Before there were ready made, easy-to-use store-bought dye pigments, natural dyes were the only way to apply color to fabrics and clothing. Historically, colorants were obtained from roots, nuts, bark, shells, insects, some minerals, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Dye fabric using nature's gifts!

To sew a truly professional-looking garment it is important to consider how the inside of the garment will look when completed as well as the finished outside. Finishing seam edges not only will prevent the cut edges from fraying but can allow sewn seams an extra measure of security from wear.

Together the sewer’s stitch and the weaver’s cloth results in more than the sum of its parts; culture is passed on, traditions preserved, the sewer’s skills remains intact. Textiles and their manipulation by sewing tell the story of the ages and reveal the very real and beautiful fabric of our lives

Memory pillows to sew in honor of a loved one or to preserve memories from an enjoyable vacation, graduation, holiday times or family and friends gathering, can become charming keepsakes to hold and cherish. They are easy to sew, and can be especially comforting reminders of times past.

Indoor-friendly games help to temporarily relieve the anxiety and pent-up energy for some children who find themselves suddenly in a non-routine sort of day, whether from uncooperative weather or other unforeseen events. Engaging them, at least for a little while, may be helpful in a fun activity.

The heat of summer certainly slows down the pace of many things, including our sewing efforts. Special occasions and more pop up on our calendars on a regular basis despite the scorching heat. Finding a time-saver sewing project may be just the right inspiration needed for a creative sewing session.

No child can resist a huggable soft toy, especially one sewn with care just for that individual youngster. Whether bears, or bunnies, charmingly dressed mice, traditional rag dolls or enchanted characters from storybooks of old, children are delighted to have a clutchable treasure all their own.

Spot a fabric-lined sewing basket filled with sewing notions and it evokes a call to our inner sewing muse. Whether new or an endearingly inherited one with a jumble of well worn needles, fading threads, mixed buttons and perhaps a makeshift pin cushion is a sewer's delight to own and cherish.

The humble bandana is an iconic summer fabric favorite. Like its Americana counterpart - blue jeans, it has withstood the test of time. Bandanas are thrift-store, dollar-store, discount-darlings readily available, inexpensive and able to add instant whimsical appeal to clothing and home décor.

Whether called sewing hacks or tips, sewing room secrets or shortcuts, the effect is always the same – sewers sharing a more productive, efficient way to sew. Of course, learning and trying new sewing techniques is really part of a long tradition of the sewing process.