Fabric Lingo

Jelly Roll: Strips of matching fabric from a line (ex: Moda) that are 2 1/2" x 44". The number of strips can vary.

Honey Bun:  Strips of matching fabric from a line that are 1 1/2" x 44".

Charm Pack: Various fabrics cut into 5" x 5" squares.

Fat Quarter: Fabric cut approximately in 18" x 22".


**As a side note, there are quilting pattern books you can purchase that specifically make patterns for fabric packs such as these. Below is my favorite book I've bought for jelly rolls - I've done almost all of the patterns! These types of patterns are the best to learn from because your fabric is pre-cut which makes less cutting for you but the directions are simpler to follow.

Exploring Your Sewing Machine

With a few exceptions, the picture below is basically where parts will be located on your sewing machine. The best way (and probably the most boring) to learn about your particular machine is to read the manual! You'll be surprised how many different things you can do!

   If you do not yet have a sewing machine and would like me to do the research for you....my suggestion would be to purchase the Brother 25-Stitch sewing machine as pictured below. Amazon's price is about $5.00 cheaper than Costco's price on the same machine. This sewing machine is going to be the best "bang for your buck" as a beginner sewer, and is reasonably priced if you ask me! If you have any other sewing machine questions feel free to ask and I'll try to answer it in a separate post!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Here's what I always suggest the beginner sewer buy:

1. pin cushion
2. cutting mat
3. rotary cutter
4. pins
5. batting
6. quilting safety pins (they are bent to make it easier for pinning the quilt together)
7. fabric scissors
8. marking pen
9. cutting ruler














            





























Now of course you don't have to buy these items directly from Amazon, but if you want to, here they are! They are also all available at Jo-Ann's or even Wal Mart if you like.

The First Step

  The first thing I tell anyone I'm working with is to go to either a Jo-ann's Fabric Store or online to their website to sign up for the mailing list. You can enter your email and receive coupons that way and/or fill in your address to receive coupons in the mail. If you enter both pieces of information (which I recommend) you'll receive almost double the coupons! Do be careful though, shopping with coupons can get addicting!
  I like to say that Jo-Ann's is the Wal-Mart of fabric stores...how you ask? Well, besides the negative side of long lines to have fabric cut, Jo-Ann's has the biggest selection of fabric, all of your "crafty" supplies, and the best prices. There are a few things you might have to visit another store for, but all in all its my favorite place to go.
  Now I do realize this might be a local thing (I am mainly in Utah or Idaho), so if you live in another state and have another fabric store you find best let me know about it! I've created this blog to share secrets/tips in the sewing department so do tell. Let me know if you have questions!

What is this blog about??

I've decided to start this new blog because I love to sew. And when I love something, I LOVE to share it with other people! I've already taught a couple of new-found friends to sew and hope to be able to bring to you quick tips, easy patterns (that end up looking more difficult then they really are), and products that I've tested and now love!
So, if you are interested in sewing, feel free to follow my blog! I tend to do more quilting than anything; but lately I've worked on purses & baby shoes so I'm open to any pattern that isn't too difficult to follow and make.
Before I start blogging about sewing, sewing, and more sewing, I'd like to tell you about myself! I have been married for 4 years and have one daughter. I'm about to turn the big 2-5 as well. I graduated from college with a Social Work degree and plan to someday receive my masters and become a high school counselor. After my daughter was born (she's 3 months right now), I started staying home full-time to take care of her. I've loved every minute of it as well as the time I have to work on making quilts and other crafty items!
I hope you enjoy the blog and that it helps someone out there who has wanted to sew but just hasn't had a "guide"!