10 Minute Tip ... for a better sew along experience

Sew Along Tips

1. Select a container to keep all of the fabric, scraps, printed instructions, and finished blocks in. This will make finding what you need easy and allow you to use scraps from previous steps before cutting new pieces of fabric. It will also keep finished blocks organized and easy to admire. The printed instructions won't get lost and you will be able to sew your step the day it comes out, or any day you decide, without having to search for anything!

2. Fabrics chosen may or may not be needed for the current step, but having plenty of options and enough yardage all gathered together in one place (container from tip #1) will make each step easier and reduce time for making selections.

3. Print out the instructions the first time you see them, or screen shot them on your phone. This way they will be available when you sit down to sew. Reducing time to find/ print them increases sewing time!

4. Keep your scraps that are usable sizes in a baggie together. I fold all strips of one size together, and then keeping them in a baggie (inside the container from tip #1) will allow you to use up these pieces before cutting new ones. Saves time and saves fabric, who doesn't love that?

5. Keep an eye out for sales during the sew along for possible backing and binding fabrics. If you don't already have them chosen, sales are a great way to get a good deal on yardage for backings!

6. Take photos of your progress, including fabrics, cut pieces, and finished blocks. Share them on social media using hashtags for the sew along and the host (in this case #seeingstarssewalong and #butterflythreadsquilting) and also tag your friends, so they can see what you're up to!

7. Speaking of friends, you have invited them to sew along with us haven't you? If not, it's still not too late! Share your photos with them or send them the links to the steps. Quilting is always more fun with friends!

8. Take a look at your other ufo's and see if they could benefit from some of these tips. If you collect the items needed for a ufo and keep it near your sew along, you can challenge yourself to 'sew along' a block or two from a ufo each month as well. It will give you two finishes instead of one!

9. Plan ahead for future steps by winding bobbins, changing your rotary blade and clearing off your cutting mat. It's always more fun to sew if you don't have to take care of these little chores first. Having them done after you finish a step means you are ready for the next one!

10. Enjoy the process! Don't think of it as another thing to check off your 'to do' list and don't compare your progress to anyone else's. Think of it as an adventure to see what happens next, and then share it! I know I'm loving what's being shared by all of you on social media.

To see more 10 Minute Tips click HERE.

Enjoy every stitch!
Diane