Video tutorial: Use PicMonkey to audition fabrics when shopping online

Even if you don’t live near a brick and mortar fabric shop, you have a world of fabrics available with the click of the mouse. One problem, though. When ordering online, you lose the opportunity to audition fabrics to see which go best with each other. Deby from So Sew Easy has come up with a solution. She uses PicMonkey to virtually audition fabrics using the swatch images on the fabric website. She shares a video tutorial showing how she does it. She shows how she uses the software, and also her design process as she selects which fabrics belong and which don’t. She also has a bundle of fabrics, the ones she curated in the tutorial, for a giveaway. Follow the link below to view her tutorial:

Tips for buying fabric online and fabric giveaway, by So Sew Easy

[photo from So Sew Easy]

Looking for Fabric online? Check out Homesewingdepot

This Support Chicken sewing pattern is such a cheerful little project, and honestly, it is hard not to smile at it. Part plush toy, part comfort buddy, and part silly handmade gift, this chicken has exactly the kind of quirky personality that makes a sewing project memorable.

Emotional support chickens have become a bit of a crafting trend, and I love that this version gives sewers a chance to join in the fun too. If you prefer yarn crafts, we also have an Emotional Support Chicken knitting pattern roundup here: Chicken Knitting Patterns, as well as crochet options in our 12 Chicken Crochet Patterns We’re Clucking About roundup and this Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken.

What I love most about this sewing pattern is that it takes a simple softie idea and turns it into something full of character. The bright yellow body, long floppy legs, bold feet, and colorful fabric belly panel give the chicken a playful handmade look without needing overly complicated sewing techniques. It is a great project for using up fabric scraps, fleece offcuts, felt pieces, trims, and odd bits from the sewing basket.

The “support chicken” idea is also a lovely twist. It makes this more than just a plushie — it becomes a funny little comfort object, desk mascot, care package gift, or handmade pick-me-up for someone who needs a smile. I can see this being popular for teachers, friends, teens, craft stalls, office desks, and anyone who appreciates a slightly ridiculous but very lovable handmade gift.

This project would suit a confident beginner or casual sewer. The shapes are simple, but because it is a soft toy, you will want to take your time with the curves, the legs, and the facial features. Pinning or clipping well before sewing will help keep everything lined up, especially if you are using fleece or stretchy fabric.

The best part is how customizable it is. You could make a whole flock of Support Chickens, each with a different fabric belly band, expression, name tag, scarf, or tiny felt heart. They could be funny, sweet, colorful, scrappy, or even made from sentimental fabric.

If making this for a small child, I would recommend embroidered eyes and firmly stitched details rather than buttons, beads, or glued-on pieces. For older children or adults, the decorative trims and bright fabric details are what really bring the chicken to life.

This is a fun, uplifting sewing project with plenty of personality. It is easy to personalize, great for scraps, and perfect for anyone who loves handmade gifts with humor and heart.

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