These past couple of years have manifested such a resiliency within all of us. Somewhere among the unexpected turns, delays, and adaptations, it seems we’ve proven to ourselves that our limits and potential can far exceed any expectation we used to set upon ourselves. Of course, we are far more competent than we think. With this newfound vigor inside of us – and amid an omnipresent desire to invest more deeply in ourselves these days – it makes sense this holiday season to invest

  As the holiday season approaches, these holiday sewing projects will help you get into the spirit! So whether you're looking for some festive holiday decor or some DIY gift ideas, make sure to bookmark these fun, festive holiday sewing projects... Craft Sewing Projects   Lovely Scissor Holder   There’s no point in starting your holiday sewing projects without an organized sewing kit. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to find what you need. This DIY scissor holder wi

When it comes to sewing, if you’ve only familiarized yourself with the basic running stitch, then it’s time to broaden your horizons. There are many different types of sewing stitches that allow you to achieve certain goals. For example, if you want to sew an eyelet, you’ll want to master the blanket stitch, but if you’re looking to add a clean finish to a raw edge, go for a zigzag stitch using a sewing machine.  In our hand sewing and sewing machine stitch guide, we’ll review

You may have rolled your eyes as soon as you saw this title of this post because it is 2021 and sewing a patchwork quilt is not even on your radar. You may also have immediately relegated this project to your retirement years, when you imagine that you will have endless amounts of time to learn to make a quilt. I bet if there was a fun video on a certain app about a patchwork quilt making challenge, you would have watched it and maybe even attempted it. I will do my best to make this project as

Want to save money and create a unique style for yourself? Learning how to sew is both practical and a way to explore your creative side. Read on as LA and online teacher Iris B. explains why everyone should learn this valuable skill… People learn to sew for all sorts of reasons, from a desire to express their creativity, to save money, to even just the need to learn a new skill. I’ve had a life-long love affair with sewing and it’s a skill I think everyone should have. It’s never too l

Back around 2014, I decided I was going to improve at chess. I watched a few videos online about some openings, played a few dozen blitz games online, and then promptly lost interest within a week. Four years later, I decided to pick it up again and in less than a year, I had gone from 1100 to 1900 Elo rating online. Obviously, I changed how I went about my improvement! So here are the steps that I took the second time around that got me to where I am now, and some ways you can improve your ches

The energy that my first time sewing students bring to the very first class is wonderful. They are so excited about the creative possibilities that learning to sew will bring them. Often this excitement is tempered by the fear of using a sewing machine. I start by encouraging them to do some easy sewing projects for children, so they can get comfortable with using a sewing machine. It is also a great way to learn some very basic sewing skills. The following projects are quite simple, quick and u

Patternmaking for most beginners seems mysterious and intimidating. It is a subject a lot of sewists try to avoid. As a professional working in the fashion industry for more than a decade, I had the same fear as many of you. It took lots of trial and perseverance to overcome challenges, and carve out a successful career. The First Step is to Make Mistakes! Many of my students are worried about making mistakes. They want to be sure every step they take is correct. Multiple attempts and fai

Want to improve your sewing skills? In this guest post, Yesterday's Thimble blogger Lisha Vidler shares 15 sewing tips to help you take your seamstress skills to the next level... Are you looking to improve your sewing skills? If so, you're in luck! Today, we'll be learning about some sewing tips from a sewing expert. These tips can help beginners and experienced sewers alike.  So, whether you're just starting out or you've been sewing for years, read on for some helpful advice. What

Not sure what to buy that special someone on your holiday list this year? Skip the stores and make a thoughtful, homemade gift they're sure to love! Here, Woburn, MA teacher Belynda C. shares three scarf knitting patterns to try out...    There’s nothing more thoughtful or appreciated than a hand-made gift at the holidays. If you feel like time is running out, don’t fret! Here are three quick and easy scarf knitting patterns that will ensure you have a beautiful gift in plenty