The year’s end always seems to bring a time of reflection, an assessment of where we are now, and thoughts, perhaps resolve, as to how to go forward. Sewers may be considering their UFOs (Un-Finished Objects) and WIPs (Works in Progress,) how to create organization out of chaos and what comes next.

Much speculation arises about the origins of Valentine's Day though even now obscured by myth and legend. No matter, as the essence of the day on February 14th is distinguished as a day of romance where bright red heart symbols have become a universal representation of romantic love.

Sewing kitchen curtains need not be complicated at all. All that is needed is a yard or two of fabric, some straight machine stitching and simple methods of attachment. Great beginning sewing project!

The preferred protective covering of painters and remodelers everywhere, relatively inexpensive drop cloth fabric can be seen today in chair and sofa slip covers, table runners, curtains, casual throw pillows, market totes, and even floor coverings.

Sewing is one of the oldest of human endeavors. To accomplish this fundamental undertaking sewing notions, namely needles, thimbles and threads have been found to have been in continuous use since pre-history. Curious vintage and familiar modern sewing notions are established companions to sewing.

The concept of slow fashion, or any other movement tagged as such, may seem like an already existing idea offered as new, yet it does have continued relevance in a world with expected future resources strained, the use of toxic products in manufacturing textiles and burgeoning landfill concerns.

Though our busy hustle and bustle modern era seems to shorten the time to devote to handcrafted items for gift giving, stitching together simple materials for quick-to-make items helps to recapture the magic and quaint charm of holiday times remembered.

RFID blocking fabric can prevent what is essentially silent and devious electronic pickpocketing. Wallets, purses, and totes can be lined with this fabric rather than the pragmatic but unappealing use of aluminum foil to become a signal blocking container. RFID fabric used as lining is easy to sew.

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.

Fleece fabric is truly an engineering marvel mostly made of a high-tech polyester, fleece yarns can be blended with other fibers and come in every conceivable color in solids, prints too numerous to mention, from low loft to high loft, lightweight, extremely durable, with a warm wool-like quality.