Edey's Vintage and Current Needlework : scraps

Practicing on Scraps? Turn them into a useful item.

Edey — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:43:00 GMT

If you have needlework projects that are unfinished, or that you used a piece of scrap fabric to try out a new stitch or idea, don't waste those samples. Bind the edges of them and use them for place mats, cup mats, endtable scarves, or table runners. Covers for an upholstered chair arm is another idea.

When I'm cleaning up and adjusting an old sewing machine I use some rectangles of fabric to stitch on to judge what I need to change on the stitching tensions, using a contrasting colored thread to easier see the stitches. I don't want to waste these so I put a bias tape border on them in a contrasting color and they become cup mats or end table mats, to protect against whatever gets set on the furniture. Or instead of bias tape use some scraps of ribbon or rickrack to make it decorative. You will have a sort of shabbychic look.

If they are large enough roll them up, and put several into your car for times when you are eating in your car. Use them for covering laps to protect clothing against spills or greasy foods.

Put these to good use so that nothing gets wasted.

Enjoy! Edey

Omnigrid "Come Quilt With Me" template sets

Edey — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:45:00 GMT

I found these at Joann's. They are laser-cut thick acrylic templates for making quilt pieces, either for rotary cutting or to draw around with a pencil or marker. They already have a 1/4 inch seam allowance added and cutout holes for marking the stitching line. There are several different sets for making Half-square triangles, diamonds, squares, hearts, etc. for making many different styles of quilt blocks. I really like using these, and they are so sturdy that they will last a lifetime.

After buying the one set at Joann's with a 40% off coupon, I thought I'd look them up on-line. There were many different sellers on e-bay that were selling them for about half of the price at Joann's. I'm happy to know that there is another source. The set that I bought was $19.99 at Joann's and with the coupon got $8.00 off. The e-bay prices ranged from $5.00 to $12.00, plus shipping. It would pay to look for the best price, and not just on e-bay.

These quilt templates can also be used for other crafting, whenever a shape is needed for something, so they are not just one time only tools. I think they are a good investment if you are getting into making quilts.

Edey

String Quilts

Edey — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:06:00 GMT

String quilts are real easy to make. The "strings" are long strips of fabric, not cord type string. Usually it's left over strips of fabric that are too narrow for other purposes; this is a good way to not waste those scraps.

Basics for making a block: Cut a large square of a backing fabric, like plain muslin, but use whatever you want. Make as many blocks as you want for your quilt. I have a large 12 x 12 ruler that I just lay down on the fabric and cut around it. Then cut lots of strips of different fabrics at least 1 1/2 inches wide or wider. Varying the widths make an interesting quilt block

Next: You will be stitching down a strip with the wrong side up and stitching the right side with a 1/4" seam , then flipping the strip over. Fingerpress or iron it down. Lay the next strip down against the raw edge, stitch it down and flip it over, keep going until you have the whole square covered with strips. Then turn over the block and using the edge of the backing for a guide, trim off the overhanging pieces.

Make several blocks and lay them out in several different designs before sewing together. Cut a backing the same size, quilt to the top, then attach a binding. For small projects I used store bought bias binding, but you can also make you own.

I've made several of these for arm chair covers and for putting on the back of chairs, to keep those areas clean. They can be made into pillows, cushions, lap robes. It's a good way to use up fabric you aren't using and it's just taking up space. Edey