I am Enough Quilt Along – Pattern #6 – Scallop Border

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 know that many of you might be dreading this part of the pattern.  It’s more handwork.  Don’t scream!  Feel free to use your machine if you’d rather.  I, on the other hand, have been enjoying this little forced hand applique bit.  I almost always opt for machine applique, so it’s nice when I tell myself that I “must” give the hand a go.  I do so little of it, but love it so much.

Let’s jump in!

 

You are Enough

I have to be honest.  This week I’m struggling for a topic for this part of our quilt along.  We’ve covered doubting ourselves, perfection, being self critical, focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses and comparisonitis.  I’ve heard from many of you that have told me how the theme of our quilt along has really resonated with you, about how all the time you question whether you are enough.

So this round all I’m going to say is that whatever you are feeling, you are not the only one feeling that.  We are all the same more than we could ever know.  I think the best way to fight these feelings is to say something nice to somebody else.  Stop complaining, it doesn’t ever seem to help, and it has the added disadvantage of bringing who you are complaining to down.  Say something nice, make someone’s day.

It’s sad to think that we are all walking around with low opinions of ourselves.  There are so many people I’ve connected with on Instagram who have recently said something poorly about themselves and I have to say, “Oh no, girlie!  You are awesome!”  I’m always so surprised at the people who say these things, people who in my mind are on this pedestal of wonderfulness, people who I think have it all.  They too think bad things.  We all do.  Let’s knock it off, shall we?

In your caption this week on Instagram when you post your scallop border, mention another quilter who is participating in the I am Enough quilt along who you think has seriously got it going on.  Let’s all scatter around some happiness.

 


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Today’s Lesson

We are learning how to hand applique today and how to make circular appliques a very easy way and give yourself the roundest scallop you can get.  This is fussy, slow, and can be frustrating if you’ve never done it before.  Accept that before you even start and half your battle is over.

I loved this section of the pattern.  I took my time spread out over a week or so and imagined myself some fancy lady in a lovely dress, sitting in a parlor with an old fashioned thimble and needle stitching away, piano music in the background.  Something far from my leggings and sofa and Netflix.  I guess I always think of this as fancy applique and that’s where my mind naturally goes.

You can do this.  YOU CAN.  It’s just time that gets in the way.  And if you are groaning and shaking your head already, fine.  Machine applique them instead.  There are no rules.  Go be you.  You are always allowed and encouraged to do so.

 

 

Pattern 6 – Scallop Border

I was excited to begin this one, even though it’s been the slowest yet.  I enjoyed it.  I cannot wait to have my finished quilt and when I quilt it I plan on hand quilting around the scallops.  I’m squealing over here.  I hope you are too!

Tips:

  • I used this glue.  This was a supply left off of our original supply list.  Sorry about that!  Elmer’s glue works great too.
  • Needle goes down into the background fabric behind the thread, comes up in the fold of the applique, and then repeat over and over again.
  • Play with different holding techniques and find one that works for you best.
  • If you think it will help, sew your borders on first and then stitch the scallops on.  I preferred the way I did it so that my raw edge applique on the color wheel didn’t fray.
  • If you prefer to machine applique, follow the video tutorial until you get to the hand stitching section.  Just use the same color thread as your applique and machine stitch them down along the edges.

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

 

Video Tutorial

 

 

 

I am Enough Quilt Along Schedule

 

Helpful Links

Havel’s Tools I use in the video

Prizes

60mm Jumbo Rotary Cutter

Be sure to post your progress on this week’s blocks on Instagram to be eligible for the bi-weekly prize from Havel’s Sewing.  Havel’s will announce the winner on Instagram on the Thursday before the next pattern releases.

To enter to win the 60mm Rotary Cutter:

 


 

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for sewing along with me in this quilt along.  I am having a grand time meeting new friends and learning new tricks.  Thanks for showing up!

Hugs,

Melanie

Let’s Connect

Blog / Email / Instagram / Newsletter

 

Posted in Melanie Traylor | Tagged | 3 Comments

Leschi Top Sew Along with Sew Hungry Hippie!

Leschi Top Sew Along with Sew Hungry Hippie

by Natalie Santini

Hello Sewing Enthusiasts! Join Havel’s Sewing ambassador, Natalie Santini of Sew Hungry Hippie, in creating this adorable, trendy Leschi top. It’s perfect for those upcoming holiday gatherings with your favorite, stretchy pair of leggings! Part two to follow next week…

 

Natalie, from Hungry Hippie Sews (or as you know her from instagram @sewhungryhippie) is one of those creatives that just does it all. She makes clothes, quilts, bags, and everything in between. She is always posting pictures of her creations and they always have one thing in common – COLOR. Natalie loves color and she loves to be creative. Click on the links below to discover more of her vibrant projects!

Hungry Hippie Sews

@sewhungryhippie

Patterns

Facebook Group

sew hungry hippie logo

Posted in Cutting Mat, Fabric, Fabric Cutter, Fabric Rotary Cutters, Fabric Scissors, For Beginners in Sewing, Free Sewing Project, Guest Writers, How To, Natalie Santini, Patterns, Sewing Supplies, Tutorials | Comments Off on Leschi Top Sew Along with Sew Hungry Hippie!

I am Enough Quilt Along – Pattern #5 – Trip Around the World Blocks

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.

 


 

 

We are halfway through!  How is that possible?

Today we are tackling the Trip Around The World blocks and at first glance these look simple and truthfully they are.  BUT!  There are so many seams and that means so many places for error.  Me and Kathy (my tester) both were groaning with our efforts.  🙂  But we pushed through it!!

And I think we both were quite pleased with the results even if everything isn’t 100% perfect.  That’s kind of the thing about making something handmade, isn’t it?

 

You are Enough

This week I got an email from someone struggling with fear of imperfections so much so that it was just holding her back from even beginning.  I feel like maybe we all do this in parts of our life.

When it comes to quilting just jump in and get your hands dirty.  Make the mistakes.  Groan.  Make an ugly quilt.  Make a dozen of them.  Learn.  Get better.  You got this!

One thing I love about quilting is every single person can do it.  It’s not something like singing or dancing where you have people that are just born with this natural ability (I know they work hard too, but still they are born with something).  Quilting is a learnable skill.  Piecing is a learnable skill.  There will be those who are better at putting colors together (hello, Tara Faughnan), but for the other 80% of this craft it’s putting the time in and getting better.  The actual doing of it is for everyone!

Stop scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram and sit down in front of your sewing machine and start making it happen, mistakes and all!

And if you feel that you totally got this and are no longer nervous or scared or have any doubts about your skills when it comes to quilting then say something encouraging to a newbie quilter.  Tell them what you wish you knew sooner.  Be the quilter that you needed in the beginning.  You will make them feel better and in doing so make yourself feel better.

This week while you are working on your very simple, but frustrating Trip blocks think of a tip you might give to a new quilter.  Maybe something you’d wish you’d known sooner?  When you post your progress this round on Instagram put your tip in the caption.

 


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Read my post about this product here.  I don’t really use the neck strap, but these are my go-to for chain piecing.  I use them for snipping threads on the daily!


 

Today’s Lesson

Once more it all comes down to precision.  I’ll confess this one is kinda tough.  With all those seams there are so many places to make mistakes.  Did I make my mistakes cutting or piecing?  I’m not sure!  Setting yourself up for success in the beginning is my answer to this though.

This is not a fast block.  Accept it.  It’s a “one at a time” kinda block.

My best advice would be to starch your fabrics before you ever make the first cut.  Take your time cutting your squares.  What’s the old adage?  Measure twice, cut once.  When you get to piecing don’t try to rush through it.  Instead make sure you are sewing with a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Starch every time you press.  Fingers crossed you don’t end up with a block where everything was just a smidgen too big.

And if you do……let it be.

 

 

Pattern 5 – Trip Blocks

I am ridiculously smitten over this block.  I fussy cut my very centers and just had fun with the rest.  I cut up way too many squares and played until I liked what I had in front of me.  I see more of these in my future.

Tips:

  • Your block should measure 18.5″ wide.  Mine was a half inch more than that.  You can see it in the left corner there of my picture.  I plan on trimming it down.
  • Nobody likes to press seams open.  We do it for less bulk.  Every seam except the borders are instructed to be pressed open for optimal flatness.
  • I mentioned the mini design boards I use for blocks such as these in the video tutorial.  Find the post here where I discuss them.
  • Take your time.  A quilt isn’t made in a day!
  • Don’t forget to have fun!

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

Video Tutorial

Note:  The video teaches you how to make the Trip blocks, it does not go into section building.

 

 

I am Enough Quilt Along Schedule

 

Helpful Links

Havel’s Tools I use in the video

Prizes

4 3/4" Dura Snips on a Neck Strap

Be sure to post your progress on this week’s blocks on Instagram to be eligible for the bi-weekly prize from Havel’s Sewing.  Havel’s will announce the winner on Instagram on the Thursday before the next pattern releases.

To enter to win the Dura Snips:

 


 

I just wanted to take a moment this round and gush about how kind Havel’s Sewing is and what a great company they are and how I feel absolutely honored to be connected to.  I absolutely love companies within the quilting world that take the time and connect with their community.  These are the kinds of businesses I want to support.  I’d like to say thank you to Havel’s for giving us this free quilt along and for all the prizes they are sending out.  The fact that the prizes being sent out exceeds what I mention each week has not gone unnoticed!

Hugs,

Melanie

Let’s Connect

Blog / Email / Instagram / Newsletter

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Perfect Little Dress – Tips for Making a Dress for 18″ Dolls

Sulky 18 inch Doll Blog

COTTON + STEEL, FASHION, GIFT IDEAS, INSPIRATION, MACHINE EMBROIDERY, SEWING FOR KIDS, TUTORIALS
A Perfect Little Dress – Tips for Making a Dress for 18″ Dolls
November 14, 2018

Sulky doll-book-cover-792x1024
My friend Erin Hentzel just came out with the most adorable book, “Doll Dress Boutique.” It is full of over 40 projects for 18″ dolls. If you have a young girl in your life, she most likely has a doll this size. These dresses make great gifts, but they are also great projects to use to teach the younger generation how to sew!

Sulky Doll-Dress-close-up

Because of my love for all things 70’s fashion, and because I had a small piece of this awesome 70’s-style fabric, I decided to do a take on this dress from the book. The directions in the book are great, and easy to follow. Here are my tips to make sewing easier, and for ending up with a great final product.

Sulky Doll Blog Thread

Supplies
I used:

The vintage 70’s fabric
Grey Kona® Cotton
A scrap piece of a darker grey
Cotton+Steel® Thread by Sulky, 50 wt. cotton thread in Cornsilk (#0502) for all my piecing
Sulky 30 wt. Cotton Thread 733-1147 (Christmas Red) and 733-1225 (Pastel Pink)
Sulky Cotton Blendables® 30 wt. 733-4002 (Buttercream)
Sulky 12 Wt. Cotton 713-4068 (Dark Chocolate)
Sulky Totally Stable® Stabilizer to trace the pattern pieces
1/4″ strips of Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy™ Stabilizer to use as guides for sewing the decorative stitches
Sulky Tear-Easy™ Stabilizer to stabilize the fabric for sewing the decorative stitches.
Janome® Quilt Maker Memory Craft 15000 – this machine had wonderful decorative stitches!
Havel® Sewing Cutting Mat

Sulky Totally Stable Stabilizer for Pattern Pieces

  • Sulky Doll Blog Stabilizer
    BTW – I adore my Havel Cutting Mats
    I like to use Sulky Totally Stable when tracing off patterns, because it is easy to see through and it can be ironed to the front of the fabric. Use a medium temperature iron, and just press lightly.

Sulky Doll Blog Iron

This keeps the fabric from slipping around when you are cutting. One you have cut the piece out, just peel it off and iron it in place for the next piece.

Decorative Stitches

Sulky Doll Blog Decorative Stitches

The book said to use decorative ribbons to embellish the front panels, but I really wanted to use some of the cool decorative stitches on my Janome Quilt Maker Memory Craft 15000 and a variety of Sulky threads.

Sulky Doll Blog up close stitches

Because I used a variety of thread weights and stitches, I put a piece of Sulky Tear Easy under the fabric.

Sulky Doll Blog Up Close Stitches 2

Just look at the difference in this test stitch with and without the stabilizer! The top half of this picture has Sulky Tear-Easy under the stitching. The bottom half, where the stitches start to pucker and distort is without the stabilizer.

Sulky Doll Blog Skirt on Cutting Mat

Sulky Doll Sewing Machine

I also cut two 1/4″ strips of Sulky Sticky Fabri-Solvy, and used those as guides so my stitches would be straight.

Since I used both 30 wt. and 12 wt. threads on top, I put 50 wt. Cotton+Steel Thread by Sulky in the bobbin, and used a 90/14 topstitch needle.

The Finished Dress

Sulky Doll Blog Dress on Cutting Mat
I just love how it turned out! My perfect little flower child.

Sulky Doll Blog Dress on Smaller Doll

Bonus: The dress fit my daughter’s smaller doll, too!

Want more Doll Dress Boutique Inspiration? Check out the entire blog tour! Here is the schedule:

Monday, Nov. 12: C&T Publishing blog by Erin Hentzel
Tuesday, Nov. 13: Jane Wilkes, Janie Carroll Designs
Wednesday, Nov. 14: Me! Kelly Nagel for Sulky of America
Thursday, Nov. 15: TerifiCreations by Teri Lucas
Friday, Nov. 16: Riley Blake Designs
Monday, Nov. 19: Cherry Guidry, Cherry Blossom Quilting
Tuesday, Nov. 20: Tamarinis by Tammy Silvers
Wednesday, Nov. 21: Erin Hentzel, Avery Lane Sewing

Peace. Love. Sewing.

Posted in Craft to make, Cutting Mat, Free Craft Projects, Free Sewing Project, Fun Stuff, How To | Comments Off on A Perfect Little Dress – Tips for Making a Dress for 18″ Dolls

I am Enough Quilt Along – Pattern 4 – Hourglass Blocks

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.

 


 

 

My how time flies!  We are about to begin pattern 4 of the I am Enough Quilt:  The Hourglass blocks.

This is such a traditional quilt block and there are a gazillion ways to make this block, but I’ve got a really simple way to show you today.  This happens to make two at a time and it’s my favorite way.  Hourglass blocks seem so basic and “old” I guess, but I tell you when put together with other hourglass blocks they are quite showstopping or I happen to think so.  See this board if you need a visual.  If you happen to enjoy your own way of making hourglass blocks, don’t let me hold you back!  This quilt has no rules!  Feel free to always do as you please.  🙂

We’ve got seven of these scattered about our quilt.  Let’s get going!

 

You are Enough

I wanted to talk about perfection and failure today.

I could sit here and tell you all day that I don’t care if my blocks are perfect, but I really like it when they are.  I particularly like it when my points line up just so.  Every time there is a point to line up, I give it my all, put the pin into the seam in exactly the right place, and do all that I can to insure that I end up with the best block I can have.  I’m all about the precision and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t care.  If there is a new trick that I can learn or teach myself to make sewing points better, I’ll adapt my methods and do whatever I need to do to get a better quilt block or points that line up.  This is important to me.  I can’t change this about myself.  If it’s not important to you that is absolutely just fine.  Be you!

After almost ten years of quilting, I am still not perfect.  I’m never going to be.  I’m just a human after all.  Sometimes I do all the right steps, take my time, and still get a block where I’m just off the line (proof of this is in the block to the right of my picture).  Unlike my beginning years, I no longer curse myself, throw my hands in the air or even get frustrated.  I have found that I just need to make a decision:  Can I live with the block “off” or do I need to grab a seam ripper and redo?  I make this decision based on my mood or how bad my “off” is.  If I don’t want to unpick, I don’t.  I leave it be and don’t criticise myself at all for it.

It took me a long time to get to this place of peace.  And yes, I’m using quilting as my example, but this can translate to many different aspects (hello, motherhood!).  You are going to have points off, you are going to have entire blocks the wrong size.  You are going to make hundreds of mistakes, especially in the beginning.  Expect and accept these facts.  These “failures” or “mistakes” or whatever you want to call them, you NEED them.  You need to make the mistakes.  Without them you don’t learn anything.  Without them you don’t grow.

Words of wisdom to say out loud:

  • Strive for progress, not perfection.
  • Don’t wait for your quilting to be perfect before you enjoy it.
  • Forget it enough to get over it, remember it enough so it doesn’t happen again.
  • And this is the MOST important one:  DO NOT point out somebody else’s mistakes.  Say something kind instead.

 


 

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4 1/2″ Snip-a-Stitch Scissors

● Removes individual stitches, seams and threads
● Sharp, curved blade slides easily underneath single stitches
● Comfortable, easy to use
● No more troublesome stitching errors!

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Read my post about this product here.


 

Today’s Lesson

Today’s lesson is on precision.  Not the kind you let yourself get frustrated over and makes you push away from your sewing machine and give up.  Never that!  Just the effort will do and the effort alone is enough.  If you get it great, if you don’t shrug your shoulders and move on.  It doesn’t calculate your worth and it’s not the end all of everything.  In finished quilts it’s rarely even noticeable.  Most of the time only YOU know it’s there.  We are making quilts for enjoyment and to explore our creative side, not to harass ourselves.  Make the effort and let the result be

The other part of our lesson is contrast.  Hourglass blocks are made with two different fabrics.  To be able to see the shape you need to have two fabrics that contrast well.

Precision

When it comes to any shape that features a triangle, I like to press my seams open and use starch.  These two things help me get my quilt block flatter.  If you are working with a crisp, flat quilt block, you’ll find it much easier to align those seams.  Here’s a recipe for homemade starch.

Another tip, when working with triangles or even very small pieces of fabric, press and starch your fabric before you even make your first cut.  Just like I mentioned before, when working with a crisp piece of fabric every step along the way (cutting, sewing, etc.) will be easier for you to get things just so.

On the Hourglass blocks, align your seams together and place a pin exactly in the seam.  Only remove the pin when you are about to sew over it and mind that you don’t move the fabric as you do.

Fabric Choosing

Here’s a few thoughts to mull over:

  • Set your two fabrics together before you cut them and give them a lookover.
  • Do they mesh well?
  • Do each of the fabrics stand out or do they mix together and lose the shape of the hourglass?
  • Are you using two busy fabrics?  One busy fabric and one tonal might be a better choice.
  • Solids really pop in this block, especially against a print.

 

 

Pattern 4 – Hourglass Blocks

These are go pretty quick!  Perfect timing if you are still working on your embroidery blocks from pattern 3, but also because we are going to be doing a little section building as well.  We are four patterns in and instead of waiting til the very end and putting all our blocks together, we will be doing that bit by bit.

There are some things that need to be thought about though, like fabric placement.  Our blocks are all scattered all over and it’s hard to see which fabric should not go where.  I made the hourglass blocks above, but when I moved on to the section building part of the Pattern 4 PDF, I found that I had made my big hourglass the same color as my Maker’s Hand and those two are touching in the quilt.  I had to remake my big hourglass because of this.  Luckily it’s an easy block, so no worries, but I just wanted to remind you to be mindful of this.  Placing your blocks on a design wall or even your floor and looking at the overall quilt design can help.

Onto the pattern!

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

 

Video Tutorial

Click here if the video does not load properly.

Note:  The video teaches you how to make the hourglass blocks, it does not go into section building.

 

 

I am Enough Quilt Along Schedule

Helpful Links

Havel’s Tools I use in the video

Prizes

4 1/2" Snip-a-Stitch Scissors

Be sure to post your progress on this week’s blocks on Instagram to be eligible for the bi-weekly prize from Havel’s Sewing.  Havel’s will announce the winner on Instagram on the Thursday before the next pattern releases.

To enter to win the Snip-a-Stitch scissors (the BEST seam ripper):

  • Use the #IamEnoughQuiltAlong on a progress pic of any of this week’s blocks.
  • Follow @Havels_Sewing and tag them in the post.
  • Follow @SouthernCharmQuilts and tag me in the post.
  • If your account is set to private, you will not be entered.
  • Prizes open to US residents only.

 

 

I am loving getting to know you and connecting with you on Instagram.  Isn’t the quilting community over there encouraging and supportive?  Be sure to join in the fun by posting pictures of your progress using the #IamEnoughQuiltAlong.  Comment on the posts of other participants and spread the love.  We all need it sometimes.

Hugs,

Melanie

Let’s Connect

Blog / Email / Instagram / Newsletter

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment