What’s in Your Sewing Bag Megan Collins?

I’m back with a new What’s in Your Sewing Bag series and I couldn’t be more excited to have Megan Collins as the latest special guest!

As so many of my stories go, Megan and I connected on Instagram years back. I’ve always admired her love of bold colours, and we have a mutual appreciation for quilting curves! Although she takes the cake on the number of amazing patterns that feature them 😊

You know those people who you just feel comfortable with from the moment you meet?

That’s how I felt when I met Megan at QuiltCon in Atlanta (read more about that quilty adventure here). Maybe it’s because we were bonding over Mexican food or perhaps it’s her genuine and infectious laugh that instantly makes me smile whenever I hear it (just thinking of it has the same effect!). Whatever it is, I feel so lucky to have connected with Megan in person and am delighted that you’re getting to know a little more about her today too!

Read on to learn more about Megan’s quilting adventures and what notions she sneaks inside her sewing kit!

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Introduction

Introduction – tell us a little about yourself! How did you get started on your quilting journey?

I’m Megan – a history major, avid reader, and former teacher. My favorite color is all shades blue and scrappy quilts are my favorite. I prewash ALL of my fabric. I hate basting, love quilting and always hand-bind my quilts.  I started my quilting journey during a summer break from teaching almost 15 years ago, and I only love it more as time passes.  There is always a new technique to try or a skill to learn to keep quilting interesting!

Gosh, I can relate to so much of this, Megan! First off, hi, a fellow history major here 😊 who also hates basting and always hand-binds my quilts too! I’m intrigued that you wash all of your fabric and will have to remember to have a chat about that with you one day 😉

Sewing Bag

What kind of sewing bag do you have? (e.g. did you make it? Buy it?)

A friend made my latest travel sewing bag.  It’s a quilted pouch with a lacy zipper, a star-stamped zipper pull, and beautiful navy bird fabric.  I love using a sewing bag that reminds me of a friend and our quilting community. 

Handmade by a friend is definitely the best! And the birds are beyond adorable.

All-Star Essentials

What are your all-star essentials? Your tried-and-true must-haves that you can never run out of?

My essentials are thimble pads, Tulip big eye milliner straw needles, and dove grey (2600) Aurifil thread because it’s perfect for blending EPP stitches into different colors of fabric.

Oh, I haven’t tried my dove grey for English Paper Piecing (EPP)! I’m definitely going to give that a go. I normally use either natural white (which I know is probably a little stark) or colour 2000 which is like a sandy beige that blends quite nicely.

FAVOURITE ITEM

What is your favourite item in your kit? Why?

Currently, my favorite item in my kit is a starry tin by Ruby Star Society.  It’s holding pieces for the next few EPP blocks I’m working on.  The tin keeps them from getting lost in my bag and it looks pretty.

Love your tin! I have the Strawberry one and I keep my stickers stocked in there! Pretty and practical 😊

Quilt Kits Will Travel

When do you find yourself using your kit the most? (Travelling, on the sofa, attending sew-ins?)

I always take my sewing bag on trips but rarely sew as much as intended.  I use it the most at home; usually sitting on the couch watching movies as a family.

Isn’t that always the way?! I think it’s a good indication that trips have us focused on other fun activities.

Travel Memory

What’s your favourite travel memory with your sewing bag?

QuiltCon 2023 was my first trip with this particular bag.  It carried my supplies for an English paper piecing class taught by Karen Lewis.

I remember you telling me about that class and then running into Karen in the lobby late one night 😉

Karen’s been a guest in the WISYB series too!

Where Can We Find You?

Tell people where we can find you?

• Website: meganacollins.com
• Instagram: @megancollins_a
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeganCollinsA

Anything else you’d like to share?

My most recent addition to my sewing bag was Sew Fine thread gloss.  I tried it for the first time at QuiltCon this year, and I like it!

Isn’t it great? I got into Sew Fine when my Thread Heaven went out of production. I also love the yummy smells they come in!

Thank you so much for participating in the What’s in Your Sewing Bag series as a special guest, Megan! I’m so happy you did as I feel like I got to know you better as a quilter. Clearly, we didn’t talk about enough quilting while we were together – ha! Keep up the amazing creativity, my friend, I can’t wait to see where your explorations take you!

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For more What’s in Your Sewing Bag fun, check out these guests:

• Elizabeth from Quilter’s Candy
• Megan from Megan Nielsen Patterns
• Brittany from Lo & Behold Stitchery
• Sharon from Sharon Holland Designs
• Ally from Ally Ryde

Happy quilting!

xo

Shannon

PS Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter so you don’t miss out on any future WIYSB guests!

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