The below-freezing weather got me thinking about ways to stay warm, and fleece of course is an excellent material to keep cozy during short winter days and long winter nights. So I scoured the web for some great, free fleece sewing tutorials, and I’ve collected some of my favorites here.

Kids always love to play in the snow, so here are some great ways to keep little ones warm:

Fleece Mittens

This project by the From an Igloo website is very easy, and uses elastic to keep the mittens snug on little hands. You can make several pairs of these in a very short amount of time (because we all know how easily mittens can go missing).

Go to the Fleece Mittens tutorial

Here are two fleece hat tutorials to keep little heads warm out there:

Fleece Football Hat

From the Make It and Love It website is this comes this wonderful football hat that is deceptively simple to make. It’ll keep the little guy’s ears all tucked in and warm.

Go to the Fleece Football Hat tutorial

Warm Winter Hat Tutorial

This tutorial, also found at the From an Igloo website, is great because it is easily customizable to fit the personality of the wearer, boy or girl. Upsize it a little bit to make a fleece hat for grownups!

Go to the Warm Winter Hat tutorial

Easy-Peasy Bunched Fleece Scarf

Also great for grownups is this extremely easy bunched scarf tutorial from the Just Another Hang Up website. It’s so quick to make and uses so little material that it costs next to nothing!

Go to the Easy Peasy Fleece Scarf tutorial

Men’s Fleece Hoodie

Guys need to stay warm, too, so this Fleece Hoodie tutorial from Craftstylish is perfect. And you don’t even need a pattern—just a T-shirt that fits him and maybe another hoodie to get the shape of the hood right.

Go to the Men’s Fleece Hoodie tutorial

Even if you’re not going to be spending much time outside in the cold, there are still some great things you can make:

Wearable Fleece Baby Blanket

This project, also from Make It and Love It, is like a sleeping bag with arm-holes for a baby! It keeps him nice and warm but still lets him get around.

Go to the Wearable Fleece Baby Blanket tutorial

Clean-Cornered Fleece Blanket

For a more grown-up blanket, this tutorial from The Distracted Domestic can teach you how to make a fleece blanket of any size with nice, clean, sharp corners every time! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is.

Go to the Clean-Cornered Fleece Blanket tutorial

Fleece Monster Pillow

And finally, just for fun comes this adorable Fleece Monster Pillow tutorial from Bernina’s We All Sew website.

Go to the Fleece Monster Pillow tutorial

Even though it looks like the weather is clearing and all all the ice and snow is leaving us, these all still make excellent weekend projects.

Do you have any favorite fleece projects? Leave a comment and tell us all about it. If you try any of these projects, please email a photograph to info@qualitysewing.com or post it on our Facebook wall.

Happy Sewing,
Chris

We asked, “What is a sewing technique that you’ve always wanted to learn or that still intimidates you.” The clear winner was free-motion quilting! Zippers are also apparently rather intimidating, and there’s a lot of interest in various applique, serger, and garment-making techniques. Here are the top 6 responses:

We also asked, “Do you do more machine embroidery or regular sewing projects?” Regular Sewing got just over half of the responses with 53.3%, while embroidery got 37.1%. 9.5% of you said that you sew and embroider an equal amount:

Then for fun we asked, “What is the longest time you’ve ever spent sewing one project?” A lot of you confessed that there have been projects that took 20 or more years to complete, and many are still UFOs (Un-Finished Objects)!

We asked what your favorite color is, and purple came back the clear winner with more than a quarter of you saying it was your favorite! Blue and red were distant second and third places:

Take a look at this pie chart and you’ll see that purple and blue together make up almost half all by themselves!

We also wondered, “What sewing accessory or notion could you not work without?” The favorite response was a good pair of scissors, and Kai scissors were very popular. A lot of you admitted to needing a good seam ripper by your side! Here are the top 5 responses:

It’s always interesting and fun to learn more about this sewing community that we’re so grateful to be a part of. We want to thank each and every one of you for making 2011 such a wonderful year, and we hope to see all of you in 2012!

The Sewing & Stitchery Expo has just released on their website their entire Seminar Brochure that you can download and read or print off. Online Registration is set to open January 5th on their website, so it’s a good idea to take a look at the brochure beforehand so you can figure out all of the great seminars you’ll want to take.

In addition to vendor booths and seminars, there are also many amazing special events:
• Friday Night Live, sponsored by Baby Lock, features Nancy Zieman, “Sewing with Nancy Celebrates 28 Years,” and it’s a show you won’t want to miss.
• The Saturday night headliner “A Quilted Musical Extravaganza with Ricky Tims,” sponsored
by Bernina, will be fun and entertaining.
• Sunday, the charity event will include the “Coats and Clarks Pro-Am Sewing Exhibition” with proceeds going to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. If you have made pillowcases for the children, bring them to this event.

Thursday through Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM there will be free style shows upstairs in the Pavilion all day long with professional models. It is all about garment sewing and you have the chance to sit down and be entertained at the same time. So be sure you check your schedule and work in the style shows!

There are also generous daily door prizes. This is the only show in the country where about $35,000 in door prizes are given away each year!

And of course be sure to stop by our Quality Sewing & Vacuum booth! We’ll have more information on the Sew Expo and our role there soon. Be sure to check this blog and the Sew Expo Website to keep up-to-date with any developments. This event is not to be missed and it only happens once a year!

Happy Sewing,
Chris

Here’s how to participate: On the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday the 23rd this year, make or buy some sort of baked good: a loaf of tasty bread, muffins, a pie, etc. Wrap it up in an apron and tuck in a nice note. Tie on your own apron (hence “Tie One On”), then walk out your front door and personally give it to someone in your community—next door, up the street, downstairs—and if you’re feeling particularly giving you could do this multiple times to multiple people!

The whole point of Tie On Day is to put the “give” back into Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful way to bring your local community closer together by sharing your good fortune in the form of food and an apron. Who wouldn’t love some baked goods and a new apron?

If you don’t have a spare apron handy to give away, you can always make one. It’s very easy to sew an apron, and giving a hand-made gift is much more personal and rewarding than giving someone something you bought from a store.

I’ve found many free tutorials on how to sew your own aprons. Here are some of my favorites:

Dish Towel Apron

From Martha Stewart.
This is an extremely easy and satisfying apron made from two dish towels. There are even a couple of pockets in the front. An added bonus is that dish towels are usually already hemmed, so it saves you a ton of work!

Speedy T-Shirt into Apron

From Instructables.
Most everybody has old T-shirts lying around, and this is a great way to re-purpose one into a bib-less apron. You can sew a pocket onto it using scraps of fabric!

Men’s Apron

From Needle Book.
In case your recipient isn’t quite into pretty or frilly aprons, here’s a great tutorial on how to make an apron that is more man-appropriate.

I understand tensions of both needle and bobbin threads and their relationship to how that effects the actual stitch (see “Adjusting Sewing Machine Tension” to learn more).

Click on Image to see Video Illustation

I know the parts that are necessary in making a stitch: needle, bobbin, bobbin case, and bobbin hook (check your machine’s manual for specific information about your machine or consider taking a class to learn).

What I didn’t even put a thought into was how the machine actually made a stitch. As far as I cared, little bits of magic happened every time the needle went up and down that somehow entwined the needle and bobbin threads.

While poking around the internet, I found this video illustration that clearly shows how the bobbin hook grabs hold of the needle thread and loops it around the bobbin case. The result: a stitch.

Take a look, it is actually quite simple.

Having seen this animation, in slow enough to see motion, it is easy to understand how threads can be entangled if the bobbin is not inserted in place properly.

Even though the video shows how a stitch is formed, I am OK with still believing that it is a little bit of magic!

Reva

Here is a round-up of Free Projects that you can make with the Trace ‘n Create Templates :

Dresden Trace ‘n Create Christmas Tree Skirt Project

Create a simple and lovely tree skirt by super-sizing a Dresden-style quilt pattern and leaving the center open for a tree trunk!

Download the full instructions here

Get the Dresden Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template here!

Easy Dresden Holiday Wall Quilt

With a little sewing savvy and super-sized quilt blocks, you can create a wall quilt or table topper for the holidays! Using Clover’s Trace ‘n Create Quilt Templates–the Dresden Collection, a few of your favorite cotton quilting prints and in couple of evenings, you’ll create a sensational showpiece!

Download the full instructions here

Get the Dresden Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template here!

Lone Star Table Topper

Create a dramatic patchwork table topper with only two — yes, two — quilt blocks. Using the Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template Lone Star, create a 36″ Lone Star block and four sections of the 12″ Lone Star block. Add borders, a flannel backing, and binding, and you’ll have a quilted masterpieces that says, “Wow!”

Download the full instructions here.

Get the Lone Star Trace ‘n Create Template here.

Grandmother’s One-Patch Flower Garden Table Runner

Create a traditional-looking Grandmother’s Flower Garden Table Runner with one template and no Y-Seams!

Download the full instructions here.

Get the Grandmother’s One-Patch Trace ‘n Create Quilt Template here.

Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper Inspirations & Ideas

Get inspired about the new Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper templates with this pamphlet that includes such ideas as:

• Up-Cycling and Re-Purposing Jackets, Jeans, Ties, and more.
• Create a Textured-Surface Tablet Cover with Faux Chenille.
• Create a Pieced-Surface Tablet Cover with leftover fabric.
• Create an Ensemble: Handbag with Matching Notebook Cover using the Trace ‘n Create Florida Handbag Template.

Download the inspiration & idea sheet here.

Get the Trace ‘n Create Tablet Keeper Templates here!

You can read all about Nancy’s adventures at the Quilt Market on her blog.

Let us know if you decide to try any of these ideas this holiday season. We always love seeing photographs of your finished projects (or even your works-in-progress).

Happy Sewing,
Chris

We’re very excited to be able to offer this brand new series from Anita Goodesign. Anita Goodesign Project Collections are collections that include all the instructions you’ll need to make complete projects from start to finish. These Projects aren’t confined to “In the Hoop” either. They incorporate embroidery and sewing in easy-to-follow, step-by-step tutorials with detailed pictures that make the whole process easy while teaching you new and interesting techniques. Each collection also includes a detailed shopping list of everything you’ll need to complete the project.

The embroidery designs are exclusive to the Project Collections. As always, each CD has multiple designs, each in different sizes to accommodate different hoop sizes. You can use these designs with the specific projects or add them to anything else you like.

These Projects are perfect for creating gifts for the holidays (which are right around the corner already). Here are the first four Project Collections:

Anita Goodesign Fashion Clutches Project	Anita Goodesign Fashion Clutches Project Collection These designer-inspired clutches feature a new product that gives a unique texture to any fabric. Using your embroidery machine to stitch one of three different design motifs, Stitched Flower Echo, Stippled Monogram Oval, or Stitched Grids, plus your choice of fabric and texture will highlight your personal style. After a little steam from your iron, your ordinary fabric transforms into designer chic. Finish by using your sewing machine to insert a bound zipper, lining with your choice of handle options.
Anita Goodesign Holiday Stockings Project Collection	Anita Goodesign Holiday Stockings Project Collection Make three unique stockings with this project collection: Traditional Stocking Shape, Cowboy Boot Stocking, and the Folded Fabric Stocking. There are eight individual embroidery designs, and the folded fabric design comes in 3 sizes. Make one stocking for a quick gift or make a whole set for your family. The fast and easy construction will have you decorating for the holidays by the weekend!
Anita Goodesign Chic Travel Accessories Project Collection	Anita Goodesign Chic Travel Accessories Project Collection Three unique travel bag projects. Collection includes 23 individually stitched designs. These fun and flirty embroidery designs add an artistic element that turns a plain drawstring bag into a “Chic Accessory”. After making a set to compliment your own suitcase, these bags make quick gifts for your best friends or a bride-to-be!
Anita Goodesign Sunbonnet Sue In the Kitchen Project Collection	Anita Goodesign Sunbonnet Sue In the Kitchen Project Collection Create the perfect gift with the “Sunbonnet Sue in the Kitchen” projects. Added bonus… Quilt Block designs are compatible with all the Mix and Match collections! 10 Individual hand stitched designs in 2 sizes, for the 5×7 and 6×10 hoop. 10 Quilt Block Designs in 4 sizes.

Garden Fresh Quilt from Fons & Porter

It was very interesting to hear how the designing of fabric is approached. One thing that I found very fascinating is that when Andover creates a panel, it consistently has a 24″ repeat. This being the case, the repeat of each panel must fill the area (selvage to selvage and the full 24″) and elements in a panel are not always symmetrical. Gail’s tip for using elements (or cheater blocks) from a panel is to trim them so that they are visually pleasing and not necessarily exact by measurement.

Herself a quilter, another thing that Gail strives for when she is designing a border print fabric is to give each 4 full repeats of the striped border across the yardage. This way only one modest length of the fabric is needed to be purchased in order to create all of the borders on the quilt. Don’t you agree that it is very frustrating to need to purchase a great amount of yardage in order to get the proper amount of a border strip to complete your project?

Since the show was originally from April of 2010, the likelihood that this same fabric would still be available to purchase is probably pretty slim. However, the free pattern, Garden Fresh, from Fons and Porter is a real keeper!

Download the Pattern Here!

Hope you enjoy
Reva

For Little Girls: Elphoba Witch Hat

From Momtastic comes this tutorial for how to make a delightful little girl’s witch hat that has some lovely floret details on it to set it apart from all those store-bought witch hats.

Head over to Momtastic and read the whole tutorial here.

For Little Boys: Easy Halloween Cape Tutorial

This cape tutorial from Plaid Apple is very easy; you can probably complete a cape in just a few minutes. It can also be modified to be either a superhero cape or a vampire cape with a collar.

Check out this tutorial over at the Plaid Apple website.

Grown-Up Witch Tutu Skirt Tutorial

From the How I Keep Sane Blog is this nifty tutorial on how to make a custom tulle tutu. You can use dark colors for a witch costume or bright colors for a fairy costume, or any color combination you can imagine! Pair with some decorative tights to complete the look.

You can also easily scale this down to make it for a little girl (try pairing it with the witch hat tutorial for a complete costume). Find the whole tutorial over at the How I Keep Sane Blog.

Grown-Up Beekeeper Costume

From the inimitable Martha Stewart comes this is a great costume for dad. Just use some painter’s coveralls and work gloves you can get at a hardware store (see, he gets to go shopping at a hardware store for Halloween—he’ll love it) and a few other easy accessories, and you’ve got a simple and comfortable costume!

Head over to Martha Stewart’s website for the full tutorial.

Easy Doggie Costumes

Don’t forget your four-legged friends this Halloween! Lark Crafts has a handful of easy dog costume tutorials, all based on doggie t-shirts.

You can download the whole tutorial here!

Home Decor: Bat Mobile

Don’t forget to dress up your home for Halloween, too. The Sew4Home website has this super-easy tutorial that will have bats hanging from your home in no time!

Read the full tutorial over at the Sew4Home website.

Just for Fun: Mustache on a Stick!

I just couldn’t resist this one: Martha Stewart shows you how to create a Mustache on a Stick!

Here’s the full tutorial on Martha Stewart’s website.

Pacific Fabrics Round-Up

In case you missed Pacific Fabrics’ email newsletter (or if you don’t subscribe to it yet), here is a round-up of downloadable projects that they have:

Spooky Felt Silverware Holders – Download PDF

Tricks, Tips & Treats for Halloween - Download PDF

Rustic Pumpkin Table Runner – Download PDF

Spider Pop Party Favors – Download PDF
Happy Scarecrow Pencil Topper – Download PDF

 
And there you have it. Hope everyone has a happy (and safe) Halloween! If you’re sewing anything this year, please feel free to tell us about it in the comments, or even email us a photo or two that you’d like us to share with everyone, or post them directly on our Facebook page!

Happy Sewing,
Chris

• The software upgrade is a part of the single upgrade that is available for the PR 1000/PR1000e. The 4″ × 11″ Border Hoopoop may be purchased separately.
• The Quattro/Quattro2 Premium Pack 3 includes the 4″ × 11″ hoop, designs, and the software program.

The secret to having continuous designs line up accurately has always been in getting the fabric hooped correctly. The new camera pattern alignment program lets the camera work with 2 snowmen and the software does the work of making each design match up properly. Designs can match at 9 connection points and the points can be adjusted by sliding for a completely new look.

How does this magic work?

1. Select this icon on the screen of the machine:
   
2. A new screen will open. Select the point on the grid where the next design needs to attach:
3. Stitch the first design.
4. When finished, the machine screen will guide you through placing the 2 snowman markers where they need to be. It will scan the snowman locations. Remove the fabric from the hoop (DO NOT REMOVE the SNOWMEN) and rehoop the fabric for the next design segment.
5. Select the point on the grid where the next design will attach to the previous design. The machine will scan the snowmen.
   
6. Choose the new design (it doesn’t have to be the same as the one used first). The software will align the new design to the previous one.
7. Stitch the design (if you are planning to add additional designs, select the icon again prior to completing the stitching of this design. Select where the next design will line up to the design you’re about to stitch. This will let the software know you are planning to add to the design).

The Continuous Border Hoop is not just for borders! If you like easy hooping then this is the hoop for you.

If you have ever struggled getting the hoop together nice and tight; or if you enjoy working with specialty fabrics such as leather, velvet, some silks etc; then you owe it to yourself to swing by your nearest Quality Sewing Store and take a close look at the amazing Continuous Border Hoop from Brother.

The hoop is a clamp hoop. Lay the fabric in place on the soft non-marking base, and press one side latch. Then it is an easy task to make certain the fabric is lined up as desired, just check the alignment lines on each side of the hoop and press the other side latch to secure the fabric. The top side of the hoop has a rubber grip that will hold the fabric securely and will not leave any marks or “hoop burn.”

Brother Quattro Software Upgrade Premium Pack III including the Continuous Border Hoop

Happy Stitching!
Carol