tools of the trade

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 2 months, 3 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, 6 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, 6 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)

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 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 7-Hong Kong Finish Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Hong Kong seams are a thing of beauty–a little extra work but a secret delight! So even though I didn’t use them in this plaid top, I’m including them with all the seam lessons in this series of technique posts. I did use them on both my Simplicity S8883 top, full blogpost here, and the Brumby Skirt. I also used this finish on a jacket I made for my daughter-in-law some years ago that I swear I wish she could wear inside out LOL!

That lime green on the shoulder and princess seams is a Hong Kong ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #fabricsstore , #garmentsewing , #garmentsewingtutorial , #hongkongfinish , #hongkongseams , #janome , #janomeamerica , #janomeartisan , #janomem7continental , #janomesewing , #learnwithsarah , #linen , @janomeamerica , @janomesewingmachines , edge finishes and bindings , garment sewing , garments , janome , janomeartisan , presser feet , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , tutorials , uncategorized (Comments)

Plaid Top Tutorial: Lesson 4- Overcast Seams, just like Serged Seams from Art and Quilting in Camden

Nothing beats a beautifully finished garment, one that is so pretty on the inside that you enjoy it every time you put it on. Though you might be tempted to wear it inside out it’s so pretty, it remains a secret just for you! Top technique for a beautiful inside is using a seam finish to hide the raw edges. Not only does it look nice, it also protects the edges of the fabric, prevents fraying, can improve the way the seam functions, and contributes to a garment that will last longer. After all, you’ve spent money and ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 3 years, 1 month ago. under #airthread2000d , #cottonfabric , #garmentmaking , #gmqt , #handmade , #janome , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #janomegirl , #janomem7continental , #janomeserger , #janomesewing , #learnwithsarah , #overcaststitch , #sarahannsmith , #seamfinishes , free tutorials and patterns , garment sewing , garments , janome , sewing , sewing hints , techniques , tools of the trade , videos by sarah (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, 1 month 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)

Absolutely PERFECT Bindings on the Janome M7 from Art and Quilting in Camden

This time I surprised even myself. After cutting 850″ of 2 1/4″ bias, I sewed it to twelve (what was I thinking???? clearly I was not thinking….) placemats and a 44 by 15″ table runner, ironed it, glued it to prep for machine sewing. Then, in about 65 minutes I got the second side of ALL the placemats AND the table runner SEWN! Check out the pictures and video!

First, I select my favorite buttonhole stitch: one forward stitch, then one to the side and back. I use the mirror image function to switch it so the sideways stitch ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 1 month ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #janomeamerica @janomesewingmachines , #janomeartisan , #quiltbindings , #sarahannsmithartist , art quilting , classes , edge finishes and bindings , home dec , janome , sewing hints , teaching , techniques , tools of the trade , videos by sarah (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, 3 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)

Sarah’s Machine Quilting Forum II video–ends Dec. 12 from Art and Quilting in Camden

Now Registered participants ONLY can SEE it … CLEARLY!

If you were enrolled in the Virtual Quilt Festival’s second Machine Quilting Forum on Saturday, you know there were serious transmission issues with my presentation that made the video just yucky. TOTAL BUMMERS, but now TOTAL JOY! Thanks to the hard working folks in the Education Department (who should have been taking today off) you can SEE the video through December 12th. After that, like Cinderella’s pumpkin, it disappears. To access it, follow the following steps:

Registered participants ONLY can follow these instructions –

—Go to My Schedule (be sure to ...

added by Sarah Ann Smith 5 years, 4 months ago. under #artistauthorquilterteacher , #learnwithsarah , #sarahannsmith , #threadcoloring , #virtualquiltfestival , #virtualquiltfestival2020 , art quilting , classes , color , creativity , international quilt festival , quilt shows , surface design , teaching , thermofax , thread , thread-coloring , threadwork unraveled , tools of the trade (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, 7 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, 8 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)

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 5 years, 11 months 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)

Feeling a Bit Stitchy Actually from ***Skook's Playground***

When I was a kid, my mom taught me how to cross stitch. She has been avid stitcher for as long as I can remember, and as many young girls would say about their moms, I wanted to be just like her.

This is neither me, nor my mom. But I was pretty young when I first learned. You get the idea:

[Image by Squiggle via Flickr used under CC]

I was never a great cross stitcher. Sure, I completed a few small projects. I struggled through but eventually learned how to do half stitches, french knots, and backstitches. I ...

added by Unknown 11 years ago. under applique , art , books , custom work , embroidery , fabric , getting to know me , inspiration , tools of the trade

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 ...