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After buying a few yards, I am back down to 32 yards used (net).
Projects, Classes, Patterns, Techniques & Tutorials
I saw a bagmaking community membership a month or sew ago. They have a variety of classes including a 7 week pattern drafting/bag design class. The price is 397 pounds (English pounds). I am not sure how tariffs will affect that. The topics look very comprehensive.
Blockheads 6 is the latest Blockheads project from Moda. It is going strong. I saw one block by Corey Yoder that combines different sizes of Flying Geese. Check the main Blockheads page to find all previous blocks and other information.
I think the Not Your Basic Blue Bag bag pattern is a nod to the iconic IKEA blue bag. The shape and size look super easy.
Generation Q magazine’s website is still up. I found a cool pattern for a sewing machine cover. The part that interests me is the embroidery panel pattern that is included. This could be stitched and put on a jacket, a tote bag or be the center of a quilt. I might try and stitch it, if for no other reason than I need a hand project and I have a lot of floss.
Tools, Books, Fabric, Notions, Services & Supplies
Need a project tracker. Find a downloadable version on the Moda site under ‘Free Patterns’.
Tula is constantly releasing new fabrics for which we have to wait for months. I am looking forward to receiving some Graywork pieces soon. While I am waiting, I saw the video where Tula released the images of Floral Reef. I really like some of the prints, of course. The ribbons and webbing are the stars. I need to find some way to use ribbons as I have a lot already and need to use it if I want to buy more. The line also includes, for the first time, some cool printed vinyl, which I’d like to have right now. Fortunately, the delay means I have time to use up my glitter vinyl. 🙂 You can see all the fabrics and pre-order it on the Pink Door (no affiliation) site.
I came across Mashe Modern recently. They have a whole section on bag making – supplies, patterns, canvas. One thing I saw was the Vario Creative Tool. It is like a rivet press and Snapsetter all in one. I am not sure I have the hand strength to close the tool to install hardware, but the idea is interesting and I have never seen it before.
Need some templates? Cut Once has all sorts of templates from different designers. This is a great idea! Also, you can inquire about custom templates.
The past month or so has been stressful. When I am stressed, I plan projects and buy fabric. I did end up buying that Summer Friday fabric pack I talked about recently. I also bought a few solids to try and be happier with the Country Revival/ The Sad Quilt fabrics.
I am working my way through back issues of magazines. Most recently I am reading a Today’s Quilter supplement on Welsh Quilts. There is a link between the Amish quilts of Pennsylvania and Welsh quilts! In order to learn more, I bought a book on Welsh quilts. I don’t plan to make a Welsh quilt, but I liked the quilting designs in the back for ideas for Colleen. Also, before the projects start the authors talk about the connection.
Stuart Hilliard, an artist I have never heard of, has recently (Sept.30, 2025) published his second bag book, Make 100 Bags**. I checked the local library and wasn’t able to find it there. I also wasn’t able to get it through Link+ so I asked that they order it. It may not yet be available, because it is so new. I’d like to take a look before I buy it.
I visited Golden State Quilting with Carrie one day and bought a few things for which I have plans – immediate plans!
The Philip Jacobs large flower print will be part of my BAM BOM fabrics. I wanted a little extra of the lavender Grunge for the Patchwork Palooza blocks. The eraser fabric will be the back of an apron I plan on making as a gift for a friend. I should get started on that. I need it for October.
Exhibits and Organizations
BAMPFA has the Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California on view through November 30. Time is flying by. I really need to get there and see the show.
Media & Articles
A few months ago, Friend Julie pointed out a podcast episode about paper patterns. It takes me awhile tolisten sometimes, but I am always happy to hear about some media like this. I listened to that and didn’t think I would listen to part 2, but I did and found it very interesting. It also made me angry that private equity companies are buying up sewing and craft companies, running them into the ground and then selling them off or closing them down. Am I simplifying the problem? Yes. It also has to do with us not buying patterns, for example. I recommend both episodes.
My librarian hear is happy with the bibliography. It is very complete. I was particularly interested in the NY Times rebuttal by a woman, who co-owned a pattern and sewing company to an article on women in the workplace written by a man. Demorest, Ellen. “The Question of Labor. Women’s Work and Wages.” New York Times. Nov. 18, 1863.
Better Homes and Gardens has an article about the new fabric shop at Michael’s. I really have to go check it out. It’s not a very detailed article, but it looks like they are trying to make the new spaces larger and cooler.
I am getting to the bottom of my backlog of magazines. There WERE so many different titles at one point. Now there are so few. I have finished an issue of Generation Q magazine and am on to another. I found that some parts of their website still work, including this pattern for a sewing machine cover with an embroidered saying, Quilt. Sew. Breathe. on the front.
Tim sent an article along about a quiltmaker who made a vest for Benson Boone, who caught the throw at his concert and then wore the vest the rest of the time.
Judy Martin, one of my favorite quiltmakers, has a newsletter on Substack. Read the most recent issue, which has good information on dealing with the bias. N.B. especially for BAM members, she has specific information on the bias in HSTs.
**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.