Mini Postage Stamp Paper Pieced Pattern

 

Click on the pattern for your FREE pattern download so that you can make this Mini Postage stamp quilt block. Before borders this block measures 6 1/2 inches square. I added 2 in borders around it.  

 All you really need to get started is a sewing machine, the pattern, thread, scissors, a few 2 inch strips of fabric. Depending on how many squares you want to make will calculate how much white fabric you will need. You need 18 white 2 inch squares and 4 white 9 by 2 inch strips for borders. 

It is handy to have an iron close to your work station but some people prefer to use a quilt seam roller to flatten the seams as you go. Either way can work just fine. Although if you are using scraps it is best to iron them before cutting out the squares it can help keep you from making errors in your seams. I bought a wool iron mat that I can keep on my desk next to my sewing machine and it works perfect for me. 

When it comes to fabric, this is a great project to use scraps. Since you only need a 2 inch square. You can purchase foundation paper piecing paper that can be easier to tear off the back of your project when you are finished, but if you are just making small projects typing paper works just fine. It is best though to tear off the paper before adding the borders. It can also be helpful to shorten your sewing machines stitch length. This creates more holes in the paper and makes it tear off easily when you are done. 

If your like me and love the tiny quilt blocks but don't like all that detail when it comes to cutting. You may like this pattern as much as me. Or maybe you are just learning how to paper piece then I hope this will help you learn the gist of paper piecing. 

I'd love to see your creations on instagram you can find me @katiecraftymom

Use the hashtag #minipostagequilt

Happy Sewing Friends!!!

Tie Dye Shibouri DIY

I explain from start to finish how I created these prints in the video below. 

 

Thread Folk Book Review

First off, I do realize that this book has been out for two years. It may be a bit unconventional to review it this late in the game. When it comes to crafting, I like to make my own rules. You can still buy this book new here. This book is packed with great information for a beginner or someone that is rusty and hasn't done this craft for years. One of the things that I love about this book is the illustrations of the stitches and the instructions that go along with them. It walks you through each stitch. There is a lot of information packed in the front of this book from all the tools you need and how to use them, to finishing your projects. 

The cover is really nice. This would be a great coffee table book. I don't know about you but I love having crafting books at my fingertips and pouring through them again from time to time. I find it very inspiring. There are a log of great patterns in the book. And the photography is just beautiful. The only thing I really didn't care for was the embroidered patches. I don't think this is something I will ever make. It is an interesting technique that I would have loved when I was a child. I think it just appeals to a younger audience. So on that note I would recommend this book as a gift idea for the young embroiderer in your life who is just learning or wants to learn. When it comes to the patterns, they are all printed in the back of the book on perforated pages that you can tear out. There is also an envelope in the back cover that will fit any pattern you tore out. This is a nice feature. I did tear out a couple patterns and traced with pencil onto fabric for my project. If you want to trace with pencil, it is going to take some patience. The patterns are pretty intricate and you really need a mechanical pencil to make thin enough lines. The project I tried was "Gardener Girl" I started with the black outline for the girl. Then I began working on the flower and decided that my thread was too bulky so I took that out and am starting again. Here is a picture of it still in progress.

Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial

Click on the Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial Picture below to watch my tutorial and click on the pattern for your FREE pattern download so that you can make one with me!!! 

 All you really need to get started is a sewing machine, the pattern, thread, scissors, a few 3 inch strips of fabric that are around 5 inches long. I like using my iron too. Some people prefer to use a quilt seam roller to flatten the seams as you go but I just really like to use my iron. I bought a wool iron mat that I can keep on my desk next to my sewing machine and it works perfect for me. 

When it comes to fabric, this is a great project to use scraps. I used some left over pieces from a quilt I had made. If you have a jelly roll that can work too.

You can purchase foundation paper piecing paper that can be easier to tear off the back of your project when you are finished, but if you are just making small projects typing paper works just fine. I have used typing paper for years and it works just fine. You’ll want to keep your stitch length short, try 1.7 so that the paper will tear off easily when you are done. 

You’ll see in my tutorial that I am using a lamp  to help me see through the paper. You don’t need this to get started but it does make it easier. Use what you have. Do you have a lamp, or a window close to your workstation. I also have used my ceiling light in the past and I would just hold up my piece to the light. It’s a bit fussy, so you may want to purchase a light box if you plan on paper piecing a lot. The light I am actually using is an IKEA light that I had bought for ambience in my living room but  I couldn’t find a place that it belonged so it ended up in my craft room and one day I was sewing and the lightbulb came on literally and figuratively (lol) and now it is my paper piecing lamp. I’m all about using the things you have and thinking outside the box. 

I hope this pattern and tutorial helps you to develop a love for paper piecing or re-ignite the flame that once was. Either way after you make a couple coasters you can feel like a pro and ready to take on another challenge. 

I'd love to see your creations on instagram you can find me @katiecraftymom

Happy Sewing Friends!!!

Drawstring Mini Bag

This is a great little bag to sew with leftover scraps in your stash that are just to large to toss but not quite large enough to use for any other project. I like using mine to put notions or cosmetics in. 

I used to have my drawstring mini bag pattern available on the old craftsy website. It took me a little while but now I have it available to download right here on my blog. It should be much easier to share now and you can make this cute little bag for any little things to keep odds and ends in.  Just click on the picture of the pattern for the printable, as well as the instructions. Happy Sewing Friends!!!

You can find my YouTube Tutorial HERE and watch how simple this bag can come together.