QUICK AND HELPFUL READS and MORE ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SEWISTS, QUILTERS AND FABRIC CRAFTERS

Hello fabric Divas and Divos!  I just finished reading a wonderful article on how Tension affects the outcome of a stitch and thought to myself "Self..." because, that's how I do it... "Self, many of your friends and VKG followers would probably like this article."  And knowing how busy people are, myself included, who has time to look these things up?  I don't either... but since I've been teaching from home due to COVID 19 I have more time to get nerdy and research quick reads for busy sewists.  I promise you.  These are not essays.  Nobody wants to spend more time reading about sewing than actually sewing itself.  

I couldn't possibly list all of the articles that you might need or just want to read for your personal pleasure, interests or immediate need, so instead, I am listing links for places that have a plethora of articles from which to choose from.  Click on the link I provided to take you directly to the page you need to be on for good reads.

Superior Threads  Who doesn't like Superior Threads?  It's a Pillar in the quilt world and rightly so.  Yes, there are many other brands that CAN hold a candle to Superior but it's the perfect go to.  They have a YouTube chanel as well but their articles cover subjects in great depth and are very easy to find and helpful.  If you click on "Superior Threads" it will take you directly to their education page. There you will find more articles than you ever thought existed about thread, sewing, tension... It's so wonderful!

Aurifil Philosophy  Quilters Love, Love, Love Aurifil.  I love it for piecing because the two ply is just as strong as three ply but the thin strand makes me feel like there is less bulk.  I could be wrong and it's probably in my head... but the term "less bulk" to a quilter is like saying "would you like more fudge on your ice cream?"  YES!  The site I am sending you to will go directly to the designers associated with Aurifil, but if you click on "Auriworld" you will discover a lot more.  Free patterns, a blog, artisans.  The designer page is easy to navigate.  Simply click on the designer and poof, you go directly to their page and look at their information, posts and possibly freebies.  Voile.

The Quilting Hub  I just stumbled across this great site when I googled "what to pack for a retreat".  Many short articles about everything you might need to know in a pinch.  Including ideas for quilt guild activites to do remotely during Social Distancing.  

Quilting Daily  Again, looking for a short answer I stumbled upon this gem.  If you click on "topics" you'll get a pull down box and from there you can go to the topic that interests you.  In addition, there are links to podcasts, a blog, patterns and competitions.  I noticed that the topics are project driven and full of wonderful ideas and help along the way.  

Connecting Thread  Another Lovely thread line, extremely affordable AND they design and mill their own fabric lines.  This is how they keep the costs down and their designers are people you probably know and love.  The area of the site I am sending you to is Learn:  Tutorials, Guides and Inspiration.  Definitely worth a look.  The tutorials are free and they have a "community" in which to share your creations and be inspired by others too.  Give their thread and fabric a look while there.  They are beautiful!!!

There are many more and I will be happy to create a "Part 2" to this posting and... I bet you want to get started.  So before I end I'll leave one last link.  The article that got all of this started:

How does tension affect the outcome of a stitch?

And with this I bid you Adieu to you and you and you.  

Until next time, stay calm and sew on.

FINDING ONLINE CREATIVE INSPIRATION DURING COVID 19

Hello Makers!  I have been home since March 13, 2020, when my school sent students home and closed its doors in order to hunker down, stay safe and wait out the worst.  I feel most fortunate because I have been able to work/teach from home, though teaching music to elementary students from behind a computer screen is really counter-intuitive to my training.  But again, I can't complain.  I haven't been laid off, I teach from my "office" (sewing room) and I finally found my groove.  The first few weeks I was not feeling inspired to sew.  I stated in my previous post that instead of creating, I cleaned, purged and organized.  It felt cathartic and in some way made me feel like I had some control over my life.   Now, that things are slowing down, I feel like I am settling into a new routine of teaching on line, holding online tutorials for students, answering emails, google meet meetings, and leaving the house only when absolutely necessary, wearing a hand crafted mask so I feel "pretty" and disinfecting any and everything that crosses my doorstep.   How about you?  What is your new routine?  Let me know in the comments.  

With the extra time I have at home in addition to finally beginning to sew again, I have also been binge watching all of the tutorials from my favorite Creators such as Vanessa Vargas Wilson of Crafty Gemini, and Sara Lawson from Sew Sweetness.  Some of them are free to everyone, while others are tutorials that I purchased through their clubs and/or bundles.  I don't know about you but when I watch a tutorial it inspires me to get to work and create.  

In a past post entitled "Online Learning for Busy Sewists, Bag Makers and Quilters",  I created a list of YouTube Makers and websites that inspire and teach.    Since I have been working from home,  I have been lucky to find a few more inspiring creators and I want to share them with you so you may find the same inspiration and joy.  

Here is my list:

Sewspire - Youtube
Jean Truelove - Youtube
Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts - YouTube
SewYeah - YouTube
Jess Oklaroots - YouTube

All of these makers have beautiful tutorials on YouTube that are FREE!  However, Sewspire and Jean Truelove are members of an on-line community called Patreon.  This is a community of makers and artisans who share their medium, sometimes for free on Youtube, but for a nominal monthly pledge you can get so much more.  For instance, I am a Patron of Sewspire and Jean Truelove.  The pledges range between $1 - $100 per month depending on the amount of extra perks you desire.  I fall pretty much in the $5-10 range, but I am getting so much in return.  Extra tutorials, special sew alongs and patterns.  It's really a gift I am giving to myself while also supporting woman owned businesses.  

Let me tell you more about these lovely women.

Sewspire Planner Caddy Organizer

Sewspire Planner Caddy Organizer inside view

Andrea Chapman is the beauty behind Sewspire.  She lives and teaches from her studio in Virginia.  Since being home and, quite honestly falling into a bit of a depression, I decided surf the internet for more ways to be creative with sewing.  Andrea was exactly what I needed to gently remind myself to take care of me and find joy in something every day.  Her teaching style is calming, step by step and she develops her creations right in front of you.  You can sew along with her or watch and sew along the second time.  She has refreshing ideas and I really love her way of constructing bags which, for me, needs to be dummy proof.  Listen to her talk and tell me what you think in the comments.  I just love listening and learning from her.  


The second lovely lady is Jean Truelove.  Teaching and filming from her studio in her home in Pennsylvania, she is the definition of exuberant and I adore her.  One of Jean's sons told her she needed to record her creations and make a Youtube chanel.  She really didn't take him seriously so one day he walked into her studio and began recording her whilst asking her what she was doing step by step.  30 minutes later he said "you have a youtube chanel mom.  Get to work."  That beginning totally fits her personality.  I've never met her but I know she is one of those people who jump in feet first and just start swimming.  I love her zaniness and energy.  She makes some beautiful quilts and recently started making bags.  While she admits bags are not her thing She has some pretty great design and construction ideas.  And I love her art quilts and beautiful quilt blocks.  My new favorite is her appliqué heart wall hanging.  Absolutely gorgeous and she takes you step by step in her design method and construction.  She talks a lot... she admits this so I 'm not spreading nasty gossip.  However, I find her to be so enjoyable.  It's like sitting with a friend you've known forever and just getting caught up.  She really lets you into her life.  She has 10... Yes T E N children!  Alright?  She's an angel in my book.  Her youngest, Maxwell, is 20 and lives at home.  He's autistic and the light of the family's eye.  He sometimes appears in her videos along side her amazing husband, Ian.  I feel like I'm part of the Truelove family!  Anyway, I became a patron of hers as well because I wanted to be included in her extra videos and tutorials as well.  She calls it her "tip jar".  If you like it, leave a tip!  You can't go wrong.  Recently I found one of her free tutorials on creating a 5 piece of fabric block in three seams!!!  OMG  It's gorgeous.  Look it up.  

The third YouTube teacher that I quite enjoy is Karen Brown from Just Get It Done Quilts.  She lives, works and teaches from Canada.  Her tips and tricks are spot on and recently I made a quilt in one day from her Comfort Quilt using "ugly" fabrics. 

"Ugly Fabric" Comfort Quilt, waiting to be sandwiched and quilted

 I just wanted to complete something!  And this scratched the itch.  Recently she posted a video on flying geese.  So many different things to learn about flying geese.  She has several ways of constructing them and teaches you how to measure them too.  Lots of math.  She's a quilt math wizard!  She's practical, down to earth, creative, warm and very talented!  Please take a moment to look at her helpful tutorials and videos.  Her tips will also help you save money!  That means more for fabric.

Speaking of money for fabric... have you watched the brothers of Sew Yeah?  They all quilt!  Their Brick and Mortar store is in Las Vegas however when COVID hit the country all of their inventory became last week news as new inventory began to arrive.  What to do?  Well, they took to YouTube and began their Saturday Night Fabric Destash.  It's like a Fabric party on Youtube.  They're all really fun, and it's family friendly.  Recently, to help out a cousin and his wife who were laid off due to COVID, they offered to sell some of the couples' handcrafted goat soap.  The quilters loved it (I bought 4 bars myself and they're awesome) and now that's part of their offering as well.  The Destash has done really well.  So well that their following asked for new stuff  in addition to destash.  So they added Tuesday Night NewStash!  That's a lot of Stash!

How many of you just love to read the pattern and then read it again while you are crafting your item?  A few?  NOT ME!  I'm a musician... who is a visual learner!  I want to see someone make it in front of me.  That's how I know it can be done.  When I read a pattern it's like reading sand script.  So I am very happy when I find a super smart and creative person who is gracious and kind enough to make a video of popular patterns for YouTube.  Jess Oklaroots is that person!  She provides video tutorials for several patterns from popular pattern makers such as BagstockDesigns, Emmaline Bags and Swoon Patterns.  She's organized in her teaching, detailed oriented and always throws in a tip to make things even easier.  I like easier!  If you look at her video playlists you will also find a section for beginner bag makers.  Not that I need it... I mean, sometimes I look at it... but, I'm not a beginner.  Okay, I feel like one every time I begin a bag!  

So, I hope my list of makers inspires you to take a peek and see that life is happening all over the country.  Let's support them by liking their videos, become a patron or thumbs up.  This is the time to lift each other up and keep moving to the beat of a new day!

Stay Calm, Stay Safe and Sew On!

CONFESSIONS OF A QUILTER/SEWIST DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC

Well, here we are.  At home.  Some of us working from home, like myself, but it still leaves me personal time to do the other thing I love... work with fabric!  One Vlogist and tutorialist (I may have made up that word) that I love to follow is Karen Brown of "Just Get It Done Quilts" and she said "This is what we've all been training for."  And she's right!  I mean, unrestricted time in my sewing room, no interruptions, stay up as late as I like, as long as I can show up in my jammies for lessons on my laptop in the morning?  The first two weeks were free of teaching.  So, I had as much time on my hands as I have ever dreamed of... and yet... I was completely uninspired. Instead I spent my time cleaning out closets, the basement, I moved my sewing room to a larger guest room because... let's face it... we're not having visitors for a while.  I cleaned, sorted, organized, purged and finally landed in my sewing room and faced the reality of life at that moment.  I was scared!  Yes!  Never in my life have I lived through something like this.  So, I reached out to a person who I knew would have some perspective on this situation.  I spoke to my 89 year old father.  He lived through the depression and WWII, helped to rebuild a broken and bombed Europe and then returned home to the States to rebuild his own life.  He has known strife and uncertainty and lived to tell the tale. Judging from where he is now in life I know we will get through this pandemic, one way or another.  

However, I worry about what this will look like for the foreseeable future.  Short term, what will my summer and fall look like?  Will I go to my beloved gatherings in July and October?  When will I return to my job?  Will I have a job?  Or will we need to continue social distancing in some fashion?  Long Term, how will our economy survive?  How will the small businesses make it through?  How will people make ends meet?  So many questions.  Not to mention the worry over loved ones and the leaders of our communities and our country.  Again, Karen Brown offerred some comfort.  She lives and works in Canada and has lived through other situations very similar if not identical to the Covid 19 crisis.  Her words, "You just get through it!"  

After two weeks of purging my life I was asked by several people if I would make them and their families masks.  They were scared, and frankly, so am I.  Some believe these masks offer little to keep us safe but it really doesn't matter.  They keep you a little safer and a little is better than nothing.  I also had to use some engenuity and work with a few materials I don't normally work with in order to make the masks more efficient for some family members.  I like challenges.  Especially ones in which I feel I can surmount.  

I watched several... and when I say several I mean probably over 20, tutorials on the best ways to make a surgical mask.  I settled on two and made a mash up of one that suited my style of sewing and creating.  They have been a hit so far.  

I have been able to start things I had on the back burner, finish things I had in a waiting to finish pile and even begin to dream of upcoming projects that I might like to make.  What's on your Pandemic plate.  Post pictures in the comments and let's keep each other inspired.  

Sew Sweetness Tower Cross Body Bag, Free Pattern

Lily, my Sewing Room, everywhere I go, Pup

Sewspire Journal Tool Keeper - Free Tutorial

MASKS

Just Get It Done Quilts, Karen Brown's "Comfort Quilt for Ugly Fabric" quilt.  Mine are shades of blue in mostly Lotta Jansdotter fabric.  I don't think its ugly fabric but I wanted to make something that reminded me of delft, broken up into pieces.  Probably how I feel at the moment.  

RETURN ON RETREAT

Last month I attended my annual Smokey Mountain retreat with ladies I met through The Crafty Gemini.  We wanted to get together even more often so Andra, of Andramakes on Instagram,  came up with the idea of a fall retreat in a lovely log cabin in the beautiful Smokey Mountains of Tennessee.  We think about it all year!  We have a count-down from the end of the last day of one retreat to the beginning of the first day of the next retreat!  This year was no different.  We gathered, cooked, ate, shared, and of course sewed and quilted.  It is an incredible feeling to be surrounded by women who share a common passion:  fabric and all things made with fabric!

We are cheerleaders for each other, teachers, mentors, and design assistants.  However, not one Quilt Police among us.  Encouragement and support is what drives people to keep going even on their worst days and it's no different with my quilty friends.  We are our worst critics, however, being part of a positive and enriching quilting community is key to success.  

Over the summer my dear friend BJ and I attended the Mid-Appalacian Quilt Convention.  It has been in existence for over 30 years and this year was special because it was the first year held at a different venue, Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA.  Lovely campus, albeit a little spread out.  But it was the first year and actually put together at the last minute due to the original venue needing to cancel with no warning.  So, all in all, it was still successful.  

The classes were amazing, the instructors top in their field, the accomodations adequate (probably working the bugs out) and the food, surprisingly good.  It was a bargain considering I took a top-notch class every day for three days, was lodged and fed... it added up to $400!  That's right!  Plus, they had "volunteer" porters to move your equipment to and from classes as needed, tips welcome. And remembering what it was like to be a student, I was very grateful and generous for their service.  What was missing?  Camraderie.  The kind you receive from an intimate gathering of friends who treat you like family (or better) and who don't "police" your work.  BJ and I found it amusing and I am sure there were other like-minded quilters there.  In fact, the instructors were more like my retreat sisters; not looking for perfection or loosing sight of the reason we do what we do.  Remember, perfect is not necesarily finished and finished is perfect!

Here are some pictures of work I completed at the retreat and pieces I am still working on from the MAQ convention.  Enjoy and remember, "Stay Calm and Quilt On".

MAQ Convention, July 2019.  BJ and I on campus, enjoying the beautiful historic buildings and yummy food:

Hummingbird Thread Painting Class with Joyce Hughes

Water Color and Thread painting with Joyce Hughes

Tennessee Retreat:

UFO No. 1 from 2014... Finished  I used a lot of
techniques for FMQ that I learned from watching
Angela Walters YouTube Videos



On the Right is a Quilt I have promised my Jeep Loving Wife!  It still needs boarders but it's nearly done.  This is my own pattern.

 This is a Crafty Gemini Quilt I pieced last summer at her retreat.  Afterward she taught us different FMQ'ing techniques which we practiced on every block.  I can really see the evolution of my quilting from the first to the last block which I quilted this summer at the Smokey Mountain Retreat.  I am pretty happy.  It's difficult for me to NOT quilt police myself...

This little cutie is from the samosa block, also taught by Vanessa Vargas Wilson using her 10" slicer.  I played with the placement and this placement looked like funky fat birds.  So, I thread painted spindly legs, added pieces of fabric for tail and head, buttons for eyes and created twidly birds.  It's hanging on the Wall of The Twisted Stitcher Quilt Retreat Center owned by Pat Armbrister and her Husband near Gainesville Florida.

DECLUTTER THE CLUTTER

"I might need this for my next project"
"It's so pretty... I will use it somewhere"
"I might be interested in this again"

Sewists and quilters have all said this to ourselves at one time or another.  Over the past two years I have had to move my sewing room three times and each time I realize I have more than I need, use or want.  However, because money doesn't grow on trees and we have invested a lot into our passion we are hesitant to part with items that sit long forgotten and are literally taking up space.

Recently I returned from a daytime sewing retreat to find my room completely destroyed... by me!  I literally took it apart in order to put my travel items together for ONE DAY of sewing fun at a friends house.  Many of the items lying about were things I never use, haven't used in a long time, or have several of the same.  I couldn't face the mess so I put my travel sewing items in the room and shut the door.  The condition of the room, the clutter and the guilt over things that go unused keeps me from sewing and stunts my creativity.  Thinking back on when I am my most creative I realized that I have only the items I am working on around me and my supplies within easy reach.  This got me thinking.  How much of this stuff do I really need?  Do I need 40 spools of ribbon, bins and bins of fabric scraps and doo dads that I never use or have lost interest in?

I find it seriously funny that I needed to google reasons for decluttering.  I actually needed to give myself permission to purge the items in my sewing room that I don't need or use in order to make room for the things I truly love and want to keep in order to continue creating.  Thankfully, I found many articles on decluttering.  Some were about sewing and craft rooms but the ones I found the most helpful were about decluttering the basement, closets and general home environment.  This one in particular really helped me.  A Declutter Formula to Help You Throw Stuff Away Without Regret  I am now going through every bin, nook and cranny of my sewing room and asking myself the same set of questions that Mr. Ho stated in his article:   "Recency, Frequency, Acquisition Cost, Storage Cost, Retrieve Cost."  In my case tt's the best formula I have ever come across as it addresses the issue of storage which is always an issue in small sewing spaces.  

Here is a list of other articles on the subject of decluttering that I found to be the most helpful, including a vlog.

Declutter Your Sewing Space & Supplies to Spark Creativity

10 Things You Can Do In 10 Days to Declutter Your Sewing Space

How to Declutter Without Feeling Guilty

Little House Lovely Home

Just Get it Done Quilts - YouTube Vlogger - This Vlogger has great ideas.  

Hopefully these articles and videos will help you as much as they have helped me.  Let me know in the comments below.  

INSPIRATION

Inspiration

Merriam-Webster's definitation states:

Inspiration:

1a: a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation 

b: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions

c: the act of influencing or suggesting opinions

I found that the history of the word made more sense than the definition. Merriam-Webster goes on to state:

"The Inspirational History of Inspiration"

"Inspiration has an unusual history in that its figurative sense appears to predate its literal one. It comes from the Latin inspiratus (the past participle of inspirare, “to breathe into, inspire”) and in English has had the meaning “the drawing of air into the lungs” since the middle of the 16th century. This breathing sense is still in common use among doctors, as is expiration (“the act or process of releasing air from the lungs”). However, before inspiration was used to refer to breath it had a distinctly theological meaning in English, referring to a divine influence upon a person, from a divine entity; this sense dates back to the early 14th century. The sense of inspiration often found today (“someone or something that inspires”) is considerably newer than either of these two senses, dating from the 19th century."

We, Fabric artists, quilters, bag makers, small project creators, all have the same thing in common. A desire to create something of beauty and worth. In order to do this, not once, but over and over again, we must be inspired.

The history of Inspiration is, for me, very close to what I feel when I am struck with an idea. I feel the breath of inspiration when I am witnessing beauty in its many forms.  A live performance, be it music, dance, a play; the reading a poem, prose or a story; witnessing a life changing event.  All of these things can be the spark that ignites Inspiration.  

Some of us only need an event to move us forward.  The birth of a grandchild, the graduation of a niece or nephew, an upcoming trip, to inspire us to begin the process of creating in order to meet a need.  Others, the rising of the sun, or the quiet of winter's first snowfall.  

I am not an artist.  But, I am an artist.  I am a musician.  Classically trained.  What I find ironic is I am a Visual Learner.  Most would think a musician would learn differently than visually and I'm not sure why I am wired this way.  I do know that I have a tremendous desire to recreate what my heart sees.  Because of this I seek out ways to turn my visions into something tangible.  I take classes, go to museums, read stories, browse through fibre art publications, and contemplate.  I contemplate my stash, threads, embellishments and think through all of the things I could create.  Eventually, I gather the courage to start a project, all the while doubting my own abilities.  And doubt is our enemy.  So, this year and for as far into the future as I am granted to be here I promise myself and encourage you also to never, ever doubt your ability to create beauty.  Look around.  The inspiration is everywhere.

I once saw a painting in a Goodwill that sparked my interest and I plan on turning it into a raw edge quilt someday:

It's such a simple painting but it sparked joy because I loved the colors, the yellow flowers and orange wallpaper looked so cheerful.  I want to recreate this using the medium I am familiar and comfortable with.  

Here is a list of teachers, YouTube Chanels and publications that keep the embers of inspiration glowing:

Stitches by Julia - She began sewing and crafting 26 years ago.  She uses her sewing machine to create one of a kind wall hangings, journals, bags, and refashions clothing.  I love her aesthetic and she very generously shares her ideas and her inspiration.

A Fate So Twisted - The creator of this chanel is a wonderful artist, and a creative and passionate maker.  She recently began to make longer tutorials of her projects and I am really inspired by her story.

Joyce Hughes Originals - I consider Joyce Hughes to be a mentor.  I have taken her classes and not only are her creations works of art, she is one of the most sincere and amazing people I have ever met.  If you have an opportunity to meet her and listen to her story at a trunk show, run do not walk!!!

Art Quilting Studio


Sew Sommerset Magazine


Stampington & Company 

UPDATED: A LIST OF MY FAVORITE SHOPS FOR FABRIC AND THREAD

Last year I posted on where I like to purchase fabric.  While I always purchase from my LQS, when I purchase on line, I like to make sure that I am supporting either a brick and mortar LQS somewhere or that I am supporting a small business owner, someone who is a visionary and entrepreneur with a creative spirit.

This posting has more details and a couple new shops that I really like to support and why.

Dragonflyquiltworks - Wonderful selection of modern fabric lines incuding Lotta Jansdotter, Vanessa Vargas Wilson, Carolyn Friedlander, Alison Glass and beautiful, modern blenders!  The owner Lora Douglas, is also gifted designer and quilter.  Her attention to detail is unmatched.  She also has bag making supplies, notions and patterns.  Great prices and wonderful Customer Service.

BobbielouFabric - What began as a hobby and sewing for baby showers grew into a family owned business and they have the most current, trendy, fun and modern fabrics.  They have a beautiful selection of modern, bright, fun and beautiful fabric.  BobbielouFabric also has a huge selection of double gauze!  I love using this fabric for Infinity scarves and receiving blankets and had no idea until I found her site that it came in so many colors and patterns.  Their site is full of eye candy and you will enjoy a visit to BobbielouFabric.

Stash Fabrics - This is a favorite of Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness.  I can definitely see why.  They offer a huge collection of modern fabrics by popular designers as well as lesser known but just as talented designers.  This is a family owned business.  Another reason to check out Stash Fabrics are the free patterns and the ability to pre-order the newest lines.  I have found some really difficult to find fabrics here as well.

Green Fairy Quilts - A wonderful Story.  This on-line shop offers mainly Moda pre-cuts but also yardage, patterns, notions, supplies and THREAD.  Beautiful, lovely, yummy thread!  And the prices are all discounted.    Sometimes up to 40%  They carry Aurifil and every Superior Thread made. Here is the "wonderful story" part.  Once a year Clint of Green Fairy Quilts travels to Romania to take donated quilts to orphans, and uses the donated money to buy food, school supplies, clothing, toys etc. for those in need. All of this is funded by their on-line quilt shop.  You can also add $1 to your order and all orders ship for free if they are at least $40.  Shop and Give.  It's really a win, win.  You can learn more about their Romania Mission by reading their story at Green Fairy Quilts.

Quilt Addicts Annonymous - I found this on-line fabric store when I came across a YouTube tutorial for paperpiecing by the owner, Stephanie Soebbing. She also just published her first book entitled Simple Quilts.  It is full of amazing quilts that range in order of easiest to most difficult.  Although the title implies simple, they are all interesting and unique.  One of the things that may set this resource aside from others is her Sit and Sew Radio Podcasts.  Instead of watching a video while sewing, you can listen to interviews with Sewlebrities.  It reminds me of my Dad listening to the Dodger Baseball game while working on an engine in the garage.  Of course she also has  a YouTube chanel, Blog, Free stuff and she is very generous as well, giving away a free pattern with on-line tutorial when you purchase her monthly Stash Club called Stashin' with Stephanie.  Included with this is a $10 off coupon of any purchase of $20 or more... every month.

So, that's all the new stuff I have for now.  I hope you find this informative and I hope you will post in the comments if you tried any of the resources I wrote about and your thoughts.

Until then, keep calm and quilt on.