Safe Holder for Rotary Cutters

Today's tip:  At the beginning of the school year, these little pencil holders sell for as little as a quarter at the office supply stores and WalMart. I find them perfect for my rotary cutters and can even squeeze the 60mm rotary cutter in one.  I keep my machine needles in another. 
I'll be thinking up new uses before next year's school sales.

Tip for today: Don't lean back!!

My studio is fairly good sized, but it seems that I'm always bumping one of my two rolling chairs into the sewing table or my old Singer cabinet. I read the other day where someone took the back off a desk chair to get more room. Well, I did it!
So far it is working great. I never leaned back while I was working, only when I wanted to admire something I had finished sewing. I only miss it when I want to grab the back to move it. I'll give it another week or so before I take the other chair back off.

Easy machine needle threading

Today's tip:  Place painter's tape behind the needle when threading.  You can see the eye better and can secure the thread as it comes through by pressing the tape against the needle.

Today's Tip: Painter's Tape is Clearly Visible

Today's tip is about that blue painter's tape we all love.  I use it on clear pastic covers such as rotary and bobbin covers so that when I drop them, they don't blend in with the background.

Satin Stitcing is the Tip for Today February 17, 2013

Today's tip for today is satin stitching, and Patric Lose's technique, especially at a point, is especially clever.  See:
Patrick Lose's tip on satin stitching.

Designing Woman: Why and How I Make Patterns

I gave a talk at the Quest Quilt Guild this week on why and how I make patterns.  I usually start with an expressed need for an item that isn't on the market.  I look around to see what is similar, take pictures, measure and test.  I may make three or four models as I design my organizer sewing patterns.  I take pictures each step of the way so that the patterns are easy to follow for even the practiced beginner. My girls are always willing to test the models and give honest feedback.
I love the creative process and wish I had more time to design these personalized organizers. The positive feedback I receive is rewarding in and of itself. 

Shableysart by Sharon Bailey

The work of Sharon Bailey of Shableysart.  We spent some time together this afternoon exploring Weebly.com's webhosting.  Her website will be up soon and you can see it all at shableysart.com.

Barbara Brosnan's Comment on Walker Tote

Thank you so much for sharing this pattern!  This is perfect for my grandmother, she insists on carrying her purse when using her walker.  It is constantly slipping down her arm and we are so nervous that it is going to make her fall.  This walker bag is the perfect solution.  I am going to have my 10 year old do most of the work, so it will be special to her and she will be sure to use it.  Barbara Brosnan