As the snow melts away and the days grow longer, there’s a fresh energy in the air—just the push we need to dive into new sewing projects! This month, we’re bringing you an inspiring mix of new materials, expert tips, and exciting opportunities to fuel your creativity.
New Arrivals to Love!
Diamond in the Rough
Designed by the talented Colleen Annalee, this cork fabric is nothing short of stunning. With rich textures and earthy hues, add a refined touch to any bag-making project. If you’ve been waiting to try cork, this is your sign to start stitching!
Become a Sallie Tomato certified educator!
certified educator applications open!
For those who dream of sharing their love of sewing with others, applications are now open for the Sallie Tomato Certified Educator Program. This is your chance to join a passionate team of creators who inspire and teach fellow sewing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or just starting your teaching journey, this program is a fantastic way to spread your creativity.
exclusive designer spotlight interview!
Bag Makers Club
Finally, we’re thrilled to share an exclusive interview with Celine of Blue Calla Designs! Get an inside look at her creative journey and discover the inspiration behind her stunning patterns. If you’re looking for a like-minded community, don’t forget to check out our Bag Maker’s Club—it’s the perfect way to stay motivated and connected.
Join our Bag Makers Club and get exclusive access to this month's featured pattern, along with expert tips, a supportive community of fellow bag makers, and insider sewing techniques.
There’s still time to sign up—register by the 20th to be part of this month’s creative journey! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to sew alongside passionate makers and bring a beautiful bag to life.
Shop our products in person!
Quilt shows are the perfect place to spark creativity, connect with fellow makers, and get hands-on with the latest fabrics and supplies. Check if we are coming to a city near you this year with our Events Calendar!
There’s nothing like seeing and feeling materials in person, picking up fresh ideas, and chatting with people who share your passion for sewing. Whether you're hunting for the perfect fabric, looking for new techniques, or just want to soak up the inspiration, our Warehouse Shop & Sew event in Fox Lake, WI, on May 8 and 9 is a must-visit! Join us for a fun-filled experience where you can shop exclusive materials, discover new projects, and connect with fellow makers. We’d love to see you there!
New Tutorials!
How-To Video: Webbing for Bag Making 101
Learning new techniques is always a thrill, and this month’s how-to video is all about webbing! Webbing adds both durability and style to bag-making projects, but how do you incorporate it seamlessly into your patterns? Our new tutorial covers everything you need to know—different types, best uses, and expert inspiration to level up your projects.
prepare for any event with clear vinyl bag making!
Clear vinyl is a game-changer for modern sewing projects, offering both functionality and a sleek, polished look. Perfect for making clear bags, pockets, and ID holders, it’s an excellent choice for concerts, summertime fairs, and events where see-through bags are required. With a few pro tips and techniques, you can easily work with clear vinyl to create stylish and practical designs. Our step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process, ensuring beautiful results every time.
Behind the Scenes with our CEO Jess!
It’s been a busy start to the year at the office as we made room for two new social media team members (yay for fresh ideas and creativity!) and set up an exciting new conference/podcast space. It’s still under construction, but consider this your official sneak peek! With all the hustle and bustle, I’ll admit I haven’t been as active on our social media pages as I’d like. But I’m planning to change that! If you love behind-the-scenes glimpses of what we’re up to, let me know—I’d love to share more on Instagram and Facebook stories.
On the personal side, my family has been recovering from a round of sickness, but thankfully, we’re all healthy again. And with the unseasonably warm weather we had for a few days, we took full advantage—hiking at Horicon Marsh, jumping on the trampoline, and soaking up some much-needed fresh air.
Plus, we had something extra special to celebrate—my sweet niece turned ONE! If you didn’t know, my brother Jake (who’s also my business partner) handles all things finance, sources all of our amazing products, and oversees the website. My mom was able to visit them in Peru, so it was extra special for her to celebrate this milestone with family.
I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to! Let’s connect on Instagram & Facebook —tell me about your latest sewing projects, adventures, or just say hi!
Hope your year is off to a great start! Happy sewing! ✨💖" - Jess
Final Thoughts
As you welcome spring with open arms (and maybe a new sewing project), remember that every stitch holds a little bit of magic. Whether you’re experimenting with fresh fabrics, learning a new technique, or simply enjoying the creative process, let your imagination bloom! Happy sewing, and may your March be as bright and beautiful as your handmade creations!
As always, we love seeing your creations—so don’t forget to share your projects with us on Instagram & Facebook! Tag us with #sallietomato so we can celebrate your amazing work.
Until next month, happy sewing! 💕🧵✂️
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