Any quilter knows how to make half square triangles (HST), and there are several techniques that you can use, depending on the number of units you need and the size of initial squares you have on hand. You can make 2, 4 and even 8 units at once- obviously, for 8 units you need bigger squares than for 2 units. I needed sets of 4 HSTs made from the same fabrics so I used the technique that makes … [Read more...]
How to add borders to EPP quilt projects
Have you seen my latest quilt? It is made using the English paper piecing technique. It was such a joy to sew the top...But at the end, I wanted it bigger so I thought to add borders. But how to do it? How to combine EPP with machine piecing? At first I was in panic - no idea how to do it... ... but then I found a technique that works really well! If this is a first for you, too, … [Read more...]
There is always a solution!
Design too complicated for machine piecing? You can always sew it by hand! English paper piecing is a blessing for designs too intricate to be sewn by machine. What do you think about this design? I confess at first I wanted to sew it by machine and I gave up immediately. Now that I made it by hand, I made one more try to sew it by machine and gave up again! This time because I could not … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing vinyl/faux leather
I am in love with my reverse applique technique (see some patterns here) so I thought to use it for bags too, not only for quilts. It works wonderfully with vinyl/faux leather, as it does not fray. These are my first tries - more designs are in the works. I copied the design on fusible web and then I fuse it to the back of the faux leather - YES, you can do that! Just don't use the … [Read more...]
Pillow corner trick
We sew a square pillow cover but the finished pillow is not square at all! It could look like this... or this... or this... What's wrong with these pillows? The sides curve in toward the center, changing the original shape of the pillow; the pillow insert will not be able to fill completely the corners. The result - floppy corners, known as "dog ears". Sometimes the issue … [Read more...]
How to add straps to box pouches
I love my new boxy pouch pattern; you can make pouches in any size and shape you want. You can make these pouches with cotton fabric and interfacing, but my favorites ones are the one made with faux leather: it's the easiest and quickest version but I love even more that you can easily shape the pouch as you want. But I wanted even more from this pattern. I wanted to turn pouches into … [Read more...]
Waterproof fabric and shoe bags
One of the variations of my new box pouch pattern is for a quick and easy to sew storage bag. If you use waterproof fabric you can use it as a shoe bag or for storing any stuff that can benefit from the features of the waterproof fabric: resistant to dirt, water, easy to clean and wash. I think there are lots of types of waterproof fabrics; this one below is polyester covered with a PVC … [Read more...]
Tips for sewing with foam (heavyweight interfacing)
The interfacing is something that "helps" you love or hate a project! It could be the best interfacing in the world, if you don't use it correctly, it will give you only headaches! The problem is that each project is unique, there are lots of types of interfacing so many problems may occur! One problem that affects many projects is created by bulky seam allowances. For some projects it is … [Read more...]
How to install Prym anorak snaps
If you want to try something else than plastic snaps on your projects, here is a short tutorial on how to install metal snaps. Pattern for this pouch here. These are Prym Anorak snaps and are easy to install with just a few tools. The tools come in the package with the snaps (you need a hammer also) but if you are serious about snaps (if you make lots of pouches, bags, garments), a … [Read more...]
How to install Kam plastic snaps and Prym snaps
Let's add one more skill to the ever-growing fabric fun we all experience. Plastic snaps! If you see projects that involve plastic snaps and you are sad that you can't do it, because it seems complicated and you don't have what you need (I was there, I know the feeling!), I will show you how easy it is to install these pretty accents. I started using Kam plastic snaps a few months ago; I had … [Read more...]
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