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.

I Wish That Purse Was Just A Little Bigger...

My purse and bag patterns are all made with rectangles - rotary cutting makes them easier.  The best thing about this fact is that the finished size is easily adjusted!

The Mess #4 Where's My Cutting Table?

The nice thing about having a good-size studio is the cutting table!

What makes the Perfect Wallet?

When I set out to design a wallet, I began with what I wanted and needed.  I also got input from fans on my Facebook page, friends, and a look at the patterns that were available at the time.

The result was the Hold It All Shopper.

This all-purpose wallet has more than 2 dozen pockets - 20 card pockets and 5 large pockets. It also has a clear identification pocket and a zipper pocket with divider for bills and coins. Use the large pockets for  receipts or coupons! There’s also a checkbook cover than can slip into its own pocket or carry separately.

 

Happy Birthday to Me!

The best birthday gift is one I've received all year long!

These treasures were made by Jenny - the Zippy Tote and Sheila Bag.

Seeing all the beautiful projects you've made with my patterns!  

Clean Your Machine!

Your machine should NOT have a felt pad underneath the stitch plate!!

I have a confession to make: I am not the best housekeeper. There just seems to be a lot more interesting things to do than scrub the floor. But I do keep my sewing machine clean!

If your sewing machine is skipping stitches or breaking needles, it may need a cleaning.  Cleaning your machine regularly will also keep your sewing machine out of the shop!

Your sewing machine is a big box of moving parts, probably with a couple of circuit boards included. Your fabric and thread are pierced and pushed which sends fine lint flying into all those moving parts! That’s why it’s so important to keep your sewing machine clean.