My Fat Quarter Shop Haul

 Welcome to my sewing room blog

Today I want to talk to you about my Fat Quarter Shop haul and show you some pics and video of my last delivery from the FQS.

This blog with the video and photos below are not sponsored. I bought these items with my own money and giving my honest opinion on them. There are some affiliate links below where if you purchase an item I make a small commission. Disclaimer I wouldn't link to anything that I wasn't in love with as a fellow sewist !

If you are not familiar with the FQS, it's a quilt shop in Kyle, Texas they also has an amazing online store as well. Kimberly, the owner also has a great Youtube tutorial channel, where she teaches sewing and quilting techniques. If you are a quilter, I highly recommend her Youtube channel.

Now, back to the haul. Have you ever had that one thing in your online shopping cart for days or even weeks and then finally you pull the trigger and make the purchase. Then you keep tracking your order on your phone until finally it arrives at your front door and you are so full of anticipation that you can't wait to tear open your box of new things? That was me, waiting on my last order from the FQS.

I wanted a new cutting mat. Did I really need one? probably not, but to make myself feel better about my new cutting mat purchase I told myself that this old blue cutting mat didn't match my new sewing room decor and this old cutting mat at 18x24 just wasn't meeting my needs anymore. I believed myself and went searching for a new cutting mat. I always check with the FQS first to see what they have and what's on their Daily Flash Sales first. I did a search for cutting mats on their website and BAM !!     I came across the most beautiful cutting mat I had ever seen and it was the perfect size I was looking for at 24x36.

I read all the awesome reviews, added it my cart and then left it there for weeks ! I know right? why do we do this? I really had to justify the purchase in my head again, but let's face it, the cutting mat was a want and not really a "need."

A few weeks go by and I am making a laptop bag with straps. You know the ones that have the long straps that are longer than 24 inches? just kidding, but I did find it more difficult to cut long straps on my smaller cutting map, so I decided today is the day. Im going to sit down tonight and buy that beautiful cutting mat that I've been drooling over for weeks.

I also live in Texas, so when ordering from FQS it doesn't take long for my orders to arrive. I also did pay for upgraded shipping because I live way out in the country and I wanted this beautiful cutting mat (among the other things I bought) to be delivered to my house and not the post office. I live so far out in the county that USPS doesn't even deliver to my house if you can believe that. If I would have not paid for upgraded shipping though, my shipping would have been free with my purchase.

Anyway, UPS was running late and I was on pins and needle (no pun intended). Finally, at 8pm my special delivery arrives and I suddenly I had energy like it was mid morning again.) I'm not a morning person.)

I won't go into all the small details about this cutting mat because I think the video below speaks for itself, but let me tell you that if their was anything I wish I had ordered sooner it was this mat ! Sometimes I just need to stop being so practical and have a little more fun and excitement in my life. 

I will leave a link here to this beautiful Lori Holt Cute Cuts cutting mat and a few other things I bought in this haul such as the Magic Pins. Oh, yes another purchase I wish I would have bought sooner was the Magic Pins. Why didn't someone tell me that not all pins are created equal? I am now going to trade out all my pins for Magic Pins ! Just WOW. Of course, don't forget the FQS is also known for their designer fabrics from designers like Lori Holt, Tula Pink, Me and My Sister, AGF Studio and more. If you decide to check them out go to their Daily Flash Sale. They changed the sale items everyday and they have Weekly Precut Sales also. See the fine tip Frixion erasable marker that I bought here and the absolutely adorable retractable Lori Holt measuring tape here. I also purchase a white pastel chalk pencil. I had never used one of these before, but for the price I had to check it out and I was not disappointed. It worked very well on black and dark blue fabric and you just sharpen it with a pencil sharpener. The most inexpensive way to mark dark fabric. Finally, one of my favorite fabrics is the Riley Black Swiss Dots. These make great blenders and I use these dot fabrics inside a lot of my bags. I always keep several colors on hand to match many of my outside bag fabrics.

If you have this Lori Holt Cute Cuts mat or are thinking about purchasing it leave a comment below. Let everyone know else know your thoughts on it. I even left a 5 Star Review on the Fat Quarter Shop website about this amazing cutting mat!

MechelleMyBell

MechelleMyBell.com

Fat Quarter Shop Quilting and Fabric Store

Why Fat Quarter Shop Should Be Your New Go-To for Fabric & Quilting Supplies

With the news that Joann Fabrics is closing many of its stores, quilters and sewists everywhere are looking for a new, reliable place to shop for fabric and notions. If you haven’t already discovered Fat Quarter Shop, now is the perfect time!

This article may contain affiliate links where I may make a small commission, but it doesn't cost you anything, but it helps my shop so much~

This beloved online quilt shop, founded by Kimberly Jolly, has everything you need to keep your creativity flowing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced quilter, Fat Quarter Shop offers an exceptional shopping experience, a massive fabric selection, and some of the best quilting tutorials available online.

Personalized Customer Service That Stands Out-

One thing that truly sets Fat Quarter Shop apart is its amazing customer service. Unlike big-box craft stores, where help can be hard to find, Fat Quarter Shop provides a personalized shopping experience that makes customers feel valued. The team is always available to help with fabric choices, pattern recommendations, and any questions you might have about your order.

Their attention to detail is top-notch-

 From carefully packaged shipments to fast shipping that make every purchase feel special. If you’re looking for a shop that truly cares about its customers, this is it!

The Best Quilting & Sewing Tutorials on YouTube

Not only does Fat Quarter Shop sell fabric, but they also provide some of the best online education for quilters and sewists. Kimberly Jolly, the shop’s founder, is an excellent instructor and has built a fantastic YouTube channel packed with:

Quilt-Along Tutorials Step-by-step guides for stunning quilt patterns.

Sewing Tips & Tricks Learn time-saving techniques and expert advice.

Beginner-Friendly Lessons If you’re new to quilting, this channel is a goldmine.

Sewing Tutorials for bags and fun projects.

Other great finds at the Fat Quarter Shop:

*Each week, they also feature a Pre-Cut Sale of the Week, where you can score major discounts on popular fabric collections.

*24-Hour Flash Sales - If you love a good deal, you’ll be obsessed with Fat Quarter Shops daily 24-hour flash sales. Every single day, they offer a deep discount on a select items,  sometimes it’s fabric, sometimes a notion, but it’s always a great find. These deals change daily, so it’s worth checking their site often!

*Block-of-the-Month Projects -  Perfect for those who love quilting one block at a time.

*Free Downloadable Quilt Patterns. take at look at their website for free quilt patterns you can download anytime. 

* The Sew Sampler Subscription Box- This subscription box is well thought out and amazing. It's a monthly curated quilting box that automatically delivers surprise quilting and sewing goodies to your front door every month. Each month will feature a specific theme sure to surprise and inspire you. It's  an excellent value for such a small monthly investment. If you were to buy everything in the box individually you would be paying so much more. And you get that excited feeling of a special gift all your own every single month. 

An Incredible Selection of Fabrics & Pre-Cuts

Fat Quarter Shop carries an enormous range of fabrics from top designers and brands. Whether you love modern prints, classic florals, or timeless basics, they have something for every style. Plus, their fabric is high-quality and carefully curated, so you know you’re getting the best.

One of the highlights of shopping there is their huge selection of pre-cuts, including:

Fat Quarter Bundles

Jelly Rolls

Layer Cakes

Charm Pack

Why Fat Quarter Shop is the Best Alternative to Joann Fabrics

With Joann Fabrics closing its locations, a lot of people are wondering where to buy fabric now. Some might turn to big online retailers, but if you are looking for top notch fabric from well known designers then, Fat Quarter Shop is the best choice for quilters and sewists because they offer: 

Personalized customer service you won’t find at a chain store.

An unmatched selection of quilting fabrics, pre-cuts, and kits.

High-quality fabric from the best designers.

Educational resources through their amazing YouTube tutorials.

Exciting sales, including daily flash deals and weekly pre-cut specials.

If you’re looking for a new fabric store to love, Fat Quarter Shop is hands-down the best choice. Whether you need quilting fabric, notions, or just some inspiration, this shop has it all. I buy about 90% of my fabrics at this shop and I can honestly recommend that this shop is amazing and their high quality quilting cotton is even better and did I mention you get free shipping when you buy just $80? That is so easy to do, so go ahead and get the free shipping too.

Ready to start shopping? Visit Fat Quarter Shop today and see why so many quilters love it!

See my latest favorites from Fat Quarter Shop below. The floral Serenity Blue Roses and the floral Regal Rose Pink Bouquet. I cannot wait to start my next project with these beauties. 👇

MechelleMBell

MechelleMyBell.com

The Reliable Janome HD 5050 Sewing Machine Workhorse

Janome HD 5050: A Reliable Workhorse for Every Sewing Enthusiast

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, durable sewing machine, the Janome HD 5050 is a fantastic choice. As someone who has used and tested many machines, I can confidently say that this is my personal favorite. The smooth stitching performance, durability, and ease of use make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced sewers. See pictures of my personal Janome HD 5050 at the end of this article.

Whether you’re working on garment sewing, home decor projects, quilting, or embroidery, the Janome HD 5050 can handle it all with ease. Let’s dive into the standout features that make this machine a must-have for any sewing room.

This article my contain affiliate links, where I earn a small commission, but doesn't cost you anything and it helps my blog so much!

Key Features of the Janome HD 5050

1. Extension Table Comes Standard

One of the biggest advantages of the Janome HD 5050 is the included extension table. This provides extra workspace, which is especially useful when working on larger projects like quilts, draperies, or big sewing patterns. A larger surface helps prevent fabric from pulling or shifting, giving you better stitch accuracy.

2. Easy Drop-In Bobbin

No more struggling with front-loading bobbins! The easy drop-in bobbin system allows for quick changes and easy monitoring of your thread supply. This feature helps prevent running out of thread mid-stitch and makes reloading a breeze.

3. Automatic Thread Cutter

With the press of a button, the built-in thread cutter trims both your top and bobbin thread—eliminating the need for scissors and making sewing more efficient. This is a great time-saver, especially when working on long seams or production-style sewing.

4. Needle Up/Down Button

This feature lets you set your needle position to stay either up or down when you stop sewing. It’s a game-changer for quilting, applique, and pivoting around corners since it allows you to control fabric movement without losing your place.

5. Automatic Needle Threader

Threading a needle has never been easier! The built-in needle threader takes the frustration out of threading, saving time and reducing eye strain—especially helpful when working with fine or dark-colored threads.

6. Speed Control

With adjustable speed control, you can sew at a comfortable pace, whether you’re working on delicate fabrics or heavy-duty materials. If you’re new to sewing, this feature allows you to sew slowly for precision and gradually increase speed as you gain confidence.

7. LCD Display

The LCD display screen provides clear information about stitch selection, stitch length, and width settings. This makes it easy to adjust your machine quickly without guesswork.

8. Reverse Stitch Button

For extra durability, the reverse stitch button reinforces seams by locking stitches at the beginning and end. This is especially useful for sewing garments, bags, and home decor projects where strong seams are essential.

9. Drop Feed Dogs for Free Motion Quilting

If you love quilting or embroidery, the ability to drop the feed dogs is a must-have. This allows for free motion quilting, stippling, and creative stitching—giving you full control over your fabric movement for intricate designs.

Why Buy a High-Quality Sewing Machine from a Dealer?

1. Expert Guidance and Support

When you purchase from a sewing machine dealer, you’re not just buying a machine—you’re getting expert advice, training, and ongoing support. Dealers can help you understand the features of your machine, troubleshoot issues, and guide you through sewing techniques.

2. Professional Servicing and Maintenance

A good machine is an investment, and regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly. Unlike big-box stores, a dealer will offer in-house servicing and repairs, ensuring that your machine stays in top condition for years to come.

3. High-Quality, Durable Machines

When you buy from a dealer, you’re getting a higher-end machine built to last. Janome is known for its durability and precision, and the HD 5050 is a true workhorse—perfect for handling heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and upholstery with ease.

4. Hands-On Demonstrations and Classes

Most dealers offer sewing classes and demonstrations, helping you get the most out of your machine. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, these lessons can be invaluable.

Why the Janome HD 5050 is My Personal Favorite

After years of sewing and testing different machines, I can personally vouch for the Janome HD 5050’s durability and smooth performance. Whether I’m working on lightweight cotton fabrics or thick upholstery materials, this machine never skips a beat.

The stitch quality is flawless, and the machine runs effortlessly—even after hours of use. The features make sewing enjoyable, not frustrating, and the included extension table provides the workspace I need for larger projects.

If you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and powerful sewing machine, the Janome HD 5050 is an excellent investment. Whether you sew as a hobby or professionally, this machine will serve you well for years to come.

Final Thoughts

The Janome HD 5050 is a well-built, feature-packed machine that’s perfect for sewists of all skill levels. From its automatic thread cutter to its free-motion quilting capability, this machine offers a combination of power and precision that’s hard to beat.

If you’re ready to take your sewing to the next level, consider purchasing from a trusted dealer who can help you get the most out of your investment. A good machine makes all the difference—and the Janome HD 5050 is a machine that truly delivers. If you want to experience this amazing machine and want to talk to an expert and owner of Ken's Sewing Center who can answer even more questions for you, give him a call and tell him Mechelle Brooks sent you and experience the best customer service and reliability you've ever had. Don't forget to mention my name for an amazing experience. 1-877-536-7739

Have questions about this machine? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to share more about my experience with the Janome HD 5050.

MechelleMyBell

MechelleMyBell.com