Free Pattern to Make a Pillow!

Pillow Tutorial

One of my favorite things to make with quilt blocks, or novelty fabrics, is pillows.  Here's an easy way to make an envelope-back pillow with "flanges".

The quilt block used is my Tybee Lighthouse PDF pattern in paper foundation piecing.  This pattern includes basic instructions on foundation piecing, also!

Download this free PDF pattern here.

Share the pillows you make on my Facebook Page!!

Luggage Tags Are EASY!

We're always trying to distinguish our black suitcase from all the other black suitcases on the luggage ramp!  I've had some cute plastic ones which the baggage handlers have ripped off (accidentally or literally stolen).  This tag was developed to open easily to insert your information but once it's on your suitcase it is secure.

It's easy to make and only takes a little fabric!

You can even use patchwork scraps or a contrasting fabric for the Back!!

Where's the Lip Balm? Case

The question my daughters have always asked me is "Where's the Lip Balm?"  This easy case will solve the problem!  Make it with a keyring to attach your keys or a swivel snap to clip onto a bookbag, purse, wallet, or to easily clip and remove from your keyring!

The little case is perfectly sized for a lip balm, lipstick, or even a usb drive!

It's so easy to make and they make great stocking stuffers or birthday gifts.  If you're giving cash, roll a couple of dollars around a lip balm to make the cutest gift!  It only uses scraps of fabric so all you need is a zipper and a keychain or hook.

Using Fat Quarters for a Purse

I made myself a cute Journey Purse the other day!

A while back I had purchased a really cool packet of fat quarters - Retro Boho from Studio e.  So I decided to use 5 fat quarters to make my purse (there was a little left over for other bags, too)!  Scraps of favorite fabrics could also be used the same way!

Easy Placemats for a Round Table Free Pattern

I have a 54" round table in my breakfast room that fits the four of us perfectly!  When my sister and my dad come to visit, we like to sit at the table but rectangular placemats won't work when there are six!  So I make placemats that fit 6 perfectly at a round table.

Two different fabrics make them reversible - if you get a small spot at lunch, flip them over for dinner!  I like to use cotton batting instead of polyester fleece or batting because you can then use them for hot plates (polyester may melt from the heat),

Patch your Bag!

I like colorful and I like variety!  So my latest purse is a favorite!

I used the pre-cut squares from a quilt kit to make a Sheila Purse.  Whether you buy a Charm Pack or use your scraps, here's a quick tutorial on how to use patches to make a purse.

Strip Your Purse!

Ever wanted to use a luscious jellyroll (collections of 2.5" strips) to make a bag?  Have scraps you'd love to use to  make a purse?  Can't choose between bolts of a fabric collection?  Use strips to make a purse. 

    

A New Look at the Jeans Purse

Upcycle Your Jeans into a Modern Bag!

We’ve all been recycling jeans into shoulder bags since I was a girl.  When I started designing bags, I challenged myself to use jeans to make classy, creative bags that are a cut above what I made in the 70s!

Any upcycling project will require “working with what you have”.  Read all instructions first, then adapt my steps to your jeans and fabric.  By repeatedly laying out and trial-fitting your pattern, you will insure having a creative, good-looking purse!

It's a Snap!

 

Ever since I first started making baby clothes, I have dreaded "hammer-on" snaps.  But now that I'm making Snap Card Cases, I found the best (and easiest) way to attach them!

Want a Firm Bottom? (in your purse!)

Sometimes, especially if you stuff your purse like I do, its bottom tends to be droopy and/or it loses its shape.  A firm bottom can solve this.

This type of bottom is ideal for the Zippy Hobo, Jamie Purse, Tailored Tote, and Charmer Tote.

I like to make a firm bottom out of very stiff cardboard, covered in fabric.  You can cover in the same fabric you use for the lining or use a coordinating fabric.

Remember this is a removable bottom.  Remove before washing bag!!

Add Trim to Your Purse!

You know you really would like some ball fringe or fringe on that new purse!  Here's how to add it easily.

These instructions are specifically for my Zippy Crop Tote pattern, but also translate easily to my Reversible Bookbag Tote or Zippy Tote.  You can also adapt them to lots of other patterns out there!

How to Make a Fabric Basket

Just in time for Easter!

Make these cute Reversible Fabric Baskets out of Jellyroll strips!

I made mine out of some jellyroll strips (I got in my "scrap bag" at Island Quilters) - it only takes 11 strips to make 2 baskets.  These are perfect for your desk to hold the mail, for your dresser to hold hairbrushes or makeup, or for your kid's small toys!  

You can even make it out of fat quarters (18" x 22") - just cut the pieces 9" wide (instead of 10").  You'll get 2 baskets out of 2 fat quarters.  Of course we've all seen sets of these - adjust the cut sizes smaller or bigger to make a set!

How to Make an Adjustable Strap

Some of my purse patterns include an adjustable strap (Adventure Bag, Mimi Messenger Bag, Lizzie Purse) but a couple of my patterns which could take an adjustable strap don't include the instructions. So here's a free tutorial on how to make an adjustable strap for any purse pattern that has one strap!!

The Sheila Purse & Joey Purse have a long strap which I use cross-body or as a shoulder strap.  But you can use these instructions to make a longer strap that can adjust!  In my patterns, it works for these 2 purses or for the Travel Purse or even the Jamie Purse!