Sew Envious

06/17/2026

Last night at the sewing class we chatted about some of my favorite sewing tutorial websites for ideas and patterns.

Here are just a few! You can find a ton of instructional and sew-a-long videos on YouTube - but these are some of the best I've found over the years.

Crafty Gemini - FL gal with great tips and weekly tutorials.
Melanie Ham - Sewing & Crochet too - I miss her.
Noodlehead - More advanced, gorgeous patterns & supplies.
Mx Domestic - Great explanations and fun makes.

Spoonflower - A great place for fun fabrics. Look for sales!

Also, when I find a pattern I like and want to save or make my own - I trace it on a thin cheap cutting board from Dollar Tree! Then it'll last a little longer than a printed one.

Happy Sewing Friends!

06/16/2026

Tonight is the next free sewing class at Swampscott Public Library sponsored by Big Blue Bargains and we're making fabric book sleeves!

This class if FULL. Stay tuned for pics of the lovely creations being made tonight!

06/05/2026

I just added a couple of fun crafty classes at Jade of All Trades . They are pinned at the top and links are there for tickets. Great for kids and teens too!

06/03/2026

The next FREE sewing class at Swampscott Public Library is posted for registration! Limit to 5 participants, then there's a waiting list. Thank you to Big Blue Bargains for sponsoring classes.

Learn to sew with this hands-on adult class! Join Karlene Ball from Sew Envious for a beginner-friendly session where you’ll get comfortable with the basics of sewing machine setup and use. After a 30-minute intro, you’ll spend 90 minutes making a relaxing project: a fabric book sleeves .

05/31/2026

05/30/2026

Still no power. Kids are playing hide and seek.

I'm wearing a heated vest and making pens filled with Swampscott seaglass.

05/28/2026

Are you a local maker, crafter, painter, potter, party-planner etc. in need of an outdoor set-up to sell your wares or host a summer party? Send me a message and rent mine!

I have:
• 10"x10" pop up tent (you'd need to supply the weights)
• 6ft folding table with black to-the-ground tablecloth
• 4ft folding table with black to-the-ground tablecloth
• 8 bed risers to place under the table legs to give the tables height

Shoot me a DM. Easy porch pick-up near Swampscott train station, then you can drop back off when you're done.

05/27/2026

These talented ladies were sewing machine rockstars tonight at Swampscott Public Library! They even had time to make multiple coffee cozies and keyfobs. I'm so proud!

Thanks again to Big Blue Bargains for sponsoring these fun classes.

Keep checking the library's website to sign up for the next class on Tuesday, June 16th 6-8pm.

05/25/2026

I love that so many people want to learn to sew! And best of all these classes are FREE!
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The next sewing classes at Swampscott Public Library are scheduled! They'll be posted on their calendar soon for online sign-ups. Each class is limited to 5 participants, then there's a waiting list for cancelations. (Please call if you can't make it.) It's free! Thanks again to Big Blue Bargains for sponsoring and helping me plan more classes.

Tuesday, May 26th 6pm-8pm
Fabric Cup Cozies with Matching Keyfobs- FULL

Tuesday, June 16th 6pm-8pm
Fabric Book Sleeves

Thursday, June 25th 6pm-8pm
Fabric Book Sleeves

Tuesday, July 7th 6pm-8pm
Mini Makes (Snappy wallet, sunglasses holder, purse scarf)

Thursday, July 16th 6-8pm
Mini Makes (Snappy wallet, sunglasses holder, purse scarf)

The class is 30 minutes of learning the basics, winding a bobbin, threading the machine, basic stitches, what all the buttons do, getting comfortable, then 90 minutes making something fun and functional. Five machines are available, but bring your own if you'd like!

More classes to come!

05/24/2026

I heard a cool story today about this beaded purse from the Swampscott Historical Society. We took a tour of the Sir John Humphrey Memorial House.

Apparently, there was a note inside it that told the story that a young girl was working on this at the beach (I'm guessing Fisherman's?) when an indigenous man came up to see what she was making. She got scared and ran home leaving some of her supplies at the beach. The man gathered them up and followed her and gave them back and asked of she'd teach the women in his family how to do it.

I was thinking about all the artists at Coastal Collective not far from where this likely happened (if it's true).