Inventory

Starting with the most recent ~ 2016 National Sewing Month ~ I’m going back through my articles and creating an inventory list, a massive to-do list! These are projects I took the time to research and write about, so I want to make the time to create them! Rather than writing down on a piece of paper (to get lost on my desk), I’m listing them here!

Please, hold me accountable!

(Not in any particular order)

Nature’s Music – speaking of my desk, it’s where I keep the book, The Farmer’s Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. While at Thomas’s, I’m keeping my eye out on some tiny print fabrics to use in creating these 6” blocks.

T-Shirt/ Memory Quilt – I need to first gather the t-shirts to use, then wash/dry (without adding any fabric softener or dryer sheet)!

Stack and Slash – while helping out at Thomas Sewing Center over the next few days, it’s a great opportunity to select the 5 different pieces of fabric I want to use!

Mastering the Beast – now that I have the correct tools, I want to go back and finish the “Let’s Sew It” appliqué wall hanging!

Paper Piecing – I’m excited about getting back to work on the Splendid Sampler’s BOM! I know I can do paper piecing now after reading the great tutorials!

Mixed Media in some Mini Quilts – to make a cute wall hanging like the “Hippy Chick”! This should be Number 1 on my list!

Busy Busy Busy!!!

Mastering the Beast

My first attempt in tackling the beast (wrote about the other day), I mean, appliqué, was again an epic fail! The project I selected, Pat Sloan’s Let’s Go Sew, had too many tiny pieces! Messing with the glue stick just didn’t work for me. But, I’m not giving up!

I so want this for my new (if ever) dedicated sewing room!!!!

My sister highly recommended a product that would make it so much easier!

Draw the design on the paper side of the product,

press to wrong side of the fabric,

cut out the design,

then peel off the other side of the product, and

iron in place.

While shopping at Walmart, I purchased a couple of yards (it’s only about 17” wide) of Pellon’s “Wonder-Under”!!!! It’s not the same product she recommended, but it will do for now. It works the same way.

Rather than attempting Pat’s wall hanging, I decided to start off small. I don’t mean small as in the actual size of a piece, but fewer pieces… maybe just one or two.

How can I go wrong with hearts?

Sorry for the poor quality photo - but you get the "picture" !!!

Although it took me a bit of time to peel off the second layer (I’m sure due to my hands), it worked beautifully! I’m hoping the next time won’t be as difficult.

Lesson learned: Proper tools for the job makes the sewing experience much better!

Now I know I can do the Let’s Go Sew piece!

The Beast

Okay, not everyone considers applique as a beast, but it’s been an intimidating technique for me. It’s so far outside my comfort zone I totally avoid it! I do admire those who applique and love the beautiful creations they make. I’ve seen breathtaking quilts and fashions with appliques and appreciate the hard work involved.

According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary, an applique is:

~ a cutout decoration fastened to a larger piece of material ~

Before diving in, I know I cannot “fasten” the applique via hand stitching; due to my hands, it’s simply something I cannot do without lots of pain. Knowing my physical limitation, I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and search out the best way to prepare the piece, then machine stitch it down to another, larger piece.

I realize there are embroidery “patches” folks can do, then machine stitch it down, and by definition, it’s an applique. One can find lots to download and embroidery out like I found here on Adorable Applique.

I’m looking to create an applique ~ the decoration ~ from fabric, like this…

Not having the fine motor skills anymore, how do I work the cut edges nice and smooth underneath? I’m looking for the “turned edge” technique.

OH MY GOODNESS! I love working with glue sticks and large knitting needles! Yes! I just found a fabulous informative article by Karen Johnson at Connecting Threads. In fact, she provides step-by-step photo instructions!

I think I can!

...

Game Plan - Part 2

I’ve already started a few of the Community Sewing projects mentioned previously.

A Veterans scrappy lap quilt is in the works. I need to finish it up before I get into the box of scraps I’ve set aside for it and do other projects with them instead! I started it back in August/September when I had my sewing machine in Dallas, while caring for my mother. After completing only two rows, I decided my back needed my normal cutting island rather than one of her regular dining tables. I had to put it on hold until I can dedicate the time to finishing!

While back at the country on a short visit last week, I could not not sew! So, I created a few shopping bags. They are similar to the Green Bag Lady’s, but a bit more finished & detailed. I completed five and have an additional five cut out & ready to sew but ran out of time due to helping with house renovation projects. Anyway, I may take the time to do some appliqué on a few of the bags! Or, at night while watching television, I could weave some ribbon fishes for a bit of embellishment!

My goal is to provide everyone in my little town a shopping bag! According to the 2010 census, I have 1,617 more to make!

I’m thinking… I may need to re-think that goal unless I get some help! I can see an assembly line and not everyone participating has to know how to sew! Cutting out and ironing/pressing would be awesome help! Maybe I can get a small group together! Wouldn’t that be a great winter project to do for and with the community?

Anyhoo...

In addition to the shopping bags, as I pull out to work a box or sack of fabric that family and friends have given me, I’m sorting the larger pieces to use in creating fun pillowcases. None are cut out ~ yet ~ but I know where I stacked the dedicated pillowcase fabric pieces!

I don’t remember how I found them, but I contacted Volunteer Match. I found a call out for sewing items I could create and simply mail to the organization for distribution where needed. Something called dignity scarves caught my eye. Come to find out, they are similar to my Wearable Napkins! So, I’ll use some of the larger pieces of fabric to create a few for their needs.

Working on a few more ideas.

Part 3 is a "work in progress" game plan to get things done and seriously downsize my stash!

Applique Tunnel Vision

I’ve had a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to applying appliques on projects. Again and again, I must remind myself: appliques are not just for quilts, or children’s clothing. I’m not saying I’ve never appliqued before, it’s just few & far between. Maybe it’s time, and a great way to use up those scraps!

After this round up of tips, techniques, and uses, I won’t shy away from using appliques on an array of items!

My go-to list:

Sew4home has a great article “How to Appliqué” sharing a list of tools needed, then tips and techniques for a variety of applications.

At Sew like my mom, Melissa has an appliqué tutorial with lots of pictures! Since I’m a visual learner, this is great!

Oh, my! Although the focus is on quilts, allpeoplequilt has a nice collection of tips within their Tip of the Day feature. Take a run through by clicking “next tip”!

Okay, I personally wouldn't classify this as “appliqué” in the traditional sense, but it’s a reminder of something I saw on one of my Sunday afternoon craft/sewing shows. Karen Millen created this “Stud and Appliqué Tote” but I saw the same technique used on a dress instead. I sure wish I could find that to share with you! It was beautiful! A perfect project to use my new Silhouette Cameo!

What about the different types of stitches to use when machine appliqueing? Check out The Crafty Quilter, and how to make a stitch sampler card like this: 

What about you? Do you appliqué?