More on 3D Flowers

As I mentioned on the last post, here is another way to complete the flowers.   In this example, I used some hand dyed fabric.    Again the squares were cut at 6 1/2 inches.     The following arrangement uses 6 petals to form the flowers.

For this flower, I stitched a centre line through each petal, directly on to the backing fabric.   As each petal was stitched into shape, I folded the other petals out of the way.   From memory I did every second petal first and then finished the others.

For the centre of this flower, which was quite large, I cut a strip of organza on the bias (1 1/2 inches wide) and then stitched through the centre of the fabric, forming a concentric circle.   The outer layer of the organza was then stitch down using the free motion foot.

The pink and purple flower quilt were completed using the "quilt as you go" method.   My theory for using this method, was that I could work on a small piece (I have a bulging disc at the minute, so needed to pace myself at the machine) and complete each block ready to put together.

Cut backing and wadding the same size as your block.....

 Quilt as desired........

I join my blocks together with a wide zigzag.  

I cut strips of fabric, folded them in half, then unfolded and refolded, this time with the raw edges in to the centre (just like making bias binding, only without the bias part).  Using my faithful glue stick, I attached the strips between each block, and stitched in place, firstly with a straight stitch - just to keep everything in place and then with a decorative stitch.   

Each row of blocks was then joined in the same way.      The back needed to be taken care of next, and although a little messy in spots, I thought I would give same lace a try to cover the seams - these were hand stitched in place.    I used a lace which had no directional qualities  (well not noticeable anyway).  My original plan was that the quilt would be a wall hanging but the lace seems pretty hardy so I think it would work for any application.

The binding was done in two fabrics.    When stitched in place, it gives a look of a piped edge and raises the opportunity to add more colour - as if there wasn't enough already.

Cut one half of the binding at  1 1/2 inches wide  and  the other piece at  1 1/4inch wide.   Join with a 1/4 inch seam.   I pressed towards the lighter fabric (the thinner piece).       Now fold in half and press again - you will see just a little of the wider fabric.    Of course, you can make these any width you like and vary the amount of secondary colour that will be seen.   Again I used a little of the good ole glue stick to tack things down as I pressed.   As it is water based it will wash right out at the end.

Next step is to attach the binding to the back of the quilt.   Normally you would attach it to the front.   For those of you who like to do quick quilts, may I say, this is a much faster method and so neat on the back  if you like to sew your binding on and down with the sewing machine.   There are no surprise bits, like finding that you have sewn all the way around from the front, only to discover that you have not folded as well as you should and you have missed bits. 

Mitering the corners is exactly the same, just in reverse.

 Fold carefully on the corners, I use a needle or the quick unpick to get nice sharp corners.

And the beauty of this method is that you can do a bit more decorative stitching if you wish, or you can just stitch in the ditch (if you stitch on the line between the dark and light fabric the piping would be loose and look more like piping).

 So there you have it - a couple of tips to speed up the process of binding.

Now for those of you following the O'Reilly dog, here are a few photo's.  I apologise for the quality - my phone was the only thing close to hand.

We  all know the classic lines from Sylvester and Tweety - I tawt I taw a puddy tad - well you might have seen a pussy cat Tweety, but you didn't notice O'Reilly sneaking up from behind did you?   No.....

Figure 4 Head Lock

 Do you think Tweety has a look of surprise on his face - I thought so when I turned on the lights in the kitchen one night, to find just a head laying by the fridge.  Very disturbing.

And a question I ask many times a day these days - why?    If you get so comfortable on this setup.....

 .......why would you do this?      

Cushion on footstool totally obliterated  (pic taken through fly screen door).  

On a floral note, finally,  previous comments about funereal bouquets  have been taken on board and red roses surfaced for a wedding anniversary.    All flowers these days are the "focus" (pun intended) of photographic endeavours.

Bye for now.

Sue xxx

FURTHER TO MY TIP ABOUT JOINING FABRIC...

I previously posted about using tape to hold your pieces when joining fabric for binding or sashing etc. Since I did that post, I have found an even easier method. The Glue Method.

As in my post http://tiramisue-suesblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/never-fail-mitred-corner-blog.html the glue stick is your friend!!

Here are the pictures. Place your two strips like so, right sides together.

Fold the top one back on itself until you have the 45 degree angle.

Press.

Place some glue on the folded piece (the bit that will be removed). Stay away from the 1/4inch seam allowance.

Reposition. Give another press if necessary.

Sew across the fold line and trim back to 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Press the seam allowance open.

Hey presto, done!!

And finally, Norman and the "what do you mean you want to use the machine" look.

I think that is it for now.

Sue

Here's a tip...

Just a little trick to help with the art of joining fabric for sashings and borders, and making tape for binding your quilt (not bias).

Cut strips to desired width. Lay one on the ironing board/pressing surface, face up, the other face down.

Now make a 45 degree fold and press.
Flip back over and line up with the first strip.

Now place a piece of tape on the seam (masking tape is better than stickytape - my roll of masking tape keeps going missing - last seen being used by the cricketer in the house to turn a tennis ball into a cricket ball and also to repair the aforementioned cricketers boot - I don't ask anymore - just roll my eyes ).Flip open and stitch - ideally just a stitch width away from the fold, that way you won't trap the sticky in the seam.Trim fabric back to 1/4 inch seam, remove the tape and press open. Ready to go.If you are going to use for binding a quilt, just fold in half, press and then stitch in place.

I have been working on a quilt, to be taught at my local community house. It is aimed at the beginner but is a nice easy quilt for anyone to try. I kept it to basic black and white on the front, but the back is very bright indeed. It matches my kitchen perfectly, so will probably end up as a table cloth (don't freak - with a plastic cover of course).

And.... butter wouldn't melt in it's mouth - Norman is in disgrace - the phantom piddler strikes again. I thought I should make some inroads into cleaning my sewing room up, retrieved the vacuum cleaner (I don't use the ducted vacuum cleaner for my room - usually ends up with the plumber being called to unblock the pipes) anyway I digress.... started work, looked at a couple of lines on the carpet, thinks to myself - I'll get a damp cloth and remove them. Head downstairs, notice wet spot, stop to investigate - cat pee - go to where the vacuum cleaner was, large puddle of cat pee - I have sucessfully dragged this offending liquid with me upstairs across carpet (fortunately it is only drops because I was actually carrying the vacuum cleaner) and so begins the cleanup. Vacuum cleaner wheels are what left the first stain, clean those marks up, clean the vacuum - remove the wheels still stink after washing in the bucket - back to the laundry for them to soak in the tub in bleach - follow the trail across the carpet and down the stairs - a good hour later, order has been restored and of course the room still isn't finished. Norman and I aren't speaking.

Sue