The Best Vintage Sewing Machine

The Best Vintage Sewing Machine

Beth
Vintage Sewing Machine, Restoration, Top 10 2018

In this post, I’ll cover some of the best vintage sewing machines out there. I’ve written a few overview posts on vintage sewing machines, but not one that specifically deals with the best vintage sewing machine because, honestly, I'm not sure there's one best machine to get. Still, it's something that people keep asking about, so I thought I'd take a stab at it. 

However, I definitely have some preferences and recommendations, especially for different categories of machines, such as straight stitch, zigzag, treadle, industrial, toy, and sewing leather. I'm also going to go over other bloggers' recommendations, so you'll get a well-rounded idea of what people look for in a vintage sewing machine. 

Sew This Easy Pillow Sham

Sew This Easy Pillow Sham

Beth
Easy beginner project, Free Sewing Pattern, Free Tutorial, Home Decor, Top 10 2018

In this post, I'll show you how to make an easy envelope pillow sham out of silk sari pieces (or scarves). I post projects on Hometalk, and they have weekly challenges and trendy topics for bloggers. This week, the topic is West Elm knock-offs. I was scrolling through Pinterest to find ideas, and I came across some stunning silk sari pillows that inspired this project. This post contains an easy beginner sewing pattern and tutorial for these pillow cases. 

DIY Sewing Kits out of Altoids Tins

DIY Sewing Kits out of Altoids Tins

Beth
Easy DIY, Free Tutorial, Top 10 2018, Jewelry

In this post, I'll show you how to make some cute and sparkly Art Nouveau themed sewing kits out of old Altoids tins, paper, washi tape, felt, and metal stampings. You can use these to store small sewing and embroidery projects or just as trinket boxes. I've included a free pdf pattern in the body of the post with templates for the top, bottom, and inside of the Altoids tin. 

How to Make Your Own Silk Flowers

How to Make Your Own Silk Flowers

Beth
Easy DIY, Free Tutorial, No sew, Top 10 2018

In this post, I'll show you how to easily make your own silk flowers using pretty fabric and an existing bunch of fake flowers. This is a quick, no sew project that will help you use up some fabric scraps and make a beautiful and unique centerpiece. I used a die cutter to cut out my flower pieces, but you can also use free templates online to cut out your flowers. Let's make some pretty flowers!

How to Make a Pendant from Soda Cans

How to Make a Pendant from Soda Cans

Beth
Easy DIY, Free Tutorial, Jewelry

In this post, I'll show you how to make an intricate filigree pendant from recycled aluminum soda cans. This pendant has a fun, Art Nouveau-y feel to it. The filigree piece is made using a die-cutting machine and the pendant is finished with micro bolts and a glue-on bail, so you don't need to solder anything. 

How to Start Sewing for Free

How to Start Sewing for Free

Beth
Sewing Hacks, Sewing Tips, Shopping guide

In this post, I'll break out all my best tips for finding sewing supplies for free (or really cheap). I wanted to get into sewing for a long time, but I kept putting it off because the hobby seemed expensive. Getting a sewing machine looked like it was going to be at least $100 or more, and then you still need thread, needles, fabric, patterns, an iron, and so on just to get started.

And then what if it turns out you don't really like sewing? You've spent all that money just to be disappointed. So I kept hemming and hawing over it.

Well, I'm going to tell you how to get started without spending (much) money. If you're patient and attentive, you can get almost all of your supplies for free. I do recommend buying thread and needles, but I'll tell you how to get the best deals on those.

Reusable Shopping Bag Tutorial

Reusable Shopping Bag Tutorial

Beth
Free Sewing Pattern, Sewing Tutorial

In this post, I'll show you how to make a reusable shopping bag. This tutorial includes a pattern and step by step instructions for making this eco-friendly market tote bag. This bag rolls up and buttons closed for easy storage when you're not using it. Make a couple of them to have plenty of room for your purchases!

Lazy Gardener's Guide to Growing Bulbs Indoors

Lazy Gardener's Guide to Growing Bulbs Indoors

Beth
Easy DIY, Gardening

In this post, I'll show you how to grow bulbs indoors by tricking them into thinking that winter has passed. Sometimes I get super lazy about taking care of my plants. I like the idea of having something pretty and flowery around, but then the weight of responsibility sets in, and I wonder if I really want to be tied to this thing for the rest of its lifespan. The great thing about bulbs is that you get  all of the shiny newness and flowery goodness with none of the long term responsibility. Once the bulbs are spent, you can either plant them in your garden outside or toss them.

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