Whether called sewing hacks or tips, sewing room secrets or shortcuts, the effect is always the same – sewers sharing a more productive, efficient way to sew. Of course, learning and trying new sewing techniques is really part of a long tradition of the sewing process.

Easy to make and cost-effective, a front door wreath beckons 'welcome' to visitors. A home facade is instantly updated with lively color and a nod to the change of seasons. Placed on a mantel, a wreath is a time-honored festive focal point.

The strong, rugged cotton fabric known as denim has a storied history. This legendary cloth is well known as hard working clothing of choice (for its durability), worn as a past symbolic badge of rebellion (American pop culture) or adopted even today by esteemed makers of high fashion clothing.

Ever finish sewing a straight shirt collar, stitching carefully to the shirt’s curved neck edge, even pressing carefully during each part of collar construction, only to have one side of the collar stubbornly refuse to lay flat against the shirt bodice? Directional stitching may help.

Free motion machine stitching is useful for monograming on a standard sewing machine, applying simple embroidery designs, thread drawing, quilting, or holding together scrap pieces of fabric to create yardage. For a unique addition to a fabric surface why not give this stitching technique a try?

Whether spring or summer travel is a local micro-cation or a destination of dreams, having a few travel accessories homemade using colorful fabric scraps or a pretty length of fabric saved for just the right occasion, sewing them to go along just seems right.

With rustic hospitality assembled into stunning folk art or unstructured design, unassuming strips of wool fabric, thin thread-worn bed linens, denim jeans and shirts made soft by much wearing, today’s modern t-shirts and more are economically transformed into humble and functional floor coverings.

Thread is thread, right? Practically any continuous spun twisted thin filament can be used as thread when needed. Since thread, of whatever kind, literally holds everything together it is important to try and match the sewing thread to the specific sewing project.

The terms cozy, rustic, Americana, and old-fashioned come to mind when considering patchwork items. The fabric patches are all of the same size, usually squares distinguishing them from "crazy" patchwork designs where pieces are of asymmetrical sizes assembled in a thoughtful yet random design.

Consider DIY fabric care and fiber content labels to include along with unique home-made identifying labels for home sewn garments or fabric craft items. Enhance the quality of your sewn creation, promote a budding brand, and lend a professionalism that will set home sewn items apart from others.