6.27.2016

Speaking with Pat Sloan at American Patchwork and Quilting Podcast



About a month ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Pat and discuss all things sewing for an American Patchwork and Quilting podcast.

I met Pat last year when she invited me to join the Splendid Sampler Sew Along and design a block for this amazing adventure.
The Splendid Sampler is a sew along with 100 free blocks for one year.  Then all
the blocks will be published by Martingale.

We have conversed over email so it was an extra treat to get to speak for the podcast.
Today's podcast also features two amazing quilters - Sherri McConnell and Barbara Cline.
Enjoy!

xo
Charise

6.19.2016

Fussy Cutting for Foundation Paper Piecing

One of my favorite methods to use when I Paper Piece designs is Fussy Cutting.
Fussy Cutting is using a motif in a fabric and cutting it to focus on the motif.



You can see how I used it on the waistband of my Apron picture above.  
I also use fussy cutting to position a print in a desired direction which you can see with the apple print.  The apples are running vertical and are centered on the front panel.  
I was able to achieve this by fussy cutting.

This is also a great way to conserve fabric since you are cutting only the amount of fabric you need.

*Here are some tips to help you with your next Fussy Cut Paper Pieced project*


1)  
Print out an extra copy of the pattern.
Cut out the section of the pattern you want to fussy cut.
In this example, I want to fussy cut the waistband on the apron - section A3.

2)
Place the pattern piece, Right Side Up, on the Wrong side of the fabric directly covering the section you want to fussy cut. 
Use a bit of fabric glue to hold the pattern piece in place.

In this example, I want the words "tag cotton" to be centered on the waistband.



3)
Using a C-thru ruler, mark 1/4" from the edge of your pattern.
Cut on the line.

OR

Use a rotary cutter and your acrylic ruler to cut around the pattern piece.

Remove the pattern piece from the back of the fabric.
You are ready to use the pattern piece!


I like to save the pattern pieces to be used again.  I keep mine in a sheet protector and file it in a binder with the pattern. 

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise









6.18.2016

Row by Row Experience



Starting June 21st, quilt shops all across the Unites States and Canada will be participating in the "Row by Row Experience".  The idea is to visit your local quilt shops and pick up a FREE (yes Free) pattern for a quilt.  

Create a quilt using at least 8 different 2016 rows from 8 different 2016 participating RxR shops and be the first to bring it into a participating shop to win a stack of 25 fat quarters (6-1/4 yards of fabric). Use that shop’s row in your quilt and win a bonus prize. Click here for more details.

To find the participating quilt shops in your area click [HERE]

Months ago, Maria from Quilt Nuts in Oklahoma asked if I'd design an element for her Row by Row Pattern.


I designed this fun apron for Maria's row.  It is an easy beginner pattern with just two sections to sew together.  They are so fast to make I've already made two and am working on a third!
This pattern is only available until September in Maria's shop, but if you'd like to make an apron and can't make it to Oklahoma you can find my Vintage Apron Pattern [HERE]


One of my favorite ways to make my paper pieced blocks extra special, is to fussy cut motifs.
Check back tomorrow and I will be sharing a tutorial for an easy method for fussy cutting
motifs for this fun apron and any other paper pieced design you are sewing.

Happy Sewing : )
xo
Charise

6.09.2016

Summertime Minis


Last week I spied a fun sewing challenge on Instagram.  Make Modern Magazine is having a fun sewing challenge.  They have asked sewists to make and share a mini quilt - no larger than 6".

I have been spending lots of time working on the computer the past week, so a sewing challenge was just the distraction I needed : )

I made this sweet little mini and it is just shy of 6".  
The strawberries and cherry are from my Jam Jars and Fruit pattern.
I was thrilled that I had just enough bias tape already cut and ready for the binding!

Fabrics I used for this little mini:
Red text print * Moda Daysail Tiny Script 
Fun pink cherry print * Riley Blake Calico Days
Floral grid print * Windham Little Menagerie
Green micro dot * Lecien 
Green Leaf print * Riley Blake Flower Patch
Mini cherry on white *  Sevenberry



I also have a few more minis in the works.  These are also made using my Jam Jars and Fruit pattern.
I think these may become coasters : )

Happy Sewing!
xo
Charise