Hugs from Helen

June 22, 2023

A step by step tutorial for the Jelly and Cake box pouch

A step by step tutorial to assist in the making of the Jelly & Cake box pouch project – the pattern is available for sale here.

For those of you who do better visually when making, follow this along with the instructions in your pattern for a perfect finish.

Complete all embroidery as per the iron on transfer, design sheet and instructions. Press well and trim each design to measure 2 1/2” square.

Layout the 40 squares until you are happy with the balance as per the diagram below. Join squares in pairs, then fours, to make your rows. Press seam allowances in each row in opposite directions.

For the outer two rows in each panel ensure seam allowance is pressed inwards. towards the centre gap.

Fuse to foam (or spray baste to sewin foam) and trim to size. Quilt through the batting – I just ditched but you can do as little or as much as you like.

Lay one complete outer panel right side up on flat surface.
Position zipper right side down on top with top raw edges even. . Ensure your stitchery designs are in the correct direction- the zipper is at the top of your designs for each side.
Place lining piece right side down on top. Pin or klip along edge ensuring all raw edges are even.
Mark ½” from each end of panel.
Using a zipper foot, stitch as close as possible to zipper teeth beginning at the ½” mark and ending at the other end ½” mark, backtacking to secure.

Place panel on right side of zipper and stitch along top edge. Use a zipper foot if required. Repeat for other panel and other side of zipper. Ensure you have your panels both facing upwards towards the zipper – ( do as I say not as I did! – the top panel in this pic is around the wrong way- it should be upside down)

Press open all layers well. Edgestitch along edge of zip.
Repeat this process with the other outer panel and lining piece on the other side of the zip.

Trim out the inner rectangles from the lining pieces.Fold so that the two outer panels are right sides together and the two lining pieces. Stitch cross the bottom straight edge of each. Leave a 4” opening in the lining seam.

Fold so that the two outer panels are right sides together and the two lining pieces. Stitch cross the bottom straight edge of each. Leave a 4” opening in the lining seam.

Press the seams open and fold so that the two bottom seams are central sitting on top of the zipper. Match all seams and pin.
Fold the corners of the lining towards the centre and pin out of the way.
Make sure the zipper pull is inside the edges of your pouch if it is longer. Move it to the centre.
Stitch across the short end through all layers using a 3/8” seam allowance. You will be stitching over the zip.

Flip the pouch over, unpin the lining pieces and repeat this using a ¼” seam allowance. You will again be stitching over the zip ends. Trim the ends of the zippers to the edge of the pouch.

Handle: fold handle strip in half wrong sides together. Press. Open and fold each edge to the centre fold, then fold in half again. Press. Edgestitch down each side.

You now have four open corners. Turn each one so that the seam is central and the edge is straight.
Pass the handle through the middle of one end of the outer pouch through these openings. Have the raw edges even on each side.
Stitch across the two straight short edges securing the handle in place.

Fold the other 6 corners (two outer pouch, 4 lining) in the same manner (minus the handle).
Turn your bag through to the right side through the opening in the lining.

Slip stitch the opening closed. Push the lining to the inside of your pouch smoothly and give your pouch a good final press.

Posted at 02:17 PM in Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 30, 2023

Toolbox Trumpery photo tutorial

A step by step tutorial to assist in the making of the Toolbox Trumpery project – the pattern is available for sale here.

For those of you who do better visually when making, follow this along with the instructions in your pattern for a perfect finish.

Complete all embroidery as per the iron on transfer, design sheet and instructions. Press well and trim to size as advised.

Press your completed hexie panel and using a long ruler and rotary cutter cut it apart directly down the centre.

Place your trimmed stitchery panel in the centre – open out the top and bottom seam allowances on the hexies and attach to both sides using a 1/4” seam allowance. Press seams to centre panel

Fold in half wrong sides together. Mark the centre. Place template at centre mark on the top edge. Use a marker to draw around the curved edge.

Flip the template and repeat on the other side.

Use a rotary cutter or scissors and slice off the edges carefully. Use a ruler to continue down the straight edges to the bottom fold.

Lay your panel on top of the lining fabric and fusible lightweight batting and trim both to size. (you can do both layers at once or one at a time)

Fuse batting to wrong side of outer panel. Place right sides together with your lining piece and sew around outside edge using a 1/4” foot and leaving a 3” opening in the centre of one long side.

Clip the curved corners, turn through the opening and press out all seam well and smooth

Open zipper and mark the centre. Place the right side of zipper onto the lining side of your panel having the centres matched and the teeth close to the edge. Use pins, clips or glue to hold around the top edge of the panel on both directions until you get to the ends.

Use a zipper foot on your machine to attach sewing as close to the teeth as possible. I used glue and then stitched from the outside so that I could get an even stitch line showing on the outside of my bag. An awl also helps to move the zip through and keep it right in place near the teeth. Move the zipper pull out of the way as you go.

Repeat for the other side of the zip on the other end of the bag. This one is a bit trickier to sew when you get to the closed end, use the awl to assist.

Turn the bag wrong side out. Open the zip. Position the zipper in the centre and flatten down each end. Use clips or pins to hold it flat and centred. Stitch across each flat end using a 1/4” seam allowance and taking care not to hit any metal parts of the zip. Repeat for both ends. Trim any overhanging zipper.

Place a binding strip right side down on the end having 3/4” overhang at the beginning and end. Stitch with a 1/4” seam. (again be careful not to hit any metal zip parts)

Fold in both ends (use glue to hold) and then double fold the long side in until it meets the stitch line. Glue or clip and then edge stitch into place covering all raw seams.

Turn your bag through the open zipper and push out all corners.

Fill with all of your tools of trade and show it off with pride!

Posted at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 04, 2022

Sewpink 2022

It’s that time of year again – October - Breast cancer month. Now it’s not that we should only be aware in October but it is a great way to remind yourself that it is important to CHECK THOSE BOOBS!

I’m honoured to be a part of this years ByAnnies Sew Pink Initiative yet again. I think I have been involved every year and it is my pleasure to contribute to this great initiative.

I do normally have time to design and make something especially for it, but alas this year time has gotten away from us all and I need to remind myself also to stop and smell the roses I think.

However I did take a day out for myself and make a lovely set of Clam up pouches in the latest fabric line to arrive in our store – which I just love – Anne Sutton’s Flower farm for Moda fabrics - it has so many lovely pinks and pretties, it was just perfect for the job!

We’ll be donating $5 from every

Clamup pattern sold in October to Breast Cancer Australia on your behalf.

There are 5 sizes in the pattern – and I will admit I just watched the great add-on videos and then stitched them right up – I didn’t even need to read the pattern!

These are the small, medium and large versions (there is an extra small and an extra large version as well)

We can never have too many little zipper pouches but I was thinking that they would be very handy for medications, creams and oils and other little goodies when going in for treatment. Or of course your stitching supplies.

All of us know someone close or dear to us who has fought the battle of Breast Cancer – particularly in our Quilting world where our demographic has such a high risk rate. But with so many advances and free breast screening for many we need to be vigilant and ‘check those bumps for lumps’

If you know someone who is fighting the battle or has won the fight we have this range of brooches/badges that may just have the right message.

There are 16 to choose from and we’ll donate $1 from every sale to Breast Cancer Australia.

ByAnnies is also offering a $30 virtual voucher to one lucky person who reads this blog. I’d love you to post your pink bag makes on IG and tag me @helen_stubbings @patternsbyannie #sewpink so I can choose a winner!

And remember to check those bumps for lumps!

hugs xxxxx

Helen

Here’s the full schedule for 2022 below. Be sure to drop by each bloggers post to see what they are sharing this year.

BLOG HOP 2022 SCHEDULE

✂ Oct. 1 :ByAnnie.com Kick off

✂ Oct. 3 : Emmaline Bags

✂ Oct. 4: Hugs ‘N Kisses

✂ Oct. 5: Clover and Violet

✂ Oct. 6: Fat Quarter Shop and the Jolly Jabber

✂ Oct. 7: Sewfinity

✂ Oct. 10: Teresa Coates & Shannon Fabrics

✂ Oct. 11:Beyond the Reef

✂ Oct. 12: Sallie Tomato

✂ Oct. 13: Suzn Quilts

✂ Oct. 17: Snuggles Quilts

✂ Oct. 20: Pat Sloan

✂ Oct. 21: Knot and Thread Design

✂ Oct.23: Sookie Sews

✂ Oct. 24: Mister Domestic

✂ Oct. 26: A Bright Corner

✂ Oct. 27: Sew Cute and Quirky

✂ Oct. 1 : ByAnnie.com Final Wrap Up

The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Our efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

This year we are again joining forces with Fat Quarter Shop to promote a fundraiser. Their goal of raising $20,000 to donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

ByAnnie.com will match every dollar raised on the #SewPINK fundraising page.

Posted at 12:49 PM in charity, Current Affairs | Permalink | Comments (6)

October 03, 2021

Sew Pink 2021

I'm proud to be a part of the third annual Sew Pink blog hop run by ByAnnie – to focus on Breast cancer for the month of October. Although its important every day of the year, I've taken part in each of these initiatives now as I believe in the importance of this raising of awareness – and funds to beat this thing!

This year when I went in for my bi-annual Boob check I ran into a friend coming in as I left. Not surprising – we’re all around the same age and demographic in a smallish town, so often you see someone you know. Little did I know that she was there for a dreaded callback – which resulted in a positive result and weeks of surgery, chemotherapy and years of anxiousness and checks to come. What surprised me most when we next caught up and discussed it was that it was the first time she had had a breast check. (she is early/mid 50’s). This is despite having family history - and it being free to have Breast screens here in Australia from age 40.

Why wouldn't she do it? because, like me, she is a busy small business owner, a mum, a wife, a charity organiser and everything else she cannot say no to. She provides to, mentors and coaches hundreds of children a week in her business and she didn't have the time to think about herself – only others. She knows she should have, she knows its easy and free, she knows everything she could have done – but we, as working mums and business owners just tend to put ourselves last on that ever growing list.

You know I preach about the therapy of stitching, and I get so many messages of personal stories saying how stitching my patterns has helped people get through traumas, challenges and life events, including cancer journeys – I can’t stress enough the importance of taking that time out for ourselves, to smell the roses and – get the boob check! Before you have to go through the journey that so many of our friends and family have endured.

This year I have stitched the simple and of so useful ByAnnie Pocket Packer project using the wonderful Tula Pink linework fabrics we have instore at Quarter Inch.

But instead of a mesh on the outside pocket, I've used our EPP Iron-ons to make an English paper pieced ribbon in honour of the SewPink initiative. It’s quick and simple – but it sends a message – a reminder, to us all.

And I'm imagining that those are zebra unicorns there giving hope to all!

Here’s a quick little step by step of my ribbon process.

Take 18 diecut EPP 1” diamond papers (60 degree) and fuse them onto the wrong side of your chosen fabrics – I used three different Kona solids I had in my stash.

Remember to leave a 1/2” of fabric between them for seam allowances.

Cut them out keeping that 1/4” seam allowance on each one.

Next we use a fabric glue pen, a small line of glue along the edge of the paper and fold over that seam allowance onto the glue.

I arranged them onto a printout to see how I wanted to spread my colours around. (you can download that pdf here if it helps you)

Then you simply whip stitch them together as you would for any EPP. The difference with our EPP Iron-ons is you leave them in – yes they iron on, and stay in – if washed they’ll semi dissolve and just stay in as nice soft fibres.

Next you’ll cut a piece of cotton fabric (we used the zebra print) the same size as the mesh measurement in the pattern. Glue baste (we use small dots of Roxanne’s basting glue) it into place and then hand or machine stitch it down tucking in those tails as you go.

Then you’ll just continue to make up your bag as per the pattern.

I made Style 3 – with three pockets, splitting the bottom one. You get a voucher code with each pattern to watch the Add-on videos by Annie. They take you through step by step with so many tips to perfect her zippers, mesh, vinyl and more.

If you’ve never done EPP before and would like to try this checkout my YouTube channel for some help using our method.

If you’d like to make your own version, we’re including enough EPP Iron-on precuts to make your ribbon with each Pocket packer pattern ordered on any of our websites. We can also put together kits in the same fabrics we used – or of course you may have our own favourites.

We have a Giveaway

As part of the blog hop I have a $30 digital coupon to give away to one lucky reader – you just need to pop over to my Instagram feed and find the Sewpink post and enter to win. And remember, we’re giving you the EPP Iron-on 1” diamond papers when you grab the Pocket packer pattern.

Don’t forget to checkout the other amazing sew-leb-rities participating and see what they have on offer during the month of October.

BLOG HOP 2021 SCHEDULE

✂ Oct. 1 (Fri):Fat Quarter Shop - The Jolly Jabber

✂ Oct. 2 (Sat):Sallie Tomato

✂ Oct. 4 (Mon): Hugs ‘N Kisses

✂ Oct. 6 (Wed): Sewfinity

✂ Oct. 11 (Mon):Beyond the Reef

✂ Oct. 13 (Wed): Great Heron Thread Co.

✂ Oct. 15 (Fri): Love You Sew

✂ Oct. 15 (Fri): Emmaline Bags

✂ Oct. 16 (Sat): Meadow Mist Designs

✂ Oct. 18 (Mon): OklaRoots

✂ Oct. 20 (Wed): Suzn Quilts

✂ Oct. 20 (Wed): Teresa Coates

✂ Oct. 22 (Fri): Knot and Thread Design

✂ Oct. 23 (Sat): Shannon’s Studio

✂ Oct. 25 (Mon): The Littlest Thistle

✂ Oct. 27 (Thur): Mister Domestic

✂ Oct. 27 (Wed): Sookie Sews

And Don’t forget to go have that Boob check – no matter how busy you are.

happy stitching,

Helen

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

● Breast Screen (Australia)

● CDC.gov (US)

● WebMD (free screenings)

In addition to participating in the #SewPINK Initiative, Fat Quarter Shop invites you to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the goal of raising $10,000.

To find the Fat Quarter Shop fundraiser visit: https://fundraise.nbcf.org/FatQuarterShop

To learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation visit: https://www.bcrf.org/

Posted at 03:37 PM in charity, EPP, giveaways, stitch therapy, Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (3)

August 09, 2021

It’s all about Maths!

Time for a little maths lesson. Do you love English paper piecing but ready to move on from just hexies..

We have lots of die cut EPP Iron-on shapes being added to our inventory with our next order coming soon. So I thought it was time to have a little lesson on how they work together.

English Paper piecing is basically using paper templates (we use our Applique paper for our unique easyepp method) and folding fabric pieces over the paper to make perfect shapes.

Generally (although not always) the shapes tessellate to make a solid piece. This means that the shapes fit together perfectly with no gaps in between.

For this to work however, they either need to be all the exact same shape with an equal amount of sides or shapes in the same angle and size group.

So if you can remember back to school here is the basics of maths:

We’ll start with the simple hexagon. It has six sides. A full circle is 360degrees = so divide that by 6 and it gives us 60 degrees.

So shapes that will tessellate with a hexagon generally all need to be based on 60 degree angles (or could be 30, 90, 120 degrees).

These include:

And all of their derivates (as in you can chop a hexagon up into many smaller shapes.)

Just look at all the ways you can cut a hexie apart and put it back together again!

Of course you need to choose the measurement to match also (we’ll talk more about how to measure epp shapes in another post)

You can always start with any shape, cut it apart and know that it should go back together again, but what if you want to use different starter shapes and design a new motif or block with them?

Well just look at those angles and see if they might work together.

For example a jewel shape will work with the 60 degree hexie shapes.

But what about other angles you may ask? well back to maths and your 360 degree circle. What else can it be divided into?

An Octagon is a 45degree shape (8 sides 360/8=45)

and therefore works well with honeycombs and 90 degree squares.

and 45 degree diamonds

A pentagon is not so pretty to use – on its own it does not tessellate (ie: there are gaps)

but combine it with 72 or 36 degree diamonds and it can work.

See if you can work out the maths in these In The Round blocks below:

If you’d love to learn more about English Paper piecing and our unique Easy EPP method checkout our tutorials

here.

Or you may wish to take our Scrappity Doo Dah 26 part EPP program.

That's enough for one maths lesson – happy epp’ing

Hugs, Helen

Posted at 06:09 PM in EPP, hexies, teaching, Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 19, 2020

Sew pink–Stitch for Breast cancer month in October = blog hop

I'm again participating in the ByAnnie #sewpink campaign for the October Breast cancer awareness month. Although I have so far escaped the 1 in 7 statistic, many of my friends have not and I have watched them battle and fight with grace and courage… hopefully by their side with support along the way. So it was certainly my honour to once again support this activity and bring a little awareness and reminders to our day.

There are many great designers participating in the blog hop, and I've put the links at the bottom of the post. We also may each have a prize to giveaway! yes, one every day if you visit each blog. To win mine, you just need to post a pic on IG and tag me @helen_stubbings using hashtag #sewpink. telling your friends and family to ‘check their bumps for lumps’. Don’t forget to tag me or I won’t see your entry. It would be great to also tag @PatternsByAnnie It can be a HNK or ByAnnie project you’ve made, some wise words or show your BC story, anything you like. Be creative and have fun.. You may win a $30 digital voucher from By Annie and another from Hugs ‘n Kisses.

Last year I had a bit of fun and made this little project – the Zip it up bag

and we held a wonderful and successful ‘Stitch for Sisters’ high tea event raising many funds for the cause.

Sadly that is not possible this year – so I have instead ‘interviewed’ three lovely friends who have all won the battle and have some tips to share. (note: photos and content provided & shared with their permission further down)

I have also made the lovely Day Tripper 2.0 Cross body bag from ByAnnie as I felt it was the perfect bag for day treatment visits.

I've used Anna Maria Horner fabrics which are just perfect for the task, and something that I thought you’d be proud to hang over your shoulder.

I used the wonderful bag zippers from ByAnnie, (in hot pink of course) and the Wild Lotus Prussian fabric by Anna Maria. We also just received the lovely new black hardware from Annie, so of course I had to try that.. stock is coming!

I asked my friends what 3 things would they put into a day treatment (tripper) bag?

Question:

What are three things you wished you knew before going to your first treatment to take in your bag?

Jo:

First and last treatments -

First treatment I was full of anxiety - Last Herceptin treatment (had to do this every 3 weeks for 12months, started with chemo) feeling happy it was all over

1. I wished I had prepared a small bag packed with a simple project to work on just at treatments, or sitting in waiting rooms. I was always walking out the door and forgetting to take some handwork and a lot of time was wasted in my own head worrying about stuff I had no control over.

2.I found taking comfy socks to wear during chemo kept my toes warm and me comfy.

3.Keep a diary/journal and write your story.

Linda:

Look good, Feelgood workshops – celebrating end of first year of treatment

1.Ask how you’re having your treatment, mine was through a cannula in my hand and so I couldn’t really use one of my hands while I was having the chemo. So Music and an electronic book were better options than stitching for me, it was such a shame I had so much time I would have loved to have stitched. My days were a minimum of six hours long to an overnight stay on my first treatment.

2.I found everyone amazing and you are well informed about what to expect but when they suggested loose comfortable clothing I didn’t think about easy slip on shoes and socks! I liked to recline in the chair without my shoes, but I needed to put them on every time I went to the toilet which was often. You’re hooked up to a pump on a mobile pole and a cannula in one hand that they ask you not to use if possible so slip on shoes are invaluable. I took a pair of crocs in my bag. If you don’t wear socks take some. It may be hot outside, but hospitals are airconditioned and if you’re like me I didn’t like cold feet. It’s also not a fashion faux pas to wear socks with your slip on shoes, you also don’t have any hair remember.

3. A drink bottle that you only need one hand to open is handy and big enough you don’t have to get up too often but not too big that its heavy to lift. Your encouraged to drink lots of water and believe me it’s better to stick with that advice, dehydration, nausea, constipation are all much worse if you don’t drink regularly.

Mandy:

About to go into surgery – stitchery in hand to calm the nerves

Mandy due to her home location moved away from home to a residential facility to undergo her weeks of radiation treatment daily. The most valued things (packed in a bag by her good friend) to get through this period were:

1.A little new stitching project by Anni Downs,

2.MooGoo body cream & homemade sleeping and relaxation oils,

3. chocolate and magazines

What is one single piece of advice you would have as a survivor?

Jo:

If you’re likely to lose your hair don’t panic and rush out and buy an expensive wig, you may never wear it, the head scarves I had were so much more comfy and pretty. The wig still sits in a box.

Linda:

Try to be patient if you’re not that nature. Everything takes longer than you think it should. Tests to be done so you can start treatment, your treatment to be over, days to feel normal, your hair to grow back, your taste to return, to not need an afternoon sleep, to be able to concentrate and remember things, to like chocolate again Winking smile , but before you know it it’s all over and you survived.

Mandy:

Have that regular mammogram when it’s due! I like many before and after me was symptomless and my little cancer friend was hiding and didn’t want to be found by regular monthly checks. It was an insidious little monster just growing away and I thank Breast Screen Victoria for their vigilance.

Remember to win a $30 ByAnnie digital voucher OR a $30 HNK voucher you just need to post a pic on IG and tag me @helen_stubbings using hashtag #sewpink. Don’t forget to tag me or I won’t see your entry. It can be a HNK project you’ve made, some wise words or show your BC story, anything you like. If possible – make it pink!

and ladies and gents – don’t forget to check those bumps for lumps!

Hugs for today – and go check those bumps!

Helen

SCHEDULE:

✂ Oct. 1 (Thur): Mister Domestic

✂ Oct. 5 (Mon): Sewfinity

✂ Oct. 7 (Wed): Great Heron Thread

✂ Oct. 9 (Friday): Knot and Thread

✂ Oct. 12 (Mon): Snuggles Quilts

✂ Oct. 14 (Wed): A Bright Corner

✂ Oct. 16 (Fri): Susan Quilts

✂ Oct. 19 (Mon): HUGS'N KISSES

✂ Oct. 20 (Tues): Sallie Tomato

✂ Oct. 22 (Thur): Nancy Scott

✂ Oct. 23 (Fri): Meadow Mist

✂ Oct. 26 (Mon): LoveYouSew

✂ Oct. 27 (Tue): Teresa Coates

✂ Oct. 31 (Sat): Sue O'Very/Sookie Sews

To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK

To find screenings available near you:

· Breast Screen (Australia)

· CDC.gov (US)

· WebMD (free screenings)

To donate directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation visit: https://give.bcrf.org/give/31404/#!/donation/checkout

Posted at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

September 16, 2020

Bias vines & Stems 5 ways

I use bias vines and stems so often in my projects and love that there are many ways you can make them very easily and accurately. However, I'm also aware from the oohs and ahhs at workshops and in classes that not everyone has seen or heard about these easy methods… So while I can’t be with you to show you how – I have made a little video to show you from afar.

What are bias vines and stems?

They are strips of fabric used generally in applique designs. Usually quite narrow – down to 1/8th of an inch – my standard is normally 1/4” – but you can do as wide as you like. Both edges of the strips are turned under – yes just like a turned edge applique shape, but there are much easier ways to pre-turn those edges.

Sisterhood society quilt

If the vines or stems are curved then these little strips are cut on the bias grain – that is 45 degrees – or a 45 degree angle from the straight grain or selvedge edge of your fabric. This means they will turn around even very sharp curves and still sit flat on your work (sometimes with a bit of help from a steaming iron).

Of course they are best cut from 100% good quality quilting fabric as this has a lot of movement allowing that easing around curves whilst still being very stable. It would be much more difficult to use a stretch fabric, and a polyester would cause issues with steaming into place.

They are very common in traditional applique designs

Petite Cherie quilt

and used more and more in modern quilting techniques…

Designs by Kat Jones

Of course there are tools to help you with this – and although I’m not big on tools just for the sake of it, there are some, like a rotary cutter, ruler and mat, that I would never not use – and bias makers fall in this category.

My video will show you other ways – yes, without tools – and other tool options you may prefer or already have.

The Cardinal

Checkout my video tutorial here

now go forth and make lots of lovely bias – it’s truly very satisfying..

hugs for today

Helen

Posted at 06:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

September 02, 2020

Zippered bag tute

I’ve done a quick photo tutorial whilst making up a second test prototype of my Le fer Tote bag as written instructions can be tricky for some parts of this bag and we have found people struggle with the lining particularly. This method will also apply to the Taffy Apple pouch bag which is made in a similar way.

1. fuse the foam strips (iron or spray baste) inside the two long zipper strips. Push the foam right up to the fold – there should be a 1/4” gap at the bottom raw edges where there is no foam. (note: if making the original le fer tote you will have already completed the embroider on the bottom part of this panel on linen)

2. Place the two folded edges evenly together – you may want to pin.

3. lay the 40cm lace zipper right side up over the two edges – the teeth need to sit exactly on the join where they meet. Have the metal end on the left sitting in the seam allowance (so you wont sew over it later and break your needle). Pin well.

4. Using a zipper foot stitch down both sides of the zipper close to the teeth. Move the pull out of the way, stitch past it, then close it back up out of the way. Once finished turn over and make sure you’ve stitched through both sides.

5. Cut out the top and bottom using Template A. (Note: if making the original le fer tote pattern your top will be pieced as hexies, cut the hexie panel to the Template A size.

Join the two Template A pieces (top and bottom of bag) to the back panel. Press seams inwards.

Lay your press panel onto the glue side of foam bag batting (or spray baste non fuse first), place baking paper or ironing sheet over and press to fuse.

Trim to size.

Stitch in the ditch through all layers through both seams.

Place this panel onto your lining fabric and trim to size. Mark with pins on the lining where the seam lines are on the outer panel – press to make a fold. Put your lining aside for later.

6. Make the handle as per instructions. Hand or machine edgestitch. Place it in the centre of the back panel with both edges even and pin. Machine baste if you wish. It won’t sit flat as its a little longer than the panel.

7. Place the short edge of the zipper panel right sides together with the centre of your outer bag panel. (the zip side will be against the right side of the back panel) It will be 1/2” wider than the back part. Pin at the seam lines (1/4” in from both ends). Stitch from the first pin (1/4” in) to the last pin (1/4” before the other edge) – be careful when going past the zip not to hit that metal part.

repeat for the other edge – you may want to open the zipper pull a tad.

With sharp scissors clip into the start and end point of both ends.

7. now it starts to get a little fiddly. Turn the zipper panel at the clip point (the seam) so that it follows around the curved end of the outer panel. Pin the edges well so all the raw edges are even. Do the bottom of the bag first.

Stitch 1/4” around the pinned edges. I found it easier to stitch from the foam side – you can see where the end of your stitching row is at the seam (that 1/4” point) this is where you want your row of stitching to start – and yes you want to backtack to secure. You will finish when you reach the start of the stitching line on the other side.

Now you will have a half a bag with the lid or top hanging open. Open the zipper and repeat what you just did – joining the small part of the zipper panel to the lid (or other curved end of the bag panel)Smoosh it so you can get into that start point at the end of the side stitching line –fiddly yes..Turn the bag right side out and press out the seams really well with a steam iron.

8. now we are at the trickiest part. Attaching the lining.

Turn the bag inside out again – so that the fabric is inside the bag and the foam is showing on the outside.

Start by matching a fold of the lining piece to a seam line on the bag. (the seam line between the lid and the back piece of the bag). The right side of the lining will be against the fabric inside the bag. pin the first fold to the seam at the top edge of the bag. Now pin up around the curved edges of the lid – not too hard.

Now we have to pin the other fold to the bottom edge seam. See the first yellow arrove below? that pin is my fold line and it needs to go right down to that bottom seam corner.

then for the bottom edge you need to tuck the straight edges of the bag inwards and the lining has to reach down to the bottom as per the second yellow arrow. You have to squish and smoosh to get it down there all the way around the bag.

Then turn to the foam side and you are going to stitch around the edges on the same stitch line as before or as close as possible. You will leave a small opening in the side of one bottom edge.

Use a pair of clamps to reach inside your opening, grab the far end and carefully put it all through the opening. (you may want to clip the curves before you turn). Push out all the seams really well. If you did not get the lining all the way to the edges and some seam lines or raw edges are showing you can now adjust and slip stitch the lining better into place.

Pin and then Slip stitch the opening closed so that it covers the remaining seam allowance.

Turn the bag inside out and give it a really good steam press with an iron to ensure the lining is all sitting nicely and flat against the foam.

And you’re done!

Or here’s the original version with embroidery and EPP Hexies. All ready for your mini iron.

Posted at 02:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 17, 2020

Do you struggle with wavy borders on your quilt tops?

Do you often end up with wavy borders on your quilt? Is your quilt often not square?

Here’s some hints and tips to get a perfectly flat border and quilt top - which your longarm quilter will love you for.

How to measure and attach borders to your quilt top to end up square!
It's not unusual for the four edges of an unfinished quilt top to all be slightly different lengths because the edges
of quilts are often stretched out of shape a bit during construction and pressing, or if you have many seams even
the slightest difference in seam allowance can make a big difference.
If the quilt is skewed a bit and you measure the sides of the quilt to determine the border length, the quilt will be just be out of square as it was before borders were added. Never just cut a strip of fabric, start sewing at the top and trim off the leftover at the bottom.
If the border is too long, then the sides of the quilt will be puckered or wavy, and if the border is too short or tight, the middle of the quilt will bubble. If the border is not sewn evenly along the whole edge of the quilt, it will cause waviness in some places and tightness in others and just will not sit flat.

These instructions for measuring and sewing straight borders to a quilt can be used to add any type of border, plain or pieced/appliqued.

Straight sewn quilt borders, also called butted borders, are quick and easy to sew—that's probably why they are the most often used borders for quilts.
Borders are usually sewn to the two longest sides of the quilt first and then to the remaining two sides with the final two extending straight across the ends of the first borders.

The steps are:
1. Measure the quilt from top to bottom through the vertical centre.
I like to also measure at both side edges - add the three measurements together and divide by 3 to get the average. (a+b+c /3)

2. Cut two border strips that match the measurement exactly, using the average width you've just determined.
Borders made with crosswise grain strips can be more stretchy than lengthwise grain border strips, but either type is suitable. if you need to join strips to get the measurement, do this first, press seams open (or use a bias seam to reduce bulk) and then cut to size.

Extra Tip: Sometimes you will find that it's best to add top and bottom borders (or shorter borders) first to avoid the need for piecing those border strips.
Use the same method, but measure horizontally first and start at the Short sides. Determine which borders to sew first to make the best use of your fabric.

How to Sew the First Two Borders to the Quilt
1. Fold one of the borders in half crosswise to find its centre point, using your fingers to crease it slightly at that spot.
Do the same with your quilt to find the centre point. Finger press. (You can use a pin or marker to mark them also)

2. Place the border along the side of the quilt, right sides together and centre points matched. Pin through both layers at the match to keep fabrics from shifting.
If the quilt is quite large I would also mark the 1/4” and 3/4” marks along both the border and quilt top. Do this by
folding in half and then half again to crease these points.
3. Match and pin the bottom end of the border to the bottom edge of the quilt with raw edges even, then match and pin all of your crease marks until you reach the other end of the border pinned to the quilt.
4. Add extra pins at close intervals in between your quarters and ease in any fullness to coax the two lengths
to match. Raw edges should be aligned along the quilt's entire side.
5. Sew the border to the quilt with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, removing pins as you approach them to avoid bending pins and breaking needles. If you have extra fullness, sew with the longest piece next to the feed dogs and this will really help to ease it in without puckers.
6. Press the seam allowance towards the border.
7. Repeat for your opposite border.

Sew Remaining Two Borders to the Quilt
1. Measure the quilt from side-to-side through its horizontal midpoint and top and bottom edges, including the
width of the first borders. Find the average and cut or piece two borders that length.
2. Fold a border in half (and quarters if large) crosswise and crease. Pin again matching all of your crease marks.

3. Continue as you did with the previous borders.

If you are adding more borders to your quilt repeat the process above.
Using this method will give you the best chance of a perfectly square flat quilt top - even if your piecing was not
perfect.

Go forth and make square flat quilts!

happy quilting

hugs from Helen

Posted at 01:57 PM in quilting, Tuesdays Tip, Tutorials | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 29, 2020

Lets get real studio tour

So Terry Atkinson and Gudrun Erla put the call out to us to show our ‘real studios’- not perfectly cleaned, beautifully presented, out of a magazine images, but instant as they are now..

I considered that I really can’t show you this – my studio is simply not fit for human eyes – I can’t really show you how messy I am and what a state we are really in.. But then….. maybe it could make you feel better about yours – AND, maybe it may make me stick to my word and show you the new and improved version soon….

so first you can watch mine- please watch mine first as all the others will just make mine look even worse…

It is a little rushed (trying to keep them short and sweet) and very organic (sorry no expert videoing skills here today) but you’ll get the picture of just what state we are in…and how and where I work.