by GillyMac | Feb 3, 2021 | Beginners, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing Made Simple
How Long Will It Take Me to Make My First Patchwork Quilt? Beginners ask this question frequently. The answer is ‘not long’ provided you choose a pattern that will help you learn and achieve results without too much fiddly stuff. Furthermore, simple...
by GillyMac | Jan 27, 2021 | Beginners, blog, GillyMac Community, Patchwork, Quilting, Sewing Made Simple
“Which sewing machine needle should I use?” There are two factors to consider when choosing a needle. What type of fabric you are sewing and the thickness of the thread to be sewn with. Type of Sewing Machine Needle You should match the ideal type of sewing machine...
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...
