A Quick Hexie Video

I've had many friends tell me about the Sewline glue pen for a while, but I stubbornly kept hand basting my hexies.  I finally caved and gave it a try.  Ummmmm, I feel really stupid I didn't do this sooner!  While I use the Sewline pen, others have said Elmers and other cheaper options are out there.  Personally, I like the small pen shape of the Sewline and I know it's safe for my fabric, but feel free to experiment.  No one is paying me to promote a certain brand, I'm just sharing my experience. Here's a quick little video of how it works!

I'm currently making two hexie projects, but the one I'm most excited about are these large (2" per side) hexies that take a charm size square to make.  I'm using almost every print Anna Maria Horner has ever produced!  I've almost finished with the hexie part--last count was 260!--but now I have to start on the tedious triangle making.  Boo for boring!

Basic Zipper Video

I made a few last minute gift pouches and I thought I'd share a quick little video tute on how I attach a zipper when I'm NOT using zipper tabs.  A few additional tips for how I make pouches

1.  I like to use a linen blend or home dec weight for the exterior.  It's not necessary, but they come out much nicer

2.  I use Shape Flex for interfacing on the EXTERIOR only.

3.  After the sides of the pouch are sewn together, I clip the corners if I'm making a square pouch and clip curves if I'm making rounded corners.

4.  I use a longer stich (3.0 setting on my BabyLock) to topstitch than I do to assemble the pouch.
5.  For this video and the pouches sewn, I used a 7" zipper, but the zipper tape was 8.5" long.  My fabric was cut 8.5"x6.5"
6.  Other than when I attach the zipper, I use a 3/8" seam allowance when assembling the pouch.
6.  I purchase all my zippers from ZipIt on Etsy

Here's the video!  If there is enough interest in a longer version, I could probably show one from start to finish, but I feel there are lots of great tutes out there already.  It's usually just the zipper attachment people struggle with or fear so that's what I focused on.

Many Projects, FAQ, and a Basting Video

These are the three quilts I completed Friday night!

The quilt in the video.

Back side view

Close up of binding with invisible thread.

I just love this pattern!  I used Camille's version from her Simplify book, but I know there is a Moda Bakeshop tutorial for something similar!

I made these pillow covers Saturday night.  They're for a giveaway at a workshop I'm attending next weekend in Nashville.

I'm also playing around with some Amy Butler Love charms I've had for 2 years!  It was about time to use them in something!  I think this will be a nice size lap quilt (about 50"x60").

Who knew my FMQ video would spark so many questions?!?!?  I'm going to try and answer all of them here so I don't have to continually send the same emails. :)  I'm also posting a video of how I baste.

1.  I have a Baby Lock Symphony--no, I do not have a stitch regulator

2.  I use Gutterman poly thread for everything.  Aurifil doesn't like me, but my friend Tracey has the same machine and she loves Aurifil, go figure!

3.  I spray baste using 505

4.  I use size 80 or 90 needles to FMQ

5.  I machine stitch binding to the BACK of my quilts then use invisible thread to stitch it to the front. 

6.  I don't use any particular brand of invisible thread, just whatever is at the store when I need it

7.  I cut my binding at 2.25" on the straight grain unless I'm using premade bias binding.

8.  I can get about 5 lap size quilts or 10 baby size quilts from one can of 505.  This is a rough estimate.

9.  The style of FMQ I use is very easy for me in part because I used to draw and paint a lot and one of my favorite things to draw is underwater scenes (I'm a Pieces, ha ha!).  Do you see where this is going?  I drew seaweed ALL THE TIME so the movement to create the stipple look comes naturally from that.  I would suggest doodling to find what movement comes naturally to you and translate that on to a quilt rather than try and copy how other people do it.  This is the only form of FMQ that I can do easily.  I try and make swirls and it looks like a hot mess!  Stick with what you know!

Here's a little video of me spray basting!