by GillyMac | Jan 20, 2021 | Beginners, blog, Classes, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing Made Simple
I believe that sewing is a great investment in you and will improve your wellbeing. It is a way to relax and enjoy life today and cope with pressure in the future. Those of you who come to my classes know that sewing is terrific and is like Pilates for the brain. It...
by GillyMac | Jan 13, 2021 | Beginners, blog, Dressmaking, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing Made Simple
How often you should change your needle is a topic that everybody has an opinion on, and most of them are different. This is not very helpful when you want a simple answer. Let me tell you when I change my needle. I think about my needles like pencils. I...
by GillyMac | Jan 6, 2021 | Beginners, blog, Dressmaking, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing Made Simple, Teens
If you are new to sewing machine purchasing or upgrading, it is often hard to know which sewing machine you should buy. Because of this, it can be easier to narrow down the options by price. This is a fine way to start, but really only removes some of the alternatives...
by GillyMac | Dec 26, 2020 | GillyMac Community, Patchwork, Quilting
Today I want to share some sewing inspiration for 2021. I have gathered images of many of the items made in and out of class in 2020 by the GillyMac Community. This represents just a hint of the creativity within this wonderful community. I hope it inspires your...
by GillyMac | Dec 23, 2020 | Applique, Classes, Designing, GillyMac Community, Patchwork, Quilting, Virtual Retreat
I am relishing working on the project for the GillyMac 2021 Spring Virtual Retreat. It is such a nice bright piece and just what is needed in the current climate. The Spring Virtual Retreat Project is a beautiful applique table runner based on a log cabin block. It is...
by GillyMac | Dec 15, 2020 | Christmas, GillyMac Community
“Allow me to present the amazing collection of Christmas Tree Challenge pieces. These were created by the brilliant participants from the GillyMac Club” Well done and thank you. Gill x Jackie BensteadAngela RigbyLou BurridgeLindsey LucasAriane...
by GillyMac | Dec 4, 2020 | blog, Christmas, general, GillyMac Community, Patchwork, Quilting
As we get closer to Christmas, you may be thinking about what you would like to receive or give at this time. To help you out, I am recommending the top 10 sewing books I have enjoyed using and owning in the past few years. They are not all brand new, some have been...
by GillyMac | Nov 25, 2020 | blog, Christmas, GillyMac Community, Patchwork
Over the past years, I have bought a number of different patchwork rulers in the hope of cutting fabric pieces quicker, easier and with more accuracy. Some have been brilliant and simple to use – others have been thrown away. If you have been asking yourself...
by GillyMac | Nov 11, 2020 | free, Patchwork, Quilting
Today I am offering you all a free copy of my Phoenix Quilt Pattern. Previously, this free applique quilt was designed for the regular classes to make week by week during Lockdown. For this reason, the pattern was originally created in weekly instalments and has only...