

Now for actually Writing, Illustrating, and Designing the pattern booklet itself. Since I took lots of photos as I went along and wrote lots of notes, that'll be a snap, right? 

I'll be sure to let you know.

This was the first day I had the opportunity to sew in about 2 weeks. I need to finish the edges and bind it. but. Soon. This will be a pattern. It will come in several sizes and varieties. And I just may have figured out the perfect material to back it in to make it nice and thick. I think I'm going to use this one by the bath. 

Truly. Nothing can make me happier than making something. I think I may have my mojo back.

 

At least the azaleas seem to enjoy it.

The way Izzy's eyeballing that sewing basket, it makes me believe the rain Inspires her to Sew.

Maybe she'd like a pretty raincoat.

 

Teaching. It is one of the most satisfying things that I get to do. I feel really lucky that I'm getting to do quite a bit of it this year. The past two Wednesdays I taught my Patchwork Rose handbag from Inspired to Sew. There were four students and each left with a finished or almost finished bag which was really exciting.

Each student did their own version of the original in beautiful fabrics. This one is Sheila's bag. I think the mix of fabrics made it really interesting to look at.

There were the original velvet roses... 
And then Laura Fraga who is a designer and expert at hand applique decided to do a different kind of rose on her bag. These are her roses made with bias trim and sewn on by hand. She showed us how to make them. They are apparently a traditional flower that is done on Baltimore Album Quilts often. If she gives me permission, I'll do a tutorial. I just love the pristine look of these.

Here are a couple finished bags. This is Connie's. I love her smile. She was super-excited to go show it off at school pick-up after class.

And here is Nancy. I love the Victorian feel of her bag.

Nancy also brought in a tree inspired by the one in my book but smaller that she is working on. It was so exciting to see it take shape!

Next class up is the container garden pillow at Cotton Patch in Lafayette, CA. Can't wait. See my sidebar for details. Psssst. It's the same as the pillow I made for my mom (two posts down).

 

My mommy is in town for a visit. And she found the unfinished version of this pillow which I made in July for a class sample. It's a project in Inspired to Sew and this one is an UFO I'd entirely forgotten about. Mom wanted it and that was just the excuse I needed to divert my attention from what I was doing and make it into a pillow for her. Glad it's finished and has a new owner.

I did manage to finished up two of the Slice Fabrique projects and sent them off to Utah for photographs before I got distracted. Of course I took a few of my own before they left.

And in other news, my studio appears in the newest edition of Studios magazine with the one an only Ty Pennington on the cover!

And look! We're BFF's in the table of contents... Yup. That's my studio pictured right beneath his. 

Ty Pennington. Bari J. Ackerman. BFFs. 

I'll be getting a few copies in stock soon if anyone wants one. 

 

 

A ways back I posted about a project I was working on for Making Memories Slice Fabrique Digital Cutting Machine... custom applique designs that can be cut out automatically. I don't know if maybe you remember?

Well, I'm so excited about it now, I could pee! Yesterday I received a sample digital card with my very own designs on it. You guys, it is SO flipping cool. I love this thing. It is so easy. You just iron fusible web on your fabric back, set it on the Slice cutting board and press a button. So totally addicting.

I've been dying to show you. My card, like my upcoming fabric line is called, Paris Apartment, and the designs will coordinate. I'll be designing quilts and projects to go with both that will debut at Quilt Market. This is a small sneak peek a just a few of the projects. There are 18 layered designs on the card altogether.

Above is the chandelier design (yes, there's a chair too!). It can be cut to assemble to an amazing finished size of 17 1/2". This one will go on a 24" pillow. It took me less than an hour to cut all the pieces (there are 22 in all). I machine appliqued them on and did little French knots for the drippy crystals. It's made from the Lecien Flower Sugar line.

This cake stand design is 5.2" wide. I'm making this piece into a tea towel. I used my light box to trace the words "let them eat cake" on it and then I used a backstitch with Cosmo Multi-work Embroidery Floss to embroider it. The fabric is Paris Apartment and a touch of Flower Sugar.

Below is the cameo design. I'll be doing a bit of embroidery around it then leaving it in the hoop to display. I've again mixed Paris Apartment and Flower Sugar. The cameo itself is a dark grey shot cotton.

Fun, right? Well, back to work... and making dinner and cleaning up this joint. I'm teaching tomorrow (see sidebar) and my mom is coming to visit for a week! I'm so looking forward to all our misbehavin! I'm taking her to my favorite tea room, Crown and Crumpet! I'll take pictures to share, no worries. 

 

 

 

In my real life, I've never been to Paris, let alone lived there. But like many Americans, it's something I dream of.

My upcoming fabric line from Lecien, Paris Apartment, is how I imagine I'd live my life there. 

The names of the prints (all translated to French) express rooms that would be in my apartment, designs you'd see in it and the people who would be with me. There's a sewing room for Anna (le salle du couture d'Anna), my 15 year old daughter...

and a salon (le salon d'Emily) for Emily who is 13.

I imagine Super Husband and I would enjoy relaxing in our lovely sun room (le salle du soleil) and I'd fill the place with chintz prints (le chintz moderne) and vintage linen (le linge d'epoque). And of course, it would be overflowing with flowers from our little garden (le jardin).

Of course, I'd love for you to visit me in Paris. I'll save a guest room just for you.

 

PS. These are fabric "strike-offs". They are the first prints that the mill in Japan does to show the fabric company and designer what it will look like and so color etc can be approved. What you are seeing here is the first I'm seeing on fabric. Some of these colors may not end up in the finished line. 

This line begins to show to distributors and stores in March and it sounds like they will end up in US stores in June.

 

 

Did you sew today? After the gym, errands and a large round of procrastination via Twitter, I ended up with an ounce of afternoon sewing time. I've been wanting to make a spider web quilt even though probably everyone else is totally done with them, so I started that quest. Now, however, I'm thinking of making just this little star portion into a zippy pouch because I don't really have time to finish it and I loathe UFOs sitting around. The Ladies in Waiting (projects I have fabric and ideas for already) own a large enough portion of this studio. So this may be as far as I ever get on a spiderweb quilt. I guess I just wanted to know how to do it, then once I knew, I didn't care anymore. I'm like that sometimes.

Were you inspired to sew today? What'd you make?

In other news...

My good friend Monica asked me to pick the winner for her Inspired to Sew Giveaway...

So here goes... 

Out of 193 (wow!) entries the winner is #19! Nancy, claim your copy of Inspired to Sew!

 

 

 

In Theory...

This should work.

In practice, it's a curved piecing nightmare that refuses to lay flat.

So, for those of you more experienced than me, any ideas?

 

This was going to be another zippy pouch. But then I spent an inordinate amount of time on the embroidery.

Cause I love hand stitchery.

The purple and red are all hand done and the stitching on the seams is by machine. Maybe now it wants to be a pillow?

Or add blocks and make a big quilt? Maybe a bigger handbag. What do you think?

BTW, it occurs to me... if you are interested in these stitches, I'll be teaching them in a free online class... You can check my sidebar for details. I promise it to be lots of fun. 

For those of you who are curious, the roses on the roofline are bullion stitch mixed with some french knots and lazy daisy stitches.

On the side of the house lavender is growing. Also made with bullion stitches. And on the ballerina's dress I added a little yellow rose made from bullion stitches.

And this is the piece prior to hand embroidery.

Any ideas? What should this be?

My mom was always big on Valentines day with her kids. There are four of us. And for each of us she always put something special in our rooms on Valentines Day morning. It made me feel really important to her, and it's something I always remember. I've made a point of doing the same for my kids. I little piece of jewelry, candy and other goodies has been our tradition. This year I'm also going to hang treats on their door knobs for an extra surprise. These are so simple to make and can be used throughout the year for all sorts of gifting purposes. This free pattern includes instructions for a rolled felt rose and for the the blanket stitch. Enjoy!

Download Vintagevalentine

 

 

Possibly I need to be sent to rehab for a zippy pouch sewing addiction.

I am seriously avoiding doing what I need to do around here. 

 
Excuses for sewing these little bags when I'm totally supposed to be focused on creating new sewing patterns:

1. I'm clearing scraps out of my studio to make room for more creative thought.

2. During the process of creating these bags I might just come up with that one incredible idea that I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

3. My mom has requested a bag like this but with pockets for her knitting needles. So now I have to make at least one more.

4. It relaxes me. If I'm relaxed I'm more likely to come up with some fab sewing pattern designs.

5. I need more bags. No. Really. I need more bags.

6. I'm using up my supply of leather handles which is taking space in this studio.

7. They are starting to fill the website. Sort of.

8. Creativity breeds more creativity? 

9. I can't help myself.

10.  I can't help myself.

 

 

Have you ever wondered why one of your favorite bloggers was Inspired to Sew in the first place? What got them started? Who taught them to sew? Why do they love it so much? The Inspired to Sew blog tour will include answers to these questions and ...

each will Give Away a copy of Inspired to Sew as well!

Mark your calendars and remember to stop by for a chance to win. And be sure to tell us why YOU are inspired to sew!

January 31 Mary Abrue: Confessions of a Craft Addict

February 1, Jennifer Paganelli: Sis Boom!

February 2, Jona Giammalava: Stop Staring and Start Sewing

Feb 3, Rashida Coleman Hale: I Heart Linen

Feb 4, Sarah Fielke: The Last Piece

Feb 5, Jenny Doh: Crescendoh

Feb 6, Cara Wilson: Cara Quilts

Feb 7, Deborah Moebes: Whipstitch Fabrics

Feb 8, Monica Solorio-Snow: Happy Zombie

And... (edit) Susanne Woods will be giving away a stack of my Full Bloom fabric (which is no longer in print) at the end of the tour on the Stash Books Blog on February 9! 

My lovely twitter friend, Cara Wilson, from Cara Quilts came up with this fun idea: Get people from all over the world together all at one time to talk sewing/quilting. We do this on Twitter. Live on Tuesday evenings 9PM EST! And people really do show up and chat with us from all over the globe.

It's Called Talkin' Tuesdays. All you have to do is search #talknt and then follow along in the conversation. Chime in if you'd like.

And, to win prizes, Re-tweet the prize tweets.

Tomorrow night, I'll be sponsoring #talknt with a give-away of 2 signed books,

a 4-pack of sewing patterns and 10 fat quarters of Country Lane. I'd love to see you there! 

Long ago in a land far far away I started sewing handbags. My initial idea was to create one of a kind pieces. But before I knew it the business expanded into offering design your own handbags, and really what were production handbags. I was using a local seamstress and then a sewing contractor. What I loved, sewing, had gone off to someone else to do.

Over the years I came to realize that what I really connected with was sharing my love of sewing. By creating sewing patterns, focusing on writing a sewing book and doing surface/textile design I was back to my true passion. I couldn't be happier. 

I made the decision to make this the focus of my business a year ago, but I missed my little one-off projects that were so special you can't really make them into a pattern. And I hadn't really changed my website to reflect my change in focus either. So this past week I finally made the switch. 

 

I changed my "about" page to reflect the change, I fluffed up my home page, and I took down all the "old" finished products and replaced them with new one of kind pieces. I'll be offering my sewing patterns, my book, some fabric, and one of a kind handmade goodies made just by me. I simply listed three items yesterday. One sold within 20 minutes which made me realize that my instinct is probably the right one.

Today I've started making simple fun little items to continue to list on the website. The unfinished piece at the top of this post will be listed soon. It features my some of my favorite techniques: collage, patchwork and a little bit of embroidery. 

I hope you'll keep watching for more of these little bits of happiness. And of course new sewing patterns, fabric and more are on the way as well. 

Happy sewing!

 

From the first stitch I ever took, I was hooked. I was hooked on fabric, on thread, on color, on pattern and especially on the act of creating something out of nothing. It truly brings me happiness unlike anything else. That's why the name of my book is Inspired to Sew. Every project came about from this unending love of creating something sewn. I hope that the projects in it will inspire you to sew as well. 

Because I'm hoping you are, I've put an "I'm Inspired to Sew" blog button in my sidebar... feel free to "steal" the code for your blog! And if you are interested in a signed copy, they are now available to pre-order on my website. I expect them to ship next week. Use code, iminspiredtosew, for 10% off, and be sure to choose USPS for the least expensive shipping cost.

If you are local, there will also be a book signing at Wooden Gate Quilts in Danville, CA on January 22. I'd love to meet you there! Please check their class schedule as well, I will be teaching the Tea Party Accessories from the book on January 20 from 6 to 9 PM. 

Additionally, be on the look out for an upcoming blog tour! 

 

 

 

My last project of 2010. I made two of these iPad covers. The first one was a massive fail that ended with me pitching shards of fabric in the trash. And several curse words. After I work out some kinks, I think maybe I'll put together a pattern with several gadget cover patterns included. 

Happy New Year to you all!

 

Everyone in my family is under the impression, that if you want to learn to do something you go to YouTube and search for your subject. Super Husband learned how to fix our television, how to catch squirrels in the attic and how to fix the window that refused to go back up in our car. My girls have learned to make soap, found recipes for body scrubs, and how to put on make-up. There was the infamous hair cutting incident that started with a YouTube video and ended up with an unwanted mullet on the part of a certain 14yo girl, but never the less, YouTube is our Go-To. I have learned knitting and crochet, fashion drawing, and I recently learned a great method for cutting hexagons and a method for machine piecing hexagons.

I discovered this Kaye Wood video and her awesome rulers and immediately ordered one to start making a hexagon quilt. 

Of course, I didn't want to hand piece hexagons. But lucky me, this video was listed in the sidebar of related videos. 

This quilt has been relatively easy so far using both of these methods, and I feel like a super-accomplished quilter having tried something new.

You do get left with a bunch of these little triangles when cutting with this method, but luckily, they are perfectly usable. Of course, I can see making anything with these taking a lifetime, but then, maybe I'll just spend the next 60 years making little hexies out of tiny triangles.

On another note, this post would be incomplete without introducing you to my latest tool obsessions as I gained a few in the process of making this quilt. Are you a sewing tool junkie too? I may buy more tools than I buy fabric. I could be exaggerating, but maybe.

This quilt-go-round, I found these erasable pens. They erase when you iron them and mark very nicely on fabric. Even when you mark on the bias, the fabric doesn't stretch. Love that! My hot pink Frixion pen has been invaluable for marking the 1/4" starting and stopping points on my hexagons. I can't wait to use them for embroidery and applique.

And speaking of marking the 1/4" starting and stopping points, I really like this Jinny Beyer Perfect Piecer tool. It has all sorts of angles marked and little holes where you put the pen through to mark your points. And I imagine there's tons of other uses for it too that I've yet to figure out.

On that note, I'll leave you with a bit of advice... make sure your teenage/pre-teen female children understand that not all YouTube videos are useful. Especially ones that advise using your leg shaving razor to cut your hair. I'm just saying.

PS Since I know someone will ask, the fabric I'm using for the hexagon quilt is Flower Sugar by Lecien. Available here.

[Edit: I'm so honored! Kaye Wood commented on this post! For another way to piece hexagons watch Kaye Wood's Hexagon Cut and Sew video. This method allows you to avoid having to mark your 1/4" points!]

Welcome to the last but not least stop on the blog tour of Little Girls, Big Style by Mary Abreu!

I had the honor of being in on the secret of Mary's book writing early on as we are both C&T Stash authors. She's been a friend to me throughout both of our journeys for which I can't thank her enough. And needless to say, with the inside scoop of how awesome this book was shaping up as she went along, I could not wait to see it in all it's glory.

I most certainly was not disappointed. When you take a look at the cover of this book, it's not difficult to fall in love, but open it up and you'll have an all out romance with sewing.

The photography is gorgeous, the instructions are impeccable and you get a ton of bang for your buck with four patterns that create an entire wardrobe of clothing.

This is Mary's debut sewing book and it clearly shows she is no newcomer to sewing. She's an expert, and today, we are lucky to have a bonus guest post from her with her favorite sewing tips, below. 

Oh, and did I mention a give-away? Why yes, I believe I did. Leave a comment at the end of this post, and I'll pick a winner on Monday. 

Without further adieu, here's my friend, Mary Abreu:

I’m so fortunate that I get to do what I love on a daily basis. Sewing truly makes me happy and I love that I get to share that by teaching others how to sew. Seeing my students complete their first project lets me relive the excitement of sewing my first pillow and I get this warm, fuzzy feeling about sparking a love of sewing in someone else. Bari asked if I’d share some of my favorite sewing tips and I’m delighted to oblige with the list I give my Sewing 101 students. Some of these were passed on to me from my mom, while others are gleaned from my sewing experiences. I hope you find them useful tools for your sewing arsenal.

• Invest in the best tools you can. Many times there really is a difference between the cheapest and the not cheapest. It’s worth it to spend a little more if it means it’s more durable and reliable.

• Designate a sewing space and own it. When my husband was in law school, we turned the walk-in closet of our master bedroom into an office for him. Space was at a premium (two-bedroom apartment for four people) and sacrificing closet space was worth it for him to have a designated study area. It’s a lot easier to enjoy your sewing if you have some space you can call your own, whether it’s a spare room, corner of the dining room or even a closet.

• Wind an extra bobbin at the start. I rarely get through a project without needing to replace the bobbin. It’s a lot easier to just drop in a second one instead of unthreading my machine mid-stream and loading a new bobbin.

• Trim threads as you go. I am horrible about doing this but it’s really the easiest way to make sure you snip all those dangling threads.

• Use a different color bobbin thread when you gather. If you use the thread-gathered method, it’s a lot easier to separate your bobbin thread if it’s a different color than your spool.

• Remove pins ahead of the presser foot. My mom taught me to just sew over pins and it’s really been a hard habit to break. If you’re lucky, you’ll just break a machine needle or bend a pin. On the other hand, you can end up with a pointy projectile or mess up the timing of your sewing machine.

• Round the edges of elastic before pulling it through a casing. It feeds through more smoothly with no corners to catch inside the casing.

• An ergonomic seam ripper is worth it. Everybody unsews. It’s just part of the process. You may as well have one that fits in your hand for those times when you sew and serge the bottom tier of a twirly dress right side to wrong side.

• Start a sewing notebook. I use mine for keeping track of the kids’ measurements (note the date you measured), settings on my serger and a shopping list when I’m running low on an item.

• Sew for the ones you love -- but only if they can appreciate it. People who don’t “get” handmade gifts, people who point out flaws — get them gift cards. Your favorite aunt who taught you how to crochet when you were 10 and praised the 8-foot-long bookmark you made? Sew for her.