Sometimes, you just want to sew with no plan in mind and see where it takes you. When I made this shamrock block, I wasn't sure what the finished product might be but I really enjoyed the process. One of my new tools in my studio is an electronic cutter. I had some glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl and I thought a shamrock would be an easy object to cut out with it. I used my cutter software and my embroidery software to create the cutting line as well as the placement line so I could applique the vinyl to a piece of denim. If you are thinking about purchasing an electronic cutter or if you already have one but are afraid to use it, take a close look at the text. That is not embroidery. It is the fabric background from the text being cut from the vinyl. This is so precise if you have a good blade and all of the correct settings. Once I had it cut out, I embroidered a placement line, put it exactly where I wanted on the fabric and then tacked it down with a zig-zag stitch. A warm iron applied on the vinyl secured it to the fabric and finally the outline stitched around the shamrock. At this point it looked so pretty I knew I wanted to make something that could be displayed. So I went into my fabric stash and found the floral quilting print. I recently attended a seminar at my local quilt shop and the floral was part of a free sample. I only had one piece so I knew I had to do something on the small side. I cut the center fabric to 8 x 8 inches. Then I cut four 2x2 squares for the corners and four 2X8 pieces of the floral. I pieced everything together and ironed the seams. Next I added a piece of quilt batting behind the pieced front and started playing with several stitches on my machine. I lowered the feed dogs and did some free motion stippling I tried a decorative stitch along all four sides and also quilted in the ditch. I used heavy duty interfacing and made a couple of tabs so I could hang it like a sign. My sewing machine has a decorative stitch that sews a circle. This was perfect to pass some organza ribbon though. I used the remainder of the floral print for the back without any quilting. So it was a simple sew around three sides turn and then topstitch the perimeter. This was a very relaxing way to bring a project together. I just kind of played with materials I had on hand and I used the tools in my studio. I hope you have enjoyed this post and that it inspires you to sew for relaxation once in a while. Share what you have learned and be generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
We have a new furry buddy "Rambo" and he likes to chew and drag everything. So much that he has already gone through two beds. Luckily they were older beds that we had already. Instead of purchasing a new bed, we decided to make one that wouldn't be a great loss if it too went to the trash. Here he is enjoying the new bed. The project was very easy and the addition of elastic helps keep it looking neat while hopefully deterring him from pulling the pillows out. He really was excited to have a new place to call his own and so far it is working out great. Of course we made one for Jean Luc as well. He looks so content here. If you are interested in making a pet pillow, download the pattern below. We hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you have learned and are generous with what you make. Someone will appreciate your hard work! ![]()
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AuthorLagniappe Peddler believes that the process of working with our hands can be one of the best forms of healing the hurts in our lives and welcomes all who visit this safe little corner of the world. What is a Lagniappe Peddler?
ˌlanˈyap,ˈlanˌyap - something given as a bonus or extra gift Archives
August 2023
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