Sewing notions that save time and energy

My favorite sewing supplies. The disappearing/water soluble ink marker is perfect for "marking twice, cutting once". The other is a curved blade seam ripper which makes all the difference in the world. Before I found this, I would just fold up the project and put it in the back of a shelf...ha, ha.My third favorite notion is the Schmetz-Leather sewing machine needle. I used to struggle while sewing with leather...and now it's like stitching through buttah....

Use free motion sewing to add fun designs quickly!

Now that it's summer...and it's hot as blazes outside...it's time to sit under a cool fan and work on some sewing techniques. You have that stack of quilt tops and gorgeous fabrics that you've been meaning to "quilt". Set aside some quiet time. Gather up your free motion foot, drop the feed dogs on the sewing machine, sandwich some fabric with batting in between and GO! Look in magazines and online for motifs that interest you. Create a line drawing. Use your pencil to trace the outlines a few times. It will help you get accustomed to the curves in the lines. If you like...trace the design on to your fabric using the Dritz Marking Pens with water soluble ink. Sew over the lines. Use a moist Q-Tip to remove the lines before you press. Hmmm...looks pretty good. Now for the stack of quilts...