My Portable Embroidery Organizer

Not that I needed another 'organizer' for my stuff! BUT . . .

I saw a free pattern on Sew Can She web site last month and decided to give it a try. The cut-out handles really sold me on this project! A bonus - the pleated pockets are large enough for my phone. AND the interior with its 6 interior pockets, is the perfect size for fat quarters. It's also easy to close with the magnetic snaps.

I choose some Japanese fabrics from my stash. These had been gifted to me many years ago by an elderly lady, whom I visited frequently. In fact, I inherited most of her sewing and quilting stash when she passed away. This sewing organizer will always remind me of Nina.

As I'm not one to follow all the rules (good or bad????)! I did change the type of stabilizer from a medium weight fusible interfacing to some Peltex (fusible one side) that I had on hand. I did not use the flex foam stabilizer (bought some to try but didn't). In any case, the sides were a bit thick. I did manage to sew the binding on by machine on the straight parts but hand sewing, using the wonder clips, finished the organizer.

I decided to do some free-motion embellishment on the fabrics. For the pockets I used Totally Stable and a variegated thread by Superior Threads. I think it added to the project.

I also used these neat wonder quilter's clips to hold the binding in place while it was stitched on.

 

I like the cut-out handles and they are so easy to do.

Magnetic closure

Lots of pockets: 6 inside and 6 outside.

I'm pleased with the result and not sorry that I used the heavier stabilizer.

• Check out Sew Can She for lots of free patterns and tutorials.
• DIY Sewing Organizers  
• Sewing Patterns to Organize Your Life
• 50 + Sewing Organizer Patterns at All Free Sewing

Enjoy!!

April 1st.

I'm not going to talk about the weather (the whole city is closed down with this spring storm)! Instead, I have this amazing video for you to watch. It will only take a minute but it is well worth it. This video came (as a warning) from Superior Threads and is called Low-quality Thread & Spontaneous Combustion. Don't let this happen to you!!!
Watch this fun video on Exploding Threads HERE.
I have no affiliation with this company.

Enjoy!

Journal Covers & Threads

Here's some of the journal covers I've completed this past weekend. I use only batik fabrics which I embellish with Rainbow Superior Threads. I just love the way these threads stitch and look on the fabrics. One of the things I like about the plastic spool is the cut edge to catch the thread end so it doesn't unravel (see photo below). You can see past postings for more of my journal covers here and here.

My new Rainbow Threads

Textile Tutorials

I've made a list of textile related tutorials for you to check out.

1. Texture Magic Videos from Superior Threads
2. Making Paper Cloth
3. How to make a Fabric Leaf
4. Making Fabric Wings
5. Transferring Patterns to Fusible Fabric
6. Fabric Flower Embellishment
7. Tyvek Beads
8. Thread Painting
9. Fat Quarters - Brand new to Quilting Series (for beginners)
10. Hollow Cube Quilt Block 

Please note: I haven't watched all these tutorials yet.

Find My Fabric

Just when I was wondering what the next blog topic would be ... I get an email newsletter with an idea. This bit of inspiration comes from Superior Threads. 

hand woven Guatemalan fabric

What if you ran out of a specific fabric for a project and needed a bit more to complete it? None of your quilting buddies has any! Not only that, you don't remember the name of the manufacturer, collection or designer of the fabric. Well, now there is an innovative fabric search engine, Find My Fabric, that finds fabric and quilting supplies from online sources. Either scan your fabric or take a photo of it and upload it to the search engine (it's easy to do, just click on the camera icon and follow the directions), and if the fabric is out there, an online retailer is located for you. How easy is that?