Free Little Makerspace Box - Unlocking Creativity

    I worked in school libraries for over 20 years.  The library is a place in the school where all are welcome.  Students came for different reasons and varying levels of enthusiasm.  Some came to find the perfect book, others came because they had to.  But one thing we did in the library all the students loved and were excited to participate in was - Makerspace Days!

    Makerspace Days were when we brought out different activities for the students to do.  We had stations with Legos, blocks, puzzles, snap circuits etc. We also had various kinds of arts-n-crafts.  I was always excited to see what creative items the kids would make.  Many were very comfortable with craft supplies and started right away on their creations.  A few were a little more reserved, thinking that their creation had to meet certain requirements.  Those were the kids who I would encourage to open up and let their creativity soar.

    I found it curious that some kids had very little exposure to arts-n-crafts.  When I was growing up we were always making something out of simple supplies like cardboard, tissue paper, glue, fabric etc.  But I guess that was our entertainment.  Today they have many other options to entertain themselves.  I believe all people have some kind of creativity at their core. Some people need to be encouraged and exposed to different ways to unlock that creativity.  My desire is to provide a way for the kids (and adults) in my community to unlock their creative soul.  So, I am putting a Free Little Makerspace Box in my front yard.

    A Free Little Makerspace Box is similar to a Free Little Library since it is a box on a post but instead of books inside there will be craft kits.  The craft kits will be simple projects kids (and adults) can make on their own or with a little bit of help.  Each kit will have most of the main supplies for the project.  They will need to supply the basic craft supplies like glue, crayons, markers, tape etc.  There is no charge for the kits they are free.  I am using simple, inexpensive items to create the kits.

    My hope is that the kids (and adults) will come get a kit from the box each month and spend some time allowing their creativity to soar.  Check out the video below about how we built and installed our "Free Little Makerspace Box".

Danna

Cutest Mop Ever!

Do those small spills on your floor drive you crazy?  I hate to put the clean dishtowel I just got out of the drawer to wipe up the small spill on my floor.  It always seems to happen right after I have switched out the dishtowels.  Well I have a fun solution to that frustration.

Introducing the Turtle Mop!  It is perfect for those small spills.  Made from cotton fabric on the top and terry cloth on the bottom the Turtle Mop becomes your new favorite friend.  Use it to wipe up the spill with your foot and then push him back out of the way until the next spill.  When the Turtle Mop gets dirty toss him in the wash.  No more tossing that clean dishtowel you just put out to wipe up the mess.

These make great gifts and are fun enough that kids might be encouraged to wipe up their own spills.

To learn how to make your own Turtle Mop watch the full tutorial below.

Danna

 

Upcycle those old ties just hangin' around!

 For a lot of us our wardrobe has changed in the last few years.  Most places we go are more casual in the dress code.  In the workplace employees are now able to wear business casual attire all week.  Years ago it was only on Friday that you did not have to wear a suit and tie.

So, if you have a closet full of ties just hangin' around taking up precious closet space grab them and let's make something useful and fun.  This tutorial will show you how to take 2 ties and create a super cute purse that is perfect to grab and go with only the essentials.  It is also great for those teenagers in your life that love that upcycled unique fashion statement.

Don't worry if you have already cleared out all the old ties from your home.  Thrift stores, garage and estate sales have an abundance to choose from.  

Sew, let's get started!

Danna

It's in the Bag!

 I am always looking for easy ways to store items.  This drawstring bag is quick to make and can be done in lots of sizes.  This project was first made to store the Jenga style blocks from Dollar Tree.  But you can make them to store items like Legos, card games, small action figures, craft supplies, sewing notions and more.  

If you make one share in the comments what you use your bag for.

Thanks,

Danna

 I am always looking for fun and unique items to use in my sewing adventures.  Shower curtain rings are inexpensive and easily accessible. So, why not create a Christmas ornament using one.  

These ornaments are quick, fun and beginner sewing friendly.  You can make a bunch of these for all those on your list.  Tie them to the front of a package to add a bonus gift to your present.

Enjoy and keep sewing!

Danna

Seat Belt Cover

 Are you like me and the seat belt in your car drives you nuts!  I finally found a solution - a seat belt cover.  It is a quick and easy sewing project.  Great for all sewing levels and very practical.  

It fits over the seat belt and is adjustable up and down.  Now the seat belt does not bite into my shoulder when I drive.

See the video below to make this for your car.

Thanks,

Danna

Card Deck Holder

 Do you like to play cards with family and friends?  If you are like our family we have lots of card games.  Keeping those organized and the decks all together can be tricky.  But, with a card deck holder it is easy.  

These card deck holders are also great for your kids Magic, Pokemon, or Yu-Gi-Oh card games.  Those decks can become rather large so sew up several to keep them safe and organized.

Christmas is coming soon and these make great stocking stuffers.

Enjoy,

Danna

Starting a new stage in life - RETIREMENT!!

 In May 2024 after over 40 years in the workforce I retired.  I am excited about the opportunities that this new freedom of time will bring to my life.  

Expansion of my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create has already begun with posting of weekly videos.  The stack of unfinished quilt projects was seeing progress until I went through some of the bins in my sewing room.  How can one person have so many unfinished projects? 

Taking the time to update this blog will also be a priority.  So check back often to see what projects I am finishing, starting new or working on the design.  I hope you will join me on this journey and share in my passion for all things creative.  

Danna

Keep those tissues handy

 If you are like me and have allergies all year long you always want those tissues handy.  I carry them in my purse, my bag I take to school, my lunch bag, the car etc.  To help be able to find them quickly I created tissue covers for the small packages I carry.

The cover also has a pocket on the back which is great to hold your nail file, clippers or even your ID and credit card.  These are quick to stitch up and only take a few pieces of scrap fabric.

Tissue covers also make a great gift for teachers, co-workers, family and friends.  Watch the video below to learn how to make them.

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel Sew-Learn-Create for more sewing, quilting, crafting and DIY tutorials.  Hit the "Bell" notification so YouTube will alert you when I upload a new video. If you would like to support my channel and get bonus content, free patterns and more become a Patreon Member.

Happy Sewing and Creating!

Danna

This says it all!

 A few weeks ago we had a major issue happen in our home.  The video below will give you a peek into what we are dealing with and where we are headed.  Things are beginning to get sorted out and moving forward on the sewing room remodel.  Life can be very, very messy sometimes.  We are ready for the cleanup to be completed and get back to normal.

Danna

Mid-Arm Quilting Saga

 A few years ago I was blessed by a friend who gave me her mid-arm quilt frame and machine.  She no longer wanted to quilt her own quilts and needed the room for her grandchildren.

My husband and I brought the frame home and set it up in the 5 foot length position. That is the largest I have room for at the moment.

The frame is set up finally.

It takes up a good portion of my existing space

And there it sat for about 2 years.  I was so intimidated by the whole process I wouldn't even try to figure it out.  My friend had told me she had some trouble with the machine even after having it serviced.  During the pandemic of 2020 I told myself it was time to "use it or lose it".  After trying several times to get the machine that came with the frame to work I finally pulled it off and put on one of my domestic sewing machines.  That is working for the moment while I research and save up for a new machine.

The quilt frame with my domestic machine on it

I finally loaded some test fabric and gave it a try

It is not perfect but it is a start!

Learning something new is always fun but also stressful.  As I begin to face my fears and "give it a try" I am amazed at what I have learned.  Wish me luck!

Keep quilting!

Danna

Front Porch Redo

 During the pandemic quarantine I was looking for things to do that would make me feel good about my home and my life.  Since I now had a lot of time on my hands I started looking at what I had around that I could use.  

Because I am a big sewer, crafter and quilter I had lots of supplies.  I had been wanting to give my porch a little "redo" for a while so I gathered my supplies and dove into the project.

It was also a good project to put on my newly started YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create.  Making the videos gave me a deadline and the extra push I needed to get the project completed.

Watch the videos below to see the before and after of my porch redo.  It was fun to do and it did help give me a purpose during the difficult times of the pandemic.

I hope this will inspire you to go dig through your supplies and start that project you have wanted to do for a long time.  

Keep creating!

Danna

Popcorn Bag - A healthy snack made easy

 Are you on a constant search for a healthy snack for you and your family?  I know it is sometimes a battle to find something that is healthy and tasty when there are so many other choices.

I recently came across a project that was a great solution to this dilemma - a popcorn bag.  The popcorn bag allows you to use regular popcorn kernels and cook it with no oils or butter.  This project joined several of my passions together.  I love to sew, in case you haven't figured that out, I love popcorn and I love to do my part to help the environment.

Watch the video below to make your own popcorn bag.  I sometimes add to my popcorn a little salt and some butter powder for extra flavor.  But by adding my own it is much healthier than the microwave bags, for you and the environment.

Happy sewing and eating!

Danna

Beginner Sewing - Let's Make a Popcorn Bag for a quick, healthy snack

Beginner Sewing Kits Now Available!

 One of the toughest aspects of starting a new hobby or learning a new craft is gathering all the supplies.  I teach beginner sewing lessons and as part of my class fee I provide all of the supplies for the class.  There is nothing more frustrating than to sign up for a class, go to get the supplies and you have no idea what to purchase.  I try to make this easy for students and parents by providing what they need so they can come to class and focus on the project we are making.

When I started my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create I wanted to provide the same type of experience.  So I now offer kits for some of my YouTube projects.  The kits don't have everything you need but they do have the basic fabric supplies.  With a few other sewing supplies (i.e. scissors, thread, clips and/or pins etc.) a sewing machine and the kit you can make the project.

I sell the kits on my Etsy shop.  These make a great gift for anyone who likes to sew.  Click the link to purchase a set for yourself and a friend. Beginner Sewing Kits.

To learn more about these kits and how you can support my YouTube channel check out this video.

Thanks for your support and Keep Sewing!

Danna

UFO's (UnFinished Objects) look out for more sightings!

 While cleaning out my sewing and craft room to get ready for a complete remodel I uncovered several UFO's.  I have been trying to work through those projects before starting something new.  Which is really hard for someone who has Creative ADD.  By that I mean I am easily distracted by that shinny new project that looks really fun.  So I drop the current project and begin the new one.  Therefore, my shop has been invaded by UFO's.

I came across a method of motivating and tracking your progress on projects that is working.  But I will post more about that at a later time.

So far I have been able to complete these projects from my alien invasion.

Cactus Quilt and Table Runner

Scrap Bag Challenge from a friend

Donation Baby Quilt

I will admit that my Creative ADD did get the best of me a couple of times.  I recently joined a local quilt guild and I learned about a new technique that I just "had" to try.  But now I am back on the UFO hunt and elimination.

Comment below and share what UFO's you uncovered recently and the progress you are making.  What out for more UFO sightings since I still have several areas I have not cleaned out yet.

Keep creating!

Danna

2021 A Year to Finish and Move Forward

 Now that 2020 "The Year Like No Other" is behind us we can move forward. Right?  If there is one thing I learned during the quarantine it was that I need to get busy on some ideas and projects I have wanted to do for awhile.

So my goals for 2021 are to finish all those UFO's (UnFinished Objects) in my sewing and craft room, and start working on some other ideas I have been tossing around for years.

One of those ideas was to start a YouTube channel.  I did that in 2020 and you can learn more about that adventure here: 2020 A Year Like No Other and New Beginnings.  During the Summer of 2021 we will be remodeling our shop to accommodate filming and teaching in person.  No more taking over the Living Room!  That remodel has started off with a bit of a hurdle - the hot water heater burst and flooded the sewing/craft room and office.  But we are pushing forward.

I am still a few years away from retirement and I have been working on my plan for when I have "all the time in the world" Ha Ha.  When I retire and walk away from 20+ years in education I want to continue to teach what I am passionate about - sewing, crafting & quilting.  Online courses through Skillshare as well as in person classes are in the works already.  My plan is to add several presentations and/or workshops for quilt guilds and quilt shops.  Those presentations would focus on leaving a legacy from your scrap bin and how to motivate yourself to finish all those UFO's.  

I hope you will join me on this journey and adventure in 2021 and beyond.  Subscribe to my YouTube channel Sew-Learn-Create so you can create some fun, simple projects, and check out my upcoming courses on Skillshare (coming late Summer 2021).  

Leave me a comment below about how your are moving forward in 2021 and what adventures you are going to try.

Keep creating!

Danna

Make a Marble Maze - They are Amazing!

 I am always on the hunt for projects to sew that are easy kid projects.  It needs to be something that a beginner sewer can make, takes only a few supplies but also has an appeal to kids.  The Marble Maze project checks off all of those boxes.  It is easy to sew, takes only a few supplies and kids love them.

They are great for kids who need something to do with their hands while waiting at the dentist office or in the car.  You can play by yourself or race with a friend to see who can get through the maze the fastest.  I have to admit when I made the sample for my sewing class I could not put it down. It is soothing and fun.

Watch the video below on my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create so you can make some for your and your family.  They would also be a great party favor for a kids birthday.

Have an aMazing time sewing up this project.

Danna

2020 - A year like no other and new beginnings

 The year 2020 was definitely a year to remember.  When the pandemic hit I was at a quilters retreat.  It was the week after our daughter's wedding.  As things began to shut down I was asking my friends what they were talking about.  I had no clue because we had spent every spare moment for the previous 11 months planning a wedding.  By the time I got home from the retreat the country was in quarantine.  Being at home full time and not having to go to work was like my dream come true.  Especially since I was fortunate enough to still be receiving my paycheck while in quarantine.  

Since I love to sew, craft and quilt there were plenty of projects to work on during this time.  Our grown son was also home during the quarantine only he had lost a good portion of his self-employed income from teaching private percussion lessons. I began to help him process this new reality and ideas for projects he could work on began to flow.  One of those projects was me finally starting my YouTube channel.  

I had been talking about it for several years but did not have the time to figure out how to begin.  Well, now I had the time.  My son agreed to film and edit the videos so it was a win-win for both of us.  In April 2020 in the middle of a world wide pandemic Sew-Learn-Create YouTube channel was born.  On the channel I do sewing, crafting and DIY projects.  Many of the projects we make come from the sewing classes I teach.

My son and I have learned so much over the last year.  My channel has grown much faster than I thought it would and I am now over 500 subscribers.  A simple Thank You doesn't begin to show my appreciation for the support and encouragement I have received.

New projects are always in the works for the channel.  If you have any suggestions for a project you would like us to try leave a comment below.  And if you have not checked out Sew-Learn-Create head on over and give us a try.

The year 2020 was a year like no other but I thank God for the time at home and for the opportunity to share my creative passions with others on a new platform.

Danna

Sew-Learn-Create

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

 Looking for ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and help the planet?  These reusable makeup remover cloth pads are quick and easy to sew.  They can be used not only to remove your makeup but to wash your face.

I made mine out of some flannel scraps that was gifted to me.  The flannel is soft and easy on the skin.  Adding the cotton batting in the middle gives them a little fullness and helps hold their shape when wet.  

Wash and dry them in a mesh bag with your towels and they are ready for another days use.  This will help reduce the need for those disposable cotton balls.  

Another bonus is using these around your eyes you don't get that stray cotton ball fuzz in your eye.  I can't tell you how many times I have gone all day trying desperately to find that fuzz I could feel but not see.

Trying to do my part to make this world a better place.  I would love to have you join me!

Just keep sewing!

Danna

Bottlecap Pin Cushion

 Need a small pin cushion to hold your needles and pins while hand sewing?  These bottle cap pin cushions are fun and easy to make.  They not only use up your scraps but everyone loves them because they are small and cute.  

I have them in several spots in my sewing room to keep my hand sewing needles handy.  I also have one in my bag I use for sewing on my quilt bindings.  I never have a needle push down too far into my pin cushion and disappear only to have it reappear sticking out of my finger.  Ouch!

I make these to give away at craft shows for people who sign up for my email list.  Everyone loves the "Baby Pin Cushions".  It is also a great way to keep those bottle caps out of the landfill.

So whip up some of these and never loose your needle again.

Danna

P.S. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel - Sew-Learn-Create!