Seasons Greetings from Australia

For the last two weeks I've done absolutely no sewing or blogging - very different to last year at this time when I was feeling super organised.

Showcasing ~ How to Neatly Finish Topstitching ~ Tutorial

Topstitching can add a professional finish to a sewn project. When the item has two right sides, however, it becomes harder to create a neat finish. Today's showcased tutorial overcomes this problem.

Showcasing ~ Little Teabag Pouches ~ Tutorial

Many food related items are quick and easy to sew, making them ideal for gift giving. Today's showcased tutorial is one such project. Taking less than five minutes to whip up each one, why not make a bunch.

Showcasing ~ How to Add a Name to a Baby Blanket

I've often thought that I should consider buying an embroidery machine. After watching today's showcased video tutorial, I'm thinking that I should make it a higher priority.

Stashbusting ~ Pillowcases for Charity

With pillowcases taking roughly one yard of fabric, they're great for busting through some of the stash. And they're quick and easy to make, too.

Reusable Wrapping ~ 50+ Fabric Bags ~ Free Tutorials

Are you trying to cut down on wasted paper this Christmas? Today's post shows more than 50 ways to use fabric to make reusable bags for wrapping presents. Bags range from very simple; just a couple of rows of stitching, tied with a ribbon and made in literally minutes - to more elaborate and a gift in themselves.

Showcasing ~ Small Canvas Tote ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

Small bags seem to be on trend at the moment. Measuring 13" x 8" x 7", this little canvas bag fits the bill nicely.

Showcasing ~ Embroidered Snowflake Ornament ~ Pattern

Here in Australia, we celebrate Christmas in the middle of Summer. There's not a hint of snow anywhere in the country. And yet, we still have snowflake ornaments and decorations. Today's showcased project is one of the cutest snowflake ornaments I have ever seen.

Mini Log Cabin Quilt ~ Another UFO Finished

Finally - I've finished my mini log cabin quilt. And I am so pleased with how it's turned out!!! It's taken nearly four years from start to finish, but I've done it, and it feels good.

Showcasing ~ Add Extra Pockets to any Bag ~ Tutorial

I'm forever losing things in the bottom of my bags. The bigger the bag, the longer it takes me to find them. Today's showcased tutorial is a great solution to keeping everything in it's place within a tote bag.

Showcasing ~ Swim Cap Pattern ~ Free Pattern + Tutorial

In just a few days it will be Summer, and for many Australians, that means lots of time spent swimming, both at the beach or in pools. If caps are part of your swimming gear, why not make your own to match your swimsuit.

Showcasing ~ Felt Christmas Star Decorations ~ Free Pattern

Ornaments for the Christmas tree need not be expensive. Make your own attractive and unbreakable decorations using a few small scraps of felt. 

Christmas Pillowcases ~ cutting the right number of items

I so don't want to think about Christmas yet, but it's fast approaching whether I like it or not. Last year I began sewing for the festive season quite early, and paced myself throughout the year. It's a different story in 2017 - pillowcases are the first items I've sewn.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

An awesome quilt added to both the Softies, Dolls & Toys and the Quilting & Patchwork link parties. Blocks patterned after game boards - so clever...

Game Quilt by Joy, from Joy's Jots, Shots & Whatnots... this week's featured blog. Joy, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. Over at Joy's Jots, Shots & Whatnots you'll find lots of sewing tutorials. If you are new to sewing, check out the Beginner's Sewing Lessons. You'll also find embroidery files and tech how-to posts.

Showcasing ~ Felt Gift Card Envelope ~ Tutorial

Personalise a gift card by making a pretty envelope - so much better than a plain white paper envelope, which is what I normally resort to. This one is made from felt, and it's reusable, too.

Drawstring Bags ~ Stashbusting

Just a quick post today to show you my latest makes that have used a little of my poly/cotton stash - lined drawstring bags.

Showcasing ~ Doll Sleeping Bag ~ Tutorial

Today's showcased tutorial is perfect for someone who is new to sewing - a sleeping bag for a doll or small teddy.

Showcasing ~ High-Low T-shirt ~ Free Pattern + Tutorial

Today's showcased tutorial is for a high-low t-shirt, that is loose fitting and comfortable - perfect for casual wear, or activities such as Pilates and Yoga.

Why do Some Projects Just Stall and Others Don't?

Why is it that some sewing projects are plain sailing from start to finish, whilst others seem to take FOREVER to complete? And, of course, there's those half finished items that may never see the light of day again.

Showcasing ~ Reversible Fat Quarter Library Bag ~ Tutorial

Whether you call them book bags, or library bags, a small tote makes carrying books to and from school or the library that much easier. Today's showcased tutorial is a great project for someone who is new to sewing.

Showcasing ~ Cosmetic Bag ~ Free Template + Tutorial

I have lots of zippered pouches. I use them for all sorts of things. Today's showcased tutorial, a zippered cosmetic bag, is a beginner friendly project.

How to make an Elastic Waist Skirt with a Lace Ruffle ~ Tutorial

Skirts with an elastic waist are such a practical item of clothing for young girls, and they're easy to sew, too. A few gathers and a little lace will ensure the skirt becomes a well worn garment. Today's tutorial will show you how to make a knee length skirt, complete with the all important twirl factor, suitable for ages two - five.

Showcasing ~ Halloween Witch Hat ~ Free Pattern + Tutorial

Following on from yesterday's Halloween banner, today's showcased tutorial and free pattern is for a witch hat.

Showcasing ~ Easy Halloween Wall Hanging ~ Tutorial

With more than two weeks till Halloween, there's plenty of time left to whip up some decorations. Today's showcased tutorial, a Halloween banner, is a quick and easy make...

Our Resident Satin Bowerbird

We are so very fortunate to share our garden with a male Satin Bowerbird. For at least fifteen years he, or his predecessors, have built bowers in the same location, underneath murraya bushes.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

A super fun hair bow added to the Hair Accessories link party. They're quick to make, too...

Confetti Hair Bows by Liz, from Howling at the Moon

Showcasing ~ Large Zippered Tote Bag ~ Tutorial

Adding a recessed zipper to the top of a bag is not as hard as you may think. And it keeps the contents of your bag safe and sound inside.

Showcasing ~ Long & Short Handle Bag ~ Tutorial

A tote bag that doubles as a shoulder bag and a hand held shopper. How cool is that!!! I have a handbag with straps like this, and it is SO handy. I can change how I wear it, depending on what I'm wearing, where I'm going and to suit my mood.

Quick and Easy to Make ~ Baby Bibs

Bibs are an absolute necessity for babies and toddlers - and LOTS of them!!! Consequently they make great gifts for newborns or to take to a baby shower. Fortunately, they are super quick and easy to sew.

Showcasing ~ Skirt Measurements ~ Sizing Chart

It's not hard to find girls' skirt tutorials online. Many of them, however, don't include measurements for specific sizes and ages. That's fine if the child is at hand. Grab a tape measure and all is good. If the skirt is going to be donated for charity, or the little one is not around, a sizing chart is necessary.

Spring Gardening in Australia

As promised the other day, here's a few pics of my garden. Most days the weather is glorious - perfect to be outdoors - but it's warming up. It won't be long till it's too hot to garden in the heat of the day.

Back After a Break... Almost

There hasn't been much sewing going on here in the last few weeks, and no blogging for over two weeks. It's not often I go for that length of time without at least one or the other on most days.

Showcasing ~ Small Backpack ~ Pattern & Tutorial

Measuring just 11″ x 7″ x 4″ this little backpack is cute, yet roomy enough to be very useful. With adjustable straps and several pockets, this is a functional and practical bag. 

Showcasing ~ Shorts to Skirt with Godets ~ Tutorial

If you have a pair of shorts that you no longer wear, today's showcased tutorial will show you how to prolong their life and get some more wear out of them.

From T-shirts to Canvas Artworks

What do you do with a treasured article of clothing when it no longer fits? Instead of carefully packing it away, upcycle it into a canvas artwork, so it can be put on show for all to see. 

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

An easy to sew project added to the Aprons & Art Smocks link party. A great beginner sewing project...

Simple Hand Towel Apron for a Child ~ Tutorial by Cheryl, from Simply Shoeboxes... this week's featured blog. Cheryl, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. Simply Shoeboxes centres on ways to provide items for kids in crisis around the world, via Operation Christmas Child. To this end, Cheryl and her daughter share many tutorials. Some of my favourites:

• Travel Checkers Game + Drawstring Bag
• Travel Tic Tac Toe Game + Drawstring Bag
• Three Drawstring Bags from One Fat Quarter
• Simple Lined Drawstring Pouch

50+ FREE Bag & Tote Patterns & Tutorials

Is there such a thing as too many bags? I don't think so!!! Maybe that's why I've been referred to as the Bag Lady... LOL!!! Today I'm showcasing more than fifty FREE bag & tote patterns and tutorials, all selected from the Bags & Totes collection, here at Threading My Way - handbags, beach bags, messenger bags, tote bags, carry all bags, book bags and grocery bags. Each contains step by step detailed instructions, with lots of photos, showing how you can make a bag for yourself.

Showcasing ~ Double Welt Pocket ~ Tutorial

Yesterday we looked at how to make a welt zipper pocket. Today it's another welt pocket, but this time without a zipper.

Showcasing ~ Welt Zipper Pocket ~ Tutorial

There's no such thing as too many pockets when it comes to bags. Whether it be on the outside, or the inside, pockets make it easier to keep everything contained and in the right place. And pockets with a zipper, even better.

What Makes a Sewing Project Successful?

What is it that makes a sewing project successful? 

An item that looks like the original pattern or tutorial, is technically correct and looks good. One that receives lots of compliments. Perhaps a new technique tackled and another skill added to the repertoire. A new design where everything falls into place. A difficult project that comes together after much hard work. Or simply the fact that it's finished, mistakes and all.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

A gorgeous bucket style bag added to the Bags & Totes link party. I love the decorative stitching on the flap...

Fiona's Freeway - Easy Street Bag by Daryl, from Patchouli Moon Studio... this week's featured blog. Daryl, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. Over at Patchouli Moon Studio, you will find Tip of the Morning Tuesday, where Daryl writes about a vast range of topics - for example: 

• Fastest & Easiest Way to Clean your Iron with no Odor
• How to Baste a Small Quilt 
• What to do with Fabric Scraps
• How to Store Embroiddery Floss

Showcasing ~ Tea Towel Totes ~ Tutorial

Tea towels are sturdy and come in a wonderful range of colours and designs, making them perfect for turning into tote bags. Read on to see how... 

Showcasing ~ Delicates Wash Bag ~ Tutorial

Net curtains were all the rage back in the 70s and 80s. We had them on every window. Now-a-days they're not quite as common. Today's showcased tutorial will show you how to repurpose them, if you have some old net curtains lying around.

Eva Dress + Little Shopper Tote ~ Baby Shower Gift

I recently sewed up a darling little dress for a yet to be born baby. Presented in a reusable gift bag, this was my contribution for the baby shower.

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

A beautiful zippered pouch added to both the Purses, Pouches Clutches and the Embroidery, Stitching, Appliqué link parties. I love the sailboat appliqué...

Maritime Zippered Pouch by Klaudia, from Klaudia's Kreativ World

Text Fabric Makeup Bag Zippered Pouch

I have a thing for text fabric. There's just something about it that draws my eye - even if it's illegible, in another language, or totally random. 

Showcasing ~ Star Softie ~ Tutorial

Today's showcased tutorial is a great beginner sewing project. Help the kids to make their own softies.

Quick and Easy to make - Baby Burp Cloths

Along with baby wash cloths, burp cloths would have to be one of the easiest items to make for a newborn baby. And, they are such a practical gift for a baby. You'll know for certain, your present is going to be used often.

Grandmother's Flower Garden Quilt ~ It's Happening

After deliberating for quite a while, I've decided on how to sew my hexagon flowers together. It's been two months since my last hexie post, and I've been steadily stitching away.

Quick and Easy ~ Baby Wash Clothes

Who doesn't love sewing for a baby! I do, that's for sure. And this month I've been sewing up a bunch of tiny items for little ones.