Tips, Tricks, and How Tos

Ever wanted to make elegant cloth napkins, but either: a. didn’t have enough fabric or b. think that a traditional cloth napkin is boring? I was in both camps, so I decided to make napkins with borders! I used 3 fabrics – a big blue paisley, a small yellow print for the border and a large floral for the back. Traditionally a dinner napkin for formal dinner settings is 20-22” square. I chose an 18” square napkin, as these are just for everyday use.  Here is a view of the pieces for the front of the napkin: The pieces for ONE...

Introducing the Happy Hallows Quilt! It’s a collaboration between Kate Colleran Designs and Poorhouse Quilt Designs. It consists of 12 pieced blocks, with a dash of fall and a sprinkle of Halloween! There are 2 layouts included in our printed pattern: a square, perfect for hanging, and a lap quilt, perfect for snuggles! In the beginning: During Quilt Market in Houston (2023), Kate and I discussed a project over coffee and the Koffee Klatch with Kate and Kris was born!  We thought it would be fun to design a BOM quilt with simple graphic shapes that could be customized with the quilters’ stash. We...

It’s week 4, and we are wrapping up this Take-Along Sew Along! This week, I’m going to show you my take on a colorful guitar-style strap for this tote! Here are the previous posts in this series, in case you need to catch up: Week 1 – customize the bag flap   Week 2 – add your own pocket features  Week 3 – bag finishing tips  The Take-Along Tote is designed to take along when you are off on a full day of shopping, doctor’s appointments, or what have you. The tote converts from a generous shoulder bag to a walker...

It’s week 3 of the Take-Along Sew Along - let’s finish up the bag portion of the Take Along-Tote! To catch up on previous posts: Week 1 - customize the look! Week 2 - Add some pocket features. The Take-Along Tote is designed to take along when you are off on a full day of shopping, doctor’s appointments, or what have you. The tote converts from a generous shoulder bag to a walker or wheelchair tote. This means that the caregiver can conveniently carry the tote for the day, or your loved one can attach it to a walker and...

This week, we are starting off where we left off on this project. Click here to look back on what we did on week 1 with a fun customization for the flap!   I just love working with the vivacious Delightful Dreams collection from QT Fabrics! Click here to learn more! This week we build the outer structure of the Take-Along Tote bag and add the outer pocket as well as prep an extra pocket for the lining; and I’ll sprinkle in some general tips.   We cut the foam for the front and back of the bag. Tip: I find that...