Skills Learned: Machine sewing
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: Varies
Fabric Requirements: 1/2 yard (.46m) main fabric.

This new tutorial is now available on Sew It Yourself—and it’s totally FREE.

Once I found this yellow mini pompom trim, I knew it would pair perfectly with the floral and bird fabrics in my stash. I started covering my first book, and then realized I wanted to make another one. I love how they look together—I could really see someone covering a whole shelf of fabric books, and it would be too cute! You can also leave off the pompom trim for a more traditional fabric cover.

 Ready to sew your own? Click here to see the full tutorial!

Let me know if you make one—I’d love to see your version! Tag me on Instagram @LindsaySews so I can admire your pretty books. 

I sewed my book covers on my Baby Lock Ballad sewing machine. This machine comes with all the bells and whistles, and it’s so reliable each and every time I thread it. I don’t have to worry about broken thread, skipped stitches, or tension issues. I just get to step in and do what I love doing…sewing!

If you’re in the market for a sewing machine upgrade, this one is the bees knees. I love my Baby Lock Ballad!

Use my affiliate link to save 10% on any machine, accessory, or software at Baby Lock.com. 

Happy sewing!

I recently sewed these easy fabric pumpkins for the Sew It Yourself blog, and I wanted to share some tips if you’re planning to make a project like this yourself!

Tip #1: Choose the Right Fabric

When sewing fabric pumpkins, you can opt for a solid fabric or a near-solid or go for something with a small-scale print. If you choose a print that has large graphics, it’s going to get lost. I chose three fall-inspired prints from the same collection (Late Summer Harvest by Lily Ford for The Blank Quilting Corp.), but you can also cut up an old sweater or flannel shirt for a textured look. And bonus—you’re upcycling!

Tip #2: Cut Circles for the Pumpkin Base

If your stitches are a little messy, you can cut out a felt circle and use a hot glue gun to apply it to the pumpkin base. This will also make your gourd a little sturdier for shelf-sitting.

Tip #3: Add a Stem

There are lots of options for the type of stem you might choose! I went with sticks from my backyard, but you could go with a cinnamon stick (for a fragrant version) or a piece of felt rolled into a tube and glued. You could also sew a small fabric “pocket” (I’d go with black or brown solid fabric) and fill it with stuffing. Use hot glue to attach your stem to the pumpkin.

Tip #4: Add Leaves and Tendrils

If you want to add some natural details to your pumpkin, you can cut out leaf shapes from felt or fabric and glue them near the stem. You can create curled tendrils from floral wire by wrapping it around a pencil. These can be glued on near the stem as well. Experiment with raffia, wire ribbon, or even pipe cleaners to get the look you’re after!

Tip #5: Make Custom Sizes

My free tutorial includes three sizes of fabric pumpkin, but you can make a fabric pumpkin in any size you want. Simply cut a rectangle of fabric that is twice as wide as it is tall! Creating pumpkins in different sizes will give you an interesting arrangement for your mantel or fall table centerpiece. How cute would one of these pumpkins be with a fall tea towel and scented candle to give as a housewarming gift?

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly sewing machine, I always recommend Baby Lock. This is the kind of machine I use, and some great models for beginners are the Zest (low price-point, basic options), the Brilliant (a step up from the Zest that has more options to help you up your sewing game), and the Lyric (a fabulous machine and a great investment to make if you want to put some muscle into your sewing hobby)! To find out which one is right for you, just visit your local Baby Lock retailer, and they can show you all the bells and whistles.

If you are into shopping online, you can use my affiliate link to save 10% on any machine, accessory, or software at Baby Lock.com. Happy sewing!
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Get ready for a day at the beach! This roomy and sturdy tote bag, complete with large rope handles, is a modern take on nautical accessories. Just grab and go with this perfect carryall you can fill with snacks, sunscreen, and beach towels for a relaxing getaway with family or friends. Beginning sewists need not be intimidated by the grommets or lining; this tote is an easy project for beginners.

I’m sharing the free pattern over at Sew It Yourself!