Auditioning Fabrics and Learning EQ8

This is the first post about my experience using Electric Quilt 8 to design a block of the month (BOM) quilt. There is so much to this program it's going to take a long time for me to get used to it, but sometimes you just have to go in head first!

I won't bore you with all the details but this first block I had designed in PreQuilt but the program has limitations especially as I want it to be a Foundation Paper Pieced (FPP) block. When I had finished designing the basic shape I realised that it wasn't centered in the 12" block I wanted it to fit in! But that's ok, as at this stage I'm playing with the design to see what works. I then had to decide which lines became extension lines to the edge of the block which is what makes it a FPP pattern.

Looking at the design again I think I could limit the amount of background pieces, once I make a start hopefully it will become clear!

I then put some colour into the block and kept the background white. The program has a huge library of plain and printed designs in every colour imaginable and an extensive collection of fabric swatches from some of the leading cotton manufacturers.

There is also the ability to import images of the fabrics you are planning to use in your quilt to see how the finished project would look. This is next on my 'to do' list as I really would like to see if the fabrics I've chosen will work. Unfortunately I haven't any white/cream for the background so I will be trying a coloured print instead. Below is my fabric pull but it could all change once I see them in the block!

Next time we'll have a look at the block with my chosen fabrics and whether I've made any changes.

Happy sewing!

Vicky

 

New program to learn!

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The past 18 months have been a huge learning curve for me as I started my fabric business in 2019. Setting up and designing my own website, starting business Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages, learning EVERYTHING to do with Google analytics, My Business and Google ads, with loads of help from Hazel A Patterns (check out her new website!!), this blog and working on a business plan, it's been a lot, but extremely enjoyable and rewarding!

So this leads me to the subject of this post. I've recently been considering expanding my products in my online shop to offer a Block of The Month quilt program. But first I need to design the quilt! 

I've recently learnt Foundation Paper Piecing which I absolutely love! This was my first attempt.

Some of the piecing isn't that accurate, but hey starting a new hobby is always a learning curve! After extensive searching on the web I found two sites which I thought I could start with to learn the process of designing, Prequilt and Quilt Assistant. I'm particularly interested in using FPP, applique and hand embroidery in my design. Not too much to consider!

These are 4 blocks I designed in Prequilt to see what it does and doesn't do. 

I enjoyed creating them but you can't transfer them into FPP patterns using this program so I found Quilt Assistant to help me do that. It's a very old program from 2009 but it's free and a fabulous way to start out.

The block below is the first block above with suggested FPP order which I numbered. You can print each section out which I did but a lot of the points weren't accurate, but it was great to see it in print.

So where am I at now?! I loved designing this so much that I've just invested in Electric Quilt 8 to enable me to design! I will be documenting my learning process on my blog, so if you want to see how I get on then sign up for my blog alerts.

Happy sewing!

Vicky

My Hexi-Caddy

It's been a while since I shared a Lookbook from Art Gallery Fabrics. This showcases one of their recent new ranges, Little Forester Fusion, which you can find in my shop here. These were in the Little Box of Fabulous in February. I have five designs from the range and I love them all! 😊

The project card which was in last month's Little Box of Fabulous was for a Hexi-Caddy designed by Hazel A Patterns, and here is mine!

I used fabrics from my stash, and I absolutely love it! The design is very clever with a star shape forming when you pull the cords to close it. With the pockets around the outside there is plenty of storage. If you lined it with waterproof fabric it would make a lovely wash bag or fill it with lovely smellies for a fabulous Mother's Day present! If you would like to make one for yourself then you can download it here, with 20% off until Friday 12th March, use the code HEXICADDY at checkout.

Happy sewing!

Vicky

 

Hazel A Patterns takes over the blog!

Today Hazel from Hazel A Patterns is taking over the blog to talk about her latest pattern for Sew Fabulous Fabrics.

Use code STRIPEYTOTE to receive 20% off the PDF in my Payhip store.

My patterns are usually for smaller items, but in my everyday life I love sewing garments, and I love sewing bags. I don’t make a lot of bags, as they usually use a lot of hardware and internal structure, but I have been thinking for a while about how I could create a bag pattern that would use minimal extras, and that additionally could be made using the fabric supplied in Vicky’s Little Box of Fabulous. Welcome to the Soft Stripey Bucket Tote!

The first challenge in designing this pattern was how to get a big bag out of just fat quarters. Stripes are the obvious answer, and also mean that this bag can be used as a stash buster too. My first prototype even uses co-ordinating fat quarters for the lining! (I have a lot of gorgeous fat quarters, but not many half metres). Top-stitching strengthens the seams too, as does the extra stitching on the bottom hem of the lining.

The second challenge was the structure of the bag. I wanted this pattern to be something that wouldn’t need a lot of additional materials, but that could be made with quilt-weight cotton. The solution is one I resort to a lot – fusible interfacing! I buy mine 5 metres at a time, as I love how it really changes the handle of lighter weight fabrics. I use a soft medium weight for most of my projects, heavier than I would use for dressmaking, but still with a nice drape. I also used one of my other favourite products to create the shape at the top of this bag: Decovil Light. Just a narrow piece at the top of the bag is enough to create the curved shape, and has the added bonus of making the top less likely to flop over when you are filling the bag one-handed in the supermarket!

Finally, I just wanted to chat about the handles. This pattern uses a heavy webbing, which is naturally really strong, especially when stitched and top-stitched. The method I have used to create the handles makes the webbing curve outwards slightly. I really like this as it tilts the handle so that it sits facing forwards, making it sit nicely over a thick coat or jumper. I thought it would be nice to show an alternative method of positioning the webbing to make straighter handles, so here we go!

Follow this version of Step 2:

Working with the wrong sides out, find the centre top edges of each outer and mark. Your straps will be 5 ½” apart, so measure out 2 ¾” either side of your centre mark, and mark again. Take your first strap and position it to the left of the left-hand mark, with the raw edge approximately ½” below the top of the Decovil. Mark a line on the webbing that matches the shape of the decovil underneath it. Repeat with the right-hand side of the strap. Now turn your outer over so that you are working on the right side of your outer.

Reverse your webbing so that the raw edges are above the top of the Decovil (you should be able to feel it through the fabric), and match your drawn lines to the top of the Decovil. The webbing will now be at an angle, sloping inwards. Pin it below the Decovil, to keep it in position. 

Repeat for the other outer, then stitch in place at ¹/₈” above the Decovil.

Happy sewing! Check out my Instagram for extra photos and videos 😊

Review of the Sandhill Sling Bag from Noodlehead

Noodlehead recently released two new bag patterns one being the Sandhill Sling Bag. As I am a bag maker and was on the look out for a new bag to make for myself I thought this would be a great pattern to go into the Bigger Box of Fabulous for January. 

The fabric suggestion is for canvas but I had recently received a delivery of an imitation leather from Modelo Fabrics in a pearlised grey. It has a woven back and is gloriously soft with a dimpled effect, and really easy to sew.

The pattern suggests using a cotton webbing for the strap but also gives cutting instructions for a fabric strap which I decided to do. I used the imitation leather with gun metal hardware along with gunmetal zips and tear drop zip pulls.

I decided to iron on some medium weight interfacing to the back of the fabric to give it a bit more stability, because it has a woven back this is easy to apply. If you wanted to give the bag a bit more structure you could apply a thin foam, or interface the lining fabric as well. There is a slip pocket inside but you could easily change it to a zipped pocket.

I would suggest using stitch length no. 3 for sewing the imitation leather and 3.5 for topstitching. I found it ok to sew with a normal sewing foot but if you are worried about it sticking when topstitching you could use a walking foot or a non-stick foot. You could use a Leather needle 90/14 for sewing but I used a Universal needle which was fine.

This is the box which went out to subscribers for January's Bigger Box of Fabulous. Along with the imitation leather there were two pieces of fabric from a new range for Art Gallery Fabrics, Aquarelle designed by Katerina Roccella, which you can find listed in my shop. Two zips, one with two zipper pulls for the opening of the bag and one for the front pocket, Scanfil All Purpose sewing thread, a bag slider, d-ring and swivel clip all in gun metal.

Check out the video for a closer look at what was inside the box!

Happy sewing!

 

December's Bigger Box of Fabulous

In December's Bigger Box of Fabulous the pattern was for a Make and Go Pouch designed by Aneela Hoey. This is a fabulous pattern to keep smaller 'on the go' projects in. There are 3 zipped pockets, 2 of which have clear vinyl so you can easily see what is inside. Attached to the inside is a very useful pin cushion and needle pages. The pattern is now in my shop to purchase.

I used Cloud 9 fabric, Natural Beauty from my stash for my make.

So, what was in December's Bigger Box? Each box contained 4 half metres from the Lewis and Irene Jardin de Lis range of cotton fabrics, 3 zips, a piece of felt for the needle pages, stuffing for the pin cushion, clear vinyl, fusible fleece for the interlining of the project and Scanfil All Purpose sewing thread.

This was a lovely box to put together as the fabrics were so pretty with the metallic elements on each design.

Subscriptions for January's Boxes of Fabulous are now open!

Happy sewing!

Vicky

December's Little Box of Fabulous

Well doesn't time fly! I hadn't realised that my last blog post was in October! So to make up for it there will be two in quick succession!

December's Boxes of Fabulous have hopefully been received by my subscribers so here is a view of the Little Box of Fabulous. The project card designed by Hazel A Patterns is for a Wide-Mouth Zipper Pouch, very useful to use as a wash bag or a project bag, finished size 14"x6"x3".

The fabrics in Decembers box were from Lewis and Irene, Jardin de Lis. This is their first Art Nouveau inspired collection and each fabric has gold metallic elements. These are now listed on my website.

Included in December's Little Box of Fabulous were 3 Fat Quarters from the Jardin de Lis range and a half metre, a piece of fusible fleece, zipping, Scanfil All Purpose sewing thread and a pack of Sewist Stickers from Pink Coat Club.

This was a gorgeous box to put together and the fabrics are beautifully detailed as we expect from Lewis and Irene! 

Subscriptions for January's Boxes of Fabulous are now open.

Happy sewing!

Vicky