Learn how to make a simple no-sew banner with a star applique that’s quick, easy, and perfect for decorating your space. This is one of those projects you can put together in no time—no sewing machine needed.
If you’ve got fabric scraps sitting around and want a fast project that still looks put together, this is a great option. It’s especially fun for holidays, seasonal decorating, or adding a little handmade touch to a room without committing to a full sewing project.
The star applique gives the banner a bit of extra personality, while the no-sew ...
read moreLearn how to give a store-bought blanket a handmade touch with a few simple sewing techniques. This is a great option when you want to create something personal and thoughtful—without starting completely from scratch.
Sometimes you need a gift quickly, or you find a blanket that’s soft and perfect… it just needs a little something extra. Adding a handmade detail can turn it into something special while still saving you time.
This project is simple, beginner-friendly, and a great way to use fabric from your stash. Whether you’re adding a border, trim, or a little bit of ...
read moreLearn how to sew a snappy pouch that opens wide and snaps closed with a simple squeeze. This is one of those small sewing projects that’s quick to make, fun to use, and surprisingly handy to have around.
If you’ve never made a snap pouch before, you’re in for a treat. The built-in metal frame gives it that “snap” opening, making it easy to grab what you need without digging around. It’s perfect for holding sewing notions, small supplies, or even everyday items you want to keep organized.

Pouch Tutorial with a Snappy Closure
This project ...
read moreLearn how to sew a simple mug caddy that slips right over your coffee mug and keeps your favorite sewing notions within reach. This little organizer is one of those projects you didn’t know you needed—until you make one and wonder how you ever sewed without it.
If you’re constantly reaching for clips, scissors, or a seam ripper, this mug caddy keeps everything in one spot while you sew. It wraps around your mug with elastic so it stays in place, and the pockets on the sides give you just enough room to hold the basics without ...
read moreThis week I completed my final blocks for the 2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

Well, I completed the block count for the middle size option. The friendship star block just didn’t appeal to me, so I found another option. Using THIS TUTORIAL, I make a 12″ bear paw variation. There wasn’t enough of any of the solid pink fabrics to make the center squares for the paw, so I used two different fabrics and created HST as an option.
Sashing and inner borders next. There is a lot to them, so it might be two weeks before I ...
read moreLearn how to sew a quilted table runner using the quilt-as-you-go technique and a simple applique design. If you like projects that come together quickly and don’t require wrestling a full quilt through your sewing machine, this one is a fun option to try.
Quilt-as-you-go is one of those techniques that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Instead of making the entire quilt top and quilting it later, you quilt each section as you sew it.
That means smaller pieces to handle, less bulk under your machine, and you can actually see the project coming ...
read moreSpring always makes me want to sew something small and cheerful.
Not a full quilt. Not a big commitment. Just something quick that uses up a few scraps and brings a little bit of that “fresh start” feeling into the sewing room.
This little spring chick does exactly that.
It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and one of those projects that comes together faster than you expect. You don’t need much fabric, you don’t need anything fancy, and you probably already have everything sitting in your stash.
If you’ve been wanting a quick win at your sewing machine, this ...
read moreThis week I completed blocks 13 and 14 of the 2026 Sew Along: Scrappy Sampler.

I appreciate more and more Jessica’s videos and the two different printable patterns. You can find blocks 13 and 14 HERE. The piecing for Block 13 was new to me, but with no hurrying and better pressing techniques, I am happy with the results.
Only one more week of blocks, then on to borders. I am looking forward to it.
read moreLearn how to sew an quick and cute bunny using your fabric scraps, favorite spring prints or even a leftover quilt block. The simple to follow instructions will take you from beginning to end – plus there is a template you can print to use, making this a great bunny pattern.
If you’ve got a pile of fabric scraps and a soft spot for quick, giftable projects, this little bunny is calling your name. This free bunny sewing pattern is one of those simple, satisfying projects you can sew in an afternoon—and then immediately want to make three more ...
read moreLooking for a way to use up surplus Half Square Triangles (HST)? This might be just the thing you are looking for. Gather up all the HST you have laying around, pick a size, add some low volume scraps, and, before you know it, you have a beautiful quilt to share.

I built my quilt without sashing, and the quilt sizes below assume that. You will likely come up with variations, and I would love to see them all.
NOTE: The quilt above is a 2-1/2″ HST variation using 36 blocks and finishing at 72″x72″.
| Fringe Benefit Blocks ... |
Most of my quilts come together with a lot of time and planning, even before I get the fabric. However, over the years of being part of a quilting bee collaborative, I have learned to let go and embrace the unknown. For this quilt, I sent the group (do.good.stitches – Harmony) an easy heart quilt block pattern, and the blocks decided to take on their own life.

Beginner-Friendly • Scrap Busting • Charity Inspired
Last weekend, I was a vendor at the Quilt, Craft, and Sewing Festival. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it felt like the perfect opportunity ...
read moreIn December I saw an ad for some shirts with several national parks stating that everyone should "rep your park." Dave and I do often select a ...
Happy (almost) New Year!! Today, I wanted to share with you a project that has been a draft blog post for about a year now. It is perfect for the New Year holiday because it makes me think of confetti. I worked on this in December of last year when I decided to repurpose a project into a quilt back.

I have a confession to make: I have gallon-size Ziploc bags everywhere. They’re how I store my scraps. Each color gets its own bag. And I also keep leftover piecing from quilts in Ziplocs, with each finished project having ...
read moreI got these adorable Coca Cola Canvas Bag Panels in recently.
Here is the video:
If the video does not play for you here then you can watch it directly on my YouTube Channel by following this link: Coca Cola Canvas Tote Bag Video Tutorial ...
read moreThe freemotion design Paws is one of those designs that creates a lovely texture. You just want to pet the quilt!
This design works well for quilts with themes like animals, pets, water, sea, ocean, rain, weather, wind, flying, birds, and swimming. Is there anything else that this design reminds you of?
Pattern Tutorial
Create the dynamic design Paws by moving in all directions. The design sequence its pretty simple; curve round and add a teardrop or a paisley shape inside of the curve.
The teardrop is a symmetrical shape, while the paisley is not; it has a curve. Mix ...
read moreLearn how to make quilt-as-you-go holiday mug rugs with this fun and festive sewing tutorial. These little quilts are the perfect quick project to brighten up your coffee table, gift to friends, or add a handmade touch to your holiday decor.
The best part? You’ll sew the quilting and piecing at the same time—no separate quilting step required! Quilt-as-you-go projects are fast, forgiving, and a great way to use up your fabric scraps, especially all those cute holiday prints you’ve been saving.
Whether you make a set for yourself or stitch up a few for gifts, these ...
read moreLearn how to sew a zipper bag using leftover quilt blocks or orphan blocks from past projects.
This quick and practical sewing project is a great way to turn unfinished pieces into something useful—while giving your UFOs (unfinished objects) a new life.

This tutorial walks you through how to transform a single quilt block into a fully lined zipper pouch. It’s perfect for storing sewing notions, pencils, travel supplies, or even gifting to friends. You can make one in under an hour, and no two bags ever turn out the same!

Why You’ll Love This Project
- Quick ...
Learn how to sew a fabric gift bag with this easy step-by-step tutorial. These reusable bags are a great way to wrap gifts in something that’s both beautiful and eco-friendly. They sew up quickly, can be made in any size, and are the perfect stash-busting project when you need a last-minute gift wrap idea.
No need for paper, tape, or bows—just pop your gift inside, tie it up, and you’re done! Whether you’re sewing for birthdays, holidays, or handmade gifts, these fabric bags add an extra personal touch that your friends and family will love.






