New to quilting? Looking for some help with the basic skills and terms? Start here! Quilting tips tricks and little bits of inspiration for the newbie to intermediate quilter.
What is a Fat Quarter? – A “fat quarter” is a term that comes from the fabric world, and basically means one of four sections from a yard of fabric.
What does this mean? Well, when you buy fabric (usually by the yard), it’s cut into strips that are then folded to create more manageable pieces. Also, a quilt pattern will request specific measurements or requirements of fabric to finish the project.
A fat quarter is a piece of fabric that is 22″ x 18″.
For more sewing and quilting terminology, make sure you check out my post on the quilter’s code!
So, what is the difference between a fat quarter and a quarter yard of fabric?
– A fat quarter is a horizontal cut of fabric, whereas the quarter yard is a vertical cut.
In words, the difference is hard to grasp… but in terms of usability of the fabric, you will find that the fat quarter is more versatile than the quarter yard of fabric.
Look at the difference between the fabric cuts below:
This is my current collection of fat quarters on my fabric shelf! (this is the section that is stacked up nicely… there are more fat quarters that aren’t quite as photogenic at the moment! lol)
What if you don’t have a fabric stash?
I hear from a lot of beginner quilters that get overwhelmed when starting out because there are so many quilts or sewing project out there that require A LOT of different fabrics!
If you’re just starting out, you obviously do not have the fabric stash that a seasoned sewist has! It takes time to collect and acquire a large selection of fabrics to use at home.
Fat quarters are a great budget-friendly gateway into starting or growing your own fabric stash!
You’ll find that the price point is easy to pick out a few at a time. Depending on the fabric and where you live, they generally run $3-$4 each.
As you sew more and purchase more fabric for each project that you take on, your fabric stash will continue to grow.
What can you sew with a fat quarter of fabric?
I tend to collect fat quarters of whatever catches my eye at the moment.
I know there are projects that I will only use a little fabric such as a zipper box pouch or a mug rug. (You can see the full free tutorial in the post below!)
I also like to collect them to use with quilt patterns that are specifically designed to be fat quarter friendly.
Here are a few of my favorite fat quarter sewing projects:
Zipper pouches are loved by all and make fantastic gifts too! I use these to stay organized while I travel too.
I LOVE to make these to use around my sewing room – And my kids love to keep their little collections in them too. – Catch-All Fabric Bins.
Looking for easy quilt patterns?! Check out these FREE Patterns from the Fat Quarter Shop Website! There are so many free patterns to choose from. (also, take a moment to browse around their fabric bundles too… there are so many cute ones to see!)
Hello, sweet quilter friend! As a quilt blogger and instructor, I love that I get to meet people from all over the world. I get to converse with people of all different skills, backgrounds, and inspirations. BUT I have one thing that drives me absolutely crazy when I meet another quilter…
Do you want to know what drives me crazy?
I meet all these people whose skills and beautiful works of art will make your jaw hit the floor so fast.
I’ve seen crazy combinations of fabric that would blow your mind and people who use fabric in ways that make me fall in love with quilting all over again!
I’m am blown away by the depth of creativity that quilters have! I love seeing the works of people from all different skill levels!
However, it never fails… and it breaks my heart when someone will say something along the lines of… “oh, I love to quilt!… but I could never do what you do!” or “I love to quilt, but I’m not an expert or anything.“
Um… First of all… neither am I.
I love to share my projects and the things that I learn along the way. I created my blog and my Youtube Channel so that I could start sharing my projects and it blossomed into a community of quilters that I gain knowledge from and share the things I learn along the way.
This one little bit of conversation can drain all your confidence away and keep it from coming back!
For most people, you might not even give it a second thought… but audibly admitting that you don’t measure up to someone else will make your confidence take a nosedive.
Maybe you’re a beginner quilter and in conversation with someone who has years of experience… yes, the statements are true… for now. But not forever.
I’m not an “expert quilter”.
I’m not! I’m just a little crazy enough to post all my learning moments and mistakes all over the internet for other people to see. haha)
Truthfully, I never ever want to get to the point where I’ve learned all I can learn and done everything I can do, when it comes to quilting. (or anything in life really)
Isn’t that the beautiful part of the creative industry?… There is no end to this journey. No experts exist in this industry. We are all always learning, even if we’re on different parts of the same journey!
Sure, there are plenty of really amazingly talented people that have years of experience and study on a particular craft or skill. But have they learned EVERYTHING? Have they seen the craft from every single angle and worked with every type of material? – likely not.
My Vision for Creatives
One of my missions is to instill an unshakable confidence in quilters who pass off their passions as “just a little side hobby” – which is totally fine to have, by the way!
There is a difference between a little side hobby and a passion that really brings you joy.
One of them is something that you do when you’ve got nothing else to do… or you are trying to do something to get your mind off of another project. The other is something that you find yourself dreaming or thinking about at random moments throughout the day… you probably even have a few Pinterest boards or a magazine file with inspirations. You have a closet full of supplies and you’re just waiting for that giddy moment when you can sneak away and be yourself!
I can usually pinpoint the moment in beginner quilter’s journey when they fully embrace what they love. By owning up to being a quilter and accepting it as something that you love… I can see their confidence level shoot upwards!
Seriously, just by owning it as a part of yourself! I see their quilts become a little bit bolder and their willingness to try new things increases too. Suddenly the big scary world of quilting is a very comforting and happy place where you’re free from true failure and welcome trying new things!- simply because you want to!
Do you want to know another benefit that I see when a quilter shifts from meekly dismissing their crafty passions to really loving and going all in on being a quilter?
There is a what I like to call the time shift.
And I swear it happens every single time!
Quilters who make the shift from “just a little side hobby” to “creating is what I really love to spend time doing”…. find out that there is more time to quilt on the calendar! It is like magic. When your passion becomes your priority you let the lesser to-dos take away your time..
*BONUS* By embracing what you love, you give others permission to be themselves
I know I talk and share a lot about quilting… but this is true for any passion in your life. Maybe you love to cook, or you’re amazing at making your own furniture, you want to perfect the perfect lollipop formula or you really love to lay out in the sunshine and read.
Embracing your passion lets other people see who you truly are and what you love to do.
This subconsciously gives them permission to love and embrace what brings them joy!
*Without going into a huge campfire snuggle session here… This beautiful circle of inspiration just goes around and around… giving people permission to be happy being their true selves.
With that amount of freedom and beauty… how could you allow yourself to shrink back or compare your journey to someone elses?
I would love to hear you thoughts on this subject 🙂 Feel free to drop it down in the comments down below!
I know that in the eyes of the quilting industry, I’ve only been around a hot second or two even though it feels like I’ve been around the block several times!
I can’t even imagine a day without some sort of quilting or quilt planning, prepping, sewing etc. It is so interwoven into so many of my thoughts now
(This post goes into the backstory of my quilt history and how I got to be where I am at today. 🥰)
When I was 8 years old, my mom taught me how to use her sewing machine. I needed an enormous amount of assistance. I designed Barbie clothes that were absolute disasters in the fashion world. Seriously, not a single one was the least bit functional from what I remember, but still I managed to piece little bits of scraps together that made my little girl heart happy!
I barely skated through my home-economics class in middle school. I mean, just barely. I was pretty confident I knew what I was doing but I didn’t do anything the “right way” (a side effect of being self taught?) so my grades were not perfect.
I wasn’t particularly gifted in any areas of sewing or cooking. I just managed not to mess it up too horribly. The things I created weren’t perfect but they made me happy and the process brought me joy.
This trial/error and self education were the foundations of my sewing knowledge and perseverance.
Fast forward a few years: I went to college for Communication Design (aka ‘Marketing Design’ in the shortest possible explanation) thinking that I wanted to channel my creative passions into a money-making career. (The ultimate artist’s dream, right?) I studied the arts in-depth and focused on designing little pieces that brought beauty into the world.
Fast forward another few years: I married my best friend, moved with him across the country several times via the US Navy. I found myself away from my family and the comforts of home.
If you get a chance to say thank you to any of our servicemen and women for the time they have served, please do… but also thank their families for their sacrifices as well. Those few words mean a lot.
One of the good things with moving to so many different homes in such a short amount of time = I got to reinvent myself in each new place. New home, new town, new friends, and new adventures… I threw myself into redecorating our little safe haven of a “home” on a shoestring budget.
DIY was my BFF, ya know?
My daughter was born a premie baby at 29 weeks.
The next few years revolved around this little sweet new bundle of joyful blessings.
We moved back “home” to Texas just before my son was born. Then we moved again to a picturesque house in the perfect little suburb when he was 6 months old.
All in all… in the span of 4 years we lived in 5 different houses. Made countless driving trips across the United States before finally settling in for a good 8 years.
Whew…
I started teaching myself how to quilt when my kids were itty bitty.
(They’re not so little anymore!)
It wasn’t until my youngest child was about a year old, and my daughter was about 3 that I began to feel the sadness creeping in. I know a lot of young moms go through tough times and I was told it was all very “normal” (whatever that means).
I didn’t realize it at the time, but all I did each day was repeat what I did the day before. Life was the same thing over and over again. It was all very “Normal”.
The adventurous artist inside me was fading away and what replaced her was cold resentment. (I should clarify that I never resented my children. They bring me so much joy and are what kept me sane. If you are ever trapped in line with us at the check out lane… They love to talk to absolutely anyone and can make you laugh until you cry.)
The sadness that I felt was the exhaustion of having to push away my desire to be my whole true self. I missed being spontaneous and suddenly going on a ransom search for the perfect beach to read a book at or grabbing a cup of tea with a friend.
I also couldn’t just let the spark of an idea carry me through an afternoon of creating anymore.
I couldn’t paint, create or sew because I didn’t have a safe space that my kids couldn’t get into. Ample amounts of time weren’t what I had on hand either. You can’t pull out all your supplies if you only have 1/2 a minute to work before the 10 precious minutes of naptime are over…
Crafting isn’t exactly a kid friendly activity when unsupervised. And my daughter was lightning fast. I mean, in and out of a room with a path of destruction behind her before you could even finish blinking. (come to think of it, she is 12 now and still possesses this talent…)
I did a lot of soul searching and problem-solving.
The only way I could fathom getting to work on a project was if I involved my kids too. If my daughter thought this was all her idea and she played a big part in it, we would all get what we wanted = Mom’s undivided attention for her and time for me to create something.
I settled on making a toddler sized snuggle quilts so everyone could have their own couch coverup. I took the kids to the fabric store and let them pick out the fabric- whatever they wanted. They got to pick their favorites. (we left with a yard of Cinderella and Batman flannel plus coordinating backing and batting.)
[Not realizing I was making a life altering decision at the time… I of course did not get pictures of the actual quilts… so this will have to do.]
Notice how even the dog is asleep? lol It was a good day.
The quilts I made were so simple, but so loved. It brought my kids joy to have something their very own that they “helped” make… it bought me joy to create something for my children.
I was pretty proud of myself…
While I was sewing, I could feel a tiny ember light. – That creative little artist inside… I just knew she was meant for more… this was just the beginning.
I made quilts for my niece and nephew and then I made another one for a friend… people who could look beyond my glaring errors and flaws haha and then another one. I don’t ever remember saying “I will be a quilter now” – It just kind of happened.
Fast forward to today
I have made countless quilts.
Each one generally more complicated than the last because that’s how my brain works. I really don’t even know where to begin counting. I’ve entered several into shows and my entire passion revolves around quilting. Every single day.
While my kids are a little older (Years 9.5 & 12 now), my daily to-do list is roughly the same.
I’m still super busy as a wife and mom. Add business owner to the mix because I love to blog and share my tips, tricks & tutorials with you.
As a self taught quilter, I know how frustrating it can be when you feel like you’re standing all by yourself out there without much help or knowledge of where to look for advice when something doesn’t turn out as intended.
You’re not on your own anymore! 😁 You have me! And you’re always welcome to contact me if you have any questions.
I don’t have any resentment anymore…
I’ve fully embraced that I love to empower other women who struggle with the thoughts of being “too busy” or “not good enough” to try something new.
The “little artist” inside me that I referred to… she knows what she is doing and one of these days I’ll learn to listen to her much more quickly.
I know this is what I am meant to be doing in this world. This is my place.
You are never too old, too inexperienced or too busy to create something beautiful every.single.day.
Job: Quilt Blogger
In 2018, I was very much in love with quilting and I wanted to share more and more the more that I learned. I took a leap of faith and created a blog to share my tips… never having any idea that it would lead me to where I am today.
My job prior to full-time blogger was as a freelance designer. It allowed me to be at home with my kids and set my own hours (sometimes really really weird hours!)
My goal was to really give blogging a shot and give it everything I had for a year… if it wasn’t worth my effort at the end of the year, I could quit.
Lucky for you… I fell even more in love with it and I love to see it grow as I am able to find new ways to help quilters out all over the world.
If there is anything I can ever do for you, please feel free to reach out to me. I am happy to help you!
Hey! If you’re looking for answers to what in the world stitch length is and why you need to pay attention to it…. we’re going to get to the bottom of it today!
For those of you who want a quick and easy answer, I created a video that summarizes the high points and gives you the quick answers. Be sure to scroll down a bit to check it out.
For all you sewing, quilting & math nerds… I added a section at the bottom of this post with some educational content for you.
Stitch Length – What is the easy answer?
Your machine has all these bells and whistles and it can be hard to know what you’re changing when you start playing with them all.
What is Stitch Length?
Sewing machines indicate stitch length in millimeters. A 2.8 stitch length means each stitch will be 2.8 mm long.
When you adjust the stitch length, it’s not the needle that is changing; it’s the feed dogs (the little fabric grippers in the center of the needle plate below the presser foot). The machine alters how much fabric the feed dogs will move before making the next stitch. Your needle will always do its thing and work steadily in a vertical motion.
Your sewing machine’s manual may likely have a handy stitch chart of suggested settings and uses for your model.
The key thing you need to understand is this:
The smaller the stitch length number, the smaller the stitch.The larger the number, the bigger the stitch.
A longer stitch length is typically used for basting (temporary stitches), sewing with heavyweight fabric, or for defining a topstitch.
The smaller stitches are used for piecing fabric together and in situations where delicate fabric is less likely to come apart.
Decorative stitches vs. foundational stitches
Foundational stitches are the ones I like to refer to as the ones that hold everything together. Like, your piece wouldn’t hold together without this line of stitches. It is essential in the makeup and necessary in holding everything together.
Decorative Stitches are the stitches that may very well help hold everything together but they also are there to add a little sparkle too. Just a little extra. Worst case scenario, you wouldn’t HAVE to have the stitch to hold your piece together, but it helps. You can use decorative stitching to add in your own flair or your own personal style. You can even use some of the fancy stitches that may have come pre-programmed on your machine.
What stitch length you should use varies by project and purpose…
Here are the most common stitch lengths so you can choose the right one.
Most Common Stitch Situations!
To reinforce a seam or make it stronger
Use a tight (smaller number) stitch. This is also the case if you are sewing with silk or sheer fabrics. The exact length is not as important as making sure it looks well and gives your seams the strength it needs. Start with somewhere between a 2-2.5 on a test piece or scrap piece of fabric and decide from there. If your stitches still pull apart too much or seem to put pressure on the seams, go a little tighter
Quilt Piecing
Piecing is one of my favorite parts of the quilting process!
I used to think that the bigger the stitches were the more comfortable to rip out if (when) I made a mistake.
That is true, however… when you think about all the times your quilt is going to go through the wash and all the hours you spent making the quilt… you want those seams to hold up!
Use a stitch length of 1.8-2.0 when piecing fabrics for quilting.
Tinier stitches are a pain to rip out when you have to correct a mistake, but working with the overall quilt piece is much easier with the smaller stitches.
Basting
This one is easy… whatever the longest stitch is on your machine… use that one! I like a 5 stitch length.
The whole purpose of basting is that it is a temporary stitch. Therefore you want to make it easy to pull out.
These are stitches you will either remove later or are just used to reinforce your quilt sandwich until you can go back with better stitching.
Stretchy Fabric
Oh, how I love jersey knit fabrics! I have been trying to learn more to sew with it, but there has been a learning curve for sure.
If you’re using a stretchy fabric, you’ll want to use a longer stitch. Shorter stitch lengths can pull and pucker your fabric. You’ll know it when you see it. The fabric almost ruffles up when you aren’t even touching it. If you find that your stitches are puckering on a particular fabric, try adjusting the stitch length to allow for longer stitches.
Your stitches should be nice and smooth without altering the fabric underneath.
Quilting or Decorative Stitches
Decorative stitches such as topstitching or quilting will be visible on the finished project, a long stitch length is usually more desired. Long stitches tend to be more attractive than short stitches.
My personal preference… When I quilt, I usually will go with a 2.8-3.5 depending on the look that I am wanting.
When quilting, the finished result is that your quilt sandwich (backing, batting, top quilt) stays together when you use it and wash it. Keep your stitches small enough that you don’t have to worry about them coming out, but large enough that it isn’t going to take you 90 million hours to quilt it.
Those tiny stitches take a lot more time!
To summarize…. the stitch length is really going to be determined by how your fabric responds. It’s always a good idea to run a test piece and pull on the fabric a little bit to see how it reacts.
As a general guideline…
For durability, use short stitch lengths; for artistic looks use the stitch length that you like.
I hope you found this information useful. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know! I’m happy to answer your questions.
For those beautiful math nerds out there who love to know the reasons WHY things are what they are… here is how to unlock the secrets behind what those numbers on your machine are.
There are 25.4 millimeters in one inch. The formula is this: 25.4 divided by the metric length of the stitch such as 2.5 equals the number of stitches per inch.
To go the opposite direction, if a pattern requests 10 stitches per inch, divide 25.4 by 10 to get the millimeter setting of 2.5.
The average machine quilting stitch length chosen is between 10 and 11 stitches per inch. That is equivalent to a stitch length of 2.5mm
It is no secret that if you have chosen sewing and/or quilting as a hobby… you are going to amass a rather large collection of gadgets and tools rather quickly. And no matter how many you have… there is always more that you COULD add to your collection! Today I’m going to give you a quick tour of the items I keep close by and what I have around me when sewing.
If you prefer to watch the video to get the rundown, you can catch that and a few other side notes from me in the video below. 😘
In my sewing room, there is quite a bit that can be considered “occasional use” items. A few tools have their specific purpose and that is it. They have their moment to shine and the rest of the time they spend waiting around in a drawer.
The tools that I use most often and find myself reaching for over and over again have a special place right next to my sewing area.
So, let’s dive into the tools I have around me when sewing…
This is where I sew = where the magic happens 😍
I have a large table area that is roughly 30″ x 60″ (exact IKEA Linnmon table top is 59″ x 29.5″).
My table is held up on one side by an IKEA Alex drawer set that hold a lot of my sewing machine tools. The other side has a small 4 cube shelf that holds… what I like to call my oddball crafts – jewelry making, beading etc. The things I don’t get into very often, but I still enjoy having it around and accessible.
On my right hand side is where most of my cutting and ironing is done at a counter height table so I have access to that via my spinning chair if I run out of counter space or need a little more room to spread out.
I do require a lot of space to spread out while working. (I don’t think that it’s a bad thing, is it? 🤷♀️🤣)
This table area was designed with SPACE in mind so I keep what is on top of my table to a very minimum. (It doesn’t always look like this… sometimes if I am in the middle of a large project you wouldn’t even know that there is a desk under all of the mess!)
Creativity can get pretty messy, can’t it?
Usually the only things that remain on top of my sewing table (when it is clean) are these items:
I know. It isn’t much… The only reason I can get away with these few tools is because I have the drawer set to my left that holds and organizes a few more of my tools!
I tried to find the equivalents of my favorite storage items on Amazon for you. Most of them were purchased from either Amazon or Target.
If you’re wanting to make the cute little fabric baskets that I keep my scraps and my little plastic clips in, you can view the FREE full tutorial post below. The Perfect (Easy!) Catch-the-MESS Fabric Bin
I use these bins all over my sewing room because 1) they are useful 2) I get to display my favorite pretty fabrics where I can see them – and 3) I can usually make them using scraps of batting so it is a way to save money on organizing bins. Win. Win… and um… Win!
Ok let’s look down into the drawers that I keep on my left-hand side!
The top drawer holds my MOST used items – bobbins, extra thread spools, all of my sewing machine feet, my seam rippers etc.
The second drawer holds the lesser-used items, but still, things that I want to keep close – Pincushions, thimbles, safety pins for basting, and a few other tools.
Where do I keep my other tools?
Just to clear up any confusion… no, this is NOT ALL OF MY SEWING SUPPLIES! It is however, the MOST USED tools of my sewing supplies.
I do have other tool storage solutions around my sewing room.
For example, this drawer that lives over by my Embroidery machine. It houses my thread collection that at one point used to hang on the wall.
I have found that finding/making drawer space for my tools not only drastically reduced the clutter in my space but allowed for a more streamlined and open canvas for creativity to flow too.
My embroidery machine/area mirrors my sewing area in my “T” shaped work area. So it is set up similar to my sewing machine area but with the IKEA ALEX drawers on my right instead of my left.
The desktop is also similar with just a few essentials on top, but because I tend to need less workspace here than on my sewing machine where I do a lot of my quilting… I have a few extra knickknacks and treasures on display that I like to keep where I can see them.
And that is pretty much it… I have a few other areas where I keep tools organized and stored but I like having only the essentials around me when sewing.
I also organize my tools based on where I use them within the room. Example: Cutting tools are stored with the cutting table, embroidery needles are stored by the embroidery machine, seam rippers are stored… everywhere! haha, just kidding, but I do have several of them around.
What about you? what do you keep on hand and within reach while sewing?
Perhaps you’ve been in the crafting/sewing industry for a while and you’re looking for some new gadgets to spruce up your creativity… or perhaps you’re just starting out in the sewing/crafting world and you’re in need of some “must-have” items… either way, you’re going to LOVE what I have to share with you today!
I’ve gathered the top 10 things that should be on your crafty girl wish list! – I absolutely LOVE everything on this list – and even added a few remarks on what I’ve got my eyes on to add to my space in the not so distant future!
If you’ve ever sat there like a deer in the headlights when someone asks what you want for your birthday or Christmas etc….. You know how it feels to try to process everything at once, right?
How to say: I would like my own craft store & fabric store, pretty please. Everything in it – all to myself and an extra house to store it all…
(By the way, if you can figure out a way to make my dreams come true, I am all ears.)
In an effort to give you the best of the best, I put together a list of the products and tools that I most often find myself giving rave reviews for.
These products have been put to the test in my sewing room and by friends of mine as well… I hope this gives you some really great ideas to add to your wish list!
Note: I also created a video, if you prefer to watch. 👍
10 Things To Add To Your Crafty Girl Wish List!
1. LIGHTING!
This is the light that I have loved and used for many years. It has LED lighting but the light is adjustable so you can choose the color and brightness that is most comfortable for you when you’re working.
I don’t know about you, but if I’m doing a late-night sewing session… 110% bright florescent lighting is not my first choice! This light allows you to adjust to a warmer light color or a softer brightness so whatever you’re comfort level is… you can find the lighting to match it!
On the subject of lighting… I am probably one of the last hold outs for buying extra sewing machine lighting. I really can’t tell you why I still haven’t made the jump… other than, there have been other things that seem to take more of a priority when the time comes. 🤷♀️ And this little project gets put on the backburner for another day over and over and over again…
I’ve read many blogs and reviews and I think I have it narrowed down to this model that I will be adding to my Christmas list this year!
This model has outstanding reviews and is really affordable. The length looks perfect for my machine as well!
Look for a review post when I finally get this project checked off of my list!
2. FRIXION PENS!
First of all, I am a HUGE cheerleader for Frixion Pens… (if you haven’t already heard me talk about them) I love the way they write. I love the way they mark on fabric and I LOVE the way they completely erase with heat… They’re magic. They erase like the markings on your fabric were never even there to begin with.
No more weird pencil marks or sketchy chalk markings that may or may not be gone when you get around to sewing… these pens leave crisp clean and super clear markings.
I even wrote an entire blog post about these pens…
Oh and I also made a video so you can see them in action:
Please note:I have had some quilter’s who have given me a few warnings when it comes to these pens…
If you live in an area where the temperature dips below freezing point… the frixion pen markings can have a tendency to resurface on your fabric. (obviously not desirable) Heat: erases your markings, cold brings them back.
You can just iron your fabric again, but this is a pain and is worth knowing about going into.
Personally, I live in Texas so… I have never encountered this issue personally. We have very warm weather and even our winters aren’t so bad, plus my quilts are stored inside a temperature controlled environment. — But take note of the information and choose your fabric marking utensils accordingly!
3. IRONING ACCESSORIES!
Ironing is a big part of our lives… I usually like to have a few options for ironing. This is my favorite large-size iron and absolutely worth the long term investment.
This tiny ironing board is perfect to keep right next to your sewing machine for a quick seam press as you are sewing. – Especially as you are working with foundation paper piecing projects!
It is so cute and so little! It easily can tuck into a drawer or cabinet when not in use without any fuss.
This tiny iron is another absolute saving grace in my sewing studio because a I don’t often find myself ironing large pieces as much as I do little pieces or small seams.
The weight of a larger iron (not to mention the heat and steam) can be tiring on your wrists after long periods of time.
Just FYI on a few other ironing tips, check out this post:
This useful mat turns any surface, table or spare workspace into a safe place to iron! Besides being really affordable and a good space saver, it also has a safe silicone area to rest your hot iron in-between uses without any worry. um… bonus!
As far as a Crafty Girl Wish List, it doesn’t get more serious than asking for an iron or ironing accessories! lol 😂
4. SUPER CUTE NOTIONS!
I have met so many crafters who are absolute self-proclaimed “borderline hoarders” with their stash (and some of us can be a little delusional about the “borderline” part 🤣 lol)
But the truth is that we love pretty things, don’t we?
I love shopping the notions aisle at the craft show… so many little cute things that can be added to your space and bring you smiles every single time you walk in the room… oh boy!
Another one that I hope you’re not sick of me talking about yet haha… but absolutely worth looking into is a wool pressing mat.
These are so worth the investment because they have taken over the sewing industry within the last few years and I’m starting to see them more and more. It is to the point where I am certainly not the only one talking about wool pressing mats anymore!
They come in many different sizes to fit your needs. from smaller 12×12 that fit comfortable next to your sewing machine all the way to larger mats that are better for ironing larger pieces of fabric.
If you’ve been curious or found yourself dabbling in either English Paper Piecing or Foundation Paper Piecing, I’m not going to sugar coat this… this should already be in your sewing room.
Even if you aren’t involved in paper piecing, but you like to alter your quilt patterns, try out different ideas, or even write your own patterns… this should already be in your sewing room!
They are super easy to use, store completely flat in a drawer or cabinet and are world of help!
There have been many wonderful inventions over the past several years… but the invention of the subscription box is near the top of my list… if anyone is curious.
I absolutely love these things! I have done several reviews on my YouTube channel for quilter/crafty boxes, but I also love to give them as gifts.
Do you know why I love to give them as gifts? Because it is so EASY!
Take a website like Crate Joy, for example…. they have everything categorized, tons of options to choose from and so many different variables to find something absolutely spot-on PERFECT for the person you are shopping for!
If you’re low on funds after the way this year has gone or your family has a limit on out of pocket money spent… you can’t go wrong with some quality time.
In lieu of expensive gifts, often times my sewing friends and I will opt for little trinkets (there is that troll-like sparkly hoarding tendency showing up again!) that make each other smile, hand made gifts, or just an entire day set up on the calendar where we can get together… even just an afternoon of quality time can make a world of a difference! We have blocked off days on the calendar for sewing in the past or made lunch dates followed by a stop at the local quilt shop to pick up a few treasures.
The options for this are kind of endless – but I always walk away completely refreshed and my heart so full of love for the ladies that I am blessed to call my friends and sewing sisters in this world.
Even a cup of coffee to catch-up with a friend or family member is enough of a reset to remind us what really matters during our busiest seasons in life and that is… connection! Being able to connect with your favorite people on this planet and enjoy their company is a priceless gift!
…Plus, if you’re already well into the crafty hoarder category… it will fill your heart up without emptying your wallet or filling up your space anymore! Win-win, right?
OK… so be honest with me… did I miss anything in this Crafty Girl Wish List? Is there anything in your crafty stash that you would be overjoyed to receive as a gift or anything in your collection that you couldn’t live without?
I would love to hear about it in the comments down below! ❤😍
