Tag: Susan Marth

Christmas Sewing, New Magazine Quilt

Simply Moderne Issue #23 Is Now Available

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Another Quiltmania publication is available today!

Yes, I’m a fan of this magazine family

&

I have 2 quilts in this issue!

Sharing My Joy

is a quilt-as-you-go table runner.

How cute this will look on your Christmas table!

It will also look great on your friend’s door or wall.

&

Through The Pines

is a quilt-as-you-go lap or wall quilt.

Wrap yourself in Christmas spirit this year

& for many years to come!

If you already have my new Tiny Tree Template set,

you will have these tiny trees made in no time

& have a snugly Christmas quilt

to enjoy all those Christmas movies during this holiday season!

Find Simply Modern Issue #23 on newsstands now or

at Quiltmania by clicking here.

If you’d like the optional Tiny Tree Template Set

it can be found on my website by clicking here.

Just Keep Sewing…for Christmas!

Susan

Applique quilt projects, Dresden Plate Quilt, My Life, New quilt pattern

Does Freezer Paper Appliqué Scare Or Excite You?

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If freezer paper appliqué scares you,

you should know that you’re not alone!

I used to be one of those people,

but the experience of making the centers of little Dresden plates

has changed all of that for me.

I now – LOVE – freezer paper appliqué.

& I think I’ve gotten pretty good at it.

Practice is the only real solution to this obstacle.

Practice easy techniques using the best tools available.

I now find it to be very easy & I love the challenge &

the self satisfaction that comes with each completed project.

That’s the best advice that I can offer you,

that & show you those easy techniques.

Sit back & view these images & short videos & also

go to my Instagram for more short videos that I made just for you!

First use the Apliquick bars to cover the freezer paper shapes. It’s a little different for the round shapes vs. a straight edge & point. You can see the differences in these 2 vidoes.

After the appliqué shapes are made

glue them onto the background fabric.

Stitch them with the tiny blind hem stitch that I use,

or use your favorite appliqué stitch by machine or by hand.

The threads should match the appliqué shape being stitched down,

not the background fabric.

Next you’ll need to CAREFULLY cut slits behind each shape

so the freezer paper templates can be removed.

Use sharp serrated scissors for best results.

With a white cloth, generously wet the shapes.

It’s only necessary to wet the applique shapes.

No need to get the whole block wet.

Let the piece sit for a few minutes

until the glue has a chance to release the paper.

A gentle pull on opposite sides of each shape

will release the paper from the stitches.

If the paper doesn’t easily release,

it’s probably not wet enough.

I’m loving Jen Kingwell’s newest line,

Winkipop by Moda.

I hope that I’m changing your mind about trying freezer paper applique.

It truly is worth the effort!

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

My Life

Happiness is…

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Happiness is…

finding a box of Thin Mints that I hid away!

I received several boxes for Mother’s Day

& knew I’d appreciate them even more at a later date.

It’s a later date

& we have plenty of milk!!!

FYI I only brought out 1 roll, shhhhhhhh…..

Someone else around here likes them even more than I do

& they were my gift!

Hope you’re having a great day!

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

My Life, Quarantine Quilting

COVID 19 Quarantine Quilting & Supporting Our Local Quilt Shops

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I hope you’re staying healthy during this crazy quarantine period.

It’s a strange time for sure.

What are you doing with all of your quarantine time?

Are you making masks?

I’ve made a few dozen by now.

Are you getting lots of quilting done?

I’m actively working on our 3″ blocks…

My stack is considerably taller now.

I’ve also started a new project with our guild.

There are 182, 4″ x 5″ blocks in the book.

I’ve cut kits for each of them.

Yesterday I posted #1.

Just 181 to go!

Oh yes, I’ve also spent COUNTLESS hours trying to get our lousy internet to work properly…

(& my mom’s too. They live just down the street & also having issues).

I guess our crappy service just cannot take the overload.

It’s off, it’s on, it’s off… Welcome to rural America.

Anyone use Viasat?

It’s the only service that looks like it might work,

but I don’t know anyone who’s had success with it

so we’re leery to jump into a 2 year contract with them.

Perhaps you’re working on your flower beds getting them ready for the season?

Can’t really take credit here except

that I have dug some up to share

& to move closer to the house to better appreciate them.

Getting some exercise?

I’m walking 2.4 miles/day.

It was so windy one day last week that it blew this sign loose.

Love that it’s pointing up!

Here’s my sign!

Doing lots of praying, but that’s not new for me.

I realize many are out of work & I feel badly for them.

I’ve had all of my spring into summer shows & teaching opportunities disappear.

I also feel bad for our local quilt shops that have had to close during the quarantine.

If you can, please support them.

Many shops have websites that are open.

Some are offering curb-side pick-up.

It’s going to be hard for many to recover & we need them!

If you’re having problems finding notions

I have all the notions that I use on my website for sale.

If I don’t have something you need I may be able to order it.

Just send me an email SuznQuilts@aol.com.

Sorry, no 1/4″ elastic.

I’d like to see what you’re doing!

Post pics over at my Sewing With Susan Facebook page

so we can all enjoy your progress for some inspiration.

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

My Life, Quarantine Quilting

Second Quarantine Quilting UFO Finish

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The second UFO that’s been on my list for almost a year…

Robin’s Wreaths,

a 5-part quilt designed by my good friend,

Robin Koehler of Nestlings By Robin.

It was featured in

AQ Magazine 2018-2019.

I had the 6 blocks complete pretty much on schedule

with the release of each of the magazines.

The tiny leaf templates were all cut out

& fused to the leaf fabric.

That’s where I stalled out when I got too busy with market prep this time last spring…

So this is where I began.

Trimming seam allowances & gluing.

Starting with the smallest of leaves,

then the little bit larger, small leaves.

It’s my own fault!

I thought it would be so cute made miniature.

I actually made the templates from the printed

size templates in the magazine instead of enlarging them 200%.

Next, to glue the tiny leaves to the 6 finished blocks.

An issue which came with making a smaller version of this quilt is the fact that I had to improvise parts of the design that were just too small to incorporate into this scale.

Some I turned bias strips into stitched vines & some I left off completely.

The blocks are still very full of applique!

Next, borders!

This was a great opportunity to use my new Cricut BrightPad.

Love this!

I’ve been using a very old & crude (but much loved)

version of a light box that my then college boyfriend

(now husband of 31 years)

made for me to use in my design classes.

Lots of little hearts were next.

Thanks goodness for my Apliquick tools!

These things are a life saver!

It took me all day,

but the borders were soon made

& ready for stitching;

applique by machine then embroidery by hand.

It was nice having some hand work to do while watching TV.

With top complete, it was time to contemplate how to quilt it.

I decided on a grid to complement the block background

so as not to overpower the tiny applique.

These blocks are only 5″ finished.

It doesn’t take much to fill them.

Then binding!

And voila!

It now resides in a place of honor in our kitchen.

LOVE it!

Love that I could finish it in this crazy quarantine period.

What are you working on?

Please share your projects & progress on my Sewing With Susan FB group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewingWithSusan/

Please stay home & stay safe!

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

New quilt pattern

Bitsy Pink & Red Hearts New Patterns

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I’ve been having lots of fun playing with tiny heart blocks.

By tiny, I mean like 1″ tiny hearts!

Trust me when I say,

Mary Ellen’s Best Press is one of my best friends!

It doesn’t make the fabric stiff, it just gives it more body.

I just spray & press each fabric with Best Press before cutting

& I have no issues working with the tiny pieces.

I had so much fun that I didn’t stop with one…

Both quilts fit onto the Ackfeld 12″ stand.

Eventually I’ll make sleeves,

but I couldn’t resist using some cool (new to me)

vintage clips to hang them instead of a sleeve.

Please forgive me.

If you’d like to make them for yourself or a friend,

I put them on my website today.

Just 1 Tiny Dresden plate

(so easy!!!)

& just $10 + shipping.

You can also find the 12″ stands on my “Notions” page.

Happy early Valentine’s Day!

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

 

 

A Giveaway!, New Pattern Sample, New quilt pattern

New Pattern, Dresden Village & A Give-Away Too!

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The final new pattern that I want to show you is the biggest

(& in my opinion the best!).

Dresden Village.

I love this quilt!

Lots of Tiny Dresden plates.

Lots of little houses.

Some big houses.

Some little dolls.

Some little trees.

Some new blocks, Tiny/Mini Dresden plates.

LOTS OF FUN!

This quilt is a great way to use some of those treasured

fat quarters (24) that you bought & don’t know what to do with.

Just add 4 background fabrics

1 taupe fabric

& 1 black fabric.

What do you think?

Want to make one?

I plan to have a quilt-along with this quilt!

Doesn’t it look like fun?

So, would you like to win one of my new patterns?

Just leave me a comment

telling me which of the 5 new patterns is your favorite.

3 lucky winners will get that pattern free!

I will draw for the winners Friday night by 9 p.m.

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

 

 

My Life, New Pattern Sample

Sewing Vs. Planting… Which Do You Prefer?

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There are MANY days that what I am working on isn’t photographable.

Lots & lots & lots of time goes into the process of making a new quilt pattern,

so much so, you have no idea!

Today is a day that I actually thought (& remembered as I was doing…) to take photos.

I’m working on a new quilt idea that has lots of Mini & Tiny Dresden plates (shocker I know).

What I was working on today involved making a single tree.

Yes, a single tree, ALL DAY.

Pretty sure I could have bought & planted a tree much quicker!

Not only that, this is not the first day that I’ve lingered over said tree.

I knew the finished size,

& that it would be a tree,

but I couldn’t get this tree to materialize, LITERALLY!

Today I jumped in and decided it would have templates.

Yes, I hate having to cut templates!

I like to start out running and be able to cut everything with my rotary cutter.

Don’t you?

Not that you can’t cut this tree block out with a rotary cutter, because I did,

not only the paper version, but also the fabric version.

Unfortunately, it’s not a certain size I can relate to you to cut.

I started with a version of a tree that I incorporated into my

“Oh Christmas Tree” pattern several years ago.

These trees are rotary cut,

quickly pieced, then trimmed to size.

I decided to resize this block to make it fit into the parameters of my new design.

I made a paper block.

Then I made another…

I stapled the seam allowance, lol!

How crafty, right?

Then “trimmed” it to the finished size.

Unfortunately I wasn’t crazy about it…

So, literally back to the drawing board…

I sketched out the finished tree that I wanted,

then I added the seam allowance to each piece.

Next I made templates & printed them out to scale.

I decided to sew the paper templates!

Why not?

“Pressing” them was quite accurate!

Next I needed to assemble the sections.

Quite simple.

So far, so good.

The finished block was perfect.

So, I gathered some newly acquired “vintage” fabrics & cut the pieces.

How awesome, right???

I sewed them just like the paper prototype.

And, voilà!

Exactly what I imagined, finally!

Now, after weeks of designing,

I’m looking forward to making the actual quilt.

If only I could decide on the fabrics, lol.

I hope you’re enjoying summer!

I love waking to the sun streaming into my sewing room once again.

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan

 

 

A Giveaway!, Dresden Plate Quilt, New quilt pattern

New Patterns Spring 2019 Susanna & New Pattern Give-Away!

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My next & last new pattern that I want to introduce to you is

Susanna.

I know what you’re thinking,

“Why didn’t she put MORE little Dresden plates on this quilt?”, right? Lol

Susanna started with the “Susanna” collection by Betsy Chutchian for Moda.

I decided to start with 2 of the blues to make Tiny Dresden plates.

Chain piecing is the best!

It’s a great time to let your mind wander

or listen to a good movie that you’ve watched over & over again.

The time passes quickly as I watch the Tiny Dresden plates emerge.

Soon I was auditioning more fabrics to join my TD plates.

If I’m not absolutely sure of all of the fabrics

I will make just one center (not even applique it down)

then make fabric decisions.

Once I narrowed that down,

I went to “work” making the center circles for all of the TD plates.

Not work at all, really.

I love to make the TD centers!

I know, how weird am I???

As a matter of fact,

I offered to make Loraine, one of my pattern testers’,

centers for the TD’s she was making to test my Jellyroll Gemstones pattern.

It took less than an hour

since I had the circles already cut in my little canister.

Pressing then cutting them into strips for easy trimming is key.

With a movie on, the time flies by!

Now before the rest of my pattern testers get in an uproar,

I’m happy to make your centers for you too!

Aren’t these fabulous?

Once my design was ironed out I needed to make a few more TD’s.

Have I told you lately that I actually use my rotary cutter

to cut the string apart & to trim the seam allowance?

Yup!

It’s so much quicker that using my scissors, but you better be careful!

Concentration is key…

And it doesn’t hurt to have some nourishment nearby at times.

The mindless making of the center circles also lets

my mind think of the next upcoming fabric decisions.

Oh but wait, there are more!

I actually took this project to our retreat at Rosemary’s the beginning of February.

No TV watching here,

just good conversation & good food too!

Aren’t they lovely???

In the midst of this project, Clare, our youngest daughter, bought me this cute cart.

She thought it would look nice in our booth.

It’ll be going with us to the Kansas City Regional Quilt Festival next week,

but for now it’s looking cute in my sewing room with what’s left of “Susanna”.

More decisions….

and auditions….

and decisions…

and cutting!

Then some organizing.

What a treat for me to relive the process!

My camera is my best friend while I make lots of decisions.

Once I finally liked all of the blocks,

and sewed them together,

I had to make the border fabric decision.

And that decision led to

more Tiny Dresdens!!!

They’re just what the corners of this quilt needed.

I love the addition of the corner blocks.

They really add a lot don’t you think?

It breaks up all of the blue

and gives your eye something else pretty to see.

After Tamara once again did a lovely job of quilting it for me

Nemo & I set it up to be photographed by Scott.

I love the process more than actually having the finished quilt.

How about you?

What’s your favorite part?

 

Wanna win one of my 3 new patterns?

 

Your choices are either Dresden Feathered Stars,

 

Jellyroll Gemstones,

or Susanna.

Just leave me a comment telling me

1. What’s your favorite part of the quilting process?

&

2. What’s your favorite of my new patterns?

I’ll give 3 lucky quilters their choice!

I’ll pick the winners Sunday at 6 p.m. CST.

Until then,

Just Keep Sewing…

Susan