…And The B Row Begins

Scrappy Sew n Sew – Dear Jane Quilt Along

I don’t know about you, but to me, April seems like the unofficial month of English Paper Piecing (EPP)!  Why?  Because our April sponsor for the Dear Jane® Quilt Along is Paperpieces.com!  And thanks to our sponsor, we were very fortunate to be able to try out some of the Dear Jane® B Row Paper Pieces.  Paperpieces.com has also contributed some amazing prizes so keep reading for more details!

As I have mentioned in other posts, I have only been quilting for about 2 years, but I fell hard and fast for the EPP technique.  And, as with all things quilting, I totally blame Melissa for this.  You see, she bought me the “Liberty Love” book by Alexia Marcelle Abeg for Christmas when I was first getting started and I was totally captivated and intrigued by the Queen Bee tote bag.

Although I have yet to make the Queen Bee tote bag, I did start and finish a hexagon quilt, no plan really – just playing with the hexagons.



Then I moved on to the Tula Nova Quilt:

And just recently finished Libs Elliott’s The Watcher (EPP style):

And so it began for me the love of paper piecing! The reason I love it so much is because it is slow, quiet and relaxing and I can do it on the couch while still spending time with my family.  I think I inspired Melissa to try it and she started her own EPP project using hexagons and variations.  It is a work in progress and there are some lovely photos of it below:

The blue one is even signed by Tula Pink!!!

Initially when Melissa and I decided to make the Dear Jane® Quilt, I had thought I would only do it EPP style, but time and other commitments have dictated otherwise.  That being said, every time I look ahead to my next row of blocks, I immediately mark any “Y” seam or curved blocks for EPP.  Because of the complexity of the Dear Jane ® blocks it completely makes sense that the entire quilt should be EPP.

Paperpieces.com has many products available to purchase for the Dear Jane® Quilt and will also be reissuing the Dear Jane® book with Brenda Papadakis shortly. Not only can you purchase the entire quilt, but you can also buy commonly used acrylic templates, and individual rows.

To purchase Dear Jane® EPP products please click on the link below:

Paper Pieces Website

Not pictured is the large triangle template that one would also need to do the border triangles on the quilt.  I love the acrylic templates for EPP because they work well with a rotary cutter for fast cutting! (I personally like to spend more of my precious quilting time sewing and not cutting the fabric)

As Paperpieces.com is our sponsor for the month of April, they were generous enough to send us the paper pieces for the “B” Row so we had the opportunity to try them out and offer some tips and tricks to you.

Primarily, I would totally recommend purchasing the piece packs for the reason that it is so nice to work with pre-cut, precise shapes, not having to print, trace and cut out my own making diving into Dear Jane® at the end of a long day way more appealing!  Although some of the blocks are slightly modified for ease, I didn’t find them to differ too much from the original.  The pieces are also made from a thin and firm card stock that makes them both easy to bend and easy to remove, further if you are like me and happen to sew through the papers from time to time, my needle still goes through the papers quite easily.

When I began my blocks, I first matched the up to the book and then labelled the pieces so I would know where they belong.

As you can see in the above photo I was working on block B-8 Water Lily, and in the case of this block, I needed to wrap the petals with fabric and then “needle turn appliqué” them on to the corner pieces before EPPing them together.  Again I found the precision of the laser cut papers essential in the preparation for the “needle turn appliqué”.

In the following two images, I have prepped several blocks so that all I need to do is stick them together.  I like to prep my blocks by glue basting them, leaving the area at the edge of the paper free so that I can easily get my needle into the fabric.

The Flat Back stitch

As I mentioned earlier, I prefer to do Dear Jane® curves with EPP.  I find I have more control over the blocks, especially the really tiny ones!  After trying multiple strategies to sew my curves, this one works the best for me and my stitches are barely visible.

When working with a larger curve, such as the one here on B-11 “Melissa’s Cross”, I find it helpful to fold the sections (with paper inside) in half to find the centre of the shape in order match up the pieces properly.

The following is a link to a video that demonstrates how to do the flat back stitch:

Karen the DIY Addict Flat Back Stitch

This video features one of my favourite Paper Pieces sources, Karen demonstrating how to do the technique on the La Passacaglia Quilt (NEXT ON MY LIST – YOU IN MELISSA?)

Speaking of Melissa, she also tried some of the Paper Pieces and here is her account:

“As you can see from my photos my experiment with making my own templates for epp were mediocre at best. While it did work, and made an ok block, the precision of the block is not what I would expect from spending hours on a block. The thickness of the paper used, allowed a lot of room for error so that the corners do not match up exactly and the pieces have almost a baggy look to them.

I am much more pleased with the block below where I used the Paper Pieces. The paper is strong but thin allowing for a better end result, and I know that I would have made a mess of hand cutting the circles out! 



Also this time I took Eve’s advice and undid the basting at the edges to finish off the seams nicely in what would be the seam allowance. I am really in love with this block! I cannot believe that the circles look this good!! All the heart eyes! ”

As our sponsor for the month of April and the “B” row, Paperpieces.com has generously offered our winner a Dear Jane® paper piece row of their choice and a brand new Dear Jane® book when they become available.

In order to win you need to post your 13 “B Row” blocks on Instagram by April 30th, and mention @scrappysewandso,  and our awesome sponsor for this month: @paperpiecesepp and use the hashtag #dearjaneqal2019.

So that’s all for now, be sure to look for me as a guest quilter later on this month on the Instagram account @52quilters where I will be sharing more of my love for the EPP technique!

 scrappysewandso  Dear Jane Quilt Along Leave a comment  April 7, 2019 5 Minutes

Episode 3 of ScrappySewandSo is now up on Youtube!

Happy Sunday everyone!  We have a new Episode of ScrappySewandSo on our YouTube channel, so please check it out and don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss any Episodes!

You can find Episode 3 here:

ScrappySewandSo Episode 3 

Posted in Fabric Selection, Free Quilt Projects, Guest Writers, Quilting, Quilting & Embroidery, Scrappy Sew n Sew, scrappysewandso, Select Fabric, Uncategorized | Comments Off on …And The B Row Begins

EASY TO SEW VINYL WALL POCKETS

EASY TO SEW VINYL WALL POCKETS

by SEWHUNGRYHIPPIE
Wall Pockets vinyl tutorial project 1

An easy project for Newbie Vinyl Sewists.
The Wall Pocket organizer with Stardust vinyl and clear vinyl.

The short PDF instruction sheet is here.

Be sure to use a teflon or nonstick sewing foot – it’s a deal breaker without one.

My Sewing with Vinyl tips and tricks post is here and worth a read if you’re new to sewing with vinyl.

Wall Pockets vinyl tutorial project 2

I carry tons of colors of Stardust vinyl here.

Gold Stardust vinyl with grommets:

wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 3

Ruby has this one above her bunk bed, no more dropping the book at night when it’s lights out.

Wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 4
My Croc vinyls would be glorious for this project as well! Find them in my Shop here or my Etsy Shop here.

Wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 5
Wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 6

 

 

Wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 7

Video tutorial link.

 

Pin it

 

Wall pocket vinyl sewing tutorial 8

NATALIE SANTINI – SEWHUNGRYHIPPIE

QUILTER, PATTERN DESIGNER, SEWING MANIAC, I LIVE OFF COFFEE AND LIKE NICE PEOPLE,

Posted in art ideas, craft, Craft to make, Crafting, Cutting Mat, Fabric Cutter, Free Craft Projects, Free Sewing Project, Fun Stuff, Natalie Santini, Tutorials | Comments Off on EASY TO SEW VINYL WALL POCKETS

I Am Enough Quilt Reveal

This post is a part of the I am Enough quilt along that starts September 28, 2018 and ends February 1, 2019.

If this is the first time you are learning about this quilt along then please read this post to find out the intentions behind the quilt along and more details.

To view all the posts concerning this quilt along, click here.

To view the email archives of this quilt along, click here.


 

 

It feels so long since I worked on this and it’s only been a little over a month, but it was calling my name to finish up and now I’m excited to show it to you.

There are so many I am Enough quilts out in the world! Gorgeous, unique beauties! I hope you go and take a minute to look over everyone’s quilts. I’m so impressed by the craftsmanship, the friendships that were made, and all the warm and fuzzies along the way. When I first designed this quilt it was just a message I wanted to tell myself: I am Enough. All who participated showed me how not alone I was with the need to say those words. You were all right there with me! Thank you for that.

 


[su_label type=”black” class=””]My Quilt Patterns[/su_label]

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I also really need to send a special huge thank you to two more. First, to Havel’s Sewing for being this amazing company that not only treated me so warm and kindly, but also made the quilt along a possibility and made it free for you. I am all about supporting companies that support their quilters, so if I’m going to be buying anything that’s sharp, it’ll be purchased from Havel’s. I cannot say enough good things about them, especially Shelly, who was a joy to work with and pretty much just said, “do what you want.” I loved the creative freedom I received and also all the great tools they sent me. You can see some of them here:

 

 

Also, a huge thank you to my friend Kathy, who tested every single pattern and was right there with me the whole time. She put up with quite a bit from me, I must say. We had quite a time trying to write the instructions for paper piecing when we both had two different styles of getting it done and neither one of us understood the other’s method. Ha!

I’m still dreaming of a quilt full of those NY beauties by the way.

 


Get a personalized quilt label for your quilt.

 

[su_button url=”https://southerncharmquilts.com/item_1109/I-am-Enough-Quilt-Along-Label–Custom-and-Personalized-Just-For-You.htm” target=”self” style=”default” background=”#63e0d6″ color=”#FFFFFF” size=”3″ wide=”no” center=”no” radius=”auto” icon=”” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” text_shadow=”none” desc=”” onclick=”” rel=”” title=”” id=”” class=””]Get the Label[/su_button]


 

 

We had over 700 quilters participate, but I keep hearing from many that you missed it. This was such a great pattern and message that I’ll probably re-do this quilt along in a few years or so. In the meantime, feel free to jump in and do it at your own pace. I’m going to list everything below so that you can find it more easy.

Remember that Havel’s was our support for this quilt pattern and I’d love it if you could go and support them in return. Next time you need rotary blades or anything sharp, head over to their shop. They also have the single best cutting mat I’ve ever used.

If you purchase anything from Havel’s Sewing, be sure to use my coupon ” SouthernCharm7 ” to get $7 off any order of $25 or more.

 

A small tip: I’ll be linking to everything below. Havel’s has each of the main posts on their website. If you want the helpful tips and the meaning behind each pattern, plus all the pictures, you’ll need to go there to get it. If you are looking for info on my fabrics that I used for this quilt, you’ll need to view my posts. The PDF pattern is the actual pattern that you need. There are video tutorials for every pattern except the last pattern. It’s also important to go in order as each pattern builds upon itself.

The Patterns

 

If you are looking for the newsletters, you’ll find them here.

If you are looking to purchase the custom quilt label made specifically for this quilt along, you can find that here.

The IG hashtag used for this quilt is #IamEnoughquiltalong.

 


[su_button url=”https://southerncharmquilts.com/blog/downloads/bad-girl-quilt” target=”self” style=”default” background=”#63e0d6″ color=”#FFFFFF” size=”3″ wide=”no” center=”no” radius=”auto” icon=”” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” text_shadow=”none” desc=”” onclick=”” rel=”” title=”” id=”” class=””]Get the Bad Girl quilt pattern[/su_button]


 

Quilt Details:

Pattern – I am Enough quilt

Size – 60×70″

Blocks – 10 different patterns

Top Fabrics – I started with Botany from Windham fabrics, and then added in from my stash.

Backing FabricsSauvage Sky by Pat Bravo and Gille Wishes by Bari J

BindingOcher Lace by AGF (hands down favorite binding I’ve ever put on a quilt)

BattingWarm and Natural batting by the Warm Company

ThreadSo Fine by Superior for piecing and Quilt Plus by Coats for quilting

Techniques Usedmeander quilting, wall basting, and machine binding

 


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If you have been quilting for a little bit and looking to challenge yourself, I think this quilt does has much to offer in that regard. There are basic skills and some basic blocks, but there’s also some new ways to applique, lessons on embroidery, hand applique, paper piecing, some curves and a few more.

Don’t let anything scare you if you’ve never done some of it. It’s all broken up and made to be manageable. I’ve had many people tell me the paper piecing in particular was something they could never “get” and the video tutorial was very helpful. The embroidery too tends to scare those that have never done it before as well. You can do this though! And if there are things you don’t like about the quilt, change them! The whole theme of this quilt was to be yourself, make it how you want it. You do you!

 

 


Get a personalized I am Enough quilt along label for your quilt.

 

[su_button url=”https://southerncharmquilts.com/item_1109/I-am-Enough-Quilt-Along-Label–Custom-and-Personalized-Just-For-You.htm” target=”self” style=”default” background=”#63e0d6″ color=”#FFFFFF” size=”3″ wide=”no” center=”no” radius=”auto” icon=”” icon_color=”#FFFFFF” text_shadow=”none” desc=”” onclick=”” rel=”” title=”” id=”” class=””]Get the Label[/su_button]


 

 

So what’s next? I’m currently running the Carolina Mingle quilt along. It’s almost complete. There is a quilt along I’m co-hosting on IG for the next few weeks (it’s a sewing machine cover). There will be another quilt along with Havel’s Sewing late this summer. I already know the quilt I’m making and I’m hoping you all will be pleased with this one (hint: it’s based on a book). There has also been talk for me to do another quilt along with Coats and Clark (similar to the Star Dance one last summer). I’ve got a pattern in mind, but I have to get the okay on it.

Wondering why I’m always up for quilt alongs? I like them! I like sewing with other quilters. I like seeing the same quilt pattern in a multitude of styles. I like the chatting and comradery between us as we work on it. I’m a fan of all of it from beginning to end. I’m hoping that I’m doing a decent job at it. If there are things you think I could do better, please let me know. I’m open to listening to others (but be nice!).

If you want to stay up to date and never miss a quilt along, you will need to sign up for my newsletter, and open them. I don’t start anything that I don’t put in the newsletter. They go out on the first and fifteenth of every month.

 

 


NO HASSLE TASSEL SARI SILK CLUTCH PURSE

 

Posted in art ideas, Free Craft Projects, Free Quilt Patterns, Free Quilt Projects, Melanie Traylor, Patterns, Quilting, Quilting, Tutorials | Comments Off on I Am Enough Quilt Reveal

DEAR JANE QUILT ALONG

Official Dear Jane® Launch!

Today is the day!!!! The kick off of our #dearjaneqal2019 !! It seemed like the day would never come!! And now here it is!

Since this is our kick off party let’s all post our photos of our plans, our fabric choices, our old blocks we put away, our inspirations and have a real celebration!!

I can’t wait for my feed to be filled with beautiful photos of our Dear Janes®!!

Here are Melissa’s plans:

DEAR JANE 1

And here are Eve’s:

DEAR JANE 2

What’s that? There are prizes!

DEAR JANE 3

To be eligible to win a 1/2 yard bundle of 4 Kaffe Fasset fabric from Eve’s “Personal stash” you must post a photo of your plan etc with the hashtag # dearjaneqal2019 and with @scrappysewandso so we can be sure to see your posts!

Don’t forget to follow @scrappysewandso and always post the #dearjaneqal2019 for your posts to be eligible for prizes and so others can see your work your profile must be public. Follow the hashtag #dearjaneqal2019 to see everyone’s posts!!!! Have a great day!!! And Happy Valentine’s Day!

Make sure to click on the photo below to sign up for all of the fun!!!

DEAR JANE QUILT ALONG

 

 

Posted in art ideas, craft, Craft to make, Free Quilt Projects, How to Make a Quilt, Quilting, Quilting, Quilting & Embroidery, scrappysewandso, Tutorials | Comments Off on DEAR JANE QUILT ALONG

I am Enough Quilt Along – Pattern 10 – Finished Quilt Top

Photo-Jun-08-9-27-02-AM-e1528468174690

This post is a part of the I am Enough quilt along that starts September 28, 2018 and ends February 1, 2019.

If this is the first time you are learning about this quilt along then please read this post to find out the intentions behind the quilt along and more details.

To view all the posts concerning this quilt along, click here.

To view the email archives of this quilt along, click here.

 


 

 

I cannot believe how quickly this quilt along has passed.  Today is the final post and I’m a bit sad about it.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, gushing over your beautiful progress photos, and reading your lovely words on what this quilt along has meant to you.  A part of me is also quite joyous, though.  I’m in love with my quilt.  SO IN LOVE!  I’m also in love with so many of your quilts.  I’ll be highlighting them on IG as I see them finish.

 

You are Enough

There are going to be those of you who have stayed on task with this quilt along and those of you that are moving along at your own pace.  No matter where you, you are in the exact right place for you.  If you are finished, pat yourself on the back, gaze lovingly at your finished quilt top and feel the pride of a finished quilt.  A part of you may be sad it’s done with and a part of you is quite pleased with yourself.  It’s time for you to post your pictures of your finished work and encourage others who still have work to do.

If you are still working, keep working.  The journey to the finish line is the best.  You are still doing the thing that you love to do.  Take your time, but don’t stop, and if you do find yourself in the middle of a pause that has gone on longer than you wanted, don’t sit there muttering at yourself.  It’s okay.  Life gets busy.  You’ll get to it when you are ready.  The longer it takes, the better the finishing of a quilt feels when you get there.

Be nice to yourself no matter what.  There are no rules, no deadlines, only the joy of all the stitching.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve loved every moment of this quilt.

 

 


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Today’s Lesson

There’s not much in the way of a lesson today, but I do have some tips about sewing large pieces together that I thought I’d share for the beginner quilters.

Tips for sewing larger patchwork pieces:

  1. Fold each piece in half and finger press.
  2. Line up finger press marks and pin, and do the same for the ends.
  3. Add more pins as needed.
  4. There are instructions in the pattern for getting the flattest seams, but when it comes to the end of the quilt and the fact that all the pieces are so large, I tend to let the seams fall where they may and let it be.

 

 

Pattern 10 – Finished Quilt Top

You only have two more pieces of fabrics to cut for filler and then we are on to sewing everything together.  We’ve slowly done the majority of this along the way, so this last bit is pretty quick and pretty pleasant.  Did you like doing all the section building along the way?  I did!

Onto the pattern!

Click the tab below to download the pattern and get started.  I cannot wait to see what you make!

Click here to download the pattern

 

There’s no video tutorial today, but if you follow me on Instagram, there will more than likely be a few videos in my Stories of my own quilt.  I may gush a bit!  🙂

 

 

I am Enough Quilt Along Schedule

 


Get a personalized I am Enough quilt along label for your quilt.

 

Order here.


Helpful Links


 

 

Many of you have been asking me about the NEXT quilt along.  I will be hosting another sampler quilt along with Havel’s sometime this year.  Subscribe to my newsletter so that you don’t miss those details.  Until then, I’ve got a short and sweet quilt along that starts February 22 and is only four weeks long.  If you are interested, read about it here.

I do want to take a moment and thank Havel’s Sewing for this amazing opportunity, for all the fantastically “sharp” prizes they’ve given you and me, and for their support of all of us completely obsessed with quilt making.

Hugs,

Melanie

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