Sew, Mama, Sew blogger Mary tells us all about making a muslin, and why whipping up a "practice" version of your sewing patterns is important.

KB from A Patchwork World recently posted about these fun appliquéd teeshirts she made featuring a spool motif, complete with hanging threads. Here's hoping she'll add a few of these to her online shop, Kokoleo.

Dacia Ray shows us how to make these fresh and springy-looking linen pear sachets, which would look equally great inside or on top of your dresser drawers. [via]

Cindy at Skip to my Lou made this tutorial for sewing a reusable oilcloth lunch sack. She's included a pattern, detailed instructions, and excellent photographs.

Alice writes:

Well I was invited to prom yet again this year and felt like doing something a little out of the box. I'm very interested by all the unconventional materials people sew with (I believe it was the garbage bags that gave me the idea). Anyways seeing as I'm also trying to build a portfolio, I figured why not. And so many cavities and sugar highs later it was complete. Really I automatically knew I would use skittle wrappers (because they are fantastic and rainbow...and I love fantastic rainbow things). I also wanted to make sure nobody else had made a dress or anything out of the same kind of wrapper.

If you're a fan of Doctor Who and ever wondered how to make yourself an Adipose Monster, the wait is over--thanks to this easy tutorial by My Imaginary Boyfriend's Erika Kern.

Related
• HOW TO - Make a Guitar Bag
• Meream's Piano Bag
• Meream's Leica camera bag

Jen points us towards the new tutorial on Wikstenmade, which explains how to adapt a sewing pattern to have a cute gathered cap sleeve. I'm definitely bookmarking this for my summer sewing projects.

Jodie from RicRac has been collecting her selvedge scraps for a long time and the results are well worth it--she's made a bag out of them in the past (which we featured here), and now she's back with this beautiful scarf! I love the idea of not letting a single scrap of fabric go to waste, especially when the end result is so unique.

Sew, Mama, Sew shows you how to take detailed measurements of your body so you can buy (and customize) the right sewing patterns for you.

Jenny from Allsorts teaches us how to make these sweet criss-cross coasters, using a very clever stitching and turning method. I can't wait to try!

Lucykate Crafts shows you how to sew up one of these lovely fabric toadstools. I can't wait to make a few for myself in a variety of fun patterns.

Pink Chalk Studio weighs in on when and why to use a topstitching needle as opposed to a regular ol' universal needle--if her photo illustrations don't convince you, I don't know what will.

Ann at Still Dottie has a tutorial for making this 3D-effect birch felt wall hanging to spruce (well, birch) up your blank spaces.

Instuctrables user xmsmoonx (Vanessa Jenkins) made a how-to for useful utility pockets you can attach to any standard belt to have your arts and crafts supplies right at hand when you need them. (Thanks, Steve!)

Related
Refashion Ikea curtains and pillowcases into skirts

Pink Penguin shows you how to create this simple and stylish soft case to protect your camera--I like how it looks almost like a stylish clutch purse. [via]