Are you ready to dive into one of the most well travelled sewing bags in the What’s in Your Sewing Bag series?

Today’s guest is one of the first people I ever met on Instagram and then met in real life! Yup, it does happen!

Kim was so sweet to reach out to me when her and her family were vacationing in Montreal last summer. I was so excited to get Kim’s message asking if I’d like to meet up for a drink.

Um – yes, please!

Kim and I first met while we were both participating in the What Shade Are You blog series for RJR Fabrics. And my admiration for Kim’s creative work just grew from there (have you seen her Lincoln quilt? Stunning!). So, to have the chance to sit and have a quilty chat with her was just the best! Even better than that is that our friendship just continues to grow through supporting one another in our creative pursuits. Creative women rock, right?!

Needless to say, I’m super excited to share some of Kim’s fabulousness with you today!

Let’s dive in and see what quilty goodies are hiding in her travel sewing bag. 

*This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction – tell us a little about yourself! How did you get started on your quilting journey?

I began quilting as many people do, when I was preparing to have a baby! My mom gave me a sewing machine for Valentine's Day when I was pregnant with my second son, and the rest is history!

SEWING BAG

What kind of sewing bag do you have? (e.g. did you make it? Buy it?)

The sewing bag that I have used for years, is a *Sew Together bag that was made for me by Michelle Cain of From Bolt to Beauty. It’s been my constant companion (along with the little Bernina pouch that came with my sewing machine, which holds oil, sewing machine feet, and the brush I use to clean my bobbin case).

Oh, I love that your bag was made for you, Kim! That instantly sparked joy for me and I bet it brings you joy every time you use it 😊

ALL-STAR ESSENTIALS

What are your all-star essentials? Your tried and true must haves that you can never run out of?

I’m really very simple . . . and practical. I don’t have a lot of notions or tools in my bag. But I can tell you that I always have binding clips, a spool of Aurifil thread, needles (both for hand sewing and my sewing machine), a seam ripper, scissors, and a pencil. 

Nothing wrong with simple and practical – words I love to live by too!

FAVOURITE ITEM

What is your favourite item in your kit? Why?

I have two! I recently bought these extra-long sashiko needles from Brooklyn Haberdashery at QuiltCon. I used them to stitch a sashiko panel and fell in love. Now I want to use them for everything! I also really love my *Kai scissors. They are extremely sharp and lightweight, which makes them so easy to use.

Oh, fun! Two new notions for me to check out!

SURPRISE ITEM

What’s one thing we’d be surprised to find in your bag?

I always have little mementos from my kids. Hearts made out of Perler beads, necklaces, and little tiny drawings that make me smile whenever I go in my bag. I also usually have some spare change — for when I might be at a class or retreat — and need a salty snack! 

So cuuuuuuute! Handwritten notes and little gifts are just the best! Spare change is pretty clever too, my friend!

QUILT KITS WILL TRAVEL

When do you find yourself using your kit the most? (Travelling, on the sofa, attending sew-ins?)

This little bag does it all! It travels around the sewing room and house with me, especially if I’m binding a quilt. It comes with me to sewing workshops, the occasional sewing session at my mom’s house, and even on trips (although I have yet to actually sew when on vacation — I always bring it along with the best of intentions to sew in the car, but apparently I’m too much of a passenger seat driver!). In my defense, Long Island driving can make anyone bananas.

Ha! We’d make a fun pair on a road trip – you being a back seat driver and me pointing out every. Single. Tree. Along the way!

TRAVEL MEMORY

What’s your favourite travel memory with your sewing bag?

This just made me laugh. Because I really have taken this bag everywhere. It’s been to Canada — twice. It’s been to Italy, Arizona, Chicago, Paducah, Nashville, back and forth to my mother-in-law’s in Connecticut. . . I always have it by my side. I just rarely get any sewing accomplished! It’s my just-in-case travel companion!

Wow, a well traveled sewing bag!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?

Tell people where we can find you?

You can always find my sewing adventures at @lelandavestudios on IG and www.lelandavestudios.com. But I’d really love to share about my newest adventure, @feelgoodfibers. FeelGood Fibers is a one-of-a-kind community where fabric lovers can buy and sell second-hand fabric online. We are currently only open for US buyers and sellers, but we also have a really fun blog called Good Vibes, where we share information on how craft inspires a happier more mindful life. We also love to share uplifting illustrations (drawn by yours truly!) on our Instagram feed. We’d love for you to check it out! 

I LOVE this new venture, Kim! And I’m super proud to know you’re the artist behind all the illustrations! So many creative talents 😊

Anything else you’d like to share?

Yes! FeelGood Fibers is a brand new community, and we are always looking for ways to collaborate with — you! If anyone would like to contribute an idea, an article, or curate a playlist for FeelGood Friday, we are thrilled to work with you! In the past, on the Good Vibes blog we’ve featured pattern designers, professional organizers, nutritionists, athletes, and coaches — anyone that is interested in helping creative people (particularly quilters) to live a more mindful and positive lifestyle! 

To send us a note, email us at hello@feelgoodfibers.com — we’d love to hear from you!

Thank you so much, Kim, for sharing more about you, your well travelled sewing bag and your fun new textile adventures over on FeelGood Fibers!

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For more What’s in Your Sewing Bag fun, check out these guests:

 

Happy stitching!

xo,

Shannon

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