National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing and Quilting month!
Fat Quarter shop is hosting the “I Love Quilting and Sewing” Blog Tour all month long to celebrate the art of sewing and quilting. They are dedicating the month of September to spread the awareness and love for this craft.

They asked a group of bloggers to share why we love sewing!
I honestly feel like sewing makes my heart sing and fills my soul! It is my creative outlet and I am grumpy if more than a few days go by without time to spend with my sewing machine or designing a new project!

The Fat Quarter Shop also asked the participating bloggers to make something we have not made before! My project is a purse and I chose to add an appliqué detail.

It was a fun project and stretched my skills as my attempts at appliqué have been very small details but not the focal point of the project. I used a freezer paper technique that I found in Playful Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki.

Fat Quarter Shop also asked up to answer the following questions:
1. How did you start quilting/sewing?
I started sewing when I was six years old. My mom taught me to hand sew clothes for my Barbie dolls. I was hooked and knew I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up.
My uncle gave me my first sewing machine when I was twelve. It opened up the world of sewing clothes and I never looked back. My best sewing memory is when I made a tailored button down shirt for my grandfather for Christmas when I was thirteen years old. He opened the box said "Thank you Charise" and put the box down. My mom proceeded to say " Dad, Charise made that shirt!" He wore it for decades until it was thread bare : )
2. When was the first time you knew that you were a quilter/sewer?
I'd have to say I considered myself a sewer when I made my first doll clothes at age six.
3. Do you have any sewing/quilting horror stories or faux pas?
Not making a muslin when garment sewing! I've been sewing for over 40 years and I think I have finally learned to always make a test garment before cutting into your precious fabric!!!
4. What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in sewing/quilting?
Take classes. Try new techniques and take your time : ) Don't be afraid to try something new and fail on your first try .... you will master a technique if you practice! I love this sewing because there is always something new to learn no matter how old your are or how much experience you have!

Happy Sewing! xo Charise