The Pocket

Next comes the pocket....remember  your pocket can be any shape you want.  What we did is just a suggestion.

Look at the template and you will notice two sets of lines.  The outside line is the shape we used to form our pocket.  The dashed line is for the lining.

Center the template behind the stitched pocket.

Finger press the outside edges to achieve desired shape.  Then trim linen 1/2 inch out from the fold lines.

Fold trimmed linen to the back and secure corner folds with a couple of stitches...makes everything nice and tidy.

Use dash lines on the template to cut the felt lining.  Whipstitch into place.

Place the pocket on the gray base felt.  Remember to leave the bottom four inches open for the pocket.  A line of pins for loose basting stitch will help you visualize the placement area.

Sew to the felt....catch the outside linen...just a tiny thread.  Remember to leave the top open to store your goodies inside.

Next piece on our Stitcher's Mat will be the pin cushion....

The Magic Fob

First get all your things together.  Templates, Comic Board, fluff, gray backing fabric and bakers twine.

Cut two fob pieces from the Comic Board and fluff one side of each.  Cover one with the gray cotton fabric and the other with the stitching....trim so you only have a scant 1/2 inch especially around the curved tops of the templates.

Place wrong sides together and stitch....remember the marks on the templates?  Leave the top--about 3/4 inch open and most of the bottom unstitched.  The pins are a visual reminder.

Lay the ribbon (folded in half) into the opening and then finish stitching the fob together.

You can add a hidden needle safe within the opening in the fob.  Between the two ribbons you can place a small piece of felt or scrapbook paper to hold your needles.

Fun....now use the bakers twine for trim.  Tie a bow at the top and you have your magic fob finished.

Our first piece of our Stitchers Mat....next will be the pocket.  See you later!

Summer 2019 Sewing Mat

It is HERE!!!  Over the next few days I will be posting directions for our Sewing Mat.  What a fun class.  Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Here is the project....get your bits and pieces collected and we will begin with the fob tomorrow.

Let’s Square Dance!

I had the honor to finish the Heart In Hand Square Dance series. We chose the Quick and Easy Easel technique which is excellent for holiday stitching. It folds flat for easy storage!

Cut two pieces of mat board 3.5 by 3.5 and one piece 1.75 by 3.5.

Cover both of the 3.5 squares with cotton fabric.  Lace or glue fabric in place.

Now your math skills come into play.....you will cover the easel portion with fabric.  Cut the fabric twice the width of the easel...in this case 1.75...PLUS One Inch.  Length of the fabric will be 3.5 plus 5 inches.

Break out the iron and fold one long edge 1/4 inch back.

 
Place the 1.75 easel piece approximately one inch from top of fabric rectangle and then fold the right side (the unfolded side) of the fabric over the mat board and glue fabric onto board.

Now place a thin line of glue along the folded edge.

Fold left side over to cover the easel.  Try to make it even the entire length of the fabric.

Let the glue dry then center the easel unit behind one of the fabric covered 3.5 pieces.  Make sure the seamed side faces the 3.5 piece.  The easel mat board top should be flush with the top of the square.

Fold it over into the glue...

Now decide how far out you want the easel "leg" to swing out.  On this small piece two inches is plenty.  Try it out to see what you think.

Remember your easel will be folded when you glue everything into place so measure out one inch and glue in place.  Cut off any excess fabric.

We did a separate easel for each month.  We chose a fun fabric that picked up the colors used in each month's motifs.  The unifying factor was ribbon....we used the same cute ribbon on each easel.  Center the ribbon on the remaining square and glue it in place.

Now sew or glue the two squares together....wrong sides together.  On this small easel you can glue it together easily.  As you can see, I love my clips.

Your stitching will be mounted on another piece of mat board.  Ours measured 2 3/4 inch square.  Cover one side of the board with low loft quilt batting and lace or glue your Square Dance onto it.  Center it on the easel and use stitchers tape or glue to secure it.

If you have been able to find a colorful multi color fabric that can be used for all the months you can "Pricillify" it and use magnets and washers so  you can  use one easel for all of the designs.

Get creative...add a bow to the top of the easel....add Lady Dot trim around the stitching board...so many cute ideas.  Please post a picture of your finished easel.  Share your ideas.