Reverse Applique Tutorial

Reverse Applique Tut...Tut....Tutorial

This is a very simple technique that you can do perfectly, or not so perfectly.  If you have been afraid to sew because of being afraid to make mistakes...this is a PERFECT beginner project!!



So here is what I did: Gathered supplies needed:

1. fusible interfacing

2. solid colored t shirt (handmade OR store bought) ;)

3. sharp...did I say sharp scissors

4. sewing machine and thread

5. seam ripper (just in case)...just saying! ;)


Decide what you want to applique, for your first project, maybe start off with something simple that has a simple shape, like a flower or a heart.  For my tutorial, I have decided to make a Transformer's shirt for my son. 

I cut a piece of the interfacing a tad bit larger than my design and ironed it onto the wrong side of my fabic. I then found the Transformer autobot (VERY important to differentiate that) logo :) I started to draw it on the interfacing.  Again, if you think your artistic skills are a bit short of Rembrandt...so are mine.  This project is forgiving.

Ok the fun step....I turned the shirt inside out, I pinned the fabric with the interfacing facing me and started to sew a straight stitch around the perimeter.

MAKE VERY VERY sure that as you are tracing your lines, you do not get the bottom of the shirt caught underneath the needle, sew it together as one piece and then pull your hair out in frustration...just saying ;)

Another **Tip** is that I back stitched at the beginning and end of each line (look at the pic below and you can see where the stitching is a little darker at the edges)

Once you have finished your stitching, turn your shirt back to the right side, and it should look something like this:

As you can see, it is not perfect, but with this type of applique, that is ok, almost better. Also I only stitched around once.

Now take out you sharpest scissors (also the smaller the better when trying to get into small spaces) Clip away at the areas that YOU want to see the under lying fabric come through on the design.

clip clip clip away....until you are happy with your design! (also keep in mind that once you wash it, the knit fabric will curl a little)


Here's mine:

Cute...hugh?




Hugs and Blessings!
Ingrid

Arm Candy

Ok so I have a new strategy.  When I usually start a new project, this is the usual routine:

Step One:  Idea strikes!  I have to make that...N O W!!

Step Two:  Head to my sewing nook and start my drawing....

Step Three: Halfway thru, hmmm....makebe I should look online to see some more inspiring ideas!

Step Four:  Go online...

Step Five: (Usually 30 min to an hour, or hours, later) One of my kiddos complains of a rumbly tummy, thirsty throat, etc...

Step Six: I get up, put the sketch in my To Do Folder...

(at this point, I have forgotten my brilliant idea)

Step Seven: Idea strikes!   REPEAT STEPS 1 thru 6

So, I have decided to go through my list one by one and to help me get thru each project I am setting an alarm.  I think it will force me to get thru more projects, and in turn make things that will be fast and easy to make... so here goes!

Pin Cushion Quilt 

(it's for over your arm chair!)

D E T A I L S:  


* (main piece)2 pieces of fabric cut 23" X 7"

* (main piece) batting

* (pocket) apx. 8" X 12" (I altered it from   
   that for asthetics)
* (binding) 2" X 65"
* (flower center) 4" X 4"

* (flower center)fiber fill

* (flower petals) Fabric cut 6" X 6" (then cut 
   to resemble petals
* (scraps for rosettes and leaves)

I wanted something that would go over the arm of my chair that would give me quick access to pins, scissors and other supplies I use every time I sew.. (ok, ok, some candies too!) 

I drew a quick sketch on my calendar of what I was thinking.

I took my tape measure and made an estimate of where I would like it to begin and end, and that is where I came up with my measurements (feel free to adjust accordingly).

I cut 2 pieces of fabric and bating in a rectangle. (cut 23" X 7") and assembled them like a sandwich, with right sides facing out, and pin through out.

This also gave me an excuse need to use my new BSR foot (it is a free motion quilt foot) :)

I played around with circle swirlies all over....

Another first, I tried my hand out at quilt binding.  (truth be told, I still need LOTS MORE a little practice) So I am NOT going to add a tutorial on binding, but I will show you the pictures of it along the way.  There are tons of tutes out there that you can google, that will help you way more than mine.

I cut a circle with a diameter of about 4".  Once I cut it out, I placed it on a piece of fabric about 6" X 6" and cut petals around the edge.

Then sewed all the way around, adding a pleat every few inches to make the edges lay flat, leaving about an inch open...

Now...stuff it! and finish the stitching.

I added a couple of tiny rosettes and leaves.

Lastly, I added my pocket (leaving the top edge frayed, and altered just a bit)

No more looking all over my messy table top for my pincushion! :)

Hugs and Blessings,

Ingrid

{**quick update, my plan did not work...at ALL.  Not only did I completely forget to turn the timer on, BUT, this post is going up 3 days after I started the original post**}

Applique

Applique 101 Part ONE {SEW ALONG}

Because we have had such success in our first MONTH of running Karatootie.  As a Thank You to all of our readers and Followers, I have decided to give you a secret glimpse into my applique.


When I first discovered the world of Boutique clothing and appliques, I learned one thing FAST, no one would give away their tricks.  As a (fairly) crafty mom of a new baby girl, I wanted to dig my hands right in and learn.  I didn't have anyone to teach me, so I just started playing around, making up my own techniques as I went along.  I love to hear that other new moms want to make goodies for their little ones, something that can be passed on for generations.  I always say that if I could do it, anyone can! (REALLY)  If you are intimidated, don't be, just try it, and really the worst case is, it is not as cute as you'd like.  It was still made with your precious hands, and if you enjoy the process, practice, you'll get better...I promise :)


So with that in mind, this may not be the best way, the fastest way, or easiest, but it is my way...and I want to share it with you....my newest best friends: :)


When I applique, my first step is drafting a design that I love, in this case, it is a sweet fumbling lil' elephant, I have named Mr. Saggy Bottoms.  I drew him out on unlined paper.  If I like the design enough, I go over it with a black marker to make it easier to see.  (I used to use sharpies, but after the cloud of disorientation had lifted, I decided to go with plain ol crayolas)

Next, I place my design under my heat n bond.  Remember that your design will be the opposite of however you put it on the heat n bond.  So for example here my trunk will actually end up going to the right instead of the left.  Speaking of heat n bond, I use light, which means it has less glue to gum up your needle. 

Don't put your marker down just yet, next I trace each piece Mr. Saggy Bottoms.  Starting with the ear here, and I am going to overlap it just a bit so that it can go under the face, and be more secure when we start stitching :)

Here are my pieces so far:

Go ahead and get your pieces traced out one by one and join me next week for the next steps :)


Hugs and Blessings,
Ingrid

Baby Doll or Pup Blanket

Hey there!  Sorry it has been so long since the last post.  We had our family dog get really sick last week and pass away this weekend.  My daughter is pretty much obsessed with animals, and when she found out (which I thought was going to be super hard) said "ok...can we get another puppy?"  Then my son, who really isn't that interested with our pets, took it very rough and is still tearing up at the mention of her name.  We are all still adjusting. 


Anyways this little tute, is dedicated to our Codi.  It is a blanket for our other furry friend Minnie.  She is a tiny little thing of a Maltese so I would really compare her with a baby doll.  So if you only have the latter, you can still make your little girl(s)very happy with a custom blanket for her little friend.

Here are the fabrics that I used.  I wanted 2 coordinating pieces for each side and a contrasting piece for the ruffle.  You can chose to do 3, 2, 1 or even 10!  Be creative!  

This is a very versatile blanket.  You can alter the colors, the dimensions, the colors, even the shape!


I took my 2 coordinating fabrics (using the Sandi Hendeson Ginger Blossom line) and cut each one into a 17 X 24" piece.


I actually rip my fabric, it rips right at along the grain and makes a straight line. So if you're frustrated at the end of the day, because you've already cleaned your kitchen 3 times today, snip a piece of fabric and...

RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPP

Then measure your width to 24 and cut both pieces to that width.  (I lined mine up and cut once)

Since My piece is essentially 4 sides measuring 17 X 24 X 17 X 24 (equalling 82" total) I cut my ruffle piece 90" (this will give me some extra to play with as well). (this will not be a full ruffle and pretty much just be gathering at the corners)  To get that, I ripped two, 2" pieces salvage to salvage.  Then, sewed them together creating one long strip.

Next I put my main pieces right sides together. 

Following, is probably the most time consuming part.  You are going to sandwich your ruffle piece inside the 2 pieces and pin all three together.  (sandwich on the inside, so when you're pinning you can't see the ruffle)


At the corners, I just hand gathered, to create a little gather, and go around the edges.  Pin in place.

You will need to match up the ruffle piece create a seam.

Match it up, sew a seam and cut off any excess.  

Next sew, using a 1/4 inch seam almost all the way around. (start in the middle of one of your long sides)(not shown here)

   


You will need to leave a space (large enough to get your hand through, to pull the fabric right side out)

Go ahead and pull it right side out,  and pin the hole in place.

Head to your iron and press the whole thing so that it is crisply ironed.

Last step, go around the whole thing with a topstitch about 1/4 from the edge.

Sit back and admire your new blankie.  Wouldn't this make a cute Christmas gift?

Hugs and Blessings!
Ingrid

Knit Headband

TUTORIAL ... Easy Knit Headband -hairband Instructions

These are the BEST!!!!  I love them, my girls love them... they are fun and quick to make... not to mention adorable to match up with any outfit!!!  You'll soon be making one in every color!!!!  :-)

You will need a piece of stretchy knit fabric... I normally cut mine 18" long by 4" wide.  This size nicely fits toddler thru adult!  If you want a wider, funky hairband instead of 4" wide go as wide as you like!  Once you have your piece cut fold it in half as shown below!  You will want to leave the ends open a little (about 1") so I place a pin there to remember not to stitch all the way to the end (ask me why I do this)!  :-)

Now stitch as shown below... NOTE... I use a serger OFTEN, most normal people would probably use their sewing machine... I just happen to have a serger addiction!  :-)  SOOOOO... you can just do a straight stitch with your sewing machine!

After done stitching you will turn right side out and iron!  I like to move the seam around until its in the middle and iron... shown below.  The side where you see the seam will be the inside!

Now you will want to join your ends... pin your starting place, take to the machine and stitch the ends together... shown below...

Now pull straight and tuck everything that is still sticking out in!  :-)

Now at this point I am just going to stitch a stright line along that center seam to close everything up.  If you dont want to see the stitching you could hand stitch this closed.  It normally does not matter to me as this is normally the back bottom of my hairband!  OR... another FUN option is that it can be the top front and you can embellish it with a flower, button, or whatever fun thing you can think of to go right over that stitching to cover it up!

You are ALL DONE!!!  Now, go find a little cutie to try it on!!!  OR try it on yourself, find a mirror and admire your work! 

I hope you enjoyed!!  :-)

Blessings,

Charity <><