Dedication Banners

      This past weekend we drove to Cedar Rapids to celebrate the dedication of our two youngest grandchildren into their church.  Of course I wanted to make something to commemorate the event.  I found a lovely saying embroidery on Designs by JuJu.  I used the largest size.  In my software I added their name at the top and then Dedicated and the date on the bottom.

Backing the fabric

     I went through my stash of fabric and found a small print for the background that seemed to be blue with the blue fabric but a bit purple when with the purple fabric. I chose a shimmery fabric for the border and back.  I ironed Pellon SF101 Shape Flex to the back of the center fabric to give it a bit more body for the embroidery.  Even still it puckered some.  

Sewing on the borders

     After I finished the embroidery and pressed it, I cut it to 10" x 14.5".  The sides I cut were 3" x 14.5" and then the top and bottom were 3" x 15". 

Stitch in the ditch detail

       I then used fusible batting between the front and back pieces.  I stitched in the ditch between the center and border pieces.  Then I trimmed it to size and put on the binding.  I sewed it to the back first and then brought it around to the front and top stitched it in place.  I added a couple of small rings to the back for hanging.

Binding detail, front

Binding detail, back

Back of the wallhanging

     I like how I can always count on Designs by JuJu to have what I want and that the designs stitch out so well.  This was a fun project.

Paper Piecing and a Placemat - March ASG Challenge

Paper pieced placemat

      At our March meeting the challenge demo was paper piecing.  I have done quite a bit of paper piecing so this one was easy for me.  I decided to make it into a placemat as we make them for Meals on Wheels.

Pattern on fabric

     I choose to use 10" squares I had in my stash plus a coordinating fat quarter.  I had a lot of extra fabric using the 10" square but it also made it very easy to use.  You place the back side of the pattern to the wrong side of the fabric.  Then you either hold it up to the light, or crease it at the line between 1 and 2.  This gives you the place to put the next fabric.

Second fabric pinned in place

     Place the right side go the second piece to the right side of the first piece making sure you are about 1 half inch over the line and that when you fold it back over it will completely cover area 2.

First seam sewn

    Flip it over and sew on the line using a short stitch length.  This will make it easier to tear the paper.  Press the seam.

Trimming the seam

Trimmed seam

Folded back and pressed

     Then fold the paper back on the stitched line and trim the seam allowance to 1/4".  Fold the second fabric out and press the seam.  Repeat these steps for the third piece.

Second seam sewn

Second seam folded back

     Now you are ready to trim around the block.  In our meeting we were told to trim on the line but I think it would have been better to trim it with a 1/4" seam allowance.  

Front before trimming

Back before trimming

Back of trimmed block

     I then made a second block and sewed those together.  I added some more fabric to one side and that became the front of the placemat.

Two blocks sewn together

Layered for quilting

     I then layered the front piece onto batting and placed that on backing fabric.  I used my new quilting machine to quilt the layers together.  I wanted to practice on something small before tackling a quilt.  I learned I can't sew straight lines very well but the meandering stitching looked pretty good.

Quilting detail

Binding detail

Back of placemat

     I trimmed it up and added the binding.  Doesn't look too bad, hopefully I will get better with the quilting machine.

Shade Class Part 2

Banded shaped valance and reverse mount shades

      This is part two of my shade class blog.   In April of 2024 I took an online class through Workroom Tech called Reverse Mount Roman Shade with Matching Shaped Hem and Valance with Laurie Medford.  After making the scalloped shade sample, I made a sample of the stepped shape.  

Stepped shade sample

     After looking at the two samples, I wanted the cleaner lines of the stepped shape.  I opted not to do the shaped hem on the shade for a couple of reasons.  First since the shade was going to be an inside mount, I wanted the bottom to rest on the windowsill.  Also I had bought ball fringe with these fabrics many years ago that I wanted to use.

Cutting the valance

Prepping the top of the valance

Finished valances

     I made my pattern from pattern paper and cut the face fabric and lining together.  I then applied the banding as I learned in the class and added the velcro to the top and used Jewel's tape to finish it off.

Prepping for the trim

Ready to finish the banding

Ready to sew the rod pocket

 

     I used a narrower Jewel's tape to apply the ball fringe.  I applied the banding to the shade front and used a do-fix tape for securing the long straight edges but hand sewed the corners.  I added the weight bar pocket and after putting in the weight bar, I stitched the ends closed.  

Old shades from Target

Closed shade

Detail valance and shade

Detail ball fringe

     It was then just a matter of sewing on the rings and ladder tape and threading it up.  I attached it to the mounting cassette and my husband installed the brackets.  The shades really add a lot to my sewing room and the fact that I used blackout lining, it makes it nice and dark for when my grandson sleeps in the room.