Feline Friday- Cat Photos

Long, Cool Emma

Emma, Alice and a catnip mouse.

Emma, Alice hugging, or is she trying to strangle her? 

They get all fiesty when catnip is involved.

Have a nice weekend!



How to Sew on Patches- Girl and Boy Scout

I am often asked by non-sewing people, how to sew on a patch.  I sew on iron-on patches too, because I am suspisious that way.  I generally match the top and bottom thread to the patch background color.  I use a long machine stitch if I might need to remove the patches later. 

The 759 were originally on his blue cub uniform.  They  

were sewn on using a rectangle (see back, below). 

The patches below were tricky because they are on a pocket.  I hand sewed those in a matching thread.  I insert a plastic ruler in the pocket so I don't accidently sew the pocket shut.



Feline Friday- Quilts by Denyse Schmidt

Here is Olive, sewed by my daughter when she was 9, with my help.  Olive is 16" long.  We used the book Quilts by Denyse Schmidt, 30 Colorful Quilt and Patchwork Projects .  The original project had a pieced stomach, but I simplified it with a square applique.  Same basic look as the original. 

A fun project to do together!

 The book has some other great projects- lots of bold, graphic design quilts of course.  There are also pot holders, coasters, cards, an apron and bags, among other things.  I love her choices of statement making colors.

Individual Sewing Lessons

A reminder:  I give individual sewing lessons as well as group lessons!

If you are stuck during your project, I can help you past the rough spot.  If your sewing machine is still in the box, I can help get you started!

I'm listed on thumbtack, sewing instruction


Pattern Review- Simplicity 4273

Happy First Day of Spring!  It has been feeling like Spring for at least a week here.  In my effort to use fabric I already have, I sewed up a nice warm weather top.  Plus I was test fitting at the same time.  The top has a seam and shirring under the bustline for a nice fitted look.  There is a side zipper.  The top really wanted some lace around the neckline.  The button came from etsy, buttons by robin.  This was a freebie she sent with my order!

Feline Friday- Patchwork Applique Cat

This week I made a patchwork applique cat.  A friend gave me a bunch of pre-cut squares (not all the same size- roughly 3"x3") that I used for this project.  I decided it didn't matter if any corners matched up (I knew they wouldn't)- it just adds to the charm!  I sewed a bunch of beige and tan together for the background and some blue ones together for the cat.

To make the applique, I cut a solid piece of fabric and placed it right sides together with the patchwork.  I sketched my cat and then sewed around the design.

Trim seams, clip curves and here it is ready to be turned right side out.  This method is much easier than trying to turn down all the edges.

Here is the finished applique.  I machine stitched around the edges.  I really like the effect of patchwork on patchwork. 

Here is a close up of the stitching.  I'm not sure what this will ultimately become- a pillow? a wall hanging? part of a larger quilt?  the front of a tote bag?  What do you think?

Free Motion Quilting

This month's expert is Ann Fahl.  One suggestion she had was doodle on paper first, then sew.  While I was stitching it felt like doodling too.  I had fun with it and I think I am improving.  I started in the middle (also her suggestion) with Loops and Twists.  Then I added hearts that became shamrocks (Happy St. Patrick's Day!).  I tried stars, swirls, flowers and spiky sun things.

I did a flamingo and a fish (standing on its nose), below.

Feline Friday

I went a little foodie for this Feline Friday. 

The goldfish crackers were just begging to become a cat (and then get eaten!)

And then these little cats were playing hide and seek around the bananas!

Next week I have a fabric cat project I'm working on...



New Pattern Shop on Craftsy

You can now purchase my patterns on Craftsy, here.  I don't have my full selection up yet, but the good thing about Craftsy is no waiting!  You download the pattern directly from the site.  You can of course still see and purchase all my patterns on etsy. 

Have a Crafty Weekend!

Make Yourself a Lucky Charm

St.Patrick's Day is coming soon!  Here is how I make my lucky paperweight.

You can make yours any size.  The smallest above (and the example below) is using a piece of fabric 7"x4".  If you want to add any fancy machine stitches, do that now.  Start by folding it in half as shown, with right sides together.  Sew 1/4" seam allowance along 2 sides (see below).

Next, you "box the bottom".  See below.  Fold each corner so seams match or so seam is at the center of the fold.  Stitch across as seen in the picture.  This creates a flat bottom like a paper grocery bag or a box.  Turn it right side out.

Here is what it should look like from the outside.

Fill the bag with clean rocks and lucky doodads.  Top it off with polyfil stuffing or fabric scraps.  Run a long hand stitch around the top to gather in the fabric and close up the top.  At this time add any ribbons and yarn for hair.

I used felt eyebrows that I hand stitched on at the same time as I attached the vintage buttons for eyes.  Now just sit back and let the good luck grow!

Feline Friday- Free Motion Quilting

I sat down to practice my free motion quilting and this crawled out of my needle!  I used red thread mainly because that was what was in the machine (you do this too!).  All free hand, no drawing on the fabric first.  I like the surprise on the bottom cat's right ear- it looks like a bird to me!