The Briggs Bag Zipper Cross Body Bag is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

The Briggs Bag is a perfect little purse for travel, small craft projects, kids, and it also makes a great gift for the holidays!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze! It also comes with a video tutorial to make assembly even easier!

Get the Briggs Bag PDF pattern here!

Finished Size: 9″ h x 8″ w x 2″

Fabric Requirements:

• Outside Fabric: 2 FQs (18″ x 21″)
• Lining Fabric: 2 FQ
• Accent Fabric: 1 FQ
• Binding Fabric: 1 FQ
• 16″ poly-zipper
• Hardware: (2) 1-1/2″ D-rings, (1) 1-1/2″ slider , (2) 1-1/2″ Swivel Hooks
• Cotton Webbing: 1-1/2″ x 2yds
• Fusible Fleece: 1 yd x 20″ wide

Product Features:

• Front and Back outer pockets
• Inside pocket
• Zipper Closure
• Cross Body Finishing Option
• Purse Style Finishing Option
• Adjustable strap

Watch the Briggs Bag Video Tutorial here!

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Erica’s Craft Podcast Ep. 28 – Is this my LAST fabric line?Episode 2 is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Join me for Episode 28 of my crafting podcast where I’m sharing all of my quilting, sewing, knitting, and cross stitch with you! I also have some fun sneak peeks and new patterns coming soon!

Get My Patterns here!

• Shop all of my faves here!

*** ON THE WALL BEHIND ME ***

• Felt Right Quilting Star Design Wall Get 10% OFF, use code ERICA10
• Sew Quilty Quilt
• Just Keep Sewing Mini Quilt

*** QUILTING ***

• Stitch-To-Go
• 2026 Mug of the Month
• Nana’s Hometown Parade
• Firefly Quilt & Tote
• 2026 Sew With Me

**** CROSS STITCH ***

• 2026 Mug of the Month

*** KNIT & CROCHET ***

• Granny Square Projects COMING SOON!
• Crochet Blocking Board
• Yarn: Riley Blake Chunky Thread
• Single Color Granny Square
• Multi-Color Granny Square
• Knit Collage yarn

The post Erica’s Craft Podcast Ep. 28 – Is this my LAST fabric line?Episode 2 appeared first on Confessions of a Homeschooler.

Firefly Quilted Patriotic Tote Bag – Beginner Friendly is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

The Firefly Tote Bag features Double pinwheels in red, white, blue, and a little pink too! It’s the perfect bag for summer picnics and BBQs! I chose patriotic colors, but you can make this bag in any color way you like!

This tote bag was designed to accompany the Firefly quilt. It uses all of the leftover pieces from the double-pinwheel blocks in that quilt. But if you haven’t made that project, the pattern also includes instructions on how to make the tote bag from scratch as well!

Get the Firefly Tote Bag here!

Watch the Firefly Tote Bag YouTube tutorial here!

Finished Size: 15″ x 12″

Supplies:

• Lining: 1/2 yard
• Strap Fabric: 1/3 yard
• Low Vol: 3/4 yard
• Pink: 1/3 yard
• Red: 1/3 yard
• Blue: 1/3 yard
• Aqua: 1/3 yard
• Fusible Foam: 3/4 Yard
• Decorative Ribbon: 3/4″ x 1 Yard

The sample is made using a mix of prints from my various fabric collections.

NOTE: This is a PDF download, to download your file, log into your account in our store, then click ‘view’ on your order.

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Nana’s Hometown Parade Cross Stitch is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

The Nana’s Hometown Parade cross stitch is perfect for celebrating the United States 250th anniversary!

This piece shows its USA pride with vintage trucks flying the flag, a few fireworks, and a charming cottage all decorated for the 4th of July. To make it more flexible for years to come, I’ve included two designs in this chart. You’ll get both the plain chart (without words) and the 250th celebration chart (with the words).

Get the Nana’s Hometown Parade Cross Stitch Pattern here!

The Pattern Includes:

• Full-color Cross Stitch Charts with Symbols (easy to read!)
• Chart With Words (95w x 41h – approx. 6.8″ x 2.9″)
• Chart Without Words (95w x 32h – approx. 6.8″ x 2.3″)
• Finishing Instructions With Words
• Finishing Instructions Without Words

Materials Needed:

• Cloth (14-count Aida Wichelt Beautiful Beige)
• DMC Floss (see below)
• Size 26 tapestry needle
• Optional: Embroidery hoop and needle minder

DMC Floss:

• DMC B5200 Snow White (0.2 Skein)
• DMC 761 Salmon Lt (0.2 Skein)
• DMC 3760 Wedgwood (806) (0.2 Skein)
• DMC 3811 Blue Waterfall (0.2 Skein)
• DMC 3862 Mocha Beige Dk. (0.2 Skein)

The samples is stitched on 14-count Aida cloth using 2 strands of DMC floss.

Don’t miss out on the Nana’s Hometown Parade Quilt Pattern too! They’re the perfect pair for celebrating the patriotic season!

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Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Quilt Pattern (Firefly Beginner Friendly) is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

I’m so excited to introduce my newest quilt pattern! This quilt is a fun patriotic design featuring classic churn dash blocks with a playful surprise inside — double pinwheels spinning right in the center.

This design mixes timeless tradition with a little extra movement and charm. The churn dash blocks create a strong, classic framework, while the double pinwheels bring energy and whimsy to the quilt.

This quilt is perfect for summer picnics and BBQs! I chose patriotic colors, but you can make this quilt in any color way you like! Here are a few ideas of how you can use this quilt in your home:

• Summer decorating
• Independence Day celebrations
• Picnics and porch sitting
• Or simply adding a cheerful pop of color to your home

Quilt Size

This quilt finishes at 68″ x 82″, making it a wonderful size for:

• A cozy throw
• A bed topper
• A seasonal quilt to brighten up your home

Fabric Requirements:

• Background: 2-1/4 yards
• Low Vol: 5 FQs (18″ x 21″)
• Pink: 3 FQs
• Red: 5 FQs
• Blue: 5 FQs
• Aqua: 3 FQs
• Pink Block Borders: 5/8 Yard
• Aqua Block Borders: 5/8 yard
• Binding + Cornerstones (Red): 3/4 yard
• Backing/Batting: 5 yards

A Fresh Take on Patriotic Colors

The sample is made using a mix of prints from my various fabric collections including Heartland, Bloom, and Sew Quilty! The backing is a large floral print from my Homespun line.

Instead of sticking to the traditional red, white, and blue palette alone, I decided to add soft pinks to the mix. The pink gives the quilt a sweeter, more summery feel while still keeping that patriotic spirit.

One of my favorite details in this quilt is the low volume sashing. Rather than using plain background fabric, the sashing adds subtle texture and movement between the blocks.

Those quiet prints help frame each churn dash block while still letting the pinwheels shine. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the overall look of the quilt.

Classic Blocks, Fresh Style

If you love traditional quilt blocks but enjoy a little creative twist, this pattern is such a fun one to make. The churn dash blocks give it that classic quilt feel, while the double pinwheels add motion and personality to every block.

I absolutely loved watching this quilt come together, and I can’t wait to see the versions you create!

I’ve made it in patriotic colors, but you can make it in any color way you like. Here are a few samples to get you started.

Backing Details

I used a creamy large floral print from my Homespun line. It’s filled beautiful larger florals including blue, aqua, red, pink, and a little green.

I used a blue gingham for the binding to tie it all together. And don’t forget to add a little label to your projects as well! This cute personalized label is from Everemblem. They have great personalized label options, I’ve chosen the foldable labels which are perfect for adding to your binding.

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Nana’s Hometown Parade Quilt and NEW Fabric Line! is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

SHOP the Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt and fabric here!

The Homespun fabric collection is perfect for your summer sewing! I used it in my Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt that features sweet house blocks, vintage trucks, and double pinwheels — perfect for summer picnics and BBQs!

Nana’s Hometown Parade finishes at 75″ x 75″ so it’s the perfect size for cuddling up on the couch, taking out for a picnic, or displaying on a quilt ladder. Start sewing the Nana’s Hometown Parade  quilt pattern now and have it finished just in time to celebrate the USA!

To complete Nana’s Hometown Parade you will need:

• Nana’s Hometown Parade Pattern
• Pink: 4 FQs (18″ x 21)
• Red: 2 FQs
• Aqua: 5 FQs
• Blue: 3 FQs
• Brown: 2 FQs
• Low Vol: 1 FQs
• Background: 3 yards
• Border 2 (Red): 3/8 yard
• Border 3 (Low Vol): 1-1/4 yards
• Binding: 5/8 yard Red
• Backing/Batting: 4-5/8 yards

Get the Homespun Collection here!

LIMITED EDITION FQ Bundle Includes:

• 30 Beautiful FQs of the EXCLUSIVE Homespun Fabric Collection

The Homespun fabric is available in FQ Bundles and Nana’s Hometown Parade quilt kits. The FQ Bundle includes 30 beautiful prints tied with a sweet ribbon! The quilt kits includes the 30-piece FQ Bundle along with the Background, Borders, Binding, and Backing fabrics. The kit includes everything you need to complete this beautiful quilt, except the batting!

LIMITED EDITION QUILT KIT Includes:

• Nana’s Hometown Parade Print PATTERN
• EXCLUSIVE Nana’s Stickers
• 30 Beautiful FQs of the EXCLUSIVE Homespun Fabric Collection
• Low Vol. Background
• Aqua Floral Backing
• Red Gingham Border
• Low Vol Floral Border

The sample quilt is made using my NEW Homespun fabric collection! This is a LIMITED collection and will NOT be restocked, so once it’s gone, it’s gone!

The fabrics feature beautiful creamy low-volume florals, cozy pinks, warm browns, and of course pops of red, aqua, and denim. The prints include florals, geometric designs, a fun stripe, and everyone’s favorite—gingham!

The quilt itself shows off its USA pride with vintage trucks flying the flag and charming cottages all decorated for the 4th of July. In honor of fireworks, double pinwheels are scattered throughout the design. The whole quilt is framed with a lovely floral border, and the corners are topped off with double pinwheels for an extra touch of flair.

Join me in sharing our patriotism by sewing this darling red, white, and blue (with a little pink!) summer quilt!

And don’t forget to label your quilts for future generations! This label is from The Sweetwater Co Tagged Subscription. I’ve been a member for several years, and each month they send a darling personalized label that you can use for your quilty projects!

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Groovy Crochet Granny Square Pillow Pattern is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Learn to crochet with this beginner-friendly colorful granny square pillow! It’s great for using up your yarn scraps and making your space colorful!

Finished Size: Approx. 16″ x 16″

Finished size may vary depending on your yarn and hook size.

Watch the Groovy Crochet Granny Square Pillow tutorial here!

Supplies:

• Clover Amour Crochet Hook US E
• 200g Size 2 yarn (I used Lori Holt Chunky Thread in a variety of colors)
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• 18″ Pillow Insert (May vary, I recommend finishing your panels then choosing your pillow insert size)

NOTE: Using another yarn weight is fine, just note that it will change your finished crochet panels, and increase or decrease the size of your finished pillow.

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Stitch-To-Go Case! is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

The Stitch-To-Go Case is perfect for organizing and taking your cross stitch projects on the go! The Stitch To Go Case was inspired by my original Craft-To-Go Case, but specifically designed for your cross stitch projects!

It features 12 clear vinyl slots for floss, and a handy floss scrap keeper! It also has a large vinyl pocket to keep your stitched piece clean and safe, along with a large pocket behind the floss for your pattern! I also added in a needle keeper, scissor pocket, and a handy pen pocket. And the whole thing is held together with a cute little snap closure to keep everything safe and secure inside!

And if you’ll notice they fold like a binder, so you can store them vertically on your shelf like a book for easy access!

Get the Stitch To-Go case here!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze!

This project finishes at 9″ x 12″, so it’s the perfect size for taking your stitching on the go! While intended for cross stitch projects, this fun little case would be perfect for any type of stitching crafts!

The PDF pattern includes step-by-step written instructions along with graphic illustrations to help make this cute pattern a breeze! It also comes with a video tutorial to make assembly even easier!

Grab your pattern and follow along with my YouTube tutorial and get started sewing today!

Watch the Stitch To-Go video tutorial here!

Supplies:

• Outside Fabric: 1 FQ (18″ x 21″)
• Lining Fabric: 1 FQ
• Binding Fabric: 1 F8 (9″ x 21″)
• Accent Fabric: 1 F8
• Light Weight Vinyl: 3/4 yd (By Annie’s Vinyl is great for bags!)
• Batting: 1/2 yd
• Velcro or Snap (I used this Metal Snap Set, see my video tutorial for a demo!)
• Optional: 505 Basting Spray

Product Features:

• Finished size approximately: 9″ x 12″
• 12 Floss Slots
• Large Pocket for Stitched Piece
• Needle Keeper
• Floss Scrap Keeper
• Pocket for Pattern
• Scissor and Pen Pockets
• Clasp to hold everything secure!

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2026 Clean With Me Sewing Room Declutter & Organization Series is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

Welcome to My 10-Day FREE Sewing Room Declutter & Organization Series!

Each day at 10am MT, I’ll be releasing a short video on YouTube sharing my tips for keeping your sewing and crafting area clean, clutter free, and organized! By the end of 10 Days, you’ll have a beautiful, functional, and inviting space to sew in!

If your sewing room is feeling cluttered, overwhelming, or just not as inspiring as it used to be, you’re in the right place. Over the next 10 days, I’m sharing a brand-new daily YouTube video where I walk you through exactly how I declutter and organize my sewing space—one manageable category at a time.

This series is designed to feel doable, not exhausting. You don’t need a full weekend, fancy storage solutions, or perfection. Just a little time each day and a willingness to reset your space so it supports your creativity (instead of stressing you out).

Whether you sew every day or just squeeze it in when you can, I hope this series helps you reclaim your sewing room and fall back in love with it.

So let’s dive right in!

• Download the FREE 10 Day Sewing Room Declutter PDF here.
• Stop by my YouTube Channel to watch each day’s video!
• Make three areas to use as we go: Donate, Keep, and Trash (cardboard boxes are great for donations and I usually keep a trash bag handy for anything I know I’ll toss!)

Watch the 2026 Clean With Me YouTube series here!

Donation Ideas: Local Quilt Guilds, 4-H Groups, Craft Thrift Stores, and Local Libraries are great places to donate your unwanted items!

Motivation Tips: Set a timer to help you stay motivated. Small actions each day will add up! Don’t forget to take Before and After photos to help keep you motivated to keep your space clean! And keep in mind, this series is just a guide to get you going!

How the 10-Day Declutter Works

Each day focuses on one specific area of the sewing room. I recommend watching the daily video, then spending a short, focused block of time tackling that day’s task. Stop when the time is up—you can always come back tomorrow.

Here’s what we’ll be working through together:

Day 1: Take Out the Trash

We’re starting easy and fast. Broken tools, empty packaging, old notes, random papers—this is all about removing what clearly doesn’t belong in your sewing room anymore.

Day 2: Sort Fabric Yardage

Pull out your fabric yardage and decide what you truly love, what you’ll realistically use, and what might be better off donated or passed along.

Day 3: Sort Fabric Small Cuts (FQs, Pre-Cuts, etc.)

Fat quarters, half yards, layer cakes, charm packs—today is about grouping like items together so you actually know what you have.

Day 4: Sort Fabric Scraps

Scraps can quickly take over a sewing room. We’ll talk about keeping scraps that serve you and letting go of the rest.

Day 5: WIPs, UFOs, and Future Projects

This is a big one. We’ll go through works in progress, unfinished projects, and plans for the future—deciding what still excites you and what can be released.

Day 6: Patterns, Books, and Magazines

From quilt patterns to sewing books and magazines, today is all about organizing your inspiration and reference materials so they’re easy to find and enjoyable to use.

Day 7: Notions, Tools, and Thread

Scissors, rotary cutters, rulers, pins, and thread—this day focuses on corralling the small but mighty tools that make sewing possible.

Day 8: Batting and Interfacing

Batting and interfacing can be bulky and awkward to store. We’ll sort what you have and create a system that actually works.

Day 9: Sewing Machines, Irons, and Cutting Mats

Today is about your larger tools—cleaning, checking what you use most, and setting them up in a way that supports your workflow.

Day 10: Reset Your Space and Rest

We’ll finish by resetting the room, putting everything back intentionally, and—most importantly—taking a moment to rest and enjoy what you’ve accomplished.

Organizational Videos:

• How to Organize your Fabric Yardage Video
• How to Sort and Organize your Scraps Video
• Sewing Room Tour (including links for everything in my sewing room)

Join Me on YouTube

I’m releasing a new video goes each day for the next 10 days, walking you through that day’s declutter step with practical tips, encouragement, and real-life sewing room honesty.

Subscribe on YouTube so you don’t miss a day Declutter alongside me at your own pace Celebrate progress—not perfection!

I’m so excited to do this with you. Let’s make our sewing rooms spaces that support creativity, calm, and joy.

Happy sewing!

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2026 Sewing Room Tour is a post from Confessions of a Homeschooler. If you’ve enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Erica on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest! Also be sure to stop by her Community to join the discussion or her Store to see her latest items!

With the new year upon us, I decided to reorganize and rearrange my sewing room, so that means it’s time for an updated sewing room tour! I love the new layout and don’t worry, everything in my room is linked below!

I’ve added a few new storage things this year to help make my room more functional, organized, and pretty!

Watch the 2026 Sewing Room Tour video here!

Furniture Links

• Kallax shelving unit (I have a 2×4 unit, a 2×2 unit, and a 5×5 unit. 
• Linnmon Table Top (78 3/4” x 23 5/8” mat white table tops – I put two table tops together as shown in the video.)
• Adils table Legs (I purchased 8 of the white legs. Three on each end and two in the center for stability.)
• Micke Desk (My main work desk)
• Mittback Trestle Legs (I use these to help give my desk support and hold a few extra things too!)
• Moppe Mini Storage Chest (For my smaller fiber stash)
• White Sewing Chair
• Monitor Stand
• Felt Right Quilting Star (Use Coupon Code: ERICA10)
• Pink Sherpa Chair

Products Shown

• Juki TL2000 Qi
• Wooden Scrap Baskets
• Ikea Wooden Box Organizer
• Wooden Thread organizer
• Floss ‘N Store & Binders
• Jelly Roll Rug
• White Fabric Baskets
• Oliso Pro-Smart Iron
• Magnetic Pin Bowl
• It’s Sew Emma Stash ‘n Store
• Creative Grid Ruler
• Aurifil Thread (I use 50 wt 2021)
• Riley Blake Tailor’s Clapper
• Modern American Vintage Clapper
• Olfa Splash 45mm Rotary Cutter
• Bit Mat Rotary Cutting Surface
• Clover Wonder Clips
• Little House Pins
• Alphabitties
• 505 Fabric Adhesive
• Comic Book Boards (Used to store yardage)

Pattern Links

• You can find all of my patterns here! 
• 2021-2022 Sew With Me
• Just Keep Sewing Mini
• Vintage QUILTY Truck of the Month
• Vintage STITCHY Truck of the Month
• Spools

Video Links

• DIY Design Wall
• DIY Ironing Board
• Thread Catcher
• Jelly Roll Rug
• How to Organize Scraps
• Fabric Storage Organization

I hope you enjoyed my sewing room tour!

If you just started quilting or sewing, check out my How to Quilt Series!

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