What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

On this episode Vanessa is sharing her 3 favorite features of the JUKI LB5020 sewing machine. It’s back in stock today while supplies last and they are already going quickly. Order yours today before it’s too late!

This is the best bang for your buck sewing machine and the one Vanessa continues to recommend even after 5+ years using hers almost daily! It’s perfect for beginners and experienced sewists alike. Use it as your main sewing machine or as a backup, class/retreat sewing machine because it is lightweight enough to travel with but still allows you ...

On this episode Vanessa gives an update on the projects she’s been working on! Cranking out socks on a circular sock knitting machine, making wallets with student in the Mystery Mini Bag Club and what’s coming up next with garment sewing!

• Join the my Mystery Mini Bag Club #1: https://craftygemini.com/shop/mystery-mini-bag-club1/

• The Crafty Gemini Curvy ruler is back in stock here: https://craftygemini.com/shop/curvyruler/

• Our 5” x 10” ruler is back in stock here: https://craftygemini.com/shop/crafty-gemini-5-x-10-ruler/

• Curve Runner- Crafty Gemini Edition Rolling Ruler: https://craftygemini.com/shop/curverunner/

• My favorite ...

On this episode Vanessa looks at 3 different Jalie sewing patterns to determine which one she wants to teach next. If you are looking for a new garment sewing course to sign up for and want to have a say in the pattern, join us! She will review the different sizes, views of each and consider what fabrics may work well for each pattern. Let’s chat all about sewing clothes today!

• Snap Travel Wallet Course: https://craftygemini.com/shop/snap-travel-wallet-video-course/

• Jalie Elle pattern: https://craftygemini.com/shop/jalie-4015-elle-reversible-top/

• Jalie Sylvie pattern: https://jalie.com/products/4129-sylvie-knit-shorts-and-wide-leg-pants-sewing-pattern?_pos=1&_sid ...

No change in the numbers.

A lot of progress happened this week. I finished as much as I plan to do on the sewing room declutter.

I replaced the binding on a second blanket.

I finished a Craftsy class, 20 Things to Know Before You Sew. I’m taking a break on classes for now.

I turned the corner on the afghan. That puts me close to the halfway point.

I chose the next sewing project, washed the fabric, and made all the pattern choices.

I have a nice little rotation going with my three projects. We’ll see if ...

In this episode Vanessa is kicking off the January 2025 Sew Along with the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! All the details for the sew along is inside the course. If you already own the course just login at https://craftygemini.com/my-account to access it (and all your Crafty Gemini Video Courses!).

Tune in for fabric selection tips and see the progress Vanessa has made on her most recent Charlie Bomber Jacket.

For those of you that already know how to sew we are kicking off a new Sew Along this month for the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! Tune in ...

In this episode Vanessa chats about her new beginner sewing course called Sewing Made Simple: Clueless to Confident in 30 Days! Today is the last day to get in at the sale price. At midnight tonight the price goes up.

For those of you that already know how to sew we are kicking off a new Sew Along this month for the Jalie Charlie Bomber Jacket! Tune in to get all the details and make sure you’re on the email list so you don’t miss out on the fabric sale and the sew along details. If you are ...

If you’re looking for last minute gifts or need to keep your neck warm from frigid temps this is the project for you!

In this episode Vanessa will teach you how to make a quick and stylish neck warmer using just fleece fabric and thread. It’s so easy any beginner can make one and it’s a great scrap buster, too!

Want to get right to the project with a step-by-step tutorial? Watch this version: https://youtu.be/rJA8H4aWs28?si=NpW-fNUcf4t3ufaW

If you have a sewing machine with zigzag capabilities and you’ve never sewn with stretch knit ...

On today’s episode Vanessa is sharing more tips for sewing stretchy fabrics on a basic home sewing machine. You don’t NEED a serger or overlock machine to get started. She’ll even explain why for some projects she actually prefers to use a sewing machine zig zag stitch over a serger.

• Sign up for Clara Leggings Course: https://craftygemini.com/shop/clara-leggings-video-course/

• Jalie #3887 Clara Leggings Sewing Pattern: https://craftygemini.com/shop/jalie-3887-clara-high-waisted-leggings/

• Techy Tote Online Course: https://craftygemini.com/shop/techytote/

• Signup for the FREE Westchester Dolman Top Course & Sew Along here: https://craftygemini.com/op/westchestersewalong ...

My July OMG was making a shirt from red fabric I bought several years ago. The pattern was Butterick 6170, one of my favorite patterns from the 1990s. I sewed a straight XS, no alterations.

It turned out fine, but I had a lot of trouble with the grown on sleeves. Machine hemming them trashes the drape and causes them to do unflattering things. I ended up hemming them by hand to work around it.

This pattern will go in time out for a while. I’d like to try some different styles.

For all the other OMG finishes, visit ...

I didn’t add any fabric this week, although I had many buying opportunities. I finished the shirt for almost a yard out. All the shirt details will be in a separate post.

We went to the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild Quilt Show yesterday. Hundreds of great quilts, plus a gift shop and vendors. If you live in the area, the shows continues today from 11am – 5pm at Washtenaw Community College.

While we were out and about after the show, I found a screen printing screen at a thrift shop. That was a first. I’ve wanted to learn ...

No fabric in this week. I pulled another yard of fabric to donate.

When I was digging through a closet looking for something I found another bin of fabric. I couldn’t bring myself to look through it. I’ll sort it when I do the declutter challenge again in 2025. That has to be the last of it.

In addition to quilting Remember Me, I cut out the red shirt and started sewing it. I need to buy more thread this morning. I use neutral thread for piecing and either rayon or polyester thread for quilting. As I use ...

It’s now the second half of the year. I’m happy with what I’ve completed so far, yet it feels a bit unbalanced. The rest of the year could use a wider variety of projects.

I finished stitching and framed Summer Flowers in June, then started a new stitch project.

I began The Short List many years ago to create short-term goals and a way to focus. I change things up as my priorities and interests change.

Project 1 (Stitching): Peace on Earth by Cottage Garden Samplings. This is the first I’ve stitched one of their patterns ...

Join us for a chat all about working with stretch knit fabrics! Vanessa will be sharing tips and things to look for so you can choose the perfect fabric for your next garment sewing project.

Vanessa will also be going over the Jalie Bobbie v-neck t-shirt pattern, that we are making this month as a part of her latest sew along. Tune in to find out what you need to get started, what’s included in the course, fabric suggestions, etc.

This project is SUPER beginner friendly and can be made on a basic sewing machine with zig zag capability ...

I’ve made baby steps forward pairing the shirt fabrics with patterns.

Although I chose a pattern for the blue fabric, I’m undecided. Looking at the view in the top left, the off the shoulder style concerns me. I’m not one to walk around with my bra straps showing. I would have to wear a cardigan or jacket and keep it on.

For the red fabric I chose an old favorite. It’s between one of the middle views, although I wouldn’t do the color blocking.

I’m also considering a long term stitch project, most likely ...

No change in the numbers.

There’s been a lot of thinking about new projects here. I pulled a couple cuts of clothing fabric out of stash for a second project to alternate with quilting Remember Me.

The red fabric is a woven from Fabric Mart. The blue fabric is a knit from Field’s Fabric. I have enough of both the make a shirt, but haven’t matched the fabrics to patterns yet.

I’m hoping a second project will motivate me to sew more.

Fabric In: 11 yards

Fabric out: 16.375 yards

Net Fabric Used: 5.375 ...

Struggling sewing with stretch knits? This is the show for you! Vanessa is sharing all sorts of tips and tricks to sew with stretch knits fabric.

Tune in to WIP Wednesday #131 to hear all about Vanessa’s sew along for this beginner friendly knit top for women. Pattern includes sizes S- 3XL. We’ll be making the Westchester Dolman Top! It’s a perfect first garment pattern!

• Sign up for the FREE Westchester Dolman Top Course & Sew Along here: https://craftygemini.com/op/westchestersewalong/

• Get everything you need to make the Westchester Dolman Top: https://craftygemini.com/product-category/featured ...

Tune in to WIP Wednesday #130 to hear all about Vanessa’s sew along for this beginner friendly knit top for women. Pattern includes sizes S- 3XL. We’ll be making the Westchester Dolman Top! It’s a perfect first garment pattern!

• Signup for the FREE Westchester Dolman Top Course & Sew Along here: https://craftygemini.com/op/westchestersewalong/

• Get everything you need to make the Westchester Dolman Top: https://craftygemini.com/product-category/featured/

What we’re covering:

0:23 – Welcome to WIP Wednesday!

1:42 – Intro to the Westchester Dolman Top

4:18 – The Westchester Dolman Top pattern + sizes

10 ...

In this show Vanessa will show the couple of things she bought at QuiltCon 2024 in Raleign, NC and answer some of your pre-submitted sewing questions.

Tune in LIVE and hear Vanessa’s tips and answers to viewer questions!

• Sign up for email updates: https://craftygemini.com/newsletter/

• Get your FREE Beginner Garment Sewing Tips & Tricks PDF here: https://craftygemini.com/op/garment-sewing-freebie/

What we’re covering:

0:38 – QuiltCon Haul, including:

1:41 – Ruby Star Society

3:32 – Stitch Supply Co

4:40 – GE Designs

6:00 – E Bond from Free Spirit

9:41 – Latifah Saafir

13:24 – Riley ...

Join us for WIP Wednesday! In this show Vanessa is doing a demo on how she uses a raw edge reverse applique technique to add a fun embellishment and texture to a fleece hoodie.

Tune in LIVE and hear Vanessa’s tips and answers to viewer questions!

• Get your FREE Beginner Garment Sewing Tips & Tricks PDF here: https://craftygemini.com/op/garment-sewing-freebie/

• Hoodie Making Course: https://craftygemini.com/shop/jalie-4131-laurent-t-shirt-pullover-and-hoodie-video-course/

• Order the sewing pattern we’ll be using: https://craftygemini.com/shop/jalie-4131-laurent-sewing-pattern-only/

What we’re covering:

0:03 – Welcome to WIP Wednesday

1:30 – Hoodie demo intro + choosing fabrics ...