Tag: handmade

  • Big Changes: My Music Journey Begins!

    Big Changes: My Music Journey Begins!

    Hello, friends!

    I’m so excited to share some big news with you today. If you’ve been following along, you know I’ve always been creative in many ways—quilting, sewing, bag making—but there’s been another creative passion brewing in the background for years. I’m officially stepping into the world of music!

    Two Websites, Two Creative Worlds

    To keep things organized (and to give each passion the space it deserves), I’m splitting my online presence into two dedicated sites:

    🎵 www.themelaniegrace.com – This is now my music home! Here you’ll find all things related to my songs, my journey as a music producer, and updates on new releases.

    🧵 www.sewmelanie.com – Don’t worry, sewing friends! All my quilting, sewing, and bag-making content will continue right here. I’m not going anywhere!

    From Journals to Songs: My AI-Powered Adventure

    For over a decade, I’ve been scribbling song ideas, lyrics, and melodies across 10+ journals. They’ve sat on shelves, tucked away, waiting for “someday.” Well, someday is NOW!

    I’ve discovered the incredible world of AI music tools, and they’ve helped me finally finish all those songs I started years ago. I’m dusting off those journals, breathing life into old ideas, and producing complete songs. It’s been absolutely magical to hear these fragments become full compositions.

    I never thought I’d call myself a music producer, but here I am—and I’m loving every minute of it!

    The Best of Both Worlds

    Here’s where it gets fun: I’m not leaving my sewing community behind. In fact, I’m bringing my two passions together! I’m planning to write songs for quilters. Yes, you read that right! Music inspired by the craft we love, the community we’ve built, and the joy of creating with fabric and thread.

    Stay tuned for that—I think you’re going to love what I have in store!

    What This Means for You

    • Music lovers: Head over to themelaniegrace.com to follow my musical journey
    • Sewing enthusiasts: Keep visiting sewmelanie.com for all your favorite sewing content
    • Those who love both: You get double the creativity! Follow both sites and watch as I blend these worlds together in unexpected ways

    Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here for the quilts, the songs, or both, I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.

    Here’s to new beginnings, dusty journals finally getting their day, and the courage to try something you never thought you could do!

    With love and creativity,
    Melanie


    P.S. – Want to be the first to hear my new songs for quilters? Make sure you’re subscribed to updates on both sites!

  • 🌟 Big News for My Sewing Stars! 🌟

    Hello, my fabulous sewing friends! ✨

    I’ve been stitching away behind the scenes, and I’m beyond thrilled to announce that all the tutorial videos for my newest online course are now up and waiting for you! 🎥✂️ Whether you’re looking to perfect your skills or try something brand new, these tutorials are designed to guide you every step of the way.

    But wait—before you dive into the world of thread and fabric, let’s make sure you have all the right tools in your sewing kit! A successful project starts with having the essentials, and I’ve got you covered. 🧵

    I’ve compiled a special list of must-have products that’ll help you along this creative journey. From the best needles to precision rulers and my favorite marking tools, this list is perfect for anyone—whether you’re a seasoned sewist or just threading the needle for the first time. These tools will elevate your sewing game to the next level! 🪡✨

    Curious about what’s on the list? 🧐 Click the link in my bio to check it out and get ready to stock up your sewing arsenal. Trust me, you won’t want to start your next project without these essentials!

    Let’s make some magic together! And don’t forget—I love seeing your creations, so please share your sewing masterpieces with me. Use the hashtag #SewWithMelanie or tag me so I can cheer you on. 🎉

    👉 What’s your next project? Leave a comment below or send me a DM to chat about all things sewing! I can’t wait to connect with you and see what amazing things you create. 💬✨

    Happy stitching! 🧵💕

    — Melanie

  • DIY KITS – Macrame Keychain

    DIY KITS – Macrame Keychain

    I’m upping my Handmade business game this year!

    Look out 2021 – “There’s a Million Things I Haven’t Done, Just You Wait, Just You Wait!” – Hamilton.

    I just listed a DIY KIT to make a Macrame Keychain on Etsy. Please visit and order today! The listing only says 2 – but I can supply a whole lot more!!!

  • EPP vlog

    EPP vlog

    If you found me because of me recent YouTube video, welcome!!!! 

    I started English paper piecing a year ago and I absolutely loved it!! And still love it! I’m planning on making a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt that will be completely paper pieced and I invite you to join the journey on my YouTube series in my EPP Vlogs!!

    Okay so step 1- order supplies!

    Happy Sewing!

    1.5″ EPP Hexagon Templates: https://amzn.to/3bzPWtV
    6″x8″ Self Healing Mat: https://amzn.to/3sq5qGQ
    Olfa Rotary Blade: https://amzn.to/2KaZBfe
    Add a Quarter: https://amzn.to/38IdlaE
    EPP Glue Stick: https://amzn.to/2LmvZMM
    Aurafil thread: https://amzn.to/3soQmti
    EPP Miliner sewing needles: https://amzn.to/38H0JAY
    Needle Minders: https://amzn.to/3nId63V
    Leather Thimble: https://amzn.to/3nPsJXr
    Wonder Clips: https://amzn.to/3iaxVDL
    Bird Embroidery Scissors: https://amzn.to/2LyuTNI


    Fabric Prairie Flower 10″ squares: https://www.etsy.com/listing/634862338/36-prairie-flower-pre-cut-layer-cake-10?ref=shop_home_active_14&crt=1

    ^^^^^^Above are Affiliate Links^^^^^^

    With your fabric is easiest to start by cutting strips.

    Cut all pieces to 3″ strips and then use your 1.5″ hexagon paper to cut. Use an “add a quarter” ruler to make cutting easy!

    Then – we glue! Make sure if you’re doing a Grandmother’s Flower Garden you choose 1 fabric to be the center of each flower. I am using yellow. I’m also using a layer cake for the petals.

    once you have all your hexes glue basted it’s time to start prepping your flowers. I chose to keep all my colors the same so each flower is the same color. when putting them together I kept them in their color order cuz as you can see the orange and the salmon are pretty close in color. If I was doing this in a dark area I might get confused and mix them up.

    Now it’s time to start stitching. First you’re going to sew two pedals together and then another two and then another two. This way you should have three sets of two petals and then your one center pedal

    Then things get a little difficult when you start sewing them all together You’re going to have to fold some hexies in order to get perfect stitches.

    From where information and details on how to stitch them completely together go visit my YouTube site!

    https://youtu.be/qIs44pGl_yw

  • My First and Last Craft Faire

    My First and Last Craft Faire

    Yesterday was Claremont, CA annual Village Venture. It’s a fun craft fair with pumpkin carving contests, a costume parade and amazing food.

    My mother-in-law asked me earlier this this year if I wanted to join her. She is a seasoned craft faire vendor and my Etsy shop wasn’t selling so I said, “okay, why not.”

    Lately I have fallen in love with quilting. As you may have seen from my Instagram, I have made 7 quilts so far this year and 2 quilt tops that need to be quilted.

    With working 40+ hours and being a mom of 2 young ones, I decided to spend what little time I had piecing fabrics together for my next quilt instead of doing macrame.

    I’m not sure if I had more inventory if it would’ve helped.

    I shared a tent with my mother-in-law and I had a small table with my macrame items for sale:

    As you can see form the first photo we didn’t have the best spot…. We were the last booth on the least frequented street … out of 300 vendors.

    My mother-in-law filed out the tent with all of her amazing and creative hand sewn and painted home decor and crafts:

    After 3 hours of people stopping in and buying my mother-in-law’s creations and no one looking at mine, I decided, to call it.

    We have 2 completely different customers and those shopping for sewn home decor is not the same that is going to buy a macrame wall hanging.

    My mom was bringing my kids to the event soon so I began to pack up. I left a few larger macrame items in the tent I hopes someone might say, “my niece would like that.” My mom, sister, kids and I walked the fair, ate some food and bought some early Christmas presents for the kids. And that was that

    I don’t regret going. Because I can tell you now, I am not a craft fair vendor kind of girl.

    I still have TONS of macrame available to sell if you’re interested. Let know what you want:

    Flower D-clip

    Straight D-clip

    Twisted D-clip

    Mini wall-hanging

    Small wall-hanging

    Medium wall-hanging

    Large wall-hanging

    Extra-large wall-hanging

    Comment below!!

    Yes my booth was right next to the port-a-pottys

    Custom bags that never got used