Bunny Rose & Co

What I'm Working on Now

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:02:00 +0000

Hi all. Just to show you I do more than quilting. I thought I would post some of my new project. I saw this beautiful scarf here http://clevercheshirecats.blogspot.com. Go check it out!

Here is what I have so far. I ran out of the pretty gold yarn around the edges of the scarf and am waiting for more to come in the mail. I'm working on more flowers and just lay them out every once in a while to see how I like them. So far so good!

I of course have a long way to go. But just thought you could use a little color therapy!
Enjoy!

Snow Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It snowed yesterday finally! Then it started to melt, and then it froze. I saw these rose-hipcicles in my yard and couldn't help but put a few pictures up for you to see.

Hope you are staying safe and warm!

A Belated Christmas Present

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:41:00 +0000

Not much going on. But I thought I would show you these really cool fold up tote bags. They are called Tukaway Totes by www.Quiltwoman.com. They were actually pretty easy and very large. I figured they would be great for big bulky but not so heavy things from the grocery store. Like chips and boxes of cereal. Anyway, I made two of them for my Aunt Sue.

Of course I had one of my quality control team on hand to make sure all was done properly.

But then he got lazy.

And then the safety factor changed and I had to stop sewing for the day.

Believe me when I say, there was no way to get this quality control inspector to go away. He can be very persistent.
Thanks Alex! You are such a big help. Not!

Snowbird Christmas Ornament

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:52:00 +0000

It's almost here! I have a craft show coming up and thought it would be nice to have some little somethings to sell. So here is my offering for a quick easy Accuquilt project.

Start off with these Accuquilt Studio Dies:

Bird #5 (50617)
Feather #1 (50111)

Supplies needed:
2 red medium buttons
10" x 4.5" piece of white wool or felt
red cotton crochet yarn or ribbon for hanging
red thread for sewing machine
Steam A Seam

Iron the Steam A Seam to one side of the wool. Fold in half and cut two birds. With remainding wool, cut out 2 feathers. Make sure they are in opposite directions. Easiest way is to make sure to double the fabric, right sides together.

Peel off the Steam A Seam and gently stick the two bird pieces together. Cut off the wing.( Sorry birdie)

Ok, this next part is optional. If you want a little ribbon for hanging instead of a string, Now is the time. Cut the ribbon the length you want. Match up the edges and gently peel apart the bird at the back. Insert the raw edges of the ribbon and seal the fabric back up. You can now press with an iron.

Peel off the Steam A Seam from the wing pieces. Match up the wings on each side of the bird. Make sure they match perfectly. You are going to sew them down and they need to be matched up on both sides.

Using pretty red thread in your sewing machine and a decorative straight stitch, (I used stitch number 49 on my Bernina 430) sew around the bird and wings. I used a zipper foot and sewed pretty close to the edge. Sew a little more to the inside around the wings.

I started where the wing meets the tail. I stitch the wing first and then when it meets up again at the beginning I pivot and head for the tail. I end at the front of the wing. Confused? I am. Wooo.
I then used a different decorative stitch (#120 on my Bernina) and sewed across the bottom of the bird.

I start at the back end and end almost to where the eye would be. Sew a red button on each side of the wings. If you are using string to hang it. Measure out the cotton crochet thread and tie the ends together. Loop it around the button, twist and around again. Done!
here is what one looks like with ribbon.

I of course had lots of help.

Whatcha doin?

Are youz done yet? Wanna Play!

And we are done sewing for today.
Have fun!

Good things in Tiny Packages

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:18:00 +0000

The holidays are coming up fast. I have been making these simple Teabag pouches and thought they would make a great gift or craft fair project. Of course I love looking for new ways to use my Accuquilt dies. They don't take much fabric and are great for scraps you just can't throw away.

Here is an example to get you started. I'll show more at the end of the post.
I used Osnaburg for the outside and a matching fabric for the inside.

Here are the supplies you will need:

11" x 5" piece of Osnaburg
11" x 5" for lining
scrap 4.5" x 3.5" nonwoven fusible interfacing
Scraps for ovals and bird
Wonder Under or similar
thread for applique

Lets get started.
Fuse the fusible interfacing to the backside of one end of Osnaburg. This is to give your applique some stability when you sew.

Iron the Wonder Under to the back of the scraps for the flowers.
Here are the Accuquilt dies I used.
Studio Dies:
StudioOvals #50697 or Go Ovals #55358 I used the smallest and the second to the smallest oval
Studio Bird Trio # 50435 Or Go #55325

I used the smallest bird and the large oval shaped wing.
Using the second from the smallest, and using a plain fabric, cut one oval. Using a matching tone on tone fabric cut one from smallest oval.

Cut one small bird from a colorful fabric. Cut one wing from a matching fabric. Make sure it has some contrast so it shows up.
Turn your Osnaburg over to the right side and measure about 1/4" from the short edge. Position the larger oval with the smaller oval inside. Iron to the Osnaburg. Layer the little bird and wing on top of the smaller oval and iron. Using a contrasting thread, I sewed a double blanket stitch with my Bernina. You can use a single and it will still work. Sew around all the raw edges.
With right sides together, pin the Osnaburg to the lining fabric. Leaving a small opening for turning, sew around all sides. Turn and iron flat. Fold into thirds. Open up the top flap and pin the bottom part. Starting at the bottom folded edge, top stitch about 1/8" from the edge all the away around the pouch.
For a closure, I used an iron on Velcro and cut it into a heart shape with one of my dies. You can use any shape that is small or just buy Velcro in round iron on dots. I make sure I use a really hot iron to get it to stick well.
So here are some more samples I made up. Hope it gives you some great ideas!

Here I used Studio die # 50673 Heart #7
and the Ovals again

Here I used the penny rug circles # 50090

Just a note: These were done with dies I found on the Accucutcraft site. You will find many more dies there.

Check it out. Here is used the Flowers and Leaves #1 Die number F1425LC

Electric Quilt designs

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:56:00 +0000

Hi All, thought you would like to see what I have been up to lately. I have been doing some design work with Electric Quilt 7. I'm starting to work on the actual quilts but here are some quilt patterns in the works. Hope you like them!

Victory Gardens


Volunteers


No name yet


rose tiles

My plan is to use my Accuquilt for cutting the pieces. These are just a few I'm working on. Next week I'll post more. I will eventually have patterns available for sale. Let me know what you think!

Week 17 Slouchy Purse

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:16:00 +0000

Hi All, Here is a fun fast project I found on All People Quilt.com They call it the Reversible Purse and I love love them! I have been making them all different ways and here is a fast one perfect for that new outfit or gift.
Just a note before you get started. I have changed the shipping on my fabric website. All fabric sales ship free from now on! I'm trying to go to college and am using this site to earn money so I can go full time! Thanks in advance for your support.

First download the pattern from their website. Again here is the link....
Reversible Purse

I have made it the published size here. Other purses I have enlarged the pattern. So go crazy and do some cool creative things with it.
You will have to piece the pattern together with tape. (Note: I ironed a fusible nonwoven interfacing to the lining fabric to give it a little body before I cut it out.) Follow the directions on their site for putting it together. However, stop after you pull it write side out through the handles. Follow the directions for sewing up the sides. But don't sew up the bottom. Turn the purse right side out with the outside of the purse facing out.
Make sure the side seams are now in the front in the middle.
Ok now for the big red flower.
I used these dies.
They came from the Accucut site originally. So here are the Accucut numbers and then I'll give you the Accuquilt numbers.
Accucut site:
1. Flower, Petal, Center, Stem Item # f1438
2. Circles-Penny Rug Item # CR622 (circle used is 2 1/4")
3. Round Flower Set Item # Q1311
4. Rose Sampler Item # R1362LC (note: this is no longer on the site.)
Accuquilt site:
1. Studio Flower Petals (large) Item # 50432
2. Studio Circles Item # 50637 ( use the 2" size)
3. Studio Round Flower Item # 50155
4. Studio Rose Sampler Item # 50190
Ok, here are the dies.

: I only used the stem on this.

To find these you will have to type in the name of the item number in search. Some of these could not be found under the category listings.
Ok, Iron fusible interfacing to your fabrics. You will need just scraps for the green stems and leaves and yellow center. A large scrap of red will do for petals.
Cut out 12 flower petals, two leaves, one center and one stem. Peal off the backing and lay out your flower. Iron with a hot iron.
Now to applique the flower on. I used a small blanket stitch in black thread.
You will have to pull away the other layers and bunch everything up into your sewing machine. Make sure you are only sewing through the top flower layer.
Here is a closeup of the blanket stitching.
Now on to a pocket. The pattern does not have a pocket on it. But I wanted one. I have made bunches of these and I always stress over the waste. I found a perfect way to use the cutaway waste. Check this out.
When you cut the purse out, you have these rounded sections left over.
I just kept throwing them in my scrap basket and stressing over what I was going to do with them later. Then I decided they would make cute pockets. They are double layered so would be perfect. Open one up like this.
Ok so I'm being nutso OCD here. But I think it makes a great pocket shape. So fold it right sides in and sew around all sides leaving a little opening for turning. Perfect size for a cell phone and keys.. don't you think?

Top stitch across the straight edge.. that is the top of the pocket.
Pin it on your purse where you want it.
I also marked a line from the middle (top to bottom) for another seam. That way the pocket had a little divide in it. I just used my cell phone for measurement to make sure it would fit.
Turn your purse back out so the right sides are in and sew up the bottom according to the directions. Turn it right sides out and top stitch around the opening on both sides. Done!

Week 13 Crazy Pumpkins

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:54:00 +0000

I have been thinking about this project for months now. I had so much fun putting it together. I know you'll like it! I love love crazy patch blocks. It is a wonderful way for spastic minds like mine to wig out and just go! Of course I used my Accuquilt dies. However, I only had two sizes and wanted three. Did you know you can have custom dies made by Accuquilt? Accuquilt had 2 sizes of pumpkins so I called the custom department and told them I wanted one sized in between the two I already had. Stacey was so much help! You tell them what you want, and they send you a picture to approve and a price. You say ok, and in about 6 days you have your new die.
So, here is what I got. The small one is pumpkin die #4 large and the large one is on the Accucut site. It is the jumbo size. The smaller pumpkin is available in a Go die.

The two on the top are the ones Accuquilt/Accucut have in their catalog. The one on the bottom was the resized one to go in between. It was $60.00 plus tax and shipping.
I wanted to do this with a crazy patch design. I decided to use a tear away to use as a guide. So I cut out a card stock pattern of each and traced it onto the tear away.

To be honest, the tear away was not the greatest idea. I should have used either a muslin or paper piecing paper. It was really hard to tear off the "tear away" I wasn't sure I wanted to actually tear it off, thinking it would give the pumpkin stability when I appliqued it on.. Seriously in mad scientist mode, I was not thinking straight.
But I used it as a guide so I would make sure my crazy patch was the right size and I needed a placement guide for the green stem.
If you are comfortable with doing crazy patch from your head, you start with a center piece like this. (I'll show you how to do it a different way later for you scaredy cats.)

Match up another piece to one edge.

Open it up and press. Pressing is very important all along the way. So keep a small ironing board and iron close by. I got tired of jumping up and down all the time.

Next piece goes on another edge.

Keep going until the whole pumpkin area is covered plus some extra.
If you don't want long pieces of one fabric, you can sew a few together and then sew them along an edge.

I first sewed a few pieces together a little off kilter and then trimmed up one side straight.

I sewed a few pieces together to match up with the top stem using some green fabric.

After the whole piece of the pumpkin is covered, use the die to cut out the pumpkin shape. Make sure to match up the green with the stem on the die.

I wanted the stems to go in opposite directions on some of the pumpkins so some I cut with right sides down and some with right sides up. Here is one pumpkin all done.

And here is my little pumpkin family.

Now how to put them together. I decided on a dark blue batik background to set the orange off.

I decided it needed something. So got out my oak leaf die and got to work again.
Here is the die.
Maple leaf #2 large. There is a GO die that would work great. This one was from the Accucut site.
You could use any leaf dies you want really!

I sewed some fabrics together kind of catty wampus and cut with the die cutter.

I layed every thing out and here is what I got. I added a few more with just the red fabric.

I'll tear off the tear away... it was a totally bummer. Then iron a fusible interfacing on instead. Iron every thing down and finish it up with some borders. I'll show you the finished project in a week or two.
Ok, I promised to show you scaredy cats how to do crazy patch in a bit more orderly way. If you have EQ6 you can go to the block library and check out foundation piecing blocks. Look for simple crazy patch patterns and print out onto paper piecing paper. C & T Publishing has 3 great choices as these will work great through your printer. You can print them out in any size you want. Just set up the block size to be a little larger then the die. Another choice is any crazy patch book that has foundation patterns you can print from the book. You can also find lots of book choices at C&T Publishing to teach you all about crazy quilting. Just a little note... if you click on my C&T links and make a purchase. I get a little commission from them. Just make sure you click my link to get there. Every little bit helps..
Hope this helps get the creative juices flowing!
See you next week!

Week 16 Sunflower Table Runner

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Here is a really easy project for your summer table. I designed it in EQ7 and used their book EQ6 Applique Drawing to learn how. Last I looked the book was on sale.
Here are my fabrics:
I did replace the bright blue on the end for a lighter blue because the blue showed through the yellow petals too much.
Here are the dies I used.
The first one is called "quilters leaves" and the circle is a 4 1/2" die.
Here is the basic block:
the center is 6 1/2" and of course Accuquilt has that in a die. The blue and green squares and pastel strips are done with the 2 1/2" strip cutter.
Sashing I had to cut.. 1 1/2" wide and the outer border is cut 3 1/2" wide.
Here is what I did with the circles and quilters leaves:
I used 5 of each color leaves and some of my favorite Kaffe Fasset fabric.
Everything had Wonder Under ironed on. So I just ironed it down and did a blind hem stitch to hold it all together.
Here is the finished project.

Hope you like it... until next time!

In Love with my Glue Stick!

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:27:00 +0000

: Fabric Glue Sticks

I have used glue sticks before for my sewing projects. But I never really used it correctly. It never stuck right away, I had to wait until it dried and I'm a pretty impatient person. I was watching a show on The Quilt Show.com with Dale Flemming on Circles, Curves and Chocolate (show number 704 season 7). Boy does this lady know how to use a glue stick!
Here are a few different ones on the market. I have a few others around that I use.. I don't think it matters much. Just find one that works for you.
So the key? The iron is your friend!
First apply the glue to your fabric. I'm doing a rework of my Fancy Picnic Fan Quilt for a quilt class I'm teaching. The fans on the outside edges kept flapping around. (I got tired of getting stuck with the pins). So out comes the glue stick.

: Apply Glue to Back of Fabric

After that, stick it down firmly and iron it. The iron helps the glue dry and work into both fabrics.

: Iron with a hot iron

I learned something here... cameras are for right handed people. I had to do this left handed. Pretty spiffy camera handling if I do say so myself.
So, get out those glue sticks and rock on!

Bummer... What now?

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:25:00 +0000

I was making this quilt for a class I'm going to teach. Of course after the top was all done and I spread it out.... I found this!

: Big Boo Boo!

See the arrows? See the positions of the yellow ovals? They are ironed down with Wonder Under and sewed down with tiny little stitches with clear thread.
Here is a bigger picture.

I was consistent at least. I did a whole row the same at the bottom.
So what now? Do I just say "I meant to do that!" Any of my readers have a suggestion that doesn't require tearing the 3 ovals off.
I could just kick myself.
Bummer!

A Little Project using Electric Quilt 7

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:23:00 +0000

I don't give Electric Quilt enough credit for all that I use them. I use my EQ7 in almost every quilt project I do. Here is a small project I put together for a class I'm teaching locally.

: Stitch and flip log cabin

It was an easy project! However, I learned how to put the flower into the block using this book from Electric Quilt. The book is called EQ6 Applique Drawing. The book is on sale right now for 50% off. The lessons are easy step by step.. even I could do them!
Enjoy!

Stash and Dash Backpack

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:21:00 +0000

Here is my "how to" for the Stash and Dash Backpack. Let me know if you need help.

Supplies:
1/2 yard fabric for outside
1/2 yard fabric for lining
1/3 yard for outside pocket
1/2 yard for straps

Sorry, forgot to put fabric for straps in the picture. You'll see it later on.
With outside and lining fabric right sides together and folded in half. Trim to 20 inches from salvage end. You will be cutting through 4 layers. Turn and line up the side you just cut with bottom of your mat. Shore up one side so you have a nice clean edge. Trim the other side so fabric measures 17 1/2 inches wide. You should have 2 pieces of fabric 40 inches by 17 1/2 inches.
Pocket:
Cut pocket fabric 19 inches long by 10 ½ inches wide. With right sides together, fold long side to make a pocket 9 ½ inches by 10 ½ inches. Sew around all sides leaving a small opening on one side for turning. Turn and iron. Top stitch close to the top edge of the pocket. Fold outside fabric in half. Measure up 4 inches and center pocket on outside fabric. Pin and sew. Pin only to the top of the folded outside fabric.

Main Backpack:
After you sew the pocket on, match up the lining and the outside fabric. With right sides together, pin and sew leaving a small opening for turning.

After stitching, turn so right sides are now facing out. Carefully opening up seams along sides, iron.
Fold down each short side 1 1/2 inches to the lining side and pin. Sew close to the inside edge making a tube along each short side.

Fold bag in half with outside fabric on the inside. Starting past the openings of the casing you just made, sew down each long side. Turn to the outside and iron.

Your main backpack is finished. Now on to the straps.
Straps:
Cut 4 strips 2 ½ inches wide and from salvage to salvage or WOF (width of fabric). Sew all the strips together to make one long strip. Fold wrong sides together and iron. To measure, lay strip on one corner of bag , up to top and over to the other side and back again. Cut two pieces this size.

Back to ironing.
Open it up and fold from each raw edge, inside to the fold. Iron and repeat on the other side.

Then fold in half again and iron. Top stitch close to the open edge.

Pin one end onto the bottom corner of your bag. With a safety pin attached to the other end, thread through the casing. Start at one opening, go around to the other side and thread through the other casing coming out on the same side as you started. Pin both ends together at the bottom. Repeat with the other strap on the other side.

I messed up here. Sew the ends of the straps down on the opposite side from the pocket. Fold raw ends under and sew onto corner of bag. Repeat for both straps.
That's it, you are done. Pull the straps and it cinches up the top.

Tutorial .. finishing up Fancy Fans Picnic Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Thanks for coming back! Today we make the fan quilt.
Supplies:
Fans: 8 Fat Quarters (if only using 2 fabrics you need 1 yard of each fabric)
Background squares: 2 fabrics 1 3/8 each. Cut into 18 9" squares. ( you could also use the 9" die)
Center oval: 1/2 yard
Fusible interfacing like Wonder Under for the ovals. Note: you can use this for the fans too. However, You will have to die cut them out first. Ironing the seams open with wonder under... quilting fail!
Clear nylon thread for applique.
Ok, lets get started!
First you need to cut 18 fans from each fat quarter. The best way is to fold the FQ length wise to make a 9" strip. Cut a fan from a scrap of fabric to gage your folds. Lay the scrap fan on the bottom edge and fold like an accordion to cut 8 fans. You will have a little left at the bottom. Like this:
Cut out the fans, then cut one more with the little bit left. This gives you 10 fans. Now going the other way laying the fan long wise, cut 8 more. Like this:

Repeat with all 8 fat quarters. Lay out the fans on the background blocks until you like what you see.

Put all the fans in sets of 2. The two being each set on a block. Sew them together and iron open the seams.

Pay close attention when you sew them together that the seam is on the correct side. I sewed every other one backwards and had to seam-rip them out. Why I messed that up.. I don't know. So pay attention. Ok, lay out your sets on a 9" square like this:

You will need to put a pin in both fans to keep them from flopping around. You could also fuse them onto wonder under. You will need a teflon pressing cloth to keep every thing from getting messy. You will also have to trim the wonder under around the edges of the fan. But it will help to hold down the edges for sewing later. You can also use a basting glue. You could also look at how I appliqued them down and do that now too if you wanted. I just did it all at once...more below on that.
Putting all the squares back into place, sew two squares together. Making sure to match the scallops from the fans on the inside.

Repeat with the other 2 blocks. Iron the seams open. I didn't on my first seam and regretted it later. Then sew the two block sections together. It should look like this:

Lay the blocks out on the floor or a large table and sew them together. Removing pins you don't need as you go along.

Now I did this wrong as I sewed this quilt. After I put all the blocks together, I sewed on my border to hold down the outside fans. They were floppy and I thought this would make it so I could remove all the pins. But when I got to the red ovals, I realized I should have put the ovals on first, then the border. So..... at this point, iron your fusible interfacing to the fabric for the ovals. Cut 19 round ovals. 4 of them cut in half long wise and 2 of them cut in half across the middle. Fold the short ones like this and cut off the outside folds. You should have a pie shape. You need 4 for the 4 corners.

Peel off the paper backing and iron on just the ovals for the outside pieces. To center the ovals, fold the long ones in half and match up with a center seam. The pie shaped ones, you just line up with the corners.

Ok NOW sew on the outside border. Sorry my colors aren't very good. But you get the picture.
Here is another picture of the outside edge. Yes, I didn't have my outside ovals down yet. This is where I messed up. Don't do what I did!

Please Santa, can I have a new camera so my colors come out bright and clear!!
Now you need to sew down the fan tips. I used a clear nylon thread because I really didn't want to see this part. I'll send it off to my quilting goddess later and she will make it pretty. I started to just sew a straight stitch using my regular sewing foot and because my fan tips weren't glued down, things got a little messy. So back to the fabric glue. You could also cut fusible interfacing with just the tip of the fan with the die cutter and put it just under the ends of the fans and iron them down. Then I used my darning foot, lowered the feed dogs and free hand stitched the fan tips town. It was so much easier and with clear thread, you can't see anything messy.This is a great way for beginning free motion quilters to get a little experience. Clear thread is very forgiving. Remember to use regular thread in the bobbin.

Iron down the rest of the ovals to the fan centers and sew around them the same way.
And you are done! Send it off to your long arm quilting goddess. Mine is Dee Small and she does a wonderful job. She has done quilting for Alex Anderson and wins ribbons at our local quilt show every year. I'll show you the finished quilt when she gets it done.
I hope you liked it. See you soon!
Bunny
PS.. ok it is 2am and I can't sleep. I finally got the quilt back from the goddess... here is a picture for ya. Taken with my iphone and the colors aren't too bad if I say so myself.

Week 15 Teabag Pouch

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:16:00 +0000

This is just a little peek at a project I'm doing for some friends. I'm not doing a tutorial here because I'm planning on selling these on Etsy. But I thought I would at least show them to you for inspiration.

Here are the dies I used.
One is the layering oval die. I used the second to the smallest die and the number 7 small heart die.

I used fusible interfacing with a stabilizer on the back and appliqued with a triple blanket stitch from my Bernina.
Here is the picture again.. hope this gets the creative juices going for you!

Week 14 Pincushion using Drunkards Path die

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Ok, I know this has taken a realllly long time to get back to it. But I'm back with my Accuquilt projects for you.
So lets begin!

: Drunkards Path Die

So I'm looking at this die and wondering what else I could do with it besides a quilt. The pie shapes kept standing out to me so I cut up some fabrics and played around and this is what I came up with. These are little pincushions. Great for gifts or sell them at the local craft fair.

I thought they were kinda cute. So go get some scraps and I'll show you what to do.

: Fabric Scraps

I used 4 different fabrics for this one. I have also used 3 fabrics. Like the second pincushion in the picture.
Cut out two wedges of each fabric.

Lay them out like this and sew two together. Repeat with the other two.

And then sew the two halves together to make a circle. Repeat with the other 4 wedges so you have two circles.

Put right sides together and match up the little points and seams. Oh, and I pressed my seams open.

Leave a little space open for stuffing later. I use red pins to make where not to sew.

Now sew everything up using a 1/4" seam. After sewing, turn everything right side out.

Time to stuff this little sucker... I used the cheap Poly batting. But you can use lots of other nicer things. You could experiment with walnut shells or possibly even course sand. I just used batting to make it fast and easy. Stuff it as full as possible and hand stitch up the opening.

You will need a matching floss and a needle with a large eye for the next part. You'll need quite a bit of floss or you may even have to thread your needle more than once. Tie a knot at the end of the floss and poke the needle through the center of the pincushion to the center of the other side. Then go around again to the bottom and thread it through again matching the thread up at a seam. Keep going around at the seams.

After you have gone around the seams, go around in between the seams.

Repeat on all 4 fabrics and tie it off. Find a cute button for the top, ( I also used a small button for the bottom.) and sew it to hide your stitches in the center. There, a cute easy pincushion perfect for using up those scraps laying around.
Enjoy!

Week 12 Fabric Frenzy Block

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:13:00 +0000

For the last 5 years I have been part of a shop hop in what we call here in California..."The MotherLode". This relates to the gold rush that started around 1849. Hence the name of our shop hop "MotherLode Fabric Frenzy". This year it starts on Friday, September 10 until Sunday September 12. Each year we have a free block pattern we give everyone that comes into our shops and each shop has a different one. This year in honor of our grand prize.... A play day with Alex Anderson, we decided on stars. I'm honestly not sure of the name of my star block, but this is what it looks like.

I of course have Accuquilt dies all ready to cut the kits for my shoppers. So this is my project of the week. My block is 12" finished. My die set was for a 10" block so I had to add a small border to make it 12". If you have a 12" die you can still add on the border, your block will just be 13" finished. You'll be happy to know that it also is a GO die set. So everyone can do this one. Here are the dies used:

The top one is quilt block E and the bottom is quilt block G. I used my 10" block set.
Now I learned the hard way that parallelograms have a right side and a left side. So, when you cut these your fabric has to all go the same way. To make my block, you need to put the right side of the fabric face down.
This is the difference between face up and face down.

You can do a combination of both and you will have two different stars that look almost the same except the points will go either right or left.
This is right side fabric face down.
And this is with right side fabric face up on the die. Not much difference.. But looking at my directions it will mess you up if you cut them wrong.
To make this star you need 4 green parallelograms, 4 floral Parrallelograms, 4 pink triangles and 12 white trangles. You will also need enough strips of the white for the outside borders.

Here is a diagram on putting it together.

You will need 4 of these sections. Here is another layout to help you.

Some important tips. Iron your seams open. Be very careful to PRESS not iron your fabrics so as not to distort the sections. Measure your finished block and cut the remaining white strips to finish it at 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" . Here is a possible layout for a full quilt. These were done in EQ6.

As you can see I put a colored frame around each block instead of the white.
Here is another choice.

If you use EQ6 it is easy to come up with your own creative layout... give it a try!
Until next week.... get creative!

Week 11 Embelished Little Girls Skirt from a T-Shirt

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:11:00 +0000

This is a little bit of a stretch for me, but I have it on good authority (a mommy with 3 little girls), that these are very popular. I keep seeing so many ways to recycle old t-shirts and saw these flowers made from hearts some where on the internet. I have been searching for days to find the site and I can't. So if you know who started this... please let me know so I can link to their site and give them credit. Both of my sons wear t-shirts until they are so ripped or stained that I have to sneak in and take them away. I got lucky and happened to find a white t-shirt my son didn't want any more and a red shirt that was way past it's prime.
I have these two Accuquilt heart dies and knew these would work great!
Here are the dies:

The top is Heart #10 and bottom is heart #8 small.
I don't think it matters what heart shape you use. The larger heart is 4" across and the bottom one is 3" across. You could easily use the GO heart die as it has 3 sizes. You could also use the #6 heart shape on the Accuquilt site. Just look under applique dies.
Cut out a bunch of hearts from both sizes from an old t-shirt.

Lay out the other t-shirt measure up from the bottom the length you want plus 2". Cut off just under the sleeves. Because the t-shirt has a bottom hem, this will be the bottom of the skirt.

Iron it nice and flat. Turn under the top raw edge 1/4" and then again to 1 1/2".

Sew close to the inside edge. Leave a space for the elastic. Sew 1/8" along the top edge.

Measure your child's waist and add 1". Pin a safety pin on one end and thread through the waist band. I pin the other end to the opening to keep from losing it. Overlap the ends and sew along the two edges.

Pull the elastic back inside and sew up the opening. Ease the elastic evenly around the skirt top. Divide the skirt into 4 sections and sew across the elastic to stop it from turning. Make sure to back stitch on both ends.

And here is the skirt finished.

These turn out so cute your daughters and granddaughters will be raiding dad and grandpa's closet for more t-shirts!! So watch out!
Ok, on to the the fun part. Making the hearts into roses is a little interesting.. I just twisted the heart and brought the two top rounded parts together kind of like a fortune cookie.

I also took the large heart and just kind of folded upon itself.. get creative. When it looks like a flower to you.. you have it.
Put matching thread into your sewing machine and I just tacked them down in a few places. I have a lock stitch on my Bernina and that's what I used. Lock.. a few stitches and lock again. You could also do this by hand. Don't worry about sewing everything down. Just enough to keep the shape. Lay out a few and see what you think.

You could layer them on top of each other or just do them one at a time. I use both the large and small hearts and sometimes layer them together.

My Mommy friend came in and said she liked them like this.. so that's how I did it. Get creative! you could also cut some from a green t-shirt and have leaves.
Hope you liked this.. I wish I had granddaughters. I would be making these forever. You can also do this on a plain knit top if you want. Have fun and recycle when you can!

Week 10 A Baby Bib

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Well, I hope you are busy making clutches for your next craft show! This week I promised to show you a new project using the same die. Here it is.

How cute are these! I keep looking at the purse die and thought this would make a great bib. I only used one of the dies in the set.

Supplies:
1/4 yard of each front and back fabric. This will make 2 bibs.
one strip 45" x 2 1/2" of contrasting fabric for ties
Cut a front and back from your fabrics.

Fold the 2 1/2" strip in half and then fold the raw edges into the center and iron.

Fold each outside end in about 1/2" first.. Then fold in half again.

Next sew close to outside folded edge. Make sure to sew each end too.

Fold the tie in half and cut into two pieces.
Next, fold down the rounded side of the top fabric down 2 1/4" to make a flap. Iron a crease and open back up.

Lay the ties just below the crease with the long ends inside. Pin.

Lay the lining on top, right sides together and pin.

Leave an opening for turning.

Sew a 1/4" seam and turn everything to the outside. Iron the seams. Fold down the top rounded edge to the crease and top stitch 1/8" from the edge. Turn in the opening at the seam and top stitch around the rest of the bib. You are done! You can also use Accucut and Accuquilt dies to embellish even more. Here I used the Teddy Bear Die. Check out their sites and you can find lots of more choices! Animals and bug dies.
This project took minutes to make and again is great for craft fairs or baby shower gifts! Cutting 8 layers at a time makes 4 bibs.

See you next week!

Week 9 The Clutch

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:06:00 +0000

Hello again, I have been busy working on lots of fun things for you to make with Accuquilt/Accucut Dies. I hope you are saving your pennies for all these cool dies I have been showing you. Today is a new die. It is the Purse Die and you can find it on the Accuquilt site. Here is what the project looks like.

I have had this die for a long time but could never find directions for it. So, I decided to do you a little favor and show you how to make this wonderful little item.
So, here goes.... first, the die.

It is a two die set with a handle on the second die. I don't use the handle as this is a clutch.
Supplies:
1/4 yard each for outside and lining fabric
5 1/2" x 2 1/2" scrap for loop
1/2 yard for fusible interfacing. I used Pellon 911ff which is a feather weight interfacing. If your interfacing is too stiff, turning the purse right side out can be difficult.
Optional closure of some kind..velcro, snap... whatever. I didn't use anything for this demo.
Here is my fabric:
You will need to cut a back and front piece from both fabrics. You will also need two of each from the interfacing.

Line the back of each fabric with the interfacing and iron it on. Check the directions to make sure you are putting the correct side down on the fabric. If you want a closure, you would put it on the round side of the lining and the small piece with the outside fabric.

The smaller piece is the front of the purse. Match up both the lining piece and the outside piece, right sides together. Sew along the top straight edge only.

Open it up and iron the seam flat, then fold it with right sides out. You'll need to do a little maneuvering to iron the seam so the lining doesn't show to the front.

Next, match up your purse front to the lining back. Linings should be together and the outside fabric facing out.

Pin in place and sew a 1/8" seam. Clip the seams on the corners.

To make a loop to attach a handle later, cut a piece of fabric 5 1/2" x 2 1/2". Fold in half and then fold raw edges to the inside and iron.

Fold in half again, iron and sew close to the open end.

Pin it to main body of clutch just below the front outside piece. The loop should be tucked inside.

Next put the backing with the outside fabric on top, right side down and pin. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.

See the two red pins? Leave this open to turn after sewing.

Clip around the curves. Turn everything out and iron. Fold the seams in where you left an opening and pin. You will have to hand sew a blind stitch to close this up.

You're done! This took me no time at all to make. Imagine how many you could make. Remember, you can cut up to 8 layers at one time. That's 4 clutches. These would be great to sell at a craft show.
Here is the finished project again.

Stay tuned. In September we will use the same die to make something totally different. I bet you can't guess! See you next week!

Week 8 Fancy Fans Picnic Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:05:00 +0000

Ok, I hope you enjoyed the last project. This week is a larger quilt project. I'm realizing I cannot finish a quilt in a week. So, today you get to see the basic block idea and then come back tomorrow and I'll show you how to put it all together..Yeah I know it is a sneeky way to get you back here again... But I promise next week will be a smaller project and I'll show all of it.
OK, here we go for this week. This is a quilt that is the perfect size for picnics or the beach. I use mine similar to this for going to outdoor concerts.
The dies I used are: Crescent Border Spacer die #2 and the layered Ovals. I used the largest one for this quilt.

The Crescent Border Spacer die set comes with two dies:

You can layer the plain one over the scalloped one.. I just used one for this quilt.
So here it is:

Here it is with a different fabric pattern:

I have been looking at the crescent border die for so long wondering if this would work... I hope you like it. Come back tomorrow and I'll show you how to sew it into a quilt the easy way!

Week 7 Finishing Flowers in the Forest Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:04:00 +0000

Ok, so you have made all 4 blocks right? No... well I'm working on some kits, so stay tuned.
But as I promised, today is to show you a new way to sew all this together and quilt as you go. Here is the finished top.

First, some basic instructions:
1. All seams are 1/2" and you will need a walking foot.
2. What ever you do on the front, you do on the back. I'll call it "top" and "back" for reference. WOF means width of fabric (from salvage to salvage).
3. Batting will always (except for the last border) be cut 1 inch shorter than your fabric.
Ok, lets get started. Here is the fabric I used. Sorry about the dull colors, I"m still camera challenged.
The two green fabrics are for the back and the blue, black and purple are for the top.
Fabric needed:
Back fabric for blocks: four 9" x 9" blocks , batting: four 8" x 8" blocks
Sashing: Top and back fabric, 1/2 yard each, batting, scraps at least 1 1/2" wide and up to 24" long. You will need 2 @ 8" long, 3 @ around 19" long, 2 @ 22" long and 2@ 24" long. You will probably trim these later,but longer is better. Cut Sashing into four 2 1/2" wide strips wof from both top and back fabric.
Inner border: top and back fabric, 1/3 yard each cut into four strips 2 1/2" wide, wof.  Batting, scraps 1 1/2" wide and up to 30" long, you will need 4 strips.
Flange: 1/4 yard, cut into 4 11/2" strips.
Outer border: Top and Back fabric: 1/2 yard, cut 4 strips 4" wide and wof. Batting, Scraps four strips 3 1/2" wide and 32" long. Binding: 1/4 yard, 4 strips 2 1/4" wide x width of fabric.
Layer your back fabric 9" square with a 8" batting square.

Then lay your quilt block on top. At this point you need to secure it however you want. I use basting spray. Then sew around your applique pieces with what ever stitch you like. I used a blind hem stitch with clear thread. This is your quilting as you are sewing through all 3 layers. Do this with all 4 blocks. FWI, as I said in the first post about this, I used a fabric glue for my applique pieces, not doing that again. It didn't hold down the fabric very well and I missed a few places. I would suggest using a fusible web. Use which ever is your favorite.
Second: Cut from both back and top sashing fabric 2 strips 2 1/2" wide and 9" long. Cut from batting scraps 2 strips 1 1/2" wide and 8" long. Lay the back fabric right side down, then batting then top sashing fabric.

Mark your quilting pattern and using your walking foot, quilt the two pieces. An important note: Your seams will be 1/2" wide. So I marked 1/2" from the edges before marking my quilting pattern so I wouldn't sew past it when I sewed everything together.

This is what they look like from the back after I quilted it.

Sew this to two of your quilted 9" blocks to connect them. Match up the right sides of the sashing and block sewing a 1/2" seam allowance and seams will go to the back of the quilt. Repeat with the other 2 blocks and sashing piece.
Measure your two sections and cut your next 3 strips 2 1/2" wide per your lengh measurement from both top and back fabrics. Cut batting strips 1 1/2" wide and 1 " shorter than your fabric lengths.

Quilt your sashing strips and sew onto the quilt block sections. Seams go to the back. Repeat this step with the remainding 2 sashing strips.  This is what your quilt should look like from the back.

Kind of funky huh.... Anyway, measuring your quilt as you go, repeat steps with your inner border fabric. Strips from both top and back are 2" wide and measure for length. Cut batting strips 1" wide and 1" shorter then fabric strips. I didn't quilt these because they were so narrow. I did sew a basting line on each end to hold them together as I sewed.
Ok, now cut 4 strips from your flange fabric, 1 1/2" wide and measure two sides of your quilt for length. Fold the strips right sides out and iron. Cut 4 strips from each of your outer border fabrics, 4" wide. Measure 2 sides of your quilt for length. Cut 2 batting strips same length minus 1" and 3 1/2" wide. Layer your batting on the back fabric with one edge matching.

This is so when you sew your binding on, you will have 3 layers to sew through. It is hard to hand sew binding with only 2 layers of fabric.
Lay the top border fabric next and then on the side where the batting does NOT match, add the flange.

Pin your flange down and sew a 1/8 seam to keep it in place.  Sew two of your outer borders on. Measure for the last two borders and repeat this step. You are almost done!
Cut 4 strips of binding fabric, and bind your quilt like usual.
This is what the back should look like now.
Next you want to cut all those seams like a typical rag quilt. I use these Fiskars craft snips.

Start anywhere you want and clip your seams open on each side. Like this:

Sorry for the raggy looking nails. I'm not a high maintence girl and certainly not in the public eye much. Then clip your seams about 1/4" to 1/8" inch apart. Make sure you don't cut through your sewing seams.

Ok, Ok, it looks like I cut past a seam here. It is the basting seam I sewed the flange down with. See the black thread.. that is my actual seam. Do this with all the seams on the back of your quilt.
Then I spray the dickens out of the seams with water and throw it into the dryer with some other wet clothes and let the seams fray.
Here is the finished project from the back.

And here it is from the front.

Now a little note here. I usually would not use this method with a small wall hanging like this. I would do it with a large quilt. But I wanted to show you the technique. I will probably use this again later for a larger project. I hope you enjoyed this. Next week, we work on a larger quilt using only 2 dies.
See you later!

Week 6 Flowers in the Forest Block 4

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:03:00 +0000

Ok, here is the 4th block in our block of the week patterns. I hope you have liked everything so far. Everyone is loving the quilt in the shop so even though my iphone isn't the best camera, the real thing looks great. I have been asked by several customers to make kits, So I'll see what I can do. If you don't have an Accuquilt and are interested, I will try to put a few on Etsy when we are all finished.
Ok, today we are using 5 dies. Here they are:

Petal Play, Flowers and Leaves #2, Funky Flower #3 (Go Die Available), Squirrel (Accucut site), and Funky Flower #1
And here is what I did:

Very simple but they look great together. I used Picasa 3 (available free via Google) as a way to store and manipulate all my picutures and they have this cool application called Collage. Here is a collage of all 4 blocks with the fabric used.

Not too shabby if I say so myself. I used a black Kona Cotton to lay the blocks on when I took the photos. I like it so much I'm going to use it for sashing.
So, all four blocks are done. I'm working on the finished project. Come back tomorrow and see it all done. A little suprise is in store. I'm doing it as a quilt as I go project. I do it a little different from most and I think you will like it. So come back tomorrow to learn how I finished this all off.
Want a quick way to go back and see all the Accuquilt posts so far? Look on the right side of my blog and look for "categories". Then click on 52 weeks of Accuquilt. It will start at the beginning of just Accuquilt posts.
And thanks for being here! I'm having so much fun!

Week 5 Flowers in the Forest ... Block 3

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0000

It is time for the third block in our block of the week. One thing I love about using these dies is I get to be really stingy with my fabric. I can use the littlest piece of fabric. Something like this:
I hate to waste anything. It is amazing how much you can squeeze out of the left over scraps.
It has to be a pretty small piece to get into the kitty bed bag. Oh! You don't know about the kitty beds? I actually stole this idea from someone else and then couldn't find them to give them credit. So..... forgive me big time if it is you. If you know who started this, tell me and I will let the world know it was their idea. I either use an old pillow case or make one from "special" fabric I know I'll never use... "special" meaning OMG why did I buy this... you have some. I know you do. Anyway, I either line a trash can with it or put it on the back of a chair, and throw all my teeny, tiny scraps in it. When it is full, I sew it up and Wah La... a kitty or doggy bed. It is washable and nice and soft. Don't have kitties or doggies? Give them to your local humane society for the adoptees. Here is a picture of my current one. I have it on the back of a chair. It is almost full and my stray kitties that live behind my shop will be thrilled to get a new bed.

Ok, I get so off track... did I tell you about my ADD!! Oh yeah it runs in my family big time.
Ok, here are the dies for this week:
Petal Play -sunflower again.. my fav, top right: Flower-Petal, Center, Stem and bottom right is Flowers/Leaves #2

And here is the block.

I used the leaves on "flowers and leaves #2 for the flower petals, stems and little circles. The larger blue circle on the big flower is from flower/petal, center,stem. the green leaves are of course from petal play.
Only one more to go! See you next week.

Week 4 Flowers in the Forest... Block 2

noreply@blogger.com (Bunny Rose & Co.) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 22:58:00 +0000

Ok, I'm back. I have a confession. I have already made all 4 blocks. I had to make sure they looked good together. I even used a program called Picasa by Google and made a really cool collage of the blocks with the fabric in the back ground. Nothing like a little teasing huh. Well on week 4 you will get to see them all together. Not sure if a quilt will actually be made.. but you will have a really good idea how they look. I'm kind of excited. But you only get to see them one at a time. So there!
Ok, here are the dies used this week.

See, some you remember these from last week? I told you so. Anyway, from left to right: On top, Flowers and Leaves #3, Petal Play-Sunflowers, botton left is Funky Flower #3 which is also a GO die, and the bunny is Rabbit #4 Sm. I don't know if it is on the Accuquilt site but he measures a little tiny bit past 3 inches wide. So check. Otherwise you can find him on the Accucut site.
Ok, here is the block for this week......

Yes, I know, my Iphone still sucks as a camera. But it is only a matter of money. As you can see, I used the flower, leaves and stem from Flowers and Leaves and some leaves from Petal Play-sunflower. The flower centers are the small flower on Funky Flowers #3 and well, the little bunny. I put "her" in because of my name. Yes, it actually is Bunny.
Until next week...