Quick and Inexpensive Tip - Fusible Mat

 I'm working on a holiday dishtowel which is a fusible applique project.

These are the layout tools I'm using, and one of them is really inexpensive and handy to have around. 

The printed pattern sheet is on the right, the light box (black border) is in the center, and a pressing mat (red border) is on the right.

Surprise! The pressing mat is actually a baking mat...that is designed for placing on a cookie sheet for baking. But, since the center area is white....it is pretty "see through".

As you can see in this photo...the pattern is on top of the light table but under the baking/pressing mat. So, it was easy to layer the fusible applique pieces and "spot weld" them together. Then the entire scene could be moved to the fabric tea-towel for pressing into place. I did encounter a problem...not related to the mat; the white "wool" for the snow just would not adhere to anything...thinking it must be more synthetic than wool (false advertising...dang it)...so had to go back and pin each piece of snow into place. (hence the pins in the top photo).

Anyhow, this post is about using an opaque "baking mat" in place of a more expensive mat designed for applique. I found this mat at Dollar General in their clearance section for 3-bucks! It was 50% off...so regularly priced at only six-bucks. Think these could also be a Dollar-tree item..and will be looking there in the kitchen area for such great finds too. I know a few quilting sisters in my guild that might like one of these.

Quilt Repair Underway

 A lady in our area asked me to repair a quilt made by her Grandmother/Mother. Thought the approach might be helpful to others so, here is what's happening to the quilt.

Several seams are partially, needing repair. These I mark with safety pins during my inspection of the quilt (so I can find them later). They are closed using the Applique Stitch (Ladder Stitch).

Some patches have already practically disappeared, so these have to be completely removed.

New patches are appliqued into place. The old batting has been removed since it is just crumbling or already missing under the older torn patches.

 A thin batting is cut the size and shape of the needed patch, then surrounded with fabric. This new patch/batting combo is then appliqued into place. I sew only through the top layer of the quilt.

I've selected a variety of smaller prints with lower color density to match the look of the quilt. When the patches are finished I'll hand quilt these areas to complete the task.

Catching Up - Mid October

 Good morning! Hope everyone is doing great and enjoying these slightly cooler days. It will be time to drag those coats out before we know it. I've been busy as usual, and thought I'd catch my readers up on what's going on. First off, I'm trying to get a few small classes going one-on-one at the local artist shop in Jacksonville, Alabama...and her is my first student. Linda is learning how to embroider and she did a great job of her first project.

My granddaughter is almost 3 years old now (doesn't she look just like her Mom with that unruly red hair!). She is pure sunshine! A few hours of play, and Nana is just worn out. :)

I'm still trudging along on my Snowflake hexagon (English Paper Piecing) quilt.

Each night I sit with this basket in my lap and create hexagons then stitch a few together. The snowflakes are done; now I'm working on the portions for the outside edge.

Each hexagon is fabric surrounding a fabric shape; the folds are tacked into place with needle and thread. When sections are sewn into the quilt top...the paper is "popped out" of each piece EXCEPT the outer edge hexies. These are kept stiff with the paper until the quilt is ready to complete.

This is my tredle sewing machine; she's a beauty. 

She is missing the tredle casing and lower plate; so I'm on the hunt to fine these. No luck on Etsy or Ebay but am still looking. 

Lastly, the latest book is coming along...at the publishers and expecting a release date after the first of the year. Seems that this one is taking way longer to pull together than before, but expect the publisher is having staffing problems or something.

Easy & Quick Design Boards

 Okay, before we get into the EASY part...let me show you the not so easy and not so quick part. Went to the DollarTree yesterday and came home with 10 foam core boards. Cut them into various square sizes last night. Got up this morning and put some black flannel on them (with clear Elmer glue)...all was going so well.

Then, took some 2.5" jelly roll strips (from DollarTree) to cover the edges after watching too YouTube videos that gave me the idea in the first place. Basically, one used a glue gun and the other used Ultra Heat'n'Bond to hold the fabrics down along the edges.

Worked on four large (18" size) boards first...this is the only corner that is really neat and the miter doesn't come close to matching.

This is what most of the corners look like. I tried adding some glue underneath that fold, but even that just was not looking great.

So, changed my plan...and here is the resulting corner for the stack of 8-inch boards. My secret?

And I'm proud of it! The results are great...and even though the only colors I have are chrome, gray, white and black on hand...there are others if you wnt to get really creative. Here is how I apply my edges:

At this stage, the black felt is glued to the board. This was easy...just a willy-nilly back and forth stream with attention along the edges too. I have a ruler and measure the first side at 1/2 inch from the bottom...and put a pin there. Repeat for the other side.

The tape is aligned with the left edge and just nests against both pins...so is about 1/2 " showning on the front.

Then, I wrap the tape around the edge and flatten it out on the back (which is pink in these boards). There is about 1 1/4" of tape on the back side.

Here is what the front side looks like with the one side finished.

And, here's what the finished design board looks like. I have dozens more to finish up...but these are easy and pretty cheap to create. Also, I'm not using up jelly rolls for craft projects...when I'd rather have my fabric for quilts.

Embroidery JOY

 My latest little design is a crayola project with embroidery. Designed it to be quick...but that is back to the drawing board. 

My local quilt guild is "Joy Quilters"...so thinking this might end up as a pocket on a tote bag perhaps?

Now, I just have to hunt through the stash for enough and the correct color of fabric for the bag itself. Wanta take bets on whether or now I have to go fabric shopping? Ha!

Wool SEW Quilt Blocks

 

Isn't this a pretty pattern? I thought so, and signed up for the "most expensive quilt every made" as each month was almost $40 for block pattern, shipping, fabric bits and pieces. Notice how it says "IN WOOL" at the top?

Working on the blocks over the past few months...and just now getting them finished.

So, not have all blocks finished and open up the last month's package (backing fabric and border fabric)...and THOSE THREAD BLOCKS are not wool but cotton! Am totally disappointed and honestly, feeling a little bit ripped off. But, I like the blocks...and will finish the quilt differently than their pattern. Will also make the cotton spool blocks into a smaller wall hanging. But, WILL NOT EVER purchase or sign up for a block of the month from these folks again. There, I have put my intentions in writing...and am sticking to my plan!

Fig Strawberry Jam

 Last week, my SIL and I went to pick figs...lady offered them and said "bush is loaded down". Well, it was...with mostly green ones. So disappointed. We got a good Cool Whip bowl full.

There is a lot of "empty" in that pot! But, still was enough for 3 small jars full.

One for me, one for Mom, and one for SIL!

Beautiful Kentucky and Sweetest Friends

 My bestie Sharon drove up from south Alabama to go with me to a teaching gig in Elizabethtown Kentucky last week.

Love this photo...now doesn't she look like one fun gal? She is so sweet!

We had a great time on Wednesday night at the lecture/trunk-show with the entire quilt guild. No photos...but we totally enjoyed the visit. Then, on Friday/Saturday a few ladies joined me for some personal instruction.

Their 2nd VP (Vonnie) had everything organized wonderfully..and everyone had a great time. They even got through most of the embellishment phase. Well done ladies!

Thanks Vonnie for sending me the photos too...as I was too busy with teaching to remember to even take a single shot!

Blackberries and Bird Nests

Hard to see...but there is a wee nest with mama bird in this photos. Saw her through the window of my doctor's office...of all places!

 

Kentucky Bound...almost!

 Well, shortly anyway...have a group visit the end of July. Presently, am working on some kits...and a sample of the class project. Here's the overall design in color:

We've agreed to change the initial heart shape to the more simplified square...just because it would be easier to manage for all skill levels. Here is the layout of the base layer of fiber embroidery (without the silk ribbon elements or any beads/sequins/buttons).

The SHAPE seam in the center (hexagons) is the last to stitch...and is flexible enough to pick/choose elements to use when filling the space. You will notice that it differs in the "real life" example...because I had sewn the block of silk fabrics before altering the size slightly in the final pattern. Rather than re-sew a new block...am just going with the original layout as the adjustments were pretty minor.

Here is the block of Dupioni Silk fabrics with the completed first layer of embellishment...fiber embroidery.

I'm resting from it...and trying to decide if I want to continue with the other layers (ribbon and beads) now...or keep it like this for the class so everyone can more easily see the thread work. 

Also working on kits for the class...have spent a good portion of Memorial Day weekend punching 1/16" holes in class templates. I like to have a little kit ready...and then larger sets of template available for sale if folks decide that they like the techniques/procedures and want to continue on their own. (Of course, they could also jump into the free classes as those are ALL uploaded here to the blog...but I plan on talking to that subject during the class while in Kentucky).

There are still small needle cases to create for the class; and print out the instructions sheets. But all that will be done before packing next month. All is on track!

So, next up is the design/creation of a sample book for a class in Mississippi next Spring. It is due as an example for the Guild before September...so, working as fast as I can.

Still handling Quilt Guild business as the president of the local guild; family events; working full-time; and designing a fourth templet set. ALWAYS busy!

Thank You Janet!

 Heard from my dear friend (although we've never met) in Colorado today...and there will be more templates in my Etsy shop soon (hope within a couple of weeks)...and she has more in stock at the warehouse now. Woot, woot! 

Both STITCH template sets (reg & mini) and the SHAPE template set will be arriving at my door! Doing the happy dance!

So, wanted to share the news!

We also have a Fourth Set "in the works" so hoping to have those available for Christmas this year.

On another note...

Am still working full time...but will be "hopefully" moving to part time by the end of the month...which is great because I've missed my sewing room!

Hugs to all!

Goodbye to Patreon

 Today, I've deleted my Patreon account. For some time now it's been a struggle to manage new content while trying to keep up with this new job (way too many hours)...my family responsibilities...and my community responsibilities.

there has been little time for me to enjoy my own stitching...much less trying to develop ideas to share with my bloggers and on Patreon. I've been feeling like I've let so many people down...and so decided that although I totally adore each of my blog viewers and my super adore my Patreon supporters...if just isn't fair of me to keep that site active when I have no time to really contribute content right now.

So, I am saying goodbye to that endeavor. But, NEVER goodbye to the loyal friends that helped me keep going in spirit and with their contributions. You have my never-ending gratitude...you'll never know how much you mean to me and how much you helped me during a dark time.

THANK YOU!

Dazzling Diamonds (Behind the Scenes)

 A few ladies have sent me questions about the Dazzling Diamonds book over the past few months; so I was thinking this morning that maybe some more of you would like to "understand" the general idea behind the quilts in this book.

If you have followed me for a while, you know that my life is so full of "stuff to do" that I'm always looking for quicker ways to create blocks, etc. that give me the same (or sometimes better) results. That is what happened to me regarding the techniques in this book.

The first item which influenced it was a Water Soluble & Printable foundation sheet. This comes in a variety of brands...but the one I used for the book (and still think is the best) is sold by C&T called "Wash-Away Stitch Stabilizer".

When I bought this my intial thought was "wonder if I could design a block with seams included...print the design...then stitch". If so, there would be no need for templates, tracing, etc.". Now, the concept is not without challenges...like having to remove this product which means "wetting" the block. Normally, I don't like to wet my crazy quilt blocks.

But, my next thought was "What if I add a larger seam allowance; just in case the block shrinks when wet...and not include anything but the embroidery".

So, here's what I did...and you can do too.

First came the block design. I was tired of sewing hexagons...so thought that a diamond might be a fun shape to play with. I included the patchwork (note dashed lines) for the seams when piecing the block and included the sewing sequence (1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4) along with the Block #1 in the quilt. 

Second was the inclusion of the BASE Embroidery on the seams. Since I was working with my Adobe Illustrator software; it was easy to create the seam ideas. You could to the same thing with graph paper and pencil of course.

I printed the entire design on to paper and cut it out along the dashed lines to create pattern pieces for sewing the block.

The next task was to put the block together and attach it to a muslin backing. I traced the outline and seam lines on to the muslin and used the "flip'n'sew" piecing method to assemble the block. Now, I was ready for the embroidery layer...so printed the design directly to the Water Soluble product next.

Oh, this is a good time to point out the double seam allowances in the design. The final block without seam allowance is the solid black line. The next line would be the cutting line at normal seam allowance, and the outer line would be the line to use if you wanted to trim before getting wet. Now, in reality...we can't really "control" the amount of shrinkage this precisely...but these lines serve as a good reminder that the extra seam allowance will be needed. Directions in the book recommend that you cut a plastic shape (diamond) that is the same size as the finished block (with seam allowance). This is used to lay on top of the embroidery phase (while the block is flat) so a future trim line can be marked on the block.

Here is the block with the BASE Embroidery stitched. I've trimmed away as much of the water soluble as possible just to reduce the amount of "gunk" that needed to wash away. It was off to the kitchen sink where I submerged the entire block (face down) into some warm water...and held it in place with a couple of coffee cups. After about ten minutes, I picked it back up and ran water through the block from the back to the front. It might not have mattered how I held the block; but my "logic" was that with the water soluble on the bottom it would just go down the drain better...rather than being washed off and on to the fabric if it was facing upwards.

When it all was washed away, I placed the block on a few paper towels, rolled it up and squeezed as much water out as possible. Then I ironed (on reverse side) until almost dry...added spray starch...and pressed until completely dry. 

The photo above shows the block AFTER the base embroidery has been completed...soaked in water to remove the water soluble...pressed/starched (on back). It lays nice and flat and was easy to place the plastic template shape on and trace around.

At this point, the block simply needs to be finished. So, the second layer of embroidery was stitched; silk ribbon embroidery stitched; and beads/sequins/etc. were added. Lastly I took my scissors and cut along the drawn line to get the finished block to the correct size and shape.

It's ready to take it's place in the quilt layout.

I hope that this helps you feel more comfortable in creating the wall-hanging size quilt in the Dazzling Diamonds book. 

BTW, I purposefully kept the block size small enough to print on a single sheet of paper; and included a direct link to the PDF file in the book so you don't have to "scan" each page. You can do that too...but I did try to make the file downloads as easy as possible. It's just easier when each block is full size to begin with. Plus the layout for the block includes the design for embroidery of every seam automatically...so no real "thinking" involved. You still have total freedom in choosing your embroidery threads, colors, types of beads, etc. so no quilt will look just like another if using the pattern.

I also created the quilt myself twice...in Spring colors (pastels) and in Autumn colors (mediums) so folks would get a good idea of now different colors might look.

Hope you that have the book will give the quilt a try! 

Of course, if you don't want to go the "water soluble" way...that's fine. The book designs can be used as a guide to trace or just inspire you if you want to "do your own thing". 

More Course Uploads...

 Well I did not meet my self-imposed deadline of the 15th...but did get close. Ha!

The Advance Courses and Special Courses are not uploaded and ready for folks to download those modules for free.

I have other special courses (hopefully) as they have not been taught for a while..so I have to "find the files" on the computer. Hopefully, they are here amongst the over 65,000 files...and not in the group that was lost forever in the hard-drive collapse last year. So, if I locate them...and upload...I'll let y'all know.

Happy Stitching!

Welcome to Shawkl Designs, thank you for visiting my blog.

 

Lost Art...

Writing letters is rarely done by anyone these days...my self included. Email is just faster...but a nice note or a simple letter has now become a SPECIAL thing.

Just yesterday I got a sweet note from a student and friend in Kentucky that so brightened up my day (Thanks so much Carol!). It also got me thinking about a couple of other friends that really had a hard year these past few months...so I sat down and wrote them a short letter just to say that I missed seeing them and was thinking about them.

I designed some special stationary that I thought would brighten up their day...

The border was one of the new seam designs in the book I'm currently writing. With the inclusion of three more seams I had a little set of four designs...which I provided to my Patreon Followers for free.

 I like to do little designs, patterns, and such when I get the time for these special ladies whom I appreciate so very much! They are my cheerleaders through thick and thin...or at least that's the way them make me feel; their support just warms my heart...so blessed am I to have caring friends; even if most are cyber friends whom I'm not met yet. Perhaps one day...oh I so hope so!

2022 Course Downloads are LIVE now!

 I know...hard to believe since my deadline was the 15th...and it's only the 4th!!! But, the blog now has a new header and some new pages designed.

So, for Basic and Intermediate Classes...just click on those tabs at the top of the blog (under the header)...and you will go to a list of the individual classes. Each class is described...and the various task handouts are listed below it's heading. RIGHT CLICK each linked pdf document to save to your computer.

I've also launched the Facebook Group: Shawkl Classes so everyone has a place to upload photos of their work in progress and finished photos. Those of you having completed prior classes (or currently enrolled in an on-going class) can "please" jump over to the group and sign up. It is private so I'll need to "approve" all new membership requests...sorry, this is tedious and doesn't happen instantly...BUT is the only way to keep out those pesty spammers.

The site is for class participation...not a place to post about your church's bake sale or the latest yard sale find you obtained. Keep posts about class effort (past and present) and all will be fine. Otherwise, I'll delete the posts.

Here's a direct link to the Facebook Group: Shawkl Classes as a help:

Hugs to all...hope this is a great New Year of stitching possibilities!

Oh, also I've decided to upload the Advanced and Special Courses information...so am working to do those before the 15th now. Ha...we'll see if I can get these done early too! Just look for them to appear along the tool bar above once they are active links. HUGS!