Rustic, rural, pastoral, country, primitive may all be terms that apply generally to folk art. Folk art is an art tradition, intensely cultural, introspectively ethnographic, and most often distinctively hand worked and one-of-a-kind. This organic aesthetic can be used to create charming ornaments.

As one season winds down and another is just around the corner, what to wear for the entire day can often start out as a morning closet exploration. What will be appropriate clothing from morning to evening? Consider sewing an easy transitional outfit.

In these hurried days of mass production, handcrafting holiday items from simple materials recaptures the joys that are part of an enduring craft heritage. Handcrafted holiday treasures to sew, share, and enjoy are gifts from the heart.

Countdown calendars, with a nod to Advent calendars, can be used to count the days in eager anticipation of an upcoming holiday or special occasion event. Use scraps of fabric to make a simple one for a fun family activity. When completed all can see just how many days remain until the festivities.

With autumn weather upon us and the weather turning increasingly cooler in northern climes that banish the warmest of summer days - think of sewing kids’ costumes for Halloween. With work/life balance precariously teetering try a quick to make costume for the little ones from just a few supplies.

A fabric with "nap" has gone through a manufacturing finishing process that raises the fiber ends to the surface where they are then shorn, brushed or simply left upright. This creates a sculpted surface texture as the raised fibers all lie in one direction.

Refashioning a unique item of clothing whether in the style of shabby-chic, causally altered or a remix that is whimsical, elegant, and eco-friendly is satisfying and creative fun. Re-purposing clothing today is a continuing trend.

Plaids have always had a traditional strong presence for the fall and winter seasons. From the many customary tartan plaids of the Scottish Highlands to the red, black, camel and white English Burberry signature design – plaids are a very distinct and memorable style maker.

As the warmest days of summer are replaced with the cooler days of autumn, thoughts turn to back to school days, upcoming harvest fairs and fall festivities. A great time to bring out the woolen garments of prior cold seasons that may no longer fit well but may still have a useful recycled life.

The familiar colors of autumn displayed on a fireplace mantel can evoke the beauty of fall. Sew triangular shapes of fabrics chosen in the golds, yellows, oranges, browns and reds that remind us of the seasonal transition from the intense warmth of summer into cooler autumn days.