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Organization Tips for the New Year

When the new year arrives, the cleaning and organizing bug seems to hit everyone. Something about a new year starting makes people want to start things in their life with a “clean slate”. Staying organized while quilting is a good thing too! I have some habits that I have developed and I thought I’d share them with you. I think these tips have helped me enjoy quilting more. Try some out and see if they do the same for you!

Tip #1

Make it a New Year’s resolution to organize your fabric stash. That way you can “shop” your stash when you are beginning a new project before heading to the quilt shop. Although, I really, really never turn down a trip to the quilt shop! I have come home with a piece fabric thinking it was “unique” only to find it in one of my bins. Organization should keep that from happening. I use 16 quart Sterilite tubs to store most of my fabric that are fat 1/4s, quarter yards and 1/2 yards. Larger pieces (yards and up) are folded and stored on shelves in a cupboard.

I label the front with the fabric size and color and then store those in the tub. These tubs are stack-able and fit well in closets and cupboards. I also use these tubs to store strips. I like to save 1 1/2 and 2 1/2″ strips because I use them so much in scrap quilting.

Tip #2

When cutting out a project, use painter’s tape or masking tape to label a stack of fabric. Most patterns, mine included, label the pieces you are cutting out with numbers or letters. That way they can refer to the pieces by that labeling in the pattern. Instead of repeating “2 1 /2″ purple print square” every time they use that piece, they can say “piece A”.

Tip #3

Storing a project you have cut out is another organizational tip that comes in handy. We all wish we could whip up that project as soon as its cut out… but we live in the real world! For smaller projects, I use the zipper pouches that sheet sets or shower curtains come in. I have saved many of them over the years and they come in really handy!

I also use them when I have picked out fabric for a project but have not had time to cut it out yet. It’s a great way to store the fabric I’ve chosen with the pattern. That way I won’t accidentally use the fabric  for another project.

For larger projects, I use a container like below because it’s big enough to store finished blocks in it as I go.

You can find bins like these in your local craft store or stores like JoAnn Fabrics or Micheal’s craft stores.

Tip #4

To speed up piecing of a project, I use design boards that keep pieces of a block organized.

I made these design boards using 13 x 13″ pieces of cardboard covered with scrap batting. I secured it on the back with a glue stick. Make a stack of these and you use it like this:

Once you have a whole stack of these, you can carry them to your sewing machine and piece several blocks in one sitting. No stopping to layout the next block!

So there you have it. Some tips for being organized so you can have fun stitching your next project. Leave me a comment below with some of the things you do to keep yourself organized. You will be entered into a drawing for my book Blooming Patchwork!

The drawing will be on Monday, January 27th so you have two weeks to enter! 

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Binding Tips for Busy Quilters

Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers! For this short week I wanted to cover some binding tips. Some you may know and some you may not. Binding is the finishing touch on your quilt so don’t rush through it. Choose the right binding to make your quilt sing!

Tip #1 – Color

The color you choose for the binding depends on whether you want it to stand out or to fade into the background. Some quilters use binding for an additional frame for their design and want it to stand out. Here’s an example of that:

I used a dark binding because I liked how it accentuated the applique but did not detract from the design in the center of the quilt.

Next:

I wanted to keep the binding on this quilt the same color as the background. I generally do this on quilts with a dark background. Although I did add a little “pizzazz” by choosing a black fabric with a bit more larger print than the background. You can also choose to use the same fabric as the background fabric for your binding to have it completely disappear.

Finally, to use up fabric, consider a scrappy binding. Cut strips from all the leftover color prints used in the quilt top and make your binding from that! This is something I like to do mostly on table runners and wall hangings.

Tip #2 –  Binding Type

What type of binding I use for a quilt project is based on the usage the quilt will get. For wall hangings and decorative table runners, I will use single-fold binding. For large quilts and quilt items that may be used more, I use double-fold binding. Did you know there are 2 ways you can make double-fold binding? The first way is by cutting strips the width you want, I usually use 2 1/4″ strips (you’ll see why below) then folding them over and pressing:

So here’s the alternative way to make double-fold binding. Fold both sides of the strip in to meet in the center. Then there are no raw edges to your binding. Some quilters like this because they feel it’s secure. It’s a personal choice. You can make this binding by hand or by using a binding tool.

And then you would attach it like this on the front side of the quilt with the bottom fold of the strip lining up with the raw edges of the quilt top:

Tip #3 – Full Binding

To have a nice full binding, I like to leave a little batting and backing (about 1/8″) when trimming away the excess batting and backing from the quilted top. I then attach the binding to the top of the quilt using the quilt top edge as my guide. Also, having your double-fold binding strips cut at 2 1/4 or 2 1/8″ wide, instead of 2 1/2″ wide, helps to make it full too. If your binding is too wide, when you fold it over to the back, it will be empty at the top of the fold and make it look flat.

This guarantees that when I stitch the binding to the top, I will be catching all 3 layers of the quilt sandwich. When I’m ready to turn the binding to the back to stitch it down, I then trim the batting and backing even with the quilt top edge. 

Random Tips

  • Use a walking foot to attach the binding if your machine does not have a dual feed option. You will be stitching through a lot of layers and you want them all feed and to move smoothly as you are attaching the binding.
  • Use old hair clips to secure your folded over binding as you stitch the binding to the back of the quilt. I knew I’d find a good use for these left-over hair clips once my daughter stopped using them!
  • Use a blind stitch to attach your binding and use a color of thread that either matches the color of your binding or is a neutral thread that will blend in with any color.

So, those are some of my tips! I keep forgetting to take photos of the corners when I attach the binding. I guess I’m in a hurry to get done! LOL! I want to show how to get the perfect mitered corner so I promise will get the photos the next time and show you that tip!

Leave a comment with your thoughts on binding. You may have a tip that some of us have not heard of. It’s always a great day when you learn something new!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Use it All Up!

Hi everyone! Many of you know I was at the Wisconsin Quilt Expo this past weekend. Wow, was that fun! I really enjoyed meeting every quilter that found my booth. It was fun chatting with you and I am glad you find the time to read my humble blog. For those of you that were not there, here’s a few photos of my booth:

So now onto the topic of the day. In speaking with many of my fellow quilters at the show, I found that most of us like to use all of our fabric. I’ve done posts about storing and saving strips for future blocks. Since fabric is so expensive, we quilters are usually looking for ways to use every bit. Here I will be sharing two “use it all up” tips.

Tip#1

What do you do when you are making flying geese (the traditional way) and have to trim off the seam allowance? That’s fabric waste and I don’t like it any more than you do. 

Inspiration strikes! How about making half-square triangle (HST) square units from the trimmed off seam allowance as you go? Eventually, you will have a batch of these squares and you can make something fun, like a wall hanging or a table runner!

This tip works best if your flying geese units are larger ones, for example 3 1/2 x 6 1/2″ geese. But if you are a quilter who likes working with mini pieces, you can go as small as you’re comfortable with.

Start out with the rectangle that is 3 1/2 x 6 1/2″ and two squares that are 3 1/2″ square. Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the squares. Once you have the square placed face down on the rectangle, sew along the drawn line and then sew another seam 1/2″ away from the first seam. If you want to mark that line too, feel free.

Then, cut the unit between the sewn lines:

Press open the units:

Once you repeat this step on the other side and press the units open, you will have a flying geese unit and two HST squares. You can use the HST squares in the project you are making the geese for, or save them for another purpose!

A geese unit that measures 3 1/2 x 6 1/2″ will yield two HST squares that can be trimmed to measure 2 1/2″ square. A geese unit that measures 2 1/2 x 4 1/2″ yields two HST squares that can be trimmed to measure 1 1/2″ square.

What can you do with these HST squares? Make a pinwheel block with four of them or sew them together in a chain for an interesting pieced border. Or, just toss them in a container just for those HSTs. Then you can pull them out and whip up a small project with them. A candle mat, a small table runner or anything you can think of!

So now that I have shared this tip, you won’t feel so guilty about making flying geese units the “old-fashioned” way. You will now be accumulating half-square triangle squares that you can put to use in another quilt!

Tip#2

If you have followed my fabric saving tips in the fast, but end up with odd pieces that you can not cut into strips, what can you do? Well, if you use applique on your quilts, by all means save these piece! I have tubs of scraps that I use to make flowers, leaves and other applique motifs. Here’s one of the tubs:

I have tubs for other colors too. I like having these scraps because I don’t have to cut into a new piece of fabric just for a small applique.

So, those are a few of my “use it all up” tips. Do you have any to share? let me know in the comments!

Happy Quilting
Deanne

Time Saving Tips for Quilters

Hello Quilters! I have a few time saving tips that will make your stitching and sewing days more enjoyable. These are easy little tricks that can shave a little time off piecing, pressing and stitching.

Chain Piecing

Of course, most quilters are familiar with chain piecing. Whoever invented this technique deserves a medal! For those of you who are not familiar, it is the practice of continuously feeding pieces that need to be joined together under the presser foot of your machine as you stitch. You don’t have to stop after every unit and clip the thread. When all pieces are joined, then you clip the units apart.

I love to chain piece and I actually spend a few minutes looking at instructions in a pattern in order to figure out what pieces I can chain stitch for a time saver. I also chain piece blocks together if I am making several of the same block. I simply stack up the rows for all the blocks and chain piece until the blocks are done.

Pressing Seams with Pressing Stick

If you have blocks that have a lot of seams, instead of moving to the ironing board constantly, use a pressing stick!

Here’s how it is used:

This allows you to piece an entire block made up of many seamed units without having to move to your iron. Once the blocks are all pieced, then you can take them to the iron and press everything, including the stick pressed seams.

Creasing a Stitch Line

If you do not want to take the time to draw diagonal stitch lines on all of your squares for making half-square triangle squares, you can use the creasing technique. Fold the top square of the two squares you are stitching together in half and finger press to make a visible crease. You can also use the pressing stick mentioned above.

Sew a scant 1/4 inch on each side of the crease, just like if it was a pencil drawn line. Then cut the unit apart on the crease.

Now you’re ready to trim and press open the two units like normal for two half-square triangle squares!

Whether you were familiar with these tips as an experienced quilter or this is the first time you’re seeing these, I hope it was informative!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Handy Quilting Tips for the Busy Quilter!

The boss lady thought last week’s handy tips went so well, we should have more!

Tip#1: We all like the convenience of chain piecing. I often say… whoever thought up that quilting technique…bless them! I love to chain piece whenever I can to save time. To make chain piecing even more efficient, consider pairing up the pieces you are stitching and stacking them so you can just grab and feed!

  • Stacked and ready to stitch!

Tip #2: So, you have a cutting mat and ironing board covered with threads (or cat hair too in my situation!). An easy way to clean those is with one of those rollers with the sticky paper that you use on your clothes.

  • Just “roll with it”!

If you don’t have one of these tools, never fear! Pull out some packing tape, wrap it around your hand and you’re ready to clean.

  • Wrapped around my hand….
  • Picks up threads nicely!

Our cutting mats are an important tool so we need to keep them in the best shape. For more tips on cleaning and maintaining you mat, here’s good information from Olfa:
How to Clean your Mats

Tip #3: Reinforce applique templates for a project so they’re reusable. I like to use my home printer to copy the applique template sheet from a pattern onto a heavier card stock paper. Once that is done, I cut them out and I can trace around them as many times as I want. They won’t crinkle or curl up like regular paper.

Card stock star template

Now for storage, I will just slide the template pieces into the pattern bag with the pattern. If there are templates that are too big for the pattern bag, I put them in a larger bag and put the pattern in that bag with the templates.

Tip #4: Use a kitchen magnet to corral pins in the sewing room and keep them handy by the machine. For this, you’ll need one of those rectangular magnets where the entire back is magnet.

  • Works like a charm!

If you want this new pin collector to stay in one place, use some double-sided tape to affix the magnet to your machine. Now the pins will be within easy reach. **Edit** As noted by quilter, Angela, be careful if your machine is computerized because a magnet can interfere with it’s function. Thanks, Angela!**

Tip #5: Do you struggle with where to put a pattern you are working off of while you are sewing? Here’s a simple and convenient solution. Find an old clipboard, attach the pattern and lean it by you so you can easily refer to the pattern as you work!

So that’s my quilting tips for this installment. If you have some tips to share, write a comment and you will be entered in a drawing for a copy of the Primitive Quilts & Projects Fall 2019 issue with my pattern in it!

Drawing will be on Monday, August 5th. Good luck! ***We have a winner! Congrats, Eugenia Read!****

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

The Boss Lady Says: Time for Some Quilting Tips!

The Boss

Hi and welcome! I don’t profess to know everything about quilting, but I like to share tips from time to time. Sometimes it’s a tip I’ve just learned about or its a tip for a technique I happen to be working on at the time. Some of these may be new to you or they might not be. Learning is always a good thing and something we’re always doing through our quilting life.

Tip #1: Reading all the pattern directions is very important before beginning a project. Doing this will familiarize you with all the steps involved and you can get questions answered before you begin.

This also comes in handy when cutting out your fabric pieces. Most patterns will have you cut all your pieces up front, but some won’t. Reading the pattern all the way through will guarantee you don’t miss anything.

Above is a look at one of my patterns. As you can see, I have you cut the largest pieces from a piece of fabric and then have you work your way down to the smallest pieces. That is the most efficient way to cut.

I also recommend purchasing a little extra fabric than is listed on the pattern. This will allow for shrinkage, if you are a fabric washer, or for cutting errors. The last thing you want is to run out of fabric!

Tip #2: Measure, measure, measure! Measuring in quilting is not just important when you are cutting out the pieces for your quilt. It’s important through out the piecing process. If you have quilt blocks made up of many different units, I recommend measuring each unit when it’s completed before piecing them into a block.

By doing this, you guarantee that your quilt block will be the accurate size. If the units making up the block are off even by a tiny bit, that mistake will multiply while piecing and you will end up with blocks that do not measure correctly. That will result in your quilt blocks not fitting together smoothly.

Tip #3: This may seem like a simple tip, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Back stitch to lock your stitched seam at the beginning and end of a seam.

As you can see, the unit on the left has back stitching at the beginning and end of the seam. The one on the right does not. The next photo shows how the seam can separate, which can cause your quilt to come apart at the seams … literally!

The unit that has the back stitching is nice and secure, even with seams pressed open.

Even if you are chain piecing, it’s a good idea to do a quick back stitch as you move from one unit to the other. It takes a little bit more time, but it will be worth it when your quilt stays together!

Tip #4: Pressing versus ironing. Do you know the difference? There is a big difference! Pressing is when you use the weight of the iron along with the heat to flatten a piece of fabric or seams in a unit or block, basically going up and down. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth over something to smooth out wrinkles. Guess which you should do when your quilting? You want to “press” units and blocks so you do not distort seams or weaken stitching. I did a mini-tutorial on this earlier this year:

So that’s it for this week. Join me next week for some more handy tips! 

Share a tip in the comments below and be entered in a drawing to win my newest pattern: Stack O’ Sheep!

The drawing will be held on Monday, July 29th. ***We have a winner! Congrats, Rebekah!***

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Welcome Text it! Blog Hoppers!

Hi! Welcome to Snuggles Quilts for my stop on the Text it! blog hop. If you’ve never been to my web site, feel free to poke around. I am a scrap quilter that loves to use fabric and wool applique in many of my designs. You can view them here in my shop. I blog weekly about quilting sharing tips and tricks I use while making my creations. You can sign up for my blog feed and also my monthly newsletter on my home page. And, most importantly, you will become very familiar with my studio companion, Addie the cat, if you follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

Sherri Noel’s book, Text it! has so many fun projects, I had a hard time choosing the one I wanted to make. Then I saw the 1 Sheep quilt and I knew immediately that I wanted to make it. I love applique and I also like doing wool applique on fabric so I thought this would be a great project for me.

Here’s my finished quilt:

In Sherri’s book, the sheep is created using fabric applique, which I love to do as well, but I thought I would make my quilt with wool pieces, for the sheep’s body, appliqued to fabric to make him extra fuzzy!

I hunted through my drawers of wool and pulled out a variety to use as the sheep’s body, head and legs. I think I found some that works well with the background.

On to the creation….. I use fusible web in my wool applique so the next step was to trace my templates on the fusible web and then fuse them to the selected pieces of wool. If you want to learn more about my wool applique process, I have a blog post here that gives you some tips. Also, I have two stitching tutorials here and here.

Next up was to use my design wall to layout the sheep body. This was the fun part. Shifting around the wool circles to get the color distribution I wanted. I used small pins to anchor things in place so it was easy to move them around. Once I had the layout I liked, I followed the manufacturers instructions for the fusible web and fused my design to the fabric.

Now it was time to stitch! For wool applique, I use chenille needles, size 22 or 24, Valdani Perle Cotton, size 8 (usually neutral colors) and I always have some Roxanne’s Glue Baste-it on hand in case the pieces I have fused to the background fabric by ironing lift a bit during stitching.

Ahhhh… this is where the fun starts ….. dealing with my studio friend while trying to stitch….

Once I managed to get the design stitched to the background, I pieced and attached the checkerboard border and machine quilted the quilt. I used an overall loops and stars meandering design in the center portion of the quilt and then a leaf design in the border. Here’s a blog post I did on machine quilting tips.

Here’s close up of the quilting:

So now it’s time to tell you about the prizes in the giveaway! One lucky blog reader will win a copy of Sherri’s book, Text it! to make these fun projects! Unfortunately, this prize is only available to participants in the US (laws beyond our control). However, there is also a chance to win 2 large spools of Aurifil thread that can be shipped anywhere in the world! I am also drawing a winner to receive a pack of my most recent pattern releases. To be entered in the drawing, leave me a comment on whether you have a special sewing companion or, if you don’t have a pet, your favorite quilting technique. Be sure to mention in the comment if you are a US resident so it will be easier to determine who is eligible for the book drawing.

I wish to thank Sherri for letting me take part in this blog hop. It’s been so much fun and I enjoyed making this project so much, I’m going to make others from the book too! You can order the book from Amazon, Martingale or get a signed copy of Text it! directly from Sherri.

Below is the blog hop schedule for the whole hop. Feel free to go back and visit the blogs you’ve missed because the drawings will not take place until after the hop is over! *** We Have our winners! Congrats Joyce, Jen and Jennifer! You’ll be getting an email from me with details.****

Happy Quilting & Hopping!
Deanne

MONDAY MARCH 4 –

BEE HAPPY PAMELA JANE MORGAN – WWW.MYSWEETLITTLESTITCHES.COM                      

SHARON LILABELLE LANE – WWW.LILABELLELANECREATIONS.COM

TUESDAY MARCH 5 – INFINITY Quilt

LAURA PILAND – WWW.SLICEOFPIQUILTS.COM

LEANNE PARSONS – WWW.DEVOTEDQUILTER.COM

KATIE MUTER STARCHER – WWW.KATIEMAEQUILTS.COM

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6 – PILLOW TALK

KATE COLLERAN – WWW.SEAMSLIKEADREAM.COM

CHERYL DAINES BROWN – WWW.QUILTERCHIC.COM

DORIE HRUSKA – WWW.FOREVER-QUILTING.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 7 – FREEDOM Quilt

JEN SHAFFER – WWW.PATTERNSBYJEN.BLOGSPOT.COM

LYNN KANE – WWW.PUPPYGIRLDESIGNS.COM

TARA MILLER – WWW.QUILTDISTRICT.COM

FRIDAY MARCH 8 – LOVING YOU Wall Hanging

ELLEN AULT – WWW.HANDMADE3D.ME/MAINBLOG/

SHERRI NOEL – WWW.REBECCAMAEDESIGNS.COM

MONDAY MARCH 11 – COUNTING SHEEP Baby Quilt

DEANNE EISENMAN – WWW.SNUGGLESQUILTS.COM

RAEWYN BARGE – WWW.STITCHINGFARMGIRL.BLOGSPOT.COM

SUSAN PELLAND – WWW.SUEPELLANDDESIGNS.COM

TUESDAY MARCH 12 – HOME PILLOW

JOANNE HARRIS – WWW.QUILTSBYJOANNE.BLOGSPOT.CA

PATTY DUDEK – WWW.ELMSTREETQUILTS.COM

ANDY KNOWLTON – WWW.ABRIGHTCORNER.COM

SANDRA STARLEY – WWW.UTAHQUILTAPPRAISER.BLOGSPOT.COM

CINDY PIETERS – WWW.STITCHINATHOME.COM

WEDNESDAY MARCH 13 – LIFE IS SHORT Wall hanging

BECCA FENSTERMAKER – WWW.PRETTYPINEY.COM

KATIE BOCK – WWW.SEWINGWITHKATIE.BLOGSPOT.COM

ALLA BLANCA – WWW.RAINBOWSBUNNIESCUPCAKES.BLOGSPOT.COM

THURSDAY MARCH 14 – HUSTLE PILLOW

TERRI BANDEN BOSCH – WWW.MEANDERINGSALONGLIZARDCREEK.BLOGSPOT.COM

WILLOW OLSON – WWW.BEARPAWDESIGNBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

ERIN SAMPSON – http://auribuzz.wordpress.com/

FRIDAY MARCH 15 – SEWING MACHINE MAT

LAUREN WRIGHT – WWW.MOLLYANDMAMA.COM.AU

SANDRA HEALY – WWW.SANDRAHEALYDESIGNS.COM

CHERYL KRISEL LYNCH – http://www.cheryllynchquilts.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY MARCH 16 – WRAP UP

SHERRI NOEL – WWW.REBECCAMAEDESIGNS.COM

Time Saving Tips for Every Quilter!

I think about time saving tricks a lot when I am quilting. I have always been an impatient person, so if I can find a way to save time…. I do it! I want to share a few of those with you today in this blog posting.

Tip#1
One of the first things I recommend that will save you a lot of time is to read through the pattern you are planning to work on and create a “test” block out of scrap fabric. This is a great way to find out if you understand the instructions! It’s also a way to “audition” color choices.

Here is a test block I made for one of my projects:

So, you are thinking…. what am I to do with these “test” blocks that I make? They’re not for the actual quilt project so do I just toss them into a UFO basket and forget about them? Well, you can do that, but I recommend using these test blocks for instant gifts! All you have to do is add some borders using scraps and before you know it, you have a mini wall hanging, table topper or candle mat!

I added borders, quilted the piece and finished it with binding. This then became a fun Christmas gift for a friend who is not a quilter! She loved it!

Tip#2
When buying your fabric for your project, add a little to the amount you purchase to allow for shrinkage (if you pre-wash your fabric) or for squaring up. We all know that fabric needs to be squared up before cutting. Sometimes, when fabric is rolled onto the bolt at the factory, it can get rolled on a little askew. You don’t want to get home and not have enough fabric for your project! Here’s an earlier blog post I did on squaring up fabric if you need to familiarize yourself on doing this:

Fabric Cutting – Tools, Accuracy and Safety First!

I often buy an extra 1/8 yard –  this also allows for a possible cutting error. 

Tip#3
This sort of goes with tip #2. Cut all the pieces for your project at once. I like doing this for 2 reasons. I like to get all the cutting done at once and it allows me to make sure I have enough fabric. If I cut in stages, by the time I figure out I’m short of fabric, the quilt shop may be out of that particular fabric!

Also when you are cutting, label and organize your pieces based on when they are used in the pattern. Most patterns will have pieces numbered or lettered. If that’s the case, keep all the similar pieces together as this will make it easier for you to find them when they are needed. Here’s a project of mine all laid out and labeled:

Tip#4
Chain piecing! I love to chain piece when I can. Whether it’s piecing a unit or piecing rows for a block. I start my chain piecing with a leader/ender  piece to keep threads under control and make sure my seams start evenly. Here’s some photos of my chain piecing:

Leader/ender piece before beginning chain piecing.
Chain piecing in action!
Ending the chain piecing with the leader/ender fabric.

Like I said earlier, chain piecing can also be used when piecing blocks. It’s a good time saver technique to use when your blocks are made up of rows and you are making a lot of the same block.

Here are the pieced for 3 blocks stacked up.
Rows pieced and ready to sew together for finished blocks!

So, those are a few of my time saving tips for this week. Let me know if you have any to share. Post them in the comments below so everyone can benefit! I will have blog posts with other time saving tips in the future. In the meantime…..

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

New Pattern and Some Half-Square Triangle Square Tips!

Hi everyone! Just a short visit this week to introduce my new pattern called Summer Serendipity.

This is a 36 x 36″ wall hanging or table topper. It a fun, scrappy pieced background embellished with some beautiful floral appliqué. And this appliqué can be done by hand or machine! You can also substitute wool for the fabric and use this background for some colorful wool appliqué. You can go here for purchasing information.

The pieced background is easy piecing that uses a lot of half-square triangle squares. Do not be intimidated by these! Half-square triangle squares, or as I call them, HSTs, are really not that hard and come out accurately every time if you follow my tips.

Tip #1: For this project, I use the method of making HSTs that uses 2 squares, one color print and one tan print. I’m going to use the squares the size I need to make HSTs that measure 2 1/2″ when I’m done. So start with your squares either 2  7/8″ x 2  7/8″ OR, if you don’t mind wasting a tiny bit of fabric and want to make sure your finished squares are the correct size, you can start with squares that measure 3″ x 3″.

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the tan print square:

Then place the tan print and the color print squares right sides together with the tan print square on top so the drawn line is visible.

Tip #2: Now comes the time to stitch. I like to stitch with a scant 1/4″ on each side of the drawn line, especially if I am using squares cut 2 7/8″:

Using the scant 1/4″ distance guarantees your squares will not be too small when you press them open because you can always trim them.

Tip #3: Now we come to the trimming. Cut the above unit apart on the drawn line. You will have two units. Do not press them open yet. We will actually trim them before pressing. The great thing about that is you are only having to make two trimming cuts instead of have to trim all four sides individually!

Here’s the unit cut apart:

Now I will introduce you to this awesome tool I like to use for the trimming. It’s called the Quilt in a Day® Triangle Square Up Ruler!

Here it is and how it works:

The numbers on the measurement lines are the size of the HST you want after it’s pressed open. Ours are going to be 2 1/2″ after trimming so we use the 2 1/2″ line on this ruler. First place the ruler on one of the units from above with the 2 1/2″ line on the stitch line:

Now you trim off the excess fabric on the two sides. Once you do this, you can press open the unit and here you are:

It’s that simple! Since each set of squares makes 2 HSTs, if you need 40 HSTs you need 20 squares of tan print and 20 squares of color print.

Now you can make HSTs with ease and make many of my patterns that use HSTs!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Do You Like to Travel Stitch?

I don’t know about you, but I like to stitch on projects outside or on the road. I usually have more than one project going on at a time for that very reason. Obviously, I can not have my sewing machine outside on the porch or in my car (…. at least not yet! LOL!), so I have a project in the works that requires the sewing machine and then I have one or more hand projects, either wool or needle-turn applique. Then I have my bases covered and my hands are not idle on a road trip. I just can not sit in a car and not be reading or stitching!

To take a project with me on the road, first I have to have a way to store all the pieces so I do not lose anything. I use small zip lock baggies, either snack, sandwich or quart size (depending upon the size of my project) to store my appliqué pieces. This also works for wool appliqué, hexies or other hand projects!

 

Then I use a larger “project bag”. You know those plastic bags with zippers that small sheet sets come in? They are perfect to pack a project into. enough room to fit your project and sewing supplies you will need such as rulers, thread and needle storage, etc.

These bags work great for plane trips too. Since it is not hard sided, the bag of supplies is easy to squeeze into a suitcase.

I store my threads, needles and scissors is small tins or plastic containers. Here is the tin for my needle-turn applique:

Here’s the inside:

Notice the magnet in the corner. I found this magnet “block” at my local hardware store. It fits right inside my tin and holds needles, a small scissors and some pins. A lot better than having them rolling around inside the tin! 

Next is the plastic container that holds my wool applique threads. I use this for travel sewing and for my summer days “porch stitching”! This is a Snapware container that has a few levels that all snap together and have a cover. I love this for travel!

Next, I needed a place to put sewing supplies within reach when I am sewing in the car. I got this idea from a student in one of my classes. Go to the bathroom section of a Target, Wal-Mart or similar store and look for these small suction cup storage items.  If you can not find one there, find it here. I think they are used in a shower to hold soap. I stick it on the car window and store my thread and scissors so they are easy to reach!

Isn’t it amazing what you can do with everyday items?

So, I’m packed and ready for my next car trip at any time. I better get going on some ideas so I have something to work on for my next car ride. Summer is coming and the kids are miles away, so I’m sure there will be road trips in my near future!

Happy Quilting & Stitching!
Deanne