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December 31, 2018

Silkroad - Alchemy of Fabric December 2018

With all the holiday hubbub, this month's fabric and project were delayed, but we're squeaking in our post before the new year. It's still December for a few more hours!

This month's collection, Silkroad, is comprised of modern prints with an Asian flair. Art Gallery Fabrics describes the line as "Ancient Asian techniques of brushwork, ink making, and fiber knowledge are shared through the trading route that is Silkroad. Black, white, and red impactfully define the elegant florals and geometrics that will transport you to a world of delicate craftsmanship."

However you describe these fabrics, they're beautiful.

The colors and patterns in Silkroad are also very versatile. Art Gallery Fabric's image gallery helps us imagine, not only gorgeous quilts, but fun bags, stylish tops and dramatic home accessories. I would love to wear that top!

For our project we made a set of three petal pouches, with six of the fabrics from the collection. Aren't they cute?!

Petal Pouches are great for storing works in progress, organizing supplies, and even make a cute purse. They would also be the perfect way to wrap up a special gift. The pattern comes with instructions for all three sizes and is designed by Valori. You can purchase the pattern as a pdf download or sewing card.

You can find all the individual fabrics, and ten specially selected coordinating fabrics (pictured below), on our website.

What will you make?

Cheers,

Samantha

Dec 31, 2018 3:34:15 PM | #AlchemyofFabric, quilting fabric, sewing patterns, Valori Wells

December 01, 2018

Wine Coasters - Tutorial

It's party time! December is full of holiday events and family get togethers, and with them comes the ever present problem of figuring out which glass is yours. Especially if you've already had a drink or two :)

Wine charms are the classic solution, but they don't protect your furniture (and they're not as fun to make).

Why not make yourself, or your host a set of wine coasters? I'll show you how.

I got carried away with holiday spirit, and made two different styles of wine coasters. A stitched and cut wool set (above), and a fun mixed print fabric set (below). Both styles are quick to make and use minimal materials.

The wool coasters are made with one pack of 5" WoolWerks squares, and some contrasting thread. I love how they turned out!

I used the Merry n Bright color-way for my set. Each package has enough squares to make five coasters. I used two of my squares to test out stitch patterns, so my set only has four coasters.

To make the coasters, print the template and stitch through the paper along the pattern (1). Once you've removed the paper (2) all you need to do is trim (3-4), cut your bottom circle, and glue the two together.

For full, detailed, instructions download the free Wooly Wine Coasters pattern. Materials: WoolWerks 5" pre-felted wool squares, thread, craft glue.

We carry four color-ways of WoolWerks so you can go crazy making coasters and still have unique combinations.

Use a small (14mm) rotary cutter and a sharp pair of pointed tip scissors. They will greatly improve your results, and mood. We won't talk about what was said, when I tried cutting my circle out with a large rotary cutter. Also, be sure to use a good quality glue that is made for fabric. Ordinary glue will soak into the wool and not hold the two layers together.

The fabric coasters are even easier to make than the wool. In simplest terms: you cut 5 circles, sew one seam, clip and flip. I think that qualifies as easy, but they don't look it!

Depending on the fabric combination you choose, the coasters can look modern, classic, or funky. You can choose fabrics to match a theme (holiday, birthday, etc.), your favorite colors, or coordinate with your decor.

We sold out of the fat quarter bundle I used in my coasters, but there are so many options that would look great.

We have some fun holiday 6 packs, sophisticated white Christmas 6 packs, and a number of beautiful non-holiday options.

For full, detailed, instructions download the free Fabric Wine Coasters pattern. Materials: 6 fat quarters, 15" x 20" cotton batting, & thread.

If you found this post in our December 1st Advent Calendar Newsletter... Hi, So glad you came! Don't forget that materials featured in advent calendar newsletters are 10% off for that day only.

If you found this post, but don't get our newsletters, and want to, sign up here. December 1st, 2018 only, all materials linked in this post are 10% off.

Cheers,

Samantha

Dec 1, 2018 6:33:00 AM | Charm Squares, Food and Drink, Free Patterns, Gifts, Notions, Paper-piecing, sewing, sewing patterns, Simply Made, Tutorial, Wool

November 14, 2018

Tanglewood - Alchemy of Fabric November

Every year I get a little cocky right before Halloween, and start thinking I'm way ahead of the Christmas game. I mean, it's not even November and I've thought about Christmas gifts, and planned projects, so I must be prepared. Right? Then Halloween happens, and the next thing you know Thanksgiving is a week away, and now I'm not feeling cocky at all. In fact, my feelings are better described as anxious working their way toward panic. Sound familiar?

This month's Alchemy of Fabric collection and project are going a long way to ease my panic. Journal covers are fast, look great, and make a good gift for almost everyone. They are also a fun way to try out new techniques, test color combinations, and experiment with print mixing.

The cover uses Valori's Journal Cover pattern (pdf version), three fabrics from the Tanglewood collection, and one companion fabric. I chose to cover a watercolor large landscape journal. With a portable watercolor kit, and a brush, it would be perfect for any art lover.

For the outside of my cover, I used Soft Sand Premium Linen Bend, Scarlett Shot Cotton, and Praline Mushrooms. The moth is fussy cut from Moth Bouquet. I used fusible stabilizer before cutting it out, and then stitched it to the finished cover. The lining is also Moth Bouquet.

The pattern has instructions to cover any size book, so your options are endless. You could make a cover for everything from a blank journal, to a fiction book, or even a three ring binder. I'm covering my bullet journal next.

This month's companion fabrics include some 108" wide denims that are great for this project. You can cover almost any size book without extra seams and the fabrics are durable so your cover will stand up to use. Besides being practical, the heavier fabrics also add texture and dimension. The width makes them easy options for quilt backs and they are a darn good value.

One of the things I like about this month's fabric selections, and companion fabrics, is that a number of them are fabrics men would like. I think my husband would love a book cover in the crosshatch denim, with a bit of green accent.

Tanglewood fabrics from top left:

Companion fabrics from top left:

I hope you enjoy this month's collection and project! I'd love to see what you make.

Cheers,

Samantha

Nov 14, 2018 4:05:00 PM | #AlchemyofFabric, Gifts, painting, quilting fabric, sewing, sewing patterns, Simply Made

November 02, 2018

PJ Pants for the PJ Sale

Our annual pajama sale is November 10th, and I will be here at 6:30am wearing PJs for my full 35% discount! However, I needed to up my PJ game before I ran around in public wearing them.

Game on!

What do you think? I'm pretty happy with how these came out: cheerful, cozy and cute.

I used our lovely soft Dash flannel and the Sew Easy Pajama Pants pattern. The pattern is easy to follow, and comes in sizes XS-XXXL. I traced my size onto parchment paper (freezer paper works great too) so I could keep the master pattern to make different sizes. Good thing, my daughter is already asking for her own pair.

You can find a number of free patterns for pajama pants online, but most don't have quality detailed instructions, or offer so many sizes. They also won't have an actual pattern to cut from. For those of us with ample booty, having a shaped pattern with extra room in back is another big plus. No one wants tight pajama pants, or half a yard of extra fabric wrinkling up in the front. These fit me great.

I added the ribbon trim above the hem and at the waist. You could also add an accent strip of fabric, or follow the pattern instructions for adding a ruffle. The pattern also offers three pant lengths plus patterns for two bags, a pillowcase and a pennant banner.

I like making PJ shorts out of extra quilting cotton in the summer. I know I'll get a lot of use from this pattern booklet. We also have the same pattern in children's sizes with some additional extras.

To make your own pair of pants you'll need: 2 3/4 yard fabric, 1" wide elastic, and matching thread. You'll also need about two hours and basic sewing skills.

I made mine from Dash Plaid Flannel from Dear Stella. We have it in Twilight, Grenadine (the color shown), Haze, and Gargoyle. Cozy Cotton flannel from Robert Kaufman would be another good choice for pajama pants.

Pajama pants are a lovely treat for yourself, or for someone on your holiday gift list. They are also the perfect outfit to wear if you plan to attend our Pajama sale (details below are in store only) ...

or if you're just shopping the sale online (details below are online only).

Cheers,

Samantha

Nov 2, 2018 3:40:00 PM | sewing, sewing patterns, Simply Made

June 29, 2018

June 2018 Alchemy of Fabrics - Chalk & Charcoal - Project Ideas

What fun I am having with these neutrals, making the Pearl District table runner from Busy Bee Quilt Designs! It made me feel like I was back on the Oregon coast, picking up beach stones and experiencing all of the beach grasses and driftwood.

I like to needle turn hand appliqué, so this was my travel project on a short getaway with John to the bay area. If you have not used the 80 weight thread for appliqué, you need to try it. It is amazing! We are now carrying Wonderfil brand thread, as well as the iron and fuse thread for applique. We've also ordered their the Glow in the Dark thread, which we thought would be fun for quilting kids quilts. (We just purchased these at market, and the Glow in the Dark thread hasn't arrived yet.)

Tip: If you do not love needle turn appliqué, here is another technique:

Trace the appliqué shape on the back of the fabric.
Layer the fabric right sides together on top of a light-weight interfacing.

Machine stitch the circular shape, then trim off excess fabric a scant ¼” away from the stitched line.

Slash the interfacing in the center of the appliqué and turn the appliqué to the right side. Press the edges. (The interfacing pulls the raw edges to the back, so you are no longer dealing with a raw edge.)

You can top stitch the appliqué down with a straight stitch, zig zag stitch, buttonhole stitch, or blind hem stitch. I used the blind hem stitch.

This month’s playmates are:

Compositions by BasicGrey 30450-12

Grunge Hits the Spot 30149-67

Effervescence Ecru AAQ 17062-162

Stonehenge Graduation 39303-94

Shimmer On Pearl AJSP 17028-90

Compositions BasicGrey 30453-26

Modern BG Paper 1580-25

Big Sky Annie Brady 16705-11

Dear Stella Black Dabs WG995

Behind the Scenes Wovens 18135-26

Enjoy!

~Jean

Jun 29, 2018 5:40:31 PM | #AlchemyofFabric, Appliqué, contemporary quilting, Jean Wells, sewing patterns

April 25, 2018

April Alchemy of Fabrics, Part 2 - April 2018 Suggested Project

April Alchemy Project:

Michelle from Busy Bee Quilt Designs created this simple, very fun quilt for us using the Enchanted Forest fabrics. Michelle’s patterns are so popular because of the simple designs and how well they work with a variety of prints. I have also seen them created in solids, which created a dramatic effect.

She has the Hip To Be Square size of 68” x 80” and Hip Baby which is 36” x 60”.
(The quilt above is made with the "Hip Baby" pattern, and a kit is available.)

I like the idea of taking three vertical rows of blocks from Hip Baby and creating a table runner.

Hip To Be Square

Hip Baby

Apr 25, 2018 2:17:26 PM | #AlchemyofFabric, baby quilts, Quilt Kits, sewing patterns

November 20, 2015

Farm Girl Vintage Kitchen

Bright and lively and full of color, sew up some vintage inspired cooking goods for you or your friends!

From the Farm Girl Vintage Book by Lori Holt, our friend Tamra made a bright fall pumpkin table runner. Farm Girl Vintage shows you how to create many farm themed blocks in sizes from 6" to 12". Choose from chicken and classic pinwheels to barns and strawberries, the Farm Girl Vintage book is a must have.

What is a handy yet stylish carrier for your casseroles and baked good? The Casserole Carry-All pattern with potholder by Indigo Junction. Make multiple seasonal carriers or give to your friends, the Carry-All is perfect for transporting your dishes from place to place. Use serving spoons as the handles, and keep your dish toasty.

We created a bundle of bright "vintage" themed fat quarters to go with the Farm Girl Vintage book to give you a start to sewing up some fun blocks and more.

Alway a must in the kitchen when cooking and baking is the apron! We have new patterns and one of our favorites is from Mary Fons, pattern M0470, the Criss-Cross Apron and the Short Ruffled apron. Two styles in one pattern. Sew easy and sweet.

If you would like to see more of our Kitchen Accessories and Apron patterns, check out our website at www.StitchinPost.com

What will you create?

Nov 20, 2015 10:39:49 AM | Books, Gifts, New at the shop....., quilt fabrics, Quilting, Quilting Patterns, sewing, sewing patterns

February 09, 2015

Piece and Play with Jean Wells: Project #2

Welcome to Piece and Play with Jean and Barbara at The Stitchin’ Post in Sisters, OR. www.stitchinpost.com

Envelopes are one of my favorite projects to make as gifts……I have made them in letter size as well as tablet size for men as well as the girls. When I make them for a gift I think about the person and their taste level and try to personalize the fabrics for them.

Notice how I was able to come up with a very different color combination this issue using the palette pac chosen in the very beginning. I love using this idea with my students and having them create several small studies out of the same pile of fabric. I would love to see what you are doing. Send me pictures---jean@stitchinpostcom!

On this 9” x 12” size envelope, my very first one I overlapped raw edges of some scraps ¼”, Pressed the pieces to the Fast to Fuse. Then I free motion quilted the surface, You do see some frayed edges here and there but I have used it for two years and it still looks good.

Look what Barbara created this month! The wonky log cabin blocks just sing on the soft taupe background. When you are looking at fabric and making choices it is so easy to pick all bright or all warm tones, etc. but when you can consider a dull or cool fabric with the others it will make them look more important.

I love watching how Barb works her palette box for each assignment. Giving yourself lots of possibilities in the beginning is always helpful.

At The Stitchin’ Post we carry the 20” wide Fast to Fuse. The product is like a stiff interfacing with fusible web on both sides. So It is very helpful to use an Applique Pressing Sheet under it when you are fusing the fabric to it.

Feb 9, 2015 9:27:11 AM | American Patchwork and Quilting, Art quilts, contemporary quilting, Gifts, Jean Wells, Piece and Play, quilt fabrics, Quilt Kits, Quilting, quilting fabric, Quilting Patterns, sewing, sewing patterns

October 14, 2014

Ashton Road Candy Picnic...

Ashton Road was released the end of July....for my collections to release complete I like to do a "look book" for the salesmen and women to show to shop owners when they show the fabric for the first time. The look book is full of inspirational photographs and projects. Some of the projects are free pattern downloads and others are recreated Sewing Cards. I try to come up with a theme for the photo-shoot that reflects what the fabric means to me. To get the look book to Robert Kaufman in time I receive sample yardage about 4 to 6 weeks before my deadline. That being said I try to be really prepared for the projects that need to be made and the photo-shoot. I received Ashton Road in the beginning of June. In the images below you will see all the work that goes into getting ready for a release. I have some of the most wonderful staff at the Stitchin' Post and friends that help me with all the sewing and pattern writing as well as the photo-shoots. I could not do it without them!

For Ashton Road the photos-hoot had to be with the kids....it had to be outside on a summer day. The colors in the fabric remind me of candy so we created a "candy picnic" for the kiddos. Two of my good friends helped me with the shoot. We each had cameras - perfect for three kids! It was the best day and one of the funnest photo-shoots I have ever done. The images are priceless and really express the happiness and love that created Ashton Road.