Over the last little while, I’ve been asked some wonderfully awesome questions all about sewing machines. With questions ranging from…
What is the best sewing machine to use when I’m quilting?
How do I use a walking foot?
Can I make a large quilt using my small sewing machine?
What are the best types of threads to use for patchworking?
How much money should I spend on a good sewing machine?
And so many more!
So to answer these questions, I made a video where I sat down and went through all of the basics things there is to know about sewing machines!
Now you may be thinking, ‘how is it that she knows all this stuff!?’
Well, for about six years I worked in a very well know craft/fabric store here in Australia called Spotlight. There, I worked in the fabric and haberdashery department where we also sold sewing machines!
About twice a year, we would have intensive training days with sewing machine reps who taught us everything there is to know about sewing machines, inside and out. We learnt how to demonstrate and talk to customers about sewing machines, how to troubleshoot problems they were having as well as understanding what machine was best for a particular end use i.e. dressmaking, quilting, heavy duty sewing etc.
So because of this, I feel confident in myself and in the knowledge I’ve learnt over the years to answer these questions for you. I am aware that I do not know everything and nor am I ever likely too! I myself, am still learning about the endless possibilities and all of the little intricacies that my sewing machine has to offer and I really love that!
If you have any questions about anything I say in this video or are unsure of any features/functions on yours or are having any issues, please feel free to ask/comment below! I will try my very best to answer you as honestly and as simply as I can!
Also, if you have any tips or nuggets of knowledge that you would like to share with me and others, please comment as well!!
Happy Sewing Friends!!
xx
PS. If you would like to see a few fun little moments where I stutter, mumble, make weird faces and struggle with my words, then you can catch the Bloopers video right here!
After lots of requests and suggestions to make this block, here it is for you to explore, fold, pin, stitch and rip apart!
So, I’ve approached this teaching of the block assuming that you have a fair understanding of how Foundation Paper-Piecing works. If you’re new to the technique, perhaps have a look at this video first http://youtu.be/R4jNa2zHLbU and then come back to this one.
This tutorial was inspired by this wall-hanging I made in 2013, that also made a few appearances in a few of my earlier video tutorials!
‘I Heart Colour’ Wall-Hanging (2013)
I called this wall-hanging, ‘I Heart Colour’ because of the nine colour-way blocks that are made entirely out of scrap fabrics. Plus, I also really do love colour and thought (at the time) it would be a perfect addition to the wall above my sewing desk in my new sewing room! (And still is!)
As always, let me know if you’re going to give this block a go and send me pictures of your blocks!! You can easily tag me on Instagram (I’m @3and3quarters) or send me a pic on Twitter, through email or on Facebook!
What a better way to start the New Year than to dive head first into a good ol’ block tutorial!
Today we’ll be focusing on the Economy Block!
This simple little block is made up of one centre square with two sets of contrasting triangles sewn around it. It’s a great block to use up some of those larger scrap fabric pieces or perfect to make a fun I-Spy Quilt for the kiddies!
Measurements & Cutting Info…
For the centre
– Cut x1: 5″ square
For the first set of triangles
– Cut x2: 4″ squares (to be cut in half, resulting in x4 triangles)
For the second set of triangles
– Cut x2 5&1/2″ squares (to be cut in half, resulting in x4 triangles)
Follow the steps in the video to learn how to piece this block together!
Final Block Size: 24cm x 24cm (9&1/2″ x 9&1/2″)
Mix & Match with some of your favourite fabrics!
Let me know if give this block a go! I would love to know how you went!
As is expected at this time of the year, the last few weeks have been filled with festive get-togethers, exciting gift making and an endless array of baking, giving me very little time to tend to my lovely little blog.
But in the last few days before Christmas, I’ve hoarded away a little bit of time to spend writing to you! And boy, is there a lot to write!
So with Tony Bennett’s Christmas album crooning in the background, let’s get down to business!
First, allow me to introduce to you my beautiful niece Amelia who was born on the 5th December.
She came into the world in a very hurried fashioned that earned her and her parents a National News worthy story! Let’s just say, they didn’t quite make it to the hospital in time! Here’s the story if you want to know more!
Next, let’s address the title of this post…
Yes indeed, I did make a quilt. And I did it in quite a sneaky type way too (you may have seen a few glimpses on Instagram!). Usually at Christmas, my close group of friends and I do a Kriss Kringle type of gift giving. So to sooth my need to make a quilt as a gift this Christmas season, I chose to make one for one of my closest girlfriends who I’ve known since high school.
Thankfully she loved it! And even luckier, the colours went perfectly with a lot of the décor she has in her new inner-city apartment! Whoo!
The pattern I used is called the Tribute Star Quilt that I found (as a FREE download!!) on the Denyse Schmidt website! It’s quite an easy pattern to follow, choc-full of HSTs and simple squares that would look great using any print or solid fabrics.
Sometime in the New Year, I’m planning on giving the Tribute Star block another go using a few different type prints (maybe) and turning the block onto it’s point and adding corner triangles to the edges. From what I can see in my mind’s eye, I think it’ll be a little good ‘un!
What’s also kept me busy over the past few weeks are the Christmas tutorials I’ve been filming, editing and publishing onto YouTube!
I’ve been putting so much time and effort into these little videos to the point where I’m quite ready to take a much-needed break once Christmas and Boxing Day arrive!
However, once Christmas is over, I’ll be getting straight back into it!
And then in the New Year, I have a ton of new quilt block tutorials planned as well as some other fun crafty ideas for you to be inspired by!
If you want to be in the loop of what, where and when I upload these video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe to be the first notified! I would love to have you join me!
So my friends, I wish you all a very happy festive season, celebrating and making beautiful memories with your nearest and dearest!
Here’s just a quick little tutorial I uploaded last week simplifying the process of making the utterly-tradtional Flying Geese unit.
The process of how to make this block should be a staple in your patchwork library and when it is, you can adapt and shape it into any size or formation you wish!
Here are the measurement & cutting instructions for this block..
– Cut x1: 5&1/2″ x 3″ rectangle from one fabric
– Cut x2: 3″ squares from a contrasting fabric
– Piece together as demonstrated in the video.
– Feel free to make as many Flying Geese units as you wish to piece together a long strip, or square or rectangle. The choice is all yours!
The final measurements of this unit are: 5&3/8″ x 3″ or 13.5cm x 7.5cm.
And, here are some great examples of the Flying Geese unit pieced together in a few beautiful and creative ways!
(Links to the sources of these quilts are at the end of this post!)
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy cutting, piecing and quilting this beautiful little quilt for my future niece, due next month.
For this quilt, I wanted to merge traditional with modern by using this Bear Paw Block as the central design while featuring fresh colours and modern quilting lines.
I also have to admit that it was joyfully wonderful to finally work in the colour pink! After making quilts for four nephews, the change in colour palette was like a beautiful breeze of fresh air!
I gifted this quilt away yesterday at her baby shower and I can only hope that she will find comfort and warmth in it always!
On a warm Friday night three years ago, I plucked up the courage to begin writing this here humble quilting blog.
Now here we are, 1,093 days later and I’m still just as dedicated and proud of my little slice of the internet as I was the day I created it.
As I’ve done in other past ‘birthday’ type posts, let’s recap the year that was!
Firstly: YouTube!
This year, I’ve dedicated a lot of hard work into developing my YouTube channel(and with some very pleasing results thus far!).
I’ll also be the first one to admit that I’ve spent so much time planning and creating content for it, that my blog has had to fall-by-the-way-side so speak and become the second child. But! In saying this, my blog has never been too far out of my mind! Along with my YT channel, the welfare of my blog is always on my mind and I’m constantly developing ways in which I can improve its quality! Hence my little foray into making video tutorials!
Thanks to YouTube, my confidence in my patchwork/quilting skills has improved, I’ve felt confident in delivering and teaching skills to others and I’m continually being challenged in both my sewing skills and editing/technical skills.
Hooray!!
Here’s a list of some of the most challenging videos I’ve created this year…
Although I had been quilting for over 7 years, 2012 was the first year I was confident enough in my work to enter them into shows.
This year, I struck a goal off my list and entered a few items into the prestigious Sydney Royal Easter Show in April/May. And would you believe it, one of my quilts received a highly commended ribbon!!
No way did I think I would receive anything in my first year of entering! Not in the least! But I’m so greatly humbled that my sweet little ‘Happy Quilt’ was noticed and received the love it’s owed.
Now this quilt hangs in my room and I use it as a backdrop for quite a lot of my videos! (Just like this one!)
And like last year, I entered a mini quilt into the Sydney Quilt Show during July. Although it didn’t receive any ribbons, I’m still chuffed to bits that my little quilt was invited to hang in an enormous room filled with many, many, many beautiful quilts!
Thirdly: Projects!
As I began brainstorming and planning the things I would write for this section, a pang of guilt was slowly rising inside of me. I felt that I really hadn’t ‘made’ or ‘done’ very much sewing/patchwork/quilting/crafting wise to really reflect and chat about.
However, after having a quick squizz through all of the post I’ve published over the last year, so many little projects kept popping up with me exclaiming out loud, ‘Oh yeah! I totally forgot about that one!’ Hence highlighting the reason why I chose to begin writing a blog! My mind really is like a sieve sometimes!
So here are some highlights of the creative things I’ve began and/or finished over the past 12 months.
Halloween Crafts: This is the first time I’ve ever got into Halloween crafting. Halloween isn’t widely celebrated in Australia but it’s very slowly (some may say very quickly!) catching on!
Dressmaking: I’ve made a few little things in the past (a coat, aprons, dresses) but over the last month or so I’ve really enjoyed the process of making simple t-shirts through preparing the pattern, pinning it down, cutting it out and then constructing a 2D material into a 3D wearable garment.
Plus, there’s an element of pride in wearing something that you’ve made and then having others compliment you on how well it looks! (Modest much!?)
Struggling with WIPs: At the start of the year, I made a pledge to try and finish all of my WIPs. It’s safe to say that promise went out the window two weeks in! To add to the pile is a Plus Block Quilt and my ‘Diamonds in the Sky’ Quilt that I totally ruined with some ridiculous experimental quilting!!!
Oh! It’s so horrible!!
(I haven’t the heart or patience to unpick this yet! I’m still in mourning!)
It’s still listed, waiting for the perfect buyer. Do you know anyone having a little baby girl soon? Perhaps this is what you’ve been looking for! (A little bit of promotion on my blog never hurt anyone, right?)
Another quilt that is currently under way is one I’m making for my niece who is due to enter our family in early December!
And here’s a little bit of trivia for you: one of the blocks in this quilt is the very one I made in my Bear Paw Block tutorial! Yep!
Embroideries: I’ve stitched a few more embroideries including this one which I made into video!
Little Purses: These little guys are always my best seller when I list them up onto my madeit store. They’re super easy to make and the design possibilities are endless!
I have quite a few listed at the moment if you’re interested… Unfortunately, they’re only available for Australian residents. Postage is insanely pricey for any international sales. You’ll find the postage will be more expensive than the purse itself!
Fourthly: Goals for the coming year.
I think one of the main things I want to achieve over the next 12 months is a steady growth in my sewing skills, gain confidence when it comes to teaching and filming for my YT channel as well as to take on opportunities that are given to me to develop my creativity and voice in the world.
There are also some big quilts I want to attempt too!
One being a hand-applique based quilt that will feature this design…
Sampling the planned design!
(I’m thinking of entering this into the 2015 Sydney Royal Easter Show if I finish it on time!)
I’ve always, always, always admired these quilts. The technical skills and patience to make this is incredible to think of! But, I feel that I could tackle a quilt of this magnitude and do a good job of it too! (Famous last words??)
So there are two quilts with some pretty intense types of skills that I’ll need to teach myself and hone but I’m ready for the challenge and ready for downfall! (If that happens, of course!)
So there is the year that’s past. Looking back over previous posts from this year, I’ve open up a lot about myself to you all (check this post out), have shared where I get my inspiration from, have studied a heck of a lot, re-joined the retail working-class and shared the lovely things I have in my life.
But lastly, to all of you who follow my blog in one way or another, I would like to thank you for your most wonderful support, for your always kind words of encouragement and for simply ‘liking’ my posts!
Every little bit of interaction from you (whether you’re just browsing or seriously analysing my every word) brings me immense pleasure and happiness! I truly am lucky to have like-minded people interested in the things I write, make and photograph.
Quilt Labels. They’re one of those things you usually forget all about during the glorious triumphant moment of finishing a quilt!
By the time you’ve conquered sewing down that last part of the binding, you’re thinking, ‘Yes! That’s it! It’s finally finished!!’ No more hand sewing! No more schlepping this heavy quilt all over the house.
But no.
There’s still one last little bit of sewing that needs to be done. And it’s one of the most important elements you’ll add to the quilt.
The Label.
Quilt Labels are like the heart and soul of a quilt. They list when the quilt was made or finished, who it was made by, who it was made for, it may list the name of the quilt and/or display a special message or saying about the quilt or be directed to the person who will be receiving the quilt.
The creative possibilities of making quilt labels are literally endless. There are no boundaries or rules to what they should look like and there are no wrongs or rights to how they should be attached to a quilt.
The way that you want to make and attach a quilt label is entirely up to you!
But in any case, here are just a few ideas that may help…
#one: Quilt Label Panels
These panels are a great idea for those of you lack time or confidence in making a label from scratch.
Labels like these tend to be personal and direct with themes like ‘Made by Grandma’ or ‘First Baby Quilt’ or ‘Congratulations’ etc.
Most quilting, fabric or haberdashery stores should sell similar type label panels that you can buy and stash away for a rainy day.
When it comes to writing on these fabric labels, I usually like to use Sharpie pens.
The two that I tend to use the most are the Sharpie Rub-a-Dub Laundry Marker (with a thicker type nib) and a Sharpie Fine Point Pen – both in black.
#two: Hand Written Labels
Sometimes, often than not, I make my own labels.
For the base of the label I’ll cut out an adequate size of 100% Cotton Homespun (in a practical colour) and write, using one of my Sharpie pens, all of the information that I feel is needed to accompany the quilt.
Personally, I feel that this particular technique is a little boring and uncreative. Recently, most of my labels have been created using the next idea…
#three: Hand Embroidered Labels
I love handmade embroidered labels. There’s something magically personal and sweet about attaching a little label that has been meticulously stitched together. An embroidered label just takes the quilt to a whole other level of being specially made for a particular reason or a very special person!
Amelia’s Baby Quilt Label
Just like the hand written labels, I use a foundation of Cotton Homespun (usually in white or cream) and gently sketch in the details of what I want to embroider in lead pencil. Then using DMC threads/floss in matching or contrasting colours to the quilts’ theme and then carefully stitch the label into life.
#four: Fancy Handmade Labels
If you have any left over blocks or elements that didn’t quite make the front of the quilt, you can very easily turn them into the centrepiece of the quilt label!
I made a Dresden Plate that was to be attached to the front of the wall-hanging (I sort of had a blooming flower effect idea rolling through my head at the time…). The idea was a complete flop but I didn’t want to waste the time I had put into making the Plate. So instead had a spark of creative genius and made it into the label of the quilt!
#five: Print Your Own on the Computer
This particular type of label I’ve never made, so can’t quite comment on it in too much detail.
But if I were to make a quilt label on the computer I’d possibly use a Photoshop/Illustrator type of software (or an online editing site like PicMonkey) to design the type of label I wanted. I would save it as a particular size with the right ppi (pixels per inch) and then print it onto special A4 printable fabrics that I’ve seen at office supplies stores and fabric/quilting stores. They usually cost a pretty penny which is why I’ve never really given it a go.
Now, there might be one question you’re all asking me right now and that is, ‘How do I attach the label to the quilt?!’
Ahh yes, good question!
Well, the method I like to use is appliqué.
I use a product called HeatnBond Lite that is a lightweight iron-on adhesive that can be sewn through either by hand or using a sewing machine – perfect for any quilter’s appliqueing needs!
I cut the same size amount of that of the label then iron (using a hot dry heat) the shinny side of the paper to the back of the label, wait for it too cool, peel the paper backing away from the label and then iron the label front side up to one of the bottom corners of quilt (usually the left).
To secure the edges, I then carefully stitch a blanket stitch (or buttonhole stitch) around the edges ensuring that I don’t bring the stitch through the top of the quilt.
And ta-dah!! A Quilt Label is completed!
Hopefully I’ve answered a few questions that people have sent through to me in recent weeks and have given some inspiration to those of you have mental-blanks when it comes to these types of things! (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!)
If you want to see me chat a bit more about Quilt Labels, check out this video I posted on YouTube!
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for this block…
Perhaps it’s because it was one of the first ‘traditional’ blocks I ever constructed. (And come to think of it, I’m pretty sure it was one of the first times I ever made half square triangles!)
So, in a bid to mix the traditional with the modern (one of the things I love best to do in my quilting practice), I hovered over to my quilt book library and dug out this book. Full of simple and oh-so-delightful patchwork blocks, I found the one that I wanted and adapted it for this little tutorial.
Next came finding the right fabrics that would help make the unique design of the block stand out. In the end, I chose to construct the block using two solids – pink and grey – both so scrumptiously modern! LOVE IT!!
(Looking for the measurement & cutting instructions? Click of the PDF link at the start of the post and there they’ll be!)
Trailing off on a side note: some of you might not know that this December, a brand new little baby girl will be arriving in our family! No, it’s not me – I’m not pregnant… But my brother and sister in-law are expecting their fifth child after having four glorious boys! So this means, I can finally get into my pink cutesy fabrics and make something so girly that you’ll become so clucky you’ll want to have your own little baby girl!!
😀
But anyway, I’ve casually been on the lookout for a quilt design to make for my new niece and I’m quite sure I’ve found it in this little tutorial!
I am so simply in love with these two colours together that I almost feel a little uncomfortable by it… They don’t seem to over dominate each other; they quietly sit side-by-side, emitting a beautiful message of unity and history so much so that it almost makes me feel a bit teary! (Or it could just be my ever-loving monthly hormones wrecking havoc all over the place!)
So what I’m trying to say, after all of that weird emotion, I’ve decided to make a baby quilt for my pending niece using the Bear Paw block. YAY!
Have you made this block before? If so, let me know! And if you have a photo of the quilt, I would love to see it!
Also, if you have questions or feedback about this block/tutorial or have any other suggestions for tutorials or crafty things you would like me to demonstrate, comment down below or send me an email at 3and3quarters@gmail.com
In next weeks tutorial, I’ll be delving into the open possibilities of Quilt Labels! Should be a hoot!
For today’s post, I’m harking back to my earlier days of blog writing and am just going to write about everything that’s been happening in my little sewing world!
Sound good?
Excellent!
Right, let’s start with a WIP!
January this year, I uploaded this video. Here I chatted about my intended intentions (say that ten times fast!) of getting all of my WIPs finished this year!
I was keen and ready to jump in!
And seven months later, I’ve finally decided to begin honoring this New Year Resolution! (As you do!)
Monday night I felt restless and itchy to get my mind and hands stuck into some sewing. So instead of starting something new like I always do, I reached out for one of my WIPs.
And it was this one I chose…
Paper Pieced Union Jacks
I only had two more paper-pieced blocks to make until I could begin piecing the quilt top together. So that’s what I set out to do.
At about 9.30pm (which is pretty late for me to be sewing), I dug out a pretty floral and some sweet pastel fabrics from The Stash and begun piecing together.
About an hour later I had made this…
Out of all 11 blocks I’ve made, this is my favourite! Uber chic and girly – LOVE IT!!!
This afternoon/evening, I hope to tackle the last block for this quilt. I’m still umming-and-ahhing over fabric choices but I have a fair idea what I want this block to look like.
Bring on my wild Saturday night! Whoo!!!
Speaking of fabric, I took advantage of a great End of Financial Year Sale at Kelani Fabric Obsession during the week and treated my self to some b-e-a-utiful fabrics!
Here’s a list of the fabrics I bought…
#one
Cherry Dot on Blossom Pink | Oh Deer! By MoMo for Moda Fabrics
#two
Memoir in Zest | Alchemy Quilting Collection by Amy Butler for Rowan
#three
Pineapple Slices | Acacia by Tula Pink for Free Spirit
(My first ever cut of Tula Pink fabric!)
#four
Vivienne Stripe in Blush | By Alexander Henry
#five
Toyland Twinkle in Orange & Blue | By Alexander Henry
I can’t wait to get stuck in and use these little beauties… I don’t know what for yet… But a day will come when I was glad I spent a small fortune on a lovely array of fabric!
And lastly, although it was uploaded this time last week, I wanted to share with you my latest Weekly Vlog.
I didn’t get to film much of the show due to copyright etc but I did manage to capture some awesome footage of the Harbour Bridge, the Sydney Opera House and the city!
We also celebrated my Dad’s 68th birthday! It was wonderful!
So I think that’s about it at the moment.
A WIP is on its way to be completed (sorta) and I’ve soothed my fabric lust for just a few days!
Hopefully I’ll act get my act together and show you a finished quilt top in my next post…
3and3quarters 