My favorite part of Release Week is here!! The Tester Round-Up! Our Sabal Tote testers worked so hard and created some of the most beautiful versions! I love how each tester tailored Sabal to their everyday lives and paired the most beautiful fabrics to give each version a unique personality. I hope you enjoy looking through their incredible Sabal sews as much as I do! -Tara Rittenhouse Sabal Tote Designer Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 1) Exterior: Waterproof Canvas (WPC) from TSM (Sabal Print) Lining: Stretch woven from TSM (Rocker Lips coordinate) Hardware: TSM Bedazzled Supplies, and Amazon Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 2) Exterior: Canvas from TSM Lining: Cotton woven from Walmart Hardware: TSM, Bedazzled Supplies, and Amazon Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 3) Exterior: WPC from TSM Lining: WPC from TSM Hardware: TSM, Bedazzled Supplies, and Amazon Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 4) Exterior: Canvas from Waymaker Fabrics Lining: Cotton woven from Walmart Hardware, TSM, Bedazzled Supplies, and Amazon Jennifer Brusstar Scotti Exterior: Outdoor Canvas from Joann Fabrics Lining: Ripstop Nylon from Joann Fabrics Hardware: Sew Majestic, Wizardry Stitchery, Bob and Jen's odds and ends, Amazon Chandy Mueller Exterior: Canvas from TSM Lining: Boardshort fabric from personal stash Hardware: Amazon and Etsy Denise Wood Exterior: WRC from DGF Designs Lining: Cotton Woven from Joann Fabrics Hardware: Strapworks and personal stash Emilie Kahr Exterior: Canvas from TSM Lining: Canvas from TSM Hardware: Blue Calla and Amazon Kate Draeger Exterior: Thertex from Fabric Therapy Lining: Stretch woven from TSM Hardware: My Handmade Stash and personal stash Susi Schuegraf Exterior: WPC from TSM Lining: Polywoven from FiuFiusublimado Hardware: Zipper Valley and personal stash Tessa Silva-Mathews Exterior: Recycled Canvas from Sew Dynamic Lining: Waterproof Canvas from Wonderground Fabrics Hardware: Wawak, Strapworks, and Amazon Kayla Smith Exterior: WPC from TSM Lining: Luxury Cotton from TSM Hardware: TSM, My Handmade Space, Amazon Lynne Zachman Exterior: Canvas from Waymaker Fabrics Lining: quilting cotton from personal stash Hardware: TSM and Wawak Note: Eyelets were stitched using sewing machine setting! Nikki Scott Exterior: Canvas from TSM Lining: Stretch Woven from Greenstyle Hardware: Idleblooms and Joann Fabrics Sharon Patterson Thomas Exterior: Canvas from TSM Lining: Stretch Woven from TSM Hardware: TSM, Wawak, Amazon Shelly Andrews Exterior: WPC from TSM and Fabric Wholesale Direct Lining: Cotton woven from Walmart Hardware: TSM and Amazon Danielle Buford Exterior: Canvas from Fabric Therapy Lining: Cotton woven and Essex Linen Hardware: Wawak, Etsy, AliExpress, Weft&Warp Holly Ward Exterior: Thertex from Fabric Therapy Lining: Cotton woven from Walmart Hardware: Amazon Danielle Allen Exterior: WPC from TSM Lining: Stretch Woven from TSM: Hardware: TSM and Amazon Leanne Clay Exterior: Canvas from personal stash Lining: Personal stash Hardware: Personal stash I hope Sabal takes you on all of your upcoming adventures and day-to-day activities! I love seeing your versions and how you bring the pattern to life! Please be sure to share your version with us in our Facebook group! -Tara

The Marella Handbag is here and as always our testers did not disappoint! I am always blown away by everyone’s creativity and I hope y’all enjoy looking at all of the Marella Hangbags as much as I did! -Alex Soelke, Marella Handbag Designer Alex Soelke (Bag 1) Exterior: The Styled Magnolia Bag Panel, Mora Faux Leather from Emmaline Lining: from personal stash Hardware: Emmaline Bags Alex Soelke (Bag 2) Exterior: Harris Tweed from local shop, Milan Faux leather from TSM Interior: from personal stash Hardware: Emmaline bags, TSM Alex Soelke (Bag 3) Exterior: Mora from Emmaline Bags Lining: Luxury Cotton from TSM Hardware: Emmaline bags and TSM Shelly Andrews (Bag 1) Exterior: Olive Mora from Emmaline and Titanium Milan from TSM Lining: Oh So Pretty Hardware: Emmaline bags Shelly Andrews (Bag 2) Exterior: White Lace vinyl from My handmade space Interior: is WPC from Bodeeoh Hardware: Amazon, Emmaline bags, Bedazzled supplies. TSM Meg Loven (Bag 1, Anemone Dreams Pink) Exterior: TSM Vinyl, Marine Vinyl Fabrics, Carbon Fiber Pearl Piping, Modern White Interior: Wonderground Fabrics Black Waterproof Canvas Hardware: Indo Love Kreation, Amazon, Wawak Meg Loven (Bag 2, Vintage Floral) Exterior: TSM Vinyl, Marine Vinyl Fabrics, Carbon Fiber Dark Blue Piping and Vinyl; Interior: Wonderground Fabrics Maroon Waterproof Canvas Hardware: Indo Love Kreation, Amazon, Wawak Chandy Mueller Exterior: Embossed Vinyl, Interior: WRC Hardware: Backstitch fabric, Oh So Pretty Custom Fabric Hardware: Amazon Maryfrances Fabbri (Bag 1, Fall Plaid) Exterior: TSM Faux Leather Interior Fabric: Hand Batiked fabric from my stash Hardware: My Handmade Space, Amazon Maryfrances Fabbri (Bag 2, Modified) Exterior: Handquilted Interior: personal stash Hardware: Amazon Patricia Simard Exterior: Softshell panel sublimate by myself, Vinyl printed at THCG Supply Interior: Polyester canvas personal print at NoirBlanc Hardware: Emmaline bags, Alibaba Susan Francis (Bag 2) Exterior: Upholstery remnant, Accent vinyl Mora from Emmaline Interior: Personal Stash Hardware-Zipper pulls from TSM, Wawak, Amazon Krystol Ithomitis Exterior: canvas from Thunderbird Handcrafted, TSM vinyl Interior: hand dyed sateen from Thunderbird Handcrafted Hardware: Emmaline, Zipper Calley, Amazon Lynne Zachman Exterior: TSM Vintage Floral Faux Leather, Emmaline Mora Faux Leather Interior: quilting cotton from personal stash Hardware: Wawak Nikki Scott Exterior: Fabrictopia Interior-Tula pink from Sew Special Quilts Hardware-Amazon, Idleblooms, and Emmaline Jennifer Brusstar Scotti  (Bag 1) Exterior: TSM faux leather bag panel (mountains), Emmaline Mora Faux Leather Interior: Tula Pink Quilt cotton Hardware: Amazon, Wizardry Stitchery Jennifer Brusstar Scotti  (Bag 2) Exterior: Disney stained class sourced from a sewing expo, cotton woven, TSM Rio Metallic, Emmaline Mora Faux Leather Interior: Oh So Pretty Hardware: Amazon, Wizardry Stitchery Jennifer Brusstar Scotti (Bag 3) Exterior: TSM faux leather (Divine Glacier) Interior: Tula Pink Quilt cotton Hardware: Amazon, Bob and Jen's zipper tape, TSM Charlene DuBeau Exterior: Blended Thread Fabrics vinyl Interior: cotton woven from Seweird Fabrics Hardware: My Handmade Space, Sew Many Creations, Emmaline Bags Eva Buchel (Bag 1) Exterior: Vinyl is from Coffins&Diamonds Hardware: Sallie Tomato and IndoLoveCreations. Eva Buchel (Bag2) Exterior: personal stash, Interior: personal stash Hardwar: Amazon, K&A Kustoms. Paula Coleman Barron Exterior: TSM Rio Dark blue Grey Metallic Interior: TSM WPC Canvas Metamorphic Hardware: Amazon Andrea Soo (Bag 1) Hardware: Faux leather from Zipper valley Interior: Blended Thread Fabrics Hardware: Emmaline, Zipper valley Andrea Soo (Bag 2) Exterior: TSM Starry Night wpc, Emmaline charcoal Mora Lining: Emmaline cotton with TSM wpc for pockets Hardware: Emmaline Andrea Soo (Bag 3) Exterior: TSM faux leather (Juniper), Emmaline white Rex Interior: TSM Luxury Cotton Hardware: Emmaline, TSM Rachel Tindall (Bag 1) Exterior: faux suede from Little Stitcher Sews Interior: WPC from Little Stitcher Sews Hardware:Aliexpress, Ait Said Creations, Country Cow Designs Rachel Tindall (Bag 2) Exterior: Ivory from Bib and Jens Odds and Ends Interior: WPC from personal stash Hardware: Sew Hot, Online Bag Supplies, Ali express Teresa Bellnoski Exterior-Faux leather print and solid from TSM Interior: quilting cotton from personal stash Hardware: My Handmade Space, TSM Jennifer Grimaldi Exterior: Printed vinyl from Stitch Don't Kill my Vibe, solid vinyl from Sew Hungry Hippie. Interior: Lining from Emmaline's Hardware: Sallie Tomato, My Handmade Space Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 1) Exterior: (Blue) Metalic from Me More Know, Purple Agate from ITGS Interior: Waterproof Canvas from Wonderground. Hardware: Amazon and Wawak Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 2, Modified to have rolled handles) Exterior-Purple Agate from ITGS Interior: Waterproof Canvas from Wonderground. Hardware- ITGS and wawak Jackie Hellermann Exterior: Blended Thread fabrics Interior: from personal stash Hardware: Amazon and Idleblooms Susi Schuegraf Exterior-TSM faux leather and TSM rio Interior-from personal stash Hardware-Amazon and Aliexpress Rosa Zerkle Vinyl- TSM, Emmaline Bags, My Punkbroidery Lining- Fabric Warehouse Hardware- Ali Express Brianna Burnett Exterior: vinyl from Cotton and Twirls, vinyl from Mypunkbroidery, Interior: personal stash Hardware: Kamsnaps, Amazon Teal Keller Exterior: vinyl from TSM, Emmaline Interior: linen from Waymaker fabrics Hardware: AliExpress. Amazon. Stephanie Combs Boone Exterior: Emporium Threads Interior: Personal Stash Hardware: Sallie Tomato Sharon Patterson Thomas Exterior: TSM faux leather Interior: Quilting cotton from personal stash Hardware: TSM, Sallie Tomato, Amazon Jocie Goldman Exterior - Seweird Fabrics Interior - Joann farics Hardware: My Handmade Space, Amazon Joy Yamashita Exterior-Backstitch fabrics, Gusset from local shop Interior-Backstitch fabrics Hardware-Amazon and Alchemats, and personal stash Megan Kobiela Reitelbach Exterior fabrics: DGF designs Interior: Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware: DGF and AliExpress Holly Ward Faux leather: TSM Lining: twill from Walmart Hardware: TSM & Amazon Jess Webbe Exterior: TSM Faux Leather Interior: personal stash Hardware: Sew Sweetness Danielle Hampton Netherton Exterior: faux leather from Sallie Tomato Lining: Emmaline bags Hardware: Emmaline bags and Sallie Tomato Danielle Buford (Bag 1) Exterior vinyl: Bo Dee-Oh Interior: Therxtex from Fabric Therapy Hardware: Emmaline Danielle Buford (Bag 2) Exterior: vinyl from Backstitch, vinyl from Bo Dee-Oh Interior: WPC from Fabric Therapy Hardware: My Handmade Space, Siah Swag, Emmaline, Sew Dulce

Have you had a chance to explore TSM's new Print & Sew service? We are so excited to offer this! We, on the TSM Team have impressed ourselves with just how much time it saves! Having the TSM Pattern's exterior pieces printed right onto the vinyl or faux leather not only saves time, but a bit of room for error, printer paper and supplies, and/or the back and forth of pattern placement, turning, sliding, and cutting while using your projector! Below we will take just a bit of a deeper look into what the Print & Sew service is, and how you can utilize it to get the most out of your Print & Sew! What exactly is Print & Sew? Print & Sew is a new service provided by TSM, wherein you can have TSM Pattern exterior pieces from your pattern library added directly to TSM printed vinyl or faux leather! These designs can be from both Pre-Orders and Pick-a-Print! You will first select your desired pattern. Be sure it is in your pattern library (already purchased). You will next need to determine how many rolls are needed for your pattern. (For example, the Capparis Crossbody, in any size only requires 1 roll of vinyl or faux leather, where the Orion messenger bag will require 2 rolls.) You will then go to the design listing (Pick-a-Print or Pre-Order). Add your design with the correct number of rolls to your cart. Finally, click the Print & Sew tab. You will then select your coordinating TSM pattern. Follow through on all drop-down options within the listing and click 'add to cart'. Next, TSM will strategically place the pattern pieces onto your roll(s) of vinyl/faux leather and ship to you when ready! Once it arrives you only need to cut and then sew your exterior! No fabric tetris required! (Please note, it is vital that your design listing and correct number of rolls are added to your cart as well as the Print & Sew listing. A Print & Sew cart without the design and correct number of vinyl or faux leather rolls will result in a cancelled order.) Are there any 'extras' offered with Print & Sew? Yes! These extras vary from pattern to pattern, but examples of some extras are: -Many of our patterns offer adding on a Magnolia Wallet or Magnolia Mini! To add either choice is only $2 extra! A perfect way to make a coordinating bag set or save the Magnolia to gift or sell later! (Be sure to also add your Magnolia Wallet/Mini pdf pattern Order # to the coordinating text box in the listing) -Some patterns offer more than one design option! Allowing you to add a coordinate for your Ascent Backpack, for example, or have up to 5 print choices for the Magnolia Wallet! These extras really provide a great value! What a great way to make several gifts in one go or streamline your sewing while preparing for an upcoming market or fair! (Please note, when adding more than one print, you will only need to add ONE of the print choices from Pre-Order to your cart (make sure you add the correct # of rolls), but all print names must be added to the corresponding text box in the Print & Sew listing.) This service looks so intriguing! But, what are the real advantages? There are many advantages! A notable advantage is that Print & Sew is like having acrylic templates for your TSM Patterns, but without the trouble of finding another storage solution in your sewing space! Perhaps you have a favorite print in Pick-a-Print. One you love to sew for gifts for everyone! Or one that does well at your bag markets and fairs. Good news! Once you have ordered a specific pattern on a specific print once, all future duplicate orders can have the Print & Sew service added at no cost! (As long as no changes are made) Another bonus, as noted by all of our TSM Team members thus far, is how much time Print & Sew saves. (And in multiple ways!) Cut time was cut down by not needing to spend time placing pieces or stressing over the fun of 'Fabric Tetris'. No pattern weights needed. No fabric weights needed! Just zip around each piece and add it to your stack! Our TSM Team member Andrea Soo notes "It actually felt enjoyable because I didn't have to hold pattern pieces or a ruler in place and I didn't have to figure out pattern piece placement! I also don't have to navigate around my cutting table which is close to a bookcase on the long end across from me. As I detached the pieces from the vinyl roll, I could just turn them to cut!" Our TSM Admin Team member Shelly Andrews notes "Oh my Goodness I just got my Print & Sew in and I am so so stoked. Like super excited. The ease of literally just being able to cut it out and my exterior is done. Simple. The only thing now I have to cut is my lining (not provided) then start sewing. The time this gives me back is exactly what I needed. It means more projects." Shelly later noted that it only took her 10 minutes to cut out her Capparis pieces! Andrea would note that her Juniper took 8 minutes 32 seconds! One of our TSM Designers, Alex Soelke was enthusiastic about how her Iolite only took around 5 minutes to cut out! I'd also like to share my experience. I was very excited to try out my Print & Sew. I did anticipate it would save me time. I tend to trace my pattern pieces onto the backside of my faux leather, and then cut out. Usually with my rotary cutter, sometimes with scissors, sometimes a razor blade. It's a long process. What I didn't anticipate was that on shaped pieces I had an amazing advantage using my Print & Sew!! I do not have a cutting machine, such as a Cricut, so my pieces such as the strap ends are hand-traced, then hand cut. There's always a little bit of room for human error in mine. Maybe more than a little bit! My Print & Sew strap ends, though?? Amazing!! These are my best-looking ones yet! I couldn't believe the difference! This is a total game changer for my Magnolia Minis as well. I timed myself, and I had my Juniper exterior cut out in 7 minutes and a few seconds! This next bit, I have to add a disclaimer, that using your cut Print & Sew pieces as pattern pieces is going to open up room for error. Possibly shaving off a bit too much of your faux leather piece. However, I absolutely used my Juniper flap to cut the coordinating lining piece and interfacing! Same for the front slip pocket. I cut my remaining interfacing pieces out using the other pieces. This saved even more time! Overall, I was so genuinely pleased and impressed with how seamless my sewing experience of the below Juniper went. Everything moved like a dance! I unrolled my faux leather roll, paired fabrics and hardware, cut my pieces, interfaced, and began sewing! What really made me smile at the completion was seeing that little Juniper and Magnolia Mini set. Both projects were ready to start as soon as I opened that roll! Don't they just look 'meant to be' together?? We hope you love the Print & Sew service as much as we do! We often hear the phrase "game changer" used when we learn a new trick in the sewing community (I even used it above!), but this service absolutely is a total and complete game changer! Please share your Print & Sew projects and testimonies with us in our Facebook group! We cannot wait to hear what you think! Thank y'all for following along with me! -Tara

TSM Alcohol Inks are some of our customers' top favorites! And it is easy to understand why! Each Alcohol Ink design has a unique personality to begin with, but once put in an individual's creative hands, the sky truly is the limit. Time and again we are inspired and truly astonished by what someone creates. Today, we hope to inspire future Alcohol Ink makes by showcasing some of our favorite past TSM Team makes! We must start with bags. How incredible are these bags in Alcohol Inks? There is something so fun about how different elements of the bag pick up on the unique flow of the inks. Whether a fully Ink bag, or color-blocked, each of these bags has quite the personality! Another fan favorite for TSM Alcohol Inks is athletic wear! Whether that be a simple pair of leggings, sport shorts, leotards, athletic sets, or a combination, these sets 'wow!' every time! We get excited to see how our team pairs fabrics, patterns, and even thread to create their beautiful sets! Several of these makes, seen below, have inspired us to recreate our own! Perhaps, you were thinking about a cozy base, like brushed bamboo french terry, though. Or maybe flowy, soft, and cool bamboo lycra. What could you make then? TSM offers a wide array of bases, and that means a wide array of projects! How incredible are these swimsuits, tees, loungers, and more pictured below? Finally, we want to leave you inspired by a few smaller projects, and a few 'homey' projects. Those things that we make 'just for us'. Perhaps for others as well, perhaps for gifts, but often to brighten our workspaces! To brighten our homes! To brighten our creativity with our favorite fabric designs. Below are a few of our favorite scrap-busters and creative-outlet projects. We hope getting a glimpse of our amazing TSM Team's many Alcohol Inks have inspired that creative spark within you for your 2024 Alcohol Inks! Time and again our Team and customers alike stun us with their makes. Your creativity knows no bounds, and we look forward to seeing what you will create with the returning favorite Alcohol Inks and the new colorways! As always, please be sure to share your TSM creations in our Facebook group! We love being inspired by you! Thank you for following along with me! -Tara

The Juniper Crossbody is here!! This little crossbody is such a fun and satisfying sew! I had so many fabric combinations in my head, but it was impossible to create them all! Testing time was coming, though! A time where our testers did, and always do, the most incredible job bringing their visions of Juniper to life! I am so proud and thrilled to be able to share them with you below. I look forward to your future versions of Juniper, too! -Tara Rittenhouse Juniper Crossbody Designer Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 1, Juniper) Exterior: Printed faux leather from TSM, white Rio from TSM Lining: Luxury cotton from TSM (arctic) Hardware: TSM, Bedazzled Supplies, and Emmaline Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 2) Exterior: Milan faux leather from TSM Lining: Luxury cotton from TSM and cotton woven from Tula Pink Hardware: TSM and Emmaline Stephanie Combs Boone Exterior: Faux leather from Emmaline Lining: Cotton woven from Fabric Place Basement Hardware: Emmaline, Ait Said, Emporium Threads Shelly Andrews (Bag 1) Exterior: Faux leather from Emmaline Lining: WPC from TSM (Mercurial Hibiscus coord) Hardware: TSM, Emmaline, and Kamsnaps Shelly Andrews (Bag 2) Exterior: Rio and Milan faux leather solids from TSM Lining: WPC from TSM (Rocker Lips) Hardware: TSM, Kamsnaps, Emmaline, Idleblooms, MyHandmadeSpace Paula Coleman Barron Exterior: Faux Leather from Emmaline Lining: WPC from TSM (Foundation) Hardware: TSM Leanne Clay Exterior: Vinyl from Inklings and the Kraken fabrics Lining: Woven from Inklings and the Kraken fabrics Hardware: Online bag supplies Andrea Soo (Bag 1, Floral Sketches) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM and Zipper Valley Lining: Luxury Cotton from TSM (Eggplant faux linen) Hardware: Atelier Fibre Arts, Emmaline, Zipper Valley Andrea Soo (Bag 2, Acacia) Exterior: Faux leather from TSM and Emmaline Lining: Luxury Cotton from TSM (Purple crosshatch) Hardware: Atelier Fibre Arts, Emmaline, Blue Calla Andrea Soo (Bag 3, Flower Fairy) Exterior: Faux leather from TSM and Emmaline Lining: Luxury cotton from TSM (Magenta crosshatch) Hardware: Emmaline, Blue Calla, Zipper Valley Bri Fraser (Forged Flora) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM, faux leather solid Rio from TSM Lining: Joann fabric Hardware: Personal stash Chandy Mueller Exterior: print from Sallie Tomato, Vinyl solid from Backstitch Fabrics Lining: WRC from Sew Magical Texas Hardware: Sallie Tomato and Ait Said Creations Ashley Oliver Exterior: Rio faux leather from TSM Lining: Luxury Cotton from TSM (Botanical Leopard) Hardware: TSM and Amazon Teal Keller (Geo Clouds navy) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM Lining: Cotton woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: TSM Lynne Zachman (Charmed Cherry Blossom) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM and Emmaline Lining: Quilting cotton from personal stash Hardware: TSM and Wawak Denise Wood Exterior: Vinyl from Weft&Warp Lining: WPC from Emmaline Hardware: Emmaline Vivianne Fortier Exterior: Faux leather from small shop in Berlin, Germany Lining: personal stash Hardware: Wawak Susi Schuegraf (Ink Splash Panel) Exterior: Ultra Suede from Sewful Therapy Lining: WPC from TSM Hardware: Ateliers Meg Loven (Illusion) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM and Flexa Marine Vinyl Lining: WPC from Wonderground Hardware: Indolovekreation, Purple Dragon Fabrics, personal stash Krystol Ithomitis Exterior: Faux suede from Sewful Therapy Lining: Woven from Thunderbird Handcrafting Hardware: Emmaline and Sew O'Side Lacresha Lincoln (Luxe Leopard) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM, Cork from Hobby Lobby Lining: Cotton woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: Hobby Lobby and Amazon Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 1) Exterior: Faux leather from Wildon Homes Lining: Cotton woven from Joann Fabrics Hardware: Emmaline, Wawak, Amazon Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bags 2 & 3) Exterior: Faux leather from TSM (Graphic Monochrome Flowers) Lining: Cotton woven and WPC from Joann Fabrics and Wonderground Fabrics Hardware: Emmaline, Wawak, and Amazon Jackie Hellerman Exterior: Rio faux leather solid from TSM Lining: Canvas from TSM (Purple Floral) Hardware: Idleblooms Megan Kobiela Reitelbach Exterior: Marine vinyl from Fabric Wholesale Direct Lining: WPC from Fabric Wholesale Direct and OhanaFabric Hardware: Alchemats, Aliexpress, and Wawak Kayla Smith Exterior: Faux leather from TSM Lining: personal stash Hardware: Wawak Sharon Patterson Thomas (Bag 1) Exterior: Faux leather from Emmaline Interior: Stretch woven from TSM (Wild Cat) Hardware: TSM and Wawak Sharon Patterson Thomas (Bag 2) Exterior: Faux leather print (Wayward Rose) and Milan faux leather solid from TSM Interior: Kona cotton and iron-on vinyl Hardware: TSM and Wawak Kendel Walker (Blue and Lime Leopard) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM Lining: Cotton woven from Joann fabrics Hardware: Amazon Danielle Buford Exterior: Vinyl from MoreMeKnow fabrics Lining: Woven from Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics Hardware: Emmaline and Siahswag Thank you for following along with us! And a giant thank you to our Tester Team! If you would like a more in-depth look at Juniper, you may view the video bag tour here. Please be sure to share your Juniper makes in our Facebook page! -Tara

Have you had the chance to work with Double Sided Minky yet? If so, what have you created? Do you find you prefer to have a specific project in mind when sewing minky? Do you like to experiment with all kinds of projects, seeing if your mashed and hacked vision will come to life? Or a bit of both? I hadn't sewn minky until very recently. I had brushed past it several times in fabric shops, but it was never a base I thought to reach for! After my first go with TSM double sided minky I was hooked. It took just pulling it out of the mailer to fall completely in love. The fabric itself was so incredibly soft, and the print was as vibrant as can be! What does TSM Double Sided Minky (DSM) look like? TSM DSM is a super plush double-sided fabric that is 340-360gsm. has a lot of stretch at 100% horizontal stretch/25% vertical stretch, and keeps you warm and cozy as you wear! TSM DSM is printed on one side while the back side remains a beautiful white. TSM Double Sided Minky prints incredibly vivid! It is truly stunning to work with! When I had ordered my first bit of double sided minky, I knew it would become joggers and a cozy top for my daughter, but once it arrived, I very much considered serging the ends and letting her keep the yardage as a simple blanket! I love just how versatile this base has already become for my girls! It is as fun to sew as it is to wear! The first sew I made was that joggers set to lounge in, as mentioned. My daughter struggles with jeans and leggings but loves joggers. I thought she would be over-the-moon excited to have a new pair of joggers in double sided minky (DSM)! The height of cozy and luxuriousness for an eight-year old! Not to mention the print is her absolute favorite! Goodness, was I right! What was even better was that the set ended up being perfect for mix-n-match! She could pair the top with a solid bottom, wear a tee with the joggers for a sporty-casual day, or pair a denim jacket with the joggers for something cute to wear out and about, or toss on both items for a comfy day of lounging. I cannot count how many times she has worn both pieces since sewing, which means I cannot count how many times I have already washed both pieces, and the colors in the print as are bright as the day I opened the package! A total win-win-win project for both me and her! Our Team at The Styled Magnolia has sewn some beautiful and unique creations this year with Double Sided Minky. Joggers and cozy tops are definite go-to's, but our team has also created things like baby bibs, burp cloths, stuffed animals, and even zipper pouches!! Below we've included a few of our Team's makes for more DSM inspiration! (Aren't the colors just stunning??) Aren't these all incredible sews? It's easy to imagine how dreamy soft each project is in real life, isn't it? I quickly realized that the scraps left behind from my own minky sews were going to make for some of the most incredible scrap-buster projects! My eldest daughter had seen a 'spa-headband' at the checkout of a store recently and asked if she could have one. I instantly pictured headbands and earwarmers from my minky scraps! I scoured the internet for pattern companies' scrap-busters, blog writer's DIY versions, and nothing quite was what I was seeing in my head. So, I experimented a bit and came up with a knotted version that fit my girls well! Below I'll walk you through how I created this! I know every future minky sew will result in many of these headbands because my girls all instantly loved them! The best part is, with a little playing around with measurements anyone can recreate this to suit their size preference! +To begin, I cut a piece of minky 5" x 20" (I had the highest stretch percentage running the length of the piece, but with this style I think you'd be ok to cut opposite if need be) +I next serged each long side edge to both give the minky a polished finish, and also to help the DSM stop shedding. +I then folded each long edge over toward the wrong side by about 1/2" and used a zig-zag stitch to topstitch in place. (I think you would be ok to topstitch with a long straight stitch, too!) +Once the long edges were topstitched, I tied a medium-tight knot in the center of my minky piece. +After the knot was tied, I added two basting stitches to each short edge to allow me to easily gather the sides later. (One basting stitch at about 1/4" in from the edge and another at about 1/2" inward.) +I then cut a scrap piece of cotton woven 3" x 7.5". I pressed each short edge in toward the center by about 1/2". +Next, I folded the cotton woven right sides together along the length. The pressed edges stayed in place, though you could unfold, sew, and then refold into place. I sewed along the long edge using a 1/2" seam allowance and turned right side out. +I then cut a 3" piece of 1" elastic and measuring about 3/4"=1" in on each short side of my cotton woven casing made a mark. +Using my turning tool, I pulled my elastic into the cotton casing I had just made. I pulled one edge of the elastic to just PAST the marking I had made. I pinned the elastic in place at that edge and topstitched well to secure. I then did the same with the opposite side. + With the casing ready for the rest of the headband, I took one short edge of my headband and pulled the gathering stitches. I folded the topstitched edges toward the back to give the headband that pretty tapered look and adjusted the gathers so that the headband slid into one open end of the casing perfectly. +Once the minky end of the headband was perfect, I slid it into the casing, clipped it in place, and tacked very well to secure. I then repeated the same with the other side. +My headband was complete!! This project sews up so quickly! Adjustments would be minimal to size up or down for toddler and adult! Honestly, this cute dino one was comfortable for even me to wear. I really enjoyed bringing to life the different bits and pieces of inspirations photos and rtw headbands I had seen. If you try your hand at a knotted headband with your TSM scraps, we'd love to see you share in our Facebook group! (And any other Double Sided Minky scrap-busters you may have tried already!) Thank you for following along with me! This base was recently new to me, but has quickly become very much loved in my home! We cannot wait to see your TSM Double Sided Minky sews and projects in the future! --Tara

The Orion Messenger Bag is LIVE! This beast of a bag is packed FULL of all the pockets possible for all of your storage needs. The fun features like a trolley sleeve that can convert into a slip pocket and an expandable gusset that gives you two extra inches of space make this bag perfect for work AND travel. It has been so much fun getting to see what our testers created this round and I can’t wait to see what everyone else creates too! -Danielle Allen, Orion Messenger Bag designer Danielle Allen (bag 1, Orion) Exterior: TSM Canvas Interior: Not Pictured Hardware: TSM and Amazon Danielle Allen (bag 2) Exterior: Marine Vinyl Interior: Not Pictured Hardware: TSM and Amazon Tessa Silva-Mathews Exterior: Faux Leather from Wildon Home Interior: Woven from Personal Stash Hardware: Wawak Andrea Soo Exterior: Canvas from Blended Threads fabrics Interior: Canvas from Blended Threads fabrics Hardware: Emmaline Bags and Paccana Rachel Tindall (Fire Giraffe) Exterior: Canvas from TSM Interior: Woven from Ebay Hardware: Little Stitcher Sews (UK) Shelly Andrews (Monochrome Deco Circles) Exterior: Milan faux leather from TSM, Canvas from TSM Interior: Waterproof canvas Hardware: TSM and Emmaline Bags Jess Webb (Mother Earth) Exterior: Canvas from TSM, Milan faux leather from TSM Interior: Cotton woven from personal stash Hardware: Amazon and MyHandmadeSpace Denise Wood Exterior: Vinyl from Mypunkbroidery, other fabric from DGF Designs Interior: WPC from Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware: Jade Custom Designs and personal stash Charlene DuBeau (Quiet Ore) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM Interior: Cotton woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: TSM, Amazon, Gold Star Tools, and Heartwood + Hide Karen Denham (Magical Obsidian) Exterior: Vinyl from TSM Interior: Windham Fabrics Idylwilde Hardware: MyHandmadeSpace Jackie Hellerman (Magical Obsidian) Exterior: Canvas from TSM Interior: Cotton woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: Idleblooms Susi Schuegraf Exterior: Vinyl from Zoerelle Interior: Waterproof Canvas from BoDeeOh Hardware: Sewful Therapy and personal stash Alex Soelke (Teal Grunge Floral) Exterior: Canvas from TSM, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Bags Interior: Luxury Cotton from TSM, Waterproof Canvas from Walmart Hardware: Emmaline Bags, TSM, Amazon

Have you looked at the Mystery Scrap and Mystery Remnant bundles on the website, but paused as you wondered what you would make with them? Often the same couple questions pop up: "What are the differences between the Scrap and Remnant Packs? And what can I make with them?" We hope this post serves as a good reference point, but also a springboard of creativity for those smaller pieces! First, we'll begin with logistics. How are the Scrap Bundles and Remnant Bundles different? A Scrap bundle is filled with pieces about 4" x WOF (58"). A Remnant bundle, however, is 2 yards in total and filled with pieces that range in lengths of 11" to 35" x WOF (58"). They are similar in that each Mystery Bundle will contain the same base and is labeled as so in the listing. Below are a few photos of what your Remnant or Scrap Pack may look like after opening (and one of the before!)! Once a pack (or several!) are on their way, the real work begins. What to create with these smaller cuts? At first, the idea may seem overwhelming. A design in pre-order that caught your eye and instantly begged to become a long-sleeved tee is one thing, but what do you create with smaller cuts in mystery designs? This is where it gets fun, though! These are the projects that really let our creativity soar. They often force us to think outside of our traditional style and boxes. (And honestly, it's so fun to see the excitement and pride that follows these types of projects!) We often say that we love to be inspired by you! Your sews are what excite us! Your sews help us see things in new ways and inspire us to try something we may not have thought to! We are honored to share photos of just this by TSM customer, Doray Briskman! Below are a few creations Doray sewed using Remnant packs. Truly incredible sews that have inspired me to try my hand at the same (how cute is that Alligator Herringbone sports bra?!)! She sewed several sports-bras, but notes the Dark Mountains will soon become shorts using a Patterns for Pirates pattern! Be sure to search our Facebook group and check out her Instagram here for more of Doray's amazing creations! (Photos shared courtesy of Doray Briskman) Admittedly, Remnant Bundles can be a bit easier to create with. The larger pieces are often perfect for shorts, tank tops, sports bras, color-blocked tees and leggings, accents to bags, pouches, children's clothing, etc. Remnants are also a great way to test a pattern prior to cutting into the fabric you have designated as your "final" version. We know that all bases sew and fit differently, but even between fabric companies there is a bit of variation in how a particular base may fit. For instance, TSM Cotton Lycra may have slightly different stretch and recovery, weight, and feel than cotton lycra you've tried from other shops. A mystery design may not end up being one you would have chosen on your own, but it may find life in your closet as a test version that you love! Once your adjustments have been made, it's on to your chosen fabric! Our team member, Kayla Smith, is an amazing source of inspiration when it comes to how to utilize a remnant pack! She has a natural eye for color-blocking and combining prints that inspires us time and time again. She created the Monochrome Skulls pull-over using a Skulls remnant from a mystery pack! Her Sewing Things pull-over was another remnant pack win! She notes how each of the prints was almost a whole yard cut, allowing her to create this fun combination of TSM prints! Kayla also is a stand-out when it comes to mixing and matching textures and colors. Time after each sew is always beautiful, unique, and inspiring. Below, a couple of Kayla's Remnant Bundle sews and other color-blocking sews are featured. (To see more of Kayla's amazing creations, view her Instagram here!) Below we've included photos from our team of other projects they have sewn using remnants! We hope these sews serve as inspiration for your upcoming projects! There are so many uses for Remnants, and knowing they are TSM fabrics that have durability, quality, and longevity, help us to create something we may not have had in mind at purchase, but are so proud of when that final stitch is sewn! Remnant Bundles can become so many things! What becomes of the Scrap Bundles, though? The 4" wide pieces are a bit smaller, and almost certainly will not become a one-fabric t-shirt. Though, just because they are small, does not mean they cannot be mighty! TSM Scrap pieces are great for color-blocking (such as the sleeve accent on Kayla's pull-over pictured above), pocket accents, drawstrings, cuffs, socks, undies, mittens, earwarmers, headbands, mama cloth, pouches, small bag interiors, zipper tabs, lanyards, wristlet straps, key chains, scrunchies, coasters, baby sets, appliques and more! I, personally, also love using scrap pieces as an accent to my button-ups. That extra pop of color or design for a placket, pocket lining, collar binding trim, etc, really made my shirt feel like something extra special! I love that a scrap pack can create so many amazing things that are usable at home or to send out for gifts! Many pattern companies have small freebie scrap busters (such as the TSM Dogwood Bags Dispenser!), and these can be so fun to sew up! You may learn new techniques as well as a cute and functional final project! A personal favorite is to use these smaller pieces for mix-n-match straps on sports bras, such as the Brookings from Styla Patterns. There are also many pattern companies that design patterns specifically for color-blocking. The Scrap Bundles can be an amazing tool for these patterns. A little pop of texture and design from a beautiful and unique fabric can elevate a project! There are too many patterns to list, but a quick search in our Facebook group of the keyword "colorblock" or "colorblocking" will bring up many inspiration posts from our team and customers alike! Below we have compiled a large photographic round-up of Scrapbusting sews from our team! These are so fun to see together, and definitely have us considering all of the scrap-busting possibilities! Have you ordered a TSM Remnant or Scrap Bundle? What type of sews have you made? Do you have a favorite (or a couple favorite) scrap-busters?? We would love to hear from you and see your creations in our Facebook Group! Thank you for following along with me! I hope these ideas from our Team help to inspire you with your next Remnant Bundle or Scrap Bundle purchase! -Tara

TSM: Teresa thank you so much for joining us today. We are so excited to get to spend some time with you. You are such a fantastic influencer and we thoroughly enjoy seeing your sews. Teresa: Thank you so much for choosing me to talk to this month. TSM: Tell me a little bit more about yourself? Teresa: I enjoy sewing, working, and sleeping. TSM: What do you do for work? Teresa: I do negotiations and contracting. I really like contracting. TSM: What type of contracting do you do? Teresa: So, I do procurements with all the big railroads. I basically write and negotiate terms and conditions. TSM: This is really awesome. You are such an amazing and empowering person. Have you ever rode on a train? Teresa: Yes, I enjoy passenger trains. The trains I work with are the ones that have boxcars, flatbeds, and tankers. TSM: You are a boss! TSM: Earlier you said you love to sew and sleep, what is unique about you that someone may not know? Teresa: I am introverted. I can totally be social but usually in a smaller group. When it comes to a bigger group I just sit back and listen. I enjoy going to work and socializing with my friends and co-workers but when I get home I am fine just chilling with my daughter. TSM: There is nothing wrong with decompressing and having time to breath. This is totally understandable. You get to choose to be the best version of you. TSM: Who do you sew for more? Teresa: I sew mostly for myself. I started sewing for my daughter prodminently and then I sewed a little for myself here and there. It didn’t fit well. Then when I discovered The Styled Magnolia, I think really started sewing for myself so I could apply to be a part of the Guest Influncer Team. TSM: So, you started sewing for your daughter, then switched gears because you wanted to be on the guest team? That is awesome. Teresa: I fell in love with a print; I think it was the statement stripes and a floral round. I wanted to be on the team so bad. I sewed my first sports bra and I used that for my photo application. That was the first time I took photos of myself with my camera propped up on the backyard table. I used books and the view finder to make sure I captured it. I didn’t make it the first round. That was okay though. TSM: Obviously you applied again. Did that make you sew even more? Teresa: Yes, I had to apply again. Missing that chance didn’t stop me. I started sewing even more as it was a goal of mine. It made me try harder for sure. I was determined. TSM: It just took off for you and you couldn’t be happier. We are so happy to have you as a part of the team. Teresa: That instant gratification you get for finishing an item is awesome. TSM: What really started your sewing journey? Teresa: I always started tinkering a little bit. I have had a sewing machine for a long time. All I could do is hem a few pair of pants. For the longest time I did not know patterns existed. Then one day I decided to do some research and found patterns were a real thing. I think at this time I only sewed one zipper and it was not pretty at all. Then what really got me to sew was when my daughter was about 18 months old. There was a really cute kids boutique store we ran into. They had a higher end boutique store and there were so many beautiful, ruffly, frilly skirts and dresses. I ended up buying two outfits and they were 50% off and I still spent $100 in total. I came home and thought I could make this. The funny thing is I had this pattern book about kids' boutique clothes probably 10 years before I even had my daughter. I decided to go through that and see what I could make. The instructions were nothing like the PDF patterns we have today. Especially for a new sewist. I made some really bad outfits now that I look back at it. TSM: So, you decided to keep at it though, right? Teresa: Yes. I found this pattern company on Facebook called Violette Field Threads pattern group. That was when I did a deep dived. I sewed everyday and bought all the patterns. TSM: You really liked the boutique style clothes! You had a vision of how you wanted your little one to dress and that is awesome. You loved the boutique look but not boutique prices. TSM: What is your favorite TSM print? Teresa: I love every Pick-A-Print print in there. TSM: Well, you can choose whichever print you want. Teresa: I have so many favorite ones. How can I choose. I will have to choose Sweet Pink Blossom at the moment. LOL! I feel I get a new favorite one each round. TSM: The shades of pink in that print are so you. Choosing a favorite print is hard. TSM: Now that we have the favorite print covered, what is your current favorite pattern to sew. The one you were the most. Teresa: My all time favorite pattern? Hmm…it is hard to define. My favorite current sew is the Laconia skirt from Styla Patterns. TSM: What is your all-time favorite pattern? Teresa: I love wearing the Pattern for Pirates Hepburn. That is my top work dress for sure. It is a fast sew and fits very well. TSM: Your work dresses are so pretty. A wonderful pattern for all seasons. TSM: We all have our favorites in the sewing room, what would be your favorite notion, or tool? Teresa: I don’t really have a favorite tool, but I like the idea of a favorite thought. I have a saying that I tell myself when sewing. So, you know I just started sewing bags and when I am not sure if something is going to work out, I tell myself “Breathe Teresa, it is going to be okay. Just do it, don’t even think about it. Don’t think about it, just do it.” TSM: So, you try not to over think it? Teresa: I just keep sewing. If I am sewing the zipper I just don’t’ over think it. Then afterwards I sit back and think, whoa, I am not sure how this worked out but it is done. TSM: You have come a long way from not wanting to start making bags. The ones you have made this far are so pretty. Teresa: Yes, I have to make a check list that I can check off. I was intimidated and did not want to make a mistake. I would move slow and methodical. TSM: When cutting out bag material you need a system. Have you changed how you do it now? Teresa: Yes, I do. I will try and cut my one fabric first. Then move to the next one. That way I was not cutting just one piece (main, lining, and interfacing/stabilizer). It takes too long to refold it between cuts. TSM: How can we support you in your sewing ventures? Teresa: The community is the best. I love the community so much. I use it for my mental health. I think the one thing I just love with our influencer team is if I ever need to talk to someone, they are a message away. We are always there for each other. While at work, I am always talking about my sewing friends. The feedback we get back is almost instantaneous. It is the first time I really had a strong group of women behind me and with me. When I found this community, it is so empowering. TSM: The sewing community is like a family. We stick together. We are glad that you are here, and you inspire us. TSM: Originally you didn’t want to sew bags and you took the dive into another hobby. What is something you want to sew or look forward to sewing in the future? Teresa: I actually have a Linnea cut out and has been for a couple months now. Deep down I want to make a backpack for my daughter. I just do not know when I will be motivated to do it. TSM: A school backpack? Teresa: I want to make it out of waterproof canvas. TSM: The waterproof canvas base would be a great choice. A school backpack is something that would work with that fabric base easily. Teresa: One day I will get that done. TSM: Teresa, I want to thank you so much for being here today. You have shared so many fun and interesting facts about yourself. We look forward to supporting you in your endeavors moving forward, as well as, seeing your upcoming strike. Again, thank you for being you!

TSM: Ashley, we really want to thank you for taking some time out with us today. I know that we have learned a little bit about you through your creative makes, but we are excited to learn a little bit more about you. Ashley: It was cool to be chosen! TSM: What is something about yourself that you would like to share with us? Ashley: Oh, that is a tough question. Multiple choices are way easier for me. Since you are making me choose, I will say that I am quieter than most people think that I am and taller than I am. I am an optical illusion. I am very average. TSM: You are awesome and definitely not average. TSM: What do you feel is actually unique about you? Ashley: I don’t know. If someone were to ask me who I was as a person I would say, “I don’t know. I am still figuring that out.” I do not find myself as being unique. TSM: Your sense of style is very unique. Ashley: I feel like I do not fit in one category. Some have a specific style, but I am all over the place. I like to be gothic, preppy, one day I will dress to fit my mood. TSM: You are still in a stage of self-discovery and that is truly unique in itself. You do not have to conform to the standards to be different. Ashley: Yes, I am still getting my act together. TSM: Have you ever made something or started a project you said you would NEVER do? Ashley: Umm, I am guilty for this. I stated I wouldn’t make bags and I have made a few now. TSM: That is right you did. You make wonderful bags. Why didn’t you want to start? Ashley: I didn’t think it was 'me' at first. Honestly, I thought it was too out of my grasp. When I make bags now, I tend to stress myself out because I may overcomplicate it. Then when it is finished, I have this pretty baby and forget about all the crap I just went through and do it all over again. TSM: All of that is totally valid and I think others may have felt the same a time or two. You are definitely not the only one. TSM: Before you started sewing amazing bags and clothes for yourself what started your sewing journey? Ashley: I was pregnant with my daughter, and we lived in Hawaii at the time. I was bored and we only had one car. So, with my husband using the car for work and I was in the apartment alone. I had him buy me a cheap machine at Walmart and started making burp cloths. TSM: That is pretty cool. Burp cloths are needed when you have a new addition. Ashley: Yes, so those were the first things I made. Then it was bibs and baby quilt were the first things that I did. TSM: That was something useful and you were not sewing just to sew something. Super cool. You were sewing with a purpose. Ashley: My stash was so small back then. I sewed what I bought. Now I have a lot. It is hard to stop buying when you have such high-quality fabric. TSM: What is your favorite sewing tool? Ashley: Hmm, that is hard. The elastic puller, threwer-thing. The tool that has the hook and you can pull elastic through. TSM: Do you mean a Bodkin? Ashley: That maybe it. Yes, that is it. A Bodkin needle threader. I do not know why it is so satisfying to use and I like it. TSM: What are you currently working on right now? Ashley: I am working on a jelly roll rug right now. TSM: That sounds super cool. Is it hard? Ashley: It isn’t hard, just tedious. It looks so cool when it starts to come together. TSM: What is your favorite TSM design? Ashley: My favorite print, oh that is easy. Rocker Lips! TSM: Had a feeling that would be yours. It is so in your style. Ashley: Hands down my favorite. The checkers were a close second. TSM: What is your current favorite pattern to sew? Ashley: Oh, my goodness these are tough questions. I have a bucket hat that I can’t stop making and a reusable snack bag. The bucket hat is from Tie-Dye Diva and called The Pepper Street Reversible Bucket Hat. Plus, it is reversible. TSM: The bucket hat is cool, and I like that there is options to color block it if you want. So stylish. TSM: What is your all time FAVORITE pattern that you love to make? Ashley: Stop with the hard questions lol! I cannot take it! Hmm..I will have to say the Cavallo from Greenstyle Creations. They are my all-time favorite leggings pattern. The topstitching takes a little bit of extra time, but it is so worth it in the end. TSM: Those leggings are detailed, and the topstitching sets it apart. TSM: Besides sewing, what other crafty things do you like to do? Ashley: I have started to dabble in crocheting. I enjoy cross-stitch because it is mindless. I like very simple instructions and doing the box makes my head happy. TSM: Cross-stitching is simple and keeps you busy. I bet that allows your mind to decompress. What do you crochet? Ashley: I am not a crocheter, I am dabbling in it. I have started making wash cloths and baskets. TSM: Your crochet makes are beautiful. I spy Halloween colors there. Is Halloween your favorite holiday to sew for? Ashley: Yes, it is. I enter the costume contest every year here and I have placed in the last 4 or 5 years. I was the top winner the last 2 years. TSM: What is something you want to sew in the future, or that you have wanted to make but have not had the time to do so? Ashley: All these deep questions really have me thinking. Having me pick one thing my brain wants to scatter and say everything. Let me pick my Bat Quilt that I am currently working on. I have a tendency to pick up a project and sometimes do not want to move forward to the next step because I do not want to mess it up. Does that count? TSM: That totally counts. It is something that you want to finish and has not been completed. The quilt you chose is so batty and right up your alley. It fits your spooky season theme perfectly. Ashley: As of right now I have finished all my bats but I need to put them all together correctly so it can be finished. TSM: Is this your first quilt? Ashley: No, it isn’t my first one, but it is the biggest one that I have made. I feel that I am overcomplicating finishing it. TSM: I think you want your bat quilt to be perfect and you may be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. You got this Ashley. It will turn out amazing. Ashley: It will. I just have to start working on it again. As for now, it is in time out. TSM: Do you think being a strike sewist has challenged you in a “good” way to get you out of your comfort zone? Ashley: For other teams no, but this team yes. When I was a guest sewist for TSM I felt I had to bring my A-game. I did not want to disappoint anyone. I felt the bar was set so high because of what I saw before strike sewing. So, I always tried to think outside the box on how my pictures should look or be. There are so many amazing sewist on the strike team and I wanted to make sure I did my absolute best. TSM: We have an amazing strike team, and we are so glad that you are part of it. You share with us fantastic makes with the prints that you sew. The fun part is we do not know which style you will grace us with until you share your final photos. TSM: What do you like to do for fun? Ashley: I really like to sew. I also like to go hiking when I can. When my hiking buddy comes back, we will go back out there once monsoon season ends. TSM: What do you like to do for self-care or to decompress? Ashley: I like to read. I am a huge murder mystery reader. The book has to be in my hand. I am not big on audiobooks. I get wanting to multi-task, but just let me sit in peace and turn the pages. TSM: Which authors do you like? Ashley: I like Colleen Hoover and Rock Paper Scissors by Alex Finney. TSM: Do you sew more for yourself or others? Ashley: More for me. I used to sew 90% for my kids. Now, yes mostly me. It is even rarer for me to sew for other people. TSM: Do you sell some of your crafts? Ashley: At one point I made headbands, and I sold them in a mystery bundle. I do not do that very much anymore. It was fun to do because I had a lot of scraps to use up. The last time I did the mystery bundle headbands I made a good chunk of change. It was bananas. TSM: How can we support you in your sewing ventures? Ashley: The team pushes me to be the best I can be. Procrastination and all. I really enjoy the encouragement. Helping me get out of my comfort zone with bag making. You challenge me. Thank you so much. TSM: Ashley we really want to thank you for spending this time with us. It was super fun and you shed some insight on how awesome you are. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing more of your creative makes.

Have you fallen in love with the art of Bagmaking? No matter where you are in your Bagmaking journey, there are always new tricks waiting to be learned that will elevate your skills! Our team of Bag Designers wanted to share a few tips and tricks that we have learned over the years that helped grow not only our skill level, but confidence as well! Our first tip may seem too obvious to be considered a "tip", however, we know from personal experience that it is worth pointing toward being sure you read through a pattern prior to beginning your project. In the first few pages you will find your seam allowances, recommended fabrics, and notes from the designer. If you are sewing a pattern where the seam allowances change, which happens often, it is helpful to know what your base seam allowance is, and this is often at the top of the tutorial that we sometimes overlook in our excitement to sew. Now, whether you are working on one pattern at a time, or several, bagmaking includes many, many pieces. Those pieces include the pattern pieces themselves, interfacing & stabilizers, hardware, and more. Every person will find a system that works best for them, but we have found that keeping all pieces together in bins or gallon-sized bags works extremely well! Work through the pieces and hardware in your bin piece by piece until the project is complete! (I personally like to save those hardware and mesh bags the shops send to hold my smaller pieces!) TSM patterns feature cut labels (found within the tutorial) which help us tremendously with keeping pieces organized and ensuring we have what we need right from the start. Another great way to both organize, and become familiar with fabric combos is to use a project planner sheet. TSM offers a free one in our Facebook group files, and I know this has been a wonderful tool for myself! Our designer, Alex Soelke, keeps her project planner sheets in a three-ring binder to reference later on. This is a wonderful way to reference back to what you found worked well, and maybe what you would change on a future project! As we get into the sewing process, one of the key problems that can cause us to fumble is bulk. If you are someone early in your bagmaking journey, it is important to learn how to beware of the bulk! There are several factors that go into creating bulk, but becoming familiar with different fabric bases, interfacings and stabilizers, and what your machine can handle is invaluable. A great way to become familiar with different fabric combinations before sewing is to check our Tester Round-Ups! The Exterior fabric, Interior fabric, and hardware a tester used is listed alongside their tester-bag photos. What are a couple easy ways to combat bulk? One is to keep interfacing and stabilizers out of our seam allowances. Our designer, Danielle Allen, draws the seam allowance lines directly onto the wrong side of her fabric before adhering her stabilizer to ensure no stabilizer will be caught once she begins sewing. Using a walking-foot is another way to combat bulk. Our designer, Sierra Wohlers, noted that a walking-foot is invaluable when you have thick seams or what your machine considers a "sticky fabric". It is also helpful when approaching a thicker area to slow your machine down, and sometimes even hand-crank through a section. The extra time taken to hand-crank will be well worth the effort when finishing with a clean seam line! Are you sewing a pattern with zippers and zipper windows? We've got a couple tips to get those windows as clean as possible! Before edge coating your vinyl zipper window, quickly pass a lighter over the back (wrong side) of your vinyl to remove fuzz. This is a quick way to clean up those edges, then you can dive into painting! Have you experienced adding a zipper to a window and at the end of sewing you notice the teeth at one end are not together? An easy fix is after you have added the zipper pull, simply press the teeth back together in front of the pull. Admittedly, this takes a little bit of practice, but once you get the hang of finger pressing the teeth together, it is a quick trick and leaves you with a perfect zipper in your window! Have you ever had a zipper window where the stitching didn't catch at the corner, and you ended up with a curved topstitch instead of that straight point you had planned? As you approach the edge of your window, stop your needle. pivot your fabric as if going right into that next line, but before moving forward slowly hand-crank your machine to ensure the bobbin thread catches. Some have found that lifting the presser foot helps this, personally on my machine I leave the presser foot down, but still hand-crank and can see and feel that bobbin thread catch. Then continue to sew as normal until the next pivot point. (This technique is also helpful on design elements needing to be topstitched that have sharp pivot points) If you like the look of zipper windows that do not have a backstitching line, we have an easy fix for that! Before you begin topstitching your zipper in place, ensure the tails of your thread are long and DO NOT backstitch as you begin. Sew around the window. Once you reach the end DO NOT backstitch again. Instead, leave the tail of the thread long at the ends. Use a thin hand sewing needle, and pull the threads through to the back. Tie off the threads with a double knot to secure. For extra security, you could use a drop of super glue on the double knot. Finish sewing your pocket as instructed. Another trick we learned along the way was how to minimize our stitches showing through the seam lines once our bags had been turned right side out. A matching thread is extremely helpful in this, to camouflage what may show through, but also sewing a secondary line of stitches helps! This secondary line of stitching should be sewn just next to the seam as noted in the pattern, but on the outer edge (the edge closest to the raw edge, not the right side of your bag.) This secondary line of stitching takes on a bit of the stress from the bag, thus allowing the noted seam allowance to not be pulled against as much during the turning process and use of the bag. RIvets are often found in bag patterns for function and decoration. Removing a rivet that doesn't set properly, or replacing a rivet that has popped out during use from not being set properly can feel defeating. A great way to reinforce a spot where a rivet will be placed is to use a piece of Decovil Heavy or Peltex as a washer, essentially. Cut a small square of scrap Decovil Heavy or Peltex and place it on the wrong side of where the rivet will be added. This will provide reinforcement to the area and help with successfully setting your rivet! Do you love the look of a webbing strap? There are so many times where webbing can come in handy! We love being able to compliment a fabric with the perfect shade of webbing. Sometimes, though, hardware and webbing can vary a bit, and the webbing slips and slides through your slider, or you just don't love how the end sewed. That is why we love the Sage Strap Ends freebie so much! Adding a Sage Strap End to the bar of your slider hardware is not only a beautiful way to seal the end of your webbing, but also will provide a little extra friction to the webbing as you wear your bag! Thus, keeping your strap in place where you intended it to be! Mesh pockets can be great for function and a sporty look in a bag! Sometimes sewing the fold over elastic to the upper edge can be a pain, though! Even with all the clips, laying the elastic and the mesh 'just right', sewing slowly, etc etc the elastic stretches and becomes distorted. There is a trick to getting it to regain its original shape, though! Once your elastic has been sewn, take the mesh pocket to your ironing board and simply hover the iron over the elastic and allow the steam to snap the elastic back into shape! It is important to test a piece prior to your sewn pocket. Elastic and mesh can be finicky with heat, and you do not want to melt either! But, that quick blast of steam from above can help your elastic immensely! Another trick I have found in sewing elastic is to leave a tail of elastic jetting out of the back of the presser foot as you begin to sew the elastic to the mesh. This will help the elastic not get pushed into the plate of your machine. More than once I have had to pull balled elastic out of the tiny opening in my plate, and it is not a fun task! The tail of your elastic does not have to be long, just enough to set behind your presser foot so the machine glides easily across the length of the elastic needing to be sewn into place. The final tip we have, is not hands on, instead it is to allow ourselves a little grace. Not one of us started our bagmaking journey perfect, and we are all in different places of that journey! Allow yourself that room to grow. Disappointments will come, but incredibly proud and satisfying moments will come as well. Allowing ourselves the room to grow is so important, because with grown comes the ability to flourish and create something truly unique. Truly beautiful. Truly and perfectly you. We hope these tips and tricks are things that can help you! Or a resource that may help friends just starting out! We so look forward to seeing your creations. Please be sure to share your amazing TSM makes in our Facebook group! Thank you for reading along with me! Tara

TSM: Aaliyah, I want to thank you for hanging out with me today. We are so excited to learn more about you. What your likes and dislikes are, and what you are passionate about. So, lets dive right in and get to all the good stuff! TSM: What do you like to do for fun? Aaliyah: Other than sewing, I typically like anything crafty. Going hiking and thrift shopping are also big parts of my life! TSM: Did thrifting for great finds and crafting start your passion for sewing? Aaliyah: Thrifting did tie into my journey when I started! I actually learned both skills when Kaia was a baby because we couldn’t afford all the boutique clothes that I wanted her to wear. I started learning right before her first birthday and everything I sewed was made with something from the thrift shop or old clothing from my neighbors. For a long time, all my sewing work was made with thrift store finds. TSM: That is such a creative way to make something vintage or boutique. Not only on a budget but with a purpose. Did that start your path to designing? Aaliyah: Definitely! Even when I first started my sewing journey, I have always been one to mix and match options from different already available patterns. I often hack the pieces myself just winging it. So, I think designing my own patterns was meant to be for me! Although I no longer design for a company anymore, it’s still something I very much enjoy. I definitely see myself doing more of it in the future! I still make notes often of different styles I see in the wild that I’d like to draft to my liking someday. TSM: You are so talented to be able to piece things together and create a whole new outfit. What other crafts do you like to do? Aaliyah: I like to do hand embroidery and crochet are my main go-to's. Besides sewing, I’ve also enjoyed baking recently, as well as furniture upcycling when we have the space for it. TSM: Wow, that sounds amazing. You are truly full of many talents. TSM: What is something unique or unknown that others may not know about you? Aaliyah: Thank you! Hmmm, maybe that I’m vegan? People are always surprised when they find that out for some reason. I’m a junk food vegan just to be clear. I like to eat just as much as I like to sew or live. LOL! TSM: That definitely is a foodie addiction then for sure. Do you find it hard to be vegan versus vegetarian? Aaliyah: I think vegetarian is definitely more catered too as a whole in society but the more years that pass, I think it’s gotten easier because its forced me to learn to cook. Plus there are so many new products that come out in the last few years. I’m a better cook than I have ever been because it’s made me think outside of the box. Also to use ingredients that I wasn’t familiar with before I became vegan. We are super lucky to live in a very vegan populated city. So, we have countless options here in Portland as vegans both at the grocery stores and for restaurants. It’s a lot different than when we lived back in Minnesota. In that area it was definitely less vegan friendly and more vegetarian-catered. TSM: That is a great way to be creative and think outside of the box. It allowed you to cook more which is also better overall. You said earlier that thrifting and crafts started your sewing journey, what is your favorite sewing tool or technique? Aaliyah: That’s a hard one! I’d probably say my cover-stitch because of how much quicker hemming is with it. I love to use rainbow threads and use the reverse cover-stitch feature. It gives my makes an extra pop of happiness when the fabric is right for it. TSM: The pops of color in an outfit or make can send it to the next level for sure. When the item is complete “happiness” is an understatement. It definitely elevates it. What is your favorite thing to sew? Aaliyah: I like to switch it up. Honestly, most of what I sew at this current time are clothes. If I had to narrow it down further, I’d probably say a girly, ruffly vintage style outfit for my daughter. I would have to add handmade accessories. Something that can be styled either modernized or vintage. TSM: Wow! That sounds adorable! You have such a unique style of clothes. What is your current favorite pattern? Aaliyah: You are so sweet. I think my favorite for myself is Patterns for Pirates Cozy Pants. TSM: That pattern looks super comfortable. This question may be harder but what is your favorite TSM print? Aaliyah: That was very hard. I love the alcohol inks the most of anything. It really comes down to those. I’d say my current favorite today is Arctic Sea. If you asked me tomorrow the answer would probably change. There are too many good ones. TSM: The Alcohol Inks are definitely a huge favorite. The Arctic Sea is so beautiful too. TSM: What is your favorite fabric base to sew with? Aaliyah: It’s a tie between the Athletic Brushed Poly (ABP), Cotton French Terry (CFT), and Faux Leather. TSM: There is nothing wrong with a 3-way tie. Having choices opens up the possibilities of the items you make. Athletic Brushed Poly is a top choice for myself. Aaliyah: Yes, that’s my go to when I don’t know what to get. It’s good for almost everything. I’m always cold so those bases are better for me. They help me not get too chilly. TSM: Who do you sew for the most? You, your kids, your partner? Aaliyah: Myself and my daughter, but I guess my kids. She just ends up getting the most of it I feel like. TSM: You mentioned earlier you like hiking, what is your favorite place to go? Aaliyah: Our current favorite is Milo McIver State Park. It has lots of wild berries. We enjoy picking them along the way. There is a waterfront view with a gorgeous tree line, and lots of trails that aren’t too steep for my littles to climb themselves. TSM: Wow that sounds like a beautiful area to spend time, walk around, and get lost in nature. How can we support you in your sewing ventures? Aaliyah: We have such a supportive team as is, that it’s hard to pinpoint! I love the release of new fabric bases and the ones TSM has brought on in the last few years. Continue introducing more fabric bases like you all have done over time is one way! I think it feeds into everyone’s creativity and pushes me to think of ways I’d use these pretty prints other than my typical go-to’s. I really love the support and input we give to each other as a team! TSM: We love our team and your influence on the team is amazing. Thank you for inspiring us to continue to provide amazing prints to spark your creativity. TSM: Is there a specific make or pattern you want to try in the future that you haven't had the time for? If so, what? Aaliyah: I’d like to make a corset. TSM: One with the boning and all? Aaliyah: Yes! Also, with underwire. TSM: That sounds so cool. Vintage like the old west or more modern like Victoria Secret lingerie style? Aaliyah: Both. I think the one I’d try first is one that was recommended to me. It is the Rose Cafe Bustier by Daria Patternmaking. I love the shape of the cups on that one. TSM: We cannot wait to see the corset you make. Please make sure and share it with us. Aaliyah you have been so much fun to spend time with. I do not want to take up any more of your time. Thank you so much for hanging out with us.

The Acacia Sling is here!! This design was so fun to build and see it evolve before my eyes! Better yet, though, was seeing how our incredible tester team brought this bag to life! Our tester team made me fall in love with this bag all over again! I hope their bags inspire you as much as they have inspired me! Scroll to the bottom to see an upclose view of our testers' Sage Strap Ends, too! -Tara Designer of the Acacia Sling and Sage Strap Ends Tara Rittenhouse (Bag 1) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Acacia, yellow) Lining: Waterproof canvas from walmart Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Bedazzled Tara Rittenhouse (bag 2) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Acacia, Cyan) Interior: Luxury Cotton from TSM (cross-hatch) Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Bedazzled Tessa Silva-Mathews (bag 1) Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Floral Skulls panel and coordinate) Lining: Waterproof Canvas Hardware and Webbing: Wawak and etsy Tessa Silva-Mathews (bag 2) Exterior: MGV Interior: Canvas from Joann Fabrics Hardware and Webbing: Idleblooms and Wawak Yuli Sung Exterior: Faux Leather from IndoLoveKreation Lining: Quilting Cotton Hardware and Webbing: Webbing handwoven by Yuli, IndoLoveKreation and MyHandmade Space Susi Schuegraf Exterior: TSM Vinyl (Garden of Utopia) Lining: Waterproof Canvas from BoDeeOh Hardware and Webbing: Emmaline Bags, MoreMeKnow and Weft&Warp Teresa Bellnoski Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Fresh Flowers) Lining: Quilting Cotton from personal stash Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Etsy Lynne Zachman Exterior: Blended Threads Fabrics Lining: Cotton Woven from personal stash Hardware and Webbing: TSM, wawak, and personal stash Andrea Soo Exterior: TSM Vinyl (Floral Silhouette) Lining: TSM Luxury Cotton Hardware and Webbing: Zipper Valley and Emmaline Vicki Jean Exterior: Vinyl from Cold Coffee Fabrics Lining: Quilting Cotton from personal stash Hardware and Webbing: Fabricland and personal stash Kayla Murphy Exterior: Faux Leather from Emmaline Lining: Cotton woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Idleblooms Chandy Mueller Exterior: Vinyl from MoreMeKnow Lining: Cotton woven from Oh So Pretty fabrics Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Amazon Danielle Hampton Netherton Exterior: Vinyl from MyPunkBroidery Lining: Cotton woven from CottonPickinStitches Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Emmaline Holly Lange Exterior: Vinyl from TSM (Charmed Cherry Blossom) Lining: TSM Stretch Woven (Orchid) Hardware and Webbing: Idleblooms and Amazon Holly Ward Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Pixie Floral) Lining: Bearly Threaded Fabrics Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Amazon Denise Wood Exterior: Vinyl from MyPunkBroidery Lining: Cotton woven from small quilt shop Hardware and Webbing: Wawak and personal stash Paula Coleman Barron Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Endless Universe) Lining: Cotton Woven from Walmart Hardware and Webbing: TSM Brianna Burdett Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Iolite) Lining: Personal stash Hardware and Webbing: TSM, Amazon, and Tandy Sharon Patterson Thomas Exterior: Vinyl From TSM (Faux Linen) Lining: Stretch woven from TSM (Whimsical Butterfly) Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Bedazzled Kayla Smith Exterior: Vinyl from TSM (Monochrome Deco Circles) Lining: Personal Stash Hardware and Webbing: Myhandmadespace, Wawak, and Amazon Susan Francis (bag 1) Exterior: Faux Leather from Emmaline Lining: Stretch Woven from TSM (Garden of Utopia) Hardware and Webbing: TSM, Wawak, Kamsnaps Susan Francis (bag 2) Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Faux Linen) Lining: Stretch Woven (Floral Cambria Dinos) Hardware and Webbing: TSM, Amazon, Emmaline Bri Fraser Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Fire Giraffe) Lining: Cotton woven from Joann fabrics Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Emmaline Charlene DuBeau Exterior: Vinyl from Blended Threads Fabrics Lining: Joann Fabrics Hardware and Webbing: Wawak and Sew Many Creations Rosa Zerkle Exterior: Faux Leather from The Styled Magnolia Lining: Fabric wholesale direct Hardware and Webbing: Sew Yours, Ali Express, MyHandmadeSpace Jess Webbe Exterior: Rio faux leather from TSM Lining: Canvas from TSM (Thin Stripes) Hardware and Webbing: Bedazzled and Etsy Jackie Hellerman Exterior: Vinyl from TSM (Passionate Garnet) Lining: Quilting Cotton from Joann Fabrics Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Idleblooms Alex Soelke Exterior: Carbon Fiber vinyl from Amazon Lining: WPC from Walmart Hardware and Webbing: TSM, Atelier Fiber arts, and Emmaline Emilie Kahr Exterior: Vinyl from TSM (Eminence) Lining: Stretch Woven from TSM (faux linen) Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Blue Calla Ashley Oliver Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (1in Checkers) Lining: Stretch Woven from TSM Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Bedazzled Megan Kobiela Reitelbach Exterior: Vinyl from DGF Designs Lining: personal stash Hardware and Webbing: DGF designs Shelly Andrews Exterior: Vinyl from TSM (Crystalline Floral) Lining: Cotton Woven from Walmart Hardware and Webbing: TSM and Emmaline Danielle Allen Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Royal Leopard), Marine Vinyl Solid Lining: Personal Stash Hardware and Webbing: TSM, Hobby Lobby, and Personal Stash Sage Strap Ends! The Sage Strap Ends are available in 3 sizes! Sage is available in 1", 1.5", and a combo for 1" hardware and 1.5" webbing! Below are a few versions sewn by our team! Sage compliments Acacia so beautifully, but will be a fantastic addition to so many other bags in your pattern collection!

What kind of a fabric shopper are you? Do you plan ahead, scheduling projects well in advance? Or are you a spur of the moment, retail shopper (like me!)? Both have their advantages, but today we will look at how to submit our TSM orders with seasons in mind. Let's first talk about turn-around time. How long does it take for us to receive that highly anticipated box of beautiful fabric?? Pre-orders at The Styled Magnolia run the 15th - 30th/31st monthly. From the date of close, pre-order and Pick-a-Print orders have a turn-around time of approximately 8-12weeks. Each customer's order is batch shipped, which means that once all of a customer's fabric arrives at TSM it will be shipped to them. It is possible that fabric could arrive as soon as 4 weeks but may take up to 12 weeks in the case that fabric arrives at TSM flawed and needs to be reprinted. So, in knowing that we can anticipate turn-around times of up to 12 weeks, that would suggest we order about a season ahead. For instance, if we are ordering in February, we know the latest we may see our pre-order arrive is 12 weeks from the submission date of March 1, which would be June 1 (give or take a few days for where the 12th week actually falls on the calendar). Where you live will, of course, dictate which season you are in, but for myself, I would be looking at ordering for Summer during February's preorder. If I were ordering in May, I would expect to see my order arrive at the latest, in September (this being because of a June 1st Pre-order submission date). Knowing my fabrics arrive in September, I would order Fall apparel fabrics. (TSM also has an up-to-date Order Status page found here, that you can view at any time to see the status of an active preorder and the status trends for the year.) There are often times where Pre-Order opens and we see a print and immediately envision what it will become, so we add that print in that specific base to our carts no problem! It doesn't matter if we can't wear the swimsuit in the middle of Winter, we will wait for warmer days, but that design just had to become a swimsuit no matter what! What about the times when we fall in love with a design, but don't know quite what to make, though? How do we order then? Knowing about when the Pre-Order will arrive helps tremendously! If I had ordered swim, knowing it would arrive in October, but didn't have a specific project in mind, I may have selected a different fabric base that I could get immediate use out of. (If you are ever unsure of what an exact fabric base is in the drop-down menu, you may find the Fabric Contents page helpful on the website! Contained here is not only the fabric content, weight, and stretch, but also what the fabric feels like and what it is often used for.) A great way to compile ideas for each fabric base is to search our Facebook group (found here!). There are so many truly incredible and inspirational sews from both our Influencer Team and customers alike! As I write this, we are ready to open R42 which falls in June 2023. This preorder will be submitted July 1st, which has me looking at having my fabric in hand near October. Something I look forward to sewing this fall and winter are jackets for myself and my girls! I will absolutely be searching the TSM Facebook group for both fabric base and pattern inspiration! I'm not sure if I will sew up Softshell or Canvas to begin, but I do know that sewing for October and beyond I will want to choose from either of those bases! I also cannot wait to sew up each of my girls an amazingly soft and cuddly hoodie using the new Double Sided Minky base! It is an absolutely dreamy, warm base, that I know they will love SO much! So, no matter what season you are currently experiencing, hopefully now you are able to peruse preorder with confidence knowing your projects will sew and flow once your much anticipated fabric arrives! And, as always, please be sure to share your incredible makes with us in our TSM Facebook Group! We are always so inspired by you! Thank you for following along with me, Tara

Good Morning! Can you believe that we are halfway through the year? It has gone by so quickly. I want to thank you for spending some time with us today to learn a little bit more. I know that you have a busy schedule ahead for the rest of your workday. Let’s get started so we do not keep you from the littles too long. TSM: What do you do for your day? Jess: I am a Special Education Consultant. TSM: That sounds super fancy. What does someone with that job title do? Jess: I work with teams to come up with ways to help students meet their goals. I also help create a safe and happy learning environment for them. TSM: That is awesome. You are so kind and caring. I bet you love your job and being able to help children. Jess: Yes, I love my job. TSM: When it comes to sewing, what got you started? Jess: I started in home education when I was in 8th grade. I gave up on it because no one showed me how to thread a needle. I started again when my youngest was born. We were moving into a new house and the high skylights needed curtains. A friend of mine caught wind of what I wanted to do so we decided to go get a sewing machine and some fabric to cover them. So, here I was 7 months pregnant making curtains. I think my son pulled on them constantly and they didn’t last very long. Ever since then I have been hooked. TSM: That is a fantastic start to sewing. Having a friend who wanted to see you succeed and taking you out to get the necessary supplies. Your why is completely valid. I bet those curtains were so pretty. Jess, you started for your kids and that is amazing. TSM: Who do you sew for the most? Jess: I sew for my daughter the most. I actually did not sew for myself much until I was brought onto the influencer team. The reason why I sew for my daughter more is because there was not much in the stores that were our style. She is super tough to fit. She is small, built like a gymnast but has a long torso and broad shoulders. To fit her was almost impossible. I used to make her whole wardrobe. TSM: You have a son too, right? Do you sew for him at all? Jess: Yes, I do have a son. I sew for him occasionally. He loves his ready-to-wear brands. Mostly for him he loves pajamas and jackets. When he played hockey a lot, I made him layers for under his uniform. TSM: Yes, layers are necessary for hockey. You can get hot and cold so quickly on the ice. Jess: Bamboo Lycra was a lifesaver for us. He would go out on the ice and start off freezing and come off pouring in sweat. It was so breathable for him, but it was just that one more layer for him that was perfect. TSM: It added warmth yet was cool enough to not overheat him. Great job finding a balance. Jess: It is a base used frequently in our house. TSM: Bamboo lycra is a great base. TSM: What is something unique or something that no one knows about you? Jess: Oh, I have been thinking about this. I had a feeling it would get asked. Normally I would not consider myself a unique person, but I probably bake better than I sew. TSM: Really? You sew very well but you feel you bake better. That was not an answer I was expecting. What do you like to bake? Jess: Yes, really. I absolutely love to bake. It may not always look pretty but it tastes amazing. My kids love to make cupcakes and cakes. So that is what we do. Every time there is a school break, we always have a project that we do. TSM: You are making me hungry for something sweet. Baking is a great skill to have. Jess: My grandma loves to bake and when we lived with her for a few years. When I was little, my parents would have her watch us. She would “wake me up”, I really wouldn’t nap because she told me not to fall asleep. So, when my parents left, she would get me up and take me into the kitchen. Teach me how to frost cakes, pour the batter, and measure out the ingredients. It was something I started with my kids as soon as they could hold a measuring cup. I would sit them down on the kitchen counter and let them help. TSM: What a fantastic skill to teach the children. Building those long-lasting memories for them. It can be something they can pass down when they are older. Jess: My oldest loves to cook now. He can make a better mac and cheese than I can. He can make a mean egg salad and can do the basics. TSM: Jess, since you teach, bake, and sew; what is your favorite tool for sewing? Jess: That has to be my serger. TSM: Why? Jess: I can do so much with it. I got myself the Baby Lock Aclaim. I use it for everything now. The flatlock on it is amazing. I did not think it was such a big deal until I started wearing flat-locked leggings. TSM: What is your favorite TSM print? Jess: I have been talking with another influencer about this for probably 3 days. I honestly have to say it is whatever is on my sewing table next. Right now that is Party Palms. Whatever I am working on is my favorite. TSM has so many fabulous prints that they all end up being my favorite. TSM: What is currently on your cutting table? Jess: Right now, I am working on a few tests that should be coming out soon. Which is super exciting. I also plan to make myself leggings and a sports bra. TSM: What is your current favorite pattern? Jess: The ones that I use or wear the most are the 3R Shorts from Greenstyle Creations. I have made so many of them. TSM: What fabric base did you choose to make those shorts? Jess: I have used endurance xc to make a pair and they are amazing. Maybe I will make some in Party Palms. TSM: Party Palms has so many different coordinating colors you could use. TSM: What is your favorite thing to sew? Jess: I love to sew swimsuits and leotards. TSM: Is it because the sew itself was easy? Is it since you can sew them from memory? Jess: I can't say why. I sewed a couple leotards for my daughter and sewed myself some bathing suits. I love the construction of it. I love how you can take a simple pattern and make it look amazing. You can take the pattern and use a few different prints and it just makes it look amazing. I also got really good at the elastic part. It is my favorite part of the process. TSM: Being able to color block a pattern can really elevate it. Jess: It really can. One small panel of mesh with the right print can make it look so cool. TSM: How can we support you as a team member on your sewing venture? Jess: Everyone being who they are. It has been so much fun getting to know everyone. I do not have a lot outside of sewing that I do just for me. I am a mom who is super busy. So, when I can sit down and be at my machine it is so nice that I am doing something that is for me. To have a really strong group of women that feel the same way and we can talk about. It makes this experience better. TSM: That is extremely touching, and I think we can relate to that. Having someone to share our interests with. TSM: What do you look forward to sewing in the future? Is it a pattern that has not been created yet? Jess: I am most excited about a Zebra print that was sent to me by a sewing friend. I have been trying to figure out what to make with it for my son who has a genetic disorder called Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. The zebra print is the symbol for people with rare diseases. We have been excited about what we will do with it. We will sit down and design something. This will be something for him to help express and be more open about his disease. He has come to accept it more and actually wants to bring more awareness. He used to want to hide and not talk about it. So, for us to have something that came from my sewing friends and TSM and closely linked to a huge piece of my family. It makes this really special. TSM: Wow. We are touched that we could help create memories for you two. To help your son come out of his shell more and a print that makes him smile. We are truly honored. Super excited to see what you two create. He may need some zebra in swim. TSM: I want to thank you for spending time out of your busy workday to hang out with me. I really enjoyed learning about why you started sewing and how much we enjoy our sewing friends. It was a pleasure. Thank you again.

The Cypress Cellphone Crossbody is LIVE! It’s been so much fun getting this one packaged to share with everyone in the sewing community. Cypress comes in two different sizes and is packed full of options for all your needs. The testing team for Cypress churned out the most STUNNING versions of my first large scale pattern! I am so excited to see them all rounded up together in this blog post. Each of our testers supplied their hardware and fabric sources below for inspiration as you sew your own! -Danielle Designer of Cypress Danielle Allen (Bag 1) Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Cypress) and Milan (charcoal) Interior: (not pictured) Hardware: TSM Danielle Allen (Bag 2) Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Magnolia) and Marine Vinyl Solid Interior: (not pictured) Hardware: TSM and personal stash Danielle Allen (Bag 3) Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Peachy-Pink Gingham, Falleyn's Flowers) Interior: Woven from Sew Dynamic Hardware: TSM Lynne Zachman Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Emerald Forest) Interior: personal stash Hardware: TSM and Wawak Leanne Clay Exterior: Canvas and synthetic leather from Inklings and the Kraken Fabrics Australia Interior: personal stash Hardware: personal stash Andrea Soo Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Distant Galaxy and Jeweled Sorcery) Interior: personal stash Hardware: Zipper Valley, Wawak, Emmaline Bags Rosa Zerkle (bag 1) Exterior: Mypunkbroidery Interior: WPC from Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware: Emmaline Bags, Ali Express, My Handmade Space Rosa Zerkle (bag 2) Exterior: The Styled Magnolia and Emmaline Bags Interior: personal stash Hardware: The Styled Magnolia, Emmaline Bags, Meetee Store, and Wawak Teresa Bellnoski Exterior: TSM Vinyl (Amethyst in Ashes) Interior: TSM Hardware: TSM Rejeana Dizon Ebata Exterior: Vinyl from Oh So Pretty custom fabric and Indolovekreation Interior: WPC from personal stash Hardware: Indolovekreation and Thumbs and Thimbles Denise Wood (bag 1) Exterior: Vinyl from Mypunkbroidery Interior: personal stash Hardware: TSM, Wawak, and personal stash Denise Wood (bag 2) Exterior: Vinyl from DGF Designs Interior: personal stash Hardware: TSM, Wawak, and DGF designs Charlene DuBeau Exterior: Blended Thread Fabrics Interior: Cotton Woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: Emmaline Bags and Vala Creations Krystol Ithomitis Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Divine Glacier) and TSM Rio Interior: Linen from Joann Hardware: TSM and Weft&Warp Paula Coleman Barron Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Mystic Cavern) Interior: Woven from Walmart Hardware: Amazon and Ali Express Karen Denham Exterior: Vinyl from My Handmade Space and Sew Pretty Vinyl Interior: Woven from Joann Hardware: TSM and My Handmade Space Jackie Hellerman Exterior: Vinyl from Mypunkbroidery Interior: Woven from TSM Hardware: TSM and personal stash Tracy Julien Exterior: Vinyl from Sewldoutsupplies and Toto Fabrics Interior: WPC from Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware: Ali Express Vivianne Fortier Exterior: Faux Leeather from Club Tissus Interior: Woven from personal stash Hardware: Wawak Bri Fraser Exterior: Faux Leather from TSM (Hey Honey) Interior: personal stash Hardware: Emmaline Bags Brianna Burdett Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Leopard Lux) and TSM Rio Interior: woven from walmart Hardware: Amazon and Tandy Leather Danielle Buford (bag 1) Exterior: Faux Leather from Emmaline Interior: Woven from Robert Kaufman Hardware: Zor-Elle, Wawak, My Handmade Space, Sew Dulce Danielle Buford (bag 2) Exterior: Vinyl from More Me Know Interior: Woven Wonderground Hardware: Zor-Elle, Wawak, My Handmade Space, Sew Dulce Natalie Dawn Exterior: Faux Leather from Emmaline Interior: personal stash Hardware: Emmaline and Wawak Jocie Goldman Exterior: TSM Vinyl (Iolite) Interior: woven from Joann Hardware: Zipper Valley and Amazon Patricia Simard Exterior: Vinyl from personal stash Interior: woven from Alibaba Hardware: Alibaba Sharon Patterson Exterior: TSM Faux Leather (Magical Obsidian) TSM Rex Interior: personal stash Hardware: TSM Sonia Jessop Exterior: Vinyl from Backstitch Fabrics and Marine Vinyl from Joann Interior: WPC from Oh So Pretty Custom Fabrics Hardware: Emmaline and Bedazzled Supplies Jennifer Grimaldi Exterior: Vinyl from Emmaline Interior: woven from Joann Hardware: TSM, My Handmade Space, Fandea Fabrics Alex Soelke Exterior: TSM Milan faux leather, TSM Faux Leather (Monochrome Roses) Interior: Luxury Cotton woven from TSM Hardware: TSM, Emmaline Bags, Atelier Fiber Arts Megan Kobiela Reitelbach Exterior: Marine Vinyl from Fabric Wholesale Direct Interior: woven from Fandea Fabrics Hardware: Thumbs and Thimbles and Fandea Fabrics Susi Schuegraf Exterior: TSM Rio Faux Leather, TSM Faux Leather (Apocalyptic) Interior: WPC from More Me Know Hardware: More Me Know, Emmaline, Weft&Warp Charlene DuBeau Exterior: Blended Threads Fabric Interior: woven from Hobby Lobby Hardware: Amazon Shelly Andrews Exterior: TSM Vinyl (Anenome Dreams), Faux Leather from Emmaline Interior: personal stash Hardware: TSM, Emmaline, My Handmade Space

Hopping into May with another amazing Influencer Spotlight. Our influencer this month makes some of the coolest dance outfits for her children. She is a kindred spirit with a passion for sewing and helping others learn the craft. Kayla Murphy shares so much joy for not only people but animals too. Enjoy a glimpse into getting to know Kayla just a little bit more! TSM: I really want to thank you for hanging out with us today. Kayla M: I am glad to be able to chat with you. TSM: Let's start off with something unique about you. Is there something that people don't know about you? Kayla M: My family sold everything in June 2021 to travel, and we still live in our RV on 20 acres. TSM: You live in an RV? That sounds like an adventure within itself. What sparked the reason for traveling? To see the world? Kayla M: My husband used to work 10–14 hour days and had a long commute. He has worked remotely since Covid so we took advantage of the flexibility. We've visited 33 different campsites since. TSM: Which was your favorite? Kayla M: There's so many! We had the most fun in Salt Springs, Florida. TSM: This experience with family and time together sounds amazing. Complete bliss. Kayla M: It has truly been great for us. TSM: Did you sew while traveling? Kayla M: Yes!! I sewed full-time and kept my business going while on the road. TSM: How did you manage sewing with less space? Kayla M: It was difficult at first and I had to be very strategic with how I stored everything. But I made it work and I was able to store it all under my bed. I had to be more strategic on projects. TSM: That is cool you were able to keep everything going while traveling. That is pure talent. Kayla M: Sewing brings me a lot of joy. TSM: Joy is always good. Speaking of sewing, who do you sew for the most? Kayla M: Definitely my daughter. I sew pretty much everything she wears. TSM: Almost everything. I bet that brings a smile to her face every time she gets something new. Does she prefer specific items? Kayla M: Yes! She prefers Activewear because she's a competitive dancer. I sew her class outfits, leotards, and costumes. TSM: You sew for her dance class? That is fantastic and a lot of sewing. Kayla M: Yes, I've created several team items. It's neat to see it all come together on stage. TSM: I can only imagine watching it come to life through dance. What is your favorite thing to sew? Kayla M: My absolute favorite thing to sew are dance costumes followed by handbags as a close second. TSM: You have made some amazing pieces in dance, dresses, and handbags. Kayla M: That is very sweet, thank you! TSM: You are welcome. TSM: What started your sewing venture? Kayla M: I started sewing almost 7 years ago because my son had very sensitive skin to all diapers. I found sewing groups and started by sewing him cloth diapers. TSM: Wow! That is a great reason to start sewing. Are you passionate about anything else? Kayla M: I am passionate about too many things. I love to teach sewing classes and have taught from ages 8-80. I also love raising all the baby animals on our property (chicks, goats, and dogs). TSM: Teaching classes must be so rewarding. Watching the student learn a skill and come out with a finished item. You have a little farm of animals. How cool is that! Kayla M: I love that I can share sewing with the world and how rewarding it can be to make your own items. I love that I'm able to share my love of all things with my family and we can live our lives together closely. Sewing gives me that flexibility. TSM: What is your favorite sewing tool or technique, or quote? Kayla M: My favorite sewing tool is my projector. I couldn't run my business without it. TSM: A projector is a great tool and cuts down on time. Talk about time management! Kayla M: Yes! It speeds things up tremendously. TSM: Since you use a projector to cut out your sews, what is your current favorite pattern? Kayla M: My favorite pattern right now is the Hiraeth handbag from Lavender and Twine. It is a PDF pattern that I love. If I had to choose one I use the most with my projector it would be the Styla Valparaiso joggers. I have at least 6 pairs and they are my son's favorite as well. TSM: What is your favorite print? Kayla M: My favorite print is Mystic Rose. TSM: Mystic Rose is a beautiful print. We know you have a passion for sewing, what other hobbies do you have? Kayla M: I love to serve with my church. We have a food truck that we use to serve a hot plate to at least 80 individuals each week. TSM: What a blessing being able to help others. Kayla M: It's eye opening to meet people and learn of all walks of life. I also love all genres of books. TSM: You love all genres of books, but do you have a favorite? Do you listen to books while sewing? Kayla M: My favorite genre is suspense, and I love listening to audiobooks while I sew. TSM: Suspense is great. Trying to figure out who did it before the book ends. I know you volunteer with your church; do you help out any other people? Kayla M: I sew for a local company called LIVE2540 who sends all of the proceeds from the sale of items to the orphans of Liberia. TSM: The amount of giving back you do is precious, kind, and so inspiring. TSM: Earlier you mentioned you own a business, what is the name? Kayla M: I am glad I have the flexibility to do it. The AIM Co. Is my business name. TSM: Is there something you want to make in the future that you haven't had time for or to challenge your sewing skills? Kayla M: Oh gosh I'm not sure. I would love to tackle making my own luggage. TSM: Oh, that would be awesome! I can see it now. You are attaching the luggage wheels and taking off to some international destination. TSM: How can we support you here at TSM? Kayla M: Everyone at TSM is beyond supportive. Keep posting new patterns!! I've learned so much from the handbag designers. My first bag pattern was the Iolite from The Styled Magnolia and I have been hooked ever since. The designers were so kind to help me through with all my questions. TSM: The Iolite was your first bag pattern. We would have never known. Thank you so much for sharing that. That pattern was the first for a few. TSM: Kayla we love being able to see all your beautiful makes. I cannot thank you enough for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang with me for a bit. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Kayla M: It has been so much fun, and I am so glad we were able to do this.

Today is a great day, and we are so excited to get to spend some time with you, Andrea. Thank you for joining us for April’s Influencer Spotlight. You have shared so many beautiful makes with us and we cannot wait to find out which ones are your favorites. Are you ready to get started? I know we are! TSM: You seem to be a very busy person. What do you do for a living? Andrea: I am a Statistician. TSM: What is a Statistician? Andrea: I am a statistician who is involved in planning and analyzing data for studies in the intensive care unit. TSM: That sounds like such a wonderful field to get into. What made you choose that field? Andrea: I love data and numbers. I originally started in the field for the numbers but once I spoke with someone they asked if I was interested in health. I truly wanted to do something that helped others, and this is where it led me. TSM: What is something you find unique about yourself? Andrea: Several years ago, I learned how to DJ. I guess I am not sure I can actually call myself a DJ, but I had so much fun doing it. TSM: A DJ really? Were you able to do all the scratches? Do you still DJ? Andrea: I cannot say I did that well either, but I have not practiced in a while due to time. Sewing takes up more of it now. I do miss it. One day I will get back to it. TSM: How did you start sewing? Andrea: My parents put me in sewing lessons when I was 7. There were 2 or 3 of us taking lessons from a classmate's mom. I am on my 2nd sewing machine, but I have had the 2nd one since high school. TSM: What did you start sewing on? Andrea: I do not remember my first sewing machine, but it was super basic. It might have been from Sears. TSM: Did you take any sewing classes in high school? Andrea: The sewing class was called Fashion, but it sounds fancier than it was. TSM: Since it was called Fashion was it tailored to garment sewing? Andrea: Yes TSM: What was the first garment you sewed? Andrea: I do not remember the first garment but the first piece I made was a Big Foot Pillow. Literally the toenails were made of felt. TSM: That sounds like a cool project. Who does not like a pillow of a foot! Would you say that being put in sewing lessons started your passion for sewing? Andrea: Yes, it did. TSM: What is your favorite sewing tool, technique, even a quote that you love to use? Andrea: I like my projector, rotary cutter, and my new cutting table. I used to have a folding table and that made projector cutting more difficult. TSM: How long have you had your projector? Andrea: I got it sometime last year. Finally got it set up and could use it without having to move it around. I did not want to calibrate it before I moved it. So, once I got my new table I finally moved it to my sewing room and now I do not have to calibrate every time I want to use. Now I do not have an excuse to procrastinate on getting a pattern done. TSM: What is your favorite thing you have sewn? Andrea: Hmm…I love my Styla Patterns Kodiak and my Eden’s Rose dress. I used the Nina dress from Fibre Mood to make it. TSM: With it being in the colder months right now where you live, I bet your Kodiak has been put to good use. Is the Nina dress the one with all the pretty pleats you did? Andrea: Yes, that is the dress. The jacket has been used for sure. TSM: Those two makes were amazing! TSM: What is your current favorite pattern to sew? Andrea: My go to pattern is The Studio to Street by Greenstyle Creations. TSM: That pattern is super pretty. Andrea: I love the variations it has and even hacked it with the Valerie dress from Greenstyle too. I have so many Studio to Streets. Andrea: I have a lot of prints that I love. TSM: It can be hard to narrow down a top print. TSM: Since you love floral prints and have a stash of fabric, what is your favorite TSM Design? Andrea: I keep going back and forth but I will say it is Floral Sketches. TSM: That print is super pretty. Didn’t you make a bag out of that print? Andrea: Yes, I made the Linnea Backpack on a small scale. TSM: Have you sewn anything else with this print? Andrea: I have made a few items with it. It is even pretty in stretch mesh. TSM: Since you have many items with this fabulous print, what is your favorite sew with this design? Andrea: I will say the Linnea Backpack. I still have this print on softshell too. TSM: What are you going to make with the softshell? Andrea: I am not sure what I am going to use it for yet, but it will get sewn up. TSM: Who do you sew for the most? Andrea: I sew for myself the most. I have sewn for my husband once, my nieces. I want to sew for them more. TSM: We cannot wait to see what you make for them. What other crafts and hobbies do you have? Andrea: I have a lot of yarn. I have more yarn than fabric. When I was going into the office I would knit or crochet with a co-worker during lunchtime. It is a much more portable craft than sewing. TSM: What did you knit? Andrea: It would be scarfs, mittens, socks. I am a slow knitter. TSM: There is nothing wrong with that. Accuracy is key, correct? Andrea: True. Sewing is much faster and so much better on my hands. When I crocheted I made amigurumi dolls. I made stuffed animals like a crocheted Yoshi. A couple years ago I crochet a couple dolls for my husband's nieces. TSM: How can we support you in your future ventures? Andrea: There is not anything that I would change. Just continue to be a supportive team, keep releasing amazing designs and patterns that allow me to push my abilities, build my skill, and to learn new things. I share my sewing makes on Instagram at @makeitsew.andrea. TSM: What is something you look forward to sewing or making in the future? Andrea: I would like to make the Meine Herzenswelt softshell jacket. I just might use my Floral Sketches soft shell for this make. I do know there are times when a new pattern comes out and I do not even realize that is something that I even knew I needed. Keep producing beautiful prints so I can refresh my fabric stash to sew up all the patterns! TSM: Andrea I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to share with us. It was such a pleasure getting to know you a little bit more and being able to talk about everything sewing. Your sewing makes are beautiful. We cannot thank you enough for sharing them with us.

Beautiful and creative items come together one stitch at a time. Our March Influencer has sewn so many cool items. Her love for stripes and a vibrant print are well known. Have you guessed who it is yet? If you guessed Kayla Smith, you are correct. Kayla is grateful for friends and sewing buddies she can talk to about sewing who do not roll their eyes back at her. Probably thinking “You are talking about sewing again.” Please enjoy a little peek into Kayla Smith and her passion for sewing. TSM: Kayla, I really want to thank you for taking time out this morning to spend some time with us. You are such a talented sewist who has an amazing presence, not only on our team, but on social media. Kayla: Thank you! I am so happy to be on this team full of genuinely nice people. TSM: We do have a really special team. TSM: Before we get into the meat and potatoes of our conversation, what do you like to do in your free time? Kayla: Does one have free time besides sewing? Ok, in my free time that I am not sewing or thinking about sewing, I am a stay-at-home mom to three teens with super busy lives that I get to be a part of. I love to travel and enjoy just watching tv with my family in my family room. TSM: So, in your free time you think about sewing too? I don't know if anyone else has that same problem, too! Kayla: Definitely! I am also so lucky to have sewing friends in real life, as well as online sewing friends to talk sewing with. TSM: We are creative. We cannot help it. Especially with beautiful prints. Kayla: Oh yes! TSM: Besides sewing, being a busy and active stay-at-home mom, what other hobbies do you have? Kayla: I have a few regular groups of friends that I walk with, cook, and travel as much as possible. Sometimes travel can just be to the next town over, but we are on the go quite a bit. My oldest daughter is in her college marching band and women’s basketball band. We have become huge fans of both this year! Since we live locally, we can go to all of the games. I am now always on the search for orange and blue fabric. TSM: That sounds like a great group of local friends. Traveling even if just to next town is fun. The change of scenery helps our creative minds. You are super lucky to be able to see all the games. Blue and orange cannot be hard to find. Kayla: For sure! I am really excited to try the new Cross Hatch prints in orange to see how that looks. TSM: We have blue too. So, a color block hoodie or t-shirt will be in your future for sure. Kayla: Definitely! Our local schools’ colors are also orange and blue, so it works for so many things. TSM: Since you can now sew school colors to fill your heart’s desire, what started your love and passion for sewing? Kayla: Great story, actually. I wanted a sewing machine when I was pregnant with my first daughter. I thought it would be so fun to make her things. Well, without modern conveniences like YouTube and Facebook and pdf patterns, even threading my machine proved to be too hard. So, she sat on a shelf. Fast forward 10 years and a really good friend who is an excellent seamstress took me to Joann’s where we picked out a basic woven skirt pattern and Elsa fabric and made our girls skirts. It was amazing and I have not stopped since! I love to do the same with others (teach them the basics) and even have a few friends that have stuck with it. I have been giving a little girl sewing lessons for the past few years and she is an amazing seamstress already. It has been so fun watch. TSM: Wow, you are super sweet to be teaching others and providing them with an opportunity in which they may not have gotten. Kayla: It also gives me more people to talk sewing with! TSM: It is comforting to be able to talk sewing with others who will not get annoyed with you. Kayla: Most definitely!! TSM: It also allows you to learn from others, too. Kayla: Actually, that is one of the reasons I like to pattern test. Expands my skills and allows me to talk sewing to people I would not necessarily interact with regularly. TSM: That is a great way to look at pattern testing. I agree that it allows you to learn, challenge yourself, and acquire new techniques. Kayla: Definitely! I have tested a few TSM patterns, and it has expanded my bag making skills. I am a total beginner when it comes to bags. TSM: TSM has amazing bag designers, and we love that it is not only beginner friendly but the start for new bag makers. Bag-making can become addictive. During your ten years plus of sewing what would you consider your most used tool or technique? Kayla: Oh, good question. I would actually say I am pretty good at seam ripping!! Not sure what that says about my sewing skills- but let’s just say I have lots of practice! My favorite tool is probably my steam iron. I am a firm believer that a steam iron makes almost every homemade item look more professional. TSM: What type of steam iron do you use? I think we all have had experience with seam ripping. Do find you are seam ripping more when you are tired or if you are moving too fast? Kayla: My iron is nothing super fancy- it is from Costco! Yes, all of those!! It happens also when I decide to change something once I try it on. TSM: Now this question is a little harder. What is your favorite thing to sew? Kayla: Things I can wear every day! Like joggers and hoodies in the winter and casual dresses in the summer. I also love to sew pockets lol! TSM: Pockets are everything!!! Kayla your hoodies and skirts are legendary. Kayla: Yes!! Pockets and sleeves that are long enough!! TSM: What fabric design or person brought you to TSM? Kayla: I am not sure how I first found it- but my first purchase was from Miranda D from the TSM Buy/Sell/Trade. I bought Neon City to make a dress for my daughter to wear to a high school dance. It was also the first fabric I ever striked!! So, it is love!! I still have some left. TSM: That is awesome. You are the master of hoodies by any chance is your favorite current pattern a hoodie? Kayla: I have so many favorite hoodies, but my favorite hoodie right now is the Nazare hoodie from Itch to Stitch! I tested it last month and made a few during testing and after. It just has a great silhouette, finishing touches and pockets!! It also has such great attention to detail and zipper installation. It would be a great first zip up. TSM: Awesome we cannot wait to see what this pattern looks like. Kayla: I have two made and I am working on a third. TSM: You have sewn so many beautiful TSM prints, was it hard to narrow it down to your favorite? Kayla: Nope! Super easy! It is the one fabric I need more of for the summer. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of awesome prints, but regret got me hard on this one. Good vibes. TSM: Good vibes is such a beautiful print. It looked fantastic on you. TSM: Since you pattern test and strike who would you say you sew for the most? Yourself? Your children? Kayla: Definitely myself. I sew a lot of gifts. My kids love mom made pajamas but besides that they like store bought. My husband supports all I sew and though I continue to ask if he wants anything, he is happy to admire my makes. Oh, they all love when I could make cool masks back when we did that. TSM: Before we wrap up, I think the readers would like to know if there is anything unique or unknown about you? Kayla: I am a “retired” Registered Dietitian. I say retired because I stopped working when my daughter was born 18 years ago. It is definitely a great knowledge base to have though! TSM: No matter how you retired, it was the best decision for you and your family! There is no reason necessary. Kayla: For sure. TSM: Is there anything you are looking to sew in the future that you haven't yet? Kayla: I really want to try quilting. I need to find a friend to teach me!! Or maybe find videos on YouTube. TSM: We probably have some quilters in the group that can provide some guidance. How can we support you in your sewing ventures? Kayla: Honestly, I love how supportive and inspiring the little space of TSM social media is. I look forward to sharing and being inspired when everyone is so helpful and encouraging! TSM: That truly melts our hearts to hear you say that. We can definitely keep the space that way for you and everyone else. TSM: Do you have social media information that we can share? Kayla: Yes. It is @kaylasmithsews on Instagram. TSM: Kayla, I really want to thank you for spending your evening with us. I enjoyed learning more about your sewing ten year and why you got started.

Here we are again, my favorite part of testing: The tester roundup! It’s always so fun, giving them my vision and watching the tester team take it to the next level and make it their own! -Alex Soelke Designer of the Linnea Backpack Alex Soelke (Bag 1, Linnea) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Interior- TSM Luxury Cotton Hardware- Emmaline Alex Soelke (Bag 2, Grunge Vintage Roses) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, faux leather from Textile Outlet Hardware- Emmaline Alex Soelke (Bag 3) Exterior-TSM Rio faux leather, marine vinyl from personal stash Interior-TSM Luxury Cotton Hardware-Emmaline bags and TSM Rosa Zerkle Exterior- My Punkbroidery Interior- WPC from fabric.com Hardware-Sew Yours, Amazon Danielle Allen (Garden of Utopia) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, TSM Milan faux leather Interior- personal stash Hardware- Emmaline, personal stash Bri Fraser (Hipster Triangles) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Rex faux leather from Emmaline Interior- Midnight Rose from TSM Hardware- Emmaline Chandy Mueller (Pink Galaxy Leopard) Exterior-TSM Vinyl and vinyl from Oh So Pretty! fabrics Lining- Cotton woven from Shear Madness Fabric Hardware- Amazon and More Me Know Denise Wood Exterior- Vinyl from Indolove Kreation, H2O Reptilian from MyPunkBroidery Hardware- personal stash Teal Keller (Amethyst in Ashes) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Metallic Rio faux leather from TSM Lining-Moda Grunge from local shop Hardware- TSM, Kamsnaps, and Amazon Yuli Sung Exterior- Vinyl from MyPunkBroidery, Print woven from Tekhni Interior-Quilting Cotton from Seweird Fabrics Hardware-Indolove Kreation Kate Draeger (Bag 1, Dahlia's Flowers) Exterior- TSM Vinyl, TSM Pink Rio faux leather, Black Litchi faux leather from Harrow lane textiles Interior- Pink Canvas from Nick of Time Textiles Hardware- MyHandmadeSpace and personal stash Kate Draeger (Bag 2, Ice Leopard) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Mora Faux Leather from Emmaline Hardware- Emmaline Bags Kate Draeger (Bag 3, Royal Leopard) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Mora Faux Leather from Emmaline Hardware- Emmaline Kate Draeger (Bag 4, Fuschia Faux Linen) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather Hardware- Emmaline and MyHandmadeSpace Meg Loven (Razzed Up Plaid) Exterior-TSM Faux Leather, Interior- Wonderground WPC Hardware- MyHandmadeSpace, Sew Many Creations, personal stash Special Note: 8mm cap/10mm post rivets were used to secure the thicker marine vinyl strap at the ends and at the strap/flap cover. Susan Francis (Geo Clouds) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Lining: Waterproof canvas from MyHandmadeSpace Hardware: MyHandmadeSpace, TSM, and IndoLove Kreations Special Note: Emmaline's EB Fuse Heavy was used in lieu of Decovil Light Krystol Ithomitis Exterior: TSM Rio faux leather Interior: TSM Luxury Cotton Hardware: TSM and Emmaline Tracy Julien Exterior- Ankara printed faux leather from SewIdOut Sewing, Cork from Sew Sweetness Interior- Waterproof Canvas from Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware- Serial Bagmakers Bag Patterns and Hardware Leanne Clay Exterior- vinyl from Inklings and the Kraken Fabrics Australia Interior- personal stash Hardware- personal stash Joy Yamashita (Bag 1) Exterior- Vinyl from Backstitch Fabrics Interior- Backstitch Fabrics Hardware- Thumbs & Thimbles Joy Yamashita (Bag 2) Exterior- Vinyl from personal stash Interior- Ohana Fabric Hardware- Thumbs & Thimbles, Alchemats- Materials & Hardware Kayla Smith (Desolate Blizzard) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Vinyl from MyHandmadeSpace Interior- Personal Stash Hardware- Personal Stash Eva Buchel Exterior- Vinyl from Vala Creations and BoDeeOh Interior- Personal stash Hardware- Vala Creations and Personal Stash Rachel Tindall Exterior- Waxed canvas from Arkdefo, vinyl from Wallet and Slate Interior- Canvas from Wallet and Slate Hardware- Little Stitcher Sews Holly Lange (Iolite) Exterior- TSM Vinyl, Faux leather from Joann Fabrics Interior- personal stash Hardware- Sallie Tomato and Amazon Danielle Hampton Netherton (Tawny Leopard) Exterior- TSM faux leather, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Interior-Emmaline Hardware- Emmaline Paula Coleman Barron (Leopard Lux) Exterior- TSM faux leather, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Interior- Quilting cotton from local shop Hardware- Amazon, KamSnaps, and Ali Express Brianna Burdett (Leopard Lux) Exterior- TSM faux leather, TSM Rio faux leather Interior- cotton woven from Walmart Hardware- TSM, Tandy Leather, and Amazon Karen Denham (Party Palms) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, TSM Rio faux leather Interior- Personal Stash Hardware- MyHandmadeSpace Allison Parsons Moroso (Floral Haze & Faux Linen) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather Interior-personal stash Hardware- Amazon and Emmaline Bags Susi Schuegraf (Lavender Flowers) Exterior- TSM faux leather, vinyl from MyPunkBroidery Lining- Waterproof Canvas from BoDeeOh Hardware- Emmaline bags, Geeky Hardware Susan Francis (Mystic Rose & Faux Linen) Exterior- TSM faux leather Lining- Cotton woven from MyHandmadeSpace Hardware- TSM and Etsy Shelly Andrews (Oceana Floral) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, Faux leather from Emmaline Interior- personal stash Hardware- Bedazzled Supplies, Idleblooms, Emmaline, Wizard Stitchery, Kamsnaps Kayla Murphy (Royal Leopard) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather, TSM Rio faux leather Interior- TSM Canvas Hardware- Emmaline, Idleblooms Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 1) Exterior- Vinyl from personal stash and MGV-AFabricUS Interior- Canvas from Joann Fabric Hardware- Wawak and IndoLove Kreations Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 2) Exterior-Vinyl from personal stash, printed canvas from Foreman Interior- Waterproof canvas from Wonderground Hardware- Wawak and Indolove Kreations Tessa Silva-Mathews (Bag 3, Later Days) Exterior-TSM Vinyl, TSM Rio faux leather Interior- waterproof canvas from Wonderground Hardware- Wawak and Indolove Kreations Andrea Soo (Floral Sketches) Exterior-TSM Vinyl, Mora faux leather from Emmaline Interior- cotton woven from personal stash Hardware- Blue Calla, Atelier Fiber Arts, Emmaline Sharon Patterson Thomas (Bronze Age) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather and Mora faux leather from Emmaline Interior- personal stash Hardware- Idleblooms, MyHandmadeSpace, Wawak, and TSM Tiana Locket (Bag 1) Exterior- Zor Elle Fabrics, Faux Leather from Fashion Fabric LA Interior- personal stash Hardware-MyHandmadeSpace, Emmaline and Snaps Tools Tiana Locket (Bag 2) Exterior- Backstitch Fabric, MoreMeKnow, Fashion Fabric LA Interior-Waterproof canvas from Fabric Wholesale Direct Hardware- Wizard Stitchery, Emmaline, Snapstools Stephanie Combs Boone Exterior-Ait Said Creations Interior- personal stash Hardware- Emporium Threads and IndoLove Kreations Holly Ward (Bag 1, Popart) Exterior TSM Faux Leather and TSM Rio faux leather Interior=personal stash Hardware-personal stash Holly Ward (Bag 2, Tawny Leopard) Exterior- TSM Faux Leather and TSM Rio faux leather Interior- personal stash Hardware- personal stash Lacresha Lincoln (Cambria Floral Dinos) Exterior-TSM Faux Leather, Cork from personal stash Interior-personal stash Hardware-personal stash Tara Rittenhouse (Serene Seafoam) Exterior-TSM Vinyl, TSM Rio faux leather Interior- woven from Joann Fabric Hardware-TSM and Bedazzled Supplies