Wednesday, October 2, 2024

October - Mug Rug of the Month Tutorial


You can find October design right
 HERE

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Monday, September 2, 2024

September - Mug Rug of the Month Tutorial

  


You can find September design right HERE

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Thursday, August 1, 2024

August - Free Mug Rug of the Month Pattern

 


You can find August design right HERE

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Friday, July 19, 2024

Safety First - Always!


This post is a bit different than my usual crafting and sewing articles. I have what I feel is an important message because of our own personal experience this week. 

If you don't have a carbon monoxide detector, you need to buy one. If you can't remember when you last purchased one, buy a new one. We had a horrible storm this week that not only did a lot of damage, but left many of us without power for three days. 

Several years back we purchased a whole house generator. Second night in, we were awakened by our carbon monoxide detector. We immediately went outside and called 911. The fire department came with their meter and yes, the levels were high. They called our power company and came out and made several checks. It appeared that our generator gasses were seeping into the house via the dryer vent. We covered it up with duck tape, aired the house, then turned the generator back on. Next night, it happened again! This time we just turned off the generator and went to bed. Of course we aired out the house first. 

The important message here is that if we didn't have that carbon monoxide detector, we would have been in a closed up house for three days! More than likely I wouldn't be here to write this post had we stayed with toxic gasses for three days.

So order one if you don't have one. The one we have plugs right into an outlet so no attaching to a wall is needed. We have another one coming tomorrow. Since this one has done it's job, we are replacing it. They are also inexpensive. The one I just bought I ordered from Amazon for around $20.

Feel free to share this post, or share the experience with someone you know. They really do save lives!!!

Photo for attention. We took a road trip this past month and this is some of the beauty we enjoyed along the way.

Monday, July 1, 2024

July - Mug Rug of the Month Free Tutorial

You can find July design right HERE

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Tutorial - Super Quick and Easy Cord Tamers


If you have an embroidery machine and make key fobs, I'm pretty sure you have a whole bunch of vinyl scraps and kamsnaps laying around. Here is a project that couldn't be any easier.

Cut your scraps into strips of various widths and lengths

Apply a set of kamsnaps to each one

Wrap around your cables and cords to keep them  neat and tidy.

That's it!


Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Friday, May 31, 2024

June Mug Rug of the Month Tutorial

You can find June design right HERE.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

May Mug Rug of the Month - Free Pattern!


You can find May design right HERE.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.

This particular design has a surprise! I give you ideas for more options!

Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Dry Shampoo Hack - Great Tip and so Frugal!


I don't remember where I saw this or how long ago it was but this simple and super cheap hack has saved my hair more than once.

For the past couple of years, I have discovered that my hair looks healthier (and the color last longer too) if I only wash it 2 or 3 times a week. Every time you wash your hair, you are also washing away important natural oils that your hair needs.

If you need to run out of the house and your hair is getting to the end of your hair washing break, or it's a little oilier than normal, this hack will have your hair looking fresh and beautiful. I find that this is best when done before bed if you plan to run out in the morning for a quick meeting or errand.

The simple ingredients.....cornstarch and baking cocoa. This does make sense because cornstarch absorbs moisture. And the cocoa powder is simply to take away the white powder look. I'm blonde so I just use a small amount. For dark hair, you can use more. 

***Just be sure not to let your cat or dog lick your hair because unsweetened chocolate is highly toxic to them.

I keep mine in the bathroom in a 1 cup size container and apply it with a large makeup brush. It's really that simple! That cup will probably last me a lifetime since I don't use it all that often. You can also put it in a shaker container and shake it on, then brush it out.

You only need to put it close to the scalp then give a good brushing or combing.


Don't miss any sewing tutorials, helpful tips, or free embroidery designs! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Tutorial - Fabric Tray, Great for Travel


We like to do a lot of traveling. We do two-week road trips and extra-long weekends. Some of our travels are to visit family while some, like road trips, we stay in hotels. I wanted a little tray that I could put on the dresser in a hotel or guest room that would hold my small items, so they don't get lost. When I travel alone to visit my daughter, I like to take nothing more than a backpack that fits under my airplane seat. I needed a tray that would take up no extra room. This is perfect because it packs flat. It would also be a great gift idea. Even dad would like it if you used fabrics with his favorite sports team or hobby!

Let's get started on this super speedy project!

You'll need the following: 

10 1/2 inch square of outer fabric

10 1/2 inch square of inner fabric

10 1/2 inch square of med weight fusible interfacing

10 1/2 inch square of fusible fleece interfacing 

*In place of the fusible fleece interfacing, you can use 100% cotton batting and either spray it to one of the fabric pieces with basting spray, or machine baste in place along the edges. 

4 sets of KamSnaps (or you can use sew-in snaps or velcro)

Thread and general sewing supplies

Instructions:

Fuse the fusible fleece interfacing to the back of one of the fabric pieces, and the medium weight fusible interfacing to the back of the other fabric piece. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the interfacings you will be using.

On the backside of the fabric with the medium weight interfacing, draw a line 1/4 inch away from the edge on each side. Then take something rounded (I used a large thread spool) to round the corners. Since this is on the interfacing it will not show so you can use a pen or pencil for marking if you want. The red circles show where I rounded the corners.


Place fabric with right sides together and pin to secure. Stitch all the way around your edges, rounding the corners. Stitch on the lines and the curved corners you just drew. Leave a 2-inch opening in the center of one of the edges for turning. Trim at corners to relieve bulk. Turn right side out, gently pushing out the corners, and iron. Fold the excess fabric (at the opening) toward the inside even with the edges and iron. This opening will be closed with the next stitching.

Decide which side you want to be your inside. I'm choosing the travel themed fabric for mine. With this side facing up, stitch all the way around 1/8 away from the edges. This will also seal that opening closed that you used for turning right side out.

Take a ruler and measure 1 3/4 inches away from each edge. Mark with a disappearing marker or a chalk pencil like I am using since the markings can be brushed away. Stitch on that line, all the way from one edge to the other. Do this on each side.

TIP: I like to take a piece of painter’s tape and place it on the bed of my machine and keep the edge of the fabric even with the tape. Perfect stitching every time!

Take a ruler and draw a line from each intersection (where the seams cross each other) to the end of the rounded corner. This will be a 45-degree angle. Use your disappearing marker or chalk for this. Stitch on each of these lines.

You'll need four sets of snaps or some velcro for the final part. Apply them at each corner. The connecting side of the snaps or velcro should be against the inside of the basket. KamSnaps makes this so easy. You'll want your snaps close to the side seams and the outer edges. You'll use one set of snaps at each corner.

That's it! Snap the corners together and you have a little tray. Taking it traveling, just unsnap and it will stow flat in your travel bag.

 


Don't miss any sewing tutorials, helpful tips, or free embroidery designs! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Monday, April 1, 2024

April Mug Rug of the Month Free Pattern

 


You can find April design right HERE.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Thursday, February 29, 2024

March Mug Rug of the Month Free Pattern

You can find March design right HERE.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

NEW Forever Free Design!


A new forever free embroidery design is on the website. This mini zipper bag embroidery file is four inch hoop friendly too. You can find it HERE.

Don't miss any new freebies or articles! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

February - Mug Rug of the Month Free Pattern

Your free mug rug of the month pattern for February is here!

CLICK HERE for the February pattern.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.

You can find all the monthly designs HERE.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

Monday, January 22, 2024

Applique Tips for the Regular Sewing Machine


There are two ways to think about machine applique. There is the applique that you do on an embroidery machine where the machine does all the stitching, and there is applique that you do on a regular sewing machine where you do the stitching. You can also choose different types of stitching around your appliques.

Since I'm hosting the monthly mug rug freebie here on the blog, I thought it would be a great time to reintroduce my two-part series of my favorite applique tips. These tips are for the applique that you do with the regular sewing machine. You can also do them by hand if you choose. Sometimes I prefer to applique by hand because I can kick back and watch a show or two while I stitch.

If you plan on doing a lot these mug rugs or applique in general, I can not stress enough what a difference your machine foot makes! I highly recommend using an "open toe foot" for your sewing machine (not embroidery machine). It gives you a clear view of every stitch you are making. I just checked on Amazon and you can still get them for under $10. So worth the price!

Below are the two articles that I wrote with favorite and most helpful tips for the applique process. 

Applique Tips - Part 1

Applique Tips - Part 2

If you want to join in on the fun by making the free mug rug of the month, you can click HERE.

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to get a free design every weekend (unless I'm running a sale). Sign up for Sher's Creative News

Monday, January 15, 2024

Forever Free - A New Area on My Website!


Did you kow that I just added a new page to the website? I now have a page called "Forever Freebies." That is where you'll find free embroidery designs, free patterns, and I even have some Samsung templates (printables) up there that I created for my own use but am sharing with you. This is not to take the place of the "Weekend Freebies," but to add to it. Stop by and see if you see any projects you'd like to start! Links below:

Forever Freebies

Weekend Freebies


Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 


Monday, January 8, 2024

Cozy Up My Space


I spend a lot of time in my studio and I decided to cozy it up a little. I do keep it neat unless I'm in the middle of projects. Some of you have already seen my studio and if you haven't I have a tour on the blog that you can view HERE.

Although my job consists of patterns, embroidery designs, and constant testing of them, I also spend a lot of time at my desk doing the graphic work for the designs, keeping my books, creating ads, and other desk work.

One of the things I have in the studio is LED overhead lighting. And when the lights are on, they are bright, I might even say super bright. In fact, the electrician that came by to install them asked me if I was sure I wanted them in a bedroom. I told him that I work in here so it's perfect. When I'm just doing desk work, it is still so bright so I now have a lamp stand that is near my desk so I have perfect lighting for working on the computer or sketching up some designs. 

Now that the lighting at my desk is softer, I decided to add some coziness. I spend so much time here that I figured why not. I found these flameless candles on Amazon that look so real. They came in a set of three but I split them up so I could have one or two in my studio. And how do you like the little owls? Another Amazon find that looks so cute on my window cell. In the right of the image you'll see a cute little wooden sign that my husband made for me on his scroll saw and I just love it!

I just thought I'd share my little space for working on all the designs I've been creating!


Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to get a free design every weekend (unless I'm running a sale). Sign up for Sher's Creative News

Monday, January 1, 2024

January - Mug Rug of the Month Free Pattern!

Several years ago I did a collaboration on another website for a mug rug of the month design. The project was a huge success with only one problem. All the files were stored at Craftsy and they closed down and removed all the designer's shops. It's been a while and I'm still getting contacted by people looking for the pattern so I decided to bring it back. This time though I'm sharing the pattern from my google drive that you can download right here on the blog. It will be published the first week of the month.

CLICK HERE for the January pattern.

Be sure to download the pdf document to your computer for printing. It's been my experience that the internet pdf viewers are horrible for printing. They also tend to leave out images such as pattern pieces.


Don't miss the next Mug Rug of the Month pattern! 

Sign up for Sher's Creative News

There's a free machine embroidery design in every issue (unless I'm running a sale). You'll also find links to free sewing tutorials and articles too. The newsletter goes out once a week. 

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