Seasons Greetings

There's been absolutely no sewing or blogging happening in recent times. I've featured and showcased several projects, as well as sometimes updating the Daily Free Tutorial over there in the sidebar, but that's about it.

Featuring ~ Denim Jeans Apron

Denim is such a sturdy fabric, making it perfect for repurposing and refashioning. Today's featured project is an apron made from an old pair of denim jeans. 

Showcasing ~ Circle Skirt with Directional Fabric ~ Template

Little, and not so little girls love the all important twirl factor of a circle skirt. There's a problem with directional fabrics and circle skirts, however - the print will end up being upside down at the back. Today's showcased tutorial shows how to overcome that problem to successfully make a circle skirt using directional fabric, with the added bonus of being able to use smaller cuts of fabric. 

Showcasing ~ Pinch Grip Oven Mitt ~ Pattern & Tutorial

Protection from hot surfaces is a must when working in the kitchen. Every home needs them, so why not whip up a set this Christmas.

Showcasing ~ Wonder Clips Pincushion 'Plus' ~ Tutorial

Now-a-days I tend to use wonder clips as much, or even more than pins. My pins are always at the ready in a pincushion that sits next to my sewing machine. Stored in a box, my wonder clips are not as easy to quickly grab. Enter the pincushion that has a section to securely hold wonder clips - no more fumbling in a box.

Showcasing ~ Messenger Bag ~ Tutorial

It's not always easy to find items to sew for men. Messenger bags are not just for men - anyone can use them, but they are a style that many men like.

Bags for ~ It's in the Bag ~ Share the Dignity

Last week I reviewed the book, Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics, just giving you a sneak peak of the bag I made. Time to show you the whole bag, and tell you where it's headed.

Showcasing ~ Felt Unicorn Ornament ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

With just a few small pieces of felt, half a dozen seed beads and some embroidery thread, you can make the most adorable unicorn ornaments. Hang a few from the Christmas tree, or make a garland of unicorns to hang on a wall, or the mantel piece.

Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics ~ Book Review

I was given a copy of the book in return for writing a review.

A month ago now I told you I had a couple of book reviews to share with you. Here is the first of them today - Handmade Bags in Natural Fabrics by Emiko Takahashi. To review the book properly, I've sewn up one of the bags, which has given me the chance to try out a pattern, follow instructions and see how easy it is to find the required information.

Featuring ~ American Ships Quilt

Today's featured project is an amazing embroidered quilt that was nine years in the making - truly a labour of love.

Showcasing ~ Quilted Table Runner ~ Christmas Tutorial

Have you started thinking about Christmas yet? I figure if I don't think about it I may have more time to get organised - if only... LOL!!! Today's showcased tutorial is perfect for adding to the festive season decor.

Showcasing ~ Denim Jeans Christmas Trees ~ Tutorial

Christmas doesn't have to be all reds and greens. For a unique look, repurpose some denim jeans offcuts into fun Christmas trees. They're a win win!!! You'll have some great looking decorations, whilst using up all those hard to know what to do with bits and pieces of denim.

Showcasing ~ Exploding Fabric Box Sewing Storage ~ Tutorial

Every now and then, something comes along where you think WOW - such a unique, clever idea!!! Today's showcased project is just that. Read on for the Exploding Fabric Box - perfect for storing sewing accessories such as sewing machine needles - both new and used - and all manner of small bits and pieces.

Showcasing ~ Dragon Wings Costume ~ Tutorial

Cute, comfortable and perfect for Halloween - today's showcased tutorial ticks all the boxes.

Showcasing ~ Versatile Scrappy Quilt Block ~ Tutorial

I'm always on the lookout for easy quilt blocks - something that sews up really quickly. Makes me feel I've achieved a lot in a small space of time.

Not Much Blogging ~ Update on Mum... and me

It's been just over a month since Mum broke her hip. I've managed to do a little on the blog, but not much, so I thought it was time to give you all an update.

Showcasing ~ Halloween Trick or Treat Bag ~ Pattern

If you celebrate Halloween, these trick or treat bags are just the thing. Measuring 8' x 8" x 3", they are just the right size for kids to carry.

Showcasing ~ Fabric Bookmark with Felt Appliqué ~ Tutorial

There's something about real books, that digital books just don't have - how it feels to turn the pages and the smell of the paper. And to keep your place, you need a bookmark, unless you're someone who turns over the corner of the page. Me, I prefer a bookmark.

Showcasing ~ Fabric Storage Basket ~ Tutorial

Fabric baskets are perfect for storing all manner of bits and pieces. And, they're a great way to show off some favourite fabric. With a finished size of 9½" x 9½" x 5½", today's showcased baskets were made with baby storage in mind - a perfect gift for a newborn.

Missing in Action

It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and will be a while till the next, as my Mum has broken her hip. It's been a stressful time, especially for Mum, but she is making good progress, and champing at the bit to get back to her garden. Every now and then I'm able to get to a computer and update the Daily Featured Tutorial over there in the sidebar, but for the time being, that's about it.

See you when I can.

... Pam

Where to Find FREE Patterns & Tutorials for Making Bags

Bags and totes don't have to fit perfectly like garments, making them one of the easiest, and most popular, projects to sew. Whilst there are lots of great bag patterns that can be purchased, there's no shortage of free ones, too. To help you save money while sewing, I've found lots of sites where you will free patterns and tutorials to use when sewing totes and bags.

Showcasing ~ Denim World Map on a Floor Cushion ~ Tutorial

I live in denim jeans. It's a rare occasion when I swap them for another garment. Hard wearing as they are, however, they don't last forever. Don't throw them out - there are so many uses they can be put to. Today's showcased tutorial is one such example - and it only requires very small scraps of different coloured denim.

Showcasing ~ Dad's Barn Quilt Block ~ Tutorial

Many quilts from long ago were made with old pieces of clothing, instead of new fabric like we use today. Today's showcased tutorial is an example of upcycling men's button down shirts into a quilt.

Seven Years Blogging ~ Things I've Learnt

Seven years blogging - can you believe that? To be honest, if it wasn't for Rochelle sending me an email this year, the seven year mark would have totally passed me by.

Showcasing ~ Mini Backpack Coin Purse ~ Free Pattern

Don't be deceived - this is no ordinary backpack. Measuring just 3½" x 3" x 2", it's a cute, little coin purse. Wouldn't these make great presents.

Showcasing ~ Turn a Napkin into a Pillow / Cushion ~ Tutorial

It's no secret that I love text fabric!!! Text fabric on a napkin (serviette), with a black crocheted edge - even better.

What Do You Do When a Project Goes Wrong?

Do you ever think everything is going along swimmingly with what you are sewing, only to find that you've made a mistake quite early on in the process, but didn't notice. That was me with this hand stitched project.

Sewn by YOU ~ Drawstring Bag with Divider ~ Nail Polish Bag

It usually takes a while for readers to start creating projects from one of my tutorials. Not so my latest tutorial - the Drawstring Gift Bag with Divider.

New at Threading My Way ~ Daily Featured Free Tutorial

Have you seen the new link in the sidebar here at Threading My Way? Look over in the sidebar halfway down. 

This is the first one...

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Featured Free Tutorial

Drunkards Path Quilted Tote Bag

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Showcasing ~ Receiving Blanket, Swaddling Blanket ~ Tutorial

Who doesn't love sewing for babies? I know I do! I think it has something to do with welcoming a new little one into the world - not to mention most of the items are tiny, cute and fast to whip up.

Showcasing ~ Bucket Bag ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

With a finished size of 15" x 11", today's showcased bag is not only roomy, but has seven pockets inside. The stylish bucket bag is designed to be made with thickish materials, such as upholstery fabric or leather.

Text Fabric ~ Reusable Grocery Bag ~ My Favourite

It's no secret that I LOVE text fabric - doesn't matter what the text says, or even if it's legible or in another language. I think that just adds to the appeal.

Showcasing ~ Snow Globe Coaster ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

We call them coasters in Australia. You might call them mug rugs. Whatever you call them, today's showcased project is super cute - and definitely required thinking outside the square by the creator.

Showcasing ~ Bandana Bunny ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

Softies come in all shapes and sizes, the main criteria being that they are soft and cuddly - a toy that a child can snuggle up to. Adorable and cute, like today's showcased project, just adds to their appeal.

Why a Skirt is a Good Beginner Project...

or When a Project Doesn't Go to Plan

Why is a simple gathered skirt a good project for a beginner? It's all straight line sewing, with the addition of some elastic. You can't go wrong - or can you?

Silk Screen Printed Silhouette Quilt ~ Finally Finished

It's finished!!! At long last I have finished the silk screen printed silhouette quilt - over four years in the making.

Showcasing ~ DIY Magnetic Pin Jar ~ Tutorial

Today's showcased project involves no sewing whatsoever, but you'll use it almost every time you do sew. And, it only takes one minute to make...

Threading Your Way ~ Features

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

A fabulous tutorial, added to the Sewing Accessories link party. A clever way to carry unfinished quilt blocks and spools of thread when out and about...

Needle Turn Appliqué Roll-up Block Keeper ~ Tutorial by Joy, from Days Filled with Joy... this week's featured blog. Joy, look out for your blog button in my sidebar. Joy sews at an amazing pace - a mixture of quilts and easy to sew projects, many of them suitable for gift giving. Some of my favourites...

• Little Teabag Pouches
• Lavender Sachets
• Quilt Binding with Decorative Stitches

If you want to make money from sewing and quilting, check out Joy's 31 part series.

Showcasing ~ Vintage Handkerchief Jewellery Pouch ~ Tutorial

We grew up with hankies, not tissues. They were the first item I learnt to iron. Yep, you read that right. We used to iron our handkerchiefs!!! Hard to imagine now. I'm kicking myself for throwing out so many pretty handkerchiefs over the years - so many things I could do with them now, today's adorable bag being one of them.

Winter Garden in Australia ~ Signs of Spring

Long time readers of Threading My Way will know that while my blog is mainly about sewing, gardening is my passion. It's my happy place. Since it has been a while since I've shown you pics, I thought it was about time to rectify that.

Text Fabric Nail Polish Bag ~ Drawstring Gift Bag

When I showed you my drawstring bag with a divider, I indicated I'd made a second bag. Well, here it is...

Showcasing ~ Reusable Fabric Christmas Crackers ~ Tutorial

The beauty of hand made Christmas Crackers is the ability to put your own gifts inside. Typical store bought crackers contain a joke, a party hat and a plastic novelty. Making your own crackers, the contents are limited only by your imagination.

Showcasing ~ Lined Tote Bag with Handle Cover ~ Tutorial

What I love about today's showcased project is the handle cover. Not only does it keep both of the handles together, it also makes holding the bag easier - no more straps digging into your hands.

Pillowcases & Blanket ~ Skirting the Issue

Once again the girls from Simple Simon and Company are running Skirting the Issue, a month long sew along in support of children who could do with a little something to brighten their lives. What began as sewing skirts for girls in foster care, has now grown to include quilts, blankets, pillowcases and dresses.

Sewn by YOU ~ Drawstring Gift Bag with Divider

Last week I showed you my drawstring gift bag, made with a divider to form two compartments. Susan, from Super Mom No Cape! has already made her own version of the bag. In fact, she's made two bags. 

Showcasing ~ Hedgehog Softie ~ Free Pattern & Tutorial

When I was a kid, it was just dolls and teddy bears. Thankfully things have changed, and softies now come in the shape of any animal you can image. What could be cuter than a family of soft hedgehogs!

Showcasing ~ Denim Jeans Peg Bag ~ Tutorial

Pegs or clothespins - whatever you call them, they need to be contained in something. Today's showcased tutorial will step you through the process of upcycling a pair of old denim jeans into a peg bag, or clothespin bag.

Reusable Double Wine Bottle Bag ~ Gift Bag

I am so pleased with the wine bottle bags I've recently made. Each holds two bottles of wine, is easy to make and looks good, too.

Drawstring Gift Bag with Divider ~ Nail Polish Bag ~ Tutorial

If you've been reading Threading My Way for any length of time, you'll know that I like to get creative when giving presents. Drawstring bags are an easy way to cut down on paper and they become part of the gift, too. Today's drawstring bag is a little different, though - it has a panel inside, to divide the bag into two compartments.

Showcasing ~ Secret Pocket Coathanger ~ Tutorial

Today's showcased tutorial is rather nifty - one project with two purposes. It would be very handy if you travel, although I can see several uses for this in my own wardrobe at home.