Quilting

So much Modern Quilting! Oh, I love it! Let’s talk about my favorite quilting tips, tricks, and how-tos! Learn something new or improve on an old skill.

  • Why Crafters Should Take Advantage of Amazon Prime Day Deals?

    Crafters, Quilters, and Sewers – this is your time to shine! Amazon Prime Day is coming up soon and there are some amazing deals on offer for you. This year, Amazon is going to put together another special section of deals on their website. You can find everything from sewing machines to fabric to patterns, scissors, irons special notions and more! Take advantage of these deals while they’re available – the sale only lasts for 36 hours!

    Amazon Prime Day starts TODAY with early deals – It launches July 12the -13th! If you haven’t heard about Prime Day before, it’s a once-a-year HUGE sale at Amazon — like, 100,000 items get put on sale.  It’s bigger than Black Friday for Amazon.

    WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PRIME MEMBERSHIP?

    I’m a Prime member (and you have to be to get these deals). I’ll be adding to my shopping list for myself and my family — and I thought you might like to know about these deals, too. But be warned — it’s addicting. 🙂

    If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, don’t worry!

    • Two adults can also share one Prime membership by linking their accounts with Amazon Household.

    Remember: Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. So sign up for your free 30-day trial so you can shop the sale!

    WHAT THINGS HAVE GONE ON SALE DURING PAST PRIME DAYS?

    Prime Day will feature more than two million deals globally, and they move fast.

    • Electronics like Kindles, Echos, FitBits, etc. (lots of Amazon devices!)
    • Instant Pots and Cookware
    • Tools
    • Toys and games (think early Christmas shopping)
    • Craft supplies (yes, even Cricut machines!)
    • Grocery, cleaning and pantry items
    • Gift cards

    WHAT CAN YOU DO TO GET READY FOR PRIME DAY?

    1. If you don’t already have Amazon Prime, sign up for a free 30-day trial so you’re ready to take advantage of the deals if one of your items goes on sale.
    2. “Watch” the deals you like by tapping the “Watch this deal” button on items in the Amazon app and you’ll get an alert when the sales go live.
    3. Search “sneak peek” within the Amazon app and get a preview of some of the deals. (this usually goes live the week before Prime Day)
    4. You may want to bookmark this page of Lightning Deals – they tend to go FAST and are only offered in limited quantities.
    5. Make a list of things you need or have been meaning to buy. Go ahead and tap “Add To List” on anything you want, even if you have no idea whether there will be a deal. You’ll get a notification on the app if/when they go on sale!
    6. Get the Amazon app and log in for the first time, and you’ll get a $10 credit! The Amazon app can be used to add items you would like to purchase to a watch list. You will then be notified when the item goes on sale. Click here to get the app.
    7. If you’re going to be away from your computer, make sure you have your phone ready to make a purchase. Enter your username and password into your phone so you don’t have to search for them last minute.
    8. Set an alarm so you don’t miss out on the deals! Some of them are limited and they go fast!

    You can learn more about Prime Day and see a sneak peek of the deals here.

    2022 Prime Day Deals!

    Remember: Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members. So sign up for your free 30-day trial so you can shop the sale!

    I will compile all of my 2022 Prime Day favorites on my website on this page and add to it as deals are announced! Go check it out to peruse my deal predictions (based on obsessive shopping the last several years!!) and check it often as I will be updating it throughout the entire 2-day event.

    Visit my Amazon Page for my favorite Prime Day deals!

    What are your predictions for the best deals this year? What would you love to see on sale?? Leave a comment below!

    See you on Prime Day! 🙂 crafters, quilters, and fabric-lovers rejoice – Amazon Prime Day is almost here!

  • 7 Secrets To Improving Your Quilts

    Hello, quilters! Today’s topic of discussion is a fantastic one that gets results fast! Let’s talk about ways you can begin improving your quilt fast!

    These are my tried-and-true methods for doing things that have helped thousands of people become better quilters faster throughout the years.

    Rather watch this information in video content?

    Tip number one is this – Accuracy matters!

    I know, I’m coming right out the gate with a tip that not many of you are going to want to hear. This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many quilters do not focus on accuracy. They think that as long as the finished product looks good, that’s all that matters. But if you’re not accurate when you’re cutting your fabric or piecing your blocks together, you’ll never get the precise, beautiful quilts that you dream about!

    If you are not careful when you are cutting and if you are not careful when you are sewing, your seams will not be straight and your project will not look the way that you want it to.

    This brings me to number two…

    Cutting matters!

    You need to be good at cutting. There are many different tools and things to assist you that you can use to help you do your job well.

    I don’t think you need every new tool that comes out. What has worked well for me in the past is using simple tools that have been available to quilters for a long time.

    1) Have a good sharp rotary cutter and healthy sturdy cutting mat.

    2) Make sure that you’re using accurate quilting rulers.

    There are now additional tool additions and add-ons for specific challenges you may encounter, such as when your ruler skips when you’re cutting.

    The following tools are a fantastic answer to a slipping ruler!

    The seams and piecing of your quilt are the foundation. As a result, you want them to be sturdy.

    Another trick with cutting. If maybe half square triangles are not your best thing and sometimes you find that they are not perfectly square after you’re done with them, size up a little bit and then trim down. That means making it bigger than it needs to be, then trimming them down to be precisely the right size.

    It’s not going to be, “oh, I spent an extra two seconds trimming that block there and wish I had those milliseconds back!” No… You’ll be happier with the end of your quilt as a result of that time spent. And that is what we aim for.

    This technique works with any of your blocks, including quarter square triangles, as well as any other type of block. Make it a tiny little bit larger than required and then trim it down afterward.

    Check out this post to see tips for sewing an accurate quarter-inch seam.

    Make a test block.

    Perhaps you don’t want to go and cut into all of your really, really good fabric because this is a new skill, a new block that you’re making is a new method that you’re trying out.

    Let’s be honest, fabric can get costly and expensive, right?

    If you don’t want to cut into all of that gorgeous fabric and you just want to test something out – make one (or a few) test block(s).

    This is a really, really good use for your scrap fabric too! Pull out some scrap fabric that you’ve already used on another project. Use that to make your test block (or blocks), and then you’re not wasting any new fabric.

    And then when you’ve perfected the cutting and the piecing and the technique, then you can go ahead and cut into your good fabric with confidence because you know it’s going to work out perfectly in the end.

    I heard this a lot growing up and I’m going to take this wisdom and I’m going to give it to you now…

    Learn 7 Secrets to Improving Your Quilts. These tips and tricks, from a seasoned quilter, will help you take your quilts to the next level!

    The things that you practice are the things that you get good at.

    Quilting is exactly that. It’s a skill, it’s a craft, and the more that you do it the better that you will become at it.

    And that brings me to my next secret, which is this…

    You are not going to get through a quilt top without making a mistake.

    It’s inevitable. You’re going to make a mistake on your quilt top at some point, we all do.

    The key is not to get discouraged when that happens and to not give up. Everyone makes mistakes, it is part of the learning process.

    Even the most seasoned of quilters out there make silly mistakes. And that’s okay.

    Let me offer you a piece of advice: I want you to think of your seam ripper as a really, really useful tool, comparable to your rotary cutter. It’s extremely beneficial. You would never despise your rotary cutter because it makes things easier. Things become better as a result of it. Your seam ripper is exactly the same.

    As a quilter, I want you to realize you’re gonna make mistakes and you’re gonna have to fix them. That’s just part of what it is. We want it to be right and we want it to be beautiful. We want it to be something that we’re proud of. So chill out on the anger with your seam ripper.

    It is critical to press your seams.

    We’re going to go back to one of our beginning skills here, which is pressing your seams. This isn’t a secret; it says in every pattern you read, “press your seams,” whether you do it or not… that is up to you.

    If you always have your iron ready to go, and practice sewing seams and pressing them, you will get better at quilting. When you have some free time, sew a lot of seams and then press them.

    Never stop making quilts.

    The more quilts you make, the better quilter you will become.

    Do you know how I learned the tips and the tricks that I share with my quilting students? I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I have made a lot of quilting mistakes and I’ve had to go and undo a lot of quilts.

    My goal is for you to take the methods that I teach you, put them into practice in your own skills, further your knowledge with confidence in quilting and then move forward and learn more.

    So those are my secrets to making a better quilt! I hope you find these tips helpful and I wish you the best of luck on your quilting journey.

    Keep practicing your craft. Quilting is a lifelong journey and the more you do it, the better you will become at it. So never stop making quilts!

    For more tips, trick and tutorials, check out my class for modern quilters and sew a quilt with me step by step! Modern Quilting Made Easy 2.0

  • Swag Gear For Your Creative Business: A Detailed How To Guide To Get Started

    If you’re looking for a way to create personalized swag for your creative business, look no further! No matter where you are in your business, it is a good time to start researching swag gear for your creative business!

    Swag is a great way to show your customers that you appreciate their support. It also helps to promote your brand and create a connection with your customers. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of swag that you can create, as well as the importance of having professionally created swag gear.

    What exactly is swag? Swag is a term that is often used in the business world to describe promotional products or items. In most cases, swag is given to customers or potential customers as a way of thanking them for their support or as a way of advertising your brand.

    Thinking about Swag Gear For Your Creative Business?? You're in luck! I'm sharing my favorite ideas and process for finding the perfect match!

    What You Need To Know: Small Business Swag

    Yay for you! You found a way to take a passion/hobby of yours and turn it into a business where you can make money AND get to create beautiful things! What a great combination! This is like the ultimate holy grail of crafting wishes – To have something that you love doing and have someone pay you for it!

    What can swag gear do for your creative business?

    Swag can do a lot for your business, but let’s start with the basics. It is a tangible item that you give to someone in order to promote or show gratitude towards them. Swag can also be seen as a bribe – “Hey if you buy my thing I’ll give you this cool thing!”

    Simply put, swag promotes your brand for you. Two things to remember: People love free stuff and they LOVE to show off the companies that they love.

    It is a good way to keep your name in front of your customers so they remember you and remember to return to you and your shop.

    You can increase exposure.

    When people see swag from companies they love, they are more likely to share that swag with others (and tell them where they got the swag!).

    Swag provides memorability. People love swag because it’s fun and interesting. They also like to show off the companies that they love, which means more exposure for you.

    The point of swag isn’t just getting free stuff; It’s creating an opportunity for connection between businesses and customers by giving them something useful or meaningful that represents who they are as a business owner/company representative while building trust among consumers through customized promotional products showcasing their personal style choices too

    There are many different types of swag gear for your creative business that you can create for your customers. Some of the most popular items include tote bags, hats, stickers, patches, and T-shirts. However, there are many other options available, so be sure to explore all of your possibilities. When choosing what type of swag to create, it’s important to consider your customer – what would they like to have? let’s look at a few companies that have been doing this for a while and see what their strategy is.

    What are some of the most recognizable swag gifts?

    Some of the most recognizable swag gifts are coffee mugs, mousepads, and pens. These swag ideas are great for those on a budget or who just want to keep things simple. It’s easy to create swag items that will catch people’s attention without breaking the bank!

    Does it have to cost a lot to order in bulk?

    Absolutely not! There are many options for swag gear for your creative business available at a low cost. It is important to keep in mind that swag should be fun and unique, so don’t get too caught up in trying to find the perfect swag item. The most important thing is that your customers enjoy it!

    Thinking about Swag Gear For Your Creative Business?? You're in luck! I'm sharing my favorite ideas and process for finding the perfect match!

    How much should I spend on each swag gear for my creative business?

    There is no set answer to this question – it really depends on what type of swag you choose and how many you order. It also depends on the size of your business. However, as a general rule, it is best to keep your costs low so that you can order more swag (and give it away to more people)!

    What swag gifts should I look for?

    What does your audience like? Do you know what do they need? Better yet, what can you afford to give away without breaking the bank? When looking for swag gifts, it’s important to consider all of these factors. If you’re not sure what your audience would like, ask them! Survey customers or hold a contest on social media to see what type of swag they would most like to receive.

    If you’re not sure, ask them! Contact a few family members or friends and help them brainstorm with you. They should be more than happy to give you some ideas or at least give you a second opinion.

    Why is swag important for a small business?

    Swag is an important part of any marketing strategy, but it’s especially important for small businesses. Small businesses often don’t have the same resources as larger companies, so they need to grow in every way shape and form to maintain success.

    The best way to share about your company is through word of mouth.

    It is also important to have swag because it shows people who you are as a company while helping build relationships with customers through personalized promotional products showcasing their personal style choices too!

    Thinking about Swag Gear For Your Creative Business?? You're in luck! I'm sharing my favorite ideas and process for finding the perfect match!

    The big question – Does swag gear for your creative business help with customer loyalty?

    Ok so now we know that it doesn’t have to cost a TON of money to get started with a little swag, but… does swag actually work?

    It can feel counterproductive at first… to SPEND more money (part of your profits even!) to purchase swag that you’re going to give away for free.

    But swag is an important part of marketing, and it’s a great way to show your customers that you appreciate them. Studies show that a customer is more likely to stick with you if they feel like they’re a part of something special.

    Swag can play an important role in your business by reinforcing customer loyalty, as well as helping to attract new customers. It also provides a way for you to connect with your customers on a personal level. As we all know, people do business with those they know, like and trust!

    But… What if I am just starting out?

    If you are just starting out, it is important to think about what the swag gear for your creative business can do for you. Swag can help increase brand awareness and exposure, connect with customers on a personal level, and create customer loyalty.

    When selecting swag items, be sure to choose something that is fun and unique. Something that will make your personality (or the personality of your business) shine through. You want something that someone looks at and makes them think of you and the lovely experience they had working with you!

    Thinking about Swag Gear For Your Creative Business?? You're in luck! I'm sharing my favorite ideas and process for finding the perfect match!

    *How to find the right Swag*

    1. Try to find something that your customer will likely use every day. (Do you see why promotional pens are such a popular idea?)
    2. Try to look for something that isn’t so so common that it’ll just get thrown in the endless pit that is the junk drawer. Eventually awaiting the next time someone cleans it out to throw it in the trash.
    3. Research companies that specialize in promotional swag gifts. and see where your budget falls. Obviously, there is a greater discount if you order in bulk… but maybe you don’t need 600,000 flashlights with your name on them for your craft booth??

    It is a careful balance based on what you can use and what will serve your business just right.

    My Personal Two Cents: My Favorite Swag Product recommendations:

    I love swag products that are useful and practical. If you can’t find something practical that your customer will want to keep and use and is in your budget… The other option is to make your swag gift something that your customer will want to proudly display.

    I don’t like to feel like a walking billboard. If a product isn’t useful, it needs to be pretty. (absolute bonus if it is both!) I would suggest staying away from items with your logo on it. These tend to be thrown in the trash after a few uses… or lost forever before they’re even used once! PS – Read the example below. You’ll understand why it is good to steer clear of using your logo.

    You could have a graphic artist create a design that speaks to a common interest or a popular mantra/phrase.

    Let me share an example from one of my marketing projects years ago (before I was a quilt blogger, I was a marketing director and freelance graphic artist)

    Thinking about Swag Gear For Your Creative Business?? You're in luck! I'm sharing my favorite ideas and process for finding the perfect match!

    Put yourself in your customer’s shoes.

    A Marketing Example:

    Let’s say you visit a local farmers market. A farmer gives you one of their new FREE stickers with your purchase: It has the farm logo on it. It’s cute. It feels fresh and updated as their trying to rebrand their company. You take it and say thank you.

    When young et home and you put away your peaches, you pull out the sticker… Do you have room for a random sticker from the farmer that you just met and purchased peaches from? He was nice, but unless you’re absolutely obsessed with peaches or you’re an avid follower of the farmer… I’m going to guess the answer is that the sticker is going to be lost or trashed eventually.

    You might keep it for a little while. It is a perfectly good sticker and you feel guilty throwing it away, but ultimately… it will end up in the trash. (This is so absolutely me. I hate to let things go to waste!)

    This situation is super familiar to me from my marketing days.

    Now let’s imagine a different scenario… you go to buy peaches and the nice farmer has the same excellent and knowledgeable customer service. As you check out with your fruit bounty, he hands you a FREE sticker that is a gift. It is just a token of his appreciation for your support. It has a cute colorful picture of a peach and a catchy well designed phrase that reads, “Life is just peachy”.

    You think it is a super clever saying and you absolutely love the cute peach design. You put it on your laptop, water bottle, or in one of those special places in your office (like a favorite journal or planner).

    The next time someone sees this sticker, they ask about it… because after all – how could you not? It’s adorable! And then you share about the day you stumbled upon this random pop-up farmers market and bought fresh fruit for your picnic that weekend.

    Do you see the difference in the two situations above? It’s the exact same product but the frame of focus is completely different. One sticker is completely focused on the farmer and his rebranding. The other sticker is focused on the customer experience and the farmer’s genuine appreciation for loyal business.

    The second sticker will be kept, used, and admired. It becomes a conversation starter and helps to build brand loyalty because the customer feels appreciated. The customer continues to enjoy their sticker. They feel like they are part of something special. Being associated with a cool farmers market that has an original design/phrase on their swag gear.

    There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing swag products for your customers – as long as you put yourself in their shoes! What would THEY love to receive? What would make THEM feel special and appreciated?

    If you can nail down the perfect swag gift for your customers, they will love you for it (and tell all their friends too!)

    So… What companies work with smaller quantity orders, but still deliver stellar customer service?

    I’ve worked with a ton of companies throughout my marketing career and again as a business owner.

    I love a company that doesn’t make me feel like just another $ dollar $ sign on their monthly revenue. If I have a question about my order, I don’t want to feel like I’m emailing an endless void hoping for some poor intern to stumble across it… (I know, my standards are high, right? 😂)

    The point is that I feel like what I do matters and I want to support a company that feels the same way.

    I like sharing the companies and products that I have used and loved myself. Allow me to introduce another gem that you’re going to love. Sticker Mule. After you’re done reading this… go ahead and go visit their site. You’ll love it. They are so much more than stickers, but since we went into great detail with the farmer story above and the peach sticker… check out their superior sticker ordering process here.

    So much more than stickers. They are a company that specializes in customizing just about anything you could need for your creative company!

    The Takeaway:

    When creating swag for your customers, think about what they will want to use and/or display. If it isn’t practical or pretty, your swag could get tossed aside eventually. Try to find a balance between the two that fits well within your budget! And don’t forget to say thank you! 🙂

    Thank you for reading! I hope this gives you some ideas on how to create personalized swag for your customers. Whether it’s custom keychains, t-shirts, or laptop stickers​, swag gear is a great way to show your appreciation and build brand loyalty. What are your favorite swag ideas? Share in the comments down below – I would love to hear from you! 🙂 Have a wonderful day! 🙂

  • How to Sew Your First Quilt Project: Tips for New Quilters

    Quilting is one of my favorite creative hobbies and my favorite way to express love to my family and friends. When you’re first starting out, it can feel overwhelming. In this blog post, I will teach you everything you need to know about sewing your first project. From start to finish, I’ve got you covered! Follow these tips and tricks to make your first quilt!

    Tips for New Quilters:

    The first thing you’re going to want to do when you decide to make your first quilt (or even second or third – Quilting take practice!) is to choose a pattern that is simple.

    I have several free pattern downloads available for you on my website. Check out some of these patterns down below for easy beginner patterns:

    Choosing Your Pattern:

    The perfect pattern is going to be one that feels a little bit scary and overwhelming but not utterly impossible to work on.

    If you pick a pattern that is TOO complex for your skill level, you can guess what is going to happen, right? You’ll be in over your head and you’ll just spend time being frustrated… possibly wasting money on fabric too.

    It’s not worth it!

    Choose a pattern that is going to give you the confidence boost you need and get started on your quilt! The sooner you start, the better. You will be so proud of yourself when you finish AND if this project goes well, then other bigger projects are sure to follow soon… 🙂

    The second step to getting started on your first quilt project is to pick out the right fabric! This can feel like a daunting task, but don’t worry – there are plenty of resources to help you out!

    Each quilt pattern should give you the exact fabric requirements you will need in the instructions. These are the measurements that you take with you to the fabric store!

    If shopping for fabrics is rather new for you – try to find a pattern that uses “precut fabrics” or a selection of fabrics that are already designed to go together.

    I love the fabric bundles that my friends over at pineapple fabrics have going on! I usually already have an idea in mind for my quilts, but sometimes it is really nice to just skip the phase of deciding which fabrics I like the best and just start sewing!

    Click here to shop the Pineapple Fabrics Website.

    Cutting Your Fabrics

    Once you’ve chosen your fabric, it’s time to start cutting. The most important thing when cutting is to make sure all of your pieces are the same size. You can do this by using a quilters ruler and a rotary cutter.

    Precise measurements will ensure an even and precise quilt top. Trust me… all the little details matter when it comes to the finished quilt! Take your time to get this step right!

    These are the tools I recommend and use for cutting my fabrics.

    Rotary cutters/blades work really well with quilting rulers! A good pair of scissors – There’s nothing worse than trying to sew a bunch of pieces together and then realizing you don’t have sharp enough fabric scissors… trust me, sewers worst nightmare! Here are my other recommendations for quilting tools.

    Piecing Your Fabric

    The next thing you’ll need to prepare your first quilt is to piece the fabric together!

    This is what gives your quilt top its design and shape.

    There are a few different ways to sew your fabrics together. You can opt to hand sew or machine stitch your fabric together. Most of my tutorials and videos are machine piecing. I find this works the fastest and most accurate for me.

    So there you have it! The steps to sew your first quilt project. I hope this was helpful and gave you the confidence boost you need to get started.

    Looking for more help?

    My most important advice when sewing your first quilt project is to TAKE YOUR TIME. There is no rush, this isn’t a race! Enjoy the process and be proud of every step you take. You’re well on your way to becoming a quilter!

    Also, do not give up. Find a friend who sews that you cal call on if you run into any issues. It makes all the difference in the world to have someone to call when you run into trouble! If you don’t know anyone else who quilts – use the contact me form on my website. I’m happy to help!

    Happy Sewing!

    -Christen

    You can find more free quilt patterns on these blog posts:

    Want to make your own DIY quilted floor pillow? I had such an overwhelming response to the fun pillow that I made, I created a pattern to share for FREE!
  • 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.

    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 🤩🥳🥳