tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57526117803630678772026-06-16T06:10:06.717-05:00practical inspiration and ideas for easy things and ways to make, do, sew, and growMillie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-4186983061033402452017-03-18T00:15:00.001-05:002017-03-18T00:15:21.772-05:00

Do you know what to take to sewing class? Do you have a good machine caddy and sewing kit to take along to class, on vacation, or wherever you want to go? How can you be sure to have what you need? If you need some tips, ideas, and suggestions, check out my post and video on the subject at the Sewing Machines Plus blog: Sewing on the Go. This post includes my recommendation for the best

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-70834399138173684732017-02-27T22:08:00.000-06:002017-02-27T22:08:05.225-06:00

Hi, friends. If you are looking for a sewing project that is perfect for St Patrick's Day, then I have a tutorial for you. I made my very first sewing video for this post, too. Click over to Sewing Machines Plus Sew Blog to read the step-by-step tutorial for making this fun and easy-to-sew wall quilt. The video shows how to make the patchwork strips. There's a downloadable pattern for the

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-32888688410274853702017-02-16T13:49:00.000-06:002017-03-18T20:53:09.469-05:00

There is a wide array of embroidery software and design choices available When I shared an embroidery machine buyer’s guide last week, I did not touch on the subject of embroidery software and downloadable designs. That’s because you don’t need to buy any software or additional designs to start creating on an embroidery machine. But once you have gotten comfortable with your machine,

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-25488277305544794762017-02-08T22:59:00.000-06:002017-03-18T20:59:22.567-05:00

Which embroidery machine should you buy? Here’s an embroidery machine buyer’s guide to help you decide Choosing an embroidery machine can be confusing. There is a dizzying array of model choices and feature options available. But there is no need to be overwhelmed. For the last several weeks, I have studied this issue to get a clear idea of how to choose the best embroidery machine. I

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-34871912629080514882017-01-30T17:27:00.000-06:002017-01-30T17:28:16.759-06:00

I had some fun sewing valentine projects this weekend. I shared what I made, as well as thirty other sweet project ideas that I collected from all over the web on my newest post at Sewing Machines Plus. There are links to several cute quilts, other patchwork projects, a darling softie toy, kitchen gifts, and many more. I think you will find inspiration and ideas to suit everyone you love.

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-18825717456393498442017-01-28T20:59:00.000-06:002017-01-28T20:59:23.234-06:00

I spent many years battling the problem of sewing room organization. After much effort, I have recently discovered that this isn't a problem for me anymore. I have finally learned how to keep my sewing room neat and well organized. How? By keeping in mind and following just a few simple rules. To keep better order in your room, please read my post, Sewing Room Organizing: The Rules on the

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-13743451981962497932016-12-21T19:26:00.000-06:002016-12-21T19:27:49.712-06:00

My latest post at Sewing Machines Plus is a list of quick sewing projects that are perfect for last minute gifts. There are quite a few easy, quick, no-stress gift ideas that are fun to make. Good Luck with all your projects, and Happy Holidays!

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-2985898178295779212016-12-05T00:25:00.001-06:002016-12-05T00:25:59.836-06:00

Have you broken machine needles while sewing? Or have you had thread break or ravel? All this and more can happen when you use the wrong needle for your project. The good news is that it is easy to know which is the right needle to use when you understand the types and sizes of needles available. If you could use a little education on the differences between different sewing machine needles,

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-10926211852067621152016-11-13T20:24:00.000-06:002016-11-13T20:24:35.927-06:00

Are you starting to think about your holiday list yet? Do you plan to sew gifts this year? If you plan to, it's time to get started. I published a list of ideas for gifts to sew for everyone at Sewing Machines Plus. It includes some of my favorite gifts to sew for babies and kids, ladies, and men. Click on over and read the list now at SMP: Sew Gifts for Everyone on Your List. I hope you find

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-4433041880179207722016-11-09T15:59:00.001-06:002016-11-09T15:59:22.189-06:00

I hope you all are okay today. I'm feeling blue, to be honest, so I thought I'd show off this blue quilt today. I posted the full step-by-step tutorial on how to make it over at Sewing Machines Plus, check it out: Blue Baby Crib Quilt Tutorial.  This quilt was a lot of fun to make while I waited for a special little boy to be born.  It doesn't have to be blue, of course

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-19355630913438887232016-11-08T18:26:00.000-06:002016-11-08T18:26:14.908-06:00

I posted the tutorial for how to sew this easy felt flower pincushion on the blog at Sewing Machines Plus. This is my absolute favorite pincushion. I also make flowers like this to adorn all kinds of other things, too. This project can also be stuffed with lavender flowers to make a sweet sachet, and it makes a lovely gift either way. Thanks for clicking over to read my projects on the sew

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-1844472819851517482016-11-07T14:57:00.000-06:002016-11-07T16:29:29.549-06:00

Hi, y'all; sorry it's been so long! I have been blogging at Sewing Machines Plus for their new blog for a little while now, and have been so otherwise busy that I neglected to mention this here before now! Please excuse me and head over there now to read this in-depth post, which discusses everything you need to know about quilt color schemes. Don't be daunted or confused by color choices;

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-13883274042912319642016-01-29T11:04:00.000-06:002016-01-31T02:03:24.810-06:00

Several years ago, I saw the words Lasagna Soup and HAD to read more.  I found Nicole Morrissey's recipe on her lovely blog, Prevention RD, and we probably tried it out the same night, if not the next. I made variations from the first time I tried this, and I have continued to improve and vary my version of this for a few years now. I LOVE lasagna and mine is fantastic, but since I have

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-49539827791049211142016-01-15T19:00:00.000-06:002016-01-16T19:37:04.856-06:00

Hi, how are ya'll doing?  It has been YEARS since I have posted here, but I thought this easy project would fit nicely here and interest ya'll too.  These dragonfly clips are an easy-peasy, quick, and cute project.  My kids were interested in helping make these, and they loved the results. These dragonflies work as ornaments for a Christmas or other seasonal tree, happy

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-23415824145194108132012-05-04T16:08:00.001-05:002012-05-07T14:33:57.552-05:00

It's been a long time since I posted something new here, and this twin bed quilt seems like a good project to share.  I had been saving fabrics to make an I spy quilt for my son, and when we ordered his first twin mattress, I needed to make a twin bed quilt quick.  I didn't want to just sew square after plain square of random novelty fabrics; I wanted to do something to unify the quilt.

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-27222474585091330142011-07-23T13:21:00.001-05:002016-01-30T21:41:52.021-06:00

p I have had it on my heart for some time to include posts here on the topic of personal growth.  This first post on the topic is not my writing, but is an incredibly helpful nugget of wisdom found in the book the Handbook to Higher Consciousness    I think that you can read this book as a free pdf online and it is well worth your time; this is only a tiny percent of the wisdom

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-35464243918934628952011-07-16T01:18:00.005-05:002011-07-16T15:31:47.328-05:00

Hi!  I am writing this post to help someone who has acquired a vintage (or "old") Singer sewing machine with no manual and is anxious to start sewing. Others have told her to order her manual.  I agree, reading your manual is the number one first thing to do to start sewing.  But if you must wait to get your manual, I have taken some pictures which I hope will help you to get

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-33281292683963168582011-07-08T13:10:00.002-05:002011-07-08T13:14:49.996-05:00

Hi! I want to show you a couple of easy projects and point you to another fun website, too. I recently wanted to make a laptop sleeve, but all the patterns I found were missing a feature I wanted, which was large pockets.  I looked around at a lot of cool free patterns available online, and you can find some great ideas by doing this, too. But there are very nice instructions in the

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-38002008185203208852011-05-14T16:03:00.000-05:002011-05-14T16:03:10.014-05:00

Hi! I am so happy to say that I finally, FINALLY got my large scrap stash organized. I prefer not to throw anything out that could be put to good use, and I am thankfully blessed with the good sense to be able to imagine a use for any scrap. But having all my many scraps of all different sizes and shapes and contents stuffed into a big "barrel" pop-up hamper was definitely not working for me!

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-53054569413953243622011-05-08T21:45:00.000-05:002011-05-08T21:45:42.789-05:00

For Mother's Day, today, I gave my mother and Mr. Green's mother baby quilts that I made from blocks left by their mamas.  Both of these dear grandmothers left a small stack of pieced blocks, and last year they were given to me.  So I arranged and sewed together the blocks, and because in both cases there were less than enough blocks for a whole quilt, I added borders.  My

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-837719110599229852011-04-13T21:21:00.000-05:002011-04-13T21:22:37.528-05:00

Strawberries are so super easy to grow; just be sure to give them plenty of room because they spread a lot every summer.  That is chocolate mint in the picture as well.  I decided to let it run like a weed in our herb bed and I have not regretted it.  This chocolate mint seems both the sweetest and tastiest of the mints, and it also seems happier and more lush in my garden than

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-22996188650810791892011-03-24T15:01:00.001-05:002011-05-27T12:16:56.446-05:00

Dress A Girl Around The World is an organization that I was glad to learn about, and I wanted to make sure that you all know about it, too.  The flyer above says "Imagine a world where every little girl owned at least one dress."  It is a sad thought that there are little girls who don't own a single dress, and this is something that we CAN do something about!  I am so happy to

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-1172934933612896312011-03-07T16:09:00.000-06:002011-03-07T16:25:41.546-06:00

It's March already, and as we live on the warm Gulf Coast, our garden is already planted.  We are still waiting to see our zucchini and squash seeds break through the ground, but most everything else is up.  I planted a lot of heirloom tomatoes and pepper seeds, as well as quite a few hybrid peppers, too, in pots in the garden, but we also bought some seedlings from the garden center.

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-68976835558781067762011-03-05T17:21:00.000-06:002011-03-05T17:46:33.336-06:00

Are you inspired to sew your wardrobe? I sure am, and many of the trends this Spring are great and easy styles for sewing yourself.  So what are the top trends for the season?  To find out, read my new article at Yahoo! Contributor Network, What's In Style for Spring 2011: Women's Fashion.  I appreciate you reading my work at Y!CN. I am doing a lot of Spring wardrobe sewing

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5752611780363067877.post-86688750747972393972011-03-03T22:56:00.000-06:002011-03-03T22:56:18.022-06:00

Our Rosemary is flowering now.    If you don't have Rosemary growing at your house yet, it should be easy to find young plants at your local garden center right now.  Rosemary is one of my favorite plants to grow, as well as a favorite herb; we love it so much we named our dog Rosemary!  They are easy to grow and thrive in full sun.  They tolerate humidity better

Millie Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04714389206936562820noreply@blogger.com0