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Embroidering Frank! Isn’t he Handsome? from Art and Quilting in Camden

For my January 2026 Artisan project, I’m sharing a few of the gifts I made in the past two months since they are now given and public! At long last I have conquered my greatest hurdle with the *enormous* Janome M17 combination sewing and embroidery machine: learning how to use the Artistic Digitizer software (remember, I’m a completely new to machine embroidery, just learning what the correct words and phrases are to ask how-to questions). The M17 is brilliant and easy to use, but I tend to learn by clicking here, clicking there, and not following a linear ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 months, 2 weeks ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #embroideryroksshop , #embroideryroksshopetsy , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomeartisticdigitizer , #janomeembroidery , #janomem17 , #sarahannsmithartist , edge finishes and bindings , embroidery , favorite products , janome , techniques , thread , tools of the trade , videos by sarah (Comments)

Perfecting the Tote Bag–Part 2, the Sheep in Sweaters Tote from Art and Quilting in Camden

So FINALLY we get to the Sheep in Sweaters Tote! When I started the previous post, I discovered I’d never blogged about the turquoise tote, which is the forerunner and partner of this one! I will say now that I have finished this post (Part 2), it is LONG–but I wanted to be sure you got ALL the good info. If you’re here for just the totebag part, skim the embroidery bits! Thanks for reading!

Those of you who get my newsletter (sign up in right sidebar on this blog or the bottom of all the other ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 2 years, 7 months ago. under #byanniepatterns , #corkfabric , #cottonfabric , #fabricfunhouse , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomesewing , #machineembroidery , #oesd , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithartist , #totebag , #tulapink , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , applique , crafty , creativity , edge finishes and bindings , embroidery , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , janome , janomeartisan , knitting , machine applique , machine embroidery , machine quilting , presser feet , sewing , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , tutorials (Comments)

Perfecting the Tote Bag–Part 1, the Turquoise Onion Tote from Art and Quilting in Camden

Confession: I love boxes, bags, baskets…. the more, the merrier. I still wonder what happened to that plaid and a little bit of leather bag I had when I was six! And I love having my bags work for me, offering the perfect combination of color, print and cloth, and function.

Over the years I have learned that I HATE rummaging around in the pitch dark bottom of a deep bag. I think of those as North-South bags, taller than they are wide. I vastly prefer East-West–where I can actually FIND stuff inside. It also means black and other ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 2 years, 7 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomem7continental , #learnwithsarah , #maine , @janomesewingmachines , color , edge finishes and bindings , fabric design , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , janome , janomeartisan , machine quilting , presser feet , sewing hints , surface design , surface pattern design , techniques , tools of the trade , tutorials (Comments)

Piecing tips from the art quilter! from Art and Quilting in Camden

First, hi everyone and welcome to new readers! I’ve actually been piecing…set-in circles no less! Above is the 74″ square top. Each block will finish at 12 1/2 inches. I used Latifah Safari’s 12″ Clammy to cut the circles, half circles and the corner quarter squares. Her instructions have you cut the outside from a single piece of cloth, but in addition to wanting to mix up the colors I felt that used too much yardage. I do have a nice stack of the background fabric “pumpkin seeds” from the leftovers to use in something, though ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 2 years, 7 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artistsoninstagram , #clammyquilt , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #janomem7continental , #latifahsaafirstudios , #learnwithsarah , #taylorseville , #thetalesofpercivalwulfric , @janomeamerica , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , fresh quilting , in progress quilts , modern , modern quilting , piecing , quilt design , quilt inspiration , techniques , traditional quilting (Comments)

Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 9-hems, a bonus scarf and wrap-up from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hard to believe the ninth and final lesson is here already! Thank you for following along. Links to all nine of the posts in this series are now listed at the bottom of each lesson and on my Resources page! If you remember this down the line, the fastest way to find it is put “Plaid” in the search box at right on the blog OR look for a link to the Plaid Top Tutorials on my Resources page, here.

To recap, we have:

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years, 1 month ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #byanniestiletto , #fabricsstore , #garmentsewing , #garmentsewingtutorial , #hongkongfinish , #hongkongseams , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomem7continental , #janomesewing , #learnwithsarah , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , presser feet , sewing hints , tools of the trade (Comments)

Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 3–Matching Plaids, cutting out your garment pieces from Art and Quilting in Camden

While visiting a favorite local shop in nearby Rockland, Maine, Clementine, I happened to fondle this amazing thick, soft flannel and thought it would made a perfect winter top. The plaid adds a bit of complexity and opportunity to teach a few more advanced skills along with a fairly simple pattern for this series.

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years, 2 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #garmentmaking , #garmentsewingtutorial , #handmade , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomem7continental , #kaishears , #matchingplaids , #patternweights , #sarahannsmith , #tailorschalk , #taylorseville , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , @sarahannsmithq , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeamerica , janomeartisan , patterns , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , tutorials (Comments)

Anthea Blouse in Sky Blue Linen from Art and Quilting in Camden

While visiting my favorite local shop, Fiddlehead Artisan Supply, one of the young women working there had on her version of this blouse. Asked the pattern name–Anthea by Anna Allen–went home and ordered it! The colors I’m wearing are Maine Summer and it is so flattering to many body types and comfortable.

Today’s blogpost takes you through making an entire blouse, which presser feet I use on my Janome (I’m a brand ambassador and compensated, but I’d say all this good stuff anyway…they rock!) m7Continental, why and offer tips and tricks for garment ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years, 6 months ago. under #annaallenpatterns , #antheadblouse , #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artistsauthordesignerquilter , #fabricsstore , #fiddleheadartisansupply , #janomegirl , #sarahannsmith , classes i've taken , edge finishes and bindings , favorite products , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeamerica , janomeartisan , patterns , techniques , travels , tutorials , videos by sarah (Comments)

Sundress on the Janome M7 from Art and Quilting in Camden

Another new make on the Janome M7 using various stitches and features to make a great dress perfect! I found a link to a free blouse pattern on the Australian Peppermint Magazine on Spoonflower. Following the trail of cookie crumbs (or thread bits), I then found the Wide-Strap Maxi dress pattern, which is a free PDF download. They ask if you’d like to make a donation to support the cost of the site, so I did, and I GOT A THANK YOU! Nice! Click on the pattern name or here for the hotlink. Along the way I took pictures ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 4 years, 8 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomegirl , #maine , #sarahannsmith , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeamerica , janomeartisan (Comments)

Perfect Pattern Weights free pattern! from Art and Quilting in Camden

These just-perfect sized pattern weights, 3″ on a side, are not only just the thing for YOUR sewing room, but they make quick and easy gifts for anyone you know who sews!

PerfectPatternWeights by SarahAnnSmith.com — Can you tell how much FUN I had? Lookit the doggie as a Halloween Ghost (top row) and the goofy Space Alien (center right) and those fantastic Garden Pindots (middle and lower rows)! See free PDF for pattern and Michael Miller Fabrics fabric details.

Early in my year as a Michael Miller Fabrics Brand Ambassador for 2020, I decided to use some Marbles (MMF Basic collection) for a ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 4 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #learnwithsarah , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador2020 , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , @sarahannsmithq , crafty , fabric , favorite products , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , michael miller fabrics , patterns , sewing hints , tools of the trade (Comments)

Teaching at Virtual Quilt Festival, the IQF answer to COVID!!!! from Art and Quilting in Camden

I’ll be one of the five panelists in the Machine Quilting Forum on Saturday, December 5. You can still sign up! Here’s a link to the “Saturday” page. If we weren’t able to go to Houston this year, this is a spiffy alternative! There is a link at the top of the page to enroll. The price for forums, lectures and classes is astonishingly reasonable…. I’ve signed up to be a student too!

I do believe Quilts Inc, the folks that bring you the International Quilt Festival every year (except this one due to COVID) have ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 5 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomeartisan , #learnwithsarah , #machinequilting , #sarahannsmith , #virtualquiltfestival , #virtualquiltfestival2020 , art quilting , classes , favorite products , international quilt festival , lecture , quilt market , quilt shows , teaching , thread , thread-coloring , threadwork unraveled (Comments)

Winding Ways: quilt and done! from Art and Quilting in Camden

Good tools (AccuQuiltGO!), good fabric (Michael Miller Fabrics), good thread (Aurifil), good machine (Janome Continental M7), and some experience, and you can do a lot! This return to my quilty roots just makes me happy!

Over the course of the year I’ve shared progress on this quilt:

First, there was learning to use the AccuQuiltGO! which I blogged about here. It was a different block, but the easy applies.
Then there is the PIECING of CURVES: see the blogpost here or go directly to the video on my YouTube Channel here.
Now there is the quilting video (that covers ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 8 months ago. under #accuquiltgo! , #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #cottoncouture , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #peekintobatiks , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @aurifil , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , @michaelmillerfabrics , accuquiltgo! , edge finishes and bindings , fabric , favorite products , fresh quilting , janome , machine quilting , michael miller fabrics , modern , modern quilting , pandemic-at-home , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , thread , tools of the trade , traditional quilting , videos by sarah (Comments)

Piecing Curves…it is possible even for me from Art and Quilting in Camden

Whoo-eeeee! Lookit those perfect seams… this was my second block, and I think it looks pretty durn good for someone who doesn’t really piece a lot! There are a few MINOR things I can fuss at (like the seam allowance on the center top spike is a skosh wide and the upper left corner edge isn’t perfect, but still! Fabrics are batiks and Bright White Cotton Couture from Michael Miller Fabrics.

Precision piecing has never been my strong suit, but I am — like Michaelangelo at age 80 — still learning. One of the things I’ve learned is that ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 9 months ago. under #byanniepatterns , @kimberlyeinmo , color , fabric , favorite products , fresh quilting , in progress quilts , janome , michael miller fabrics , modern , modern quilting , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , traditional quilting , videos by sarah (Comments)

The next generation SEWS brilliantly…on a Janome of course! from Art and Quilting in Camden

My daughter-in-law Ashley is my “daughter by another mother.” She is crafty and smart and nice and boy did I get lucky! (Well, my son Joshua was smart too….) Anyway, she was interested in sewing, so for a few years we worked on small projects together. She liked it so much we decided to SPLURGE two years ago and give her a combined Birthday and Graduation from College with Honors with a Teaching degree (yup, popping proud): her very first sewing machine, the Janome M7200. What with moving, starting her teaching career, lack of space in the first apartment in ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 9 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #ashleysmith , #bittersweetfabricshop , #bittersweetfabricsnh , #collettepatterns , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , #sorbettotop , #tinyteacherrr , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , @tinyteacherrr , family , favorite products , garments , janome (Comments)

Screen Printed Garments! from Art and Quilting in Camden

My new Queen Anne’s Lace top. I screen printed my custom designs onto Cotton Couture solids (courtesy of Michael Miller Fabrics), this color is “Luna.”

In the summer of 2020 I saw **Print Pattern Sew** by Jen Hewitt somewhere online and ordered it immediately. It’s FAB! is available many places including Amazon . DO check out Jen’s site, here. Of course it took until April to start playing and until now to post. For the workshop and this post I wanted to use a pattern currently available that is similar to two vintage (circa mid 1980s) patterns that ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 9 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #cottoncouture , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #jenhewett , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #prochemicalanddye , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , #screenprinting , #surfacedesign , @janomeamerica , @jenhewett , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , art quilting , favorite products , fiber on a whim , garments , janome , michael miller fabrics , paint , sewing hints , surface design , techniques , thermofax (Comments)

Peek Into Batiks–June Block! from Art and Quilting in Camden

Earlier in the year I shared that Michael Miller Fabrics is doing a Block of the Month called Peek Into Batiks. It all began here. That post has links to each month as the new block goes live. Well, June is my turn! I’ve got still photos and (gasp) a video! And, drum roll here is the link to the JUNE Pattern and instructions.

Here’s the finished block! Read on for step by step instructions.

First, of course, you need to cut your fabrics. I used a hybrid method using the AccuQuiltGo! for everything except the large black ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 10 months ago. under #accuquiltgo! , #artistauthorquilterteacher , #cottoncouture , #janome , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #janomem7continental , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #peekintobatiks , #sarahannsmith , @michaelmillerfabrics , accuquiltgo! , classes , fabric , favorite products , michael miller fabrics , sewing hints , teaching , videos by sarah (Comments)

Easy Peasy meets Soft ‘n Stable from Art and Quilting in Camden

In my last post I shared the Clam Up bag from byAnnie.com, and earlier I shared my AWESOME Running With Scissors bag made for her patterns. I love bags and baskets and boxes and things to organize. One of my favorite classes to teach is my Easy-Peasy Inside-Out Bag, which makes a great 3 hours quickie class for a bag (or two if you are fast) or full day class where you can learn more details and extras. I decided to try Annie’s Soft ‘n Stable stabilizer instead of batting to see how it would work in MY ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 10 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #byannie , #byanniepatterns , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @janomeamerica , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , classes , color , crafty , fabric , favorite products , michael miller fabrics , patterns , teaching , techniques (Comments)

Found in Paradise: a clam! from Art and Quilting in Camden

OK, that’s a bit punny…. I’ve used some of the fun Michael Miller Fabrics Lost in Paradise fabric to make a byAnnie.com pattern called Clam Up. Before COVID hit, I was thinking about my travel teaching, and I made the Running With Scissors tote and blogged about it, here. I wanted a companion bag for bulky stuff I needs to schlep with me. Both of these bags are good for use in your sewing space, retreats or a whole bunch of other things!

The Clam Up bag pattern allows you to select various sizes. I chose a ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 10 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #gardenpindot , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @janomeamerica , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , crafty , fabric , favorite products , machine quilting , michael miller fabrics , patterns , sewing hints (Comments)

Dress Form: Unvarnished Truth and a Game Changer from Art and Quilting in Camden

Two years ago I made my DIL Ashley a linen jacket for job interviews. It was a revelation! Working on another body (not mine) was SO EASY–I could see what needed fitting, figure out how to make changes, assess fit and lines. So I vowed to get a dress form. KaCHING! What I wanted was over $400! Nope. So I cast about for something less expensive. A local quilty friend had a friend with one to sell…done for $75. And it still mostly adjusted and wasn’t musty!

For your listening pleasure (you’ll need to read to ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 11 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #dressform , #garmentmaking , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #madeinmay , #maine , #michaelmillerbrandambassador , #michaelmillerfabrics , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @janomeamerica , @michaelmillerfabrics , @sarahannsmithq , creativity , favorite products , garments , sewing hints , studio pics , techniques (Comments)

The Janome HP foot and throat plate, or…The not-so-little things from Art and Quilting in Camden

Sometimes it is the little things, that turn out to be not-so-little, that make the difference in life. In my life, watching the bubbles form and the water boil gives me joy…what can I say, I live a rural life LOL! Another one is tools that make my sewing life easier like the Janome M7’s HP Presser Foot and throat plate, which are available on select other Janome models. It also turns out, you can teach someone who has been sewing for about 57 years new tricks!

Yes, I like to watch water boil! No, I am not ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 11 months ago. under be happy! , favorite products , janome , machine quilting , piecing , sewing hints , techniques , videos by sarah (Comments)

Irons: from tiny to dragon! from Art and Quilting in Camden

For a while now I’ve wanted to blog about irons, and why I love the ones I have. Yes, plural…..I have SIX! Three are “small” size, two are regular, and one is Sirius the Black Dragon. Yes, my Janome M7 sewing machine is named Albus (the second, he had a predecessor named Albus). There’s even a video at the end of this post about all these irons!

From left to right: the CHI, my beloved Panasonic Titanium Nonstick, the little mushroom style, the (SOB no longer made SOB) Clover, and Sirius, a LauraStar steam generator. I have ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 6 years ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #artquilts , #dyersofinstagram , #fabriccollage , #fusedfabric , #hashdot , #irons , #laurastar , #laurastarsteamgenerator , #maine , #makingitfun , #michaelmillerfabrics , #mistyfuse , #panasonictitaniumnonstickiron , #procionmxdye , #sarahannsmith , #sarahannsmithphotographer , @michaelmillerfabrics , art quilting , favorite products , fusing , garments , michael miller fabrics , tools of the trade (Comments)

What Are Quilters Blogging About Today?

Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...