The hardest thing

The bag so far. Still needs a zipper closure and lining.

The hardest thing about creating is getting started. Once I begin there is no stopping me. Take 'The Melbourne Weekender' bag, this project has been sitting around and moved around my work table for probably 9 months, maybe more.
This past week I began it and am happy to say its almost finished, just need to make the zippered closure and lining, but first I have to go buy the right colour zipper.
Happy Sewing!

Work in Progress

Working on the "Melbourne Weekender" from 'The Better Bag Maker'

Sew Illustrated (book review)

 

my coasters using Minki's technique

I first saw Minki Kim's work in Haute Handbags. I thought she had used free motion stitching on her bags and wondered how she had achieved such neat, accurate and controlled lines. Upon reading the article I realized that Minki Kim used a difference method, I was very eager to learn it myself. How happy was I to read she was releasing a book, of course I pre-ordered and it arrive last week. First I read the book cover to cover and then set about trying the technique myself using the coasters project from the book.
Other than the small design placement hiccup, the instructions are well written, easy to understand and follow. The photographic steps provide sufficient detail to demonstrate the technique.
The book contains 16 projects, divided into 5 categories.
1 Projects for the table ( the coaster project plus two more)
2 Projects for the crafter
3 Projects for everyday
4 Bags for every occasion
5 Art for your  home
My favourite project (just making it on the cover ) it a precious family portrait. One I would love to make of my own family.
Sew Illustrated by Minki Kim and Kristin Esser, retails for $25.95 (  e-book available) There is  a pullout iron-on transfer of all the designs in the back)

My Coasters
I used two different transfer techniques, for the teapot and cup  (on the left in the photo)I tried the iron-on transfer method, using the pull out page. For the teapot only, I drew the design freehand using a frixion pen.
Both methods are simple to use. At present I do not have a preference.b

Red, White and Black Pincushion

Red, white and black the perfect colour combination!

 

This little pincushion is made from two 5'' squares in different prints and the half -square triangle (HST) technique. A basic tutorial on HST's can be found here.

How to Free Motion Stitch and Applique in 10 easy steps

Ice Cream Hoop Art

This is a quick and easy free motion and applique project I designed on a hot day recently using the tiniest of scraps.

Ice Cream Hoop Art
What you will need
5 inch embroidery hoop
fabric scraps in red, blue, cream and brown.
back ground fabric measuring 8 x 8 inches
fabric glue
ice cream template
black thread
darning foot
hand needle.

Instructions
1. Using the template cut out the ice cream scoops and cone.(or you could cut out the shapes free hand)
2. Assemble  and glue the ice cream shapes  in the centre of the background fabric.
3. Place the fabric into the embroidery hoop, (the opposite way to normal, so the inner ring is on the right side of the project)
4. Lower the feed dogs, change to a darning foot, place the hoop under the darning foot.
5. Using black thread begin free motion stitching around the ice cream shapes. For a bolder look stitch  over the original stitching again. Don't forget the cherry stem.
6. Remove the hoop from the machine and remove project from hoop.
7. Place project back in the hoop, this time the right way ( as seen in the photo above)
8. Trim excess fabric to 1 inch around hoop
9. Hand baste around fabric edge. Gather the fabric into the back of the hoop. Tie off the thread.

wrong side of project with fabric gather

10. Hang up your new art work and enjoy.

Founation Paper Piecing

Foundation paper piecing always looked difficult and confusing to me until I tried it for myself this week using the Thread Spools Pouch project from Quilt Now issue 22.
My thoughts on Foundation paper piecing now are:-
1 this is a good project to use up small fabric scraps
2 very time consuming cutting all the tiny squares and rectangles
3 with the paper guide stitching accurate and straight seams is easy
4 NOT difficult or confusing.
My finished pouch measures 3 x 7 in. A perfect size to store my pens.
You will find more information on this technique here.
What new technique have you tried recently?

Pouches and pouches

My recent makes. The patch pocket was added as an excuse to use some pretty trim. Enjoy!