Today I have a guest blog post to share with you, written by my friend Karen. Karen's been sharing pics of her wonderful work with me for a long time now so I am really loving the fact that she has offered to share some of her ideas and wisdom here with us today! In fact I am BLOWN away by the fact that she is also going to make her guest posts a regular feature too! WOOHOO! As many... Read more →

My wonderful proof reader and pattern tester extraordinaire Norma of Norma's Bag Boutique, added a zipper closure to her Daryl's Drive. I thought that was so COOL and I know many of you just LOVE zipper closures above all else so I twisted her arm to get her to write a tutorial for you..... OK....so I didn't really twist her arm.....But nevertheless Norma has written a tutorial on how she did it so I am going to share that with... Read more →

Hi Everyone, Today I have a great little tutorial to share with you, written by my friend Karen, on reducing the Stow It All Tote by 15%! Over to you Karen: -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi, my name is Karen and I live deep in rural England. I learnt to sew and embroider at school 48 odd years ago, and have never really stopped. I also like to do raw edge applique and free-motion machine embroidery. I like to play with all the... Read more →

Hello everyone....Today Sonja has a fabulous Brandt's Boulevard/Olivia hack to share with you! Over to you Sonja: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “Brandtivia” Tutorial by Sonja Davison Please note: I have sewn both patterns in their entirety using a 6mm (¼”) seam allowance and have specified where different seam allowances should be used. One of the many great things about Christine’s patterns is the endless options for hacking customization. Combining the Brandt’s Boulevard with the Olivia is a perfect example, given the many design... Read more →

Hello everyone....Today Liz has a fabulous Serendipity/Lunar mash-up to share with you! Over to you Liz: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hello everyone! I still can’t believe that I won the Hack-a-Bag-a-Thon contest. It’s a great honor to write this tutorial for you (my first one!), and I hope it inspires you to get creative and try out some hacks on your own bags. First, a little about me – I am a Certified Public Accountant living in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. I’ve been quilting... Read more →

Today Shanel of Sanity's Crafts Designs is going to share with us her method of converting the Sugar & Spice's curved bottom to a boxy bottom! Many people prefer boxy bottoms because they are easier to work with. So....let's not waste any time with chit chat...over to you, Shanel: These instructions are intended to be used along side the Original Sugar & Spice Instructions. Print the pattern pieces (do not cut them out yet) You will not need the BASE... Read more →

I am guessing everyone is busy busy finishing off their Christmas gifts right now? Just in case you are whipping up a last minute Abby's Alley and happen to have grabbed some pre-made leather straps to finish her off, with I thought it was a good time to share this tutorial written by Pat, on how to attach them! You have to admit, they look very classy! :) So without any further delay...it's over to you, Pat: ATTACHING PRE-MADE LEATHER... Read more →

WOOHOO! Today Judith of Judith stitches is going to share her method of making alternative straps for Abby's Alley. Such a great alternative if you don't want to use rope! It's always such FUN to see what my testers get up to when they don't have the required supplies on hand! So lets find out how Judith made her straps.....Over to you Judith: Supplies used: * 2.5 yards of 1” wide cotton webbing - then cut in half lengthwise to... Read more →

During our recent KISS Clutch sew along in our Facebook Group, Judith showed an awesome KISS Clutch she made using QAYG techniques. Luckily for us, she has agreed to share the process with us, for those of you whom are new to quilting, like me! AWESOME! Over to you Judith: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Kiss Clutch by Chris W Designs made with Quilt As You Go (QAYG) techniques by Judith Clauss of Judith Stitches Recently, I participated in a delightful sew along... Read more →

Do you know, it never ceases to amaze me the amount of gorgeous creations being shared in our Facebook group....Honestly, the creativity and workmanship these ladies display is second to none! So it is of no surprise really that one of the members, Dianna, shared with us a GORGEOUS Genevieve. BUT....her Genevieve was extra special! It had the most beautiful flap you ever did see! AND, she made it herself! Well....Today I have something special to share with you! Dianna... Read more →

YES! The new Bella pattern is almost ready! Unlike the old version, it will have a zippered main compartment and for that, I have added a COOL metal zipper end.....BUT....I do know that not everyone will have them or want to get them...... .....so Daryl of Patchouli Moon Studio has put together a little tutorial on how to make a fabric zipper tab, just in case you haven't made one before and want to know how! Over to you, Daryl:... Read more →