Cotton Quilt Batting ~ Pre-wash or Not ~ What Do You Do?

The screen printed silhouette quilt is almost ready to be quilted - just the borders to be added. I've decided on cotton batting this time, mainly because that's what I had in my stash. My dilemma has been whether to pre-wash the cotton batting or not and I'm hoping you'll share your thoughts and experiences.

Showcasing ~ Burlap Fabric Bowl Tutorial

Fabric baskets come in all shapes and sizes, but this one is shaped such that it looks like a bowl. Made from burlap (or hessian as we call it in Australia), the bowl is light enough to take on a picnic, yet perfect for the table at home.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

This week's features (all have been Pinned)...

A fabulous shirt, added to the Clothes for Men link party. We don't seem to sew much for the men in our lives. Great to see someone who is...

Shirt Success by Claire, from Ragbags and Gladrags... this week's featured blog. Claire, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. Claire drafts many of her own patterns, as she did for this shirt. Check out Claire's denim jacket refashion, one of the best I've ever seen. As well as having a passion for sewing, Claire dabbles in ceramics, textiles and sculpture.

Clothes from the 50s and 60s

Are the clothes kids wear now-a-days, really any different to clothes worn by their parents or grandparents in years gone by? Just what did the best dressed babies and toddlers wear? I don't know about best dressed, but I've dug out some photos of my sister and I back in the 50s and early 60s.

Screen Printed Silhouette Quilt ~ Progress

It's been quite a while since my last finished quilt - almost two years to be exact. That doesn't mean I haven't done any quilting. I have, but nothing finished in that time. However, that's about to change. Today I thought I'd show you progress on a collaborative project I'm working on with my daughter, Tash.

Showcasing ~ Triangle Folding Pouch Tutorial

The beauty of pouches is that they come in all shapes and sizes. This little pouch is triangular in shape, folds up and can be used as a coin purse. It doesn't have a zipper, so is very quick to make.

Showcasing ~ Floor Mop Pad Tutorial

Sewing's not always about beautiful projects. Sometimes there's great satisfaction to be had by sewing a practical item for everyday use, especially if it saves us money in the long run. The DIY floor mop pad is one such project.

Denim Jeans Drawstring Bag ~ Tutorial

Today I'm going to show you how to repurpose a pair of jeans and turn one of the legs into a drawstring bag. Pop a gift inside, and there's no need for wrapping. The bag becomes both a present and the wrapping. Read on for the tutorial...

Bundled Up Bindle Bag ~ New Pattern

The Bundled Up Bindle Bag is a circular drawstring bag with a difference. Hidden inside are LOTS of pockets. Made with eSheep Design's latest PDF pattern, the bag is easy to customise and can be used to carry and store a myriad of items. 

Threading Your Way ~ Features

This week's features (all have been Pinned)...

A useful and quick to make project, added to the Purses, Clutches & Pouches link party. Adapted from a free tutorial...

Knitting Needle Case by Julie, from Sum of their Stories.. this week's featured blog. Julie, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. You'll want to check out the tutorials page over at Sum of their Stories - so much inspiration... knitting, crochet, sewing, paper craft, greeting cards, recycling, jewellery and more.

Contents of My Travel Sewing Kit

I've been missing in action for a little while. Scheduled posts kept the blog going, while I travelled to the other side of the country for a wedding. If you follow me on Instagram you'll have seen a few pics already. Knowing I'd have a little spare time some evenings, I took my travel sewing kit with me.

Showcasing ~ Little Dancer Ballet Bag Tutorial

What little ballerina wouldn't want this gorgeous bag. Measuring 16" x 9", it's just the right size for carrying all the things she may need - tutu, ballet shoes, leg warmers, wrap and maybe a bottle of water. 

Showcasing ~ How to Make a Crayon Roll Tutorial

Crayon rolls are a handy way to carry crayons when out and about. Together with a notepad, the roll fits easily into a handbag. They're not just for crayons, though. Pencils will fit in just as easily - the short stubby ones designed for toddlers.

All Women Become Like Their Mothers... or do they?

All women become like their mothers, or so the saying goes. I can't see any evidence to suggest it's happening yet, despite some family members saying otherwise. I'll let you be the judge.

Showcasing ~ Towel Beach Bag Tutorial

A trip to the beach means carrying a myriad of things - towels, sunscreen, clothes, toys... The list goes on, especially if you have kids. What better to put everything in than a bag made from towel.