Christen Phillips

  • How To Make More Time For Sewing And Quilting

    Thats right… did you know you actually can make more time for sewing and quilting in your day?? No magic potions required. Just a proven strategy to add in more of what you love.

    You may be thinking… ‘But I’m super busy, Christen!

    I would be so rich if I had a dollar for every time someone told me “we all have the same 24 hours in a day!”… ugh… if you could only see my eyes rolling back in my head… because while TECHNICALLY it is true… it is so not a valid reason as to why some of us are able to accomplish everything our hearts desire and us others are left floundering around and never able to find a single moment to produce creative work.

    I’m about to share 10 tips that you can start to put into practice today that will give you more sewing and quilting time.

    Most of them are centered around being a busy mom, because hey… I can only teach what I know, right? But these tips work for every single busy person in this world who needs a little help juggling life and a passion for quilting!

    (And as promised, NO magic wands involved… but if you happen to find one, I would *LOVE* to borrow it… just for a few hours? I do promise to give it back!)

    10 Tips to make more time for sewing and quilting

    Plan Out Your Calendar

    I use google calendar because I like having the notifications and reminders come up on my phone. I really love paper planners but I’m helpless if I accidentally leave it at home. Use whatever you feel comfortable with.

    You need a place to write everything down – Everything that is going on in your week. Every appointment. Every commitment. Everything.

    You need to be able to look at your week at a glance and see what is taking up all of your time.

    See if you can make any adjustments right away such as making all appointments or meetings on one day of the week instead of different days.

    I really love this planner! It is one of my favorites and I always feel so much more organized and on top of things when I have this planner in use!

    Write “creative time” on your calendar

    That’s right. It really can be that simple.

    Make a date with yourself. Write it in pen and don’t let it get tossed around like it doesn’t matter. Make the commitment.

    You wouldn’t ever miss an appointment with a doctor, would you? No, because you respect that that time is important for your health. Give yourself the same respect. Your creative time is important for your mental health and happiness.

    Even if you can only squeeze in 30 minutes here and there… it is absolutely worth the time spent because it will add up in the long run to making big progress towards your project goals!

    Remember when you were a teenager and you had plans to go out Saturday night? Remember looking forward to it all week long?! Yes, bring back that giddy happy feeling again!

    I find that it really helps me get through a particularly tough spot in the week if I know I have an hour planned to sew in the evening!

    Finding more time to sew and quilt in your day can be difficult... but it doesn't have to be impossible! here are 10 ways you can find more time in your day TODAY!

    Pick Your Projects With Purpose

    You may already have a list of projects that is a mile long. I know I do.

    I tend to get super excited about a project and am all in. (nevermind about those other projects I have that aren’t finished yet) I buy a new pattern. then I’ll buy the fabric and I start making plans. I have tunnel vision for only that project… until something comes up and I have to take a break. Then the project has to take a backseat for a while and the initial inspiration spark dies off a little at a time.

    Choose a project that speaks to your soul and has a specific purpose (even if it is just that you really want to make a turquoise quilt!)

    If you have a quilt that you are making for another person, you’ll be more likely to finish it because you’ll have the motivation of seeing how much they love your beautiful quilt to help push you through the less than inspired moments.

    Only work on things that bring you joy

    This goes with what I said above, but it is important to point out that you’ll have a lot more fun working on things you love than forcing yourself to work on things that you don’t.

    Example: I don’t like working with dull colors. Bright and happy bold colors inspire me and leave me feeling energized. If I have to make a whole quilt out of dull fabrics… I can do it, but I will find much more joy working on a quilt in my favorite fabrics.

    To keep up with your project list – I created a FREE handy Quilt Planner!

    Download this FREE quilt planner and get organized so that you can create more! 6 pages of everything you need. nothing you don't!

    Clean Out Projects That No Longer Inspire You

    If you were working on something and you have lost that spark of joy for it… it is ok to let it go.

    Take one more thing off of your plate and cross it off of your to-do list.

    There is no sense in letting it hang around on your to-do list if you really deep down have no desire to work on it again. It is just causing you to dread it forever at that point.

    Sometimes when you have both money and time invested in a project, it is hard to let it go… but it is taking up physical space and mental space at this very second. How much is that worth to you?

    Make some more room for things that you really do love and are really inspired by right now!

    Give up all house chores!

    haha… just kidding. I wish this were a possibility. I feel like I’m really the only one who cares about the state of our home. My kids would be happy to live in a dump.

    I hate laundry and I hate doing the dishes… but I know myself. If I leave those chores until “after I sew”… I can guarantee they won’t get done and I’ll be sorry tomorrow.

    I’ve developed a reward system (yes, like I’m a total child). I will set a timer for 10 minutes and do a total speed clean of my dishes and kitchen, then throw a load of clothes into the washer and after the timer goes off… THEN, I SHALL SEW!

    You would be surprised what you can accomplish in 10 minutes if you have something really great as a reward!

    Quit saying Yes to everything

    Its really hard when the opportunity for plans comes up and you want to say yes to everything.

    It might be because coffee out with friends does sound really fun even though you’re already really busy. Or it might be because you don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by saying that you can’t help out with the community project right now. Of course, you feel like you SHOULD want to babysit your grandchildren every week, right?

    Let’s get one thing straight here… Saying “yes” isn’t the problem… the problem is saying ‘yes’ to everything! It leaves you overscheduled and unable to find the time for yourself that you crave.

    When faced with a commitment decision as yourself:

    “Would I rather do _____ or sew?” – then, you will have your answer to if you should say yes or not! 🙂

    Evening Sewing Dates

    I like having set nights during the week where I know I am going to be able to sew.

    My kids are relatively hard sleepers and have never complained about the noise of the sewing machine. Even still… I think I could figure out a way to get all my cutting done at night or plan my next quilt etc.

    My husband and I sat down and discuss our weekly evening plans. I work out what plans we have for the week regarding the kids, friends etc… then I set aside an evening for us to relax together. We like to watch movies or play a game… whatever. It changes weekly.

    Then, I set aside an evening for us to work on our own individual items. He will work on whatever projects he has going on and I will work on my sewing.

    No one feels left out because it is something we discussed prior and we have already made each other a priority by making sure we have other evenings scheduled. win win!

    Finding more time to sew and quilt in your day can be difficult... but it doesn't have to be impossible! here are 10 ways you can find more time in your day TODAY!

    Put your phone away

    Quit wasting pockets of time by checking your social media and other outlets or playing mindless games on your cell phone.

    I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from looking at Pinterest and other creative blogs… but if I spend all day looking, I’ll never actually get to the point of creating! and that becomes wasted time!

    Set a timer or make it a point to remember that you are the boss. You decide when enough is enough and you need to have a break from looking and start using that time to create!

    The Sticky Note Bread Crumb Trail Method

    Sometimes I only have 10 minutes to sit down and work on a project, but 10 minutes is better than nothing so I’ll get to work right away.

    If I have to get up and leave, I jot a quick note down on a sticky note. I like to leave notes about where I left off or what I was about to do next.

    Sticky notes are like a bread crumb trail for the next time I sit back down to sew. I’ll quickly remember what I was doing and be able to pick back up right away.

    Stop Making Excuses as to why you “can’t”

    A bit of tough love here…

    You are the only one who is keeping you from being able to find more time to sew and quilt.

    Ouch, right?

    If you are just dying to find more time to sew and quilt and the hours in your day feel really limited… Show yourself some love, sister! It’s time that you buckle down and find the time you so desperately want!

    You can do this!

    Finding more time to sew and quilt in your day can be difficult... but it doesn't have to be impossible! here are 10 ways you can find more time in your day TODAY!

    For more helpful tips that give you more actionable steps that you can take today, download my free guide: A Busy Girl’s Guide to Quilting.

  • How Much Is My Quilt Worth?

    Whether you’re looking to sell your quilts or you’re just curious how much your skills are worth… I’m sure you have at one point or another asked yourself…”How much is my quilt worth?”

    Sometimes you can’t put a price on your creativity because the feeling of joy you get from it is priceless, but there are other times that you absolutely can put a price on your talents…

    I get this question from well-meaning friends and family all the time… “How much would it cost for you to make me… Insert some vague idea of a quilt plan here….”

    Maybe you’ve come across this question too? You don’t want to shoot too high and scare off the curious admirer of your great talents, but you also don’t want to lowball yourself or your time involved in making a quilt.

    Let’s be honest here that quilting is NOT a cheap hobby, right? There is the cost of the fabric, the time spent planning and coordinating fabrics, time and tools spent cutting, piecing and ripping and piecing again. Then, there is the cost of the batting, the backing and the time spent quilting or hiring a long armer to quilt it for you, finish up with the binding and my my my… you truly have a one of a kind work of heART!

    There have been a few quilts that I have spent more time working on over a period of about a week than I did some of my close family members. Ouch, right?

    But you can’t exactly charge 5 million dollars for a quilt… can you?

    So how DO you put a price on your lovely creation?

    The simple answer is that it is not so simple. There is a LOT that factors into the pricing of a quilt, including the level and details of the quilt.

    Today is your lucky day!

    I have created a FREE worksheet download to help you judge just how much your quilt is worth, taking into account, time, fabric costs, details etc.

    So next time someone asks you “what would you charge for….?” You’ll be ready and have a fair number in mind and be able to answer the looming question, “How Much Is My Quilt Worth?”

    Why Should I Share This Information?

    You may also choose to include this form with your quilt when you gift it… not to rub their nose in all you have spent creating it… though you’re free to do so if you choose… but so that the quilt giftee has a better understanding of the valuable gift they have lovingly received from you.

    Hopefully, they will be encouraged to take care of your lovely quilt, cherish it and will not turn it into a dog bed (that absolutely happened to me, I swear).

    The end goal is to educate yourself and the rest of the world what a valuable talent you have. After all, when you can buy a $17 throw from Target… it is hard to imagine the cost of a custom throw sized quilt being easily over $400!

    It is a fair assumption that I have absolutely no idea how to calculate the speed of a flying rocket in outer space…. but NASA does.

    You can’t blame the people who just don’t understand the ins and outs of the quilting world… but you can teach those that are curious!

    Disclaimer: If you are looking to have a quilt appraised for insurance purposes or you have an antique quilt with a special history, I suggest finding a certified quilt appraiser to help you out. They are trained magnificently in what they do and can give you exact worth values and replacement values. My Quilt Worth form is for informational purposes only.

    FREE Download Worksheet to calculate just how much your quilt is worth so next time you get the question... "How much would you charge for..." you'll know exactly what your time and resources are worth!

    More FREE Downloads!

    I have a whole host of free information on my site! Check out more here.

    But make sure you grab my most popular FREE download as well…

    Make sure you also have this other download from me! It is PERFECT to give with each and every single quilt you make! Your giftee will have all the tools they need to know how to take care of their beloved treasure and make it last for years and years to come!!

  • Painted Ladies Quilt Reveal & Pattern Review

    I am beyond excited to share this Painted Ladies Quilt reveal with you! And I hope you’re ready to see tons of pictures because I couldn’t pic favorites!

    I started this quilt and finished the majority of the house blocks while I was on my mini quilt retreat a few months back. (72 hours of mostly sewing, yummy treats and far too little sleep but work every single second!)

    I’m not going to lie – this pattern is a work of love. It is a lot of repetitive blocks over and over…. and over again. While this can be a bit boring, you may find comfort in really nailing down what it is you’re doing and learning to do it well so by the end of making 40 hours (yes, 40 total) you will be the best house quilt builder ever.

    *I have to put in a little side note that if you look at the lovely pattern, you’ll notice my homes are slightly different than those on the pattern. While I used the bones of the pattern, I branched out and changed things to suit my eclectic tastes and made my neighborhood a little… wilder?… More artsy?… I made my neighborhood full of homeowners that I would like to live by… people who have fun… I always end up with something that I do my own way to add my own flair.

    I have a few quick notes about the pattern design itself as well as my fabric choices but then we will get right to lots more beautiful images of this special quilt!

    A Review Of The Pattern

    First, the Painted Ladies Pattern is a pattern by Eye Candy Quilts. You can buy the pattern here if you’re interested.

    Size: The finished quilt is 60″ x 72″

    The quilt pattern is inspired by the beautiful Victorian houses that line the streets of SanFrancisco, CA USA. “Each colorful house is stacked on the hill right next to the one on either side of it, and they’re all adorned with a little bit of appliqué gingerbread trim.” (according to eye candy quilts website)

    i.e – to my brain that grew up in the 1990’s – just like the houses on the opening credits of the TV show Full House!

    Understanding the pattern and creating each block was rather simple, in my opinion.

    I give the pattern 5 stars!

    Review of the Atomic Starburst Quilt Pattern by Violet Craft

    I found the cut sizes very precise and the instructions perfectly clear. There were only a few times where I had to rip my seams open and try again, but that was due more to lack of sleep and user error than any misunderstanding of the pattern or the pieces that I was working with!

    I did alter the pattern slightly and chose to omit the “trimmings” of the houses as shown in the pattern. I opted to dive into my scrap stash (actually the retreat group pooled a scrap ribbon stash for us all to play with) to add some fancy flair to each house.

    DIY Easy Key fob project sews up super fast and is perfect for teens, pre-teens and happy people of all skill levels! These are such a fun DIY gift... AND an amazing scrap stash buster!

    Another thing that I added that the pattern did not call for was little button doorknobs. I mean, you just have to, right? Somehow those beautiful little doors just have to open up!

    These were a fun way to use up extra and oddball buttons from my stash as well.

    More On My Fabric Choice

    I don’t think I’ve ever kept it a secret how much I adore Alison Glass’ fabric. I’m pretty convinced that we could be great friends and play with fabric designs together someday. Ahem… Call me, Allison!

    When I saw this stack of fabric in my local quilt shop… I totally had a stop and *gasp* moment… all of the designs together… the rainbow of color and the play of pattern…. and all fat quarters too! The deserved for me to stop and appreciate their loveliness! Oh, the possibilities!

    This line of fabric designs is named Sun Print. Everything pairs beautifully together and there are just enough eclectic designs and typography elements to make the fabric just stunning together. I can’t say enough how much I heart this fabric line.

    Image from FatQuarterShop.com

    My heart shined brightly on the inside when I saw this fabric… Yes, it sure did! OK, maybe I’m being a tad dramatic, but not far from the truth!

    You can buy this exact fabric bundle here. Note: If they are out of stock, you may have to search Etsy as this is the 2019 Line from Alison Glass and sometimes they are limited prints from the fabric manufacturer to allow for more new and beautiful designs to come out!

    You can also check out Alison Glass’ website to see if the bundles are offered.

    For the background, I knew I wanted something dark that would make the colors pop and show bright and bold. I ran across the lovely black and white constellation print that shows just enough of a print design to match the weight of the other fabrics but not take away from their beauty… plus, you may have noticed that I kind of really, like totally love stars. Like, just a little bit.

    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like -  as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass

    More Quilt Pictures!!

    Ok now onto my favorite part… the quilt reveal with more pictures!

    As you can see I quilted the quilt on the longarm sewing machine. I’m lucky enough to have a sweet friend who is willing to let me come over with my kids in tow and use her machine (this one took 14+ hours of quilting time!)

    I quilted each house differently using quilting rulers and my imagination to pick the patterns. The sky/background is just a meander pattern with a black thread to blend in nicely.

    Its super fun to create each house and play with your fabrics! This quilt pattern would make a fantastic scrap buster too!

    This quilt is a birthday gift for my Mom, whom I adore and appreciate her always making home such a wonderful place to be. <3

    Enjoy the tons of photos to follow! And let me know in the comments if you’re going to work this quilt pattern into your to-do list this year!

    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass

    I chose a simple black and white backing with some sweet little birds flying so as not to distract from alllll that was going on color wise on the front of the quilt.

    I also chose a happy yellow fabric from the same line of fabric by Alison Glass for the binding of the quilt.

    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
    A full review of the Painted Ladies Quilt Pattern - what I liked and didn't like - as well as LOTS of photos of the finished quilt. Fabric Line is from Alison Glass
  • The Best Sewing Machine Deals on Amazon

    Hey hey! There is nothing like the day that you decide that you’re ready to upgrade your sewing machine… You might be a little sad to see your current machine go, but that doesn’t mean that you can be super excited for all that your new machine can do for you! Today I am going to share with you the best sewing machine deals on Amazon!

    First of all… why Amazon?

    I don’t think I’ve made any attempt to make it a secret that I absolutely LOVE Amazon. I will shout it from the rooftop if you like because I really do love it.

    It is a busy mom’s sanity saver. And if you aren’t a Prime member, I highly suggest looking into it because um hello? Free shipping! Woohoo!

    But I digress… because that is a topic for another coffee date between us And that is not what we’re here to talk about today!

    We’re looking at a new sewing machine for you!

    The reason I highly recommend Amazon for starting your new sewing machine shopping is simple… Do it for the reviews! thousands of people just like you, not experts, freely giving their opinions and sharing their grievances openly for you to read.

    For example, this is the sewing machine that I use: The Janome 3160QDC

    Overwhelmed with the sheer amount of accessories you can have in the sewing room? - Read this list for the top 13 Must-Haves in the sewing room!
    Oh, be still my heart, how I LOVE this machine.

    It has a rating of 4.7 stars out of 5. That is a pretty high rating. (and that price is a steal if you were wondering…)

    People love my machine because it is super easy to use and the instruction manual is really simple to understand. I’ve never had one issue that couldn’t be solved in a matter of about 10 minutes.

    Also, it sews beautifully and quilts like a dream 😉 I may be a little biased but I’ve never sewn on anything I loved more than my own Janome machine. *honest*

    Let’s look at some more really great deals!

    If you're in the market for a new sewing machine, check out these deals from amazon! Why start with Amazon? These machines have tons of reviews from sewists just like you and are 5-Star machines! Here are my Beginner and Intermediate level picks!

    The Best Sewing Machine Deals On Amazon For You!

    Today’s list is based on the most bang for your buck when it comes to machines that have a user review of at least 4 stars. Plus – Free Shipping!

    Here is a link to all of the machines that fit these parameters, but I’m going to share my favorite choices below!

    Beginner/Budget Level Machine Choices

    These machines are great for beginners just dipping their toes into quilting with the big kids. I like that they come with everything that you need to get started including the extension table. For this price/level, you’re looking at a machine that can handle quilting through layers of fabric and even a few decorative stitches too. Also, these machines are simple to understand and work with.

    Intermediate Level Quilting

    These machines are a little more money upfront, but will allow you further options in exploring more complicated and challenging quilting as you progress.

    I really love my model Janome and feel that it is a wonderful machine, but I put it in this category because it isn’t their newest model and therefore it is lower in price 😉 yay!

    My advice on leaning on other people’s opinions is this, however… Some people’s opinions should be taken with a grain of salt because some people will never be 100% happy. – no matter how many jewels they hold! – just my two cents!

    But what about sewing machine shops?

    If you are looking for specific answers to questions you have… no amount of internet searching in the world can replace the knowledge and advice of a sewing machine repair shop!

    These talented men and women have seen the insides of thousands of machines and can tell you what they see the most, what their preference is on lasting machines and may even have a few used machines in house that they can sell to you at a good price.

    You never know until you ask!

    Good luck machine shopping. I’m so excited for you… even if you’re only thinking about looking at a new machine, it is still a super exciting possibility on the horizon for you with lots of creative adventures to come!

    Happy Sewing!

    Tell me in the comments below what your favorite sewing machine purchase has been?

  • ISeeStarsQuilting Q&A

    I thought today we would take things a little differently. Why not answer some of your questions about ISeeStarsQuilting and of course, me!

    Hi, I’m Christen – By day, I am a busy wife, momma, homeschool teacher, taxi driver, wanna-be chef, queen of the dishes and laundry and of a course happy quilter! And by night… well… I’m still all of those things, but it would be super cool if I turned into a vigilante superhero or something…

    It kind of sounds exhausting though… I think I do enough vigilante work during the day raising my 2 busy kiddos!

    Usually, when I write on my blog, I tell you all about my latest project or share a fun tutorial with you. Sometimes I even take you into the depths of quilting knowledge and we get out learning hats on! Those are fun days 🙂

    I get a lot of e-mails from people asking me about quilting projects or requests for tutorials on [Fill in the blank].

    I seriously LOVE to hear from my readers. Do NOT stop emailing me, OK? Your fun emails are the icing on my cake each week!

    I also get a lot of other questions just about me and what I use to sew with etc etc etc… so here goes!

    Have any burning questions you're curious about? I'm compiling the most asked questions in my email inbox each week and sharing them with you! *Why not learn something new today?*

    Q&A with Me!

    Where did you get your start in sewing?

    I do not come from a long line of quilters in my family. My great grandmother quilted, but I wasn’t fortunate enough to learn from her many talents.

    My mom always had a sewing machine in our home. She used it to repair clothes and to sew pillow covers. My Mom has always been really amazing and crafty.

    She taught me how to use the sewing machine and I did what any young girl would do with it… I made Barbie clothes out of scrap fabric. (Don’t be jealous… They were terrible quality and usually broke when they got up to her hips)

    After I got married, I used my sewing machine to make budget home decor items to decorate our little apartment.

    When did you start quilting?

    I didn’t actually start quilting until after I had my kids.

    Raising babies is hard y’all… there isn’t a lot of time left in the day after you take care of everyone else.

    This Momma needed something crafty for herself. Not that I don’t like to play nice, but I needed something that I didn’t have to share with everyone… do ya feel me, mommas? I needed something just for me.

    I’ll spare you the gritty teary eyed epic meltdown moment and just say that after a really dry art period in my life, I thought I might just lose my mind. It was rough

    We also happened to need blankets for each child about that same time…

    None of us like to share cuddle blankets on movie night. Yes, I know I influenced this behavior in my kids. My kids were specific – It had to be a Batman blanket and a Cinderella blanket.

    So I went to the internet, looked around for about 10 minutes and decided sure, quilting, why not? I took myself to the fabric store and came home to make their little baby dreams come true.

    After that, I made little quilts for my niece and my nephew and then it just kept going…

    I became hooked and intrigued by the women who could manipulate fabric into beautiful kaleidoscopes of colors and designs.

    How do you organize your scraps?

    Haha… I like to sort by colors of the rainbow but other than that.. they’re kind of a mess. But please do what works best for your brain!

    I have friends who use a system of size and color and its massive and cryptic… and I have other friends who just use a big bucket at the bottom of a closet.

    You can see my whole system in this post Scrap Fabric Storage Ideas.

    I’m not really a good quilter… How can I improve my quilting?

    Ugh. That just breaks my heart when people tell me that they aren’t good at quilting. So, stop that right now, ok?! If you’re doing your best, you are doing amazing! Do Not stop quilting because you think you’re not good at it.

    If you have to take a few quilts and go a little slower, really hone in on your attention to detail and make sure your skills are what the quilt needs, then do it. It will be a slow-go process, but your quilting will be so much better because of it!

    So the answer is really just to hyper focus on each task that you do.

    How do you quilt straight lines?

    Ah ha! Every quilter’s dream. Perfectly straight even lines…. You can read more about my tips and ideas in this post 3 Tricks to sewing Straight Seams.

    Do you offer any classes?

    Yes! I certainly do! And they are a wonderful way for you to connect and learn!

    Because of the time involved in making sure every student understands and is well taken care of, I only open up enrollment a few times a year and spots go quickly…

    But if you’re one of the lucky ones who so get in… get ready, it is such a fun group!

    To stay up to date and get a heads up when enrollment is opening again, join the waiting list and learn more about Modern Quilting Made Easy by visiting this page.

    Do you teach in-person classes anywhere?

    I’m always down for a quilting party! If you’re in the Houston Area, let me know and we can rally up the quilters!

    Or if your guild would like me to come talk or give a presentation, contact me.

    How did you come up with ISeeStarsQuilting?

    I’m OBSESSED with stars. I love them everywhere. If I see something in a store that has stars on it, I want it… even if it is nothing that I need. I just really really like stars. They make me happy.

    You know that emoji with the star eyes? That is so totally me!

    And I get the same happy feeling in my heart when I’m really in my zone and at my machine making the quilting magic happen.

    What advice do you have for a beginner quilter?

    This is a loaded question that definitely deserves a whole pot of tea and probably some cookies too because… yum.

    I don’t want to completely overwhelm you with ‘you need to always...’ or ‘never do…

    The truth is, quilters are like cooks: We all have our own opinions and ways of doing things that make things work for us.

    I like to quilt fast and strategic. I am a productivity machine in my sewing room.

    Is it always perfect? nope. (but you know this if you’ve been hanging around here long enough)

    Start with finding one quilt pattern that you really love the look of and work backward from there. Really tune in and study each step and work your little fingers off until you get it right. The improvement in your skills and knowledge will come while you are learning.

    You can also check out some of the posts here if you need some help with your Quilting 101

    And for goodness sakes… if you don’t know something or you’re confused by a phrase… google it. We do not live in a day and age where you have to rough it out there on your own!

    What Sewing Machine do you use?

    I’m in love with my Janome 3160QDC. I have had her for a few years, and we’re totally besties forever now. (PS – This Janome 4120 QDC is a newer version of my machine, and comes with all the bells and whistles/accessories just a little more money up front.)

    I love Janome Machines and the modern feel they have.

    Overwhelmed with the sheer amount of accessories you can have in the sewing room? - Read this list for the top 13 Must-Haves in the sewing room!

    What do you love the most about quilting?

    I love that I will never ever feel like I have “mastered” quilting.

    There is always something new and more challenging that I find to add to the “someday” list.

    Do you have a favorite pattern?

    Yes, and no… I always get all giddy and excited when I start to work on a quilt but by the time I finish that pattern my eyes are already drawn to the glitter and shine of another pattern to make!

    I’ve really been into the clean lines and modern look to the patterns that Emily Dennis creates over at Quilty Love lately.

    What is the largest quilt that you have made?

    The largest (so far) that I have made a queen sized quilt… and it was a big one. Perhaps someday I’ll make a king-sized one? You never know!

    I prefer to work with throw sized quilts because I can make them and then move on quicker. 🙂

    Whew! OK… so I tried to wrap my head around the questions that I get asked the most in my emails. If I missed something or you have another question, please feel free to comment down below or email one in to me and I’ll get back with you asap! 🙂 Happy Quilting, my friends!

  • Do You Want Better Quilt Piecing? Here is how to get it!

    The easiest way to improve the craftsmanship of your quilts is to perfect your piecing. (say that 5 times fast!) If you’re not entirely happy with your piecing and you want to have Better Quilt Piecing, I’m going to share my tips with you today!

    First, the difference between a total beginner quilter and an expert quilter is obviously practicing… More experience = more knowledge on how to work around the ins and outs of sewing and this issues that come up… but that doesn’t mean that you have to wait years down the road to be a better quilter!

    You can start TODAY!

    Right now even!

    Want better piecing? - You don't have to wait until you have years of experience behind you! You can totally be better today with these few tips!

    The biggest differences between the beginners and advanced can be seen in the tiny details…

    How many times have you thrown up your hands in frustration and said “ah! I don’t care if that seam doesn’t meet up perfectly. I can live with it not being perfect”? Then, instead of picking out that seam to fix the errors, you just kept moving forward, and never looked back?

    Don’t be shy. I’m guilty of it too… it is ok!

    In fact, I used to tell everyone “don’t look too close” when they would ooh and ahh over my latest sewing masterpiece.

    How is that for confidence???

    If anyone had a terrible case of sewing insecurities, it was me! I wasn’t worried things would fall apart at the seams or anything… but I didn’t want anyone inspecting my handiwork.

    Too many of those quick little “oh well!” decisions and my quilt tops looked like someone gave a 13-year-old a sewing machine and some half-hearted instructions and left her to fend for herself.

    It was pretty rough, let me tell you…

    It was a decent attempt, but nowhere near what I had pictured in my dreams.

    There was a lot that I would let slide back in those days because I didn’t want to take the time to go back and re-do it.

    I’m not sure if it was laziness on my part or just sheer willpower to plow my way through thinking more practice was all I needed to get better…

    It was the voice of a sweet friend that finally called me out on this vicious cycle of making something that took A LOT of time, effort and money and then not being able to be proud of my work because all I saw were flaws.

    Bless this sweet woman for calling me out. When someone who knows way more than I do tells me what to do… I listen.

    If you're looking to up your quilting game with some new tools, you're in luck! Don't just go buy what you THINK is going to be useful... read this first so you KNOW from a seasoned quilter what is going to be the best bang for your buck!

    I’m sharing her advice with you today You should listen too…

    If you want better piecing, pick a pattern and work on your piecing until its perfect.

    This “piecing project quilt” doesn’t have a time limit unless you give it one… but it will be the one that you give the title of No EXCUSES to.

    I’m not going to lie and tell you it was all rainbows and unicorns. There were some frustrating moments and some lessons learned along the way… but I promise you will have better piecing and more confidence to show for it if you follow these steps!

    Proper cutting is essential

    You can’t expect things to work out properly if you aren’t cutting your pieces precisely. That is step #1. It is just like a recipe without any measurements. You’re never going to get the exact right outcome if you don’t start with the right pieces.

    Check out this post on which rulers are my favorite and most used!

    I pulled out my seam ripper more times that I want to admit.

    If something isn’t right, fix it now. Don’t move on and say “oh well” or “I’ll come back to it later”. Re-do the seams that aren’t perfect and make it right.

    Check and Measure Your Seams

    I became obsessed with measuring my quarter inch seams for accuracy (something I wasn’t diligent with before)…

    Tiny Quilting RulerQuilting rulers are essential in the sewing room for quilting and DIY projects. which ones are absolutely essential so you don't spend a fortune? Read here www.iseestarsquilting.com
    This little handy guide stayed next to me as I worked!

    Staying consistent with your seams

    Guess what? Just by mastering my quarter inch seam and being consistent…. 70% of my inaccuracies disappeared.

    I was kind of shocked… no, REALLY shocked actually…

    Seams began to line up without having the stretch the fabric so tight to MAKE it work.

    Nesting your seams is a VITAL tool in quilting. It will help you get that finished and polished look on your quilt and cut out those rookie mistakes where your corners shift and seams don't line up. This is an easy trick that any quilter can use! Try it out on your next quilt. You won't be sorry!

    Sew straight seams

    This one takes some concentration, but it is a big one that goes with seams consistency. Here is a whole post about How to Sew Straight Seams even!

    I also created a product that has helped improved my straight seams so much. Y’all, I can’t even put it into words sometimes. I’ll even pay the shipping for you anywhere in the world (Yay! FREE shipping!!) and you can find it here in my store if this is something that you struggle with. So many people have had wonderful success with the Straight Seam Guide.

    Nest your seams

    I know, I know… everything has to do with yous seams! But it really is completely in the tiny details of your quilts!

    If you don’t know how to nest your seams, you can check out a whole post complete with a tutorial video. It will change your life.

    Measure measure measure

    In my old quilts… I really prided myself on being kind of a hippy quilter? (if that is a thing?) I didn’t have to measure everything… good enough was good enough and I liked being able to go with the flow and sew how I wanted to. aka, typical artist thinking she knows everything she needs to know and likes doing her own thing haha…

    The problem is, I was not a hippy quilter when it came to the end of the process. I morphed into ashamed and naive quilter who wasn’t all that proud of what she had made.

    And that is totally ridiculous. I’m so happy that I finally said enough is enough and I fixed it!

    I had to learn to measure more than once. Check check and double check everything.

    The pattern said that A + B will equal C, and darn it… I was going to have C! So I figured out how to get my As and Bs just right!

    What I wish I had known all along…

    Do you know all those quilts that I had made where I just assumed that I “needed more practice” as I zoomed past those little mistakes and left them in the dust? If I had just taken the time to fix them as they came up, I would have been a better quilter years ago!

    I didn’t need more practice sewing (though mastering my seams was a HUGE improvement) I just needed to slow down and work on those tiny little steps one at a time.

    Now, measuring and checking and precise cutting… it is all second nature behavior in my sewing adventure! I’m like a precision MACHINE!

    Now, I can still make a quilt where I don’t have to measure and can let my inner hippy free spirit quilter come back out… but even she has higher standards now 😉

    Want better piecing? - You don't have to wait until you have years of experience behind you! You can totally be better today with these few tips!

    My quilts still have flaws

    They always will… every single quilter I know still makes mistakes and is “still learning”.

    I’m not a perfect quilter by any means, but I don’t hide my quilts like I used to. I love them.

    Be proud of yourself at any level you are and know there is only room for improvement as you work on each quilt slowly progressing towards the next one!

    I can’t wait to see how your next quilt looks after you put these steps into practice! Let me know in the comments what you think!