What’s in Your Sewing Bag Annie Tremblay?

I’m back with a new guest in your favourite What’s in Your Sewing Bag series! This time you’re staying right here in Quebec and visiting my quilty friend Annie Tremblay!

This will absolutely shock you that we met on Instagram – ha! I know, I know, the ‘gram is my quilty social life but, in my defense, that’s where I’ve met the most wonderful quilters. So, can you really blame me?! 😉In any event, that’s where Annie and I first ‘met’ one another. The fun is that we had the chance to meet in person at the Salon de Courtepointe de Québec, in St-Hyacinthe last year. I was asked by the association to have scheduled face time where visitors could come and meet me in front of my quilt/coat. Annie was one of those people who stopped by! We ended up walking the show together afterward, and Annie has since gone on to share her own fabulous makes as an Aurifil Artisan!

I don’t believe I’ve ever shared this, but the philosophy behind the WIYSB series is to give you the chance to see what other makers are relying on to create their amazing work. It’s intended as an unfiltered view of what notions fellow quilters actually use. I’m a firm believer that notions are super personal and what resonates with me, may not resonate with you. And that’s ok! That’s why I think it’s fun to see what tools help other creatives. Plus, it’s just lovely to get to know the person behind the creations 😉

So, without further ado, let’s sneak a peek inside Annie’s sewing bag and see what notions she loves working with!

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Introduction

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

I’ve always been attracted to create and try all sort of crafts. I watched my mom sewing all the time when I was a little girl. She was making me beautiful dresses and I learned sewing mostly by watching her. Years later, I was really enjoying making my own clothes but also creating skating dresses and clothes for my daughters. In 2020, when our life got very quiet, I got bored and opened up an Instagram account. As I was scrolling, I stopped on a beautiful quilt and instantly fell in love. It was the the Knitted Star from Brittany @loandbehold. I never thought that quilting was something I could do. It was too complicated and difficult, but I like a good challenge. There was a quilt along starting and I decided to give it a try. It was the beginning of a deep love story…

Ah, I love this, Annie! I didn’t realise that you only started quilting during the pandemic. It’s also a good reminder that sometimes being bored leads us to happy discoveries!

Sewing Bag

I started quilting with a tiny litttle kit but I had the opportunity to make my dream sewing bag, last year with the Stitch Pink project. Using Minki Kim @zeriano « Open Up Box Pouch » pattern, I sewed this perfect bag that also serves me as a reminder of the reason why I made it in the first place. It’s also hiding my needle book (free pattern from Jennie Pickett @cloverandviolet) filled with my favorite needles and pins, a super cute flying geese needle minder, tiny scissors and clips.

Kim has some amazing pouch patterns to choose from! Yours is absolutely gorgeous. I can see why you love it so much 😊

All-Star Essentials

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

I always have a spool of Aurifil 50wt for hand stitching my binding and an 80wt spool for English paper piecing. I also couldn’t hand quilt without my Clover gold eye milliners in sizes 3 and 5.

We twin, my friend! I always have a spool of 50wt in my sewing bag too. I’ve yet to try the 80wt for EPP, although I’ve heard good things for the most part. I should add a spool to my bag so I don’t forget to give it a go! You’ve also got me curious about the Clover Milliner needles. I haven’t tried those yet!

Favourite Item

What is your favourite item in your kit? Why?

I tried many different timbles before getting a leather one. I still wonder why I waited so long. It’s just so perfect! My pink LDH scissors are coming in a close second.

I’m so with you about the leather thimble. For some reason, I questioned its comfort and practicality, when in reality it’s the absolute best thing since sliced bread – ha! I love my LDH scissors too!

Surprise Item

What’s one thing we’d be surprised to find in your bag?

My tin of Burt’s Bee lip butter follows everywhere I go.

Lip balm is a must in my kit too! I haven’t used the Burt’s Bee in a while and never the tin. Is the tin different/better?

Quilt Kits Will Travel

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

I mostly enjoy hand quilting in my bed or on the sofa watching a TV series. My favorite place is outside with the birds singing around me. It’s really the perfect bag to go places as it also serves as a basket. 

Stitching the birds is the BEST – I totally agree! Just before sitting down to write this post, I was standing outside listening to and watching the cardinal for a full 10 minutes. I wasn’t stitching at the time due to my hands, but it was still glorious to just appreciate their song!

Travel Memory

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

This bag hasn’t traveled yet but I’m sure I’ll have memorable travels with it in the future. 

I have no doubts, my friend! You’ve been on a creating streak, and with the summer upon us, there’s sure to be a travel opportunity that pops up!

Where Can We Find You?

Tell people where we can find you.

You can find me on Instagram where I share all my projects made with love @annietremblaysews.

Anything else you’d like to share?

This series is so much fun, Shannon! Thank you for inviting me! It was a pleasure to share a bit of me with you!

Oh, it’s me who thanks you, Annie! This series is only possible because of generous makers like you 😊 It’s been a joy reading through your responses and learning more about your creative journey. Keep up the exploration and trusting your instincts!  

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

• Andrea from 3rd Story Workshop
• Sarah from Sarah Handmade
• Jennifer from Penelope Handmade
• Holly Clarke from Hold My Seam Ripper
• Janice from Prairie and Ocean

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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