The Valami Face Mask has just been updated to include face mask templates for kids! At this point it's unclear how schools are going to proceed in the fall, but if kids will be wearing face masks, we've got you covered. Child SMALL is for ages 5 to 8 and Child LARGE is for ages … Continue reading NEW: Kid Sizes for Valami Mask!
The Valami: A Better Fitting Face Mask
Valli Schiller and I have created a better fitting face mask, and it's called The Valami. It sounds more like a sub sandwich, but it makes more sense when you know that the "VAL" comes from Valli and the "AMI" comes from (wait for it...) Ami. So, Valami. I suppose it could have been The … Continue reading The Valami: A Better Fitting Face Mask
Measuring Stuff
When I was little, I remember my mother measuring fabric. She'd hold one end out as far as her arm would go and then she'd bring the other end to the tip of her nose. She would announce that the fabric measured "about a yard." I was so impressed. I thought she was smelling how … Continue reading Measuring Stuff
Sew How’s That Retirement Going?
Ami updates after her first year of retirement.
Opulent Ornaments: A Delightful Rabbit Hole
I went off the deep end about a year ago after I accidentally came across instructions for Paula Nadelstern's Opulent Ornaments and decided I needed to make one. Or a dozen. Get her directions here. (Embrace the bling; resistance is futile.) I spent a long time collecting sequins, pins, beads, and other shiny objects and … Continue reading Opulent Ornaments: A Delightful Rabbit Hole
Locker Hooking Tutorial: Make a Rug From Recycled Men’s Shirts
This tutorial is for quilters---who have sewing machines, thread, hand scissors, and rotary cutting tools---and know how to use them. Most of the photographs can be clicked to enlarge them. Back arrow to return to the text. Step 1: Fabric Procurement & Preparation Head for your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, Purple Heart, second hand, resale … Continue reading Locker Hooking Tutorial: Make a Rug From Recycled Men’s Shirts
Old Dog #2
Adding another quilt today in the Old Dog: New Tricks Series. The original block, from my now de-constructed quilt, ended at the edge of the blue background and the bottom of the dog. I added a busy floral border and a simple cross-grain applied binding. To clarify, to make the binding I fold my fabric … Continue reading Old Dog #2
Origami Folded Fabric Ornaments
Kevin MacLeod made a great video showing how to make origami folded fabric ornaments. Thanks to his video I've been having a blast making Christmas ornaments! Take a look and then come right back for my tips below. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VwvNU1pGd-Y Ami's Tips 1. Pre-wash your fabric. I know, I can hear the moaning already. If you … Continue reading Origami Folded Fabric Ornaments
Old Dog #1
Here's the first quilt created in the "Old Dogs, New Tricks" series. Pretty basic stuff. I'm just getting my feet wet. I added a blue border and bound it with a 1/4" binding. It measures about 14" square. New Tricks 1. Believe it or not, I don't ever recall making a bias binding using striped … Continue reading Old Dog #1
Old Dogs, New Tricks
I'm developing a new workshop called Beautiful Basic Binding for Beginners. I know; that's a lot of B's. Apparently I'm into alliteration. In preparation for my "guinea pig" class this spring I needed samples. I had originally thought of putting some really nice bindings on pre-quilted muslin squares (ick) but I just couldn't bear to … Continue reading Old Dogs, New Tricks
