This weeks Coupon: $3 off
     I am running a special this week in my etsy shop.  Enter the coupon code FranScarf when you buy any of my ladies scarfs over 20 dollars and receive $3 off.  The offer is good through October 7 and may be used more than once.  Visit the scarf section of my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=14268824
 
 

Sewing and Quilting Tip #15:  Work on 2 projects at once.
   If you want to finish , not just start, your projects, you might think you should concentrate on just one.  Friends and I have found the opposite.  If you work on 2 things, if you get tired of a step because its either tedious or mentally or physically challenging, you can take a  break and work on your other project  When you are ready, go back to the first one.  This way you can often finish 2 projects instead of being stuck int he middle of one.
  Here are some photos of 2 things I worked on at once:  A table runner and a circle scarf.  Both for sale in my esty shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

REVERSIBLE INFINITY SCARF:
  I am having so much fun sewing these infinity scarves.   I like using a different type of fabric than I usually do for quilting.   This Scarf is made form Rayon Chellis.  It is a very soft luxurious fabric that drapes well. This scarf is Lapis Blue Batik on one side and Plum purple with blue flowers on the other.  Wear it with the blue side showing, the purple or both!
This scarf and more are for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=14268824

SEWING AND 
QUILTING TIP #14:  You can never have too many bobbins
     The next time you are at the store that sells your brand of bobbins,  pick up another pack.  I am forever needing more bobbins.  I like to match the bobbin thread to the top thread most of the time such as when appliqueing names on baby quilts as shown here.  That means a different bobbin for each color thread and we know how many thread colors there are!  See more of my quilts with baby names on them in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=7757881

Cloth Hankies and Napkins:
   When I found this great Grey and Gold coordinating fabric, I could not decide if I should make handkerchiefs or napkins..... so I made both!  In fact the hankies would be great as either mens pocket squares or ladies hankies.  Treat yourself or start stocking up on holiday gifts.
 See both in my esty shop at the link below:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #13
  When to clean your sewing machine
Because I sew a lot, I thought I should clean the lint out of my sewing machine very often.  I sometimes  clean it everyday.  Sometimes there is a lot lint sometimes not so much.  The thing that matters the most for me is if I am quilting versus sewing.  The fluff from the batting collects in the machine quite a bit.    So, now whenever I finish quilting I clean the machine.  Above is a quilt I just finished:  A baby boy I spy quilt.  See this and more quilts for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=7757881

LADIES HANDKERCHIEF
           FROM DESIGNER FABRIC BY AMY BUTLER
   I have been making hankies out of designer fabric for several  years now.  This one is my favorite so far.   Cloth hankies are so much more fun to use than tissue!  And of course being Green and washing and reusing is a big plus.   See this lovely hankie and many more in my esty shop at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

SEWING AND QUILTING
TIP #12:     Placement in quilt
     The photo shows part of a t-shirt quilt I am working on.  You can see that the legs on Oliver had to be cut off in order to fit the words at the top of the design.  Therefore, I have placed this block at the bottom of the quilt...it looks more natural than if he was on the top or middle of the quilt and then his legs were missing.  This quilt is being made with all the blocks the same size, of course another option is not to cut off any of the motif.

CONGRATULATIONS
   to Maggie of Illinois who was the person to be my 500th sale in my esty shop.  She won 2 of my cotton handkerchiefs.   There are plenty more hankies for sale including the ones pictured here at:
FabricCreationsfran.etsy.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER ANN
  I made my sister this quilt for her, well, a big birthday.  Thanks Ann for getting my started in etsy and in blogging.  Check out her blog at the link below and wish her a Happy Birthday.
http://whimsicalcreationsbyann.blogspot.com/

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #11:   Let people know you MADE their gift
    You can let people know that you made their gift either by putting a  tag or label  in the item or by writing in the card:  Here is a little something I made to thank you for...... or ....to wish you a very happy....
One year I made hot pads for everyone I knew: family, friends and my children's teachers.  People who knew me well or were artists or crafters themselves knew that I made their gift, while others had no idea.  All that hard, personalized work should be appreciated so tell them you made it!
See my handmade creations in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

BATIK BABY QUILT:
         I had so much fun making this quilt ... if it was not baby/toddler size I would have kept it for myself!  It makes me happy just looking at it.  If you know someone who would give this quilt a happy home it is for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/155325884/colorful-baby-quilt-bright-batiks-with

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #10     How to always have a coupon with you
  I used to get to the fabric store and realize that I forgot my coupons.   Not anymore.  I do 2 things.   First I put my coupons in my reusable shopping bag and put that in the car so that which ever day I go to the store I have my coupons.  Next, I have recently got a smart phone.  In it I have both coupons that I get e-mailed to me and I have APPs for Joann and Hobby Lobby that always have several coupons ready.  Also remember to ask if the store you shop in accepts competitors coupons.  Mill End Textiles accepts JoAnn's coupons  but they have to be on paper, not in your phone.  See some of the fun things I have sewn with all this fabric bought with coupons in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com

Quilted Table Runner for Fall and all year
         You can bring the colors of fall indoors all year long with this beautiful handmade table runner.  I had fun using a variety of decorative stitches to quilt this runner.  Perfect for Thanksgiving or entertaining.  See this runner and more for sale in my etsy shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=10161877

                                                 

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #9:  Scissors instead of seam rippers when possible.   

Sometimes, when I make a mistake sewing, instead of ripping out the seam , I just cut off the seem.  This will waste a seam allowance from each side, 1/4 inch from each side in my case.  So I can only use this when I have extra fabric such as in sewing binding strips together or piecing a back of a quilt.  I occasionally don't have the right sides together, oops one right and one wrong.  Its MUCH QUICKER, to just cut out the seem and start over.    Everyone hates ripping out seams!

MY NEW FAVORITE HANKIES:
   I just love this new set of hankies so of course I have to make a set for myself.  I have many hankies and do get around to them all:  some are in my purse, my fanny back, my gym bag, my nightstand, in my drawer ready to go and the ones in the laundry after I used them reading a really good book.  My daughter keeps asking, if the book is happy why are you crying?
See these and my large selection of men's and women's  handkerchief in my esty shop at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=8030018

SEWING AND QUILTING TIP #8:    Fabric Storage
     My favorite way to store fabric is in these clear plastic containers.  You can see how easy it is to see which fabric is in which container.  They have handles for carrying and stack in my closet nicely.  The containers lock tight with the side flaps to keep my fabric dust free.  I have found them in 2 sizes but prefer the smaller one so I don't have to dig to reach the fabric at the bottom.  Yes, I have a closet full of these and more fabric stored in extra dresser drawers, in my china cabinet, in....
See what I make with all this fabric in my etsy shop at:
FabricCreationsFran.etsy.com
 

HANUKKAH TABLE RUNNER, QUILTED:
     This year Hanukkah starts in November so I am already sewing more table runners.  This one is a new design for this year.  I will also be making some old favorites that sold out the last few years.   See my varied collection of fall, holiday and year round table runners at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricCreationsFran?section_id=10161877