You know that feeling when you see fabric at the thrift store or a yard sale or somewhere and you don’t need it, but it’s so pretty and a really good deal??? I saw these two beautiful rolls of Michael Miller twill (60” wide!!!) at my favorite thrift store a couple months ago for $20 each. The fabric was clean and soft and even smelled new. But I was shopping with a non-sewing friend at the time and I was embarrassed to buy it since she knows I already have a room full of fabric and I couldn’t think of an immediate project that needed 30 yards of designer star fabric. So I passed on it. But as soon as I left the store I had non-buyers remorse. It was Michael Miller fabric for Pete’s sake! So as soon as I parted ways with that friend (literally, not figuratively – we’re still friends, lol) I turned my car around and went back for the fabric.
I was just in time too… there was another lady who I saw looking at it, but she walked away and gave me the chance to grab those two rolls and run for the cash register. Wheee!!!!!
And I’m sorry to tell all of you Northerners that we are giving up our hopes of winter weather this year in Florida. It’s been 80 degrees all week. So I chopped 1 1/2 yards off of the roll of turquoise stars, pre-washed it, and sewed my Cadie some short-alls.
The pattern comes from the latest issue of Ottobre Design magazine (issue 01/2017). This magazine also includes the cap sleeve tee shirt pattern that I sewed using striped fabric and ribbed knit trim from my stash. She looks so adorable and I LOVE the fact that her outfit is 100% made in the USA by Me! In case you are wondering, I shared my technique for easy ribbed binding in this post.
So, what have you been sewing up this week? Did you make something with one of my free sewing tutorials or patterns? I would love to see! Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. I’ll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloe’s high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! She’s always starving by the time she gets home because she doesn’t want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2’’ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
I’m also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade away… this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
The best serger machines for your money are ones that will last you a long time and give you the quality of stitches that you are looking for. There are many different serger brands to choose from, but I have narrowed it down to my three favorite: Babylock, Juki, and Brother. All three of these companies offer great features like color coded threading, easy to use tension controls, fast seam finishing and rolled hems!
Welcome back to our Monthly Mini Quilt series! This month we get to sew an adorable mini quilt designed by Melissa Mortensen of Polkadot Chair. You’re going to love how easy it is – just stitch up 4 quarter triangle units using 4 fabric squares… add a border, and then the piecing is done!
If you are here in time for our monthly giveaway, make sure you scroll to the bottom to enter. A huge FQ bundle of Safari Party is up for grabs!
If Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, here’s 10 cute and free sewing patterns to help you stay warm and cozy until spring. Easy tutorials can be found by clicking the links below and there are free printable templates…
Sew a darling snap pouch with vinyl pockets on the inside for first aid items, toiletries, cosmetics, or anything else! Don’t be fooled because this project is sewn with vinyl. It’s very easy! And I even have a video to show you how. I LOVE this handy pouch!
Whatever it is that inspires and motivates you to express your talents and create beautiful things, I would take this opportunity to thank, encourage and commend you!
Sew a scarf with a cell phone pocket so you won’t need to carry a wallet! This free sewing pattern uses fleece fabric to make the ultimate gift for anyone with a cell phone. It’s perfect for winter walks, sporting…
9 Comments
Those are SO cute, I wish I could find fabric like that in my thrift shops!
Glad yo went back for it. I would of jumped in the car and drove over to buy it myself. Love finding fabric in thrift stores. I use it for sewing new patterns trial runs.
It would probably be nice for a quilt backing, but I think I’m going to use it to make chair pockets for my daughter’s 2nd grade class. I’ll be sure to show you!
I loved reading your post so I couldn’t resist linking up my latest post about…yes, finding some great fabric at the thrift store, too. Thanks for the party! Now I have to go read your post about finding and using those thrift store fabric finds.
Those are SO cute, I wish I could find fabric like that in my thrift shops!
That’s a really great find. The short-all is really cute.
Awesome outfit. Love it when you can strike such a great bargain. (I wouldn’t have been able to pass it up either.)
Glad yo went back for it. I would of jumped in the car and drove over to buy it myself. Love finding fabric in thrift stores. I use it for sewing new patterns trial runs.
What a wonderfu find. Glad you bought it up but it is a lot of fabric. Do you think it will work for backs of quilts or other big projects?
It would probably be nice for a quilt backing, but I think I’m going to use it to make chair pockets for my daughter’s 2nd grade class. I’ll be sure to show you!
Glad it was still there. Sometimes non-buyer’s remorse is worse than buyer’s remorse, isn’t it?
Totally!
I loved reading your post so I couldn’t resist linking up my latest post about…yes, finding some great fabric at the thrift store, too. Thanks for the party! Now I have to go read your post about finding and using those thrift store fabric finds.