New Embroidered Shaped Waistband Apron Pattern and Tutorial

I have just finished the apron pattern and tutorial. The pattern  and the tutorial can be downloaded by clicking on each of the words.

New Apron

Embroidered Apron

I have finished the new apron but need to write the instructions. The pattern will be a little more problematic than usual because of the shaped sides of the apron so will have to scan it with specific instructions on how to put it back together. The apron could also be made using the same binding method that I used around the top of the vintage embroidered apron. Check back later on in the week for the instructions and pattern.

Heirloom Quilt Sampler Class Update

30 people have joined up for this class and the first lot of instructions and requirements has been sent out. If you wish to participate please email me.

An Apron and a Bag



Apron Front Design



Bag Front Design



Bag Back Design

I have stitched out the design for my latest apron and also used the same design as the front and back of a bag. When we buy designs we more often than not do so with one application in mind . Change the colours etc and you have a whole new look. I will be doing the pattern and the instructions for both the bag and the apron over the next week or so. The bag is going to have a recessed zipper and the round handles as shown. The embroidery design is by Embroidery Library.

2 more fantastic scarves

Purple Triana Yarn Scarf

Peacock Triana Yarn Scarf

My clever Mum has made me 2 more lovely new scarves. As I posted before, they are made from one ball of yarn and you have 8 stitches on the needle. Here is the yarn.It comes with the pattern for the scarf. Mum is currently working on a lovely grey toned scarf for me.
The heirloom quilt sampler class is underway so if you wish to join just email me.

Jelly Rolls and Jelly Slice

 

Moda Ruby

 I have bought these fantastic Ruby Jelly Rolls, Charm Pack, and Layer Cake.The colours just jumped out at me .Now, the big question is what to make with them. Any ideas?
 Here in Australia it is hard to get all three co-ordinating  sets at a reasonable price but a visit to the Want it,Need It, Quilt it site changed all that. Please visit Jane's site if you get the chance, great service and very very good prices for us Aussies.
As for the Jelly slice. It is one of the most popular things at our weekly Friday morning tea at school. If it is our team's turn (we have team's of six) it is expected that I bring the Jelly Slice. It is easy to make and of course no cooking in the oven.

Jelly Slice Recipe

Base

• 1 packet Milk Coffee biscuits (think they may also be called digestive biscuits, also Marie biscuits)
• 6 ozs butter melted

Crush biscuits and add melted butter. Place into an 11 inch x 7inch x 1 inch cooking pan, flattening with your fingers if you need to.

Allow to set in refrigerator before preparing the filling.

Filling

• 1 tin of condensed milk
• 3 teaspoons gelatine dissolved in 1/2 cup of boiling water
• 2 -3 tablespoons of lemon juice- need to be fresh 

Mix all the ingredients together and carefully pour over the base.

Refrigerate until set.

Jelly Topping

• 1 packet of red jelly (strawberry, raspberry etc) + 2 teaspons gelatine

Make up the jelly according to instructions on the packet but add the extra gelatine to the jelly crystals. Allow to partially set but it should still be runny. I generally put the jelly in a jug so that I can carefully pour it over the base. At this point carefully pour on filling and then refrigerate until the jelly is fully set. Carefully cut into approximately 24 pieces.

Heirloom Quilt Class



Heirloom Sampler Quilt class

 We have started the heirloom quilt sampler class and the first list of requirements etc has been distributed. If you wish to be a participant in this class you need to email me so that I can add you to the distribution list. The classes will not be available for download on the blog site. However, if you wish to join after we are a little way down the track you are more than welcome to do so.

New Baby Apron/Bib/Feeder



Baby Apron Bib-Feeder

Apron Bib Feeder

Apron Bib Feeder Back

I have just finished the pattern and tutorial for my second bib/ baby apron/feeder. This fully reversible bib does not have any free bias to get tangled in the washing machine which is a big plus. It is closed with velcro and if you follow the instructions on the velcro placement it is easy to make the velcro fastening work with either side.  You may find the tutorial and pattern here. If you have trouble downloading the file please look at the instructions on this previous post. I have used one of the baby sized porcelain dolls which I have made as a model. The doll is wearing the dress that my daughter wore to her christening when she was 6 months old.

More Bibs

Towelling bibs

I have made some bibs out of towelling using the pattern I created last week. The embroidery designs are from Bunnycup Embroidery Tweet Things and Dinomite sets.With the little birds I left the wing section out of the stitching so that I got a 3D effect from the towelling. The bird design bib is a little shorter than the pattern as I used a hand towel to cut it out of.
I am currently working on another bib pattern and instructions and hope to have that up on the blog over the weekend.
Just a reminder if you wish to be part of the heirloom quilt tutorials you need to read the previous post and contact me. I will more than likely email the tutorials out to those participating rather than post in Google docs for all to download.

Heirloom Quilt Tutorial-expressions of interest

Heirloom Quilt

During September I am going to be tutoring at the Australian Sewing Guild Convention in Launceston Tasmania. One of my three intended projects was the heirloom quilt pictured. However, the heirloom course has been cancelled as it did not not attract sufficient enrolments. It is my intention to run the tutorial on my blog if I get enough people who would be interested in following the lessons. The tutorial would run over a number of months and provide step by step instructions for those who have not done heirloom sewing previously.

If you would follow the tutorials then please leave a comment or contact me by email.

Cutting Bias Binding

As many of my projects are going to use bias strips I have been researching the best ways to cut bias binding. I do not want  a lot of joins especially if they are going through the bias tape maker. I will link to some of the ones that I have found most helpful. In the two videos below, the same method is used and you need to join your bias strips before use.

These are great if you are looking for longer strips before you join them.

This tutorial from Quiddity Quilts is called Windsock bias binding - another great method. When using this method the strips will be joined.

Vintage Embroidered Apron-Pattern and Tutorial

Vintage Embroidered Pocket Apron

Apron Corner

I have finished the tutorial .The pattern and tutorial can be found here. When printing the pattern in the pdf make sure that No Scaling option is selected. The way the bias is applied to the waistband can be tricky but the instructions take you through the steps.


Printing pdf in Google docs

 To print the pattern go to to the file tab as shown and then scroll to the bottom - print pdf.

Low Fat Fruit Cake (No eggs,sugar or butter)

It is back to school for me as the long haul of the winter term looms. It is dark in the mornings and dark when you arrive home. The biggest obstacle is getting your navy blue and black items of clothing out of the wardrobe. Many a time I have gone to get in the car and found I have black trousers but the stockings and top are navy. I make one of these cakes every fortnight and my husband (he is a teacher at another school) and I take a piece to have for our recess break each school day. The cake does not contain any butter or added sugar. It last very well out of the refrigerator for the fortnight. I have been making it for about 10 years.

Fruit Cake Before Going in the Oven

Ingredients

700 g (1.5 lbs) mixed dried fruit ( I also make this up to 700 g by adding a fruit and nut breakfast mix to the mixed dried fruit)

2 cups tea or coffee (made with 2 tsps coffee powder)

2 cups wholemeal self raising flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp mixed spice

1.       Soak the mixed fruit with the tea/coffee overnight or for 7-8 hours.

2.       Sift the spices with the flour and add to the fruit mixture.

3.       Cook in a 20cm round cake tin that has been lightly sprayed with cooking   

          spray. I use a silicone ring tin

4.      Preheat oven to 175⁰C (350F) . Cook cake at this temperature for about 10 minutes then reduce the temperature to 150⁰C (300F) oven for approximately 30 minutes and then down to 100⁰ C  (210F) for about an hour  or until a skewer inserted into the  centre comes out clean.

5.       Before removing the cake from the tin, wrap in foil and invert on a cake cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before removing from the tin. This helps to keep the cake moist.

New Apron- Sneak Peak



Nostalgic New Apron

 I have finished my new apron based on a vintage design. I have not written the tutorial or done the pattern for it but will do so over the next few days so check back for it. The pocket on the front is embroidered with the hummingbird flower freebies from Hatched in Africa's Hummingbird Floral set. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will find them to download. This apron has an unusual way of attaching the waistband and I will wait for the tutorial to show you

Baby -Toddler Apron/Bib/Feeder

Baby Toddler Bib/Apron/Feeder

Back of Bib/Apron

Sleeve of Bib/Apron

Bib/Apron with Front Pocket

I have been working on another vintage style apron today, this time for a baby. I can remember my mother making these as fundraisers as well. I have updated the design a little and made it so that you can cut the apron and a pocket out of a feature fat quarter you may have if you wish. The apron has front sleeves that you can slip the baby's arms into.It is tied with some bias at the neck. This apron/bib can just as easily be made with some towelling and or flannel. Remember if you are using flannel to line the bib to prewash it as some flannel can shrink by up to 25%. The bib/apron/feeder measures approximately 12 1/2 inches from the shoulder to the bottom

The pattern and instructions can be downloaded from here.You are welcome to have this pattern but please do not republish it as your own.

Rolled Up Grocery Bag

Rolled Grocery Bag



Grocery Bag Rolled

We can never have enough of these things in our bags this day and age. I am always getting caught at the shops without my bag so have to buy one. This little rolled up version is very handy to have and they can be whipped up in a short period of time. Also great to use that other new toy many of us have,the bias tape maker. Make more bias and make more bags!.

The pattern and instructions for this reusable grocery bag can be found here.

To use this pattern you need to save the pdf file and print it off. You can make a great sized grocery bag from 20 inches of fabric ,longer if you wish of course.

Look for my new apron tutorial, over the weekend. Monday I return to school so crafting time will be short especially as I have reports to do during the next month.

Easy Machine Embroidered Quilt-Tutorial Part 5 (Final)

Faux piped binding

The quilt is finished. I meander quilted it on my Janome Horizon but not on the frame. I used the faux piped binding method for the binding so no hand sewing. I made the faux piped binding according to Trisha's instructions at TLC Stitches. When sewing the binding on I do not backststitch at the beginning and end in case I need to unsew to join the two edges.I have joined the binding only slightly different to Trisha and have included pictures of the process. Make sure that you stop sewing the binding on approximately 10 inches from where you started.



Bring ends together and fold back on themselves



Open left binding strip and mark fold

Open out right binding strip and mark crease

With right sides together place strips at right angles to each other



Stitch across pinned line



Before you trim your seam just make sure that it is correct by laying the binding back in place. Press seam.

Refold your binding and stitch in place.

Turn binding to the front as in Trish's instructions and stitch down. You may use an edge foot here if you have one.

Another new scarf- a real eye-catcher

Knitted Triana Yarn Scarf

My clever Mum has made me this lovely new scarf. It is knitted,made from one ball of yarn and you have 8 stitches on the needle. The yarn is like a fishing net and you knit along the net. I have another couple of balls of the yarn ready to give my Mum.
Here is the yarn.It comes with the pattern for the scarf. Download the pdf  on this site and see how it is done. Intriguing! It only takes about 2 hours to make one of these fantastic little beauties. Here in Australia the yarn is about $15 a ball.

New Toy and Steep Learning Curve



Janome Horizon on Happy Jack Frame

 My new vital piece of equipment that I just had to have arrived yesterday-a Happy Jack Quilting Frame to which I have attached my Janome Horizon 7700 which has an 11 inch throat. It is all set up and I have had a couple of plays . It comes with its own table but we set this up on my cutting table (same height as quilt frame table). However, it is about 6 inches too high as I am only just 5 feet tall. To leave it set up permanently I will need to get a table that is the right height and move some things around in my sewing room. I need to finish the quilt I have been making in the tutorial but don't trust myself on this yet.

Easy Machine Embroidered Quilt-Tutorial Part 4

Top and Bottom Edges of Block

From the red fabric cut 1 strip 5 ¾  inches  (6 ¼”) (6 ¾”)(7 ¼”)(7 ¾”)   x  width of the fabric  (45 ")

From the blue fabric cut 1 strip 5 ¾  inches  (6 ¼”) (6 ¾”)(7 ¼”)(7 ¾”)   x  width of the
 fabric  (45 ")

• With right sides together stitch the strips together using a 1/4inch seam allowance. It is essential that you use a ¼ seam allowance as my fabric cutting measurements are dependent on that.
• Press the seam to one side, as you did before.

Add top and bottom strips matching side colours

• Cut the finished 11 inch wide joined strip into 18 x 2" smaller strips.With right sides together, sew one strip to each side of the block as shown. Make sure that you match the blue with the blue and the red with the red of the top and bottom strip.

• Place your blocks in 3 rows of 3 blocks matching seams.
• Stitch your blocks together to form rows matching seams.
• Stitch the rows together matching seams.

Adding Borders

It is important to accurately measure before cutting and adding your borders. Do not just cut strips and attach to your quilt without measuring as you will have wavy borders when you come to quilt and you will be trying to get rid of excess fabric in your quilting. I cut my borders 5 1/4" wide.

You must take three measurements for each pair of border strips. I added my top and bottom borders first.

Top and Bottom borders

• Measure through the centre of the quilt from left edge to right edge
• Measure through the top of the quilt from left edge to right edge
• Measure through the bottom of the quilt from left edge to right edge
• Add these three numbers together and divide by three, this gives you the average measurement. This is the length you cut your borders. My measurement was 32 1/4"
• Attach these borders before measuring and cutting those for the sides.

Side borders

• Measure through the centre of the quilt from top to bottom
• Measure down the left hand side of the quilt from top to bottom
• Measure down the right hand side of the quilt from top to bottom
• Add these three numbers together and divide by three, this gives you the average measurement. My measurement was 42"

Press your quilt top well and then sandwich the three layers together. I spray baste my quilts together before quilting. You may choose to quilt your quilt by which ever method suits you. I will free motion stipple mine using a white thread on the white fabric and a red thread on the remainder.

 My next tutorial will focus on the binding and finishing of the quilt.

Need Advice and Feedback

As I get into this blogging experience I wonder if what I am posting is of value to anyone . I see that people are coming to the blog but have absolutely no idea if the projects I am posting are useful and easy to follow. I have had 2 people leave comments and I am very appreciative of that as it gives me a limited snapshot of the things people are interested in. I asked for some feedback in Saturday's ( the spiral scarf) post and to date have received no responses so perhaps that may give me the answer.

Folded Fabric Scissor Holder-Rounded Top Version



Rounded Top Scissor Case

I have just made a refinement to the folded fabric scissor holder. The asymmetrical look at the top was a bit irritating so decided to take to my original pattern with the scissors and now have this rounded top version. I also made this one blunt across the bottom without the long point.

I have provided the pattern for you below. You will need to click on the pattern picture , when it opens up in the new window right click and save picture as. When you print the pattern out you need to make sure it is the size on the pattern, 8 3/8" wide or as close to that as you can get. Print it as large as your printer will allow and if you need to add extra around the outside to achieve the correct size you can do that.

Curved Top Folded Fabric Scissor Holder

I am not going to repeat the instructions as they are basically the same but I will proved new pictures of the steps, including how to do the blunt end.

Take the long edge on the left (with the turning hole in it) and tuck it in under the folded back  piece on the right

Trim the point off the folded folded up fabric to reduce bulk when top stitching