Functional totes, nostalgic aprons, practical sleep pants, simple skirts and stylish infinity scarves are some of the best sewing projects for novice sewers since all involve a yard or less of fabric, usually straight line sewing and little time to complete. Add pillowcases to an easy-to-sew list!

Wonderful carefully laid out fabric - check, perfect pattern already chosen -check, sewing machine threaded and ready to go - check, scissors, pins and tape measure within easy reach - check, then ready, set, make it sew, but wait - is anything missing?

Mother's Day is approaching and kids (of all ages) want to present a special heart felt gift to their moms. Simple and inexpensive handmade gifts are especially cherished by moms everywhere.

Sewing tips can be found just about anywhere. On the inside packaging of notions, among the pages of glossy sewing magazines, at sewing groups on just about any social media platform as well as numerous online tutorials, videos, and online classes. Every sewer has their favorite tips for sewing.

Sewing in a sustainable way combines the time-honored traditions of one of the oldest of crafts with the wonders of modern technologies. The knowledge that living and working with care for the environment can enrich our economy and communities embraces a philosophy of sustainability.

As spring approaches, our sewing projects seem to take on this seasonal transition with more than a bit of whimsy. Decorated garden flags, fabric baskets with brightly colored straw and dyed eggs for Easter, stuffed bunnies everywhere and of course delicate wreaths for the front door.

Welcome visitors and friends with a garden flag to hang from a wrought iron garden flag pole, wall bracket, or mailbox. These celebratory flags add welcoming visual interest to home, garden or business and provide an extra display of color and whimsy for any outdoor space.

Sewing notions include the expected small accessory tools like scissors, needles, pins, and soft flexible tape measures, however many unexpected items used in the process of sewing can be considered within the realm of sewing notions - even some surprising everyday objects.

Sewers have often been instructed by pattern layout details to not use the fabric selvage edge, a word combined from self-edge, which was expected to be cut off and discarded. These factory loomed finished edges today no longer fill the waste basket or cutting room floor but have surprising uses.

Direct or indirect sunlight, excessive high or low humidity and its companion extreme temperature fluctuations can seriously affect the condition of thread spools and shelf life. To protect and keep thread spools in top condition, consider storing them in protective containers and away from kitty!