Don't Try This at Home + Giveaway Winner

Last weekend I thought I’d sneak in a few minutes of sewing during nap time.  This is what followed…

This is what happens when you change feet, but forget to take the machine off the button hole stitch.

If that wasn’t bad enough, I needed pink thread to finish up a project and I had a spool with a just a little left on it. (I could see the spool through the thread.)  I decided to just go for it.  Apparently you can get pretty close to running out of thread, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

You can see where the end of the thread is at on my machine.

Barely made it!

So the moral of this story is stop by Always in Stitches and pick up a few extra packs of needles today!  You never know when you're going to need them.

And yes this was a brand new needle before I mangled it :(

And without further ado, the winner of the Dr. Seuss Giveaway is …

Cathy (cdc)  who said, “I've been following the blog for awhile. My favorite Dr Seuss book is "Oh the Places You'll Go"

Cathy, you can pick your panel up at the shop!  Thanks everyone for playing and be on the lookout for a new tutorial this weekend!

Tamara

"Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!" Giveaway

In case you hadn't heard today is Dr. Seuss's birthday. Around here Dr. Seuss is a favorite. We just read The Foot Book last night. So I think it's only fitting to celebrate his birthday with a fun Dr. Seuss Giveaway!

Here's what's up for grabs: A Cat in the Hat Panel by Robert Kaufman!

Finished panel example from the shop and the panel we're giving away.

Here are the rules:

1.     You must be a follower of the blog, new or old. (If you aren’t currently a follower, just join through the Google Friend Connect on the right side panel.)

2.    Leave a comment telling us your favorite Dr. Seuss book.

3.   You must be able to come to Always in Stitches to pick up your prize.

4.   The giveaway will be open through Monday night,      March 5.  I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday.

And if you don't know what to fix for dinner yet tonight maybe you should try some
green eggs and ham! 

Tamara

Say Hello to NORO!

All those that have more patience than me knit and crochet, check out the new NORO yarn from Japan at the store. 

The color of the yarn changes as you knit with each color vivid and true.  New blends include Silk Garden Worsted Weight and Silk Garden Sock Yarn.

Parrot Scarf

Check out Penny's Parrot Scarf made from 2 contrasting scans of NORO.  Her Parrot Scarf Pattern is free with the purchase of any 2 scans of NORO.

Tamara

Changing Pad Tutorial

When Linus was born I thought I would do all this sewing for him. The changing pad which came with the diaper bag someone gave me had no way to keep it rolled up so I dreamed up this idea with velcro using PUL and diaper fabric from the shop and a little Michael Miller dots as binding. Of course this one isn't for Linus and I never have gotten around to making one for him, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Baby Changing Pad with velcro closure

Baby Changing Pad

½ yard PUL fabric

½ yard batting

½ yard diaper fabric

¼ yard cotton for binding

1” square of velcro

Lay diaper fabric on top of batting. (Batting and diaper fabric do not have to be exactly the same size.  You will trim down to size later.)

Batting with diaper fabric layered on top

Iron and pin together layers to keep in place.  Then quilt batting and diaper fabric together.

Quilting batting and diaper fabric together

Once you have quilted the two layers together, trim down to 25 ½"  by 14".

Next cut a 25 ½” x 14” rectangle of PUL fabric. Sew the rough side of the velcro to the right side of the PUL fabric centered about 6 ½ inches from the top.

Layer the two pieces of the changing pad with the inside piece batting side up and the PUL right side up on top of the batting. (I like to baste the PUL onto the rest of the layers at this point to keep it from slipping when you attach the binding.

Next from the binding fabric, cut two 3¼” by 2” rectangles and binding.  I got by with two strips of straight double fold binding. 

Place two rectangles right sides together.  Sew ¼” seam around three sides leaving a short end open.  Turn and press.  Sew soft side of velcro to flap centered about a ¼” down from closed short side.



Sewing on binding and flap

With the PUL up, pin flap (velcro up) to the short side with velcro on it so the raw edge of the flap will catch in the binding seam.  Pin binding and sew.  Finish by turning binding and handstitching to diaper fabric.

And as Linus would say, "Ta-da!"

Stay tuned for the cute wipes case I made to go with this!

Tamara

New Square on the Quilt

My name is Tamara and I'm a quiltaholic.  Ok so really only when I find time in between my real job, refinishing a house, taking care of my son, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, and laundry. (Laundry tends to pile up at our house.  Just ask my husband.) 

I have been quilting for about 10 years, and sewing for... well...longer.  I'll be posting to the Always in Stitches blog about my projects, new fabric to the store and more.  I have a baby changing cover tutorial in the works, but in the mean time let me tell you a little about myself.

1.  I love to quilt and sew as long as its not clothes. (10 years of sewing in 4-H cured me of ever wanting to make clothes for myself again.) 

2. My mother-in-law, Cindy, works at Always in Stitches.  Both my husband and father-in-law have learned not to ask us how much we spend on fabric.

3. I have an adorable 15 month old son who for sake of this blog will be called Linus.  He drags his blanket everywhere with him if I let him.  If he were ever to lose it I would definitely be inspired to learn how to crochet.

Sewing with Linus

4. We are currently refinishing our home.  So you are likely to see pictures of my sewing room as I get it organized, and I am always open to tips and ideas!

5. I love doing lots of other crafty things so if the occassional non-sewing craft project makes it on here that's why.  (And who knows maybe I'll take up knitting or crocheting after all!)

So here's what I want to know from you:  What would you like to see on this blog?

Tamara

Family's kindness gives ill kids sweet dreams

Eight children battling life-changing illnesses will find some cheer in their hospital beds, thanks to Diana Rainwater’s sewing talents and the generosity of her grandchildren, Wyatt and Fawn.

Diana made eight pillowcases as part of Always In Stitches’ service project for ConKerr Cancer. As she sewed the happy and bright print fabrics, her grandchildren sat patiently on her lap or next to her.

Wyatt especially liked the case made with traditional green and tan camo accented by blue fighter jets. He liked it so much, he wanted to keep it.

But when he learned that a sick child would get to use it if he took it to Always In Stitches, the 7-year-old boy was happy to make the donation.

ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. She made pillowcases to make him smile and brighten his room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, explains the nonprofit’s website. He loved it, so she made pillowcases for other oncology patients.

When AIS first introduced customers to this service project, the goal was to donate 300. We’ve topped that number, but continue to accept donations and love to hear stories like Wyatt’s.

Learn about our favorite notions!

Check out videos on how to use some of our favorite notions! Head over to our brand new Videos page on the website to find out more!

Check out our latest newsletter here!

Your generosity blesses us; warms those less fortunate

Always In Stitches is blessed to have generous customers. During the holidays, 33 blankets, 18 scarves, and 48 hats were made as donations to Hamilton County’s Good Samaritan Network, as well as 27 blankets for the national Linus Project.
Many of these beautiful pieces were given anonymously, and we thank those quiet stitchers and donors for their work and kindness. Thanks also goes to: Daisy Troop 208, led by Kimberlee Murray (with help from Noa and Logan Murray) and Cheryl Burke, two blankets; Vicki Butterfield, 17 hats; Karen Garlinghouse, 31 hats; Girl Scout Troop 1132, led by Michelle Higgins, 12 blankets; and Girl Scout Troop 1291, 10 blankets.
In addition, four cell phones were given to Prevail and 86 pairs of shoes were contributed to Soles 4 Souls.

Come with us to the International Quilt Festival!

We’ve hired a motor coach, are ordering tickets, planning goodies and getting excited. Departure is 7 a.m. April 14 and we’ll return around 9 p.m. The $73.95 package ($68.95 if you buy tickets by April 1), includes round-trip transportation, the show ticket, a light breakfast, snacks during the ride and a tip for the driver. Lunch and dinner will be at your own expense.
Last year’s festival featured 219 exhibitors that offered finished antique and contemporary quilts, fabrics, books, patterns, tools, sewing machines, and crafts. More than 500 pieces of fabric art were on display. There were also numerous quilt- and art-related classes, lectures and events.
Call the shop, (317) 776-4227, to reserve your spot, and ask friends to join you for this wonderful opportunity. Send this link as an invitation: http://www.alwaysinstitches1.com/cincinnati-bus-trip.htm