A printed paper sewing pattern is like a road map; the directions on getting from one place to another are all tantalizing provided, but it’s up to the reader to interpret and make sense of how to get from map point A - You Are Here, to map point B - Unfamiliar There.

Whether called a hanging wall or door organizer, closet organizer, or closet caddy these terms are all synonymous for serious storage solutions and organization. Clothes closets seem to get messy quickly no matter how initially organized. An easy solution to closet clutter is to sew organizers.

A designated sewing room or a space in a room dedicated exclusively to sewing is one of life’s pleasures for those who sew. Along with this treasured space comes the task of keeping all things related to sewing tidy and accessible to allow for inspiration, creativity and productive sewing efforts.

E-patterns or online sewing patterns are convenient for a home sewer, often offered free or low-cost. However, a small stack of standard size 8.5 by 11 inch computer printing paper, printing ink, a reliable home printer and much clear tape for assembling a printed e-pattern are cost considerations.

The contemporary form of today’s commercialized bandana is thought to have originated in India in the 1800’s, woven of silk or cotton with designs of white on colored backgrounds of red or blue. Today this cheery square of fabric is produced in every color of the rainbow with many design elements.

Applique designs, those smaller pieces of fabric overlaid onto a larger fabric background, are often seen on quilts however they can be used as whimsical decorations on clothing, elegant patterns on curtains or artistic expressions on throw pillows, totes and fabric purses.

A very useful upcycle sewing project is to take a classic women's button-down shirt and re-fashion into a new trendy shirt, one that may fit better, be more in line with contemporary fashion and satisfy a creative urge to transform something old into something new.

Beautiful cotton fabric prints in summer’s riotous colors beckon the sewer to create a few easy-to-sew projects to dress a summer picnic table that will be sure to add to any happy outdoor gathering. Assemble a fabric teepee for the little ones too!

The stiff, cuffed dungarees of the past used by cattlemen and miners, the 1950s and 60s youth subculture that adopted denim jeans in defiance, the bell-bottoms of the 70s and onto today’s boot-cut and skinny fashionably ripped jeans, these popular slacks experience never-ending fashion adjustments.

With the sun's advancing warmth as promise of impending springtime, fabrics sporting prints of softened blues, pinks and lavenders call to sewers at this time as much as new delightful bold geometric prints to help wake us from our recent winter languor. Try a few easy springtime sewing projects!