Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Feature and a Hat

So I have some super exciting news to share....

Quilt Story

That's right!!! I just think this is the coolest thing ever! I started shrieking when I saw the post! Literally. The whole reason I started a blog was to share and network and meet new people. And I can't believe its becoming a reality. The internet is sooooo awesome! Heather and Megan from Quilt Story are some really awesome peoples. You can see my feature and many more inspirational posts here.

Ok, phew, got that off my chest! Sorry, I'm just really excited!

Anywho...back in December I made some quick impromptu gifts for my friend's son.


Isn't he soooo stinking cute?!?! As you can see he really loves Buzz. I made the hat and scarf from fleece and I was initially happy with the results. The only thing was, I wasn't sure how to deal with the seam on the hat since I didn't want it to show when you turned the brim up. So I doubled the layers so the seam would be concealed. Problem was it made the hat super bulky, making it hard to tie off the pom pom, and the thickness messed with the finished size. It damn near didn't fit him.

Fast forward a month and baby number two came! Which only makes more opportunities for cute handmade gifts!

So last night I re-pondered the hat and decided to keep it one layer and do a french seam instead.




The pom pom is a little less full, but I think this is the way to go. Its light but warm and I'm happy with how the seam worked out. These hats are so cute and easy I might just make one for myself! Pom poms are acceptable at 26 right?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Semi Simple Drunkard's Path


Today I wanted to share with you a tutorial for an easier way to make a drunkard's path block. I love the drunkard's path pattern but always hate all the techniques to get to the final product. This tutorial allows you to make a machine stitched block much easier and faster then before. No more stabbing yourself with pins or dealing with curves and open bias edges. This super quick super fun process with have you making tons of drunkards in no time!

This process is completed using Dale Fleming's 6 Minute Circle. You can view a video tutorial of Dale's technique here, but in case you missed anything I'll show you step by step how its done!

*****Edit - 3/29/16*****
It has come to my attention that this technique has a name! It is called Piec-lique and was developed by Sharon Schamber. Here is a link to her daughters rendition of the tutorial.When I originally made this post way back in February of 2013, I did a ton of searching and couldn't find anything on the topic. Thank you to Lani for commenting about the technique and bringing it to my attention. And as promised credit where credit is due! :)
********


This tutorial will make four 3.5" finished blocks.

You will need:

a background fabric
a contrasting fabric
fabric safe glue stick (I don't think mine is, but its all I had :)
freezer paper
scissors/rotary cutter/ruler


Ok, here we go! Please ignore my poorly manicured hands!

Step 1: Cut a piece of freezer paper into an 8.5" square. Then find the center and using a compass ,either bought or homemade, draw a 5" diameter circle. Then cut it out like this!


Step 2: Cut your background fabric into an 8.5" square. Match up your background fabric and freezer paper template, wrong side of fabric to the waxy side of template. With a dry iron, iron your template to the fabric. Using your rotary cutter, cut out the inside of the circle leaving approximately a half inch allowance around template.




Step 3: Carefully snip the fabric inside the circle so it looks like this. Be sure not to snip all the way to the edge of the circle. Leave about an 1/8 of an inch gap between snip and template.



Step 4: Run a light bead of glue on the edge of the paper template and with your fingers and iron gently press snipped edge around the template being careful not to burn yourself. You may have to reapply a little glue as you go. Make sure you pull tightly enough to form the circle shape, but not so tight as to warp fabric. Press thoroughly.




Step 5: Cut a piece of contrasting fabric large enough to cover the hole and have about a inch extra all the way around.


Step 6: Next, run another bead of glue around the folded edge of the fabric. I like to start from the center out and do dabs rather then in a circular motion so the edges don't catch.


Step 7: Position background fabric over the contrasting fabric and press in place. You'll want to press both sides to make sure you have a good hold. Then carefully remove freezer paper template and set aside to use again.




Step 8: With zipper foot attached and needle as far left as possible begin stitching in the ditch all the way around circle. When you've finished, cut away excess fabric leaving a rough quarter of an inch seam.





Step 9:  Cut block in half both vertically and horizontally. Then square up blocks to 3.5". Voila!!!

*Note: You can square up your block to 7" first then cut in half vertically and horizontally. Works both ways :)


 
Step 10: Enjoy!


P.S. This was my first time writing a tutorial so please feel free to comment or email if you have any questions!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day

Although I am not normally a supporter of this ridiculous commercial holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to make something "lovey" in its wake.


   


 XO Pillow
 Dimensions: 12"x16"
Sewn and quilted by me!

I chose to bind this pillow rather then pipe it as I learned I'm not the expert piping maker I thought I was. I think the binding gives it a finished look. I used some random scraps I had plus purchased Valentine prints to create it. I'm very glad I decided to go pillow vs wall hanging. It allows it to be more interactive!

P.S. my boyfriend is amazing...bet you didn't get an Arrested Development Valentine's Day Card.
This year, as every year, I'm choosing to celebrate what its really all about, love. Not the candy, cards, jewelry and men bashing its know to become. You can have way more fun hugging and kissing then you can overindulging and arguing any day. Plus it costs nothing and is good for you!!! Make sure you give your loved one a good squeeze and tell them how much you really love them this Valentine's Day. I know I will ;)

Monday, February 4, 2013

Status Report

I can't believe its February!

Things have been super busy around here lately and I thought a mini vaca was in order. We just needed a breather from the stress of work and fighting the winter blues. Luckily, we have a friend who owns a home in the Poconos and is more then willing to share. So off we went this weekend for some mountainy goodness. It was so refreshing. Sorry for the lack of pictures...I didn't take the camera out once.

I was just so happy to have some time to kick back and relax. I started on a Honey Cowl a little while back and this weekend was the perfect opportunity to get knitty gritty....derp....craft humor.


I'm hoping to finish it soon. As mentioned here, I figured out how to hold the yarn in my right hand and knitting has been going swimmingly ever since! I really have to restart the Herringbone Cowl asap!

O and before we left, I also managed to whip up screw up some piping for my latest project.



Big waste of time, remind me to never try this again. Piping is the devil. I've decided I'm just going to bind it like a normal human being. Same effect less mayhem.

Well guess its back to work for me. Hope you all have a wonderful start to your week!