sewtakeahike

It was spring

 

 

 

But for a weekend in my sewing room. 

I hope your weekend was filled with fun and inspiration!

 

"Janey" a FC Modern Quilt Guild scrap challenge

 

 (Front of Janey, inspired by the book "Intuitive Color and Design".)

Tomorrow is our January FCMQG meeting, and for it, in October, Jane had given us each a few scrap strips of solids to make something out of. 

Lately, I've been so focused on finishing projects that I was feeling like my spontaneous creativity was lacking.  So last night, I just started sewing strips together, using my curved piecing tutorial as a guide, and came up with this pillow.  I'm calling it "Janey". 

 

 (back of Janey)

So back to telling you about my projects at hand. 

Firstly, I am waaaay behind on some bee blocks. 

Secondly, I haven't mentioned this here yet, but I'm going to be published in a few books and magazines this year and next!  I can't wait to show you all!  For starters, I just have these words for you:  Stitch magazine, and a special publication called "101 patchwork projects" which will be coming out  in April!

Thirdly, have you seen those Mexican poncho hoodies before?  Well, while we were down in Arizona, L-man decided he wanted to get matching ones for us to wear when we're out camping and kayaking for lazing around the camp and such.  So we bought two and he wants me to line them with fleece to make them a little softer inside and a bit warmer. 

So yeah, just a few things on my plate!

 

And just a heads up for those of you haven't heard this sad news yet;  Aunt Bea's fabric shop is closing.  They will be sorely missed, but because of their unfortunate closing, you can get some pretty good deals right now on some great fabrics, so check them out!

 

 

More kits!

 

 

F.Y.I.  I've made up a few more footstool pincushion kits and will be posting them this week in my etsy!

super easy continuous prairie points {a tutorial}

 

If you're looking for the Queensland flood relief auction for 2.5 yards of flea market fancy, go here!

 

I had always wanted to try prairie points, but the thought of making and lining up all those little points and getting them sewn down perfectly seemed daunting. 

But once I saw this technique, I had to try it, and now I'm totally addicted and want to share it with you all.

So if you've ever been drawn to prairie points but didn't have the energy to try, here's a tutorial that will encourage you!

Super easy, continuous prairie points:

What you will need:

• 6"X Width of fabric strips (as many as you need to go around your project)
• 2" wide ruler
• rotary cutter
• fabric glue
• iron and ironing board
• spray starch

Directions:

1.  Using one of the 6”X wof  prairie point fabric strips, fold it in half longways and press.
2.  Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut a straight line from the edge of the fabric just to the center fold line every 1.5”, alternating cuts from the top edge of the fabric to the lower edge. 

 

I used a two inch wide ruler to do this, lining the previous cut edge up with the 1.5” mark on the clear ruler to make even cuts.  (see photo)

 

3.  Cut off the first 1.5” flap of fabric at the fold line

 

4.  Cut off the last two flaps of fabric at the opposite end.

 

5.  Fold each square in half to form triangles, making sure to fold each one in the
same direction and press as you go.

 

6.  Place a dot of fabric glue on the outside tip of each triangle and fold the triangles in half, bringing the raw edges even with the center of the fabric strip.  Press as you go.

 

7. Fold the top triangles over on top of the lower triangles, pressing and using spray starch as you go.

 

8.  Baste stitch 1/8” from the straight edge, and you're done! 

 

Now just make as many strips of these as you need to go around your project, and you have instant, super easy prairie points!

~Penny

Flea Market Fancy for Charity

 

In an auction between friends.

 

 

To help the victims of flooding in Australia.
Tina is donating 1 yard of green posies and 1/2 yard of the green/gray vines.  I am donating a fat quarter of each:  blue leaves, pink seeds, blue bouquet, and red leaves. These fabrics are very hard to find, and the money raised from this auction goes 100% to charity!

Just to be clear, upon payment, the winner will be receiving two packages.  One from me for the fat quarters on the left, and one from Tina for the two fabrics on the right.  The bidding will end on Monday 24th at 7am.

How this auction works:

1. Bidding will start at $50(USD).  You can place a bid by leaving a comment on this blog post with your bid amount and email address. Please make sure that your bid is higher than the previous bidder.
2. Your bid must be in whole dollar increments.
3. This auction is open to everyone, we will happily ship internationally.
4. The auction begins NOW and will END on Monday, January 24th at 7am, 2011 (Mountain time).
5. At the close of the auction, I will contact the winner (please make sure your bid comment includes your email address). ALL bidders must have an active PayPal account. The winner  will pay the winning amount directly into the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and send me proof of payment via email.

READY, SET, GO!  And good luck!

Penny and Tina