Sewing for Beginners

Have you wanted to begin sewing but have been intimidated by the process? Have you taken out your sewing machine, looked at it and put it away because you just don't even know where to begin? Well, it's time to dig out the sewing machine you put in the back of the closet because Do You Sew has a wonderful article for Sewing for Beginners - Ultimate Sewing Machine Instructions.

To visit their post, simply click on the photo above and get started learning all about your machine and its various parts.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Caravan Pincushion Tutorial

This is just too cute for words...except to say "Off You Sew"!!! Crafts Beautiful has a downloadable pattern, materials list and the instructions to stitch and go sew :-) Simply click on the photo above and make your own little Caravan Pincushion.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Healing Your Self-Healing Cutting Mat

If you are like me your cutting mat looks like this most of the time. It says it is a self healing mat, but I get all those little fuzzies all over it from cutting lots of batting on it. If you have the same problem these instructions from madebychrissed shows you how to clean your mat. I tried it and it works!  Why not give it a try. :)

Happy sewing!

Colleen :)

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries

The Sweetest Little Thread Catcher - Tutorial

If you do hand stitching or embroidery, you know you have a LOT of tiny thread snippets. I know I do AND I find them EVERYWHERE! Teresa of Fabric Therapy has the perfect solution...a little thread Catcher! For the full tutorial, simply click on the photo above...there is also a video tutorial by Angies Bits and Pieces posted in Teresa's tutorial that you might find helpful.

Thanks for stopping by today!

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Sewing Rulers

I am quilter at heart and I have used just a few rulers in my quilting journey, but lately I have been seeing so many new and different kinds of quilting rulers that I actually have purchased a few new one's and man-oh-man has it made the cutting processes much easier! There is a ruler out there to do any cut you need for your quilt fabric. I found this article on all the different rulers from Heather at the Sewing Loft Blog. She shows us a few of the rulers on the market. I actually just bought a 60 degree ruler for octagon piecing and it is just wonderful! :)

Happy quilting!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Sewing Your Pumpkins Tutorial

October is here....and what does that mean.....PUMPKINS! Pumpkins are showing up everywhere and it is time to get busy thinking about making that pumpkin bread and pies and everything pumpkiny. Pumpkins are also a great decorating idea for October. There is lots of great pumpkins fabric that you can sew into great pumpkins. I found this tutorial over at Handmade Homebody and Jenn shows how easy it is to make these fabric pumpkins of all sizes.

 I think I am going to make some of these for my home. :)  Sooooo let's get sewing! 

Happy sewing!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Vintage Sewing Patterns

So how many of you sewers out there that make clothes remember all the old styles? I use to make all my own clothes and my children's clothes when they were young. I don't sew clothes anymore as quilting took over my life. LOL! :)

I was looking at some vintage patterns on Etsy the other day and it brought back so many memories of all the "vintage" styles and I thought maybe you all would like to see some of them too so I thought I would show you a few of them today. Now I am probably going to age myself on these as I do remember making and wearing some of these styles.. :)


Ok....I actually do remember making these dresses and yes....wearing these dresses. I remember they were fairly easy to make...I think.....anyway agesanderas has this pattern if you would like it. 

Remember these easy summer dresses that LadyJanetvintage has the pattern for! I do! I actually use to make wrap around skirts like this also. They were so easy to make and comfortable to wear too. 

Look what I found! There are so many tote bag patterns now-a-days and it seems everyone has tote bags now (and yes....I have them in my shop too. :) ) that I was surprised to find a pattern from the 1980's for tote bags! If you want to make one in this style OnceUponAnHeirloom has the pattern. Maybe you can give it a try. :)

Ok....so how many of you made your children's costumes for Halloween or the school play.....(my hand is going up!) I made a few of them. One Halloween I made pumpkin costumes for my kids....boy that was a nightmare! :) Well if you made them for your kids and want to try them for your grandchildren or your children here is a pattern for Raggedy Ann and Andy from kidschannette if you want to try it. 

So this was a few of the patterns that I found as I walked down the memory lane of sewing. Makes me wish my grandchildren were little again and then maybe I would take the plunge to try sewing a costume again....NOT! LOL! :) :)

Happy Sewing!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-N-Pins Stitcheries: Springs Fabrics

Spring has sprung for most everyone now so it is time to get busy making and sewing those spring projects. Spring fabrics are so pretty and the colors are great. I for one love pastels. Pastels are my favorites to work with. I thought today I would show you some spring fabrics from Etsy shops. 


Look at this different pattern from the Robert Kaufman Remix collection that ThePalmettoBaby has. I like the colors and design of this fabric.

Cheverons are very popular right now and you can see this one from Annadaisysfabrics. Lots of pretty spring colors in this fabric. You could make a nice pillow from this fabric. 

Ok......so Spring is the start of the baseball season. I come from a baseball family so I really like baseball. How about this cute baseball fabric from patontheback. How cute is this for some little boy or girl! Hey, my grandson is a baseball player. He is actually the pitcher. Guess I should use this fabric to make him something. :)

Now Spring wouldn't be spring without all the spring flowers and this fabric from SuesFabricNSupplies has them all. 

Looking at all these fabrics makes me think I need to get my Spring fabrics out and get busy sewing...hmmmmm......what shall I make. :)

Have a great day and happy sewing!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Valentine's Tutorials

Last week we made applique Valentine's Day cards so I thought this week I would bring you some tutorials on different avenues for making Valentine's. 

I am sure many of you are always looking for things to do with your kids and trying to keep them busy. Here is a great idea from HousingAForest for finger knitting and making Valentine's. 

I have never tried to make anything out of tissue paper, but these roses over at TheIdeaRoom are so pretty. And there are so many colors to make them. 

Now this looks pretty complicated to make, but it actually isn't when you read it. Check out this tutorial at SweetandSimpleLiving to find out how to make it. 

Then for all you sewers out there here is a great heart pillow from Imaginegnats. You can make this for your Valentine decorating. :) 

I was surprised when I started looking for tutorials for making Valentine's that there were so many different avenues for making them. Now the problem is which one's to do! :)

Have fun creating! 

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Valentine Fabrics

Well Valentine's Day is just around the corner and if you are like me you are scrambling to get some new items made. Why do I always wait to the last minute! AHHHHHH!!!!!

So if you are gearing up to make some items why not check out these Etsy shops for your fabric needs. There are so many great shops to choose from. I buy locally when I can, but if I can't find what I need I always go shopping on Etsy and always find what I am looking for. 

So here are a few that I found.........


Carol Ann at fabricsandfrills has this great bundle of matching Valentine's and reds.

How about this great jelly roll fabric from Jambearies. Looks like lots of different Valentine's fabric in this roll.

Now I am partial to country and patchwork so this fat quarter from FabricGiantUSA really caught my eye. I make lots of pot holders and I thought this would make a nice set of those. 

Oh I would love to make a pillow out of this picture from mermaidsfabric! It would have to be a small pillow, but how pretty. :)

And last Valentine's Day wouldn't be complete without hearts...and pink hearts at that. I really like this fabric from fabricalacarte. You could use this fabric to make just about anything. 

So no matter what you want to make for Valentine's Day let's get started and start sewing! :)

Happy sewing! 

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Petal Pillow Tutorial by Cluck Cluck Sew

Today's tutorial is a beautiful Petal Pillow that would look gorgeous with any decor. They are so quick and easy to work up, you might want to make a few of them for yourself, as a housewarming gift or maybe for Mom on Mother's Day in her favorite floral color.

Allison of Cluck Cluck Sew has shared this lovely tutorial with us today. For the instructions on creating one of these beauties, simply click on the graphic above. While you are there, please spend time visiting Allison's site. She is wonderfully talented and really loves to share her talent with others. You can visit Allison by clicking on the graphic below.

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: SPOOKTACULAR FABRICS!

This time of year brings out all the ghost and goblins and why not bring out that spooky fabrics also. If you are needing some last minute fabric to finish off those Halloween projects why not check out the fabrics in these Etsy shops.

Witches, witches everywhere in this fabric from SimplyQuiltsCrafts. I love all the witches shoes on this fabric.

The colors of black and orange are a favorite for making Halloween quilts and crafts and RunnStitch has this wonderful collection of black and orange fabrics.

Then there are the spooky skeleton's of Halloween and this fabric from MaggieAnnsFabrics puts a little comical twist to them. 

And of course there is the traditional Jack-O-Lanterns! UCanMakeThisToo has this gorgeous fabric that has the Jack-O-Lanterns and everything else to do with Halloween. :)

So where you are needing just a little more fabric or going to try and get that last project made before Halloween the stores on Etsy have every fabric you can think of. I personally am going to start on Thanksgiving I think. Want to get a few of them done before I jump into Christmas. 

Have fun and happy sewing!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Fall Fabrics

Well fall is definitely beginning to creep up on us up here in the north country. Trees are starting to lighten up some and a few bushes are getting a few yellow leaves on them. The fireweed is dying back so that is a sure sign of fall is just around the corner.

So with that said I thought maybe some of my fellow sewers out there are beginning to start their fall sewing projects so I thought I would show you some great Etsy shops that have some wonderful fall fabric.

Fall is my favorite time of the year and with fall/autumn comes the beautiful colors of the leaves. Mariascraft has this wonderful maple leaf pattern fabric with all the wonderful fall colors. 

All the trees are in such beautiful colors in the fall and Meanderingthread has this pretty fabric of fall trees and the pretty colors of fall. 

Of course acorns are a big part of the fall/autumn season so this fabric from Thespincycle can be used for whatever fall project you are working on. 

And of course what is one of the great things about fall......yep......time for pumpkins and QuiltsFabricandmore has this great pumpkin fabric. Almost makes you want to make some pumpkin pies, but this is for later in the fall. :)

So whatever fall/autumn sewing project you are working on there are so many great and wonderful fabrics to work with. I think I am going to get busy on those few fall UFO's I need to finish up! :)

Have fun sewing!! 

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Purrrfect Cashmere Cats

 My studio machines are humming away making sweet toys for island visitors at Hendley Market in Galveston, Texas. One popular item is the "Purrrfect Pet", aka- cats. This sweet up-cycling project is easy, affordable, and something the kiddos can help in creating.

Supplies: old wool or cashmere sweater (Get crazy beyond solid colors- go for stripes and bold patterns!), fiber stuffing,  tracing paper, scissors, beads, thread and embroidery floss.

Fold the tracing paper in half.  On the fold sketch out half a fat cat form.  Cut along outline.  Unfold cat form to have a full cat pattern. 

 

Cut two of the cat forms from the desired section of sweater. Sleeves can be used having only to cut out the ears at the top.

  
Machine stitch right sides together.  Leave the bottom open.

 Turn the cat right side out and stuff.  Using a gather stitch, pull the bottom closed and tuck the rough edges inside.  Stitch a decorative circle to the base if preferred.

Personalize each cat with an embroidered face.  Get creative by using beads for eyes, stitch a heart to the body, or add a bow for whimsy

Don't have any sweaters you want to chop?  Check out your local thrift store.  Not only do you get a great project for pennies but you also help a charity in the process. 

LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION!

Jacquie Wheeler

Hand of Bela Peck

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Tuesday's Tutorials

When I see a good or interesting tutorial I always save it with the hopes of trying it some day. I am usually busy doing something that  the "some day" doesn't seem to happen very often. 

I thought maybe I would share some of them with you and maybe you could give them a try and see how they worked out for you. 

So here are a few I have found:


Burlap is "in" nowadays and for those of you that use it Ella Claire Inspired shows you how to wash and cut burlap.

I have several fabric basket tutorials. This is one of the tutorials at Foofanagle I am hoping to try "someday". :)

I really like this next one from Lots of DIY. We have several of these river rocks by our river and I thought what a cute idea to make one of these and put them in your garden. I plan on trying this one this summer. 

And then back to my love of quilting. I do lots of applique and that is probably my favorite quilt to do, so I thought I would share this tutorial from Creativity Amongst Chaos. I do mine a little different, but I thought this tutorial was very good and detailed. All you applique quilters can check it out. 

I know this is a variety of tutorials, but there is something for everyone! Have fun crafty, sewing and painting. :)

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries: Springtime Patterns

Well I would think most everyone is so tired of winter especially with the harsh winter some of you had so I thought maybe we should turn our thoughts to Spring. Let's shake the winter blues off and start to create. Here are some patterns available for all of you crafters and sewers from the wonderful Etsy shops. 

You always need coaster for your drinks to sit on your tables and natalya1905 has a pattern for just that and these are made with pretty spring colors. 

Bonnie at BonnieBraeCrafts has this cute spring embroidery pattern for all of you stitchers. You can make this and hang it on your wall to add a little spring to your home. 

And who doesn't know someone that has a baby that would love a new pair of baby booties. Ruth over at RuthMaddock has this great pattern for you. 

                                             

And then there is my favorite pastime.........quilting. I love all the spring colors and flowers in this quilt pattern from QuiltLilyDesigns. 

So if you are a knitter, crocheter, quilter or crafter Spring is a great time to get those creative juices flowing again. 

Happy sewing!! :)


Colleen


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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog

Needles-N-Pins Stitcheries: Valentine's Fabric

Well January is about over and February is getting closer and our thoughts are starting to turn a little bit closer to springtime (YEAH!!) February is the month of Valentine's Day and if you are like me and a lot of quilters and sewing people we like to have a quilt made or sewing done for every month and season and function and, and, and..........:)

I thought I would show you some of the pretty fabrics there is to use on your next Valentine's project.



                           

Deb over at trinketsintheattic has this beautiful rose pattern fabric

                                

CottonBlossomFarm has this great collection of pinks and red that would make a really nice quilt or wall hanging. 

One of the trends these days is the Chevron pattern and what a great Valentines pillow this would make. Jenny at GatherFabrics has this nice pink fabric. 

Now if you want more of a vintage type fabric with pictures on it to maybe make a block wall hanging you can us the fabrics at wwwvintagemermaidcom. They have some beautiful fabric that they print themselves in all different size blocks. 

These are just a few of the wonderful fabrics that are available out there in "cyberland" for you to use on any Valentines project or any springtime project. Makes me want to get busy making some Valentine's Day stuff. :)

Have a great week!

Colleen :)

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Needles-n-Pins Stitcheries Blog