Saturday, May 31, 2014

English Paper Piecing...

Often times I have time left on my lunch break, after I eat.   If I'm not reading or visiting antique/flea markets, I will be working on a crocheted or hand sewn project.

I recently bought a small English Paper Piecing kit to give it a try.  I must admit I didn't expect to like the process but wanted to try it, just to say I did.

Surprise...Surprise!  I truly like to English Paper Piece.  It is a great way to work on a project when you are limited in space or time.

Here's how it's done.  A template is used to create the shapes. Feeling for the edge of the template as you stitch allows you to keep your stitches even.  You do not stitch through the template in this method, making the template reusable.


Supplies: Fabric Squares (2" in this case) and templates (hexagon here. can use other shapes)

The templates are made of heavy stock paper, cardboard, plastic, Mylar, or acrylic.

I'm using heavy stock paper templates in this project.


Place template on wrong side of fabric, can pin in place to keep it secure.











Fold fabric down over edge of template firmly on two sides, creating a sharp corner in the fabric and tack down.  Move to next two sides and repeat.












I figured out, while I was working on this to tie square knots at each corner instead of tacking, then clipping each time.  It made the process go faster.

 Square knot: right end over left and through, then left end over right and through.







Stitch a center block and six outer blocks.  Use a whip stitch to stitch the outer blocks to the center block using the top edge of the template as a guide to stitch.

Once the outer blocks are stitched to center block, trim the fabric overlap on the center block to 1/4" and remove template.

Can reuse the template later.




Once the center template is out, you can then fold the piece to stitch the sides of the outside pieces together.









Once you have the sides of the outer pieces sewn together, trim the overlapped fabric to 1/4" and remove the templates.

If using paper pieces you can press before you remove templates.  Otherwise, press after templates are removed.



Here are some samples of finished blocks.  The smaller one is made using 1" blocks of fabric and smaller template.

I think these will look nice on a background with appliqued stems and leaves, creating a bouquet of flowers.

So there you have it.

If you would like a easy small hand sewing project, try out English Paper Piecing.

There are several ways to do it and you can find all kind of videos for it on YouTube.  I prefer this method the best.

Hugs,
Sonia

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Happy Memorial Day!

Hello, I just want to take a moment to remember all my fellow brothers and sisters who have served or are now serving for our freedom.

THANK YOU!

Here is a wreath I made in honor of their service.


I added some new flowers to the decorations I normally have in indoors.  


Elvis watched as I put them together.    


Memorial Day brings back fond memories of the time I served with the 188th TFG in Fort Smith, AR; over 20 years ago.



 Please take a moment this Memorial Day to remember those who have served and are still serving today for our freedom.

God bless and Happy Memorial Day!

Hugs,
Sonia

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Flooding Memories...

What a busy past several days....

The month of May is probably one of the busiest months of the year for me and my family.

My youngest, Audre, graduated High School this past weekend.
I look back over the years and wow, how the memories flood my mind.






CONGRATULATIONS AUDRE!


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

25 Years

On this day 25 years ago, at 10:00 in the morning, David and I said "I Do".









He is my best friend and I love him more each day.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Pretty...

Hello, thought I'd share my flower garden with you.  The Irises have started blooming and the Hostas are coming up.









David cut some of the irises and I put them in a glass mug.  They make a pretty bouquet for the table.

A small visitor rode in on the yellow iris.

Needless to say he is no longer in the house.  :)



Hugs,
Sonia

Beauty of Giving

www.youravon.com/sparham