Blog - You Make It Simple

Jan Howell

My intention for this website is to share tips and tutorials that I have found on my journey of life that has brought me joy, improved health, and peace, in hopes that it will do the same for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey!

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Jan Howell

All CRAFTS DIY HOME GARDEN HEALTH AND WELLBEING RECIPES SEWING SHOP AND RECOMMENDATIONS VIDEO AND AUDIO LIBRARY

DIY Plastic Shopping Bag Dispenser | Recycled Tissue Box

September 18, 2021 / Jan Howell

As you know, I’m all about recycling and upcycling items when I can and when I use a plastic shopping bag, I save it. Although

DIY Top Knot Headband | Easy Sewing Tutorial

September 11, 2021 / Jan Howell

When you’re looking for a cute baby gift, this top knot headband is so quick and easy to make! They can be made with a

DIY Sweater Pumpkins / Made With Upcycled Clothing

September 4, 2021 / Jan Howell

There’s a little nip the air, and that means pumpkins and wearing sweaters. But as most of you already know, wearing sweaters is not what

How To Take in Jeans at the Waist | Simple and Quick Hack

August 28, 2021 / Jan Howell

Jeans that don’t fit are so annoying! In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to take in a pair of jeans at

Sewing Corners and Curves | Serger Tips and Tricks

August 16, 2021 / Jan Howell

Serging around corners and curves can be a little tricky, but when you know these handy tips and tricks, it’s no problem at all. In

Super Simple Instant Pot Yogurt | 3 Ingredients

August 7, 2021 / Jan Howell

Making Instant Pot yogurt is SUPER SIMPLE. It may seem intimidating and time-consuming, but is seriously very easy to make and the only thing that

DIY Neck Cooling Scarf | Easy Sewing Tutorial

July 30, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it’s hot and you need to keep cool, this DIY neck cooling scarf works like a charm. The scarf is made of simple cotton

T-Shirt to Tank Top | Binding Tips and Tricks

July 22, 2021 / Jan Howell

It’s summertime and wearing a cool tank top can be very inviting. In this tutorial, I am going to show you how you can easily

4 Basic Sewing Machine Seams and Seam Allowance Tips

July 9, 2021 / Jan Howell

In this tutorial I am going to go over the basic sewing machine seams and give you some seam allowance tips. What are seams? Seams

DIY Upcycled T Shirt Bags | Sew and No-Sew Methods

July 2, 2021 / Jan Howell

Recycling and upcycling is one of my passions, and making these t-shirt bags is another way to reduce waste and find another use for unwanted

DIY Baby Bib Tutorial | Reversible

June 26, 2021 / Jan Howell

Sewing for babies is the best thing ever. This reversible baby bib is a fun and quick little project that is great for even a

How to Use Heat Transfer Paper | NO MIRROR IMAGE NEEDED

June 17, 2021 / Jan Howell

Heat transfer paper is a great way to create custom t-shirts, garments, and one of my favorites, fabric labels. It’s also incredibly easy to use.

Cool Zipper Upcycling

June 8, 2021 / Jan Howell

As many of you know I’m really into upcycling and recycling items, and clothing is one of them. In this tutorial, I’m going to show

T-Shirt Yarn | Made From Upcycled T-Shirts

May 29, 2021 / Jan Howell

In this post, I’m going to show you how to make t-shirt yarn from upcycled t-shirts. As some of you know, upcycling is one of

Yummy Crispy Kale Chips | 4 Seasoning Options

May 17, 2021 / Jan Howell

When it comes to healthy snacks, kale chips are one of my favorites! These chips are yummy, crispy, and easy to make. I am going

Sewing With Plush Fabric | Tips & Tricks

May 4, 2021 / Jan Howell

Items made with plush fabric are the coziest things ever; however, sewing with plush fabric can be a little tricky. In this post I am

Paper Tulips DIY | Simple Craft Tutorial

April 22, 2021 / Jan Howell

Who knew you can make cute little paper tulips from simple square pieces of paper? This is a simple craft tutorial that even children can

Tissue Paper Blossoms | Quick & Simple Craft

April 3, 2021 / Jan Howell

These DIY tissue paper blossoms are the cutest thing ever! It’s a quick & simple craft project that even the little ones can help make.

DIY Apple Watch Elastic Watch Band

March 7, 2021 / Jan Howell

For those of you who have Apple Watches, here is a fun little tutorial showing you how to make your own elastic watch band. Having

PDF sewing pattern assembly youmakeitsimple.com

How To Assemble and Organize PDF Sewing Patterns

February 13, 2021 / Jan Howell

In this post, I am going to give you some tips on how to assemble and organize your PDF sewing patterns. Using digital PDF sewing

upcycled sweater beaded coasters youmakeitsimple.com

How To Make Beaded Coasters From Upcycled Sweaters

February 6, 2021 / Jan Howell

Coasters do more than protect your tables and counters. They can also add a pop of color to your room and give your cup of

How To Download and Print PDF Sewing Patterns | Step by Step Tutorial

January 16, 2021 / Jan Howell

Being able to purchase a PDF sewing pattern online is a good thing. In this post, I am going to show you some tips on

7 Sewing Machine Presser Feet and How To Use Them

January 10, 2021 / Jan Howell

Have you ever gone through the sewing machine attachments that come with your sewing machine and wondered, “What the heck is this used for?” I

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sandwich

December 21, 2020 / Jan Howell

Wondering what to fix for lunch or dinner? Here is a quick and easy recipe for a yummy BBQ chicken sandwich that you can make

DIY Recycled Magazine Christmas Tree

December 12, 2020 / Jan Howell

If you want a simple, relaxing Christmas craft to make this holiday season, this DIY Recycled Magazine Christmas tree is a fun little project that

DIY Felt Leaves | 6 Varieties

November 30, 2020 / Jan Howell

Whenever you are making a craft project that calls for a leaf, wouldn’t it be fun to make the leaf out of something unique and

Sew Simple | A Beginners Guide To Sewing Course Launch

November 25, 2020 / Jan Howell

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you are having a wonderful day wherever you are and whoever you are with or having to be without. Such interesting

Simple Christmas Stocking Sewing Tutorial | Lined With Contrasting Cuff

November 22, 2020 / Jan Howell

Christmas is just around the corner and what a great time to get out your sewing machine and make some fun holiday decorations. This Christmas

How to Put On a Duvet Cover the Easy Way

November 4, 2020 / Jan Howell

Putting on a duvet cover can be so frustrating and exhausting, but it doesn’t’ have to be! I am going to show you how to

Unpicking Serger Stitches the EASY WAY

October 10, 2020 / Jan Howell

Sewing on a serger/overlock machine is wonderful, but when it comes to unpicking serger stitches, you may find yourself overwhelmed and dreading the whole process.

Basil Pesto | How to Make and Freeze

October 4, 2020 / Jan Howell

You got to love the aroma, flavor, and color of basil! Better yet, you got to love what you can make from it……BASIL PESTO! If

Adjustable Face Mask Earloops Tutorial – No Beads

September 26, 2020 / Jan Howell

For those of you who are STILL MAKING FACE MASKS, I am going to show you how to make adjustable face mask earloops that are

OVERLOCK STITCH | No Serger Needed

September 18, 2020 / Jan Howell

Do you want a finished overlock stitch for your seams but don’t have a serger? NO WORRIES! I am going to show you how to

Rosemary Garlic Fries – Crispy and Baked to Perfection

September 11, 2020 / Jan Howell

Who doesn’t love a good crispy french fry? When you add a sprinkle of rosemary and some garlic, oh baby, these rosemary garlic fries are

DIY Earphone Holder – It’s A Snap

September 6, 2020 / Jan Howell

I’m sure you know the scenario, of tangled earphone cords, right? Well, have I got the perfect solution for you. A DIY earphone cord holder

How to Sew Hexies On-the-Go | English Paper Piecing Tutorial

August 30, 2020 / Jan Howell

I have to share with you my new crafting project LOVE, hexies. Yes, I’ve made them before and have even hand pieced a hand quilted

DIY Face Mask Filter Insert-Reusable and Washable

August 21, 2020 / Jan Howell

Do you want a little more protective coverage with your face masks? This DIY face mask filter insert will give you the added protection without

Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix Copycat – No MSG

August 16, 2020 / Jan Howell

Do you want the yummy goodness of a tasty Italian Salad Dressing, but don’t want the MSG or added sugar? You’re going to love this

DIY Wool Dryer Balls | Yarn and Upcycled Wool Sweaters

August 7, 2020 / Jan Howell

Are you looking for a non-toxic alternative to store-bought dryer sheets? Wool dryer balls are your answer! Not only are wool dryer balls all-natural, and

DIY Printable Fabric Labels | Easy Iron-On Method

August 1, 2020 / Jan Howell

Making your own DIY printable fabric labels is a simple project that can save you a lot of money and give your homemade projects some

DIY Cut Off Shorts | 4 Simple Hemming Methods

July 24, 2020 / Jan Howell

Making a pair of DIY cut off shorts is a snap with these 4 simple hemming methods. This is a great way to recycle and

How to Modify A Tie Face Mask Into an Adjustable Ear Loop Mask

July 16, 2020 / Jan Howell

Unfortunately, the face mask saga goes on, and for some folks putting a face mask on and off can be a challenging thing. I am

Spunky 101-Year-Old Woman Gives Advice on Living Healthy Life

July 9, 2020 / Jan Howell

Last year I interviewed one of my friends and yoga students about her lifestyle. This spunky 101-year-old woman has been a blessing and an inspiration

Upcycling Love | Thrift Store & Consignment Shopping Tips

July 4, 2020 / Jan Howell

Upcycling and recycling used items is one of my passions and something I do frequently. Thrift stores, consignment shops and garage sales are just a

Upcycled Denim Patchwork Quilt

June 27, 2020 / Jan Howell

Have you ever slept under a denim patchwork quilt? There is nothing better! There is just something about the heaviness of the denim and the

DIY Felt Mums – No Sew Craft Project

June 22, 2020 / Jan Howell

There are so many cute flowers you can make from felt and in this DIY tutorial I am going to show you how easy it

DIY Bow Tie | Streamlined Sewing Method

June 14, 2020 / Jan Howell

Would you like to make a unique, classy bow tie for your man, or yourself? I have a DIY streamlined sewing method that you’re going

Yummy Turkey Sausage Recipe – No Preservatives

June 8, 2020 / Jan Howell

Sausage is a food that can add so much flavor to a meal, however it is usually chuck full of unnecessary ingredients. This is a

DIY FELT CHERRIES Easy Sewing Tutorial

June 6, 2020 / Jan Howell

Summer has arrived and it will soon be cherry season. This DIY felt cherries easy sewing tutorial is a fun little project that you can

Lavender, Rosemary & Thyme | A Must for Every Garden

May 31, 2020 / Jan Howell

I am going to take you on a little garden tour and show you how to grow 3 of my most favorite plants: lavender, rosemary

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