Simply Strippy Sewing Kit & The Next Big Thing

This project has been on my Must Make list for a while now. Scrap Happy Sewing by Kim Kruzich (also known as Retro Mama) is full of adorable projects to make with your leftover bits of fabric happiness. You know that I can never refuse another sewing kit, and the Simply Strippy version is adorable.

Most of the patchwork pieces for this kit came from my scrap bins, though I tossed in a few pieces of Foxglove by Aneela Hoey which came in my last fabric package -- such a beautiful collection. I added some Art Gallery Fabric denim in Adobe Clay for the inner pockets as well as an extra pocket using more Foxglove.

This little kit was so fun to make and a really fast sew -- about two hours of sewing in between afternoon errands and dinner with the family.

The next big project on my list is setting up a sewing station for my three daughters who are finally getting their own machine. It's exciting and yes, just a little bit scary to think about how quickly they're growing up. My oldest turned 9 in February, and she's been begging for this privilege for at least a year. I'm taking a deep breath, stocking up on band-aids, and getting ready to become Sewing Teacher Extraordinaire this summer. Because as I spent a bit of time thinking about this whole motherhood thing during the big day yesterday, I realized that doing all that we do to take care of our kids -- while exhausting and overwhelming -- is really not the hardest part of our job. The hardest part is teaching them to be independent enough not to need us so much anymore. This stage has been quietly creeping up on me this year, and though I've never considered myself a control freak, I'm learning that it's not easy to let go. No, my girls aren't headed off to college for almost a decade yet, but now is the time to teach them that there are already things they can do for themselves. Things like folding their own laundry and helping with dinner, studying for tests and sewing birthday gifts for friends, knowing what they believe and standing up for what's right. If they can tuck these things away now, I know they'll be habits by the time they're ready to fly off on their own wings.

So yes, it's time to let my girls learn how to use a sewing machine all by themselves. And I'm excited and nervous and a just a wee bit emotional.

And so proud I can hardly stand it.

9 Steps to a Happy Cutting Table

The cutting table can be one of the most stressful places in your sewing room. This is where things can get dangerous (watch out for that blade!), frustrating (why didn't I double check the measurements?), and downright messy (hello, piles of fabric). It doesn't have to be that way, though. Here are nine steps to a happy cutting table...

1. Get the height right.

I’ve found that the height of my cutting table is directly related to how much pain reliever I have to take after a sewing session. For years I cut my fabric on a low desk, and my back paid the price in a big way. Being just under 6 feet tall, I found that it was impossible to avoid this problem without looking for a different piece of furniture. I finally invested in a 39” high pub table that I bought through Amazon, and the difference was incredible. If you’re experiencing a similar problem, try looking for other options. In my experience, if the top of the table comes to your waist or even a bit higher, it will probably be a good fit. It also doesn't hurt to keep an adjustable stool tucked away under the table for those moments when you want -- or need -- to sit down.

2. Lighten up.

Trying to cut your fabric in poor lighting is like driving at night without your headlights...a very bad idea. I've tried several lighting options, and my favorite by far is a simple task lamp. It's brighter than most table lamps and adjustable so that I can point it where I need it.

3. Invest in a few good rulers.

I used to do all my cutting with a single 8 1/2 x 12” ruler. While it’s possible to get by with just one, it’s worth investing in more. My 2 1/2 x 18” ruler is fantastic for cutting binding strips. I also recommend getting at least one small square ruler for fussy cutting. I’m a huge fan of non-slip versions. It can be helpful, depending on the type of projects you do, to add tools that will help you cut special blocks like flying geese, circles, or dresdens. You know if this is something you need or not.

4. Go big with your cutting mat.

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to cut fabric on a mat that's too small. I keep a 12 x 18" cutting mat right next to my sewing machine for trimming blocks, but all my preliminary work is done on an 18 x 24" mat, which is the largest size I can fit on my cutting table.

5. Take care of your tools.

Over time, even the best kept rulers can get chipped or cracked. If you notice damaged tools, be sure to replace them because they can affect your accuracy. There’s no concrete rule on how often you should replace your rotary cutter blade, since it all depends on how often you use it. When I find that I’m having to place an uncomfortable amount of pressure on the cutter to get the results I want, it’s probably time to switch blades.

6. Try a desktop organizer.

A typical desktop supply organizer makes a fabulous corral for cutting tools. I have an inexpensive wooden version with just three sections to it. The large compartment in the back holds my biggest rulers, the mid-sized section in front is for my smaller rulers, and the smallest slot is for my rotary cutter and extra blades. It couldn’t be more perfect if I’d designed it myself for the task.

7. Use a fabric weight.

It’s helpful to have a weight or two on your cutting table to hold fabric in place while you cut it. This also keeps the fabric from sliding or falling off the edge of the table when you’re working with a bigger piece of yardage. I use a small vintage iron, but anything heavy, from a paper weight to a mason jar full of sand, should do the job.

8. Know where everything goes.

The cutting table is usually where the mess begins in my sewing room, and it gets out of control fast. Having a place for everything to go when you’re done with it is the best way to head off the clutter before it begins. Fabric that lands on my cutting mat will wind up in one of five places:

• my sewing table: fabric going into the project
• the return basket: fabric going back into storage (I sort the contents of this basket back into my color coded fabric baskets whenever it gets full.)
• the scrap basket: scraps and selvages
• the pretty bowl: special pieces and thin strings that are just too pretty to throw away
• the trash can: everything else

Whenever the cutting table scrap basket gets full, I hand it off to one of my daughters, who love to sort the pieces into my color coded scrap buckets.  

9. Fold it now. 

I have a rule that I never put fabric into the return basket without folding it first. Those 10 seconds spent folding now save me half an hour of folding a mountain of fabrics later on.

Do you have any special tips for the cutting table? Share them in the comments below!

Fleet & Flourish Iron Cover

The first time I worked with Fleet & Flourish was actually last fall when I was sewing up samples for my friend Maureen's Quilt Market booth. Back then I was enjoying the challenge of seeing how far I could stretch the smaller pieces of strike-offs that I had to work with to make as many bags as possible. This time, it was a thrill to have the entire spectrum of prints on hand in the bundle that she sent me, and while I was sorely tempted to make a quilt, I decided that it would be better to sew something I really desperately needed: an iron cover.

Though we often think only of making sewing machine covers, I've found that my iron can get just as dusty and lint covered as my machine. As I was looking through the pages of Natural Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki -- an absolutely gorgeous book which I highly recommend -- it suddenly struck me that, with just a few changes, her adorable tea cozy (shown right there on the cover) would make a fabulous iron cozy.

It took only one afternoon to sew this together, and I couldn't be happier with the finished project. I kept the patchwork front, using slightly larger rectangles, and used a favorite print on the back. The cover is not only a perfect fit for my iron, but it also lies flat when not in use. I can slip it into a drawer while I sew and then pull it out again when I need it.

Maureen is such a talented designer. I feel like all her projects -- whether they be her fabric collections, quilted projects, or felt creations -- are such a clear reflection of her own style: a lovely mix of bohemian, romantic, and country with just a touch of fantasy. More than anything, you can see her heart in the designs, and this is what I love the most. I'm so honored to have the chance to work with her fabric.

You can follow the rest of the tour stops below and see all the prints in Maureen's beautiful collection here.

Feb 22nd ~ Amy Friend : During Quiet Time { Blog & Instagram }

Feb 23rd ~ Heidi Staples : Fabric Mutt { Blog & Instagram }

Feb 24th ~ Amy Smart : Diary of a Quilter { Blog & Instagram }

Feb 25th ~ Amanda Jean: Crazy Mom Quilts { Blog & Instagram }

Feb 26th ~ Brooke Sellmann : Silly Mama Quilts { Blog & Instagram } Visit Maureen Cracknell Handmade for a Fleet & Flourish GIVEAWAY with Lady Belle Fabrics!!

Feb 29th ~ Amber Carillo : One Shabby Chick { Instagram & Blog }

March 1st ~ Nicke Cutler : Kiss Kiss Quilt { Instagram & Blog }

March 2nd ~ Nicole Daksiewicz : Modern Handcraft { Instagram & Blog }

March 3rd ~ Christopher Thompson : the Tattooed Quilter { Instagram & Blog }

March 4th ~ Alexis Wright : My Sweet Sunshine { Blog & Instagram } Visit Maureen Cracknell Handmade for a Fleet & Flourish GIVEAWAY with Llama Fabrics!!

March 7th ~ Jessica Stewart : Izzy & Ivy Designs { Blog & Instagram }

March 8th ~ Stephanie Kendron : Modern Sewciety { Blog & Instagram }

March 9th ~ Heather Bostic : House of A La Mode // Citizens of Textile { Instagram }

March 10th ~ Ali Brorsen : Because of Brenna { Blog, Facebook, & Instagram }

March 11th ~ Melissa Kelley : Sew Shabby Quilting { Blog, Facebook, & Instagram } Visit Maureen Cracknell Handmade for a Fleet & Flourish GIVEAWAY with the Intrepid Thread!!

March 14th ~  Maureen Cracknell Handmade { Blog, Facebook, & Instagram }

Bin Caddy (On-the-Go Bags Tour)

**This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Gill!**

It's no secret to all of you that I like to keep things organized in my sewing space. And when my friend Lindsay Conner asked if I'd be a part of the blog tour for her new book On-the-Go Bags (co-written by Janelle MacKay), I was excited to find organizational inspiration in those pages. Not only is it full of bags for every use and occasion, but there are also projects that can help you keep your sewing projects organized. After lots of indecision on what to sew, I finally adapted the Cart or Stroller Caddy pattern by Veronica Lovvorn to make the miniature Bin Caddy above. Mine isn't exactly the same as the original, but very close, and I absolutely love the way it turned out!

Veronica gives you both small and large size options for this project, but I made the pattern even smaller (mine finishes at 7.5 x 12.5") so that it could neatly drape over the side of a wire basket that sits at the right hand side of my sewing machine. This basket is where I keep new patterns and fabric that I hope to use on upcoming projects -- sort of like a window display for my newest sewing toys! -- and it makes the perfect place to hang this little organizer, keeping small tools within reach when I need them.

The original pattern adds a strip of velcro so that you can fasten this caddy to a cart or stroller handle, a wonderful addition for those versions but not necessary for mine. In fact, the linen that I used gave it enough weight that I didn't even need to use interfacing. I can't tell you how much I love it!

Be sure to check out this book trailer for On-the-Go Bags where you can get a peek at all the cute projects inside. Above is the original large caddy from the book, but there are plenty more fantastic patterns in there. You can also purchase your own copy right here. 

And yes, we have a giveaway! Leave a comment below before December 15th, and you'll be entered to win a copy of your own. U.S. winners will receive a hard copy; international winners outside the U.S. will get an e-book. Good luck!

A New Beginning

It seemed appropriate to finish off the Busy Girl Sews Tour with a look at how I'm setting up my new sewing room in Texas. There's a part of me that wanted to wait until every piece was in place, but I knew that would mean holding off on showing you the room until some time this fall. I'm working slowly through everything, trying to take my time and really organize things instead of just stuffing them in baskets and cupboards. It's time consuming yet so worth it to do things this way. I'll spare you the photo of my unsorted fabrics, notions, and tools, but believe me when I say that there's quite a bit left to be organized before I'm through.

My new sewing space is, quite frankly, a dream come true. Our house has an enormous loft at the end of the upstairs hallway which is large enough to hold my husband's office, our home gym, playtime and library areas for the girls, and a sewing area that is at least twice the size of what I had in California. It gives me plenty of room to spread out as well as add a few new areas to my studio that make it even more friendly.

I'm probably most excited about my new cutting station. Being rather tall (almost 5'11"), it's been a painful thing to lean over my sewing desk and cut fabric over the past few years. The first thing I did after arriving in Texas was purchase a high square pub table from Amazon which is the perfect height for me to work without straining my back. I added an adjustable stool from Target so that I can sit at the desk too whenever I want. Bonus tip: most tabletop desk organizer units are absolutely perfect for storing your cutting tools. I've had this one for months, and I'm absolutely crazy about it!

The area that used to hold my cutting mat will now be my pressing station, and it will be so convenient to sew and press seams at opposite sides of the L-shaped desk that used to belong to my dad. I still have all my tools lined up along the edge in glass and wooden containers as you can see in the picture at the top of this post. Did I mention that this is part of the view outside my sewing room window? I tell you, it's been hard to get any work done since I arrived. All I want to do is gaze out the windows all day long...

Right now I have at least half of my fabric folded and sorted. I decided to go back to my old system of storing linen and canvas prints in this black wire drawer unit, and larger scraps are still being kept in my wooden Melody Miller drawer unit above that. The big plastic tubs to the right are waiting to hold quilt backings and works in progress.

I'm still using my great grandfather's old cabinet to store fabric, and I put my wooden cubbies and my antique scale and typewriter back on display above that where I love to see them. Sometimes I think the non-sewing things we keep in our rooms are just as inspiring as the fabric!

I saw this linen storage bench at Target over the weekend and immediately knew that it belonged in my sewing space. Batting, interfacing, and pillow forms fit perfectly inside, and my sewing files and some inspirational design books are in the baskets to the left. This bench makes a great spot for me and the girls to curl up with a good book or get together for a little mother-daughter chat during the day.

My scrap tins are now lined up along a table that also used to belong to my great grandfather. Having them out on display instead of tucked inside a cupboard makes it so much easier for them to be used. The girls can stand next the table or sit on the storage bench while they sort scraps for me.

Just to the right of my sewing space is the new library that I've set up for my girls. I've long been wanting to create a special reading area for them, and this spot next to a big window couldn't be more perfect. The large book display works as a natural divider between my space and theirs. One side holds their picture books and the other side shows off a good portion of my sewing library.

My husband teases me that I said I was buying it just for the kids, but seriously, how could I resist?!

I can't tell you what it's meant to me to put together this sewing space over the past week. Somehow it's both a new beginning and like coming home. The crazy schedule with our move meant that I had to pack up most of my sewing room back at the beginning of May. I've gone for two months without sewing a stitch, and it was so hard to lose that part of myself. While it's good to know that I can still exist without my sewing, I can honestly say that sewing continues to make my life a happier one. And really, that was the whole point of my book after all.

May you have the happiest of weeks ahead of you, my friends.

Graph Paper QAL Link-up #2

This week I made something that's been on my to-do list for at least two years: a desktop ironing board. I can't begin to tell you how much I love it. If you've been thinking about making one yourself, don't hesitate any longer. You'll absolutely love this handy little tool. There are several tutorials out there, but this is the one that I followed. I covered mine with one of my favorite prints by Melody Miller. It just makes the whole room a happier place.

I've reached the "sewing room floor = design board" stage of the quilting process. The picture above shows where I was last night (forgive the bad lighting -- it's so hard to get a good photo of this sort of thing). After a lot of debating, I finally decided to alternate colorful and low volume squares for my quilt. It's a simple look that I love. During my local quilt group's first Sit and Sew on Saturday, I sewed random pairs of squares together and then had fun spreading them out on the floor over the weekend. I'm hoping to have a quilt top ready to go in a day or two.

If you've finished your quilt top and are searching for some fun quilt backing inspiration, look no further than Pinterest. There are about a million and one amazing ideas to be found there. That being said, there's nothing wrong with pulling out a print or two and making a simple backing for your quilt. As always, make it the way you want it!

Link-up time! Share your own quilt progress. Show us pictures of your pincushion or patchwork wristlet. Tell us about another project you're making with patchwork squares. We can't wait to see it!

Fresh

Several hours of sorting, moving furniture, and filling a black trash bag to the brim has yielded what feels like a brand new sewing room.

My threads are now up on a shelf where they won't be in danger of falling over every time my sewing table gets bumped.

Fabrics are once again neatly sorted by color in the cabinet beside my subtle shrine to Diet Coke.

And I've finally hung my portable design wall up on the actual wall where it's now showcasing my envelope blocks from Patchwork, Please! Those of you following me on Instagram have seen a few of these, and I've been able to do more in the past week. I'm taking some of the blocks from that book and putting them together in what I'm calling a Desktop Medallion Quilt. It's been fun to tackle a long term project again, watching all the pieces come together a bit at a time.

There's nothing like having a clean sewing room. It makes everything feel fresh and gets my creativity going. Which is why my fingers are just itching to get off this computer and back on my sewing machine...

Beautiful Compromise

For ages now I've been longing to have a design wall of my own like so many bloggers use, but the wall space in my sewing area is simply nonexistent. Then I dropped into the local Home Goods store last weekend and found myself a beautiful compromise. This framed piece of burlap is supposed to be a creative take on a bulletin board, but it actually makes a fantastic miniature design wall for my workspace. It fits perfectly on my sideboard-turned-storage-table and is large enough to hold several quilt blocks and small projects at once. I love the way the burlap backing and fancy wooden frame give it extra personality.

And once again I'm reminded that "challenge" is just another word for "opportunity."

Melford Unplugged & Other News

My sister-in-law's birthday is tomorrow, and though I'm late with her gift this year, it's a good one. I've already extolled the virtues of the two Melford Messenger Bags I've made in the past year here and here, so I won't bore you with the same spiel again. This time I tried to simplify the bag a bit more, removing the outer pocket and buttons so that they wouldn't compete with Anna Maria Horner's glorious new Parenthetical linen print. I also used a velcro closure this time instead of a snap.

The purse and strap are lined in Pressed Field Peony from the same linen collection. I have more of these prints on hand which I hope to make into a larger summer bag soon. I can't recommend this fabric highly enough.

My dad is retiring this Sunday after twelve years as the pastor of his current church. We're all so proud of him and excited to be celebrating this milestone through special gatherings over the next two days with friends and family. When he and my mom were cleaning out his office over the past two weeks, I suddenly looked at his desk and said, "This would make a fantastic sewing table!" My dad was sweet enough to let me have it, and we all can't believe how perfectly it works. I used it for the first time yesterday, and it was absolutely dreamy to have so much space to stretch out and work.

After a four year hiatus, I have a smartphone again, much to my delight. The best part of this, of course, is that now I get to be on Instagram. You can find me by clicking the button on the left side of this screen or by just going here. I'm having a ball trying out this fun new way to stay in touch.

And finally, my deepest thanks to all of you who sent such kind encouraging words and prayers about my husband's medical issues last weekend. Yesterday he went in for a heart ultrasound and an appointment with a cardiologist to discuss his atrial fibrillation. When they tested him, they could find nothing wrong with his heart at all. Not a thing. They're doing some further testing to confirm it, but it looks very much like he's going to be just fine. I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are for such wonderfully miraculous news.

Linking up with Finish It Up Friday.

Let's Get Acquainted

Welcome! For those of you who are new to my blog, my name is Heidi, and I love sharing my latest sewing projects here at Fabric Mutt. You can stop by my about me page if you'd like to know more. I was absolutely delighted when my dear friend Beth asked me to be her guest host for this week's Let's Get Acquainted Monday Link-Up. If you don't know Beth, you'll want to rush right over to her darling blog, Plum & June, to look at the wonderfully colorful and creative projects she posts about every week. Her "Let's Get Acquainted" series, including last year's blog hop and the weekly Monday link-up, has been a wonderful opportunity for both new and experienced bloggers to meet and share ideas.

My big accomplishment this week was finishing the expansion of my sewing area in the girls' classroom downstairs. When I first moved into the room, I wound up with about a quarter of the total space -- not really enough to have a permanent setup, and I ended up doing most of my work in the kitchen, leading to clutter galore. Now I'm thrilled to have a place where I can leave my ironing board and cutting table up and ready to go at a moment's notice.

The secretary desk and closet are still wonderful for fabric storage, though I definitely need to do some serious rearranging inside that white closet. It's not a pretty sight in there at the moment...

The glass cupboard is a perfect place to keep my scrap tins as well as any collections that I want to keep together. I have a few stacks here that are ready to be used for projects in the next month or two, including my precious Heather Ross stash.

I absolutely love using glass canning jars for just about anything, from gift containers to storage of all kinds. Scraps and cutting tools fit nicely into these two jars next to my newest pincushion. I made a small pillow out of this Denyse Schmidt print and stuffed it into a wooden frame. I absolutely love having a pincushion that doesn't slip around while in use! A small lamp on the table gives me a little extra light in the evenings.

I whipped up a quick cushion for my chair from one of Anna Maria Horner's new velveteen Field Study prints. I'm not usually wild about the color pink, but that coordinate print really grabbed me. The World War II women's recruitment poster has always been one of my favorites. I love seeing that row of brave women up on my wall -- it lets the petty issues of my life fall into their proper place.

This is my wall of inspiration. I really enjoy having fabric swatches, quotes, magazine clippings, and artwork around to give me ideas while I'm working. It's so fun to indulge in my love of all things vintage and retro too. The chalkboard was purchased from Ikea almost ten years ago, and I bought the hanging wire file basket at Home Goods this week. A length of heavy twine and some clothes pins makes a great place to hang just about anything. I have several pieces of twine hung up on the other half of this wall on top of a world map where I display my daughters' artwork and school papers. I'll share pictures of that part of the room in another post later this month.

I'm so excited about my new fabric storage area. The wire cart was purchased from Target several years back to be used as a mail station for our house, but now it makes a perfect home for my half yards and fat quarters. The wooden unit on top of that was originally made for storing photos. I'm using it to store my fat eighths and all those little pieces that are too small for the lower drawers but too big for the scrap bins. It's also the perfect size for my charm square packs. Instead of putting photographs in the windows, I cut 4 x 6" pieces of my beloved Melody Miller prints for decoration. The little chalkboard tin buckets on top are from the dollar section at Target, and I love having quick access to notions when I need them.

Is there anything better than having a friendly, cozy place to sew? It makes me happy to just sit and look at this room. Now I need to do some actual sewing...

So what have you been working on this week? Share with us! Here's how...

1. Link up any recent sewing/quilting posts.

2. In your post or on your blog, please include either a text link or a button letting people know about this link up.

3. Visit at least the two bloggers who link up before you and everyone who visits you from this post.

4. When the link tool asks for your name, write down your favorite fabric designer!

On the Road Again

Just a quick post today...Bunny is chomping at the bit for her first day of school to get started!

This makes the third time this year that my sewing space has moved, but I think the third time really is the charm for me. I'm loving this new area, and hopefully my machine and I can put up our feet and stay a while. We're now occupying a corner of the classroom/playroom, using some old family furniture that has turned out to be quite a delight.

My mom suggested that I take over the old secretary desk that she once used for her sewing stuff, and I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before. There are a ton of little nooks and crannies in here that are perfect for storing notions.

The glass cupboard up top now showcases my smaller precuts and fat quarters along with my scrap buckets.

I also have an old cupboard next to the desk for holding extra fabric and thread as well as smaller pieces of batting.  A sideboard from IKEA works as my cutting table and storage for my machine when it's not in use. The light coming through the window is wonderful, and I love having a view right out to our little rose garden in the backyard.

This little quote that I copied years ago is staying where I can see it while I work:

 

That sounds about right for the day ahead. :)

Linking up to WIP Wednesday.