notes from Terry Ann

"T" is for Terry's Tips 6: For the Love

"For the Love" by Sharon Burgess is a delicate beauty. Here's how the block goes together:

To save time tracing, print the patterns onto lightweight cardstock. Cut out the shapes. Cut the fabric 1/4" larger all the way around and baste the edges under to hold them in place.

To join the pieces, place two shapes right sides together with the edges even. Slide the needle through both pieces just at the edge without piercing the paper.

From the right side you won't be able to see the stitches that join the shapes. These basting stitches will be removed later.

Stitch the flower to the background square using matching thread. Use the side of your needle to tuck the extra fabric underneath when you reach the points. After stitching, remove the basting thread, cut the background away, and gently pull the paper out.

Be sure to stop over and visit Sharon Burgess to learn more about her.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

"T" is for Terry's Tips 5: Rose and Dot

Rose and Dot by Lori Kennedy

There are so many color possibilities - I want to make a whole garden of these blooms. I arranged fabrics in the proportion that will be in the block because that helps me choose colors.

I cut out my template and then used the leftover piece to choose placement on the fabric. Remember to place the curve on the bias and it will turn under more easily.

Cut the pieces out a scant quarter inch outside of the line. Pinch along the seam to bend the marked line and the seam allowance to the wrong side. Pin or baste to hold the shape in place while you sew.

Use the side of your needle to turn the edge under as you go. Stitch along the edge to hold the shapes in place.

I'll share more tips on Facebook Live today at 2:00 p.m. at Atkinson Designs. The video will be on my timeline afterwards and you can watch any time.

Be sure to stop over and visit Lori Kennedy to learn more about her.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

 

"T" is for Terry's Tips 4: Point Taken

Point Taken by Susan Ache

This block was fun to sew and with a few simple tricks you'll have a more accurate block.

Even for a simple block like this one, audition the fabrics by looking at them in about the same proportion that you'll see in the finished block. Try them in different positions and see how well they contrast with each other. I tried out several different blues before I found just the right one.

Round up and cut the squares 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" for Step 1. This gives you a little extra for trimming the squares to a perfect 2".

When stitching the little squares, stitch across a scrap first and stop with the needle down. Lift the presser foot and slide the squares right up to the needle.  Lower the presser foot and begin stitching.

Pay attention to pressing - two squares have seams pressed toward the big triangle and two are pressed toward the small triangle.

When pinning the squares together, insert the pins 1/4" from the edge, right where you'll sew. You'll drive right across where it's matching. Press seams open for less bulk.

 

I'll share more tips on Facebook Live today at 3:00 p.m. at Atkinson Designs. The video will be on my timeline afterwards and you can watch any time.

Be sure to stop over and visit Susan Ache to learn more about her.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

"T" is for Terry's Tips 3: Clamshells

Clamshells by Helen Stubbings.

This block has applique and embroidery - two techniques that don't often do. I found it very relaxing to do handwork for a change. Here are a few quick tips for getting your applique pattern ready.

When printing the Clamshell pattern, be sure to make sure the scale is set at 100% before you print. Measure to make sure that your printed pattern measures exactly 6-1/2" so your clamshells fit perfectly on the block.

An easy way to make a template is to use a glue stick to glue the pattern onto a piece of cardboard. I like to use an old file folder, but you could recycle a cereal box or use any lightweight cardboard. Cut out on the line and voila - your template is ready to use. This gives you a very accurate template and there's no need for template plastic.

I'll share some tips for choosing fabric on Facebook Live today at 3:00 p.m. at Atkinson Designs. The video will be on my timeline afterwards and you can watch any time.

Helen has a great tutorial on how to make the clamshells, and some great embroidery lessons for beginners.

Dive in and enjoy this block, and be sure to post your block at The Splendid Sampler!

 

 

"T" is for Terry's Tips 2

"Milk and Cookies" by Rebecca Bryan

Simple piecing and gentle curves go together to make the "Milk and Cookies" block. Here are a few tips that will help you stitch a great block.

Cut the squares 1/4" larger than the pattern suggests to allow for squaring up the final block. Press seams open to reduce bulk.

Trace the template with the curve on the diagonal or "bias" of the fabric and the curve will be easier to turn under. I use a sandboard when tracing shapes. It grips the fabric, keeping it from rippling as you move the pencil.

Cut the straight lines with a rotary cutter for accuracy. Cut the curves using a sharp scissors. If your chalk pencil makes thick lines, cut the lines off for more accurate pieces.

Stitch the units together in pairs, making sure they all faced the same way! Finger press the seams open to reduce bulk. Stitch three pairs together to make each half of the ring. Press all seams open.

Straighten the edge of each half of the ring with a rotary cutter

Finger press the edge under before pinning the ring to the background. It will be easier to turn the edge under when stitching.

Links

Go here for the "Milk and Cookies pattern.

Go here for the sandboard that I use; you'll also find great "how to" applique videos.  

Fat Quarter Christmas #8: Morning Noon and Night

Whenever I need a quick quilt for a gift, I make Morning, Noon, and Night because it is so fast and simple to put together. It's one of my favorites for that reason!

No matter which quilt I make, I like to finish the binding by machine because it is quick and durable. Here's how:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finger press the binding away from the center. Fold the binding around to the back and stitch “in the ditch”, catching the binding underneath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right before you reach the corner, look underneath and fold the edges exactly as shown. You may wish to place a pin to hold it. The side part must fold on top so it stays in place as it goes toward the needle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop with the needle down at the corner to turn.

Terry’s Tip: I like to fold each corner when I get there because if I try to pin them ahead of time it doesn’t work as well for me.

Fat Quarter Christmas #7: Happy Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get the holiday season started with a Happy Holidays table runner! I love the star shape that this pattern creates, it's fun, festive, and perfect for this time of year!

The Happy Holidays table runner may look tricky but the triangles are actually made from simple rectangles! Here's how:

Fat Quarter Christmas #4: Bridget's Bagettes

Looking for a small and simple gift idea? Why not make some Bridget's Bagettes! Using just two fat quarters you get one in each of the three sizes. They're speedy to make and have an easy edge finish, no binding or fuss! Bridget's Bagettes are great for giving notions (how about some Wonder Clips!), gift cards, jewelry, and candy. 

Fat Quarter Christmas #3: Natalie's Napkins

The contrast fabric looks like binding on these reversible fat quarter napkins, but why waste time binding? Our Natalie's Napkins pattern includes a fast and easy edge finish that is much easier than traditional binding. Make luncheon or dinner size napkins. (luncheon size shown in jar, dinner size shown below)

Fat Quarter Christmas: #1 Monterrey Medallion

I'm diving into my fat quarter stash this week and each day I'll share my favorite fun and festive projects for everyone on your list. Each day I'll also share a  sewing tip, recipe, or decorating idea. I can't wait to get started!

Day 1 Monterrey Medallion quilt

 

We chose three completely different greens for the center star (above left) but when they were sewn together, they all looked the same. Out came the seam ripper!! Adding a lighter green made a huge difference (above right).

Lesson learned: If the colors don't seem quite right - try something else! Sometimes colors don't behave the way you think they will, and it just takes a few minutes to find a combination that you like better.

It was really fun to arrange and rearrange the blocks to try different layouts but we got the woodpile blocks all mixed up when switching layouts.

Lesson learned: It was faster and less confusing to stack the "lefty" and "righty" woodpile blocks in separate piles before trying each layout.

Favorite Layouts: We took a cell phone photo of each layout so we could compare them. Each layout uses the same blocks! Which one do you like best?

Stop back tomorrow for a gift idea for that special child on your list using just 3 far quarters.

Breakfast Inspiration

Sometimes when I wake up and reach for my cereal bowl I get more than breakfast - I get inspired! Look at how Kirk put the Fiesta bowls away. These are just the bowls that happened to be clean - or did he plan this? Of course I found some batiks in my stash in those very same colors . . .

And then cut pieces for the Dovetail quilt. I used more of the cool blues and greens for balance because the warm colors are so intense. The finished quilt is one of my favorites.