They should measure 3 1/2″ x 5″.
I’m enjoying playing in my scraps with lots of 50’s & 60’s novelty prints.
I hope you enjoy making tiny trees as much as I do!
When you get your tiny trees made please share them with us on my Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewingWithSusan
I’m working on Day 2 instructions for you
& hope to post them soon.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Just Keep Sewing…
Susan
Are you ready to sew your way to the Epiphany with me?
Delve into the scrap bag.
The first blocks we’re going to make are my Tiny Trees.
I sewed just one this afternoon,
but we’ll need to make 6 trees for Day 1 sewing.
They should measure 3 1/2″ x 5″.
You’ll need 3 fabrics for each tree.
You can use the same 3 fabrics for all the trees or make each one different.
I plan to make each of mine different.
I’m going scrappy.
I made a PDF of the instructions with templates
in case you don’t already own my Tiny Tree Template Set #286.
If you’d like to purchase the template set
you can find them on my website by clicking here.
Click the link below to bring up the PDF.
Be sure the 1″ square prints out exactly 1″ for the templates to be the proper size.
Tiny+Tree+Template+Set+Instructions+Suzn+Quilts
I hope you enjoy making tiny trees as much as I do!
When you get your tiny trees made please share them with us on my Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SewingWithSusan
I hope to be back tomorrow with Day 2 blocks.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Just Keep Sewing…
Susan
Another Quiltmania publication is now available!
I have a lap quilt & a table runner in this issue!
Simplify is a quilt-as-you-go lap quilt.
The adorable runner can also be made
quilt-as-you-go.
When I designed & made this,
I let the appliqué stitch also be the quilting.
If you look closely you’ll see clouds in the sky.
They add quilting in those areas.
I know clever, right? lol
Although this quilt is an earlier pattern of mine,
I think it speaks to these times right now.
It’s definitely the time to simplify life, now!
Stay home & stay safe.
Spend the holidays not sharing COVID
so we can enjoy many more holidays together, please!
Find Simply Vintage on newsstands now or
at Quiltmania by clicking here.
Something I love about Quiltmania magazines
is that they’re so much more than just a magazine.
Simply Vintage #37
It’s available in digital download too.
No need to leave the house!
Just Keep Sewing…
Susan
Another Quiltmania publication is available today!
Yes, I’m a fan of this magazine family
&
I have 2 quilts in this issue!
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.
&
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
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 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
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
Hope you’re having a great day!
Just Keep Sewing…
Susan
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
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
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
The final new pattern that I want to show you is the biggest
(& in my opinion the best!).
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
Quilting my way through life! 