Wordless Wed 362~ Diminishing Scrap Pile

 

Wordless Wed 361~ Library's Nov 2023 Sit and Sew

 

Monday Mem 148~DIY Handmade Loops for Buttons & Hooks - An Old Guest Tutorial

I was thrilled when Natalie asked me to do a Guest Post for "Marigold's Loft!" back in 2013! That's been a while. She stopped working on her blog in 2017.   Hoping everyone finds this tutorial useful for their next sewing project that requires a button loop or a hook/snap.

 
I have no idea how I came about this method back in the 60s or 70s.  I think I made it up with crocheting in mind, because I did not enJOY stitching on loops that came with the hooks, and I definitely did not like to make button holes even with my machine. The loops work great especially on doll/baby/children clothing, and small opening at the neckline of an adult garment.

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For the most part, the pictures will give the directions.

Sew 3 loops!  That's 6 threads strong.

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My original Blog post in 2013

Thanks to the FREE programs:

possibly used for this post

GIMP for cropping & other digital effects

 Photoscape for downsizing & watermarking photo

PicMonkey creating collages used on this page

Fun Fri~ Hexie All Occasion Card

When I was adding pieces to the Hexie quilt (See last Wordless Wednesday) I was thinking of what "Get Well" card I would make to send my dear High School friend and eventually College Room Mate. I decided a Hexie Flower would make a good "any occasion" card. So why not make one as a get well card. She likes to quilt as well.
 

Some fussy cutting from a sunflower fabric.

Fabric softener sheet cut to the size of the card to be the pallet of work.

Tiny "Heat and Bond" strips were used to hold the hexies down

while machine stitching occurred. 

Then large paper clips hold the piece to the front of the card

while the piece is edge stitched all around.

Sometimes I do use an edge stitching foot 

around the edge of the card

 to be more accurate.

 

Not enough Fun Fridays in the week.

Thoughtful Thur ~ My Fabric Stash Contributing Friends

 

I am so thankful for my thoughtful friends that think of me when they see fabric piles.

I never say no to anyone that asks if I want their fabric they want to leave their home as in when they clean out their Mother's stash.  Thanks Lenita and Carol's children. Also to Laura who moved away and wanted the children of the Christian Academy to use her fabrics as I taught them how to sew. (Unfortunately closed now, but will still teach.) 

I've had friends to find fabric and yard sales and grab it for me and GIVE it to me even though they paid a price and refused to let me pay. Thanks Margo

I've had friends to buy a box of fabric from online just for one item out of the box then asked if I wanted the rest. Thanks Edith

I've had friends that just didn't want their fabric or scraps and thought of me. (along with a quilting book). Patty multiple times.

I've had friends to donate fabric, scraps, curtains and sheets for benevolent projects such as face masks and overseas children's clothes. Thanks Patty, Nadine, Lenita and Kathy F.

I've had friends to donate leftover scraps from quilts made. Thanks Earlene multiple times.

I've had blogging friends that so generously pay for postage to mail me piles and boxes of fabric, and hexie pieces for and entire quilt (see yesterday's post). Thank you Barbara and Kathy (and I think there is another?)

I've had clients to leave me their scraps after I made their quilts or memory quilts. Thanks to more than I can remember. 

Then of course for Christmas I've been given bundles of fabric. I remember my daughter gave me the most beautiful shower curtain for the fabric, because she decided not to use it. I've trained her well to think of me/fabric? Thank you Phyllis and Amy.

So when I think I just can't take anymore, I do find a place to stuff them. I'm also motivated to use them up to make more room for my thoughtful friends' gifts.

No, I don't worry about my family getting rid of it all some day. I think they'd rather I be busy and happy right now. I'd also rather give away fabric in an altered sewn up form. 

As I give away, it comes back to me, makes me think of Luke 6:38 (Read the EASY version on the You Version app) 

 "Give to other people and God will give to you. He will give to you even more than you gave. He will fill your pocket until no more will go in. It will be so full that it will come out over the top. Think about how you give to other people. God will give in the same way to you."

I'm so "THINKFUL" OF MY FRIENDS.

Wordless Wed 360~ Hexies by Hand: The Cinderella Project

 

Quilt Shot Block 161~ Candy Striped Holly Star Variation for a Veteran's Day Flag

 
Candy Striped Variation

Original Candy Striped Holly Star Designed by Sarah Thomas

Pattern PDF: BH5 – Group 1, Block 9 – Candy Striped Holly Star
Moda blog post: Group 1, Block 9 blog post
Instagram: @sariditty

 

 As the USA on Nov 10 (11) 

honors those that have served 

our country

 in the Armed Forces

Thank you to all the Veterans for your service, 

especially those in my family and dear friends.

        I have followed Moda's Blockheads since Blockhead 1. Recently, I found Blockhead 5 Facebook Group and joined so I could see participants' beautiful creations and keep up with downloading their free patterns. Never know when you might need a free pattern?

        Then, last week, I was trying to plan a yard flag for Veterans Day when BH5, Group 1, Block 9 appeared! Even though the block was intended to be for another Holiday, I adapted. I didn't intend to reverse one half of the block, but it happened and I rather like how the stars are holding hands. I hope the designer doesn't mind. 

         This was a paper pieced pattern and of course I used the "No Tear Paper Piece" method found HERE.

            I crazy pieced various scrap fabrics that had been given to me after Quilts of Valor had been finished. I keep sewing fabrics together to the size to make a yard flag. In this case I started with the Candy Striped Holly Star Block and worked out from there. 

            Then, I cut rectangles of paper to decide on the size of lettering that I free hand cut. Turned out 2 inch letters worked. I then ironed on light weight interfacing to white fabric, cut into the 2 inch squares from which I cut the letters.  The "S" is the only one I have to Frixon pin write the letter to cut around to keep me oriented. I get turned around every time on that one.

I actually got brave enough to use the Free Motion Foot to sew on the letters. The stitching isn't perfect, but sure got the job done in about half the time it would have taken using a regular stitching foot.

      You can find the rest of Block Head 5 Blocks HERE.  They came out every Wednesday. I understand they aren't done yet, but have paused and will be back in January. 

 Honor your Vet today if you haven't already.

 

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