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Making a Quiet Book

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Making a Quiet Book is easier than you think.  A quiet book is made of felt and sewn together. These books are perfect to entertain the kiddos without the use of technology. Keep it in your car and take it to doctor appointments, church services, siblings’ extra-curricular activities, restaurants, car rides, or airplane trips.  There are so many reasons to make a quiet book.  Let’s dive into how easy it is to do just that!

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Types of Quiet Book Pages

There are many types of Quiet Books available. I think the best Quiet Books are the ones you make yourself! Check out the different types of pages that are available to make! These pages are designed and created by Kailan from The Quiet Book Queen.

I especially love these pages because they include all the materials to make your own. The pieces are even precut! They come with instructions and really make creating Quiet Book pages fun!

  • Donuts and Milk Page Kit
    • This sweet quiet book page combines imaginative play with learning letter sounds and blending words!  Children can pretend to pour milk with the removable milk carton or fill the glass with water or orange juice.
  • Dinosaur Finger Puppets Page Kit
    • Do you have a dino fanatic?  This dinosaur quiet book page will ignite their imagination.  The dinosaurs are finger puppets so your child can stomp and roar to their heart’s content.
  • Unicorn Page Kit
    • This whimsical quiet book page just begs for a little one to do the unicorn’s hair!  Attach your own clips and barrettes to the yellow ribbon.  The children can work on braiding or clipping – both great fine motor skills.
  • Castle Page Kit
    • Little ones can create their own fairytale story – princess saves the day or knight tames the dragon.  This quiet book page will most definitely encourage imagination and story telling.

Calendar Themed Quiet Books

I love the idea of calendar themed pages! Children will learn the months of the year, while also practicing fine motor skills (snapping, zipping, tying bows, weaving), colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, and counting.  There is also plenty of opportunity for imaginative and creative play! The Quiet Book Queen has monthly kits that you can purchase to make creating fun and easy!

  • Calendar Quiet Book
    Use Coupon Code SEWMUCHMOORE50 for 50% off your Page Kit!
  • January February Quiet Book Page Kit
  • March Birthday Quiet Book Page Kit
  • April Quiet Book Page Kit
  • May Birthday Quiet Book Page Kit
  • June July Quiet Book Page Kit
  • August September Quiet Book Page Kit
  • Cover Kit Quiet Book Page Kit
  • October Quiet Book Page Kit
  • November Quiet Book Page Kit
  • December Quiet Book Page Kit

These Kits come with the instructions and ALL supplies you will need to make TWO Book pages!  The felt is pre-cut for you and the wording and details is ready to iron on.

Buy individually to insert into your current book or purchase the subscription to collect them all to make your own Calendar Themed Book.  

The page kit subscriptions always SHIP FREE!  No code required.

Shop for Calendar Kits HERE

Children will learn the months of the year, while also practicing fine motor skills (snapping, zipping, tying bows, weaving), colors, shapes, letter and number recognition, and counting.  There is also plenty of opportunity for imaginative and creative play!

Watch the Video

I created a video to showcase the January page kit. I also invited Kailan, from The Quiet Book Queen, to share her tips and tricks with making these special books! Enjoy!

Be sure to use my coupon code SEWMUCHMOORE50 and save 50% off your first Calendar Page Kit! Enjoy making these fun and easy Quiet Book pages! Your little ones are going to love them!

Happy Sewing!

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Start the new year with an easy sewing project for you that ends up being a unique screen-free activity for the little one in your life!

I’m teaming up with Kailan over at @quietbookqueen to give away a FULL YEAR of her Calendar Quiet Book Page Kit Subscription.
There are 10 monthly themed kits and each kit includes:
❗Pre-cut felt pieces
❗Supplies needed such as zippers, ribbon, magnets, hook and loop fastener, etc.
❗Details ready to iron on
❗Printed instructions with pictures
❗How-to videos in a private Facebook group
❗Shipping is included

Everyone starting this month will finish in December – just in time to give as a special handmade gift!

This giveaway is being hosted on Instagram – Click the Blue Button below to enter!

Enter the Giveaway

Maker’s Gift Guide

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As Makers, we love to have all the latest tools and techniques to keep us evolving and creating!  I’ve been a Maker for some time now and have worked in and around the Sewing and Quilting industry long enough to see many of the newest and latest trends & notions on the market.  I have divided this Gift Guide into several categories.  Whether you are looking for everyday essential Tools, a great Pattern, Notions, Equipment or simply some inspiration – There is a little bit of everything for every Creative Person.  Let’s dive right in!

Cutting Tools

This is the time to take stock of what you have for essential, everyday tools. What items do you use everyday that might be getting worn out. Does your cutting mat have deep grooves or do your rotary blades need replacing? Have your rulers seen better days? Maybe you are just looking for a good reason to get that size you always wish you had! Whatever the case, click on the images below to get a better idea of this products and how you can use these for everyday sewing or quilting.

TrueCut Combo Cutting Pack is perfect for everyday use!

TrueGrips keep my rulers from slipping!

This will make easy work of all your cutting! Checkout all the Accuquilt Options right HERE!

Karen Kay Buckley Scissors are precise!

Gingher Embroidery Scissors are the perfect size!

Gingher Shears are perfect fabric scissors!

Magic Quilting & Crafting Spray is my favorite spray starch.

Press it Real Good

We all know that pressing is an important part of our making process. Heat and steam play a vital role in the results we hope to achieve! Getting those fantastic results is much easier when you have the right tools. Take a look at my favorite tools and notions that help me achieve flat seams and take my pressing to the next level!

The Oliso Mini Iron is one of my favorites! I have one right next to my sewing machine.

Ironing Board Covers are fun! Pick your favorite color!

Oliso Smart Irons are impressive and a must have for the serious maker! Pick your favorite color!

Do you see what I see?

Slimline 3 illuminates your sewing machine! Use my coupon code for 20% off!

Luminos Adjustable Lamp is the brightest!

Take your projects to the next level with a Wafer 1 Lightbox!

Cricut Makes it Easy!

The Cricut Maker even cuts your fabric!

Restock your Cricut Fabric Mats!

Grab your favorite Cricut Tool Set!

Level Up your Quilting!

Use these Quilting Disks to help with Free Motion Quilting!

Curved Safety Pins for Quilting

Don’t forget the Basting Spray!

Cutest Fabric Bundles in Town

Love Cats Fat Quarter Flat Stack

Bunny Trail Fabric Stack

Botanicals Super Bundle

Patterns to Keep You Sewing

Make Your Own Scalloped Placemats

Make this classic Quilt Block – Drunkard’s Path Quilt Block Pattern

Make the Necessary Clutch Wallet

Inspiring Projects

Personalized Zipper Pouches

Mini Boxy Pouches

Make a Mini Barn Quilt

I hope you found some inspiration and ideas in this collection of goodies! I hope you can get yourself, or someone you love, something very special this year!

Happy Stitches!

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Square in a Square Quilt Block

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I love a simple quilt block and the square in a square quilt block does not disappoint. This is a beginner friendly foundation paper pieced quilt block that offers a little bit for everyone. If you’re a beginner, this is a great pattern to try foundation paper piecing. There’s no tricky combinations or crazy angles. If you are experienced with this technique then have a blast with fussy cutting! This quilt block finishes at 7 inches and is super fun to sell. Let’s get started!

Materials List

Tools and Supplies Needed

Quilt Block Assembly

Foundation Paper Piecing is a very rewarding process. You can have perfect quilt blocks each time, if you do it correctly. The best way to learn is to watch my step-by-step video tutorials and also to practice for yourself! Having the right tools is very helpful as well! I love my Add-A-Quarter Ruler and also my Daylight Company Wafer One Lightboard with the accompanying cutting mat.

Do you like Fussy Cutting?

The best part of making a Square in a Square Quilt Block is that you can really feature a particular image in your block. This is called Fussy Cutting. The light board comes in super handy to you can center the image in the right position. I loved using this fabric line by Amarilys Henderson for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics called Christmas Peace. You can find this collection in my online fabric shop right here.

Video Tutorial

Share what you’ve learned!

After you make a few of these Square in a Square Quilt Blocks, be sure to share your makes in our online community! We would love to see some of your quilts and quilt blocks!

Join the Group!

Boxy Pouch Sewing Tutorial

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I love a good Boxy Pouch and this sewing tutorial is one of my favorite methods for making this fun and functional bag!  You can call this bag a dopp kit, shaving bag or even a makeup bag.  Whatever you choose to call it, make it in your favorite fabric and follow the tutorial below for an easy and fun sewing project.  These Boxy Pouches make great gifts are best sellers in craft booths too!  Let me show you how!

Materials List

Basic Sewing Supplies

Boxy Pouch Assembly

For this Boxy Pouch, I used a Foam Interfacing (instead of batting). The Foam interfacing really provides great structure to the Boxy Pouch. I also pieced a really fun fabric panel and also used rainbow coil zipper by the yard!

Which machine should I use?

It’s really nice to choose the machine for the different steps of assembly. I used my Juki TL2010Q (with my Grid Glider table mat) to attached the zipper to the panels and then I used my Juki DU1181N to install my pull tabs and handle. And all honesty, my Juki TL2010Q could’ve handled the entire job but since I have a choice I used both machines.

Make Your Own Boxy Pouch

I’ll just take my word for it, make your own boxing pouch! Watch the video link below and don’t forget to download your PDF pattern. My PDF pattern provide step-by-step instructions so you can make as many of these fun boxy patches as you’d like. Remember, you can get this pattern for free when you sign up for my weekly newsletter.

Share your Boxy Pouch creations!

Join my Facebook group and share your box pouch creations! I can’t wait to see what you make!

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Six Advanced Embroidery Stitches

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Hand Embroidery is such a wonderful art and skill to have!  There are so many wonderful possibilities and creations to make when you know how to hand embroider.  Follow along as my friend Karen, with Studio 21 Market, shares her embroidery sampler design and shows us six advanced embroidery stitches.  Be sure to watch the video and download your pattern.

Since Aurifil is my embroidery thread of choice, partnering with them was an easy decision. If you haven’t already, head over to our first post which helps you get started.  We will pickup where we left off from our first and second episodes. 

Embroidery Sampler Material List

TO TRANSFER DESIGN

Chain Stitch or Lazy Daisy

These are fun and really pretty versatile. Though technically two different stitches, they’re quite similar, so we’re teaching them together. The lazy daisy stitch is used for the little daisies and pulled fairly tight to create an elongated loop. For the raindrops, we’ll not pull as tight so the result is a more rounded loop. 

In essence, the chain stitch used the same method of wrapping the needle to make the loop, but instead of finishing with an anchoring stitch, it is continued to make the next link in the chain. The chain stitch is done in vertical rows here for a graphic effect.

Continental Knot

This is Karen’s favorite knot stitch, mainly because it can use 3-6 strands and will still be centered over the spot where the thread comes up from the back. Replay the video a few times to see the method. It’s kind of fun to watch it curl into a little knot. One trick for knots is to keep the looped thread close to the fabric—that’s key to  stitching nice little knots. (And if you find you’re not a fan, feel free to make the more common French knots.)

Blanket Stitch

Though a simple whip stitch could be used to hold the edges of appliqué pieces. the blanket stitch also makes a nice ridge of embroidery thread along the outer edge of the fabric or wool leaf. (For the appliqué fabric leaf, use a thin two-sided fusible with paper backing on one side, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)

Feather Stitch

This one is so graphic and moves quickly once you get it started. It can be used with varying widths the way we used it on this feather shape, or with an even width to make a row of stitching. 

Herringbone Stitch

This is the (closed) herringbone stitch. A leaf shape is so awesome when this stitch is used. I’ve done it on tiny little meandering leaves and also on larger leaves like this one. With the overlapping center threads, it makes such a wonderful texture for a leaf without leaving any gaps or spaces down the middle.

Padded Satin Stitch

So, yeah, it’s not necessary to pad a satin stitch. And it is more time-consuming. But I wanted to include it so if there are instances where you’d like a satin-stitched area to be raised from the cloth a little more for the texture you’d like to achieve, now you know how. The dimension is outstanding!

Watch the Video Tutorial

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the entire Embroidery Sampler Series and stop to say hello to my good friend Karen with Studio 21 Market!

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Six Basic Embroidery Stitches

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Hand Embroidery is such a wonderful art and skill to have!  There are so many wonderful possibilities and creations to make when you know how to hand embroider.  Follow along as my friend Karen, with Studio 21 Market, shares her embroidery sampler design and shows us the six most basic embroidery stitches.  Be sure to watch the video and download your pattern.

Since Aurifil is my embroidery thread of choice, partnering with them was an easy decision. If you haven’t already, head over to our first post which helps you get started.  We will pickup where we left off from our first episode.  Let’s start stitching!

Embroidery Sampler Material List

TO TRANSFER DESIGN

Running Stitch

This is the most basic embroidery stitches with the needle going up-down-up-down. It’s also used in hand quilting and in Sashiko stitching.  For our purposes, we’ll make the part of the stitch that shows about twice the size of the thread that’s underneath our fabric. It’s a fun and easy stitch!

Straight Stitch / Scatter Stitch

A straight stitch can be used in many applications. In this sampler, we’re using it in a scatter stitch pattern. This can be done without a plan in any space you’d like to use it. For a quick start, we’ve provided the placement of stitches on this pattern. 

Cross Stitch

With a variety of applications (counted cross stitch patterns, waste canvas cross stitch, etc), we’re using a large-scale simplified cross stitch. While each stitch can be done individually, my favorite method is to first do all of the left-slanted stitches in a row, then head back to the beginning of the row with the right-slanted stitches. For a uniform look, be sure to always have the right-slanted stitches on top.

Basic Herringbone

In essence a variation of the cross-stitch, this one is stitched in order from left to right. It’s a quick sew and provides a very graphic texture.

Satin Stitch

While this stitch may take a little longer to cover an area, it’s such a pretty stitch with a big impact of color. If you find a blank area left between stitches, just insert another stitch to fill the hole.

Stem Stitch / Outline Stitch

Okay, I have to admit that this is my most-used stitch! I use it to embellish many of my sewn items—from totes and organizers to my favorite use of labeling my quilts. You’ll see a sample in the video. In addition to a couple of other places, use this stitch to embroider your name in the lower center section. You’ll see just how easy it is to sew, and much more forgiving and less fiddly than the commonly-used backstitch. I usually use 2-3 strands of embroidery floss, but have used a single strand on occasion for really fine work. The main thing to consider as you are stitching the lines is to stay consistent in the size of your stitch.

 

 

     

Tell us in the comments which is your favorite basic embroidery stitch!

Happy Stitching!

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Juki Brand Ambassador

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Juki is an amazing brand.  Becoming a Juki Brand Ambassador is a dream come true!  I am thrilled for this opportunity and am really excited to learn more about their wonderful products and share this all with you!  Let’s take a quick look back at how it all began…

My first Juki Machine

Several years ago, I was sewing a TON of bags for my online shops. I have a successful Etsy Shop and had just started with Amazon Handmade. When I launched my Amazon Shop, it was immediately apparent that I needed to upgrade my sewing machine. At the time, I was admiring my Mom’s DU1181N and loved how it sewed through several layers. I knew that I needed one of my own. My sewing business transitioned to a more efficient system and I learned all about assembly line sewing and batch production. I am still in love my my Juki DU1181N! I wrote an entire blog series. You can check that out right HERE.

Nicole Moore with Juki DU1181N

My Juki Long Arm Quilting Machine

Several years ago, I started offering Custom T-Shirt Quilts. I love quilting and was really confident at finishing quilts with free motion quilting on my domestic machine. The only thing I didn’t really like about quilting on a domestic machine was the tiny throat space and how long it took to wrestle quilts in order to finish. Conveniently, I was able to rent time on my friend’s long arm. That worked pretty well for a couple years, but I wanted one of my own. After all my research, I decided on my Juki J-350 Smart Stitch QVP for several reasons. The first reason was that I trusted the brand. The second reason was the laser guided regulated stitching. At the time, only one other brand offered this functionality on a table model. The final reason I chose this model was because I knew the machine would grow with me. You see, I have a tiny sewing studio and cannot fit a large quilting frame inside my room. The J-350 head can come off the table and transfer to a frame. I am still planning to transition to a frame (once at least one of my two kids leave the nest).

Nicole with J350

My Everyday Machine

I really can’t believe I waited until 2020 to purchase my Juki TL 2010Q. This machine is my everyday machine. I still have my 40 year old Kenmore (in case I need to do the occasional zig-zag stitch). This machine is so great! I may be a Brand Ambassador, but they don’t pay me to say things like this. I have loved sewing with this machine because the tension is PERFECT, I can easily operate and maintain it, and it sews SUPER FAST! It’s not the smallest machine, but that does not stop me from taking it to sew days and retreats. It comes with a table, but I upgraded to a Sew Steady Versa Table and always have my Daylight Slimline 3 overhead.

Nicole Moore with Juki TL2010Q

Looking forward to more

This new relationship with Juki isn’t really new. I have loved this brand for several years, so it only seems natural to take our relationship to the next level. Be sure to follow my events page and sign up for my Newsletter. I will be sharing upcoming events and get the opportunity to try new machines. You can read more about this topic on the Juki website. They published an article on their blog.

Happy Creating!

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Embroidery Sampler

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Since Aurifil is my embroidery thread of choice, partnering with them was an easy decision. Next I decided to collaborate with my friend Karen Munger with Studio 21 Market to design an embroidery sampler pattern. The design we landed on is a truly fun sew!

Embroidery Sampler Pattern

Dividing the 8” embroidery hoop into 12 sections, the simple plan was to do one stitch in each section.  However, as a graphic designer, Karen knew those rules were made to be broken. So you’ll see some items crossing the grid lines, such as the feather and the running stitches. These help unify the entire design. Throw in some fun little things like umbrellas and quarter flowers, and the design is ready to share!

Embroidery Sampler Materials List

To Transfer Design

To transfer this Embroidery Sampler Design to your background fabric, you have a couple choices. You can either use a transfer sheet or you can trace with a light box. Both techniques work well. Try both and decide which is best for you!

For Applique Leaves

  • Fabric & 2-sided fusible (paper-backed)
  • Wool felt

Using a PVC Frame

Although the Embroidery Sampler Design is meant for an 8″ hoop, it is easiest to work with a PVC Frame. Once your are done with your embroidery work, you can transfer your finished project to a hoop. The PVC Frame is easy to hold and also provides easy tension adjustment. You can get your own PVC Frame right HERE.

Preparing the Thread

Next, we will prepare our thread for stitching. As I mentioned before, I am using Aurifil Aurifloss, which is the heaviest weight of thread that Aurifil offers. It comes in a variety of colors, some of which I offer on my website.  Before we thread our needle, we need to separate and prepare our thread. Take one end of it, and sort of just bounce your finger on top of the thread to create a separation and your strands. Grab three strands and slowly pull these away from the remaining strands.   Slowly, keep pulling these threads apart. It may take a little bit of time because embroidery threads will want to not if you try to pull these apart too quickly. Once you have them separated, we can thread the needle

Threading the Needle

Pinch the threads together and insert them through the eye of the needle.  You want to get all three strands into the needle at once.  Next, to help you prevent tangles, twists and knots, guide your thread back and forth through the eye of your needle.  Do this a couple times and then we can show you how to tie your knot.

Tying the Knot

Take the tail end of your thread and hold it in one hand.  point it towards the needle.  Take your pointer finger and grab the tail.   Now you are grasping the needle and thread in one hand.  Then you will wrap around your needle a couple, maybe a few times.  Next, I will transfer the wrapped thread and the needle to the other hand.  Pull the needle, while holding those wrapped threads in place.  This will create a knot at the end of your tail.

Get Ready for Stitching!

And this covers just about everything you need to know to get started on this fun embroidery sampler designed by Karen with Studio 21 Market. 

Download your pattern from Karen and get your supplies from my online shop. 

Stay tuned for the next tutorial and we will cover the six most basic embroidery stitches.  Be sure to subscribe to my channel and sign up for notifications.  Sign up for my weekly newsletter and never miss a project!  Watch the “Getting Started” video below!

Quilting Retreat Checklist

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Have you ever gone to a quilting retreat? Quilting retreats are a great way to get together with your Quilting And Sewing friends. Retreats can provide you endless options of inspiration and can help you form lifelong friendships. Sometimes, it can be a little overwhelming to get ready for a quilting retreat. Not to worry though! Check out this comprehensive article so you can be prepared for your next quilting retreat. Don’t forget to download your quilting retreat checklist too!

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The tricky thing about tracking for retreats is that you don’t want to forget anything and you don’t want to overpack. It’s definitely a delicate balance. Now, I’ve been retreating for a very long time and I have a go to checklist that has served me well over the years. I’m going to list out the items below. If you want a print out of this list, simply fill out the below form and it will be emailed to you.

Packing List

  • Sewing Machine (don’t forget the power cord and pedal)
  • Extension Table (I have the Versa Table by Sew Steady)
  • Accessory Box for Machine (extra feet, walking foot, FMQ foot)
  • Extension cord and power strip (some retreat centers will provide these)
  • Sewing Light (I recommend either the Slimline 3 or the Smart Travel Lamp)
  • Personal Travel Ironing Board with Wool Pressing Mat (some retreat centers have ironing stations, but you will need to share)
  • Travel Iron (I love my Oliso Mini Iron with matching Sole Plate)
  • Sewing Chair (this is obviously optional, but many retreat centers have TERRIBLE chairs)
  • Design Wall (I have this one and it folds up into a tiny bag)
  • Fabric, Fabric & more Fabric!
    • I have retreated at several locations that have a shop on site. This is very convenient and dangerous!
  • Scissors (thread snippers, shears and a pair for paper)
  • Rotary Cutter and new blades
  • Rulers (one large, one medium and any specialty rulers for the patterns you will be working on)
  • Patterns and UFO’s.
    • I always bring a variety of UFO’s. Patchwork, FPP or machine appliqué (just to list a few)
  • Sewing Notions
    • This is a very broad category, but it encompasses your sewing needles, thread, bobbins, seam rippers, sewing pins, wonder clips and all the little bits that make sewing easier.
  • Personal items
    • Phone and phone charger
    • earbuds (in case everyone is listening to music you don’t like)
    • Favorite drink, coffee creamer, specialty beverage
    • Snack to share
    • chewing gum / mints
    • reading glasses
    • Pillow
    • Earplugs (you might have a roommate that snores)

Picking your Projects

As I mentioned before, it’s pretty easy for this packing list to get out of hand. I did mention that you should bring more than one project. There truly is nothing worse than only bringing one project and getting burn out on your first day. It’s nice to mix it up so try to stretch your legs on several different techniques. I keep my UFOs in project bins so I can easily see what I have available. I grab three or four of these bins and take them with me. Each been already has the pattern and fabric that’s needed for the project. I just need to double check if I need to bring any extra rulers or additional tools for the various projects.

Making New Friends

Pictured above is a group photo from a Private Sewing Retreat that I hosted in my hometown church fellowship hall in 2017

One of the things I love about a quilting retreat is the friendships that are started and also the chance to catchup with old friends as well. Sewing together for hours on end is a great way to get to know someone. If you’re not sure how to become friends with a new retreat buddy, you could always start to ask about their family and if they like to take vacations. Many of our fellow quilters have full or part-time jobs. They may want to visit or tell us about that part of their life. You could ask to see pictures of past projects they’ve completed or inquire about the current project they’re working on. People love to talk about themselves and their quilting projects. You can also spend time and share your favorite techniques and projects as well.

Fun and Games

One of my favorite games to play at quilting retreat is called Left Center Right. I don’t know why, but I call it Left Right Center. Anyway, it’s a simple dice game with these specialty dice (pictured above). The original rules to the game have you playing with little token chips but we like to play with fat quarters. Each participant brings three brand new fat quarters. The number of L’s, C’s, R’s or dots rolled indicate where the player’s fat quarters go. When you roll an L, then one of your fat quarters goes to the player on the left. If you roll an R, then one of your fat quarters goes to the right. When you roll a C, then one of your fat quarters goes to the middle or center. If you roll a dot then you get to keep that fat quarter. You can only roll the amount of dice that you have in fat quarters. In order to win all of the fat quarters you have to have the very last fat quarter before they all end up into the center!

Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, where I do stories about these Retreats! I will have to save them in my Highlights! I most recently retreated at KC Makers. You can learn more about them right HERE.

Happy Retreating!

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Bonnie Bucket Bag

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I have been wanting to make the Bonnie Bucket Bag, by Swoon patterns, for the longest time.  It wasn’t until I recently purchased some leather and had some coordinating fabric on hand that convinced me to set the time aside.  For this bag, I have pulled out all the stops!  I added an adjustable strap (because I like to sometimes wear purses as crossbody).  I also added a recessed zipper for the top.  I made several other variations to the original pattern.  Let’s take a look at my Bonnie Bucket Bag!

Bonnie Bucket Bag Material List

Extra’s I added to the bag

Adding the Purse Feet

Adding purse feet to my Bonnie Bucket Bag was probably the easiest enhancement I made. I was sure to use the same finish as the rest of my purse hardware. This gold finish is amazing! One of the things I love about purse feet is that these help you keep your bag off the ground. Just think of all the places we set down our bags. Ugh! I especially wanted to protect my leather bottom, so adding purse feet was a no-brainer! You can find my purse feet installation tutorial on right HERE.

Adding a Metal Bag Label

I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive on these metal bag labels! They come in a variety of finishes and are super easy to install! I used the golden finish to match the rest of my bag hardware. If you want to see how easy it is to install a metal bag label – head over to THIS TUTORIAL.

Adding a Hanging Tassel Cap

Using some of the leftover leather, I used the hanging tassel cap hardware and made my own (coordinating) tassel. This tassel is perfect and attached to the side of my bag. It definitely gives this bag a designer appearance and people are shocked to learn that I made this bag myself! If you want to add a hanging tassel cap to your bag, you can choose the finish that works best for your project!

Finishing the zipper tape

You would normally only find zipper ends on high-end purses and bags from designer brands. If you really want to impress and finish your bag in style, consider adding these zipper ends! They were super-easy to install and come in a variety of finishes! I love how it really finishes this zipper! If you want to see how easy it is to install a zipper end – check out THIS TUTORIAL.

The Finished Bag!

I must say that I loved making this bag. It took me a couple hours to cut and prep my materials and then I spent a few hours the next day on assembly. I used my Juki TL2010Q on a majority of the construction. I switched over to my Juki DU1181N when the leather was getting too thick. Sewing with leather was easier than I thought it was going to be! I don’t know why I hesitated so long to try! Granted, leather isn’t the least expensive material option – but WOW! Making and then using my new leather bag has been a real treat! I bought two more leather colors to try in the near future!

I encourage you to give this Bonnie Bucket Bag Pattern a try! The pattern is well written and adding these variations is quite simple if you plan ahead.

Be sure to grab your Bag Hardware and Designer Fabric in my shop!

Don’t forget to share what you make in my FaceBook Community! We would love to see your progress and results!

Happy Sewing!

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