Do you have a quilty friend that every time they share a project they’re working on you’re always floored by how stunning it is?
That’s how I typically feel whenever a new photo by my quilty friend Saija Elina pops up in my Instagram feed!
Our creative paths crossed early on in my quilt journey. Not only had I already seen her gorgeous quilts on Instagram, but we also happened to be pattern testers for Suzy Quilts around the same too 😊
I’d be surprised if you haven’t seen her colourful work already, but if you haven’t then you’re in for a treat today!
Read on to learn more about Saija’s quilting journey and what notions she keeps stocked in her sewing bag!
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INTRODUCTION
Introduction – tell us a little about yourself! How did you get started on your quilting journey?
My sewing journey started as a little kid from sewing Barbie clothes. As a teenager I made clothes for myself and then later I made them for my kids. I also wanted to make a quilt for my son but didn’t know where to start, so I joined a beginner’s class. The class was a fantastic way of getting familiar with all the steps of making a quilt. As the result of the class was a traditional log cabin quilt. Since that very first class, quilting has been my main sewing medium.
I still have that very first quilt somewhere in the depths of our storage. Now that all my children have moved away from home, I have plenty of time for my own hobbies. Over the years I have made everything from dolls to glass beads. I even spent a year or two making silver jewelry and couple summers were spent dyeing fabrics and yarn.
Wow, Saija, you’re truly multi-talented! I would love to see your silver jewelry and glass beads. I used to make earrings and necklaces when I was in my teens and loved working with different beads. I’m so happy you found quilting though, as you really do make the most joyful and colourful quilts!
SEWING BAG
What kind of sewing bag do you have? (e.g. did you make it? Buy it?)
I have too many pouches and bags to count but there is one that is my go-to. I made it myself a couple of years ago. The heart is made out of sample squares from my stash. The opening has a metal frame that helps keep it easily accessible. It isn’t too big to carry but just the right size to fit everything I need. I didn’t really start using it until last summer but now it goes with me to our summer cottage that we visit in the summers. I have a secondary sewing machine there but the bag goes back and forth with me so I can refill it.
Oh, we twin, Saija! I have a travel bag that I bring back and forth between the city and cottage. Isn’t it the best having a go-to bag to keep all your key essentials? I hadn’t thought of using one with a metal frame, but I’m intrigued. Yours is just so cute!
ALL-STAR ESSENTIALS
What are your all-star essentials? Your tried-and-true must-haves that you can never run out of?
The bag has some stable items that are supported by visiting stars depending on what I’m working on at the moment. The most important thing in my bag is thread. I forgot it at home one too many times, so I started being prepared and carrying several basic colors with me. I carry extra pairs of scissors with me as there have been times when the whole family’s been looking for them around the summer cottage. I love all kinds of pretty scissors, and, over the years, I have found so many pretty ones that you could say that I have a collection of them.
The third essential is a small compact ruler that I need almost always. It is paired with a small rotary cutter that is perfect for example for curvy templates. In the bag, there is also a collection of long pins and clips to keep everything in place and a marking pen is also a must-have. As mistakes are bound to happen, I also carry a seam ripper with me.
I chuckled when you said you’d forgotten thread at home. I’ve done that too! I now always have a spool of white thread tucked in there just to be safe 😉 You’re also reminding me to hunt down a small rotary cutter. They really are the best at cutting intricate pieces such as small curves.
FAVOURITE ITEM
What is your favourite item in your kit? Why?
I would say my favorite item is the handy ruler. It’s not necessary to have this particular ruler but I like all rulers and templates. Depending on the project I am working on, I’ll switch the rectangular ruler to triangle, square or different templates. I’m always looking for new ones on my travels and it’s always a bonus if they fit in my bag.
You raise such a good point about a small ruler. I tend to pack my regular 6”x12” ruler and it’s cumbersome. I like the idea of everything fitting in one bag!
SURPRISE ITEM
What’s one thing we’d be surprised to find in your bag?
There really isn’t anything surprising in my bag as they are very basic sewing tools. However, just like a true Finn, I carry a box of salted licorice. It’s an acquired taste but I love it! One candy will fix the sweet tooth right away so I can keep focusing on sewing.
OMGeee, Saija, I’m a licorice LOVER! Although, I don’t think I’ve ever had salted licorice. Normally I stock up during my trips to Amsterdam or get my hubz to snag some during his travels in Europe, but those haven’t happened for quite a while now!
QUILT KITS WILL TRAVEL
When do you find yourself using your kit the most? (Travelling, on the sofa, attending sew-ins?)
This bag mostly travels between my home and summer cottage. Sometimes it will find its way from my sewing room to the couch, especially during movie nights. Despite its white color, I’m not worried about getting it dirty, because if it gets too dirty it just means I get to make another one!
LOL – I literally just gave the same advice to another quilter! Aren’t we lucky that we can whip up another > insert project of choice < whenever it suits us?! Love that you’re putting her to good use. She’s too pretty not be used 😊
TRAVEL MEMORY
What’s your favourite travel memory with your sewing bag?
This travel memory wasn’t very fun when it happened but now, I can smile thinking about it. We were in the boat on our way to the summer cottage when I noticed that I was missing my sewing bag and my latest project. I quickly made my husband turn around to the harbor to see where the bag had run away to. I just hoped that I hadn’t left it at home. When we approached the dock, I could see my bag and quilt nicely waiting there for me. As we turned the boat back towards the cottage, it started pouring down rain as usual for the Finnish summer. My bag and quilt were spared an unnecessary washing and I got to keep my plans of a long weekend of only sewing.
First off, I love that your husband turned the boat around no questions asked! Clearly, he gets the importance of these items 😉 Second, I know my heart would have sunk at the realization that I’d forgotten my sewing bag and quilt. How lucky you realized you didn’t have them with you and spared them before they got soaked in the downpour. Phew!
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?
Tell people where we can find you?
You can find me on:
- Instagram @saija_elina (my quilting work.)
- Instagram @saija_elina_photography (nature/city photographs)
- Blog
- Etsy
I just adored reading through your responses, Saija, and I’m just so thrilled you agreed to participate in the What’s in Your Sewing Bag Series. I honestly smiled throughout the entire preparation of this post and couldn’t believe how much we have in common. Here’s to looking forward to meeting one day in person and getting to have a proper chat!
For more What’s in Your Sewing Bag fun, check out these guests:
- Michelle from Michelle Bartholomew
- Krista from Poppyprint
- Cheri from Tinkerellen
- Lisa from Sew Curated
- Tiffany from Village Bound Quilts
Happy quilting!
xo
Shannon
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