It’s what we do. When we aren’t actually sewing, we’re thinking about sewing, planning a project, shopping for fabric, dreaming about a new machine… and “sew” much more! This embroidery design cleverly sums it up. Available in our S4H Etsy Shop, our Eat-Sew-Sleep custom design is a single embroidery file provided in your choice of
Sometimes, Spring doesn’t just bring flowers… it brings Flower Power! We’re in love with this floral machine embroidery design set. Thanks to a sponsorship from our friends at Janome America, it’s FREE to you in six major embroidery formats. There are four bold florals along with a companion single element for each. Use the full
This beginner-friendly design in tough cotton canvas lends itself to indoor or outdoor chores. Decorative stitching accents and machine embroidery (we link to our Queen Bee design) add fashion to its five-pocket function.
You can’t beat the sewing ease and fashion versatility of a classic scarf. There are really only two steps: pick a fancy fabric, finish the edge. We show three ways to hem a square and a rectangle – as well as our fave cutting tips.
You’ve all seen puffer jackets. The look has now shown up on high-end bags! S4H leads the pack, bringing you a DIY version. We combine ripstop nylon and high loft batting, creating the texture with straight line quilting + ruler work.
Ragging – letting your seam allowances show and fray on the outside – is traditionally found on blankets, pillows + quilts. We stepped outside that box to use the technique on a pair of trendy canvas + flannel totes.
The headlines are endless; we should all be exercising every day, getting lots of rest, drinking more water. These intentions are certainly worthy, but for now, let’s look beyond the standard list to some Sewing Self Improvement Goals. We were excited to join a new series from Janome at the beginning of 2024: Sew Smarter.
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO WINNER, CAROL FRALEY OF JOSEPH CITY, ARIZONA! Our theme for the final week of December 2023 is, “You Say Goodbye… I say Hello!” With a tip of the hat to all the Beatles fans out there, this theme is our way of saying we’re looking forward to more projects,
These five nostalgic designs are based on actual ornaments from the personal collections of the S4H Team. We used fills, flourishes, French knots, and more, plus an optional BOW design can top off any design. In our Etsy Shop.
Both these pieces are beginner friendly, with included links to additional tutorials on hemming, fussy cutting, and seam finishing. We designed the mitt and towel as a gift set idea, but don’t forget to put yourself on the gift list!
A departure from a traditional tablecloth or runner, a Table Throw or Table Square offers more flexibility for how it can be placed as well as the table it can fit. The Double Star design is a holiday favorite. Includes a pattern set.
Cuddle up with a snuggly hand-tied blanket and matching closed-end pillowcase. Both elements are beginner friendly with useful techniques to learn, like how to hand-tie and how to create the overlapping ends of a pillowcase.
The boxy shape of a classic duffle provides plenty of “real estate” for a dramatic fabric choice as well as for professional finishes; like piping, decorative layering, and unique zipper choices. We check all the boxes with this bold bag.
Who’s a good boy?! Make sure your favorite walkabout companion is sporting the latest look in leash and collar sets. Our design has sturdy webbing as a base, gorgeous ribbon for flair, and tough hardware to keep it all secure.
Add a graceful floral touch to pillow covers, linens, garments, and more. This free embroidery collection includes six different designs, each in two size formats. Cross stitch cloth was a perfect base fabric for these delicate designs.
If you’re just starting out, an apron is a great introduction to a number of techniques that translate well to future garment sewing. This one is soft and light with no added interfacing, allowing it to wrap and tie for a super comfy fit.
THIS GREAT GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED. THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER: SHERRY NOLAN OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA. The sun is shining, and we’re all ready for summer adventures. However, just because road trips and pool dips may be in your future, that doesn’t mean you should turn your back on your trusty sewing
A set of plants in these cute and clever baskets makes a lovely gift idea. They’d also be fun as table decorations for a family gathering – or set up an assembly line and make matching baskets to adorn the tables at a wedding.
Any time is a good time for a cat nap. Our pet bed design is not only super soft, it’s also in a fun shape with cute kitty ears and rounded kitty cheeks. One side is cool cotton; the flip side is cozy faux sherpa style fleece.
This must-have travel accessory is a strap to secure a tote or backpack on top of your rolling suitcase. Our design is a fully adjustable loop that is easier to make and more secure when buckled. Sounds like a travel win-win.
Learn how to create this unique edge finish with a padded satin stitch. It’s an easy technique that works especially well on the bias edges of scallops. The result is smooth, stable, and beautiful. We show it on both napkins + placemats.
If the mention of “scallops” has you dreaming of a tasty seafood dinner, you’re in for another type of treat. Our scallops run around the perimeter of a placemat and are finished with a padded satin stitch. There’s also a companion project available to create matching napkins. Make one or make both. The
Three cute bags in three handy sizes. So easy and so useful as gift bags or for any small storage task. Make a coordinated set with matching accent borders as we did or choose just one size now, saving the other options for later.
Color Blocking is the art of mixing solid color squares and rectangles into a bold design with inherent simplicity and inspired color. It lends itself especially well to patchwork, since the blocks of color are arranged on a grid.
Bountiful. That’s what we all hope for as a new year begins. An ample supply of goodwill. A generous nature. Plentiful love and encouragement. It’s with this vision that Fat Quarter Shop has announced their 2023 Bountiful Charity Quilt Along + Stitch Along, benefitting the Central & South Texas Make-A-Wish foundation. FQS has partnered with
For this stand-out-from-the-crowd barrel bag, try a lightweight canvas in a bold, colorful print. Clip on the adjustable strap and shorten to wear over the shoulder – extend to wear crossbody. Or, unclip and use the double handles.
Cute and clever gear can help keep fitness goals on track. This yoga mat sling, exclusive to our Etsy Shop, is a great start. It combines gorgeous ribbon with tough, wipe-clean PUL. Drawcords top and bottom make it flexible.
In cooking, sometimes it takes just a pinch of this and a dash of that to bring a dish to its full flavor. It’s similar in sewing, where a splash of embellishment can be the finishing touch to make your project shine. For this classic single-layer apron, we used the Janome 3-Way Cording foot to
Find some colorful fabric, program a gorgeous machine embroidery design, and create your own custom fabric gift bags. Each side panel is just 6” x 10” – we used scraps and pre-cuts. The finishing touch: beaded cording to cinch and seal.
Take your laptop or other electronic device on-the-go in this stylish Quilted Slimline Device Case. It’s fashionable on the outside; smartly padded on the inside, so your devices are stored safely, protected from scratches and dust, and can be easily shuttled from here to there. It’s available now in our S4H Etsy Shop – make
Make our scaled-down stocking as table décor, use several to hold flatware, create an elegant place card or adorn a gift box. It’s made”in the hoop” with just a single line of stitching to finish. Free embroidery download too.
This Giveaway has ended. Thanks to everyone who participated. Congratulations to our lucky winner: Elizabeth Griffin of Alvarado, TX! Here is her Scariest Sewing Tale, drawn at random from all our entries: One late night, while home alone, I was sitting and hand piecing a 2″ block quilt. I would sew rows while I
It’s the call of the wild! Our adorable lumbar pillow pair features a Gregarious Gator and an Amiable Elephant. You’ll find all the steps for THREE different appliqué techniques: outline and stitch, raw edge, and reverse.
Great for smaller surfaces! At 12” x 5” x 6”, this cool caddy can be sitting pretty anywhere you need a little organizational help. The pocket panel wraps all the way around and is divided into eight sections in a variety of sizes.
A bold bow makes a dynamic fashion statement on a small pouch. Our unique slip-thru pleated band is a clever way to clutch this clutch. Slide one hand behind the band and grab onto the bottom to carry. In our Etsy Shop.
Applying initials to something to identify it as undeniably yours dates back as far as the signet rings of the ancient Romans. Today, machine monogramming makes it easy. Janome expert, Anne Hein reviews a variety of options.
When you are first learning to sew, everything is flat and straight. Easy peasy. As your skills evolve, you add in curves and corners, layers of different fabric and stabilizer options, and finally – you’re ready to enter another dimension. Don’t be afraid, it’s not the Twilight Zone® - we’re simply Sewing in 3D. Ready
A classic round fabric basket has endless uses. That means a classic round fabric basket SET has endless uses x2! One large, one small, both quilted, both with looped handles. It’s a fun + useful introduction to dimensional sewing.
Color coming your way! Our dramatic duffle has a soft, round shape and an easy going, shoulder sling style. Boho patchwork and ribbons adorn the outside, and we haven’t forgotten to add plenty of handy pockets on the inside.
What’s the difference between pressing and ironing? What are the best practices of each? Why is it so important to “press as you go”? When do you need a pressing cloth? So many questions, and we have some answers.
With a slim silhouette and two deep pockets, this pouch is the go-to accessory that can go-anywhere. We used waterproof canvas bound with fold-over elastic. Brand new to sewing? This project can add to your skills.