Have you taken an ordinary item, such as a kitchen towel, handkerchief or T-shirt, and repurposed it into something fabulous using your sewing talents? Comment below and tell us what you recycled and what you made! One random winner will be chosen from the first 30 responses to receive the book: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Tea Towel, by Nathalie Mornu, Lark Books.

Post photos of your creations to our Facebook fan page at facebook.com/sewnews.

Exciting news from Rowenta! They’ve just launched a new sewing and crafting Web site called Craft Lab in partnership with renowned designer Lotta Jansdotter. The site features a variety of tips, ideas and projects inspired by Lotta’s beautiful modern aesthetic.

Lotta Jansdotter

There are also several fun how-to videos hosted by Lotta, including this patchwork coaster project tutorial. Happy sewing!

How to Make Patchwork Coasters w/ Lotta Jansdotter from Rowenta USA on Vimeo.

Picture this: I’m back at work from a busy weekend at Quilt Market in Minneapolis. While sifting through over 200 e-mails, opening snail mail and listening to voice mails, I proceed to accidentally delete all of my Quilt Market photos from my BlackBerry. Here I thought I was the queen of multi-tasking. Not anymore! So, instead of sharing all of the photos of lovely new products, fabulous booth displays and co-workers partying like rock stars, all I am able to do is tell you about them. What a shame!

I was pleasantly surprised to see numerous garment sewing patterns at Quilt Market this year. It seems that garment construction, purse projects and baby items are all the rage in the sewing/quilting world…or at least they will be when the new patterns are made available to consumers. You’ll see the latest and greatest products in upcoming issues of Sew News. Keep your eyes peeled for “Cool Tools” in our next issue!

Our parent company hosted a lovely cocktail party on Friday night, complete with mini grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters! How cute is that? (Wish I could share my artistic photo of said grilled cheese. sigh.) There are many great things coming up in the world of Creative Crafts Group and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Despite the rain and humidity, spring Quilt Market was a huge success this year. I heard vendors saying that it was the most successful show in 4 years. This must be a sign that the economy is turning around–at least in the sewing world. What a relief!

What’s up next? CHA in Rosemont, IL. I’ll be teaching a great T-shirt makeover make-and-take project in the Stitch City right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle in the convention center. If you’re in town, check out the CHA Super Show from July 30 to 31. The project is absolutely free and there are many others you can make while you’re there, too. I’d love to meet you!

Until next time,

Ellen March

It was my friend’s birthday on Saturday, so I decided to make her a simple quilted throw. I finished on Saturday evening, right before her party. I wrapped it in a box and tied a pretty bow around it. She loved it!

What did you sew over the weekend?

Happy Friday to all!

Answer the questions below by posting a comment and we’ll pick one person at random to win The Sew It Book: Ten Things to Make with a Needle and Thread and Odds and Ends, original text by Rachel Taft Dixon, reissued by Amy Barickman of Indygo Junction and The Vintage Workshop (MSRP: $19.99).

1. Are you a Sew News subscriber, or do you buy it on the newsstand?

2. How did you find us on Facebook?

Keep checking back! We’ll pick one winner from the answers below.

Check out the finalists of the 2010  Independent Handbag Designer Awards! Click here to view the cool bags!

Here in Colorado, we certainly had our share of April showers. The plus side? May flowers, of course. Today the sky is blue and the pretty flowering trees outside our office have started to bloom, definitely setting the mood for leisurely walks, bike rides and impromptu picnics. What could make this day even lovelier? A free Pretty Picnic Cloth project, courtesy of Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores!

Whether you’re still shopping (or sewing) for Mom, or just want to add a little oomph to her gift, check out this excellent Mother’s Day deal.  For a limited time, renew or subscribe to Sew News at a special low rate and give a 1-year gift subscription to your mom (or another family member or friend) for FREE! That’s two subscriptions for the price of one! Hurry–the special offer ends this Friday, May 9th. (Offer valid in the U.S. only.)

Last week, we told you about Spring ‘10 Quilting & Embroidery , available only on newsstands and Quilter’s Village.  Yet another great benefit of  this issue is the fun Finishing Touch Embroidered Label Contest. Simply design your own embroidered quilt label, snap a photo and enter to win $499 worth of prizes, including a $50 Quilter’s Village gift certificate and Janome’s very cool DigitizerJR software (MSRP $499). But hurry! The deadline to enter is Monday, May 10.

Quilting & Embroidery Spring '10

Singer has recently partnered with fashion up-and-comer Cecilia Cassini. The coolest part?  Cecilia is only 10 years old–talk about getting a head start! Singer gave Cecilia a brand new Singer Confidence machine to help her create her very own line, which has already caught the eye of several celebrities and high-end boutiques, such as Fred Segal. This morning Cecilia and her Confidence were even featured on NBC’s Today Show! Check out Cecilia stitching away and chatting with Jenna Bush. What an inspiration to junior and veteran fashionistas alike!

Cecilia Cassini

When did you start sewing and/or start teaching the kids in your life to sew? In the latest issue of Sew News, the “Happy Camper” sleeping bag project might be a fun opportunity to help younger sewists get involved. Have the kids choose a pocket applique design, or include them in picking the fabric colors and cutting and stitching. Be sure to send us pictures and post comments about your creations. You might have the next Cecilia Cassini on your hands!