I absolutely love to see other artist’s workspace. It’s like a little glimpse into the mind of the creator and what inspires them. Here are a few of my favorites plus a couple peeks at mine.

My little sewing corner with bulletin boards filled with things that inspire me.

Here is a look at Amy Butler’s Studio:

What I wouldn't give to have all of that space!

Alison Rose has a bright and colorful sewing studio.

I just love the framed vintage patterns.

I cannot get over the color combination in the next studio.  The teal and pink together kind of makes me want to squeal with delight, kind of the same way you do when you see a cute puppy for the first time! Look at the chinese lanterns and crocheted slippers on the wall!  I couldn’t resist showing two pictures of this studio.

Love those teal walls!

This is a really neat website that I ran across when I was given two really neat gifts. Both were rings with all different colors of 100% rayon seam binding, and the other Petersham ribbon. These are incredibly convenient when I need to match a color to hem up a skirt, or trim the lapel of a jacket. You can order them with a minimum order of 1 yard. These are only a couple of the really neat things they have for sale on this website, I encourage you to check it out.

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending my first Indie Craft Fair; Strange Folks, in O’Fallon, IL.  What is an Indie Craft Fair you ask?  It’s the name given to the independent crafters that create unique items and sells them at craft fairs and at on-line gathering like etsy.com.  Indie Craft Fairs are part of the handmade movement.  I saw alot of very unique items that gave me inspiration and made want to go home and make stuff which I did!

Strange Folk Indie Craft Fair 2009

I am always amazed at the creativity and the out of the box thinking that is expressed in these kinds of fairs.  It shows in the items I purchased, 2 old albums that had been molded into chip bowls.  Next time and indie craft fair comes to your area, don’t pass it up!

With Halloween coming, we all know that we need to start thinking about what costumes the kids will be begging us to make.  The most annoying part of making anything is finishing it.  Halloween costumes can be finished without all of the detail and work involved in a piece that will be worn many times.  Using ribbon, fur, or any other decorative edging can be used to finish the project.  It is an easy step and adds a great eye-catching edge to the costume!

This table runner will be ghoulishly fun on your table and the best part…it’s so easy to make it’s scary!

Download Project

Increase your sewing comfort with ergonomic sewing tools. Ergonomics is the science of designing tools to make your life easier while sewing… improve efficiency, reduce discomfort, fatigue and risk of injury.

I’m sure you’ve all seen these types of tools, I bet your significant other might have a few. But, have you ever tried using them? Sometimes it makes it more uncomfortable, than comfortable. Why? Because everyone’s hands are different, and man-hands are not the same as our delicate woman-hands. So, make sure to hold or test the ergonomic tool before purchasing.

The bottom line, if your hands are cramping and back is aching, then give some of these tools a try:
- Sewing tool kit
- Sewing Table and chairs
- General tools

Be careful of the tracing or dressmakers’ paper you use. Dressmakers’ paper has a coated side and leaves a mark on your fabric when you wheel over the lines. These lines are hard to remove, so choose the color of the paper wisely. Yellow tends to be the strongest color and may bleed through your fabric.  Always use white on white (anything else will bleed).

Once you’ve selected the right paper cut your fabric with right sides together. Then layer your stack so the paper is on the bottom with the colored side up, your fabric is on top of the paper, and the pattern is on the top of the stack.

Trace around your pattern making all necessary marks. Then use the marks on your bottom layer of fabric to mark your second layer. Cut your peices and you’re ready to go!

Ahoy, ye scallywag! Urban Threads be releasin’ a bit of FREE treasure in honor of Talk Like a Pirate Day on Sept. 19.

This seaworthy pirate ship be FREE through Sunday, Sept. 27, and is available in machine embroidery, hand embroidery, and digital stock art formats. Let this sketchy design set sail on shirts, bags, and crafty decor for your captain’s chambers. Yarrrrrr!

For some, a kitchen can be a scary place!  This towel is sure to scare up some fun in your kitchen this Halloween. Download Project