New Patterns in the Shop!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

I have been busy, designing and listing a few new patterns in my Etsy shop.

The first is just in time for Valentine's Day ~ the "Fussy Cut Heart" pattern.

It comes in two sizes - 5 1/2" x 6" and 7 1/4" x 8".

You can find it in my Etsy shop [HERE]

This is such a fun pattern to make.  

I have been gathering all my favorite prints and making heart blocks.

They are addictive to make!

  

These Heart blocks are perfect for a quilt, pouch (you can use the small heart on this pouch!) or a mug rug/coaster.  

I am working on a mug/rug coaster which I will share a tutorial for soon!

The second pattern I have been working on is my "Citrus Pouch".

I designed this for the Liberty Craft Blog which no longer exists.

You can now find it in my Etsy shop [HERE]

This is an intermediate pattern with both foundation paper piecing and curved piecing.

I include instructions on how to do both techniques with full color photos explaining each step.

If you are new to foundation paper piecing, I have resources on my blog {here}

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Super Cute Paper Piecing ~ Colored Pencil Pouch

I am so excited to start sharing projects from my new book ~ "Super Cute Paper Piecing"!

Every week I will share a project from my book until the book releases in November.

All info about the book can be found on my blog [HERE]

This is the first project in the book.  This cute colored pencil is one pattern unit, so it is the perfect project to paper piece.

I love that the patchwork bottom panel has fussy cuts to take advantage of the cute prints!

The body of the pouch is Essex Linen in color Flax.  Essex Linen is a favorite of mine and you will see it used in half of the projects in the book.

The red polka dot is from Moda ~ Essential Dots.
Polka dots are another one of my favorite prints for fussy cut projects.

In the book you will find a "How To" section which will teach you to Paper Piece, and Fussy Cut.
Both skills are important to master to make this first project.

If you want to get a head start on your paper piecing skills, check out my paper piecing Crayon Tutorial [HERE]

You can also find a "Fussy Cutting" tutorial [HERE]

Happy Sewing
xo
Charise

The Fussy Cut Sampler Quilt Along

I cannot resist a fun new project - especially a sew or quilt along!

When I saw the blocks appearing on Instagram for The Fussy Cut Samper Quilt Along I knew I had to join in!

I ordered the book, it never arrived, and then ordered it again!

So I am a bit behind.......

My blocks start with week 3 and I will catch up making the blocks for week 1 and 2 when I get a chance : )

If you are reading this then you are probably familiar with my work : )  

I love to fussy cut motifs and think it adds such a special element to my projects.

The book is broken down by techniques and is an excellent way to learn

some new techniques for fussy cutting.

You can find more info at TheFussyCutSampler.com

If you are on Instagram, also look for the hashtag #TheFussyCutSamplerQAL

Happy Sewing

xo

Charise

Fussy Cutting for Foundation Paper Piecing

One of my favorite methods to use when I Paper Piece designs is Fussy Cutting.

Fussy Cutting is using a motif in a fabric and cutting it to focus on the motif.

You can see how I used it on the waistband of my Apron picture above.  

I also use fussy cutting to position a print in a desired direction which you can see with the apple print.  The apples are running vertical and are centered on the front panel.  

I was able to achieve this by fussy cutting.

This is also a great way to conserve fabric since you are cutting only the amount of fabric you need.

*Here are some tips to help you with your next Fussy Cut Paper Pieced project*

1)  

Print out an extra copy of the pattern.

Cut out the section of the pattern you want to fussy cut.

In this example, I want to fussy cut the waistband on the apron - section A3.

2)

Place the pattern piece, Right Side Up, on the Wrong side of the fabric directly covering the section you want to fussy cut. 

Use a bit of fabric glue to hold the pattern piece in place.

In this example, I want the words "tag cotton" to be centered on the waistband.

3)

Using a C-thru ruler, mark 1/4" from the edge of your pattern.

Cut on the line.

OR

Use a rotary cutter and your acrylic ruler to cut around the pattern piece.

Remove the pattern piece from the back of the fabric.

You are ready to use the pattern piece!

I like to save the pattern pieces to be used again.  I keep mine in a sheet protector and file it in a binder with the pattern. 

Happy Sewing!

xo

Charise