Craftsy is having a major sale through December 31 with up to 70% off supplies. Shop the bargains now!
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Holiday Spirit
If you're in a holiday mood, or even it you're not and could use a little quilting-related pick-me-up, I have a few ideas.
Fat Quarter Shop is having a Countdown to Christmas starting today and going until December 23. Each day, starting at 10 am) brings forth a new deal, which can be anything from fabric and notion discounts to free items with a purchase.
Craftsy is having a big sale December 11 and 12. The top 200 classes are under $20 and supplies are up to 50% off.
When conducting online shopping, I love to be sent money back as a check in the mail from items I was going to purchase anyhow. I also benefit from a reminder when I can be saving more money by adding a promo code at check out. Adding the eBates button to my internet toolbar has accomplished this for me. I recommend signing up because it's pretty effortless money.
If you have a holiday potluck and want to impress the crowd, I'd recommend the Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake by Chef in Training. She has a heap of iterations of this bundt cake, and I've tried more than I should have eaten given the overly modest amount of sharing I do. Suffice to say, given ample testing, I can safely conclude that the recipe is tried and true.
Amazon now has an Influencer Program, so I have added some of my go-to favorites to a list here.
Now that I've covered shopping and supplies, how about some sewing?
There's a cute, free bell pattern from Cristina of Pretty Little Quilts.
Fat Quarter Shop is having a Countdown to Christmas starting today and going until December 23. Each day, starting at 10 am) brings forth a new deal, which can be anything from fabric and notion discounts to free items with a purchase.
Craftsy is having a big sale December 11 and 12. The top 200 classes are under $20 and supplies are up to 50% off.
When conducting online shopping, I love to be sent money back as a check in the mail from items I was going to purchase anyhow. I also benefit from a reminder when I can be saving more money by adding a promo code at check out. Adding the eBates button to my internet toolbar has accomplished this for me. I recommend signing up because it's pretty effortless money.
If you have a holiday potluck and want to impress the crowd, I'd recommend the Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake by Chef in Training. She has a heap of iterations of this bundt cake, and I've tried more than I should have eaten given the overly modest amount of sharing I do. Suffice to say, given ample testing, I can safely conclude that the recipe is tried and true.
Amazon now has an Influencer Program, so I have added some of my go-to favorites to a list here.
Now that I've covered shopping and supplies, how about some sewing?
There's a cute, free bell pattern from Cristina of Pretty Little Quilts.
The Mod Ornament Quilt pattern by Sew Wonderful Quilts is fantastic, but you'll need a QCR Mini.
There are a handful of QALs too.
Merry sewing!
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Wonderland Quilt Along Block #3: Suits
I hope this month's block suits you. Now that I've got that bad pun out of my system, let's embark on some appliqué. My go-to appliqué method is raw-edge, fusible appliqué. First, download the pattern. Then, use pen or permanent marker to trace the shapes onto the side of fusible paper that has the sticky stuff attached. If you use Lite Steam-A-Seam II, just place the pattern underneath the fusible paper, and trace the image. You do not need to add seam allowance for raw-edge appliqué unless shapes are going to be placed adjacent to each other. For this block, we won't be dealing with multiple layers. If you want to do turned-edge appliqué, then you will need to account for the seam allowance. I do recommend extending the portion of shapes that extend beyond the block (which I did with the base of the spade and club).
I like to use Lite Steam a Seam II because it is resilient. It doesn't scotch or have unraveling glue strands. It is slightly tacky, so you can lay out your fused pieces without them blowing everywhere when a breeze comes through your sewing area. It also stays put once it is fused into place. It also doesn't have an uneven surface that shows as a texture on your completed pieces.
Position on the WRONG SIDE of your fabric. Protect your ironing surface from any overhanging fusible with the release paper (the part of the fusible paper that you peeled off) or parchment paper. For a better long-term option, splurge on an appliqué pressing sheet. It'll be worth it to avoid getting fusible on your clothes or (if you've given up ironing like I have) your next quilt project.
I used the Sewline Large Ironing Pad which reflects heat so I don't have to set my iron to scorching temperatures when applying my fusible.
If you are going to be using a light-colored fabric for the shapes, or a high-contrast pattern for the background, you may have some undesired shadowing. To avoid this, apply fusible to a square of white solid fabric slightly larger than your appliqué shape. Then fuse the shape to the white.
Cut a background square that is larger than 6 1/2". Use an air or wet erase marker to mark a 6" square, which will indicate the visible, finished size of the block.
Cut out the appliqué shapes on the line. Peel off the paper backing, and place the shapes. Measure to assure the appliqué pieces are centered before pressing. The diamond can be appliquéd or paper-pieced. For appliqué, cut the diamond shape from the paper-piecing pattern to use as the template.
When I bought my first sewing machine, I figured the way to tell which one was best was to compare the number of decorative stitches. While I have more knowledge about sewing machine functions at this point (automatic needle threader dependence, knee lift love, needle position adjustability, stitch regulation, etc.), I still love having a few stitches to play around with. Appliqué is the perfect time to show off a little flair. While you can just topstitch around the edge if you don't have numerous stitches, or a zig-zag with a shortened stitch length will do the trick, it's fun to try some different looks.
The key is to test out your stitches first using the same material and stabilizer. Adjust the stitch width and length to get a look you like.
Make sure to put the needle down, lift the presser foot, and pivot frequently so your line doesn't look abrupt and jerky. Aim to go just off the appliqué piece (on the background, and then back on so the edge is secured nicely. During tight corners, adjust the stitch width down to get in and out of the nooks and crannies. The more washing and heavy use the quilt will be getting, the more dense you may want your stitch so the raw edge doesn't get too loose.
Now square up your blocks to 6 1/2". If you want to do this in luxury and style, use a rotating mat. No shame in going old school and manually rotating the block, but you'll have to come to grips with missing the fun of spinning.
Sew the blocks together in a column.
Admire your work. Then share it using the hastag #WonderlandQuiltAlong and in the Wonderland Quilt Along Facebook group.
Save
I like to use Lite Steam a Seam II because it is resilient. It doesn't scotch or have unraveling glue strands. It is slightly tacky, so you can lay out your fused pieces without them blowing everywhere when a breeze comes through your sewing area. It also stays put once it is fused into place. It also doesn't have an uneven surface that shows as a texture on your completed pieces.
Bubble/rough cut around the shapes, and pull off the side of the paper that doesn't have the fusible, if your fusible has one. If you like, after bubble cutting around the shape, cut out the middle of the fusible, leaving about 1/2" on the inside of the line. The fusible paper should look more like an outline. Even without fusible being applied to the entire shape, the edges will be secure enough for machine stitching.
Position on the WRONG SIDE of your fabric. Protect your ironing surface from any overhanging fusible with the release paper (the part of the fusible paper that you peeled off) or parchment paper. For a better long-term option, splurge on an appliqué pressing sheet. It'll be worth it to avoid getting fusible on your clothes or (if you've given up ironing like I have) your next quilt project.
I used the Sewline Large Ironing Pad which reflects heat so I don't have to set my iron to scorching temperatures when applying my fusible.
If you are going to be using a light-colored fabric for the shapes, or a high-contrast pattern for the background, you may have some undesired shadowing. To avoid this, apply fusible to a square of white solid fabric slightly larger than your appliqué shape. Then fuse the shape to the white.
Cut a background square that is larger than 6 1/2". Use an air or wet erase marker to mark a 6" square, which will indicate the visible, finished size of the block.
Cut out the appliqué shapes on the line. Peel off the paper backing, and place the shapes. Measure to assure the appliqué pieces are centered before pressing. The diamond can be appliquéd or paper-pieced. For appliqué, cut the diamond shape from the paper-piecing pattern to use as the template.
Select your threads. I recommend a 50wt Aurifil so the stitches don't get piled on top of each other and jammed into the machine. I'm using the Curious Dream large thread collection to coordinate with my chosen fabrics.
Apply stabilizer to the back of the blocks. I prefer a tear-away iron on fusible.
When I bought my first sewing machine, I figured the way to tell which one was best was to compare the number of decorative stitches. While I have more knowledge about sewing machine functions at this point (automatic needle threader dependence, knee lift love, needle position adjustability, stitch regulation, etc.), I still love having a few stitches to play around with. Appliqué is the perfect time to show off a little flair. While you can just topstitch around the edge if you don't have numerous stitches, or a zig-zag with a shortened stitch length will do the trick, it's fun to try some different looks.
The key is to test out your stitches first using the same material and stabilizer. Adjust the stitch width and length to get a look you like.
Make sure to put the needle down, lift the presser foot, and pivot frequently so your line doesn't look abrupt and jerky. Aim to go just off the appliqué piece (on the background, and then back on so the edge is secured nicely. During tight corners, adjust the stitch width down to get in and out of the nooks and crannies. The more washing and heavy use the quilt will be getting, the more dense you may want your stitch so the raw edge doesn't get too loose.
Remove the stabilizer, or else your block will be crispier and crunchier than Rice Krispies. I know this because I've tried it. Just call me the Mistake Master. Or Afton. Just not Aspen. Moving on...
Now square up your blocks to 6 1/2". If you want to do this in luxury and style, use a rotating mat. No shame in going old school and manually rotating the block, but you'll have to come to grips with missing the fun of spinning.
Sew the blocks together in a column.
Save
Kitty Caddy Quilt Along with Fat Quarter Shop
Today I have a very adorable, useful project courtesy of Fat Quarter Shop and Stacy Hsu. It's the Kitty Caddy Clutch Quilt Along. Only there's a catch; it's not a quilt. But it's very handy for containing your quilting necessities, so I'm going to overlook the technicality. You will too once you see how enamoring this feline is. What's that? You're a dog person? Fat Quarter Shop has you covered, because there's a puppy version too!
Personally, I went for the cat, as my Tula Pink Tabby Road fabrics werecrying meowing out to be used.
Gather up your supplies (Affiliate links present, so you can find your supplies and I can afford to keep the blog a hip-happening place.):
Fabric (3 fat 1/8ths, and 1 fat quarter + 1 fat 1/8th)
1" Bias Tape Maker (Clover or VRSS Set)
Pellon Fisible Fleece
10"+ Zipper
Zipper Foot
Aurifloss and Embroidery Needles
Snaps
When choosing fabrics, keep in mind that piece N is going to be hidden inside the pocket, so use your favorite prints for someplace more noticeable.
Inspired by the Wonder Cushion tutorial, I sliced piece D of the mouse pincushion and added seam allowance.
Then I cut 1" strips, folded them in half right-sides-together, and sewed the unit back together including the insertions so that I could use the mouse to store Wonder Clips.
Even if you don't customize your pincushion, there's a zipper pocket and a trio of open pockets for storing all your treasured notions.
Share your own cute version with the hashtags #fqsquiltalong and #kittycaddyclutch.
SaveSave
SaveSave
Personally, I went for the cat, as my Tula Pink Tabby Road fabrics were
Don't fret, I'll get you covered with the necessary supplies, pertinent links, and some helpful hints. First, grab your pattern. The YouTube video outlines the project details, so you'll want to check that out below.
Gather up your supplies (Affiliate links present, so you can find your supplies and I can afford to keep the blog a hip-happening place.):
Fabric (3 fat 1/8ths, and 1 fat quarter + 1 fat 1/8th)
1" Bias Tape Maker (Clover or VRSS Set)
Pellon Fisible Fleece
10"+ Zipper
Zipper Foot
Aurifloss and Embroidery Needles
Snaps
When choosing fabrics, keep in mind that piece N is going to be hidden inside the pocket, so use your favorite prints for someplace more noticeable.
I'm a hand embroidery newbie, so I consulted Boho Embroidery from Lucky Spools. I grabbed my Aurifloss, embroidery needles, a Clover air erasable marker, and snips before setting to work on the face. Shown in the picture below is the Sewline Large Ironing Pad, which I was asked to review. It reflects heat so you can achieve crisp seams with less intense iron temperatures. It's great as a secondary ironing station or for travel, since it can be smashed into a bag, and laid flat again without incident. (Don't put it in the wash though.) It's so much better than those bunchy mats I've experienced at many guild workshops. It's a great companion to the larger size Olfa foldable mat, whether you have a modestly sized crafting space at home, or want to be well-set for traveling to classes.
Inspired by the Wonder Cushion tutorial, I sliced piece D of the mouse pincushion and added seam allowance.
Then I cut 1" strips, folded them in half right-sides-together, and sewed the unit back together including the insertions so that I could use the mouse to store Wonder Clips.
Even if you don't customize your pincushion, there's a zipper pocket and a trio of open pockets for storing all your treasured notions.
Make sure to cut your binding on the bias so it will cooperate around the curve. I tried out snaps for the first time with this project. Once you figure out which side goes where, it's actually really fun, and a nice touch when you don't need heavy hardware.
Share your own cute version with the hashtags #fqsquiltalong and #kittycaddyclutch.
SaveSave
SaveSave
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Quilters' Wish List
Whether you're shopping for the beloved quilter in your life or yourself (because I'm not in a position to judge), I have some ideas for sewing merriment at incredible prices!
Now $199.99 on Amazon.
Now $199.99 on Amazon.
Black Friday Specials
I'm a deals shopper, and if you are too, here's a round up for you!
$17.87 or less on all classes (except The Great Courses) and up to 60% off kits & supplies (until Nov. 28). Free gift Cyber Monday.)
Black Friday Doorbusters start online now!
$17.87 or less on all classes (except The Great Courses) and up to 60% off kits & supplies (until Nov. 28). Free gift Cyber Monday.)
Sewing Machines Plus
Black Friday Doorbusters start online now!
AccuQuilt (until Nov. 30)
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