No Fear Machine Embroidery

If you've ever looked at the newest Kimberbell project, and thought "I'd love to do that BUT", then keep reading. Machine embroidery projects like the ones from Kimberbell and OESD are so cute, but they are truly a different sort of skillset than your regular sewing machine skills. Let’s be honest, it can feel a bit intimidating when you’re just starting out. If you’ve been staring at your machine and embroidery module or you keep going back and forth about getting one, but the thought of learning all the steps overwhelms you, never fear! Quilting

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All About Sewing Machine Needles

When was the last time you changed your needle? Do it now! Ok, now that there’s a fresh needle in your sewing machine, is it the right kind of needle for your project? With so many different packs of needles on the shelves at Quilting Mayhem, it can be confusing to know which one to use and when. Never fear, we’ll walk you through it so you can make the right choice for your fabric and technique. Sewing Machine Needle Sizing Sewing machine needles are labeled with two number, for example 80/12 or 90/14. The first number

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Tips for Tiny Piecing

It’s no secret that we love everything Giucy Giuce designs. We even just had him here teaching for a fun retreat and more on the schedule! And since he’s known for his fun tiny piecing patterns, we wanted to give you our best tips for making your tiny pieced projects have a big visual impact. Pay attention to your fabric quality. Since you’re already shopping at Quilting Mayhem and bringing home Giucy Giuce fabrics, among others, you know that using quilt shop quality cottons for intense piecing is key. They hold their shape better and are less

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Quilting On the Go

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s hard to make time to get in front of the sewing machine. There are kids’ sporting events, doctor’s appointments and waiting rooms, pool parties, and none of them have space for me to plug in my BERNINA. But we’re still going to sew, right? Here’s our tips for creating the perfect portable sewing kit so you’re ready to quilt from anywhere. Pick a good project. Any quilting project is a good project, but a good portable project for sewing from anywhere is one that’s easy to work on in

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Masculine Apparel Pattern Round Up

I think we can all agree on one thing; sewing and quilting are for everyone. For quilting, that’s easy to put into action. Big or little, masc or femme, a quilt is always a perfect fit. But when you jump into sewing clothes and garments, finding the perfect fit becomes a little more complicated. Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes, and the indie clothing pattern companies tend to focus on femme patterns and bodies. The industry is working to change that. We put together a round up of our go-to patterns for all

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The Best Threads for Your Domestic Sewing Machine

If you're a quilter, you know that the right thread can make all the difference in your project. Accurate points and intersections, lumpy seams, a dusty machine, all of these things are down to the thread you choose. That's why we've put together a list of our favorite threads for your sewing machine. The Solids Aurifil 50wt Solids: Description: Aurifil's 50wt/2ply thread is a favorite among quilters for good reason.This premium cotton thread boasts strength and durability while maintaining a remarkably thin profile. It produces flat and crisp seams, making it ideal for piecing. Uses: This thread

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Meet the Mayhem Makers: Kimberly

Quilting Mayhem is a big place; it’s 17,000 feet of fabric, sewing machines, and inspiration. And there’s a lot of hands behind the scenes making all of it work seamlessly (yes we said seamlessly!). For today’s post, we’re doing something a little different and sharing the people that make Quilting Mayhem the treasure it truly is. Let's meet the Mayhem makers! I'm Kimberly, and I work in Fabricland. Let’s start at the beginning. How did you get started quilting or sewing?   I started sewing when I started at Quilting Mayhem. The other staff are so enthusiastic and inspirational

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The B790 Pro is Made for You

Sometimes it's hard to get excited about a new gadget. You get the feeling that it wasn't actually made for quilters and their problems. Machine makers don't remember that sometimes threading the needle is fiddly. Or that a quarter inch seam can need a little guidance. Or the machine goes fast, but it sure goes loud, too. When we saw the new BERNINA 790 Pro, we knew it was different. The 790 Pro includes all the things a quilter needs to have the smoothest, most fulfilling sewing experience from their sewing machine. The 790 Pro is

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Teach Your Kids to Sew

In today's largely fast-paced digital world, teaching your kids to sew can be a fantastic break away from screen time as well as a way to foster creativity. Not to mention give them something to do when they inevitably walk up to you mid-July saying “I’m so bored.”  When you teach kids to sew, it engages their imagination and teaches them skills that they can use far beyond summer. First off, sewing enhances your creativity. The kids can choose their own fabrics, patterns (with guidance of course), and add their imagination to their projects stitch by

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Best Beginner Sewing Machines

Congratulations! You’re looking for the best beginner sewing machine, aka your new best friend, and we couldn’t be happier for you. But with so many different models of machines and features to learn about, it can be difficult to know where to start. When you’re a beginner, you should focus on ease of use, versatility, durability, price, and customer support.  Ease of Use The first thing to consider when looking for a beginner sewing machine is ease of use. You want a machine that is simple to set up and use, with clear instructions and intuitive controls.

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