Strawberries in A Bowl

I created this block for Leila in the Ringo pie bee.  She asked for "favourite things" and  I love kitchen themed blocks. I also thought it would look cute with the apron and mixing bowls I made for her in the Cocorico bee!

 

The pattern is available in my Craftsy and Etsy shop.  This block is 6" and the pattern includes an 8" block pattern as well as instructions for enlarging to a 10" or 12" block.

xo
Charise

 

Random Bits

 

Modern Fabric (left) and Feedsack (right) 

 

Happy Wednesday!  I Love to collect feedsacks and was really happy to find this little cherry print in my stash - it is the swatch on the right.  It was given to me by a friend along with a bunch of wonderful feedsack blocks. 

The fabric on the left is a fat quarter of fabric I have in my stash - it is from Darlene Zimmerman Clothesline Club "Sweet Treats".

 

 

 

My scrappy trip around the world quilt is growing - slowly! I cut lots of strips that are ready to sew into more blocks.

 It is so satisfying to see the diamond patterns come to life with each additional block. I love having this project to work on for a little mindless sewing. 

 

 

Off now to work on a deadline and try to fit a few bee blocks that I must have done soon!!

 

xo

Charise

Vintage Sundress

I have realized I like designing paper pieced 2-dimensional dresses as much as the real thing!

I had so much fun designing this Vintage Sundress for Tamiko in the Cocorico Bee!

 

 

This will be a pattern very soon - I'm working on a few more styles to go with this one!

Think 50's clothing boutique : )

 

 

On a completely different note, I was so excited to get this email in my inbox!

Sorry for the crummy photo  - it was a saved screen shot so the resolution is not great.

Three of my projects from Stitch Magazine are on there!   I'll be doing a "Stitch Week" with some info and additional pictures of the projects as well as a magazine give - away.  Stay tuned!

 

xo

Charise

On a roll......

So happy I finished another Bee Block today!!!  This one is for Melinda in the Ringo Pie Bee and she asked for guitars.

I had no idea where to start so I did a search for patterns.  I found a great one at PaperPanache!  This is going to be an extra special quilt because it is for her son Henry!  I hope he likes the block : )

xo

Charise

Tea Time

One of my New Years goals was to get caught up on projects.  Today I stitched together a Cocorico Bee block for Kylie.  Her month was September so I'm a wee bit behind : )

Her theme is "The Best of the British".  I have a collection of red and white transferware most of which are vintage from England.   I used my Tea Time paper piecing pattern and Lakehouse tea  fabric to give the tea pot and cup a Spode feeling.

You can find the fabric at Sew Me a Song.

 

 

A pic of some favorite pieces : )

 

Have a lovely day!

xo

Charise

Working Away & Some fun too!!!

A little sneek peak of a project I'm working on.  It is a garment that I'll be able to share it in May.  The fabric is  Birch Fabrics new knit line Elk Grove Knits - Coral Poppies.  I LOVE this fabric and it sews like a dream.  It will be in stores in April/May 2013.  I'll be sure to fill you in and link you to the stores that carry it!!!

I took the boys to a wonderful art exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum -  Elles: Women Artists from the Centre Pompidou, Paris.  I Loved it.  By happy accident there was an art docent speaking about the works.  It was such a treat.  It is one thing to admire a great work of art.  It is entirely another to have a skilled and knowledgeable art docent speak to the intricacies of the work and share fun tidbits about the artist!

Here are some of my favorite paintings from the exhibit:

Natalia Goncharova

Dorothea Tanning

More info about her Life and Work

Sonia Delauney

xo

Charise

Scrappy Trip Around the World

I've been seeing all these fabulous scrappy patch quilts all over Flickr.  They looked so wonderful but they also looked like lots of work.  Well I was sooo wrong.   The tutorial is from Quiltville and is called "Scrappy Trip Around the World".  It is genius!  6 - 2 1/2" wide x 16" long strips sewn together, cut in strips and then resewn to a 12" block.

I  have tons on my plate....bee blocks, craft it forward and lots of stuff I just want to make!

But I decided to join in - always nice to have an easy, fun project.

I'm not so good at completely scrappy so this is what I did:

I cut strips in colors red, aqua and pink and 3 light or white ground to go with these.
If you want even less scrappy, you could use a solid or the same white ground dot.
I alternated the dark and light to have contrast between each strip.
Choose your favorite color combos!  I think a yellow in place of the pink would have been nice in this quilt - in retrospect : )
 

I then made sure I picked one color to be the diagonal line down the center - I picked aqua.

All blocks have the exact same layout but different prints - my OCD verion of scrappy!
Be sure to go to Quiltville and Flickr to see all the inspiring versions of this quilt!

: )

xo

Charise

Beggar Block - Vintage Block Quilt Along #3

I'm very excited to share the pattern and tutorial for the third block in the quilt along - Beggar Block.  You may have also seen this block referred to as Spool Block or Butterfly Spool Block.

 It is from the Kansas City Star Newspaper circa 1929.

Here is an excerpt from the original newspaper clipping:

"This interesting block harkens back to the neighborly custom of begging one's friends for scraps of their frocks, or old neckties, to put into a quilt."

Reading that makes me think how different our lives are compared to the quilters of 1929.  Times were tough and not everyone could go to their local fabric store or purchase their fabric online!  I have a quilt my grandmother made and my mother loves to show me which fabrics were her dresses!!!  I love to think of my great grandmothers resourcefulness using pieces of my mother's dresses for her quilts. 

I've chosen to make this using foundation paper piecing.  It insures accuracy!

If you prefer template piecing - You can print the pattern, cut apart, glue to card stock and add 1/4" seam allowance

This pattern makes a 12" finished / 12 1/2" unfinished block

FABRIC
-Background (Pattern Pieces A2, A3, B2, B3) -appoximately a F8 or 1/8 yard.
*Cut 16 rectangles 2" x 2 3/4"
-Outer Spools (Pattern Pieces A1 & B1) - 8 x 2 pieces each 2" x 4 3/4" (16 total)
-Inside Rectangles (Pattern Piece C ) - 8 pieces 2" x 4 3/4"
-4 1/2" square for center 

OTHER SUPPLIES

-Acrylic Ruler
-Cutting Mat
-Rotary Cutter
-Sewing Scissors
-Fine sewing pins
-Spray Starch
-Matching thread
-Light Wt copy paper or vellum.  My favorite vellum is from Office Depot. Link here.
It is translucent so you can see the fabric easily, it is cotton fiber so you can press with a dry iron without the paper shrinking, and you can put it through your copy machine!
(it is also great for drawing : )

NOTES
-Trim threads as you go.
-Sew with a scant 1/4" seam.
-Change your stitch length to 18-20 per inch for paper piecing (sewing through paper pattern.)   It is OK to switch back to 10 - 12 stitches per inch when sewing portions of the block together where you are not stitching through paper.

Paper Piece a Beggar Block

Step 1 - Print out the pattern

1) Print out the pattern for reference. Be sure to select Page Scaling - None.   
Link Here.
2) Print out two pages of the foundation pattern sheets on to light weight paper or vellum.
You will have 8 total.  The blocks should measure 4".   Link Here.
3) Cut out the pattern as pictured.

Step 2 Place your fabric on the pattern

1) Turn the top portion of the pattern ( A1, A2, A3, C ) over so the wrong side is facing you. 
2) Place the right side of the colored fabric rectangle on the pattern wrong side so it covers section A1 with at least 1/4" all around.  Holding the pattern and fabric up to a window will help you to see the pattern through the fabric and help you position the fabric.
Pin the fabric in place on the pattern.

Step 3 - Trim the fabric

1) Place the pattern and fabric with the pattern right side up, and the fabric beneath.
2) Fold the pattern back along the seam line.  Trim the fabric to 1/4" from the fold.  This is your seam allowance.
3) Repeat for the second seam.

Step 4 - Cut the background rectangles in half

1) Cut 2 rectangles in half as pictured

Step 5 - Add the Background sections

1) Turn the pattern over so the fabric is facing you, right side up.
2) Place the Background triangle A2 right sides with Spool A1.  Pin in place.
Repeat for the other side.

Step 6 - Stitch the Background sections

1) Turn your pattern piece over so the pattern right side is facing you and the fabric is on the bottom.
2) Stitch on the line between A1 and A2.  Stop at the seam line that connects section C, Backtack. 
Repeat for the other stitching line - A1 to A3.
3) Turn over so the fabric right side is facing you and finger press the seam open.

4) Turn over the pattern so the pattern right side is facing you.  Fold back section C on the seam line.  Trim beyond the seam 1/4".  This is your seam allowance.

Step 7 - Attach middle section C

1) Place the right side of section A to the right side of section C matching the raw edges.
Pin in place.

2) Flip the pattern over and stitch on the seam line between section A & C.

3) Turn to fabric right side and press seam.

4)  Flip over so the right side of the pattern is facing you.  Trim around the block leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 8 - Stitch and Attach Unit B

1) Stitch unit B together following instructions Steps 2 through 6.

Trim around unit B leaving a 1/4" seam allowance all around.

2) Place the right side of unit C to the right side of unit B matching raw edges.  Stitch together just on the edge of the patterns with a 1/4" seam allowance.

 3) Turn to the right side and press the seam. 

4) Repeat for the remaining seven sections

Assembling the Block

 To assemble the block, stitch the left, middle and right columns separately. 

 Press seams open.

Stitch the left to middle column matching and pinning seams. Press seam open.

Stitch the left/middle column to the right  column matching and pinning seams. Press seam open.

***Yay - block complete!***

There is a flickr group devoted to these kinds of blocks.  Check it out for inspiration!

Please visit my Vintage Block Flickr Group and be sure to download pictures of your blocks - I love to see what you make!!!!

xo

Charise

***2012**

Oh my goodness!!!  It was a very busy 2012!  I was lucky enough to be published in a few of my favorite sewing and quilting magazines!

It was incredibly gratifying to contibute to Stitch - I designed two skirts that are in their Spring 2013 issue!  It was fun to go back to my roots in fashion design!!

Details:

From Upper Left, clockwise:
Pomme Potholder - Stitch Spring 2013
Rainy day tote - Stitch Spring 2013
Cozy Slippers - Stitch Spring 2013

Two Dresses - Quiltmaker 100 blocks Issue 6

Cozy Slippers - Stitch Spring 2013
Uptown/Downtown Skirts - Stitch Spring 2013

Gathered Clutch - Stitch Gifts 2012
Quilt Blocks Sachet Trip - Stitch Gifts 2012

Links:
Stitch Gifts 2012
Stitch Spring 2013
Quiltmaker 100 Blocks

 

 

I designed more paper pieced patterns than I realized!! 

 

 

My Ringo Pie blocks numbered five!  I'm a bit behind but look forward to catching up this month!

 

 

 

My Cocorico Bee Blocks numbered six though two are for Leila's Where the Orchids

Grow : )

I'm also behind here and looking forward to catching up.

 

I love to make bags and pouches!  The purse in the upper left hand corner will be a completed pattern.....soon : )

 

 

And lastly, some miscellaneous makes, most of which were for swaps.

 

Happy 2013 to everyone and Happy Creating!!

xo

Charise

 

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.  Ours was lovely!  My boys had a wonderful time today playing with their new legos and wearing their mama made star wars p.j's. 
My husband's 95 year old grandmother spent the day with us - it was wonderful!!

My hubs and I were up late lastnight wrapping last minute gifts.  I checked my email and there was a sneak peek at the new Stitch Spring 2013.  I received the best Christmas gift ever - one of my projects that is in the issue made it on the cover!!!!  I'm so excited....I had a really hard time falling asleep lastnight!!

The issue hits stores on January 15th but the digital issue is available now.  You can find it here.
I will post more pictures once the issue is out......I promise it is a good one.  Lots of wonderful projects!!

xo
Charise

What I'm working on Wednesday (on Thursday : )

Hope you are all getting excited for the Holidays!  My little guys are counting the days : )

 

I'm going to be working on some Star Wars flannel p.j.'s later this afternoon but thought I would share my latest work in progress. 

Both pics are a little tease of a project that will be published in March 2013!!

Some Beggars Blocks......

Plus my block from Quilmaker's 100 Blocks in new fabrics....
They will both have some new friends : )

Have a lovely day!
xo
Charise

Hexie Pouch - A little tute

In celebration of my birthday today, I thought I'd share a little tute with you!!

It is a big one (the birthday that is) but I'm not feeling one day older than 28 : ) He, he.........

I made this one for my dear friend Rebecca for a swap we did.  I had some requests for a pattern so I thought I'd share a tute with you so you can make one based on the frame you have.  There are lots of different shapes and sizes of purse frames.  Both the pouches pictured use a medium sized frame - 5" wide at the bottom x 1 1/2" tall.  The great news is that you can use any size frame based on this tutorial.

Supplies: (fabric requirements based on a medium sized purse frame 5" wide x 1 1/2" tall)
~1 metal purse frame - I like the sew in type.  The one used in this tutorial is  4"  wide at the top x 5" wide at the bottom x 1½" high. A similar one can be found HERE.
There are also some really cute ones on Etsy HERE
The frame can also be found at Joann fabrics in store.  That is where I purchased mine.  They don't have it online : (
~ 2 pieces 10" x 10" fabric for the shell
~ 2 pieces 10" x 10" fabric for the lining
~ 2 pieces 10" x 10" fusible fleece
~ Perle Cotton Embroidery thread
~Matching thread
~Fabric marking pen or pencil

This is a great project to add hexies or use an orphaned paper pieced block or quilt block.

Making the Pattern

~ Mark a vertical line toward the left edge of your paper.  This is the center or fold line of the pouch.
~ Place the center of the frame on the center line on your paper.
~ Trace the top of the frame to the curve.

~ Pivot the frame at the middle of the curve and trace the rest of the frame. The more of an angle and width you add, the wider and "poofier"  the pouch will be.
~ Add 1/4" to the end of the frame.
~ Draw in the rest of the bag shape and then add 3/8" seam allowance all around.
This pouch measures 7 1/2" High x 8 3/4" wide at the widest point.
I added darts to this pouch to give it a bit more shape.  The darts are 3/4" wide x 1 1/4" tall.

~Note**Another way to check you pattern is to measure the top edge of the frame and compare it to the seam line on the pattern.  The pattern seam should be about 1/2" larger than the frame measurement**

Sewing your pouch together.

The instructions use photos of the pouch pictured above but will work for any pouch pattern.

 

Prepare the outside panels of your pouch.

1) Sew the outside panels of your pouch if doing a paper piecing block, quilt block, or hexie design.

Make sure your block is bigger than the pattern, approx. 10" x 10".

2) Apply the fusible fleece to both wrong sides of your outside pouch panels.

Quilt as desired. 

3) Place your pattern on the quilted panels.  Trace around the edge and cut out.

 If your pattern has darts, stitch them now.

 

 

 

Stitch the outside Pouch

1) Place your outside pouch panels right sides together.

2) Start at the frame/pouch intersection stitch around the bottom to the other side.

Press seam open.

3) Turn right side out.

 

 

 

Stitch the Lining

1) Cut your lining pieces.  Stitch the darts if they are part of the pattern.
2) Place your lining pieces right sides together.

3) Start at the frame/pouch intersection stitch around the bottom to the other side leaving a 3" opening at the bottom for turning.

Press seam open.

 

 

Stitch the outside pouch to the lining

1) Place the outside pouch inside the lining, right sides together.

2) On one side, Stitch the outside pouch  to the lining starting at frame/pouch intersection stitch around the top to the other side.

Repeat for the other side.

Press seam open.

3) Turn right side out.

4) Stitch the lining opening closed with an edge stitch or a hand slip stitch.

 

 

 

Stitch the Frame to the Pouch

 

1) Find the center of you top pouch panel.  Place the center of the purse frame at the center of the pouch panel

2) Starting at the center, baste the frame to the pouch on either side. 

Repeat for the other side

3) Stitch the Frame to the pouch with Perle cotton embroidery thread.

 

I'd love to see your version of the frame pouch.  Please include your projects in my Flickr group here.

 

Have a great day!  My 28th ; ) birthday will be filled with an Art Docent Lesson on Van Gogh to 27 Kindergarteners, hopefully a trip to Anthropologie just for fun, and an evening viewing of "Anna Karenina" with my hubs!

 

xo

Charise



Sew Mama Sew Give-away Winner

Thank you all so much for entering my give away.  I loved reading your comments!!


The winner is Jenny who said:
Those are so cute! I haven't yet paper pieced, but I plan to learn this year, so I'd love these -- thanks!

Congrats Jenny - I just sent you an email!!

Sew Mama Sew Give-Away Day!!!

Hi!  Today is the first day of Sew Mama Sew's Give Away Day!

 

I'm excited to be giving away the following:

 

My "Vintage Kitchen" Paper Piecing Patterns:
Mixing Bowls, Tea Time & Vintage Apron

 

 

 

 

Please leave a comment on this post by December 7 at 5 p.m. PST.
Please make sure I can contact you : )

 

AND don't forget to check out Sew Mama Sew blog for more give aways!!!

Good Luck

xo

Charise