Do you use a standard ironing board, a wool pressing mat, or something else? Has switching surfaces made a noticeable difference in your sewing projects?

I agree! Both have different use, I badly need that scissors when it comes to tight corners.

Pillow with an envelope style closure.

Both, long runs of straight cutting rotary for sure, tight corners or curves give me my scissors please.

Which do you use the most and why?

The tickets are going on sale soon! This year is going to be the best yet. All I need to do is figure out what to make.

Is there one fabric you can’t resist buying because you know you’ll use it?

Yes, I would love to see photos too!

@Jeanene.Dressmaker I love throw pillows. They are quick to sew and can make a big impact in a room. 😀

What’s a simple home décor sewing project you’d recommend for beginners that’s both useful and fun to make?

I won’t be there this year, unfortunately. Have a wonderful time, everyone! Please share lots of pictures.

Are you going? What are you most excited about?

Do you usually add trims for decoration, function, or both? Share your favorite ways to use binding or trims to give your sewing projects a polished finish.

I love that mindset! It’s amazing how different projects inspire different people. Wishing you lots of success when you tackle that jacket!

I totally get that! Lining can definitely make a project feel a lot more intimidating. Congrats on figuring out pants though that’s a huge milestone, I’m sure you’ll tackle those lined trousers when the time feels right, and it’ll probably be easier than you expect. 😊

I will do it one day. I just have imposter syndrome. I don’t think I am good enough.

For some reason, the tailored jacket you speak of is what intrigues me enough to keep working to master my skills. Different strokes…

That sounds like a great approach. If you’ll actually wear it, it’s always worth making!

Looking back, what part of sewing did you struggle with the most as a beginner? Reading patterns, cutting fabric, sewing curves, using a sewing machine, or something else? What helped you finally understand it?

I sew what I like to wear, which is generally pretty traditional. I definitely don’t wear bold and bright prints.

I am up for trying anything. Whether I succeed or fail is another matter. I am currently avoiding anything that is lined. I just figured out fitting pants, and really want ot make a pair of lined trousers with this really nice fabric from my stash, but the idea of lining anything scares me to death. I also have a pattern for a Tailored…

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Have you ever avoided a pattern because it looked difficult, but then found it surprisingly easy to sew? Which pattern was it, and what made it less intimidating? I’d love to hear your recommendations for patterns that look impressive but are beginner-friendly.

@screechinglilies So exciting! 👏 Such a great top! What fabric are you using?

Stitchbook is a great resource for your measurements, notes and progress pics! https://stitchbook.sewshare.com/

I’m on the home stretch of finishing my Protea pants. Working on the waistband now. Then, just the button hole and hem to go!

@screechinglilies I’m giving this pattern a try https://sewshare.com/product/square-neck-top-pdf-pattern/

It’s my first garment I’m making on my own (outside of a class)

So far, the instructions seem very clear and detailed

@bonnieM Thank you for your feedback! We truly appreciate your help in making SewShare and Stitchbook even better.

Your Agora jacket project? It’s the first on Stitchbook. 🎉 It’s amazing! Your stitching is so beautiful. You should now be able to find it by searching. We hope you’ll inspire a trend!

The search function doesn’t work very well. Do you need to put a hash tag to make text searchable? For example I searched for ayora to see if anyone had made this jacket in the stitch book and my project didn’t come up nor did other projects. Do I have to go out and use google for this site for better searches? Thanks. Bonnie

Working on the Protea Pants!

@scree have a look at these too. Start typing the names into STITCHBOOK 👆🏼and it will populate with video techniques for you too for each pattern. Also SewShare just launched this ‘Learn’ to sew resource last weekend (thank you Julie :)) https://sewshare.com/learn-to-sew/.

Here are some beginner-friendly recommendations:

Top Beginner Patterns…

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@homelaw My final recordation is a simple hair tie or elastic band. This hack I got from my mother Maeve and it got me through a few months. Photo to illustrate.

Enjoy your growing bump and we can wait to see your creations. You can copy and pass all my notes into STITCHBOOK above 👆🏼 for yourself and each pattern you create that is on…

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@homelaw For the alterations, when I was pregnant, I sewed two buttons on the inside of my pants/skirts and got that elastic you can get with with button holes and got great extra wear out of skirts and pants. You can add a V shaped piece of material to the elastic if you wish as well.

Another fun pattern is.

• Burda Style Women Pants #6316:…

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@home @paradisepatterns I thought that patterns are the best start for you. And asked our chat assistant who searches the whole SewShare site for us. This was the results:

1. Humla Romper

This is perhaps the most maternity-friendly pattern in their collection!

• Why it works: It is specifically noted as looking amazing on both pregnant…

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I want to alter patterns into a maternity pattern for tops and pants. I also want to alter ready made clothes such as jeans for pregnancy.

Thank you

@screechinglilies Sewpedia (yellow icon in lower left corner) can also help you find beginner patterns right here the SewShare Marketplace. Just ask! 🙂