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Hello, everyone! I'm Carolina Oneto, a Chilean quilter currently living in Brazil. My journey as a quilter began unexpectedly, as I originally pursued a career in Industrial and Business Engineering. However, my passion for colors and creative expression eventually pulled me into the world of quilting.

I have always been fascinated by the way colors interact and the impact they have on our emotions. My studies in color theory have been instrumental in shaping my unique artistic style. I use fabric as my medium to create intricate designs and abstract compositions that showcase the interplay of colors in mesmerizing ways.

Through my work, I strive to fuse traditional quilting techniques with a modern, artistic sensibility. I find inspiration in the vibrant landscapes, rich cultures, and diverse nature that surround me in both Chile and Brazil. The patterns and textures I encounter in my everyday life often find their way into my quilts, lending them a unique and personal touch.

Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to exhibit my quilts on a global scale. They have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions such as Quiltcon, the Houston quilt festival  and European Carrefour du Patchwork festivals, as well as various galleries across Europe, the United States, and Chile. Seeing the reaction of viewers to my work and hearing their interpretations is incredibly rewarding, as it allows a connection to be formed through the universal language of art.

In addition to my artistic endeavors, I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with fellow quilting enthusiasts. I teach both online classes and have the privilege of teaching at guilds and quilt shows around the world. It brings me immense joy to see my students unlock their own creative potential and witness their growth and artistic development.

As a Janome Maker for Janome America and a Wonderfil thread specialist for Wonderfil Specialty Threads, I am constantly exploring new techniques and materials to push the boundaries of my quilting artistry.

While my journey from being an Industrial and Business Engineer to becoming a renowned quilter and color theory expert might seem unexpected, it has been an incredible and fulfilling path. The melding of my analytical background and artistic passion has opened doors I never imagined possible.

I am excited to continue my quilting journey, using fabric as my canvas to tell stories, evoke emotions, and inspire others. Through my art, I hope to spread joy, connect with people, and leave a lasting impression on the quilting world.

Carolina Oneto

Modern Quilter, Quilt Instructor

https://carolinaoneto.com/

https://www.instagram.com/carolina_oneto/

As long as I could remember, I had an interest in the ability to make things with my hands, but it wasn’t until an MTV Making The Video episode with Destiny’s Child, that I even heard of the idea that one would make their own clothing. While the mother of one of the artists mentioned that she made the entire group’s outfits - a flame in me was sparked and it’s been burning ever since.

I had little to no knowledge at the time of what making your own clothes actually meant, so for me this would mean that I need to think about what clothes I wish I had, draw the idea, and then figure out how I could make it by hand. This involved combining clothes that I already had, to hand stitching them into what I wanted them to become.

Below is a make that I designed when I was 13. It was the very first time I let my imagination take over to create something physical that began from thought.

Today looking at it,  it seems like a simple scarf wrapped around a tank top, but it is so significant to me as it was something created out of whim - this was a time before social media and before crafting or sewing was something I was even aware of. This top is super common but I had no clue of it at the time, all I knew was that I wanted to manipulate this fabric in a way that I had never seen before, and that is something I’m super proud of.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I learned that both of my grandparents sewed and even owned their own tailor shops. Looking back I could have picked their brain about how to start or how one would go about sewing, but now knowing sewing was something familiar to the family, I am inspired to teach my children and keep exploring ways to carry on that legacy.

The today me also would’ve told the 13 year old me to keep going, keep designing, and keep researching the clothing making process. If I would’ve consistently been sewing or creating since then, who knows how far I would be by now - but everything happens for a reason and the beauty is that today I get to share a piece of my origins story with you with hopes that it will encourage, inspire, and motivate you to start, continue, and keep creating and sewing ❤️

XO

Stephanie

@sewwithstephanie

Looking for a quick and easy pattern with a bold and modern feel? Look no further than Hexie Mirror! Create this adorable baby size quilt and try out piecing trapezoids with or without templates.

Brittany Lloyd of Lo & Behold Stitchery provided this fun project. 

CLICK HERE for the full tutorial

Fold Over Elastic or "FOE" is used in such a large part of our ready-to-wear clothing that I am sure you are wearing some RIGHT NOW. Here's a guide for how to "Sew that FOE (Fold Over Elastic) Like a Pro!"

What is Fold Over Elastic?

“ Fold Over Elastic” is an elastic widely used in ready to wear garments. It is easy to spot and defined by an elastic you can fold down the center. This type of elastic is lightweight and has great recovery! The elastic is sandwiched over the fabric on top and bottom and attached usually with a Cover Stitch Machine for high performance fabrics and stretch/ knits. This elastic is typically shiny on the finished side. Fold Over Elastic can come in many width options with 5/8” being the most common.

Why use fold over elastic?

Fold over elastic finishes the edge of the garment and adds structure/ elasticity to the edge line in one step.

I think you will find this application to be on multiple pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. This method can be used on sportswear, underwear/ lingerie, as well as under garments / tank tops and so much more!

Trace out your garment to make a pattern!

First I began by tracing out the garment to make a pattern. When finishing with fold over elastic you will not need to add seam allowance. This is because the fold over elastic encases the raw edge at the “edge line”. Only add seam allowance where seams are sewn together (at the shoulders and side seams).

Cut out the Pattern Pieces in your fabric.

Keep in mind you DO NOT need seam allowance where your FOE Fold Over Elastic will go. Only where you will seam your garment together.

Assemble Your Garment

For the next step I assembled the garment. Options for the seams include: Sewing the seams together using a stretch stitch on your sewing machine or Serger like the Janome AirThread 2000D.

Pin on Your Elastic

I then measured the elastic on the garment I am copying. I cut two strips, one for each arm hole opening and one for the neckline. I then cut out a thicker band for the under bust. Before pinning the elastic to the garment you will need to seam the elastic together to make one continuous loop.

I recommend to pin the elastic to the garment before attaching it. You will  stretch out the length of the opening and pin the elastic around the opening. Work your way around the opening while holding the elastic against the inside of the garment. This picture shows the elastic pinned and the garment right side facing you. (Reminder: The shiny side of the elastic is the finished side.) The fabric should line up just shy of the elastic’s fold line.

Attach Your Elastic

I used a zig zag stitch to roughly attach the fold over elastic. I set my machine to a wide Zig Zag with my stitch length at 4. This extra step will ensure that when you come back to cover stitch your elastic, you will not miss your garment’s edge or struggle to fold it and sew. TIP: You can also use this step to try on your garment for fit and easily adjust the elastic if needed. The Picture below shows the zig zag basting stitch has held the elastic in place before I start the cover stitch.

TIME TO COVER STITCH

Using my Janome CoverPro 3000 Professional, I fold over the elastic remaining onto the front face of the garment and top stitch. TIP: Do not pull your fabric or elastic through the cover stitch machine while sewing.

You will notice, using the CoverPro 3000, your garment will look professional top and bottom. I am using wooly Nylon thread in this example for maximum stretch and fiber matching. TIP: using the AUTO THREADER is essential to threading wooly nylon thread into your machine. If you do not have access to a CoverPro 3000, don’t worry you can zigzag this step on your Janome Sewing Machine!

Sit Back and Admire

Trying to achieve Factory finishes can be intimidating. This is why I like to work through a garment and copy how it should be sewn to get comfortable with techniques like these. Fold Over Elastic is definitely an industry standard but I recommend trying it out. Finishing your garment with FOE Fold Over Elastic will ensure your work looks just as good if not better than store-bought!

 Did you enjoy this post? For more from Jacquline Terry head over to her website. LINK HERE

Have you ever wanted to dress as your favorite superhero but don’t know where to begin? A great place to start is with the wrist bracers. These are a quick and easy project that you can try at home. Follow along with NipahDubs as he shows you how he went about making these bracers with some stretch lycra fabric and craft foam. There are many ways to go about making these but this is a way to do it so the fabric of the bracers will match the fabric of your suit.

Click here For the Full Project Tutorial