Adventures in fiber

Yesterday I think I failed to suggest that when you are done using the tube of glue, it’s a good idea to put a pin in the top to keep it from clogging with the glue.   This makes it so much easier to use the next time.   I leave the pin in there whenever I’m not using the glue.

After the final press, I did put dots of glue (and pressed) around the hat to adhere it to the background before taking to the machine.  In that way, the hat doesn’t move around while I am trying to sew around it.   This morning when I picked up the project, it was all ready to go.

I sewed around each of the hats.   I used a 1 width and a 2 length on the little zigzag that takes 3 stitches to the middle and 2 more back.    With this setting it takes one bite on the background and the next on the hat.  I also used a monofilament thread which is nearly invisible

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As I went around the hat there were times that two stitches in a row hit the hat – no worries.   There were other times that two or three stitches missed the hat.   If only two, again – not to worry, but if I missed three stitches, I did go back, but not to remove stitches.

This thread is difficult to see and so is easy to just back up without cutting the thread and start again where you missed.

Now the little hats are secured and need the poms.

The circles need to be cut enough larger to be able to go around the cardboard template and be pulled together on the other side.   I ran a thread around near the edge

Then laid the cardboard on the center

As I pulled the two ends of the thread, the fabric wrapped around the cardboard

I then pressed it good and used a bit of the Best Press to hold it.

Now it was time to remove the cardboard and give it another press and some glue to hold it in place so I could sew.    A note here.   I have found trying to sew on appliques like this that aren’t secure tend to move while I am sewing.

I sewed around each pom and this block is also finished.

One thing I’d like to caution, especially beginners on, is that life isn’t perfect and there are imperfections in this work as well.   But the block looks good from a few inches away and the stitching is secure and the quilt will take a fair amount of use without being hurt.  And the block  is DONE!

Today was sew fun day.  Most of the projects didn’t appeal to me,   But I did come home with a Clover Press Perfect – a take and press mat that I can use to steam my sweaters etc. on when knitting as I can pin into it.

And I needed another gallon of Mary Ellen’s Best Press which is absolutely the best thing I have found for ironing and pressing.   It is a starch alternative.   It does come in smaller bottles, but with the quilting, I use a fair amount of it.

This afternoon I spent more time on the stocking cap blocks for the BOM which are appliqued.   To do this, I first traced the pattern on freezer paper and cut that out.

I ironed the shinny side to the front side of the fabric and trimmed the fabric to roughly 1/4″ larger than the pattern.   The pattern can be used several times.

Next I clipped the curves and corners.

With the piece turned over so the pattern is now on the bottom, and I am looking at the back side of the fabric,  I used small dots of washable glue to the seam allowance – a bit at a time -turned it under and pressed.     This held it until I could sew it and will wash out.

(Use a washable glue with a small spout, both Aileen’s and Roxanne’s work well.)

I then turned it over and checked to make sure it fit the pattern okay.   It received a final press and was taken to the machine – to be continued tomorrow.

Today I caught up on the Aurifil Block of the Month.   These blocks are very basic and fun to make.    Each month this year she has invited a guest to create the block.  This particular BOM is one that still has all the months on-line, so you could still join if you wish.   (Often they take the old one down as the new one goes up)