I love Mug Rugs too!

I found a great blog, Two More Seconds, featuring photos and tips on mug rugs. Mug rugs are really just over sized coasters or teeny weeny quilts for your coffee and snack. Great for trying out quilting skills, mug rugs make great gifts and help save water....no more plates (or paper napkins for that matter)....just dust off the cookie crumbs and you are good to go until the next treat. So check out http://www.twomoreseconds.com/2011/03/mug-rug-madness-10-days-of-tips.html and try one today!!!

I printed this cup using a hand cut stencil and a silk screen. This is reserved for a swap I am participating, Make Mine Modern (as seen on side bar).

Patchwork Hot Pads

I have always loved these hotpads (or potholders as some call them) at Tangerine & Turquoise. I finally got around to making some and thought they would also be a good beginner sewing project. 

I am teaching a Beginner's Sewing Class at the Art Station

Have a sewing machine but do not know where to start? Sign up for the Beginners Sewing Workshop Series at the Arts Station. Learn the basics of sewing to get you started sewing home items, simple garments and accessories.  Topics to be covered are: how to use your sewing machine, basic stitches, finishing, reading patterns and choosing fabrics.  

The first class will cover basic topics such as learning how to thread your sewing machine, basic stitching and troubleshooting. Once participants are familiar with their machines, we will practice various techniques found in many sewing projects. We will discuss how to select the right project for you, reading a pattern, finding inspiration, adding personal touches, as well as choosing fabric and “up cycling” old items into new.  The goal of the series is to make sewing simple, fun and functional for everyday use.  The class will end by choosing a project for the second class. A variety of books and patterns will be provided for inspiration and use.

The second class will center on sewing for the home. Taking what was learned in the first class students may choose from a variety of projects for the home. Learn how to sew a simple “envelope style” cushion, placemats, or funky patchwork potholders. We will discuss how to modify patterns and ideas to incorporate your own personal style.

The third and fourth class will involve garment construction. Participants will take a closer look at reading patterns, pattern placement and learn how to measure themselves. If sewing for children is your goal, we will discuss sizing and choosing fabrics. Potential projects may include easy an adult A line skirt, toddler dress or reversible pants for baby. Options are not limited to those mentioned above but selections do have to be simple and in doable in a 2 hour time slot. If a more complicated project is desired, participants can choose to work on one project throughout the series.

If time allows, basic hand stitching and appliqué will be covered to add personal touches to items.  Participants will be able to choose from a variety of projects or bring a simple pattern of their own.  Must bring own sewing machine in good working order.

Supplies/Material

Supplies needed for the first class are as follows:

Sewing machine in good working order

Fabric scissors

Craft scissors (for cutting patterns) optional

Thread in assorted colors. If you have only a few, bring one light neutral (such as light gray) and black or brown.

Stick pins

Washable fabric marker or pencil

Cloth measuring tape

Optional Items:

Rotary cutter and mat

Embroidery thread

Various assortments of buttons

Fabric:

We will discuss fabric selection based on projects picked for classes 2, 3 and 4. If you already have a stash of fabric bring some along to discuss potential use. Also consider using thrifted items or unwanted tops, pants, sheets, etc. We will discuss how to repurpose old items into new items, such as turning a dress into a skirt or making a skirt out of a man’s button down shirt.  The quilt shop here has a wide variety of cotton fabric suitable for some of the projects. As a suggestion, ask to see the Amy Butler line (1 meter would be more than enough for simple home projects if you want to buy fabric ahead of time. I will be providing scrap fabric for practice as well as scraps for simple patchwork. I will also have some fabric available for purchase (for a reasonable price).  Take some time to view some of the links on my blog for inspiration.

I love Echino!

I love Echino prints. Simply said.  The top pair of pants are a cotton linen blend with an Echino patch. They are reversible with a soft flannel in the inside. I then made a super easy pillow and machine stitched plus signs instead of quilting the whole pillow. I also upcycled a pair of linen maternity pants and made pair of pants (unlined) for a 12 month old. I had lots of fun just using bits of the echino prints to make it last longer.