Happy Saturday! I had such a great time last weekend up in Northern California at my family reunion. I haven't been with everyone for over 15 years. My close cousins started a group chat so now there are 5 of us that text each other all the time and stay in touch. We are the middle generation cousins and are planning our next get together for early next year. Even though my entire weekend was spent traveling, I felt so great at work this week and had a new pep in my step. I really needed to...
17 days ago • 4 min read
Happy Saturday! I had such a great time in Northern California at my family reunion. My cousins started a group chat so now there are 5 of us that text each other all the time and stay in touch. We are the middle generation cousins and are planning our next get together for early next year. Even though my entire weekend was spent traveling, I felt so great at work this week and had a new pep in my step. I really needed to spend time with family. Being all alone in Southern California can get...
17 days ago • 6 min read
Happy Saturday! I'm flying to Northern California today for a family reunion in downtown Pleasanton. Very excited to see my family, it's been at least 20 years since I last saw everyone together. Family is important, so make sure your not crafting too much and missing out on life! I added scrappy borders to my queen size churn dash big block quilt and just got my cotton batting from Amazon the other day. I'll share the finished quilt and how I added the borders in my next newsletter This is...
25 days ago • 3 min read
Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I get asked all the time what's the best way to learn how to crochet. My gut response is to have someone sit with you and show you but that's just not practical for most. Then I suggest Woobles kits just to get you started. They created their own beginner yarn which is sturdier to work with. It's in a nice little package and has everything you need. Once you've learned with the kit, stop using their beginner yarn and switch over to regular...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Just want to share my latest posts in case you missed them. I've been back in my sewing room and getting back into quilting. It's my happy place and I'm sure it's yours too! I experimented with a very simple Churn Dash quilt block but tried to make it more modern. My finished block is 17" and you don't need a special square ruler to make it. Just follow the instructions to make this 9-patch block using HSTs, rectangle units and one center...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Exciting News! I’m so excited to finally share this with you — my brand new website is officially live! 🥳 You can check it out here: www.sewnikki.com Here’s what’s new: A fresh new look that’s easier to navigate (and just feels more me). Pattern Index - All my free quilt, crochet, and sewing patterns are now super easy to find. Learn to Quilt - Dedicated section for new quilters just starting their journey. Digital Patterns - Yup, beautiful printable patterns from all my posts but without any...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Quick Update My new blog is almost finished and I can't wait for you to see it. It will also have a shop with digital and physical products for sale. The new shop will effect my earlier freebies. Some will be discontinued so if there is something you haven't downloaded, get it now. You still have time, that's the last piece to my update as I know how much we all like free patterns. However, this is a business and needs to generate income and for that I know you will understand. I will also be...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Baby Shower Season Crochet Baby Blankets. If you have baby showers to attend this spring, here are two beginner friendly patterns that are quick to make and pack a punch on cuteness. Both have pom pom corners but you can omit if that not your style. Each blanket has a free printable pattern so make sure you download those freebies. Both of these patterns are fun to make. You will need a yarn needle to weave in your tails and a plastic pom pom maker. You can get this 4-pack below for under $7...
4 months ago • 3 min read
It's Granny Time Granny Rectangles. Have you ever made one? I'm hooked now, they are fun to make and love the different shape. If you have wanted to try this type of granny but was never sure how to get started with the stitch count, I got you. See the basic rectangle tutorial first. Then move onto the new table runner pattern. Granny Rectangle Crochet Pattern & Tutorial Here's a new pattern for a crochet table runner. The Red Heart yarn is sturdy and makes a great yarn choice. It's...
4 months ago • 2 min read
California Wildfires. You have all heard, seen or possibly experienced the devasting wildfires in Southern California. If you are a quilter, you can help fire victims by making and donating a quilt. M&L Fabrics in Anaheim, California is my local fabric store and they are coordinating this quilt drive. If you want to help out please read below. It doesn't have to be a new quilt, it can be gently used. You can help someone who lost everything with your handmade gift. The name of this quilt...
5 months ago • 2 min read