If you’re looking for a fun and unique Halloween decor piece, look no further than this Spider Web Table Topper. While the lace-like technique used to put these pieces together is perfect for some spooky fun, it will work perfectly in seasonal decor of all kinds – just change out the thread color for a […]
Today, I’m showing you how to use the latest addition to the Crafty Gemini product line! This Wash Away Foundation Roll is the perfect way to use up all those little fabric scraps to make your own fabric! It is water soluble so after you stitch up your project simply soak in water or give it a wash and it will dissolve away. Think of all the fun ways you can use your roll of fabric scraps: make scrappy zip pouches, oven mitts, placemats, table runners, etc. Thanks for watching!
Order the materials & tools mentioned:
•• ORDER Wash Away Foundation ...
read moreIn this week’s Work-In-Progress Wednesday, I’m showing you how to make my “easiest tiny zipper pouch” out of faux leather. Like, fit in the palm of your hand tiny! I love making these to store all my knitting and crochet stitch markers, tapestry needles and other small notions. They work great for sewing notions, too! Store your thimble, a few needles, a small spool of thread and you’re good to go!
All you need is some faux leather and a craft zipper. That’s it! It’s a super quick and easy make you’ll want to ...
read moreJoi Mahon, Sewist at Nancy’s Notions

When and how did you first start sewing?
I started sewing somewhere between age 5-7. I would go to my grandma’s farm and read all of her Hershner’s catalogs and I would look at photos and try to figure out how projects and patterns were created. I guess I started teaching myself at an early age how to think creatively and to figure out how things are put together. I hand sewed a lot for several years and started using a sewing machine around age 11. I think I was the ...
If you have always wanted to try a Dresden Plate block (or if you’ve made a bunch because you love them) then this quilt is for you! And if you’ve tried making Dresdens but they never turned out quite right then this is DOUBLY for you because the quilt uses half-dresdens which are more forgiving […]
When we go from spring to summer, I want to ditch my everyday purse for a quick and simple option, like this drawstring backpack! You can whip one up with 3 half yard cuts of fabric and about 90 minutes. The perfect summer backpack to toss in your necessities all summer long! This drawstring backpack […]
Introducing the Turned Up quilt! This fun quilt is easy to make using the Perfect Rectangle Ruler by Creative Grids. What’s that you say? No rectangles in sight on this quilt? I know! But this ruler cuts those perfect half-rectangle-triangles to complete the Turned Up quilt. The quilt is made using seven half-yard cuts of […]
If you’ve heard of Foundation Paper Piecing and want to know what the fuss is all about, or if you’ve never heard of Foundation Paper Piecing and now you’re curious, I can’t wait to tell you all about this really cool quilting technique! And, I created a free quilt block – the North Star Quilt […]
If you are looking for a fun teen gift, white elephant gift, or just a way to make Christmas morning even more interesting, this Locked Up Stocking is perfect! It has a flap that folds over the top and is then latched in the front and secured with a lock. You can hide the key […]
These pin cushions make perfect gifts for friends and family who like to sew. They are quick and easy to make, inexpensive, and can be personalized for each recipient with specific fabrics and buttons! This post contains affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links provides a small commission to this site at no additional […]
I’m so excited to share this Family Crest Quilt block with you! This is such a simple block to make. Yes, it does have two curved units in there – but they are really not hard to make at all (I promise!). This free family crest quilt block is for this month’s Quilt Block Mania, […]
Ever since I learned that it was not only going to be socially acceptable to put fabric on my face, it was actually going to be mandatory, I have been wanting to make some quilt block masks. Because if people can’t see my smiling face, then at least they can see some happy quilt blocks! […]
I am so excited to announce a project I’ve been working on for weeks and weeks… Summer Sew Camp! This is a week-long set of projects designed specifically for teaching kids how to sew. First of all – YES! Adults can play along as well (of course!) But I have designed this with kids in […]
I know how much you enjoy small pouch projects so, I’m back with another tutorial for you!
This 3D Triangle Pop Out Pouch is a beginner friendly, scrap busting project that makes a great little gift!

As pictured above I have made them in two different sizes. The smaller of the two features the 4″ long hardware. The larger pouch was made with the 4.75″ long hardware. We sell both lengths in our online shop here. If you’re wondering about dimensions, don’t worry. I provide you with the fabric cutting measurements below for both sizes of ...
read moreOur first video tutorial is here! We had so much fun making this video for the Sewing Summit, but now that it’s over we can share with everyone. Learn how to make a Folded Pinwheel Pillow from start to finish: Download a printable tutorial to go along with the video below: You’ll also notice that […]
read moreWelcome to the 23rd week post of the 52 weeks of hot pads / quilted pot holders. This week we’re making sailboat quilt block.
Here is the list of past week’s posts in this 52 Weeks of Hot Pads Challenge:
- 1st Week : Simple Patch | Bias Binding
- 2nd Week : Diagonal Lanes | Quilt As You Go + Binding Tip
- 3rd Week : Scrappy Lanes | Sewing with selvedge
- 4th Week : Pixel Heart | Sewing small pieces
- 5th Week : Hexagon Flower | English Paper Piecing | Round Hot Pad
- 6th Week : Warm Heart | Heart Shaped
- 7th Week : Scrappy Egg | Small scraps
- 8th Week : Rail Fence | Strip piecing
- 9th ...
I’m super excited to announce the Gallery Wall Quilt Along! I’ve been working on this for MONTHS and there is so much awesomeness that I have to share with you! But before I get started with all of that, let me share with you the basics … and then we can get into the details. […]
I love creating quilts for Art Gallery Fabrics’ look books! And today I’m sharing my latest design as a FREE pattern for you to download! This Starry Lullaby Quilt is made using AGF Pine Lullaby prints. It is quick and simple to make – perfect for an easy baby gift! This pattern uses large blocks […]
Welcome to the 22nd week post of the 52 weeks of hot pads / quilted pot holders. This week we’re making Another Leaf, this time from scrappy strips. You’re going to love this one, we’re making two at a time too!
Here is the list of past week’s posts in this 52 Weeks of Hot Pads Challenge:
Welcome to the 21st week post of the 52 weeks of hot pads / quilted pot holders. This week we’re making Bear Paw Quilt Block Hot pad
Here are the list of past week’s posts in this 52 Weeks of Hot Pads Challenge:
- 1st Week : Simple Patch | Bias Binding
- 2nd Week : Diagonal Lanes | Quilt As You Go + Binding Tip
- 3rd Week : Scrappy Lanes | Sewing with selvedge
- 4th Week : Pixel Heart | Sewing small pieces
- 5th Week : Hexagon Flower | English Paper Piecing | Round Hot Pad
- 6th Week : Warm Heart | Heart Shaped
- 7th Week : Scrappy Egg | Small scraps
- 8th Week : Rail Fence ...