Sizzix Big Shot Pro

I'm always looking for products to make my life easier, so when a friend suggested I try her Sizzix Big Shot Pro for all my cutting and embossing needs, I jumped at the opportunity. I fell in love immediately with the versatile machine. I could suddenly personalize garments, home-decor items, and all manner of accessories quickly and easily. It cut my fabric into applique shapes without any fuss and was generally a joy to use.

The Big Shot Pro features a 13" wide opening. This means I can use it to cut or emboss virtually anything. For a few projects I did require some of the optional accessories, which my friend luckily had already. These accessories widened my ability to create new and unique items. Though I mostly used the machine for garments (since this is the focus of my business), I also tried it out when making accessories for my home. Mostly pillows, and let me tell you, I created some lovely pillows with this machine. Most of them have since been stolen by my friends and family, so it looks like more pillows are in my immediate future.

I was so happy with the Sizzix Big Shot Pro that I couldn't help but purchase my own, plus accessories. It was well worth every penny, and I'm currently designed new and unique products with this machine in mind.

Kreinik Metallic Threads

I love unique products that are easy to work with and enhance the beauty of my projects. So when I found the vibrant metallic threads from Kreinik, I was overjoyed. These threads glitter and sparkle, adding pizzazz and vibrancy to many of my projects. I use them for embroidery or even just to sew a hem and am always pleased with the results.

These threads come in many colors and are available in a variety of sizes to accomodate all your sewing and craft needs. Choose from textures such as ribbon or braid and watch your sewing and craft projects come to life.

These threads can be a little irritating to work with when they curl or twist, but there are a couple simple tips I've discovered that can solve both these problems. Neither of these tips apply when using Kreinik metallic threads in a sewing machine. First, when taking the thread off the spool, wet it just a little. That will get rid of the curl. And if you find your thread twists as you work, try using shorter lengths. This will also help preserve the quality of the thread itself.

These and other specialty threads are a little more expensive than your average sewing thread, but they're well worth the cost whenever you need something with a little spice.

Susan Winget Fabric Collection

I'm always on the lookout for beautiful fabrics that are easy to work with, and I love prints most of all. So when I stumbled on to the Susan Winget Fabric Collection, found at Joann Fabric & Craft Stores, I fell in love. these fabrics are 100% cotton, so they're easy to work with and they can be used for garments, home decor projects, quilting, and so much more. I use them to make summer dresses and pillows, though I'm sure I'll find even more uses for them as the summer wears on. They also iron well on a low setting, making life easier for me since I absolutely hate wrinkles.

So if you have the time, search through some of the available patterns and consider ordering some of your favorites. My personal favorite is pictured here, called Butterfly Drawn to the Light, but there are many other choices for anyone interested in lovely fabrics. Some of my favorites include:

• Le Jardin Texture Blue
• Seaside Gardens Coral
• Beauty & Grace Butterfly Lt Green
• Parsley & Sage Allover

But these are only a few of the fabrics I've used in my summer projects. I strongly recommend them for anyone interested in wonderful fabrics that are easy to work with. They'll enhance your sewing projects and make you love fabric shopping all over again.

A Creative Sewing Box and Storage Solution

Traditionals sewing boxes and kits are simply not that large. They'll hold a few notions and maybe even some scraps of fabric, but forget storing patterns or larger pieces of fabric in there. If you love to sew, you probably have more supplies and fabrics than you can store in that sewing box, so you end up with bags, boxes, and storage tubes filled with supplies all over the house. Hey, it happens.

But there is a creative solution, though you'll have to go to your local hardware store to get it. Invest in a giant tool box. One of those ones with a dozen drawers that rolls around on wheels. These are often called tool chests or tool cabinets, and some of them have power outlets, radios, and even little mini refrigerators (though you might not need one that elaborate).

These chests have drawers for all your notions and supplies, and you'll probably have enough space for frequently-used patterns and fabrics. And they come on wheels so you can move them when you need to. If you really need the storage space, you might want to get two!