Stop staring and start sewing!

Velvet by Amy Sinibaldi is available to order now! I just got my tracking number, woohoo!

If you've been waiting to get your hand on this gorgeous Velvet collection by Amy Sinibaldi....it's time! 12 beautiful fabrics in soft, crisp colors. So many ideas! Here it is!

 

Art Gallery makes the softest, most delicious fabrics!

AND I have fat quarter bundles!

My review of the Burnside Bibs Pattern - Two Bib Thumbs Up!

A couple of years ago I received a Burnside Bibs pattern at a sewing party and I've been wanting to dig into it since then. I finally had the time, fabric, and hankering to get it done and I absolutely love it! So comfortable without being sloppy looking. 

The pattern is from Sew House 7 and comes with a really nice instruction booklet.

I traced the pattern out (don't cut your patterns out please!) in my size and got to work cutting.

I chose to do view #1 which has darts in the back. Since that tightens the waist it requires a side zipper. I love installing invisible zippers and this one went perfectly.

The fabric is 100% linen in the Nine Iron color, midweight (5.3 oz).

Now you see it....

 

Now you don't!

Instead of pins I glue basted things like the pockets and belt loops in place. I find it holds everything in the right position until I get it sewn into place (then washes out with the first washing!)

I'm so proud of my invisible zipper!

You can tie it in the back as well. I like it in the front for now.

So comfy!

Darts in back (barely visible).

I think this is a really smart pattern! It has great illustrations and lots of helpful hints along the way. I saw a cute hack on instagram where she turned it into shorts so I'm thinking that might be my next version since it will be perfect for Arizona. Two big thumbs up for the Burnside Bibs Pattern!

I want to be Daisy Kingdom

When my oldest daughter was a toddler (she is now 30), I was shopping at Daisy Kingdom in Portland looking for some fun stuff to make and possible sell. My sweet friend who was with me offered to buy some of their signature girl dress kits for me to make and sell (her family had more money than mine and she wanted to help me). I declined and inside my head I heard my voice saying "I don't want to sell Daisy Kingdom. I want to be Daisy Kingdom." And that statement has practically haunted me since then.

This past fall (2021) I decided life was too short and I needed to take a big leap and open a brick and mortar store and sewing school. There's never a "perfect time" for any big decision but everything in my life was pointing toward THIS being the time. So I took steps forward and figured if I was mistaken and this wasn't the right time then there would be obvious stop signs in my way. I found a great location in a quiet strip mall that had seen better times (hence the affordability) and put down a honkin' big deposit, the landlord gutted the former medical office space for me so I had a bright, open place to work with. We spent a couple of months painting and cleaning the 1500 square feet and in December my sisters and their husbands came and helped us haul 3 rooms of my precious stash and supplies over to the new place. I officially opened the doors on January 8, 2021 and while I'm still settling and unpacking I've been busy with classes and it's starting to feel like home here.

Remember this dresser (November 2007!)? It has a new place here in Make Sewing Studio and is such a lovely greeting when folks walk in the door

Here is the beginning of what I hope will grow into a beautiful, inspiring store filled with irresistible treasures. I want to fill it out with more goodies like buttons, pretty zippers, and lovely gift items.

In the meantime this bright, pretty classroom keeps me busy with people who want to sew (or want their kids to sew)!

A massive thanks to my friend Heather Bailey for bringing in so much color and cheer with her beautiful designs at the front of my store! Could this get any cuter? I don't think so.

'

See that young man sitting on the left hand side? Yeah, this is him when I started this blog. It's definitely time for a new adventure.

And while I've been buzzing around here our little strip mall is filling out with some great new tenants and so it turns out I get to be part of a rebirth of this cute little corner in Gilbert, Arizona.  Come visit! Oh, and I ran across this yesterday as I continued to unpack...

 

I made a darling baby quilt out of an IKEA duvet set

We have a new baby in our family and I knew his mom (my niece) was doing a dinosaur theme for his space.  Well, it turns out, cute dinosaur fabric is hard to find. I mean I found lots of dino fabric but it's usually very brash and busy and I wanted something sweet and whimsical so I had my heart set on the fabric in this JÄTTELIK duvet set from IKEA. They never seemed to have it in stock so I finally got wise and ordered it online (duh).

For 24.99 I got a bucketload of fabric when I separated the sides of the duvet and pillowcase, plus a seriously long zipper that I'm hanging on to (those can get expensive!).

I took part of the dinos on the main side and cut then into squares while making sure I left enough of a big piece to be the whole back of the quilt. Then I started framing them out with this sweet print from Heather Bailey's True Kisses collection (which I carry in my Fabritopia store).

I cut the pillowcase for this big t-rex panel and framed it out with a green Pure Solid from Art Gallery Fabrics (again, in my store and truly the softest cottons!). 

I pieced it all together with a white solid and was sort of bummed when I realized it wasn't an exact match to the white in the dino fabric. But I don't mind a little contrast so, all in all, I'm really happy with it. The duvet fabric is 50 % lyocell, 50 % cotton and it did behave a little bit differently than the cotton fabrics I was adding to it (kind of wiggly like a rayon) but it all came together with the quilting.

My thread kept on breaking at first and it was really frustrating. I have a Juki 2010Q and after quite a bit of online searching I found a great post by Quilting Jet Girl that had great advice (in the comments too). Since I'm in Arizona the part about my thread getting too dry made sense so I got it damp (by squeezing the spool with a wet cloth and letting it set for a bit) and tried again. It behaved so much better! Whew!

I worked my buns off on the front, but to be honest, the back is just as cute! Now you can see why I fell in love with the print!

I always use the Binding The Angel video tutorial from Sharon Schamber and it never fails to give me beautiful results with my quilt binding. The glue tips come from her daughter Cristy Fincher's shop Purple Daisies Quilting and they are the best!

Look at this pretty miter! And black and white fabric makes everything look more vibrant!

I had it all glued and ready to go just in time for my road trip to Oklahoma with my mom, sister, and daughter. I spent my down time hand stitching the binding and unwinding from all the driving.

I used the dino panel on the other side of the pillow case and some other fabrics (including the dino footprint fabric from the duvet) to piece together a new pillowcase to match the whole set. I just sized it for a standard sized pillow.

I still had the complete other half of the duvet sitting there (with the blue dinosaur tracks) and didn't want it to go unused. Then I realized it was perfect for a baby sized fitted sheet! And those are easy so I whipped that up just before leaving town! By the time our road trip was over I was able to hand the whole set over to my sister and watch her stuff it into her, already stuffed, suitcase for her flight back home.

I'm way behind on baby gifts from last year so I'm already on to the next project (and it's so cute!). Keep on sewing!

Make an adorable mini spiral bound notebook cover (the vertical kind) - Video!

This is one of my favorite little projects to make in my sewing classes. It's fun, quick, adorable, and very useful! It's got it all!

I get these cute mini memo books at Walmart for around .27 each (or .88 for a four pack). I grab a few stacks at a time since I never know if they'll decide to discontinue them (that happened to me once).

Just download the pattern pieces here, print them out at 100% (just 2 pages), and tape them together (do not overlap). It's all in the video below.

Watch here!

This is a great little place to use your fabric scraps!

Let me know what you think and be sure to follow and subscribe to my youtube channel!

One Room Challenge - Week 4 (3 too honestly) - Master Bedroom - Sew a Bed Skirt

Okay, I'm a little behind on documenting my master bedroom for the One Room Challenge but I am busy working on things here.

The walls have set up beautifully. I was worried the fabric might shrink more as it dried but it's good. This week I tackled the old bedskirt. I've had my eyes on Sharon Holland's Something Blue fabric from her Everlasting collection and this seemed the perfect place for it.

 

Here is my boring old bed skirt. It's been a good place holder but I've never really loved it. Plus it shifts a lot so I need to deal with that.

I  decided to keep the fabric with the gold flowers because it worked with everything else I was incorporating so why add another big step? I cut into the checked fabric and literally ripped it off all the way around. Clean and time saving.

I wanted to repeat the tuck in the new skirt. I like the look and it adds some weight to the bottom to give it a better shape and drape. Plus, when done the way I do it, it's just one stitch all the way around instead of making a hem, then folding the tuck, then sewing the tuck. When you're sewing 13 yards it's nice to be able to cut out some of the steps. Here's a quick run down...

Fold a BIG 3" and iron.

 

Fold another 3" and iron again.

 

Then sew 3/4" away from the folded bottom edge.

 

Open up to the back of the fabric and you can see the entire raw edge is neatly sewn inside the tuck.

 

On the outside, there's a nice clean, even tuck and it's done!

 

I mean except for the gathering and attaching which is another thing altogether. But it's looking good!

 

Since it's such a big gathering job I used my favorite method for "big jobs". I use a nice strong string (baker's twine since that's what I have on hand) and sew a nice big zigzag stitch over the top of it.  I have a more detailed post here if you want to check it out.

 

I'm loving how things are coming together! The rug, the fabrics, the paint (more on that later), everything! I'm already working on re-covering and repainting the headboard, plus painting the walls so things are moving along.

Be sure to check out the dozens and dozens of other projects folks are working on right now for their own One Room Challenge! So many inspiring and creative renovations. And everyone is so generous in showing their process so you can feel confident trying it yourself.

Another new chapter

Here comes a pop up! Join that email list! You'll be glad you did!

I'm back at it. Yep, I'm slowly, methodically, carefully...who am I kidding? I'm kind of nervous but...I've re-opened my Fabritopia store! I wish I could say I'm taking a huge leap but it was so painful to shut it down after the economy tanked that I can still remember the sting even today, so I'm trying to be careful and not buy anything on credit. It's been 10 years since the downturn but it was such a sudden punch to the gut I've remained very shy about trying again (even though I was so happy when I had my sweet store going!).

But I've been talking to other store owners and hearing great reports so I'll try again. Older, wiser, grayer...but what the heck.

So I'm slowing rolling out some of the most beautiful quilting fabrics available today. Beginning with Art Gallery Fabrics (because they are beyond compare in their quality).

Look at this amazing, sweet fabric from the oh-so-talented Mister Domestic and his Playroom collection! If you don't follow him on instagram you are missing out.

I've already made a quilt out of it (just a whole cloth quilt but there's really no need to get to fussy when your fabric is this pretty).

And I couldn't wait to get my hands on Sharon Holland's amazing Everlasting fabric collection...

Working on another baby quilt!

And coming soon! Another gorgeous collection from Bari J.! Brace yourself people...I'm getting some rayon!

I'll be back with more. So much going on! Oh, and if you order some fabric please be patient while I work the bugs out on my shipping (this is the tricky part!). I ship fast but may need to refund any differences in shipping costs while I tweak that area. Thanks!

Sew the World's Fastest Zipper Pouch

Here is a quick video I recently posted on my YouTube channel. I timed myself (but made it without the cute ribbon tab) and it took me 3 minutes and 21 seconds from start to finish to sew one of these (I had my supplies cut and ready). I've already had a newbie from Instagram try it and she was so proud of herself. That is why I share this stuff! To unravel the mystery of zippers. Not really. There is no mystery. You just need to start.

The supplies are so basic. Just make sure you have a long (nylon, not metal) zipper and it will be quick and easy.

Let me know if you try it. And feel free to make a bunch. They are great gifts and might be good to sell if you're looking for a craft booth idea.

Let me know if you try it! If you post it on instagram be sure to tag me #jonagiammalva because I want to see it! Have a wonderful day!

A blog is still a blog even when there's no one bloggin' there...

So.....what's up? I've been busy. Busy with kids. Busy with marriage. Busy with sewing. And busy with teaching (sewing!). What are you busy doing?

I've been quiet on my blog I know. When I started in 2007, blogging was such a great way to share and it felt personal and friendly and fun. I think social media has sucked up all the oxygen (and the friendliness and fun) in the internet and kind of made me want my privacy again. So maybe it will feel good to hang out here again, instead of over there.

I've been working on a lot of fun new projects and re-working some old ones. I've got some great new ideas for a new direction and I'd sure love some input and encouragement from people who love to sew (or people who want to love to sew but need some help getting started, raise your hand if that's you!). 

So here's a little ongoing project I've been working on....my husband's slightly moth eaten Pendleton shirt. He probably bought it when we lived in Portland but in Arizona it didn't get much wear and he was ready to throw it in the "out" pile. Not so quick there buddy!

He totally blew our Valentine's Day tradition of ignoring Valentine's Day and showed up with a gift. Argh, dude. So I scrambled up a plan and cut a sleeve off of that old shirt and bought him a bouquet of his favorite pilot pens. Add a zipper, lining, and faux leather tassel and I actually knocked his socks off. Whew!

Then he ordered a Hobonichi Planner for work and asked for a cover. Nailed it! He loves it and his coworkers are jealous so he's happy. And I still have bunch of his plaid shirt left! 

I have a lot more to share and some fun things going on here. And I'm sending out my first newsletter soon so be sure to join my mailing list!

 

A new direction and my first youtube video tutorial!

Hello! Sorry for the terribly long absence! I've been very very busy with something new and amazing and here is one small portion I can share right now. But first, an updated picture of me (remember when I started growing out my grey hair?). I'm still here!

 

I've missed you all and will be back with lots of fun stories about my new adventure. But be sure to watch this, leave a comment if you want, and download the full pdf pattern (link under video) if you want to try this project.

 

Here's the Patchwork Coffee Cup Cozy pdf pattern just for my blog readers! 

 

Oh! And join me on facebook at Make Sewing Studio!

What's new - Have you seen Bari J's new Joie de Vivre fabric?

Full Definition of joie de vivre

1. :  keen or buoyant enjoyment of life

 

 

Thank you merriam-webster.com! This new fabric collection from Bari J embodies that definition. I've had so much fun making things with this fabric and I'm not done!  Take a look!

 

First I got to make some samples for Bari to take to Quilt Market. Usually designers are working with their strike offs (initial samples from the manufacturer) so there's not a lot of yardage to play with. It becomes a fun challenge to use small pieces to make something that properly showcases the beauty and versatility of the fabric. I used this gorgeous Angle Folie print and bits from Bari's other collections to make these zipper clutches.

 

 

 

When I eventually had some real yardage to work with I got busy around here and the results thrill my heart. My kitchen window!

 

 

Here's my patchwork curtains in the works and you can see how these fabrics would make a great simple patchwork quilt or dinner napkins.

 

 

Lately I've been on a sewing kick making planner covers and the Joie de Vivre fabrics are perfect for smaller projects like these. The fabric in the bottom is from Bari's Petal and Plume collection.

 

 

I finally got brave and cut into this glorious alphabet panel

 

 

The letters are the perfect sizes for small planner covers (like the little Field Note notebooks). Bliss!

 

 

Here are some photos by the folks at Art Gallery. What a beautiful way to use those letters! 

 

 

Such a great wall quilt. Check out those butterflies!

 

 

And this little sweetie! Pattern here, courtesy of Art Gallery Fabrics. Go check out all of their "Look Books"! They are full of free patterns!

 

 

And you can use this fabric even if you don't sew! Check out this gorgeous panel of fabric hung in a simple frame (IKEA has great hangers for stuff like this). The ideas are endless!

 

 

This is just a small sampling of the fabrics in the Joie de Vivre fabric collection. Art Gallery has the softest fabrics around and I highly encourage folks to give them a try (you can feel the difference). Have fun sewing!

 

If you are a store carrying Joie de Vivre please feel free to leave a link in the comments for folks to visit.

Related articles

Make a self binding table square...or napkin...or anything