When you first start sewing, stitch length is not something you really think about. You just start sewing with the default stitch length, whether that's programmed in a computerised machine, or whatever the dial is set on for a mechanical one.

Is that a bad thing? Probably not! Depending on what you are sewing, it's a good place to start and will work for most beginner projects. But as you sew more, you'll want to vary the length of your stitches, to suit your fabric and the purpose of your stitch. Here's everything you need to know about stitch length: Read more about Stitch Length: everything you need to know

This month, as part of The Eli Monster ambassador program, I'm sewing something for me! The Artiest skirt is a panelled maxi skirt for women. Here is my Artiest skirt sewing pattern review!

Are you looking for gifts for people who sew? Or are you the one who sews and are looking for ideas for what to add to your Christmas or birthday list? I've rounded up the best gifts for sewers (that's sew-ers, not the pipes that carry, ahem, drainage water and waste matter!). You'll never be short of ideas for gifts for the sewing enthusiast with this collection of more than 100 sewing-themed gifts.

This post has been updated for Christmas 2018. Read more about Ultimate Gift Guide: 100+ Gifts for Sewers

Take a simple dress sewing pattern and turn it into this DIY witch costume for a girl.

This month's theme for The Eli Monster Ambassador program is Spooky/Sweet, and my thoughts instantly turned to Halloween. Halloween, where I live, is all about Spooky - no Disney princesses and superheroes here. A witch is the perfect costume for my daughter (and the easiest!):  Read more about Spooky Sewing: DIY witch costume for girls