Odds are, if you’re reading this, you’re some kind of crafter—embroiderer, cross-stitcher, sewist, or a proud member of the multiple-projects-in-progress club. And let’s be honest, while tote bags are great for carrying project, books, and patterns, they’re like the Bermuda Triangle—things just disappear and we end up digging around and invariably find that one loose sashiko needle. You know…
Enter project pouches: These handy, customizable companions keep your tools, materials, and sanity intact. And seriously, who doesn’t love a good pouch with a zipper and a clear window to show off that chaos we call creativity? Sadly, the perfect pouch is as hard to find as your favorite thimble in a couch cushion. So, we decided to make our own!
Armed with Colonial Needle Company supplies, leftover fabric, a stray zipper, and a quick trip to the second-hand art store (a.k.a. crafter’s paradise), voilà! The Windowed Project Pouch with Zipper was born—stylish, secure, and ready to save your supplies from tote bag purgatory. We designed our pouch to keep books and individual patterns safe while still being able to see which book and which pattern are in there. This way, we can chuck it in that tote bag we mentioned earlier and it won’t get all ripped up, bumped, and mashed.
We’re sharing a free pattern and a full video walk through on the Colonial Needle Blog so you can dive in and make your own. The video includes a FAB technique for setting in the zipper as well as how to add a window to just about any bag you make. T rust us, after your first pouch, you’ll be hooked. By the second, you’ll be customizing sizes and making mini versions for makeup or snacks—or let’s be real, more craft supplies. So far, we have used the fabric leftovers to make two other smaller pouches that are being used for carrying such things securely in our totes and other bags. There’s more of those on our website if you are interested in following us down that rabbit hole.
Be sure to tag Colonial Needle Company in your makes so we can brag on you all… we like doing that.
Happy crafting, and may your pouches always be findable and full (of the right stuff)!
There are a vast array of reasons to love rotary cutters. From the easy speed they provide, to the clean edge of the cuts they make, to that smooth slicing sound they make when elegantly gliding through a stack of cotton…yea, that sound… rotary cutters are a crafters best friend. But what if your best friend is no longer fast, clean, or smooth. It’s time for a little intervention.
Just like dull knives in the kitchen, dull tools in your sewing room are a recipe for frustration and accidents. A blunt blade can mean skips, and ragged edges which can result in thread snags and pulls and having to take the time to go back and snip those threads and missed cuts when all we really want to do is sew. In addition, when the blade is dull, we usually compensate by applying more pressure which can lead to hand, wrist, and shoulder pain or injury. And none of us has time for that! The solution? Either out swap the blade (in this economy?!?) or give it a spa day and sharpen it. Yeah. That second one.
While we do keep a stash of spare blades “just in case,” there’s an easy, budget-friendly option: Colonial’s Rotary Blade Sharpener. This magical little tool is like a fairy godparent for your rotary blades—no wand required. Carefully remove your blade, pop it into the sharpener, and give it a few gentle twists. Voilà! The dual grit sides work together to turn back the clock on your blade’s dull days, leaving it sharper, shinier, and ready for action.
The result? Your blades work better, live longer, and stop making you question your crafting life choices. Give it a whirl—you’ll thank yourself, and so will your fabric.
Kogin is completely different than anything else we have ever done before. We love learning and exploring new-to-us techniques and styles of making all the things and kogin-zashi was ticking all the boxes. Creating these gorgeous stitch patterns with such a mindful practice is exciting for us and keeps us motivated to create and explore further. We particularly loved applying kogin to some of our own garment designs and to projects that are common fair among sewists and crafters. Kogin adds a next level of richness to these projects and adds to our understanding of textile creation and use.
Kogin-zashi is a type of darned embroidery meaning the stitches lay closely against one another to reinforce and enhance the base fabric the stitches are worked onto. Kogin is a type of counted thread work with a shared DNA evident in other forms of darned embroidery, counted threadwork, pattern darning, and needle weaving from Norway, Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Medieval Middle Eastern counted thread embroidery, and Mamluk pattern darning found in the Middle East and Egypt.
Like other forms of sashiko, kogin-zashi was created by Japanese folx living in cold climates with short growing seasons. Kogin needlework was originally done to reinforce and fortify fabric not as a leisure craft but as a necessity for survival. At the time kogin-zashi was developed (Edo Period, 1603-1867), cotton was a scarce commodity due to the short growing season and the overall cold climate of the Tsugaru region, Aomori, Japan – kogin-zashi’s area of origin. In addition to the scarcity of cotton, it was forbidden for use as a garment fabric by anyone but the ruling class in Japan. This meant folx used fibers derived from plants like ramie, hemp, and tree barks to weave their cloth. Unlike cotton fabric, such fabric does not offer optimal protection from the elements and layering did not provide the needed protection either. Being resourceful, and downright clever, they used kogin stitches made with cotton thread to fill in the gaps in the woven fabric. This created a denser fabric that provided protection and warmth while skirting the strict laws regarding cotton’s use in garment fabric. Fabrics with kogin stitching are complex and dense and contain patterns from geometric borders and lines to intricate key forms and tiled marvels of design. Kogin-zashi fabric is inherently practical but through the lens of time, this practical handwork task has become art and the craft we love today.
Kogin-zashi designs are created by counting the vertical threads of the base fabric and working the needle over and under those threads following the space between the horizontal threads (warp threads) of the base fabric. The stitches are worked into the spaces created by the intersection of the horizontal and vertical threads, filling in the gaps in the woven fabric.
Kogin-zashi was not used to reinforce fabrics by fastening down patches or binding together multiple layers of fabric. Instead, kogin reinforces fabric by weaving thread between the vertical and horizontal threads of loosely woven fabric. The result is a denser fabric that is stronger, more durable, offers greater protection from the elements and, without a doubt, is stunning to behold. Modern kogin-zashi, uses embroidery floss, thread or even fine weight yarns with evenweave fabric such as Congress Cloth, Davosa, or Lugana to create projects.
We discovered kogin-zashi as part of our research for our book Boro & Sashiko: Harmonious Imperfection. We were most excited by the intricate designs created by easy one line at a time stitching. For us, the most exciting part of kogin is how accessible it is as a skill. Regardless of their background as makers and creators, folx can learn the introductory parts of needle handling and pattern reading, almost immediately creating complex graphic designs on fabric. It’s exciting to see the results unfold one line at a time right before your eyes and it motivates you to keep stitching so see that happen. Even if folx have never done hand needlework before, they are going to be able to pick up kogin-zashi and make something right away. The instant gratification factor is big with this craft. For folx who are familiar with handwork and needlework, this is a refreshing change from the norm and we believe they are going to find the same exhilaration and satisfaction we have from this form that is juuuuuuust different enough to be exciting but not so different that is alienating.
For this project, we created a woven knot motif. The pattern was originally released as part of our Maker’s Moments series of workshops on our website at shannonandjason.com. To learn more about kogin-zashi and other forms of sashiko, checkout our books Boro & Sashiko – Harmonious Imperfection and Contemporary Kogin-zashi. Both titles are available on our website at shannonandjason.com or from your favorite local bookseller.
Greetings makers, crafters, and creators! Today, we’re diving into another group of Colonial Needle Company products to cover a sticky subject: glue. Specifically, glue basting with the Roxanne Baste-It family of glue.
Glue basting is a technique where you apply a thin line of water-soluble glue along the seam allowance or cut edges of fabric pieces to hold them in place before sewing. This allows for precise piecing, perfect points, and smooth curves. It is especially useful for boro, finishing quilts, and a manner of appliqué – completely removing the need for pins.
How to use Roxanne Basting Glue in Four Easy Steps:
Simply apply a fine line of glue
Line up the fabric pieces
Press with a hot iron to set (this step is not always required–as you will see in our video)
Then sew as usual.
Key points about glue basting:
Application: Roxanne Baste-It comes in a wide variety of container sizes and shapes to suit any purpose. From the spreadable 2-Way applicator to small pipettes and dab on applicators. And the Roxanne Glue Stick glides on smoooooooooth as silk without gumming up your fabric and needles. You choose which glue is best for your project and where to place it.
Heat setting: Although not required, a hot dry iron can be used to quickly set the glue and further ensure there is no shifting once the placement decisions have been made. Once set, you can easily sew without worrying about shifting seams or fabrics, even when rough handling of the fabric such as for hand quilting, sashiko, and boro.
Portability: Baste-It products come in easy to store and access sizes. You can take your handwork projects with you whether you’re traveling across the city or just to your sofa for the evening
Basting Glue Benefits: Say good-by to pins! Baste-It glues reduce the need for pins and clips, making sewing faster and smoother. Especially hand sewing. No fussing to work around pins and no stuck fingers!
Improves accuracy and precision in piecing, especially for points and curves.
Especially well-suited for appliqué, where you need precise placement of fabric edges.
The Roxanne Glue Stick is our go-to for placing boro patches and visible mending patches prior to sewing down. Watch the boro section of our video for how we create boro inspired fabrics as well as some examples of our work.
Baste-It Glue won’t leave a mark on your delicate creations. All of the Roxanne glues are non-staining and wash away completely with ease!
How we use glue basting for different techniques:
Boro and Visible Mending: Apply a thin layer of glue to the patch and adhere to base fabric, adjusting your placement as necessary. Then stitch down. We love the Roxanne Glue Stick because it glides on smoothly and the patches stay where we place them…until we decide we want them someplace else. Or… someplace else again. But then they stay put!
Quilt Binding and Bias Tape: After sewing on your binding to one side of the quilt, fold the fabric over the edge and apply a layer of glue. Press with a hot, dry iron to set, then hand stitch or machine sew the remaining seam down. No clips or pins needed; you don’t have to worry about that binding shifting. Our video features a no worries technique for making fabric tape with Roxanne Basting Glue.
Curved seams: Apply a thin line of glue along the curved edge, carefully folding and shaping the fabric edge.
Appliqué: Glue the edges of your appliqué piece to the base fabric, ensuring smooth edges and precise placement. Then use your favorite visible or invisible appliqué stitch for attaching. Be sure to watch the video for our tip for sharp corners on those appliqué pieces.
That’s all for now! Let us know if you want a recommendation for which glue is best for your project or share your favorites with us. And remember to check back for more about our fav products from Colonial Needle Company as well as projects and tutorials that show how we use this all-encompassing line of products in our studio.
Keep up with the Colonial Needle Company on their social media channels and YouTube.
You can find us at shannonandjason.com and on our Instagram and Facebook pages we are @embracethecreativechaos.
Which CNC products do YOU have questions about? Let us know and we might just feature your question in a future video or post.
Like most makers, we keep an assortment of tools at hand in the areas of our home where we do most of our work. For us, this is pretty much everywhere. Not even kidding a little bit. If there is a place to sit or perch with good lighting or a good lamp, we’re probably working on a project. Sewing, embroidery, quilting, sashiko, crochet, knitting, and other tools live happily around our spaces: next to the couch, near the sewing machine, above the cutting table, around the photo studio, and even in coat and pant pockets. You never know when you are going to need that one tool that you just can’t do without! Remember that time the good thread snips were in Shannon’s purse in her makeup bag? Just us??
As we do from time to time, we recently went on a reorganize and prioritize bender that lead us to make an assortment of small fabric boxes to keep all of our making things a bit more tidy and assure that we can always find that tool we need. We thought it would be fun to show you what it is that we keep on hand. For this particular video (found here), Jason has taken the opportunity to invade Shannon’s peaceful morning of “snow day” stitching with his camera.
Here’s what he found in Shannon’s stash:
Needles of various lengths and diameters. (DUH!) Like we said before, we do a lot of hand stitching, so we need needles that will do the required job. Smaller hand sewing needles like the John James Signature Collection Sharps or Betweens in a couple of sizes for fine sewing. John James long darners are always easily within reach for quilting, mending, and sashiko. They’re easy to find and stay safe and secure in the vials they come in. Also, the John James Craft Needle Collection will usually have one or two needles that will do the job we need done.
Snips and scissors for cutting thread and yarn… these are a must for any sewist. We don’t use pins too often, but clips are handy to have in case you need an extra finger or two to hold something.
Thimbles… yeah, lots of thimbles. We know, we can hear you saying, “why would you need more than one thimble?” Here’s why: Each thimble does a specific job that it is best suited for. Sashiko requires a palm thimble for speed and needle movement. For our hand quilting—big stitch or small stitch—we use the Colonial Needle Thimble Crown and Thimble Dimple. The Thimble Crown sits tightly on our main sewing hand, pushing the needle through the fabric while the Thimble Dimple attaches to the hand we use under the fabric to push the needle back to the surface. So instead of pricking our fingertips constantly or awkwardly using a spoon, we keep our dexterity. These two adhesive thimbles can be found in one pack along with the Thimble Pad and Needle Grip-Its: Item SM420.
Because we are always looking for one — and can never seem to find it when we need it— we keep an Easy-store Tape Measure in the box as well… now we just need to remember to put it back once we are done using it!
The last thing we keep close is a Roxanne Glue Stick. This is especially handy for boro textiles and patchwork mending but Shannon also has one in the mending kit in her purse for emergency repairs.
These are the main characters in action with us. Take a look to your left and right. What tools do you keep handy? Let us know!
How I do love working with my hands; sewing, rug hooking, planting seeds, and pulling weeds! I have information for you about some nifty notions and tips that can be helpful for hand sewers, whether newbies or experienced, and those in between.
Raise your dominant hand if you use a thimble!
Now, raise your other hand if you gave up hand sewing because your hands and fingers are painful whenever you hand stitch…
Perhaps you have never used a thimble, and your fingers are sore from jabs. Do I have two wonderful adaptive notions and tips for using them to help you enjoy hand sewing!! My hands and fingers are “wonky” from years of stitching and pulling a needle through fabric and pushing downward with a thimble. Check out the photo below for a definition of wonky hands.
Wonky hands eager to push a needle with a Palm Thimble
Yes, they are mine, and they are not a pretty site. However, I can now enjoy hand sewing until the cows come home and the chickens lay eggs thanks to a couple of great Colonial Needle products I am eager to share with you!
How I wish I had known about these wonderful little sticky dots years ago, before my hands and fingers began to hurt and look a little lopsey. The repetitive motion of inserting a needle into fabric and pulling the needle out on the other side can cause pain and discomfort over time. There are a couple helpful tips for applying these small adhesive circles:
Needle Grip-It adhered to tip of needle pulling fore finger. Next, adhere one to the thumb to help grip and pull your needle.
On your needle-holding hand, pretend you are gripping a needle with your forefinger and thumb. Now separate them and notice a round circle on the tips of your forefinger and thumb. Then, place an adhesive Needle Grip-It dot on each slightly indented round circle on your fingertip and thumb tip.
Press your forefinger and thumb together, and now you are ready to insert the needle into the fabric, pull the needle out, and enjoy hand stitching. The grips are not sticky to your needle, and are most unobtrusive while stitching. They will also stay on through several hand washings if you are fortunate enough to sit and stitch until your cows come home and chickens lay eggs!
I highly recommend using Needle Grip-Its if you are a newbie, a beginning hand stitcher as well as if you have been hand sewing for years, but decided to give it up due to pain in your hands. I happily carry sheets of extra Needle Grip-Its with me to share with friends. They are a Nifty Notion that keep giving and giving lots of joy when hand sewing.
Yes, when I first saw this thimble, I wondered just how helpful it would and could be, as it looks a little awkward. However, I am so happy that I tried it out! I also highly recommend it for those who are newbies to hand sewing, in-betweeners who have been hand sewing for a while, life-time hand sewers, and those who flat out refuse to try using a thimble!! Those of you who have callouses on your needle pushing fingers will thank me for it as well. Here are some tips after you apply Needle Grip-it:
The metal band is adjustable for any and size or finger.
The large metal disc with dimples comfortably fits in the palm of your hand and easily helps guide the push of your needle.
Push with the palm of your hand. That larger hand motion to the side is better for your hands, especially over time. I experience no hand fatigue or pain. It is rather like catching a volley ball is much easier than catching a ping pong ball.
Nifty Notion #3: Lap pillow and small sharp pointy scissors
Unless I am quilting on a floor frame or a lap frame, I place a pillow on my lap to rest my arms and assist in directing my stitching as well as cutting threads. I accidentally cut a little hole in one of my mother’s quilts on a floor frame, and also recommend using small scissors with very sharp points for cutting threads. Cutting threads with the sharp tips of small scissors help prevent accidental snips and feeling so badly.
I hope to continue stitching ALAP: As Long As Possible! These wonderful nifty notions are small but sometimes small things can make a big difference. I also recommend them for all ages and stages of hand stitchers. Perhaps my hands would not be a wonky today if I had Needle Grip-Its and a Palm Thimble when I began hand sewing on a dishtowel at age three, under the loving wings of my dear grandma. My first memory of using a thimble was awkward, but pushing a needle without one was painful and my fingers were pricked and sore which limited the fun of sewing that I enjoyed. Whenever I hear a friend say she or he no longer hand sews because of painful fingers and hands, I happily pass along Nifty Notions and Tips for being able to return to the joy of hand sewing until you see the cows or collect the eggs.
