i have to say...

ironing board cover tutorial

Hello, Friends!

This tutorial is a re-post from several years ago, but I thought I would post it again since I just made myself a new cover for my ironing board.  The cute one in the picture is a mess, all gummed up with interfacing, so I had to get rid of it.  Pics of my new cover are coming soon!

PLEASE NOTE:  My board measures 13" across and 53" long.  If yours is bigger, simply add a bit of fabric to accomodate that fact.  It is nice to have 4" of extra fabric around the entire board.  If you don't have that much,  you can reduce the casing seams to 1/4" and 5/8" if you need to save fabric around the sides (the length) of the board.  This tutorial should work for almost all boards (unless yours is unusually large).

You can find the supply/cut list here.

First you will be cutting and laying out your fabrics to prepare them for sewing.

The 24" piece will be laid out lengthwise as shown (green floral).  Your 3" piece will be laid widthwise and cut to 24".  The 20" piece will be laid out widthwise and cut to 24":

Now sew together those pieces using a 1/4" seam (I line up the edge of my sewing foot with my fabric to keep my seams the same each time):

You will now end up with a piece that measure approximately 65" X 24".  Don't worry if the piece ends up longer than that by a few inches. 

Close-up:

Press your seams open, like this.  Press the entire piece of fabric.:

Now lay your ironing board on top of the wrong side of your fabric piece:

Measure 4" around the entire board, marking this line with either a fabric pen or a regular pencil:

Now you will cut on that line all the way around the board.  At the end of the board mark a 2" spot to leave your opening for the cording (see purple marks):

Using your iron, press your fabric down 1/2" all the way around the board.  You will have to "gather" the fabric just a bit around the curves (notice the wrinkles on the curves):

This is the 2" mark you added for the casing:

Sew a zig-zag stitch to keep that fabric in place (you can use a regular stitch if your machine does not have a zig-zag option:

Now, iron the fabric down 3/4" all the way around (this is the 1/2" fold folded over once more).  Notice the "gathers" around the curves.  You will not see these once the cover is finished.  The whole casing will be gathered up and it will be underneath the board.  Pin this seam into place, using lots of pins around the curves:

Sewing close to the edge of the fabric, sew this seam in place:

Do not sew over your marked opening.  It needs to be left open for the cording:

This is what your curved edges might look like:

Finished board cover laid out:

Tie knots on each end of your cording piece:

Using a safety pin, thread the whole piece through the casing.  This takes a little while, so be patient.:

Both ends of the cording should stick out of the casing opening:

Now lay your ironing board cover, right side facing the floor, and place your ironing board on top of it:

Now (THIS IS IMPORTANT!) when you pull the cording to tighten, do not pull up.  You need to cross the ends and gently pull to the side.:

Tighten up the cording (gently) and tie in a knot and then a bow (the knot will hold things in place more securely):

Voila!  Now you need to iron something!

Or just admire your handiwork!

Happy sewing!

notebook pouch tutorial

Hello, Friends!

As promised, I have put together a tutorial for this notebook-pouch.  It fits my daughter's computer, which measures 12" X 8", but you could easily modify the cutting instructions to fit a larger laptop, or smaller tablet.

You can find the downloadable PDF instruction on Amy's blog, During Quiet Time.  Amy is not only a paper-piecing super-star, but she is also the one behind the Little House on the Prairie Quilt-Along. This girl is talented!

If  you have questions about the tutorial, you can email me at freshsqueezedfabrics (at) gmail (dot) com.

Have a lovely day!

oh, i love a bunting! a tutorial

Hello, Friends!

I have put together a fun tutorial, just in time for Christmas crafting.  Buntings are a great way to add some color to a room, and you can give them as a gift.  Color-coordinate according to the holiday, or the room where it will hang.

The finished product is approximately 9 feet long and it has 14 scallops.

Here it is laid out:

To make your bunting, gather the following supplies:  7 different print fabrics cut 5" X 42" (WOF), one package extra-wide double-fold bias tape--1/2 ", matching thread, basic sewing supplies, and a sewing machine.

You will also need to print out the Download ScallopTemplate.

I have fabric kits available in my shop!

First up you will need to cut out your template piece using paper-scissors.  Pin the template to the fabric, which is laid right sides together:

Cut 14 scallops sets total from 7 fabrics.

Pin one scallop set together, right sides together as shown:

Sew along the curved edge of the scallop, with your presser foot lining up with the edge of the fabric.

You will only need to sew along the curve.  Leave the straight, top part open.

Before turning the scallops right-side out, you will need to clip the curve as shown.  Be sure not to clip through your seam!

Open you package of bias tape and lay it out on a table or floor. You can lay out your scallops along the edge to position them the way you like them.  I like to leave about 12 inches of bias tape at each end.

Pin your scallops inside the opened bias tape as shown, being sure to push the open edge of your scallop to the top of the bias tape fold:

Now fold over and iron a 1/4" piece in at each end of your bias tape.

Fold it back into place and pin it.

Pin all along the edge of your bias tape, securing all of the scallops with 3 pins each.

This is what you will end up with:

.Sew a seam along your bias tape from end to end, as shown:

 

And you are done!

Your bunting is ready for hanging or gift-giving!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.  And please let me know if you have any questions!

Happy sewing!

***You can download the Download ScallopTemplate.

how to purchase fabric online...tips to make the process easier

Hello, Friends!

I know that when it comes to buying fabric online, things can be a little tricky.  This is from my very own experience before I opened my own shop.

I remember back all those years ago when I ordered online and received my very first Amy Butler print in the mail.  To say that I was surprised at the size of the print would be an understatement.  At the time I was used to the much smaller prints typically found at chain-type fabric stores, but once I got over the inital shock, I was pretty happy with my new venture into bigger prints.

Here are some tips that I hope will make the online fabric buying process easier and more enjoyable for you:

***Ask questions.  Until you are sure about your choices, ask the shop owner questions.  I have never felt offended or invaded by someones inquiries about what I sell.  People convo and email me questions all the time and I am always happy to help.  I also have helped my customers put together custom bundles that suit their tastes. I do this because I know that working with color can be a bit overwhelming and some people will keep away from quilting if they don't feel confident.

***Use the search bars on the website.  Looking for red stripes?  Or for a bunch of red fabrics?  Search accordingly.  This eliminates the time consuming option of scrolling through the entire store.

***Ask for samples.  I often have customers ask for a sample when they are trying to coordinate colors for a wedding or nursery, and I send them a 1" cut of the fabric, free of charge.

***Know what you want.  Are you looking for linen?  A stretch knit?  Quilting cottons?  Each of these fabrics has a different feel and weight, and it is good to know what you need.  Buying a cute knit isn't going to help in the making of a quilt.  This is another area where asking the shop owner is helpful.

***Color-matching can be quite tricky online because of the difference in computer moniters.  If there are several prints that you like from one shop, ask the owner if they look good together.  Also, most shop owners have Kona color cards, so if you know what color you want from the Kona spectrum, that will be helpful also.

Buying online is certainly convenient.  After all, online shops are open 24 hours, and shopping in PJ's is not frowned upon.  

I do hope that these tips will make your experience a little bit easier!

Happy sewing!

caring for your fabric stash

We all love fabric!

I have a ton in my shop on bolts, but I also have a fabric stash of my own that I absolutely adore.  

A number of years ago I found myself having to go through my stash and toss a bunch of it away (boohoo!) because I hadn't taken good care of it.  At the time, I didn't know how, but believe me, I found out quickly after that.

Fabric can stay usable for quite a long time when cared for properly.  Here are some tips for you:

***Sunlight is NOT a friend to your fabric.  At all.  Sunny windows are  terrible places for fabric to sit.  Any light coming through your windows can compromise the quality of your fabric, so it's best to either keep curtains shut or stash your fabrics away from a window.  Be sure to notice whether or not your curtains are thick enough to keep the sunshine completely away.  The sunlight issue is an important one!

***Moisture is also not good for your fabric.  A damp basement or any area where humidity persists is a no-no for storing your stash.  Mildew is a possibility when there is moisture, as well as odors that are hard to remove.

***Keeping your fabric in an airtight container is not good for long-term storage.  Plastic containers work well for a time, but be sure to let your fabric out to play once in a while.  This will reduce odors and hinder any deteriortation of the fabric fibers.

So, taking all of this into account, the best place for your fabric is low-light, low-humidity, and a place where the air circulates a little bit.  This will keep your stash in great condition for quite a long time.

My hope is that these tips help you.  If you have anything to add, I would love to hear from you in the comments.

Have a great day!

it's going to be a pinteresting weekend!

The leaves are turning, so that means I will be out in the mountains with my camera this weekend!  Fall leaves are just about my favorite thing to photograph simply because they are so colorful!  And I love how the light plays with the fall colors!

***This photograph is inspiring me!

***Such a cute quilt for someone who loves to travel!

***Have you seen Pantone's fall colors?

***I need a couple of new skirts for fall.

***I love burrito bowls!

***VW + Patchwork.  Oh my goodness!

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

make your own shoelaces! a tutorial

Hello, Friends!  

I proudly announce the tutorial for the simplest sewing project ever!  Seriously, at most this is a one hour project and even the beginningest beginner can make these!  Another fun thing is that you don't have to look farther than your scrap pile to make your shoes shine!

Now, don't get me wrong. I do think my shoes were cute. But they could be cuter, don't you think?

Your first job is to pick your fabric. I suggest a small print with lots of color that coordinates with your shoes.

You will need TWO 1-1/4" (WOF) pieces of your fabric.

Now remove your shoeslaces from your shoes and measure along the length of the lace.  You will cut the length of your fabric pieces about 1/3" longer than your laces.

Now iron the short ends in about 1/3".  Please note that none of this has to be perfect, so don't worry about using a ruler unless you really want to.

Now iron your fabric pieces in half lengthwise:

Iron each long edge of your fabric pieces in towards the middle, but not all the way to the middle.  Please note that the scissors are simply holding my fabric down for the picture---they are not part of this step of the tutorial. 

Now iron the entire lace in half lengthwise as shown (do this on both):

Now sew down the length of the edge of your laces:

 And, voila!  You are done!

Now you can simple lace them through your shoes and show off all that cuteness!

My hope is that you have some fun with this tutorial!  And please be sure to add your pictures to the Fresh-Squeezed Projects Flickr Group.

Have a great day!

color for quilts

Picking out my prints and colors for a quilt is my favorite part of the whole creative process.  Honestly, I could probably be satisfied with that step as long as someone else would make the quilts for me.  But since that does not happen, I keep on making my own quilts!

This being said, I do find that most people are frustated by this step.  They find it overwhelming and really don't know where to start.  In my fabric shop, my pre-selected bundles are my biggest seller, and I believe it is because of this reason: most people are afraid of making mistakes with color and with fabric selection.

My best advice to you?  Just jump in and do it.  You will make mistakes--I still do!--but you will also have some success.  The more you do it, the better you get.

I do have some simple tips for you to start out with.

My number one rule: DO WHAT YOU LIKE.  MAKE WHAT YOU LIKE.  PICK THE COLORS YOU LIKE.

OK, that might count as a few rules, but that's fine. 

Let me show you little something about color and contrast.  Even if you have a favorite color, you will still probably want to add some contrasting color in order to give your eye something to fall on.  Here is a pile of red, which is quite lovely, but will create a quilt that is simply a sea of red.  Your eye will have nowhere to focus with this pile of fabric:

Now, all you have to do is add some contrast to change that. I added white:

Do you see a more interesting pile of color?  I certainly do.  It's because of the mix of color (red and white) that you eye notices each and every print.  When you keep things overly monotone, it's harder to pick out the separate parts of the quilt.

But, of course, if you want an all red or all blue quilt, go for it!  The beauty is in the eye of the maker, for sure!

One way to pick a color scheme is to find a "focus" fabric.  This is generally how I start planning my quilt---for me it's all about the color and the fabric!

For this little lessons, let's start with this colorful print that was hiding in my fabric stash:

It's got a lot of visual appeal and it's very colorful, which makes it a fun place to start.  I simply went to my fabric stash and started pulling out what I thought matched.  This took me about 3 minutes, but if you are just starting out, expect it to take longer.  It's also helpful to pick out fabrics and leave them for a day or two before you make your final decision.  

Here is what I came up with:

I could certainly add more color and print, but for a start, it's very nice.  This would make a cute little quilt for a baby, don't you think?

What if you don't have a fabric stash or your own?

You can try "stacking" at your local fabric store. Pick your "focus" fabric and then start stacking bolts on top of one another on a table or a shopping cart.  No one will mind that you are doing this!

My "focus" fabric is the one on the bottom.  At this point you can start adding and subtracting prints as you please.  At first I wasn't sure if the green was going to work, but I really like how it looks in the stack.  What are your thoughts on that?

Another little rule of mine:  BE ADVENTUROUS WITH COLOR AND PRINT!  It's just more fun that way!

My hope is that this little tutorial helped just a little bit in your quest towards making a quilt.

There are more tutorials coming soon.  And if you want to request a tutorial topic, please do!

Have a wonderful day!

 

a few pinteresting things

I love this quote!

Mmm....Tres Leches Cake!

Lovely pillow + tutorial!

Recipe for homemade milk bath.

I like this print-out for keeping track of bill paying!

Wish me luck!

Have a great day!

sew-along with me!: sewing machine cover--ties and binding

We are so close to a finished project!

Today we will be adding the ties and binding our quilt.  Please note that if you are making a wallhanging or table runner, as opposed to a sewing machine cover, just eliminate the ties.  The link to the binding tutorial is here.

This post has a lot of pictures showing the ties step, but it seemed a better way to show you what to do than trying to use text.

First up, you will be cutting your ties and your binding pieces.  

For ties: Four 10" X 1-1/4" pieces 

For binding:  Three 2-1/2" X 42" strips (simply cut the width of the fabric piece)

  

For the ties:  Fold over 1/4" on one end of each tie piece:

Now fold in half lengthwise:

Now fold each side in towards the center:

Pin into place:

Sew.  This piece took a little bit of patience to sew since it's so thin:

Now position your tie pieces approximately 4" from the edges with the finished edge towards the center of the quilt top (see next picture for clarification):

All four ties pinned on:

Sew each one into place:

Now, you can access the binding tutorial here.  Be sure to sew the binding on with the ties towards the center of the quilt.  Once the binding is on, fold the ties outward and pin:

Sew them into place:

Guess what?  You are done and ready to dress up your machine!

Here is a cover in action:

Now your machine can sit around and wait for you in style, all while keeping the dust away!

Please let me know if you have any questions!  And be sure to add your photos to the Flickr group!

Happy sewing!