Once again, Instagram was a huge source of inspiration for me; when I started seeing images of woven fabric pop up in my feed, I just had to give it a try. By woven, I don't mean the type of fabric or the way it's made, I mean weaving strips of fabric to create a new design. If you haven't seen any examples before, you could try exploring some hashtags like #modernmeshwork, #fabricweaving, and #weftyneedle. 

I'm kicking myself that I waited so long. Seriously, you have to try this! It looks hard, but it really isn't. I know it can be a bit overwhelming starting a new skill, so I thought I'd show you how easy it is to get going on your first weave. First, you'll want to order yourself a Wefty Needle. You could probably do this without, but honestly, it's not very expensive and made the process painless; I actually couldn't imagine enjoying the process without this tool. I also found the bias tape maker really handy, but you can do without quite easily, just don't burn your fingertips! 

Next, you need to decide on a pattern to weave. I chose Mister Domestic's Tumbling Blocks Weave; it's a free pattern on Craftsy. There are several tutorials available on tjaye.com as well. For the pattern I chose, I needed 3 different colours, all cut into 2 inch strips and then pressed with raw edges under to create a 1" strip (that's where the bias tape tool comes in extra handy). For mine, I chose an Andover chambray and 2 different Alison Glass prints.

The Tumbling Blocks pattern instructed me to draw these lines on my foam board. Then we pin a piece of fusible interfacing overtop, to go under the weave. 

Now the fun really begins! I realized that my chambray would be the trickiest to use in my Wefty needle and weave over and under other fabrics, since it's thicker, so I used that as my first layer. Pin each end so the fabric is slightly taut.

After my first layer was down, I couldn't wait to get started on the weaving of the second layer. I didn't even stop to take a picture, because it was just too much fun. It's amazing when something seemingly magical is coming together right before your eyes.

The third and final layer is when you finally see the tumbling block. Raise your hand if the finished pattern reminds you of Qbert. I mean this in the most affectionate way of course, because who doesn't love Qbert? People 10 years younger than me who have no idea what I'm talking, that's who- but that's a story for another time! 

If you're anything like me, you probably won't be able to stop once you start seeing the pattern and will have to finish the last layer immediately. For this step, Mister Domestic suggested using the Purple Thang and feeding it through the exit site, but I don't have that tool, so I used the second Wefty Needle (they come in a pair) instead, and it worked really well guiding the needle on some tricky spots.

After this step, it depends what you're doing with your project. I'm not telling what I'm using mine for, not yet anyway. Most likely, you'd at least want to fuse the interfacing and sew around the perimeter of the project to keep the ends in place. 

This was such a quick project. I had several interruptions throughout the day and easily started and finished on the same day. I think it could be less than 2 hours including all the prep work, and even faster as you get more experienced, or do a smaller piece.

I've tried to scale back my pattern testing lately in an effort to make life a little less busy. I do enjoy it tremendously though; I'm definitely not a designer, so it's nice to still have a small part in bringing a pattern to life. When Anna of Noodlehead asked me to test out this latest bag pattern of hers, I couldn't say no. I always love her elegant designs, and this bag is no exception.

I've been hoarding Sarah Jane's Out to Sea since I bought it a few years ago. It's such a cool collection and I find it so inspiring. I still have a complete map from the collection that I'm saving for the perfect project. The name "Compass Bag" instantly made me think about navigating the open seas, so I paired Out to Sea with Sarah Jane's newest collection, Magic. The mermaids spark the imagination, a perfect partner to adventure. I also threw in some Michael Miller metallic arrows, because they went with the theme, and it helped tie in the metallic Essex Linen I used for the main exterior of the bag. This was my first time using the metallic Essex Linen, and my only complaint is that it's super hard to photograph how awesome the sheen from the metallic threads looks. 

The bag comes in two sizes. I made the large. It also comes with instructions for two different types of exterior pockets. I chose the more simple version, to better show off the prints I used.  The other pocket option offers pleated pockets with flaps. The construction of the bag is also part of the design feature, with its pieced main panels and topstitching along the centre line. The subtle curved top makes it trendy, yet classic. The flat bottom allows the bag to stand up on its own.

Inside the bag is ample room for your next adventure, or even just a trip to the bank, as the case may be. There's an interior zippered pocket, as well as a divided slip pocket. 

There's a bit of hardware in this bag, so it's great for those wanting to try it out. The rivets are optional, but I think they look great and they're easier to add than you'd think.

It's a really versatile pattern and you can really change the look depending on the fabrics you choose. Oh! I almost forgot to mention: it's pretty quick, so would work really well for some Christmas sewing.

If you want to see other versions of this bag, or want to get the pattern, head on over to the Noodlehead website.

I bought this fun book a few months ago and I can honestly say that out of all my sewing books, this one has the most personality.  The projects in here aren't necessities, but they're so cute you'll feel like you actually need them in your life.

When a friend was moving, I thought it was the perfect excuse to make this red stapler pillow, and give it to her as a housewarming gift. I've never done a project quite like this before. Each piece has its own order it needs to be applied, and then each one is appliqued to complete the look. It was a fair amount of work, but the results were so worth the effort.

I originally bought neon orange pompom trim for this pillow from Fabric Spark, but I wasn't thinking properly when I ordered, so I didn't get enough to go around. I could have made the pillow without, but it just wasn't my vision. Luckily, one of my local stores Overseas Fabrics in the Fraser Valley had some black pompom trim, and the day was saved!

For the back of the pillow, I used an old favourite. These cassettes are the perfect way to personalize a funky item. I used my fabric markers and wrote some mix tape names on some of them. I included "Power Ballads" and "Hot Hot Summer," they give me a giggle, because I like to be cheesy sometimes. 

The book has plenty of unique projects, each one as fun as the last. I think these tooth pillows are next on my list. I can't help but smile when I look at them!

You can pick up a copy for yourself from C&T Publishing. I have the ebook version, which is great because I can print out the patterns instead of tracing or photocopying from the pullout. It is really visually appealing though, so a hard copy is also a great choice.

If you like this author's style (and what's not to like?!), then you'll love her temporary tattoos.