Patterns + Classes

A collection of free patterns from I See Stars Quilting and offers from other talented quilting artists.

  • The 10 Best Quilting Tools I Use ALL THE TIME

    When I first started quilting, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the different tools and gadgets available. It was hard to know which ones I actually needed, and which ones would stand the test of time.

    Now, as an experienced quilter, I want to share my top 10 quilting tools I use all the time, and wish I had known about when I first started quilting.

    Scroll down to see this post in video format!

    :: SEWING TOOLS THAT I USE & LOVE :: https://www.amazon.com/shop/iseestarsquilting

    10 Best quilting tools that are the must-haves for every quilter. From scissors to rulers, these tools make quilting easier and more fun!

     1. Magic Clips

    The first item I cannot live without as a quilter are these magic clips. They are absolutely irreplaceable. I use pins nearly all the time, but some days I want a change. On those days, when I need something else to hold and keep my pieces together, these clips do the job.

    I now own several sets of them, but even starting out with one set should help you stay organized and keep your quilting pieces together.

    2. The Right Seam Ripper

    The second thing I can’t live without is a seam ripper, and your ordinary starter model will never compete with this guy.

    At first, I thought this one was a joke because it’s on the ugly side. But it turns out, I can’t live without this odd-looking seam ripper.

    The secret to this tool is the rubbery, almost eraser-like end to it.

    When you’re ripping out seams, this end grips onto threads and pulls them out. Now you don’t have to pinch with your fingers to try and pull out all the tiny threads. It’s fantastic.

    3. Ergonomic Rotary Cutter

    Another tool you’ll want to invest in is an ergonomic rotary cutter. 

    Although they all promise to be ergonomic, you want to select the one that suits your hands and fingers. You’ll discover some cutters are easier on the wrists, while others may have extra padding. 

    As with most things, it’s better not to base your choice on the price. Safety is essential, as is how comfortable the cutter feels when you’re working with it.

    4. Lasers for Sewing Machines

    This one was a game changer for me.

    These lasers are amazing. I have a full tutorial video on this product here:


    I explain everything they do, why they’re so awesome, and why it took me so long to try them out. 

    But honestly, I use them every single time I sew and I love them. They have been absolutely phenomenal in helping me get accurate points and create precise seam lines.

    5. Square Up Block Rulers

    The fifth tool I highly recommend investing in is a set of block rulers, also known as ruler blocks. These rulers are set at exact sizes so you can square up your blocks. 

    It’s easy to use the lines on your cutting board or an all-purpose ruler, but having specific sizes can be very helpful. One of the first things I invested in was a 6×12 ruler block, and I still use it all the time. 

    There’s a great set on Amazon, it’s pink, super cute and is well-priced. Although it doesn’t cover every size, it has the most common ones and it’s a really good starter set. 

    6. That Purple Thang

    The next handy tool I always keep in the drawer next to my sewing machine is That Purple Thang. It’s a really helpful gadget with a point on one end that can be used for reaching tight spaces or when you don’t want to put your finger close to the needle. 

    The other end is a bit sturdier and I use it to poke out corners of my bags and other projects. 

    And if you look closely, you’ll see the square end has a quarter-inch measurement on the side, which makes it useful for measuring, fixing bindings or other detailed work. 

    It’s a really handy tool to keep nearby when you’re working on your quilting projects.

    7. Project Boxes, Baskets & Bins

    Individual project boxes are one of my favorite ways to organize. Over the years, I’ve switched from using baskets to boxes, but the container itself doesn’t matter as much as the method. 

    I put everything I need for a particular project in its own box — pattern, fabric, cut fabric, instructions, choices I’ve made etc. When it’s time to clean up, I put all the components in the box, put on the lid and store it on a shelf.

    The key is that everything for that project is in one place and can be easily accessed when needed. 

    This way, I don’t have multiple projects out at once, and it helps keep my sewing room tidy. Once the project is complete, I have an empty box for another project, and I can reuse them over and over.

    8. Thread Stand

    My thread stand is irreplaceable in my sewing room. 

    I love this device because, while most sewing machines come with a built-in thread holder, they can only hold small spools of thread. This extra stand lets me use larger spools of thread which is more economical as I can buy in bulk. 

    It also provides me with better control over my threading process, making it easier to change thread colors and types.

    I love this thread stand because it allows me to use my next tool — a larger spool of thread. 

    9. Larger Spool of Thread

    Buying a larger spool of thread is not only more cost-effective because you get more thread for your money, but it also makes sense for quilters who use a lot of thread.

    The spools I usually buy are around 6,000 yards although you can get spools way bigger than that. I like to have a variety of different color threads, so the 6,000-yard size is perfect while I build my collection. 

    You should try to buy higher quality thread, as it goes hand in hand with the quality of fabric you’re investing in.

    I always stock up on white thread in large quantities because it’s essential for piecing, which needs long-lasting and reliable thread.

    10. Pre-cuts

    I absolutely love pre-cuts. The reason I didn’t use them as much when I first started quilting was that I thought I knew better. I assumed they were for people who didn’t know what they were doing. But I was wrong, and I regret not jumping on this train earlier. 

    Now I love pre-cuts and I collect them. Even though I don’t have all the time in the world to use them, I still love having them as an option.

    I hope these top 10 quilting tools will be a great addition to your quilting toolbox. 

    Remember, quilting is about having fun, so don’t stress about not having every tool under the sun. Start with the basics and as you become more comfortable with quilting and know what you need, you can add to your collection. Happy quilting!

    Next steps

    If you’re looking for more quilting tips, tricks and tutorials to improve your work and increase your confidence, be sure to check out my Quilty Tutorials playlist on YouTube.

    And if you really want to get better in the quickest time possible, have a look at my foundation skills quilting course Modern Quilting Made Easy designed especially for people just starting out. 

    10 Best quilting tools that are the must-haves for every quilter. From scissors to rulers, these tools make quilting easier and more fun!
    Patchwork block on craft mat, stack of fabric, sewing accessories on white wooden surface

  • A peek into scheduling my weekly quilting routine!

    Happy new year, Quilter! Here is the honest truth, as much as I love quilting and sewing… I don’t get to do it every single day of the week. Keep reading for a peek into my weekly quilting routine: I’m going to share what scheduling my weekly quilting routine looks like for me.

    I get asked about this a lot, because I do love to share what I’m working on with you on my Instagram page and in my emails etc. Make sure you follow me!

    If you’re reading this post and you’re wanting to discover how I fit so much quilting in my week… thinking you’ll gain some magical knowledge on how to change your weekly quilting time… you’re in luck! I’m going to share all the details on a typical week of quilting.

    Everyone’s schedule is different. Mine changes every week, month, and even season. If you want more information on how to make time for creativity in your life, please get my Creative Productivity Masterclass book and guidebook. It has helped hundreds of quilters just like you who want to be more creative with their lives.

    You Can purchase your Masterclass Guide here! $47 ONLY $27!!

    PS, I’m going to link to a really really good sale price here, just for you!

    How I plan my week with more quilting

    I always do my planning for the week on Sundays. This is what time works best for me to sit down (for 20 or so minutes) and write out what all is going on in the week and what the kids have going on as well. (Being a mom comes first after all)

    I usually just brain-dump everything out and then organize it in my planner.

    I start with the things I can’t do anything about in my schedule. I write all of those in my planner first – the carpool to school, maybe a doctor’s appointment, or a few work meetings etc.

    THEN, I write in the things I have to do to keep the peace and make life run smoother – grocery ordering, movie night with the kids, planning an afternoon playdate etc.

    AFTER THAT, I take a look and decide where I can fit in my quilting time. This is the “me-time” stuff that I add-in.

    Ideally, there are plenty of open spots on my calendar that allow me to schedule off large blocks of time for quilting without any effort whatsoever. Sometimes there are many options, and sometimes there is just a few moments I can squeeze in. If there is a way to shift things around or combine tasks, I make it happen.

    If I can block off one or two evenings for a few hours after the kids go to bed, that makes me super happy. I enjoy being productive when the house is quiet.

    Whenever I block off this time on my calendar, I treat my quilting time just like I would a doctor’s appointment. I wouldn’t hop on a phone call just before being called in an exam room and allow myself to miss the appointment, would I? No, never… so why would you casually give up your scheduled creativity time easily for a volunteer project that comes up? or skip out of quilting to sit and watch mindless tv you don’t really even care about?

    This way of thinking and really making creativity a priority is a concept that takes practice, but it has been so worth it over the past few years!

    Something I keep in mind to get more creativity in my schedule

    I like to think about how I am in charge of my schedule. It is not the other way around. This helps me stay sane and remember that I can add sewing into my week because it is something I enjoy and it is important to me.

    Feeling like you have Shiny Object Syndrome? Check out these 5 tips to Maintain your Creative focus and be your MOST productive self!

    My Personal Goals

    In 2022, I would really like to increase the number of hours that I sew and work on my quilt tops… Everything is a work in progress. The draw to brand new quilt projects is so strong!

    On average, in 2021… I got between 8-15 hours of quilting/sewing time each week.

    A few years back when I first started quilting, I used to get maybe 1-2 hours a week to sew and I was always frazzled and unorganized. It was hard and always felt unproductive.

    How to be your most productive creative self

    1. Be prepared. Make a plan. Stick with it – This is, like, productivity skill 101. If you don’t plan what you’re going to work on until you waltz into the sewing room… you’re going to spend most of your time gathering materials, making a plan, deciding, getting distracted, playing etc… and you’re not going to accomplish much and you may feel disappointed with yourself.
    2. Stay in a state of inspiration – don’t let your creative self live only in your sewing space! Let her out all the time! Get excited over a bright yellow flower that is the color of sunshine in the crack in the sidewalk! appreciate the beauty in the world around you or schedule coffee with a friend on the other side of town just so you have time to get out of the monotany of your mundane routine!
    3. Love what you do, mistakes included – A lot of quilters get super frustrated when it comes to having to pull out the seam ripper. My advice? Don’t sweat it so much. The only way to get better at quilting is to keep doing it. When you make a mistake, look at it for a moment and see what you did wrong. Can you change the way you do something so it doesn’t happen again? Don’t be bitter or upset at yourself… a bad day sewing is still a better day than doing housework!! 🙂

    I hope this peek into my creative routine has inspired you to find joy in your creative process and schedule time for it.

    I hope you have a productive week of quilting, even if it is only a little here and there!

    Happy sewing.

  • Organizing Tips for Your Sewing Room: Decluttering and Finding Storage Solutions

    Do you find it difficult to find a place for your sewing supplies? Is the clutter on your desk driving you crazy? This blog post will help you declutter and organize your sewing room so that you can have a stress-free workspace.

    Over the years and as we’ve moved, my sewing space has transformed too many times to count!

    It can also transform a lot when you’re a bit OCD and always searching for the perfect way to maximize your productivity. (I’m talking about me here, in case it wasn’t clear… that’s totally me)

    The good news is to make yourself organized and more productive, all it takes is a few tiny steps forward today… and your tomorrow will be looking pretty great!

    First things first, It is important that you do a quick tidy of your space. I promise it isn’t overwhelming. You can see how I quickly clean my sewing space in usually 25 minutes or less in this video below.

    Easy, right?

    Ok, let’s look at a few other tips to get you on the right track to decluttering your sewing space and finding storage solutions. They are a quick and easy way to get started with that first step into an organized life without losing sleep or causing stress! 🙂

    More Decluttering tips and finding storage solutions

    These are the questions that I ask myself when decluttering my sewing supplies (FYI, fabric is an entirely different process and I don’t put it in this category at all!)

    – Have I used this in the last six months? Do I plan to use it in the next 3 months? – If the answer is no, get rid of it! At the very least find a long-term storage closet situation that is out of your way if you just can’t bear to part with your belongings.

    – Anything that doesn’t have a specific place to go should be eliminated from your sewing room. – This gets tricky if you have a multi-purpose space. If you can, try your hardest to define clear boundary areas between your spaces and what you allow to enter. Example: I would absolutely never allow the pots and pans in my home to be stored in my bedroom nightstand when the kitchen cabinet seems like it is too full, right? If you outgrow a place, you have to scale back and figure out how to make it work, what is a priority for storage, and what can be let go of.

    – Group like items together: fabric bolts, thread, scissors, pins etc. – You’re probably already doing this because it’s cute and handy right? Do you have a little overflow corner or a stack of shopping bags that you haven’t gotten to organize yet? Take care of those areas that need a little extra care.

    However, do not let yourself fall into the trap of thinking that containers make you organized!… which leads me to my next tip…

    – Label everything! It will help you find what you need when you’re in a hurry. More importantly, don’t ignore your labels and think that 6 months down the road you’re going to remember what is in that box. You don’t have to be fancy with vinyl cut Pinterest-worthy labels – a neon sticky note works just fine or you can use these reusable chalk labels that make it super easy to repurpose your bins again and again!

    Let’s talk about those projects that you’re in the middle of right now. We call them WIPS or UFOS (works in progress or unfinished objects)

    How do you currently store your projects? Are they out in the open or do you have a specific system to keep up with them?

    I like to have a basket for each project to keep all the pieces together. This helps me keep my workspace clean and clear. It allows me to work on the project pack it up neatly without fear of losing anything after every session (which is usually once or twice a week) then those projects go onto the shelf for storage.

    If you're looking for Cheap Sewing Room Storage Ideas, you'll find all my favorite picks here so you know what is worth the money and what isn't worth your time

    Once again: label everything and give yourself clear boundaries so there is no question about what goes where.

    Another idea for storing current projects is to use a hanging file system.

    They are easy to make! (it’s super cheap!) It might not be suitable for large quilt projects but for small hand sewing projects or pattern pieces, it works really well and takes up very little space.

    More Storage Solutions for your Sewing Room

    There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding storage solutions for your sewing room.

    I try to stick to furniture that has multiple uses should I change my mind down the road and want to use it differently. I use IKEA furniture… like, a lot… so it also has cohesiveness in the room as well.

    • A shelving unit provides extra storage for fabric, patterns or be used to hold your books, current projects etc.
    • Try using a pegboard to hang your tools. Pegboards are great because they can be placed on the wall horizontally or vertically, depending on what you need! I used this in my own sewing room at one point. It turned out amazing. – You can check out that post here.
    • If you’re short on floor space, try a storage ottoman. This is perfect for fabric because it’s out of the way but still accessible when needed and can easily be hidden away when not in use.
    • Use tension rods to hang extra fabric or shelf dividers to section off your fabric bolts
    • A rolling cart is perfect for storing thread, scissors, tools etc. that you want to have close at hand

    So there you go – my top organizing tips for your sewing room! These tips will help you get your creative space decluttered and organized so you can create with ease and efficiency!

    If you’re still wishing for a little more hand-holding while you’re working on your space, I’ve created an ebook that has helped hundreds of crafters create the space of their dreams! Check it out and let’s get started together 🤩🥳🥳

  • 10 Free Jelly Roll Patterns!

    Ready for some really fun and easy FREE patterns that use pre-cut Jelly roll fabric? That is exactly what I have for you today! I’m rounding up my favorite free Jelly roll projects to share with you from around the internet!

    In quilting terms… just what is a Jelly Roll?

    A Jelly Roll is a collection of forty fabric strips that are pre-cut at 2 ½” height x 44″ long. The strips usually consist of a variety of fabrics that are already coordinated and matchy matchy to make your project look amazing!

    The strips are layered, rolled up tight, and tied with a bow. – They are nearly irresistible in the stores!

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    Jelly Rolls are wonderful and save so much time on cutting and coordinating fabrics! You can pretty much guarantee your quilt or project will be amazing when using them!

    This is a fun project that doesn’t really need a pattern even!

    I wrote a guide to making traditional randomized Jelly Roll quilts a while back and it has been a super popular resourse for quilters in calculating the fabric requirements for their Jelly roll quilts.

    Make sure you take a moment to check it out here!

    Custom sized jelly roll quilt? Here is the magic formula I use! Works every time and is so simple! + a look at the queen sized jelly roll I made with a design twist

    The following is by no means the only patterns/tutorials out there… but I tried to round up my favorite projects that give you the most amazing results!

    10 Free Jelly Roll Patterns & projects

    1. This Cute Zig-zag Quilt Pattern!

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    This “Super Zig” Quilt pattern is a free download over on The Happy Zombie. You can get it here.

    I love how versatile the pattern is for every occasion and combination of fabrics!

    2. Scrappy Granny Square Quilt Pattern

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    This might look complicated and tedious, but really… it is a breeze! 🙂

    The tutorial is also super easy to follow. Emily over at Quilty Love is one of my favorite quilters . I’ve yet to meet a pattern of hers that I didn’t just completely fall madly in love with. <3

    You can get the granny quilt square pattern that uses jelly roll fabrics for free here.

    3. One Jelly Roll, Two Quilts!

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    One Jelly Roll, two quilts?… Yep! Baby quilts, but still! These are precious and fast sews to please all the little ones in your life.

    You can download the pattern and check out the tutorial from V and Co here.

    4. Sunny Skies Quilt Pattern

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    This quilt pattern is so fun and so easy. OK so you might need a little more fabric than just 1 jelly roll, but it’s absolutely worth it to get this beautiful boxed block look!

    You can download the Free Jelly Roll Quilt Pattern from Missouri Quilt Co. here.

    5. DIY Jelly Roll Floor Pillow

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    *ahem* Shameless self promotion here… but I’ve had amazing feedback on this pillow that I created… Due to the number of requests that I recieved after I posted it, I created and easy to follow FREE pattern for your to make your own pillow!

    You can check out the post here with more pictures and download the pattern here.

    If you’re looking for more free downloads, make sure you visit my Freebie Library! I have several other FREE quilt patterns, worksheets, and useful downloads!

    6. Playing the Scales Quilt Pattern

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    A slightly different version of the zig-zag pattern, but still stunning with such pretty fabrics! I love the play on the dark and light fabrics with this one!

    You can download the pattern and measurements from Happy Quilting Melissa here.

    7. Fabric Strip Rag Quilt

    Doesn’t this quilt look so cuddly and snuggly? SoCanShe has a really wonderful technique to get the soft ruffles on the edges of the jelly roll strips!

    Check out the Free pattern here.

    8. Diagonal Strip Quilt

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    This is one you really need to check out because I promise you… however you think this quilt is made… it isn’t correct. This borders along with one of the smartest tricks I’ve seen in a long time.

    Check out CluckCluckSew’s pattern and genius ideas here.

    9. Jelly Roll Coasters and Mug Rugs

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    Hello handmade Holiday gifts! I could make these for all over my house right now. Aren’t they precious?… and do you see the matching jelly roll rug in the background of the photo above?

    Check out more info from Quilting Digest.

    I recently made a jelly roll rug for the first time and I fell in love with the process… well… if I’m being honest, I liked some of the process, some… not so much… but what I did LOVE was the end results!

    You can check out more photos of my rug as well as the mistakes I made along the way. (I share so that you can learn from my experience and fast forward through the learning curve moments!)

    This is the progress I've made so far on the Jelly Roll Rug pattern. Has it been a fun pattern? yes. Has it given me challenges? Yes! I'll fill you in on my learning mistakes here...

    10. Strip & Flip Quilt

    I am sharing 10 free Jelly Roll Patterns with you today that are my favorites from around the internet. Beautiful patterns that aren't complicated!

    Level = Easy, but I will never tire of how beautiful this quilt top (or back!) looks! Sometimes, I feel myself drawn to the really complicated patterns that make me want to pull my hair out and sometimes I find myself swooning over the patterns that really let the fabric shine in a simple yet stunning pattern.

    This quilt by CluckCluckSew is one of those patterns. You can find it here.

    Do you have a favorite FREE Jelly Roll Quilt Pattern?

    I would love to hear your thoughts on what your favorite patterns are and what you plan to sew next time you’re working with Jelly Roll fabrics!

    Be sure to check out Fabric.com for a huge selection of Jelly roll starters and start getting inspired!

  • FREE PATTERN! DIY Quilted Floor Pillow

    I had such a positive response to the DIY quilted floor pillow and photos that I shared last week. It was so overwhelming that I decided to go ahead and create a pattern for you! I also included detailed instructions on how I made the pillow… oh, and did I mention that I decided to give the pattern away to you… for FREEEEEEE? ?❤

    Simply fill out the form below and I’ll email you a copy!

    If you decide that this pillow just MUST be a part of your life and your home… there are a few things that you’ll need…

    In addition to the free pattern for the DIY quilted floor pillow and templates, you’ll also gain access to my Freebie Library which has SO many more free patterns!

    I also send out weekly newsletters to my subscribers with helpful quilting tips and tricks as well as links to the coolest stuff in the quilting community!

    Check out some of my other popular posts! 🙂

    Lastly, a picture of what happens when you make something comfy in this house and it sits on the floor for 2 seconds… 🙂

  • DIY Face Mask And How you can help?

    Times are hard right now, huh? I’m writing today about the sudden call to all crafters and sewists to DIY face mask for the medical community as well as friends and neighbors.

    The sewing community is the greatest and most loving community that I’ve ever known and we are quick to rise to the needs of others.

    Supplies are limited for the medical world right now and the demand is at an all-time high. Millions of masks are needed. Millions. People are starting to DIY them and the sewing community is really needed right now.

    To quote the CDC on the matter: “In a setting where facemasks are not available, health care professionals might use homemade masks (i.g., bandana, scarf) for the care of patients with COVID-19 as a last resort. However, homemade masks are not considered PPE, since their capability to protect HCP is unknown. Caution should be exercised when considering this option. Homemade masks should ideally be used in combination with a face shield that covers the entire front (that extends to the chin or below) and sides of the face.”

    I’ve received multiple emails from sewists asking my opinions on the various face mask patterns circulating the internet and if I had any suggestions.

    I’m putting together a list of ways that you can help the world today while still keeping yourself safe.

    An article published on forbes.com is pleading for the help of all sewists and crafters to step in and help. You can read that article here.

    CALL TO ALL CRAFTERS AND SEWISTS! - How can you help? - Check out these DIY Face Mask Patterns to create in 20 minutes and start making a difference.

    So, How can you help?

    1. Take care of yourself – You are no help to others if you are not taking care of yourself. – Read that again – You are NO help to others if you are not taking care of yourself.

    2. Utilize what supplies you have on hand to DIY face masks for your family or to donate to the hospitals – It is recommended to stay home and away from any public area. Do not leave your home unless it is absolutely necessary. This is a wonderful way to use up your fun scraps and any ribbons and extra supplies that you have on hand.

    See suggestions below for patterns and guidelines to follow when making your own medical masks.

    NOTE: DIY face masks will not protect from the coronavirus and COVID-19! Check the CDC website for more guidelines

    However, as the length of this pandemic stretches further and further, supplies will harder to come by and hospitals will have to use what is available. The time to start making a difference is now.

    *Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Always follow the guidelines of the CDC website and do everything you can to stay safe and take care of yourself.

    3. Check the needs of local facilities – If you have enough supplies on hand to make multiple masks, consider reaching out to a hospital, nursing home, cancer-related organization, etc. near you, as many other health care facilities are also experiencing shortages in masks.

    *I STRESS THIS STEP BEFORE YOU PROCEED* Check with your local hospitals or quilting groups to see what the specific needs are. Check for the materials requested and the drop off procedures for your area. Ensure that you are safe during drop off and away from other people.

    4. Start sewing! – The good thing is that you have an opportunity to help the world while still staying safe. Start by checking out the pattern below. Choose one that uses materials you have on hand and start making masks to protect the brave men and women who are taking care of the sick right now.

    5. Stay Inside/Indoors – These are scary times right now. there is no way to sugar coat it… we, as a public are not free to go about our regular lives right now. Be one less person in the hospital beds right now. Keep yourself and your family at home.

    Where can I find DIY FACE MASK patterns?

    DIY Face Mask Pattern with Elastic

    I have noticed that there is a shortage as more and more crafty sewists jump to help the medical community. Use the elastic cording you have on hand or check your local quilting community to see if anyone else can use it!

    DIY Face Mask Patterns without Elastic

    Make use of spare ribbons or even make fabric strip ties to secure your masks!

    If you have any other suggestions for patterns that you’ve found using the supplies you have on hand, please let me know. I would be happy to add them to the list!

    For more FREE quilting patterns, check out my library page! I have A TON of FREE resources for quilters including quilt patterns.

    More advice for taking care of yourself right now and dealing with current events.

    I love to hear from you! Feel free to email me anytime you just need to connect to another human 🙂

    I have some advice I would like to share with you for making it through these hard times… and you know what? We WILL make it through. We will get through this and it WILL be ok.

    It is the in-between and the unknown parts that are rough right now.

    We make choices every single day.

    Every single day.

    We make choices to live in fear or rise above every single day.

    Today is no different than yesterday. (even though the fear seems to be in much closer proximity right now)

    Whenever you feel the fear and worry creeping in…

    5 tips that you can practice to feel like you’re still in control right now:

    1. Do the practical stuff – Protect yourself from others. Wash your hands and practice alone time – clean up your sewing room (or organize your sewing room!) and psyche yourself up to spend some good fun crafting time in there! Take care of yourself.

    2. Practice doing things with love – Goodness knows that the world needs more love right now! You can stay home with an energy of fear or you can do it with an energy of love. You can distance yourself with a sense of fear or you can do it with an energy of love and support for others. You’re the only one who can decide which energy you surround yourself with.

    3. Do more good – Look after people and check in on your loved ones. Human connection isn’t lost just because we all have to stay home now. Send emails, call someone, video chat with the kids next door (give their momma a break!).

    My daughter had her book club via video chat the other night and it meant so much to those girls that we decided to up the frequency so they can still connect with one another!

    There are so many ways that small acts of kindness can add up to a greater outcome right now.

    4. Break down when you have to. It’s really ok! – We are not invincible. It is ok to feel scared. It is ok to be sensitive and confused. Give that fear it’s moment. Feel those feelings. Go ahead and cry to get it out. Then try to redirect your focus to moving forward, taking care of yourself and controlling what you can. Remember: We will get through this.

    5. Embrace some change – That’s right. I said it. Come at it with open arms instead of a grimace. Humans adapt. We figure things out. Change is coming, you might as well run in front of it rather than let it drag you behind it.

    Make a good list of practical things that you’ve been putting off for a while. Organize the bathroom? check. Make a big batch of muffins to freeze for easy breakfasts? check check. Read a good book? yessss! Start cutting into that fabric you’ve had for a while and couldn’t find the time for? – wish granted ?

    Quilters are a wonderful generous group of people. We really can make a big difference with love in this world and making sure people are not forgotten.

    I don’t want to make light of the situation the world is in right now… I just think that there is good to be found in every situation…

    Let’s work on trying to be that good.

    CALL TO ALL CRAFTERS AND SEWISTS! - How can you help? - Check out these DIY Face Mask Patterns to create in 20 minutes and start making a difference.