Easy Low Sew ProjectsPosted on

Tickety-Tocks This Table Runner Rocks!

  I love this project! I also admit I borrowed the idea!  Thank you Driven By Design for the inspiration. So ticking, most commonly known for its use in bedding material, has gained quite a bit of popularity and momentum in the design circles. Check out Hillary Duff sporting a ticking and lace pinafore for the Zimmerman show recently. Even Chip and Joanna at the Magnolia have several ticking home decor pieces. Yep, ticking has made its way out from under the covers and into the light of day! So what are you waiting for? How about a totally today project…

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No-Sew ProjectsPosted on

Want to Love Your Sewing Machine Again? Be KIND To It!

  Your machine is your best friend, your companion on late night binges, and your go-to when you’re craving something new to wear or want to amp up a tired couch. Ever feel that your machine is out to get you though? Maybe it’s needing you to just be KIND and give it a KISS, a Keep It Simple Strategy for daily maintenance. With a four little tips, you’ll be loving your machine once again!

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For the HomePosted on

Velcro Is Your Friend… Using Velcro to Clean Up Loose Threads

If there were such a thing as the Griswold Family Sewing Room, I’m certain this monstrosity would be there. Yes, it’s a Velcro knot. And no, this will NOT be a tutorial on how to unknot it. I have no magic solution. There is none. You’ll have to fight this Leviathan on your own pardner. So cowgirl up. No. This was an inspiration because once I conquered the beast, I was rewarded with all the loose threads on the floor embedded in the hook side. And it got me thinking…

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Easy Low Sew ProjectsPosted on

No-Slip Sheet Tutorial or How to NOT Get Your Sheets in a Bind

I am a quiet sleeper. My husband, on the other hand, slumbers like a tsunami, wave after wave rolling in wreaking havoc on my territory in spite of a king sized bed. He takes up 35% of it. Of course, then there are the dogs who take up the other 60% leaving me with a sparse 5%. I wish this were my family… This isn’t my family, but it’s not too far fetched. Short sheets are the bane of my existence. They are also a nightly occurrence. I don’t understand how anyone can sleep that way. It’s like a mosquito…

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For the HomePosted on

Sew in Love With This Valentine Apron!

Valentine’s Day French Baker’s Apron Skill Level: Beginner (basic sewing skills required) Approximate Cost: Under $30 depending on fabric selection My family will concur that I am a messy cook, and a messy eater. When I sit down to enjoy a meal at the table, al fresco, dashboard diner, TV Takeout, or on the run, I know better than to go sans napkin. I’ve also been known to don a cooking apron or an old shirt replete with stains.  No shame. No apologies. Most times it’s just a tea towel. I even keep one on hand across the arm of…

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No-Sew ProjectsPosted on

Help! My Sewing Machine Won’t Work! Top 5 Sewing Machine Complaints and How to Fix Them

Let’s face it. Your sewing machine is your best friend…when it’s working or sitting in the cabinet. But true to Murphy’s Law, the minute you want to finish or even start a project, it’s inevitable that something will go wrong. Nine times out of ten, it’s just a simple thing. It’s unlikely you’ll experience a major shutdown (except me, of course, when I’m on a deadline…). While most of these time stealers are quick fixes, they can come with a hassle factor of 10+, enough to bring your progress to a grinding halt if you aren’t equipped with some basic…

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UncategorizedPosted on

Make a Holiday Stocking With an Up-cycled Sweater

Difficulty Level: Easy Materials Needed: Sweater of your choice, large enough to fit desired stocking size Optional – Low-temp hot glue if you choose no-sew 3 inch piece of coordinating ribbon for each stocking Fray-stop clear nail polish (glue stick will also work) Parchment or wax paper I have a weakness for sweaters; like an Achilles Heel kind of weakness. I like anything sweaterish, and not just sweaters. I like blankets, hoodies, scarves, socks, mittens, pillows and yes, sweaters. Living in the Midwest, sweater weather is looked forward to after a hot summer. Even as Indian Summer prolongs the warm weather,…

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BagPosted on

DIY Doo-Doo Bag Holder- You Can Do-Do This in No Time!

Doo-Doo Bag How-To Skill Level: Easy – minimal to no sewing Materials Required 1 fat quarter (1/4 yd) lightweight fabric of your choice 12 inches elastic string or 1/8 inch elastic 1 empty toilet paper tube or paper towel tube cut to 3 inches Low Temp Hot Glue and Glue Gun 1 small snap clip with swivel ring – lobster clip, lanyard clip, any type will do. You can even use a tiny carabiner. 4 inch piece of coordinating 1/4″ ribbon Disposable animal waste bags or plastic grocery bags (See video below for how to fold) You get up early and…

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Amazing Outdoor Cushion Makeover Part Two

From Sidewalk Showdown to Showstopper Difficulty Level: Moderate (some sewing experience necessary) Seam Nipper or straight edge razor 25 yards outdoor use cording (optional if you are unable to salvage welting from your cushions) 6 yards outdoor fabric 4 double fold outdoor cushions with old covering removed and cushions cleaned/sanitized (see Part 1) 24 5/8″ matching plain buttons of your choice 24 matching decorative buttons of your choice 4 yds. sew-on 1/2 ” Velcro (optional) Leather sewing awl with waxed thread (optional) Clear nail polish or Fray Stop (optional)   Welcome back! I trust you had no difficulty cleaning those cushions…

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For the HomePosted on

Amazing Outdoor Cushion Makeover (Part 1 of 2)

Project: Outdoor Cushion Makeover Part 1 of 2 Difficulty Level: Moderate (Some basic sewing experience necessary) You’ve seen them on the curb. You’ve probably got a set in your garage covered in bugs, grime, the lawn furniture. They’re serving no purpose and you’d trash them were it not for the pile on top and the spiders underneath. I hear you. Toss them! Spend a couple hundred on a new set, right? Frankly, they’d be better used for the dog’s bed (of course, that’s not such a bad idea).  Don’t ditch those cushions! I know, DIY can be a lot of work.…

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