Hobbies are good to have. They give our hands something to do and can keep our minds active. Some hobbies can empty your wallet while others only cost pennies. Sewing can be an expensive hobby. There are so many gadgets and fabrics, and machines, Oh my! But, it can be inexpensive too. I'm here to tell you, you don't need to empty your bank account to sew or advance your skills. 
You might think you need that ultra-fancy dress form from a New York store. You don't. You won't need a fancy sewing machine that sings to you either. Let's take a deep dive into the world of sewing on a budget. 

When I first started sewing, the craft stores weren't half of what they are now. They offered one rotary cutter, a few boxes of pins, and 1/3 of the fabric selection they have now. Times have changed and the variety has grown tremendously! Hooray! Sales are more prominent now along with budget sewing items. You can get everything you need to create your masterpieces, without breaking the bank! Do you really need 6 different pairs of scissors? Not really. Think needs vs. wants. Ask yourself what a minimalist would do, and you'll be good. ;)


Grab some coffee and a snack, this is a long one.
​

• Where to find fabric
• Patterns on the cheap
• Learn to sew for free
• Shop inexpensive notions (threads, scissors, pins, buttons, zippers)
• Where to get a sewing machine

1.   Garage Sales

​Get up early, grab some coffee, and hit those garage sales. Friday and Saturday mornings are your best bet. Oftentimes yard sales are a sewist's goldmine. They can have boxes of fabric that someone gave them from who knows where and when. If you're a vintage fan, this is where to shop! They'll usually have sheets too. Sheets yield a lot of yardage in sewing terms. Garage sales are the best places to "wheel and deal" as well. If you show interest, they may even pull out more stuff that's hiding in the back of the garage. 

2.   Thrift Stores

​People start hobbies and realize it's not their cup of tea. They donate everything and we reap the rewards! Thrift shops get bags of fabric and sheets (again, yardage) donated every week. Take note of where your local thrift stores are because they are mentioned throughout this post. They usually have formal dresses that you can use fabric and appliqués from. Want to make a pair of PJ pants? Thrift stores have fleece blankets that you can make Pajamas out of. Use a vintage sheet to make a summer dress. Think outside the box and the sky is the limit. 

​3.   Friends & Family

​There's always a family member who used to sew, just ask. Chances are they have a box or a few bags of fabric stored away somewhere. They planned on making little Suzie's whole wardrobe but, now little Suzie is 23. Free fabric for you!! Ask around, there's always fabric being stored somewhere waiting to get used. It might look a little dated or isn't a modern print. But, if you're learning to sew and are on a tight budget, free is the best kind of fabric. You can also use the dated fabrics for linings and muslins.

4.   eBay, Etsy, Amazon, & other Online Shops

Look online for clearance fabrics. The sky is the limit here but, it'll take some legwork or finger work. Ha! Check eBay for fabrics sold by the yard. Etsy has tons of fabric too. I have found some good prices and some not-so-good prices. They're good for other things too, such as elastics, ribbons, and specialty fabrics you can't find in local stores. Lingerie fabric, elastics, and swimsuit fabrics are easier to find online. If you need knit fabric, I love Girl Charlee. They have great prices too. Amazon has been hit or miss for me on fabric. But, they do sell interfacing and zippers at good prices. There are online shops that specialize in fabrics but, I've not found spectacular prices at any. But, if you're interested, just do a quick Google search.

5.   Big Box Stores

Check your local stores for deals. Walmart has a whole sewing section including fabric. Hobby Lobby, Joann, Hancock's, etc. all offer fabric too. To start, they might not have the cheapest options. But, if you sign up for coupons and go when the they offer sales, you'll get great deals. You can walk out with fabric you paid $3 a yard or less, for. Check the remnant bins and clearance section too. Sign up for emails and mailers for more discounts as well.

​6.   Fabric Swaps

This one is a hidden treasure. Join online fabric swaps through social media. Search for them by using hashtags. Call local churches and ask if they offer them as well. You'll have to do your own research on this one though. Look for groups on Facebook and see if they offer fabric swaps. I went to a Sewcial and they offered a pattern and fabric swap. Such a fun idea! I have done fabric swaps online and have made so many friends through them. Need to figure out how to store all that fabric you just found? Read this post on how to store fabric. 

7.   Wholesale Stores

If you live near a big city, there will be wholesale shops nearby. These shops have the best selection for the price. If you're like me and live in the boonies, you'll have to drive to find them. Wholesale fabric stores are full of fabric and notions on the cheap. You have to dig to get a deal but, the deals are there. I have bought many novelty fabrics for $2 a yard. They also sell a variety of home decor fabrics. Looking for faux fur? They sell it by the pound and it can cost 1/3 of what you'd find it for, in your local craft store. So, grab a friend and take a road trip to find the wholesale fabric shops. They're my favorite places to shop. 

If you're searching for a PDF, DIY, or inexpensive commercial patterns, this list gives you a good start. Whether you're on a micro budget or need all the freebies you can get, there's something for you below.

1.   Pinterest

​This is my most favorite pattern search engine. Think of Pinterest as a crafter's bestie for searching the interwebs. No, it's not as wonderful as it used to be. It has way more ads nowadays however, it is still useful. Scroll past the ads and it's a goldmine. Need to find a Childs dress pattern? Search there. Looking for a few apron options, look on Pinterest. I have a few sewing-themed boards with tons of patterns, how-to's, tutorials, and more. Follow me. I can almost always find a free pattern for what I'm looking for. 

If you need a vintage-style wide headband pattern, I created a PDF. Grab it here.

2.   Garage Sales & Thrift Shops

​You're going to see these two options mentioned often. You can find patterns galore at garage sales along with fabrics. Thrift stores have them too. They even have vintage patterns that are coveted in the vintage sewing community. The recent surge in sewing interest may make it harder to find patterns as easily. But, these are both great places to start. Prices are good too. Garage sale prices will usually be cheaper at $0.50. ea or 10 for $1. Sometimes you can get lucky if a seller wants to unload their family members pattern stash. The downside with buying used patterns is the envelope might be missing pieces. Open them up to make sure all the pieces are there if you're allowed. 

3.   Online Search 

​A quick Google search will give you free and inexpensive patterns. Sewing bloggers usually have a few free patterns and most are fairly reasonable. I offer free patterns here, here, and here. Some bloggers give you access to their whole pattern library if you sign up for their newsletter. Melly Sews has a large sewing library. Sign up for her email list and you get access to all of her free patterns. Craft stores have free tutorials on their websites too. This takes a little legwork on your part, but if you want it for free, it's probably out there.

A little disclaimer: free patterns might not be 100% fool proof. So, if you're making a gift or special dress, start the project early. You may need to get more fabric or find a different pattern. ;) 

4.   Borrow from a Friend

​Borrowing patterns from friends is perfectly fine. If a friend is particular about their pattern collection, ask them to trace a copy or if you could trace it and make a copy of the instructions at their home. I've done this. I've even mailed a pattern to a friend here and there. They mail it back and usually include a little goodie as a thank you. :)

5.   Joann Store Sale

​This one is huge! I repeat, HUGE!!! This is my most favorite way to get new patterns on a budget. Every so often, Joann Fabrics runs pattern sales. They sell patterns for .99 ea or $1.99 ea, depending on the brand. This little piece of information could save you hundreds of dollars. First, you must sign up for their mailers. They share when and what patterns will be on sale inside the mailer. I never know when this happens until I get my mailer in the mail. It's usually a couple of times a year. Yay!! There's a whole method to the madness and I'm sharing my secret tips with you below.

• Take note of the sales dates and mark your calendar. It might be within the next few days or 2 weeks away.
• Visit the pattern brand website i.e. Simplicity, Burda, New Look, etc.
• Grab a cup of tea, this will take an hour or so. Search through their patterns, each site is pretty well organized.
• Write down the brand, pattern #, and size you want. Make sure your writing is legible (Face-palm, ask me how I know this).
• Take that piece of paper to the store and walk to the back where the pattern drawers are. 
• Find the brand drawer and look for the pattern number range that is marked on each drawer.
  
• Grab the patterns that are available.

*Hot Tip: Some patterns may be out of print. Many might not be available in the size you want. Write down at least 10 because chances are, you'll only find 4 or 5 in the drawers. I have built up my pattern stash this way. It takes a little work on your end but, is totally worth it.

6.   Books

​This sounds silly but, if you buy a sewing book, they usually have patterns inside them. You can buy new and used sewing books online, at thrift shops, garage sales, or borrow from a friend/family member. I have a list of my favorite sewing books here. They all have patterns inside. Books make nice gifts too. If you have a birthday coming up, ask for a sewing book. They walk you through their patterns as well. If you order one online, read the reviews and comments. I've bought a book or two in the past that were complete bombs, unfortunately. 

We all start somewhere and each of us learns differently. I learned to sew from a sweet little old lady, above a vacuum and sewing shop over 20 years ago. I signed up and paid $60 for a month-long weekly sewing lesson. Nobody else showed up so, I was lucky enough to get 4 one-on-one sessions. I borrowed my mom's sewing machine and learned all the basics. She taught me everything about the machine, how to make and sew bias binding, insert elastic, read a commercial pattern, make a skirt, a potholder that I turned into a scissor holder, and tips on choosing fabric. She also told me to always wash fabric before you sew with it. Although, I don't always follow that order. LOL
 had a binder where I kept all the info and still have those papers today. I'd like to say I'm self-taught but, I had a great start from a great teacher who taught me beginner basics.

1.   Family member or Friend

​I keep mentioning this option because it's a good one and free. Ask an aunt, cousin, neighbor, or friend to teach you to sew. They don't need to teach you how to make a wedding dress, just the basics. They can show you how the machine works, how to read a pattern, basic seam and fabric construction, and why you need to "sew with your iron". You only need an afternoon or evening. I've taught quite a few friends to sew within a few hours. In fact, a couple of friends and I used to get together once a week and sew. We'd make a whole thing out of it. Wine, snacks, and sewing. I really miss this evenings and summer afternoons. If you're a hands-on learner, this is the best option. 

2.   Sewing Blogs

​Blogs are great for teaching sewing. They all teach different things as well. I share easy patterns along with garmet sew-a-longs. Some bloggers teach the very basics and others are for advanced techniques. Two great blogs that comes to mind are Made by Dana and Sweet Red Poppy. I love both of their sites. They're fun and bright. They both share tons of beginner-friendly patterns and have YouTube channels. There are hundreds and hundreds of sewing blogs out there, and there's something for everyone. 

3.   Online Sewing School

​The sewing queen, Mimi G has recently launched her sewing school. I am not sure about the price or levels (if there are levels) because I haven't joined although, I'm sure it's worth every penny. She was the first sewing blog I came across back in the day so, I wanted to include her.
Craftsy is a great place for learning to sew. I have taken classes on Craftsy for sewing and other things. It has changed over the years but, I still prefer it for online teaching. 

4.   Podcasts

​This is a different option because it's a listen only one. Not everyone loves podcasts and that's okay. But, for those who do love them, I want to share with you my faves. I've learned quite a few things from sewing podcasts. And, if I'm not learning, it feels like I'm sewing with friends.

• Love to Sew- Helen and Caroline in Canada and they have such an enjoyable podcast. They share tons of tips, have fabulous guests, and more. They have an online fabric store and pattern company. So, go check them out.
• Threads- This is the podcast from Threads magazine. It's a pleasure to listen to and has a more calming vibe. I've only listened to a few episodes but, they have guests and great tips as well.
• Sew & Tell- This is a fun podcast to listen to while sewing. The three hosts have different backgrounds. They share recent makes with trials and errors. When I listen to them, I feel like I'm having coffee with friends. 
• Sewing Out Loud- This is a mother/daughter duo. They crack you up once you get to know their personalities. Not gonna lie, they weren't my cup of tea at first but, I've grown to love them. They have years and years of sewing experience under their belts and that's what keeps bringing me back. If you have questions about costumes or sewing the unconventional item, they'll have the answer you're looking for. 

There are loads of other sewing podcasts out there. But, these are the ones I love. 

​5.   Craftsy and National Sewing Circle 

​I'm mentioning Craftsy again in more depth.
These paid membership sites are great for beginners or those who want to learn new skills. If you don't have access to a friend, you can pay an annual fee and take the classes online. Craftsy has tons of videos and you can choose what works for you. I have taken the bra-making class and love to make my own bras. I started pattern drafting for my own body through their classes as well. They run sales occasionally so, look for those as a budget-friendly option. Craftsy has changed hands recently so, their payment method might work differently than before.
​I'm not familiar with the National Sewing Circle, so choose that option at your own risk. ;) 

Stocking up on notions can be pricey. If you follow these tips and check these places listed below, you'll save money. If you decide sewing is your jam and want to buy all things 10 years down the road then, by all means, do it. But, for now, let's get the biggest bang for our buck! 

​1.   Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

​I know, I know, you're tired of hearing me repeat these two places. But, they really do have a lot to offer for the sewer on a shoestring budget.

​Look for these used items:

• Buttons
• Rulers, seam gauges, tape measures
• Cutting mat and rotary cutter (these can be pricey brand new)
• Iron and ironing board. If the thought of these items grosses you out, an iron is fine. Pass on the board. Or, take the board too and buy a new cover at a big box box store.
• Pin cushion
• Clips (these work like pins but, are better for certain projects)
• Carbon paper and tracing wheels (this is for tracing patterns and transferring markings)
• Sewing box or basket 
• Bias tape maker
• Zippers
• Dressform (this is by no means necessary to sew with, but if you see one and the price is right... )
• Lace and bias tape packages

​Do NOT look for these used items:

• Scissors- you don't know what they were used for. They might have been used for cutting wires? Buy a new pair.
• Thread- you don't want old thread. It can break easily. It does get old and loses its strength over time. Splurge for new spools.
• Elastic- do not buy elastic from a used place. It could be a few years old. Elastic gets dried out and loses its stretch easily. Think about that old pair of underwear in your drawer. The pair that has stretched out elastic...Yikes!
• Pins- they can dull over time and will tear into your fabric instead of poking through. Buy a new pack from the store. 
• Seam ripper- you want a nice sharp one and they don't cost a lot.

2.   Big Box Store

​This is where you'll want to splurge on a new pair of scissors, a pack of pins, threads, and elastics. You don't have to break the bank for these items either. Walmart has a great sewing section in most stores. They sell everything your craft store sells at a fraction of the cost. It's best to have 2 pairs of scissors. One large for cutting fabric and one small for snipping threads. You can even find a pack of both. They sell limited thread colors but when you're starting out, just buy a spool of black and a spool of white. Grab a pack of new pins while you're at it. 
A spool or two of thread, a pack of pins, a seam ripper, and scissors should total out to $30 +/-. If that's too much, hit the .99 cent store for scissors. Yep, they sell full-sized scissors and will work just as well as scissors from the craft store. Heck, they might even have a pack of fabric pins and a  sewing measuring tape too.

3.   Online

​You can purchase new notions online as well. Amazon is a great place but, the prices aren't as low as a big box store. I do prefer to order hardware online. It's less expensive than buying inside the store. If you're learning how to sew, you won't need hardware just yet. But, keep it in mind for down the road.

​4.   Sewing Swap

This is an unusual place to get notions but, it happens. Every sewing swap and fabric swap I've ever joined is filled with sweet, thoughtful women. They send fun notions with their packages. I do the same as well. One time I sent someone something and she sent me the same thing. Great minds think alike. :) As a reminder, you can find these through Instagram hashtags and Facebook sewing groups. You will need stuff to swap first, so maybe this is a "down the road idea" for beginners. 

​5.   Friends & Family

​Same as boxes and bags of fabric, grandma might have all her notions still. And, she may be willing to part with them. It never hurts to ask. Go back and read  number 1 for items you don't want. No offense grandma. 

6.   Random Shops

​In Southern California, we have a store called Daiso. It's a Japanese store and it's filled with kitchen items, snacks, crafty things, and much more. It's a fun place to visit and you never know what trinkets you'll take home. They have a cute little craft section and everything is budget-friendly. I've bought scissors, pin cushions, hand-sewing needle packs, and other fun things from there. Think Hello Kitty on an adult level, sorta. Maybe your area doesn't have this same store, but it gets you to think outside the box. A lot of place will sell random craft items in them, you just have to look.

​You don't need to buy everything for top dollar at your local craft store. 

1.   Local Marketplace

​I bought all 3 sewing machines in the photos above on Offer Up. Yep! Offer up, Let Go, and Facebook marketplace have folks who are selling  sewing machines. Some are new even but, most will be used. I have quite a few sewing machines that I've bought going that route. All of my vintage machines have been purchased through people I found on Offer Up. A newer machine was purchased through there too. I have also bought several vintage machines that came with a sewing machine cabinet too for around $50. Crazy, right? Grab the apps and start looking. 

2.   Black Friday Sales

​Ever since I can remember, I've seen sewing machines for around $99 on Black Friday Ads. If you are willing to get in line to grab one of these bad boys, do it! They are usually base models but, you can't beat that price. 

3.   Vacuum Shops

​Vacuum and sewing repair shops usually have a dozen or more sewing machines for sale. They're used and perhaps never got picked up after service was done. You can probably pick up a better machine for the price you'd pay at a Black Friday sale. Never hurts to look. And, a lot of time, these places have lessons and classes. 

Hot Tip: these places offer machine maintenance and repairs at more affordable prices than sewing shops do. You're welcome. ;)

4.   Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

​Don't hate me, LOL. Yes, these places are mentioned again because they have sewing machines. A lot of times they'll let you plug one in to see if it works as well. Just be cautious because it may have underlying issues and need service. Someone did donate it after all. But, it's no different than buying one from Offer Up. 

​5.   Friends and Family

​And, last but not least, ask a friend if you can borrow one. I learned to sew on a borrowed machine and found that I loved sewing. I ordered one online for around $150 after borrowing my mom's for 6 months. If you know someone who sews and has been sewing for years, chances are they have an extra machine lying around. Bonus, they can show you how to use it and perhaps teach you a few things. And, maybe they'll even have some extra fabric they're willing to part with. Win-win-win!!

I hope you can walk away from this super long post with a new outlook on Sewing and how you can do it on a budget. Sewing can be very pricey but, this list gives you a great head start on how to do it with limited funds. Ask around, check garage sales and thrift shops, and get a start on your new sewing journey. 

Want to read more sewing stuff? Check out these 7 common sewing myths. Or, looking to sew some masks? Click here. 

Share in the comments below a budget-friendly tip that you find useful. 


Happy sewing shopping!
​Annette

Do you love the vintage pinup look but, don't know where to start? Grab some peddle pushers, a black fitted top, and this sewing pattern! You're about to get your vintage style on. 
This pattern is the straw that broke the camel's back- in a good way. I have quite a few patterns I want to share but, I lacked the technical know-how to get them to you. This is the pattern that made me search the interwebs, far and wide on how to create a PDF. And, here it is! Finally a downloadable pattern that was made just for you!

This wide hair scarf is good hair days, bad hair days, and for the curly haired gals too! I see you (I am a curly girl). Toss your hair up in a messy bun, and you'll be cute as a button when you wear this retro inspired hairscarf. This isn't a lifesaver but, it's definitely a hair saver. 

If this thicker style headband isn't your cup of tea, I have a post on a narrower one, over here. It can be worn with your hair up or down. You can tie it around your neck, wrist, or use it as a purse accent when tied in a bow. The size is completely customizable too, lengthen or shorten it to your desired size


Okay, lets get started on the Wide Hair Scarf Pattern. 

1. 1/2 yard of cotton fabric
2. The Pattern
3. Sewing machine 
4. Clips or pins, ruler, chalk pen
5. Matching or contrasting thread
6. Chopstick or other turning tool
7. A smile, because you're making something cute :)

Let's get sewing! 

Download the PDF pattern, print it out (*do not scale or resize), and tape it together. This will now be your pattern piece. Make sure to match up the star points. Cut out the pattern along the lines and set it aside. It will resemble a plague mask at this point. Haha, perfect for the year we've had. ;)

*The pattern will print out on 2 horizontal pages. They are made to overlap a bit to create the pattern. Match the star and you'll be good to go. No scaling or anything is necessary. If you'd like to trim off a thin sliver of paper to match the star up perfectly, you can. That's what I did. 

Next, wash, dry, and iron your fabric if you haven't already.

​What fabric(s) did you choose? Did you go with a solid color or a fun novelty print? 
​

• Grab your scarf pattern piece and lay it on top of your folded fabric. Line up the folded edge of the fabric with the pattern side that says FOLD. You can do this with RST or WST, it won't make a difference for this pattern.
• Use pattern weights to hold the piece down, while you trace out the shape. Use an air soluble pen or a chalk pen to trace. Cut along the lines.
• Repeat steps for the other side. You are tracing an outer and inner piece of fabric for your hair scarf. Cut.
• You should now have 2 pieces of fabric cut out.

• Now take the pieces and place right sides together. Use pins or clips to hold them together.
• Mark a 3" gap where the pattern piece indicates. This area will not be sewn so, you can turn the scarf out afterwards.

• Time to sew! Use a 2.5 or 3mm stitch length. 
• Seam allowance is 1/4"
• Go slow, this gets tricky at the pointy ends

• When you get to the pointy corners, leave the needle down, lift the pressure foot, and turn your fabric. If it's not quite at 1/4" mark, go back and hand crank a stitch or two. Continue sewing all the way around until you come to the 3 inch gap. Backstitch.
• Clip your corners.

• Time to turn the scarf out. Grab a chopstick or any other turning tool.

If you're using a chopstick or pencil, poke the blunt end into the pointed fabric corner. Slowly pull the fabric down around the chopstick until you can easily push it through to the gap opening. Repeat for the other side.

It should look like this once it's turned out! Huzzah! The rest is downhill from here.

Iron time! 

• Roll the seam out. Using your fingernail seems to help this process. You can also take the chopstick and slide it under the seams while pushing the seam out and open as well. It'll take some finagling, but it's well worth it in the end.

Back to the sewing machine to topstitch the gap closed. 

• Topstitch 1/8" from the edge, backstitching at the beginning and end. If you'd like to topstitch around the whole hairscarf, you can. 
• Clip any loose threads.
  
• Press the scarf again. And, you're done! 

To wear the scarf:
Place the wide part at the back of your head just covering your hairline. Pull the pointy ends upwards, covering the tops of your ears, and tie in a knot on top of your head. 

This is perfect for messy hair days and curly-haired girls too. To make it into a more formal look, pin curls on top of your head, tie this scarf up, and wear it with a pretty dress.
If you're going for a 40's style, you can pair the scarf with wide-legged trousers and a boxy button-up top. This hair scarf is for anyone looking for a quick and easy retro hairstyle! 

So, what do you think of the pattern? It was easy right? Do you plan on making as many as you can for the summer? I wear my hair up most summer days and this thicker style is what I've been yearning for! Easy & cute hair... yes, please!!! 

If you make one or ten, please tag me on Instagram. I want to see them aallll! Use the hashtag #sewingtothemoonScarf
Let me know in the comments below if you've made this or plan to. I seriously can't tell you how overly excited this whole process made me. :D 

Thanks for all the love and support on social and here! Sewing people are the best people. 

​Happily sewing,

Annette

Got eggs? If you have a hobby farm or homestead, you probably have hens. And, if you have hens, you have eggs. So. Many. Eggs.
Well, you need something to gather those eggs with. A bucket works, a basket is cute, and in a pinch, you can use your hands and coat pockets. We've all been there. ;)

But, wouldn't it be fun and albeit cuter to use an egg apron? Yes! You can live out your farm life dreams with a sweet egg-gathering apron. 

So, it's decided. You're going to make an apron for collecting those little breakfast nuggets. Besides, buckets are only made for livestock grain and treats anyway. ;)

• Swoon Patterns Egg Gathering Apron pattern. This is free on their website. Grab ithere. 
• Sewing machine, thread, and notions
• 1/2 yard medium weight fabric 
• 1 1/4 yards contrasting fabric (I didn't use a contrasting fabric)
• 1 1/4 yards lightweight fusible interfacing 
• Chalk pen or erasable pen
• Ruler
• Clips and pins. 

I chose to use the Swoon Patterns egg gathering apron. This was the coolest egg collecting pattern I found while scouring the internet. I collect about a dozen eggs every morning and wanted an apron to hold eggs and keep them safe. It also needed to be comfortable for me to wear. 

Many patterns had pockets that were sewn in a way that didn't seem secure. If you were to bend over (to pet the cat, or clean out the coop) the eggs would fall out. Swoon Patterns created an egg apron that is pure genius! It involves a little extra sewing but, is well worth it in the end. I promise!

Grab the FREE pattern, print it out, and tape it all together. Decide on the size(s) you're going to make. Simply fold over the pattern for the different adult sizes. You don't have to trace off a new pattern and it'll work perfectly. For this tutorial, I made the child size. 
​

• First, apply interfacing to the pieces following the pattern instructions. I used canvas for an interlining because I was short on interfacing, so I skipped using it on the main pieces. Secret lazy sewist tip. ;) You're welcome.

• After the pieces are cut and interfaced. You're going to make the pocket portions. Sew the long pocket panel RST (right sides together) along the long edge to form a tube. Turn out and press. Repeat with the other pocket panel.
  

My littlest sewing buddy helped make her apron. #momwin

Let's talk books. Big books, little books, tall books, small books. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, it's a good idea to have a few books on the subject. This list may even spark your sewjo. These 5 are the ones I reach for most often. The internet is a great source however, if you need to refresh your memory on a specific technique, I urge you to reach for a book. Time is precious and you shouldn't spend it filtering through blogs or Youtube videos. The answer is going to be within one of these books. Each book in this list offers something different. Let's dive right in. 

This is the first sewing book I bought when I first started. Well, I think I asked for it for my birthday, but it was my first sewing book. It is the go-to sewing bible if you will. It has information on all the things. Tools, fabrics, techniques, and seam finishes, it's all in there. It is a little older so, you'll have to ignore the dated photos.
Bonus: It has patterns at the back of the book for you to make as well. Yay for patterns!

The images are clear and concise and it's a top choice for many sewists. If you're a visual learner, grab this book, you won't regret it.
​

You knew I'd have to throw a Gertie book in, right? 
This is my favorite pattern book. If you've hung around here long enough, you know I'm a huge Gertie fan. HUGE! If she had a band, I'd be a groupie. No joke. I have all of her books but, this is my favorite by far. I have kids and can't always wear big, fluffy, glittery dresses to live my best life. I usually wear more casual 1940's styles. High waisted pants and a tucked in top is my go-to style.

I've made multiple patterns from this book and will continue to do so until I can't sew anymore. LOL
She shares sewing techniques and guides you through fabric choices. If you're a 1940s and 1950s fan, you need this book. It's her best!

​You can check out her old blog here. Her new blog is over here. 
Click here for a post on a few things I've made from her book. 

Need a gift for someone? Only have a yard of fabric to use? This book is your best bet. It has 101 patterns for things to make with only 1 yard of fabric! Yep, you read that correctly, only one yard of fabric.

We all have at least one yard of fabric in our stash, waiting to get used. This book has patterns for aprons, toys for kids and pets, other pet items, and even clothes!

It's a great beginner-friendly book too. I've had this for years and pull it out whenever I need a quick handmade gift idea. The holidays always creep upon us. Grab this book and start making gifts now. This might give you new ideas for everyone on your list. And, why not pick up an extra copy for your niece who recently learned to sew?

This is another pattern designer sewing book. I love Colette patterns. They are feminine without the fuss. The 5 patterns in this book are sweet and simple. She shows you how to create a scalloped hem, which you will love. The patterns are beginner-friendly as well. This book makes a wonderful gift for any sewist, new and seasoned.

Sarai has a blog that she is no longer on but, everything is archived.

She has, however, created an online sewing community and is very active in it. Seamwork, have you heard of it? It's is a great membership sewing community. It also has classes and patterns too.

If you love wearing cozy knit fabrics, you will love this book. Tilly's style blends modern with vintage to create something for everyone. If you've never sewn with stretch fabrics, she shows you how. From picking out the perfect fabric to the seam finishing. You don't even need a serger! She includes patterns for dresses, overalls, tops, and bottoms. The patterns aren't difficult and you can wear the clothing every day.

This book is also beginner-friendly. She will walk you through needle choice and stitches as well. 
I've recently made a Freya dress with star and moon fabric. It was such a fun pattern to sew! 
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Tilly Walnes also has an active blog, chock full of great information and more patterns. 

You can find all these books online and in book stores. You may even score a copy in a used bookstore. 

Each book pictured below offers different options. I love visiting the bookstore and rifling through all the sewing books. I never leave empty -handed. 

Hope this gave you some sewing inspiration. When I want to sew but, don't have a project in mind, I grab a small stack of books. Plop down on the couch with a warm beverage and just look through them. Flipping through the pretty pictures seems to get my sewjo train started. Toot-toot! 
Let me know in the comment section if you have any of these books. Or, share some of your favorites instead.


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Happy reading and happier sewing, 
Annette

The holidays sure came quickly, didn't they? Summer comes and goes, then, BAM! November hits, and it hits hard. If you're like me, you're on team procrastinator. Ha!! Always waiting until the last minute to make something handmade. Eeep! 
Here's a list of easy-to-make gifts. There are tutorial links and free patterns although, I've created this list to get ideas flowing. Less talking and more making. Get ready, get set, start sewing! 

There's always someone who's having a baby. You can whip up a bib, burp cloth, and blanket in about 30 minutes. All you need is some fabric and a snap or velcro for the bib fastener. Read my baby items post here. 

• There are tons of free bib patterns you can find online. Or make a bandana style bib. 
• Here's a super easy burp cloth tutorial. Hint: it's just a rectangle.
• For an easy blanket, cut one square yard of flannel and one of cotton fabric. Sew them RST, leaving a gap for turning out. Topstitch the opening closed, and you're done. Sew easy!
• If you have more time, you can make a fabric alphabet set, baby outfit, fabric book, or sleeper bag. You could even add an easy to sew teether, pacifier clip, or mittens. Pinterest is your friend. LOL

Do you have a zipper and some scrap fabric? Sew a zipper pouch in less than 30 minutes. Follow this tutorial for an easy refresher on zipper installation for a makeup bag. Make them as big or little as you want. 
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Teens love these. Little kids love these. Everyone needs a zip bag for something. In the era of mask-wearing, sew one for everyone on your list. They would love to keep their mask inside a clean bag. 

Sew a quick keychain following Melly Sews tutorial. Grab some lip balms, lotions, and hand creams to complete a gift set. This is perfect for the babysitter, pre-teen, teacher, or neighbor. Heck, even dad uses lip balm.
All you need is a scrap of fabric and a metal keyring. If you have a pack of key rings, batch sew a few of these for gifts. Lip balm holders for everyone!!