Do you or Don't You? (1st edition)

Do you use a thimble?

I can't remember ever sewing without one. I think it's a brilliant little invention and I don't how anyone can handsew for a long time without one.  Using one helps to push the needle through your fabric with ease and keeps your fingers from getting tired!  I've tried to teach (okay, preach to) my sewing students that they should learn to get used to it. It's a hard thing to learn if never used one (you need to unlearn sewing without one).  Like any other muscle in your body, your fingers need to be trained. 

I had a hard time coming up with a written explanation of how to use one, so I made a little video tutorial.

(if you want written explanation eHow offers up a brief explanation).

The thimble needs to on the middle finger of your sewing hand. Watch the video to see how I do it (please excuse the fuzziness!):

 Notice how I use my thumb and index finger to guide the needle where I want it to go.  Then I push the needle thru with the thimble (the thimble is always on the back of my needle, ready to do its job).  Notice, too, how I use my ring finger and my pinky to reposition my fabric.  Every finger is sharing the workload.  What a good little team!

If you've ever hesitated using a thimble, I encourage you to try it!  Just grab a piece of fabric and practice with a simple running stitch.  It'll get easier every time. Remember, practice makes good!

I'm curious to know how many of you out there actually do use one. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

More items in the shop!

I've finally gotten around to posting a child size version of my Reversible Hostess Apron onto my Etsy Shop

Just like the 'mommy version', it's reversible and comes in two color ways.

I think these would be fun to wear while hosting a birthday party or tea party in the garden.

I also imagine them as bridesmaids and flower girl accessories for a casual country wedding!  Wouldn't that be sweet(and cheeky)!

New Items in The Shop!

I've listed some new items in my etsy shop today. 

I originally made a bag like this for my daughter who's 11 yrs old.  She wanted to organize all that she needed to bring to the pool everyday.  So I made one with handy pockets at the front where she keeps her suncreen and swimming goggles.

On the inside I added a little zippered pouch intended to keep some Snack Shack money in.  It is sewn into the lining of the bag with a little strap so it can never get lost.  It's also great to hold any small items (like keys) that tend to get lost at the bottom of the bag.

This bag in particular coordinates well with my "Cottage in the Woods" quilt and with this bookwrap. I think all three together would make an ideal gift package for a new mom!
Here are two of the other bags in the shop:

 Happy Summer weather has finally arrived in Montreal and we are looking forward to summer days at the local pool!!

QIP

Using the orange and yellow leftovers from my
Sherbet Crosses Quilt I started another "improv quilt".

I started with just a modern log cabin block in mind and played around with pieces until I had three blocks that were large enough to cover the width of the quilt, which is about 42 inches. Basically the full width of the background fabric.

I've been seeing lots of yellow and gray combos on the web lately and I really like it.