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Transcript: 

Helen: We are recording today on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, including Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, and K’ómoks first nations.

Hello and welcome to Love to Sew. I’m Helen, the designer behind Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co.

Caroline: And I’m Caroline, the owner of Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns.

Helen: We’re two sewing buds who love to sew and it’s literally all we want to talk about.

Caroline: This episode is about sewing quick wins – those projects that refresh you and revive your sewjo. If you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated to sew, this episode is for you. We go over what makes a project quick and what makes it a win, so you can figure out what will work for YOU. Plus we share a bunch of specific ideas for quick win projects, including our personal faves.

Helen: If you love to sew, this is your show.

Caroline: Hi Helen!

Helen: Hi Caroline!

Caroline: Ooh, it is the last episode of this season, can you believe it?

Helen: I know, honestly, I can’t. That went by really fast.

Caroline: It really did. It was such a great season. We did so many fun episodes. I loved all of our guests this season. I know we say that every season, but really, this was a good one.

Helen: It was a really good one. Yeah, we had a lot of fun with this season and we hope y’all enjoyed it too. But this does bring us to the end of our season. So if you want to stay in touch with us, keep up with what we’re doing over the break, you can join us over on Patreon and/or Apple Podcasts.

Caroline: Yeah, that really is the best way to support Love to Sew. You can join us over there and get access to bonus content every month. So even on the off-season, we’re releasing bonus episodes, and we have so much fun catching up in those episodes. They’re more casual. We laugh a lot. We talk about our personal lives. It’s a different vibe and it’s some of my favorite stuff to record.

Helen: Me too. We always have so much fun. And it means so much to us if you’re able to support us, even if it’s just for a month or two. And if that’s not in the cards for you right now, we totally get it. Thank you so much for listening. Thank you for being with us here on this season. And we will be back in the spring.

Caroline: Yes. Thank you all so much. Okay. We got to get to some questions in this episode and we’re going to kick it off with a couple of listener questions. And our first one comes from Deirdre.

Deirdre: Hi, Helen and Caroline. This is Deirdre. I’m calling from Fairfax, Virginia. I have a little bit of a question that I’m having a difficult time finding an answer to, and I’m hoping you can help. I love making dresses, and most of the ones that I make are typically a little bit on the flowy side, and usually a lighter weight material, which I love. With the breezes during the fall, I find that they don’t stay as down as I would like. I’m basically looking for some kind of hem weight and I’ve seen some tutorials from Itch to Stitch about using coins and other places that recommend using chains like you would in a jacket but I’d really like to have something that is not going to potentially oxidize and leave stains on the fabric as I wash things, because I, I am definitely a machine washer for all of my me-mades. Anything that you could recommend or anywhere you could point me to with a little more information and maybe some unusual suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. I love your podcast and I’m looking forward to the next episode.

Caroline: Hi, Deirdre. Thank you so much for calling us. I’m imagining Deirdre having Marilyn Monroe moments, like, at every street corner.

Helen: Yeah, me too.

Caroline: Just like, like, “Oops! Not again! My dress is flying up again.”

Helen: It’s so cute, though.

Caroline: I know.

Helen: No, if you live in a windy place, this is, this is a real thing.

Caroline: It is. It really is.

Helen: She mentioned some techniques that we’ll go over, in case y’all haven’t heard of them. So you can sew coins into the hem. You can take little squares of interfacing, sandwich the coin in the middle, and then fuse it all around to make, like, a little cover. And that gives some extra protection to your garment fabric and it makes it easier to kind of sew the coins in. And you can baste the cover to the inside of the hem at the center front, center back, and each side seam to kind of weigh everything down.

Caroline: This is a good option. And if you want something that isn’t metal, or also something that’s a little bit more lightweight, you could sew buttons into your hem. You already know that they’re meant to go through the washer, so you don’t need to worry about them messing up your fabric. And by the way, for this option and for the last option, you might need to adjust your hem depth to accommodate the size of the buttons or coins that you plan to use, because you’re kind of, like, sandwiching them into the hem.

Helen: Right? It makes me think of, like, other rounded things you could put in there, like pogs or tiddlywinks or…

Caroline: What?

Helen: Tiddlywinks!

Caroline: Sure. What is that?

Helen: It was, like, a game that, like, kids play where there’s like a bunch of little plastic round discs and I think there’s like, I think…maybe I’m thinking of jacks. What’s the game with the metal spiky thing? I think that’s jacks. Tiddlywinks, I think you just kind of like, flick them at each other?

Caroline: I don’t, I, I’m sorry.

Helen: Let us know.

Caroline: Oh my gosh.

Helen: You might be able to get creative with stuff you have around your house, I guess, is all I’m saying. I like the idea of using buttons. That’s really smart.

Caroline: Yeah, and some buttons are heavier than others. Like, you can find some that are made of a heftier material, perhaps.

Helen: Yeah. And classic Chanel jackets have the lengths of metal chain sewn into their hems, like Deirdre mentioned. Susan Khalje sells silver- and gold-toned options on her website. I’m not sure if those are meant to be washed in the machine, though, so maybe double check. But most boucle jackets are dry clean or hand wash only. So that’s why they put the chains in them. And if I were going to use a chain, I’d look for stainless steel jewelry chains and I’d use a smaller one than the ones that are used in suit jackets. I’ll also note, this kind of weight will change the drape of the skirt, since it spans the whole length of the hem and it will probably hang closer to your body rather than kinda floating outward. So this may or may not be a bad thing depending on what kind of look you’re going for.

Caroline: Mm hmm. Oh, I have one more idea. What if you made a hem facing out of a heavier fabric? I mean, if you do this, I feel like you don’t want to skip the understitching and, you know, because that’s going to make sure that the facing doesn’t peek out from under your hem. But it could be a nice detail and I think that would help.

Helen: Yeah, totally. I like that idea. You could also leave your dresses as-is and start wearing, like, biker shorts rather than regular undies or wearing leggings if it’s colder weather. That’s comfy and practical. Muna and Broad’s Dulcie Boxer Briefs are a good pattern if you want to make your own. I always feel more comfortable if I’m wearing bike shorts under my skirts and dresses.

Caroline: Yeah, not just for, like, if the dress blows up. I also just get chafing between my legs, so it’s essential to wear bike shorts under a dress for me. It does double duty. We’d love to get an update from you, so please let us know if you try any of these ideas, Deirdre. And if anyone has any suggestions, hit us up. We’ll follow up in a future episode.

Helen: Our next question here is from Megan, who writes, “Hi Helen and Caroline! I’m a big fan of the podcast! I have the worst luck with snaps. I’ve purchased snap buttons from a few sources, including Etsy. I always interface, use the proper setting tools, and install a test on scrap fabric. Sadly, I have a treasured Tamarack Jacket and the snaps will not close. I’ve just installed some snaps on the pockets of my most labour-intensive project ever – the Grasser 881 insulated coat – and those aren’t working either, which is incredibly frustrating. A Kelly Anorak hardware kit that I purchased from Closet Core a few years ago works perfectly fine. I’ve questioned whether it’s the quality of the snaps, if I’m hammering with the wrong intensity or if I should just invest in a snap press. Is this a common problem? And can snaps be removed if I want to try reinstalling them for a more functional jacket? Where do you recommend purchasing snap buttons from? Please help! I want my fasteners to work every time!”

Caroline: Ooh, okay. Hi, Megan! And thank you for writing to us. I am so sorry about your problems with snaps. It must be so frustrating to work so hard on a jacket and then not be able to close it. That’s not fun.

Helen: No, and it’s also definitely not uncommon. Like, I think a lot of people who have tried putting snaps on their me-mades have run into this issue, that even after you install them and they look right, they still don’t close all the way. They’re kind of not quite right. It feels weird.

Caroline: They, like, pop open easily. Mmhmm.

Helen: Yeah. They’re really frustrating. And I have had trouble finding good snaps.

Caroline: I even have my own Tamarack Jacket that has snaps that basically are non-functional. I just don’t use them

Helen: So this is a universal problem.

Caroline: Yeah. But first of all, we want to let you know that it is possible to remove snaps and redo them. Martha Porter of Buried Diamond has a post with lots of close-up photos about the process. You basically take a pair of diagonal pliers and wiggle the narrow side under one side of the snaps, and then you squeeze the pliers until the snap pops off. You just want to be as gentle as you can during this process because you don’t want to distort or tear your fabric. But we will link that article up for you in the show notes so that you can check it out.

Helen: Yeah. And one of the reasons that Martha had to redo her snaps in the first place was because she accidentally sorted the components wrong. And this is common because there’s a few pieces that look really similar. You’ve got, like, two kind of round-y pieces and two kind of post-y pieces. So you might want to double check if that’s why your snaps aren’t working. But it’s, honestly, probably not why your snaps aren’t working. But it is good to make sure that you you’re using it correctly.

Caroline: And as for what kind of snaps to buy, you could try spring snaps. Those are the kind that Closet Core sells. And the more common kind that you find in big box fabric stores are actually called ring snaps. So we’ll link up that article by Closet Core about the difference between spring snaps and ring snaps in the show notes. But this might be your issue. So if you liked the Closet Core ones, I would suggest trying out spring snaps next.

Helen: Snap pliers can definitely make installing snaps easier. The only thing is that they’re made for specific kinds of snaps. So just make sure you’re getting the right kind of pliers that match the snaps you want to use.

Caroline: Yeah. I really hope this helps. And may all of your future jackets snap beautifully.

Helen: And if anyone out there has a good resource for where to get good snaps, let us know.

Caroline: Please do.

Helen: Okay, Caroline, let’s get into this show. I’m really excited about this episode because we all need a sewing quick win every now and again.

Caroline: Yes, that is one of our favourite pieces of advice when you’re in a sewjo slump, is to just sew a quick win. If you’re feeling uninspired and you can’t stomach the idea of a challenging project, quick win projects can remind you of why you love to sew.

Helen: Yeah, so there are some signs that you might need a quick win project. For example, every sewing project you think of sounds like too much work.

Caroline: I feel like we need to read this in, like, the, like, commercial voice. Like, does every project you sew sound like too much work?

Helen: You simply don’t have any ideas for what to sew?

Caroline: You’re questioning your skill level after your last project?

Helen: You’re considering quitting sewing?

Caroline: Nooo!

Helen: Nooo!

Caroline: Think of quick wins as a palate cleanser!

Helen: In cooking, palate cleansers…okay, I’m gonna stop now.

Caroline: Okay, we gotta stop now. That was great, though.

Helen: So, if you’re not familiar with palate cleansers, in cooking, they’re served in between courses to remove food residue from your tongue. And then you can taste the next course better. And quick win projects work the same way. If you’re feeling dragged down, you need a sure success. A low-effort, high-value project that makes you feel good. And afterward, you might find yourself getting excited for your next big project. And all of a sudden, your sewjo is back.

Caroline: Yeah, sometimes you just need to remove that sewing residue from your tongue.

Helen: Yeah.

Caroline: You know? So we’re gonna talk about some qualities that make a project “quick” and “a win,” and share some of our favourite, favourite palate cleansers, and recommend some patterns and tutorials that would make great quick win projects. So you can even save this episode for later and come back to it when you’re considering quitting sewing.

Helen: Okay. Let’s start with talking about what makes a project quick. I would choose something that does not require a muslin, even though we’re usually very pro-muslin. I definitely think having to make one disqualifies it from being a quick win. You want something you can just dive right into. So here are a few choices for projects that will work out even if you don’t make a muslin.

Caroline: Obviously, easy fit garments. You want to look for projects that fit loosely, cinch with drawstrings or elastics, or are made from knit fabrics.

Helen: You can choose a tried-and-true pattern. This means something that you’ve made before and loved, so you’ve already made the adjustments you need to. You’re familiar with the techniques you need to do. You just need to get the fabric and get sewin’.

Caroline: And you can also choose projects that aren’t clothes, like accessories or home decor, where you don’t even have to think about fitting.

Helen: Oh, that’s especially good if you’re coming off a project where you had to do a lot of fitting and you’re so over it.

Caroline: Yeah. Absolutely.

Helen: Just take your body out of the equation. Another thing to look for are projects that are below your sewing level. This doesn’t mean they don’t look good. Some of the best-looking projects are really simple. It just means it doesn’t have any steps that you haven’t done before. And it probably doesn’t have anything fiddly or time-consuming, like a long button placket or welt pockets or an invisible zipper. But that all depends on your sewing level, because if you can insert an invisible zipper with one hand behind your back, then that’s certainly not a disqualifier. But generally, it’s a good idea to look for projects that don’t have traditional closures or a lot of details or, like, even a lot of pieces or interfacing.

Caroline: Oh my gosh. I’m sorry. I’m just thinking about, like, some kind of sewing challenge where you have to insert an invisible zipper with one hand behind your back. I would love to do that. That sounds really fun, actually.

Helen: Someone’s definitely getting a needle through the finger.

Caroline: What about, like, can you cheat and use one of your feet to hold something?

Helen: Some people are really dexterous with their toes. Yeah, that could really work.

Caroline: I see loopholes. I see loopholes. But by the way, if there’s a voice in your head saying, “Why are you making pajama pants? You just made a formal gown. You are better than this,” just ignore it. There is no shame in making projects that are considered beginner level, no matter what sewing level you’re at.

Helen: So true. The next quality that can make a project quick is using a fabric that’s easy to handle. My two favourite easy-to-sew fibers are cotton and linen. Lightweight woven cottons like cotton lawn, poplin are great. I love sewing the block prints from Blackbird. That’s one of my favourites. They just, mm. Everything about it is gorgeous. They press beautifully and they don’t shift around. And quilting cottons work well for accessories and home decor, so that’s always fun. Medium-weight linen is really great for garments, home decor and accessories. And honestly, I’ve used the same linen fabrics for curtains and dresses and bags. It’s a little shiftier than cotton, but it’s not as shifty as rayon and it presses super well, so it’s still a go-to for me.

Caroline: Yeah, me too. This next idea depends on the person, but hear me out: mending. You can mend two or three pieces in a quick session and it makes you feel like you brought your clothes back from the dead. That’s a sewjo booster for me. Just make sure to cheer yourself on instead of looking at all the other mending projects that are waiting for you.

Helen: One of the benefits of this one is that it also takes a weight off your shoulders when you do things that you’ve been putting off, like mending or fixing things, refashioning things. That can really feel freeing as a sewing practice.

If you’re waiting to have some extra funds for a specific pattern or fabric, you can still sew in the meantime. This time, “quick” means “quicker than waiting till your sewing budget refills next month.” So in the meantime, you can try sewing a free pattern using fabric from your stash. A lot of us have quite a bit of fabric that we were excited about when we bought it. So go to your stash and see what you’ve got. Combine that with some of the great free sewing patterns out there and you can get sewing today. We have an episode all about free sewing and Punk Frockers has one, too, on their podcast. So we’ll link them both up for you in the show notes.

Caroline: And now let’s talk about what makes a sewing project a win. I think sewing wins are high-impact, low-effort. So think about what high-impact means to you. And we have some qualities that can make a project feel really good that we’re going to list off. So if you have a good sense of your personal style, it really helps. Think about your very favourite thing to look at and wear and see if you can translate that into a quick and easy project.

Helen: Yeah, sometimes I’ll just dupe something. Like, “I wear this flannel shirt three days a week. Maybe I should make a second flannel shirt, and then I’ll have two.” Guaranteed success. Along those lines, I love the idea of snack sewing, like Cris Wood talked about when we interviewed her this season. That’s a project that isn’t super practical, but you want to sew it anyway. So her example was sewing a sheer cover-up during winter. I mean, hey, it’s going to be months before you could wear it in the sunshine, but why not sew it now? It’s a little sweet treat that’s just there to make you happy.

Caroline: And while you’re at it, get yourself an actual sweet treat. Everyone deserves a sweet treat.

Helen: That’s true. Don’t even bother with the sewing. Just get, just get an actual snack.

Caroline: Get your little sweet treat. If you have a fabric you’ve been saving for the perfect project, think about using it for a quick win. Loving the fabric is a good predictor of loving the final garment.

Helen: And overall, I think the “win” part of a quick win is just about liking the project that you’re making. So try not to think about obligations or needs too much. Just make sure it’s something that will make you feel good and that you’re really excited about.

Caroline: Yeah, and with all of that said, what makes a project “quick” and “a win” really depends on the sewist. A project doesn’t have to meet every criteria we just listed. Most likely it will be some combination that makes sense to you, personally, and what you need in that moment.

Helen: Yeah. Caroline, I want to know what’s your go-to quick win palate cleanser project.

Caroline: It’s always, like, knits, because I feel like I can sew them up really quickly, often just on my serger. And I wear knits all the time, especially around the house. So anything with knits, like lounge pants, leggings, a quick t-shirt, a sweater. Love that as a palate cleanser. Home decor, too, like an apron or napkins or, like, a pillowcase is so fast. It’s literally just two rectangles. Or a throw pillow cover, as well. Also, like, simple boxy things. So like, a boxy top, a boxy tank top, a skirt, anything that doesn’t have like a crotch or a sleeve or a collar. Simple, simple, simple, like, pared down, stripped down. It’s fast and I know I’m going to wear it.

Helen: No, those are all great. I totally agree on all of those. Napkins is one I’ve literally, I’ve never sewed a napkin in my life.

Caroline: It’s so fun!

Helen: But it’s on my list. And I would love to, I have all these, like, linen scraps and I intend to make napkins, but I never think of it. That’s such a good one. ‘Cause it’s, like, totally mindless.

Caroline: And you use it all the time. It’s so fun to pull out handmade napkins when you have company. And also, you’re saving paper towels or napkin, like, paper napkins. And it’s just such a great, really functional item that you can make that’ll feel like a win. What about you, though? What are your go-to quick win projects?

Helen: Well, also knits, specifically t-shirts. I love to whip up either a Jackson Tee or Dawson Tee out of a knit from my stash and just, like, add that to the collection. It always feels like a real boost to have a new t-shirt to wear around. And I also love making elastic waist woven pants because I can never have enough. I love our June pants, specifically with the wider leg. A little more complicated with the pocket and stuff like that, but, like, they are just elastic waist pants. So they come together pretty quickly.

Caroline: Mmhmm.

Helen: I love sewing for my nieces and my nephew, quick stuff, usually t-shirts as well. Just comes together so fast. And I can use scraps for that. And it’s just satisfying to make something for them. And along the same line, I find, like, making stuff for Sam is a nice thing, break from my sewing. I think it’s like, taking myself out of the equation, you know, makes it feel like I’m a little bit more free. There’s less pressure, somehow. And even if I’m making, like, a button-up shirt or something for him, it still feels like a palate cleanser to me.

Caroline: Mmhmm.

Helen: And then the other thing I have is, like, an ongoing quilt project, which doesn’t super count because it’s not quick, but it’s nice to have something that I can just, like, I get out the bin and I make a block for a quilt. And then I’m like, “Ah, that was nice.” And then I just, like, put the bin away, you know. Like, eventually, all the blocks will be done, but I’m not, like, under any pressure to finish it. It’s just like, it’s literally there so that I have something that I can sew that’s already happening. I don’t have to think about it. And I can just sit down and I can sew something if I want to without having to make any plans.

Caroline: I really love the idea of having, like, an ongoing, joyful palate cleanser that you just keep on standby. It’s, like, always there. You know, you can always come back to it and know you’re there enjoying making it. This is a great concept. I’m into it. Maybe not like a quick win, but it’s quick and it will be a win.

Helen: Right? Each individual block is a quick win. So it counts.

Caroline: That’s true. So, it’s all about how you look at it. Right.

Helen: Yeah.

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: A quick win with a big reward at the end.

Caroline: Yes! All right. Let’s share some patterns and tutorials for projects that would make great palate cleansers. We’re going to start with garment projects, since that’s obviously our main focus on the podcast. It’s not called “Love to Quilt” yet.

Helen: Yet.

Caroline: So, skirts are a classic choice for a first sewing project for a reason: they’re simple to fit. There are lots of options to get around zippers and buttons. And they’re very wearable. And all of those reasons are why they make great quick wins.

Helen: Yeah, the Wrap Skirt by Peppermint Magazine is an A-line midi skirt that closes with wraparound ties. The bow is very on-trend for this one, so that’s a bonus. And it has pay-what-you-can pricing. Wraps are great because obviously they fit no matter what. There’s a lot of wiggle room there.

Caroline: Yes. I have three of these skirts in my wardrobe and I love them. And they are very quick and really easy to fit because of the fact that it ties, right? So there’s a little bit of wiggle room with the fitting there, which is great.

Helen: That’s awesome.

Caroline: The Ivie by Chalk and Notch is actually a three-in-one. You can make a skirt, a top, and a dress from this one pattern. The long skirt has an elastic waist and a gathered tier. Elastic waists are great for quick win projects because then you don’t have to worry about zippers or buttons. Plus, the fit is easy. To be honest, the peasant style top for this pattern looks like a possible quick win, too. No darts, an easy fit, and comfy elastic bands at the sleeves and waist.

Helen: And there are lots of quick win dress patterns out there, too. For example, the Skyline Dress by Sydney Graham is sleeveless and has a loose fit. And you can choose between two or three gathered tiers. The straps feed through a channel at the back and tie in a bow. Simple and very wearable.

Caroline: Ooh, I wanted to mention the Orchard Dress, too. That should have been on my list, because I have a few of those and they’re super quick to whip up, super easy to fit, and another free pattern, am I correct?

Helen: That’s true. It is free!

Caroline: Love it! The Hexham Dress by Muna and Broad is a knit dress that falls just below the knee. And you can choose between a cocoon skirt or a flared skirt. If you’re already comfortable sewing with knits, this has the potential to be totally high-impact. And knits are a lot less intense when it comes to fitting because of the stretch. Plus, this pattern has about the same number of pieces as a t-shirt. So it’s a really quick sew.

Helen: It’s true. A t-shirt is really satisfying, but a t-shirt dress…because then you have, like, a whole outfit that you made in, you know, an hour or two.

Caroline: I want a t-shirt dress now.

Helen: Speaking of tees, they’re a great choice for a quick win. As we mentioned, they’re versatile, comfortable, and you can always use another one in your wardrobe. The Core T-shirt by Closet Core is somewhere in between boxy and fitted, and that one’s also free.

Caroline: And on the woven side, the Ashton Top by Helen’s Closet is a great basic to have in your closet and it’s a quick sew. It really lets the fabric shine. This is one of my go-tos for a quick win. The Ashton Top. Love it.

Helen: Me too. I mean, no sleeves, right?

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: As soon as you take off the sleeves, it makes the fitting a little bit easier.

Caroline: And there’s just enough details to make it really satisfying. Like, I love the look of a binding on, like, linen. So if I’m going with, like, TNT fabric, linen, TNT pattern, TNT technique, like, it’s a total win. The whole package.

Helen: It’s true. The whole thing is a TNT. And it doesn’t require a lot of fabric, which is also a big win. Pants can be a little trickier because of the fitting. So I probably wouldn’t count on a pair of pants being a quick win, you know, unless I made a muslin first. But if you have a pattern that you already know fits you well, then it can totally be a quick win. And elastic waist pants are going to be the quickest make since they won’t have that zipper fly. So the Florence Pant by Elizabeth Suzann has a high waist and a wide leg. Simple, but elegant, like all of her patterns.

Caroline: And PJ pants are something you can make without needing to make a muslin, since they’re just for around the house. They can be super luxurious in linen or cozy in a cute flannel print. And you can download the Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms by Patterns for Pirates for free.

Helen: Oh, so good. A PJ pant is a really nice quick win. ‘Cause it also feels like self-care ‘cause you’re going to lounge in it, you know?

Caroline: Yeah. I really love the, like, thematic name of this pattern. Patterns for Pirates, Walk the Plank? Come on, this is so good.

Helen: It’s true. Okay, most jackets and coats are not gonna be super quick between the fittings, things like linings, finishing touches, tricky fabrics. Just more of a meaty project. But there are some simpler top layers that could definitely be quick wins. For example, the Sylvia Robe by Sew Over It is a lightweight layering piece that’s meant to be worn open over a dress or a top and pants, and it would look best in a drapey fabric like a viscose. So it’s not the easiest fabric to work with, but the pattern is so simple, I think it still qualifies as a quick win.

Caroline: And the Toaster Sweaters by Sew House Seven are an elevated version of a sweatshirt. They have funnel necks, raglan sleeves, and wide cuffs. One is more fitted and the other one is more loose and they don’t require ribbing. French terry and sweatshirt fleece are good options for fabrics. Just make sure whatever you choose matches the recommended stretch percentage of the pattern.

Helen: Oh my gosh, the Toaster Sweater. Iconic. I was just with my family for Thanksgiving and my sister was wearing a Toaster Sweater I gave her eight years ago. And I was like, “You still have this sweater?” She’s like, “Yeah, it’s still my favourite sweater.”

Caroline: Yeah, honestly, some of these patterns are really timeless. Like, I’m loving this list because some of these have been out for a really long time and people are still making them and loving them and it just goes to show you don’t always have to buy, like, a new shiny exciting pattern. You can go with one of your TNTs or something that you’ve made before and also if you’ve made something before it just makes that whole process feel, like, less involved. You’re like, “I’ve read through these instructions. I know these techniques. Nothing is new.” And that, in itself, is like a quick win.

Helen: And you don’t have to print and cut out the pattern. I mean, that’s huge, right?

Caroline: Oh my gosh. How have we not mentioned that?

Helen: Like there’s, it’s so fun to get out your fabric and lay it out and then just, like, whip out your pattern and lay it out. And it’s all, like, ready to go. So satisfying.

Caroline: I love it.

Helen: Okay. I will admit, there have been times in my sewing life where I just need to take a break from sewing garments and it can be nice to do a project where I don’t have to think about my body and how to fit it and all of that. So there’s some accessory patterns and tutorials that would make great quick wins.

Caroline: I love making bags, but bag making isn’t at the top of my quick win list because I associate them with, like, heavy duty interfacing and hardware, which can be fiddly, or sometimes expensive. But there are definitely cute, simple bag patterns out there. If you make the hardware-free view of the Bestie Bag, so with, like, the self fabric strap, that one is a pretty quick sew. You can even do the unlined version to make it even quicker. And if you use, like, a bit of a heftier fabric, I think that would work really, really well. And that one is from my pattern company, BF Patterns.

Helen: The Bestie Bag from BF Patterns, have you heard of it? Tote bags are another classic beginner project because they’re so simple but really handy to have around. Closet Core has a free tote pattern that would look amazing in a fun bottom weight twill print like the Blackbird exclusive ones or maybe a Rifle Paper Co. canvas. Something really special.

Caroline: A simple clutch would be a quick win, too. See Kate Sew has a free pattern for an envelope clutch that’s really adorable. It doesn’t just have a triangular top flap, it also has seams coming up from the bottom corners, so it really looks like an envelope.

Helen: Ooh, that is so cute. I want to make that. Bye, gotta go! Okay, if you’re a scrunchie wearer, like me, those are such a fun quick win. I had a scrunchie making fest with my friends and we made like 50 scrunchies in a couple of hours. We were just assembly line sewing all of these scrunchies and we had so much fun doing it. DIY Daisy has a scrunchie headband tutorial if that’s more your style. We used the Seamwork scrunchie tutorial for ours and it worked great.

Caroline: Talk about a great scrap buster. Like, invite all your friends over to have a scrunchie party and just dump all your fabric scraps. And then it’s like, win win win win win! You get rid of scraps.

Helen: I know! It’s so true. And then you have all these scrunchies to give away, which is also really fun.

Caroline: Yeah. I’ve also seen lots of great me-made hair bandanas and head scarves in the past year You could just cut out a triangle, hem it, and then hand stitch it to a headband. Or you could make a long strip of binding that encloses one side and becomes ties. For cold weather, Spaghetti Western Sewing has the Pearl Headscarf. It’s so cute. It’s quilted with batting, so it’s super warm and cozy. It’s, like, a little bit Strega Nona and a little bit New York cool girl, and that’s kind of, like, what I aspire to be, so.

Helen: It’s giving babushka. I love it. It’s so cute. Oh my gosh. I’ve not seen this before. So cute. If you love to cook, or you just hate getting your shirt all wet when you do things like wash the dishes, a good apron will change your life. Honestly, even if you just like to eat, an apron can help you out. I remember DIY Daisy saying she wears them to the table because she’s a messy eater. And Sam does the same thing, like, because he cooks dinner most nights, and he’ll just leave the apron on for the eating part, because why not, if you’re gonna spill on yourself?

Caroline: That’s really smart, honestly.

Helen: Yeah. If you eat at the couch, like a lot of folks do, it’s nice to have a little buffer.

Caroline: Yeah.

Helen: Well, of course, Sam is wearing the Sam Apron from us over at Helen’s Closet. That’s a free pattern, and it’s kind of a utilitarian style that can work across the gender spectrum and has nice details like contrasting top stitching, tons of pockets, and it is just, like, a really fun sew.

Caroline: Yes, it really is. It’s so satisfying, and there’s so few pieces. Like, you think that there would be a lot of pieces in such a utilitarian pattern, but it’s just a few pieces and it comes together so quickly.

Helen: Yeah.

Caroline: I just love the Sam Apron. I’ve made it a few times and it’s been stellar.

Helen: So good for a present.

Caroline: Mmhmm. Hey June Handmade has the free Allspice Apron as well, which is a curvier cross back style, if you’re into that style. Both of these patterns are sized. So I would definitely recommend avoiding a “one size fits all” pattern for most people. It’s just going to look a lot better if it’s designed to fit you. That’s, like, one of the greatest joys of making a me-made apron, is that you can size it to your own body.

Helen: Right? It doesn’t have to end up too short or too skinny or, like, not covering enough of your chest. Like, yeah, you can make it actually work. We’ve touched a little on home decor sewing, and that can really give you a lift if your sewjo is drained, especially if it’s something really punchy, like statement curtains or pretty pillow covers. I think that, in order for it to feel like a win, it should be something that’s a little, like, fancy or special, you know, not totally utilitarian, although napkins was a great example of that, but it could be something that makes the room feel prettier or homier, or cooler, maybe something that you see every day.

Caroline: Yeah, curtains are one example. They don’t have to be complicated. You could buy curtain rings with clips attached to them so that all you have to do is hem a couple of rectangles. You can even leave, like, the selvage edge either just turned under once and top stitched, or just, like, leave it if it’s a nice selvage. This is more of a relaxed look than some curtains, but I think it goes really well with a lot of people’s decor styles. Alexandra Gater, who has a home makeover channel on YouTube, uses them all the time. They look great. I used these curtain rings and clips in my kitchen. I made a set of little curtains for my kitchen window and it was, like, the fastest project ever. And I see it every single day and I love those curtains. They just really add to the vibes.

Helen: Right? So fun. A great way to use a fabric in a place where you get to admire it a lot.

Caroline: Mmhmm.

Helen: Pillow covers make a big impact, too, and they’re a great place to add a pop of colour or pattern. The easiest style to make is the envelope style, which has the overlapping panels at the back, and then you don’t have to bother with zipper or buttons, and it works
great.

Caroline: Seasonal or holiday decor is great. I feel like you can go more over-the-top than you would with decor that’s for everyday, but maybe that’s just me. There are so many great patterns and tutorials out there that are specifically for holiday decor. Or you could make something that’s not specifically holiday-themed and make it with themed fabrics.

Helen: Ooh, so true. I love this time of year, like, December, leading up to Christmas. I love making Christmas things for my house, and I’ve been adding things over the years, and this year I think I want to do a set of Christmas Playful Placemats so I have, like, a holiday placemat set. Yeah.

Caroline: Ooh, fun! Oh my gosh. I love that. That sounds so cute.

Helen: Yeah. And that’s a good palate cleanser, too. ‘Cause, again, you’re taking the garment sewing out of it.

Caroline: Yes. Okay. Speaking of which, there aren’t that many patchwork projects that I would call quick wins, but I do want to throw one idea out there, and that is: mini quilts. A simple, small quilt looks amazing hung on the wall. And Wax and Wane Studio has a bunch of mini quilt patterns that are cool and graphic. You could also do the Playful Placemats. You’re getting function and style there.

Helen: True.

Caroline: And they are just, like, cute mini little quilts. So this is a great option.

Helen: Have you heard the term “snack mat,” Caroline?

Caroline: No, but I, sounds like I need one.

Helen: I feel like it’s, maybe it’s only a quilting world thing, but, like, making, basically, a coaster that’s, like, a little bit bigger. So it’s, like, maybe six inches square or eight inches square, like a small rectangle. And it’s just for your desk, to put, like, your coffee and a snack on it. Snack mat.

Caroline: That’s really cute. Sounds like a mini placemat.

Helen: Yeah. Smaller than a placemat. Yeah, bigger than a coaster, but it’s like, just gives you another size thing to make, which is really fun.

Caroline: Mm. Very cute.

Helen: You could also make a throw size quilt using a whole cloth quilt method. So that’s where you just use a single fabric for the top, a single fabric for the bottom. You’re not doing any piecing. And then you’re quilting them together. And you could go with a fun print. A larger-scale print would work really well for this. It might take a little while to get through the quilting and binding and stuff like that, but it could be a nice exploration of quilting without having to get into the patchwork.

Caroline: Yeah. And you can do just, like, a little baby blanket. Like, it doesn’t have to be, or like, a little lap quilt or something.

Helen: Yeah, totally. A snack mat?

Caroline: I think that’s a different thing, Helen.

Helen: A whole cloth snack mat.

Caroline: A whole cloth snack mat, okay. Perfect. So, before we go, we want to note that a quick win is just one way to get your sewjo back. It’s not the only strategy. If your quick win is feeling too much like homework, then it’s probably not going to help you. Sometimes we need something else. And that can include a break and that is okay. One of my favourite ways to take a break from sewing is to do another creative hobby. For some reason it really re-energizes me for sewing. I do pottery with Shea. I also do some creative cooking. Helen does…

Helen: All cooking is creative, right?

Caroline: Yeah, I guess so. Well, I don’t know if I would, would agree with that.

Helen: I guess it’s like, you do exploratory cooking, where you’re making new and exciting dishes and trying new things.

Caroline: I feel like Sam is, is similar, but definitely some people just, like, cook to eat. Just to, just to, like, get something on the table, you know.

Helen: Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Caroline: But no, I mean, and you have things, too, right, Helen? You do beading. You were doing a beading project when we were in Portland, which was so fun and compact and I’m sure that felt like a win.

Helen: I know. Travel beading. Who knew it was a thing?

Caroline: Yes. And other DIY craft projects. I feel like you’re always trying a new little hobby. You do knitting. There’s just so many options. And it can be really nice to stretch some other muscles and give your sewing muscles a rest, some recovery time, you know?

Helen: Mmhmm. Yeah, some creative space. Who knows what might inspire you to make your next garment?

Caroline: Mmhmm.

Helen: And if you’re frustrated with machine sewing techniques, you could try doing some hand sewing crafts like embroidery, hand quilting, visible mending, especially if you put on a juicy reality show in the background. This can be a really great way to kind of get cozy, relax, give yourself a bit of a break from the sewing room and still feel like you’re doing your favourite hobby.

Caroline: Mmhmm, yeah, you probably don’t want to be watching, like, a documentary during your, like, quick win project, you know?

Helen: I don’t know. Some, like, true crime documentaries, you know, the ones where they just tell you the same facts like over and over and over again? That’s fine.

Caroline: Oh yeah. I was thinking, like, educational.

Helen: That’s not where my mind went.

Caroline: Yeah, you’re like, “True crime? Yeah!” Which, like, a hundred percent, I will watch true crime while I’m sewing or working on any project, cooking, all of it. Anyway. Okay. But yes, I think everyone has times where they just don’t have the energy or time to sew. Just remember, sewing is supposed to be fun. So if you’re not feeling it right now, it will be there when your sewjo comes back. It’ll be waiting for you. And it’s totally okay to take a break.

Helen: And if you’re sick of garment sewing, just try quilting. Okay, bye! Well, I hope everyone has everything they need to cleanse their palates and move on to the next course. I love a quick win.

Caroline: Get all that sewing residue out of your mouth.

Helen: That’s it for today’s episode of Love to Sew. You can find me, Helen, at Helen’s Closet Patterns and Cedar Quilt Co. and Caroline at Blackbird Fabrics and BF Patterns. And we’re recording in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

Caroline: You can support Love to Sew and get access to bonus content by subscribing on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. We’ll be over there for the next few months, if you miss us. You even get access to the back catalogue of bonus episodes if you subscribe, so that’s over 75 hours of Love to Sew. Go to patreon.com/lovetosew or check out our podcast page on Apple Podcasts for more info. This sounds like a great way to spend the off-season.

Helen: You can also head to lovetosewpodcast.com to find all the links to things that we mentioned in this episode. And if you’d like to get in touch with us, leave us a message at 1-844-SEW-WHAT. That’s 1-844-739-9428. Or send us an email at hello@lovetosewpodcast.com. Now is a great time to get in touch with us, because we’re planning our next season.

Caroline: Yes!

Helen: So if you have ideas, if you have thoughts, if you have questions, do it now so that we can include it in the next season.

Caroline: Please do. And we want to say a big thank you to our incredible podcast team. Lisa Ruiz is our creative assistant and Jordan Moore of The Pod Cabin is our editor, and we just would not have a show without them, so thank you guys.

Helen: Oh my gosh. So true. They’re the best. They make it happen.

Caroline: And thank you for listening! We will talk to you next season!

Helen: Bye bye.

Caroline: Bye!

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