Illustrator Class

Why is it that when you have a gazillion things to do, you have a sudden desire to start something new?   Will I ever stop doing that???

Probably not.

My latest project is an Illustrator class online at Skillshare.

I saw an ad on Facebook to take the class for $10 (normally $20).   They must know I like a good deal.

I took an Illustrator class at a local college late last year and really didn’t feel like I got a good grasp.   The class covered so many topics that it felt overwhelming and I wanted to hurry up and make something!

With this class, it’s all video tutorials.    The teacher is really down to earth and we are actually making something from the get go.

Our project is to take a graphic advertisement and reproduce it.

I found a vintage needle ad online that I’m using.

I’ve been working a little bit each day and I’m actually DOING IT!  yay!!

One of my dreams is to attempt fabric design and I finally feel like I’m understanding how to use my sketches to create something digital!

I haven’t given it enough thought to know if I just want to design for the sake of learning or if I really want to attempt ‘designing’.

I’m just really really excited to have had an interest to learn something and be able to actually do just that.   And not have to leave my house, yay internet!

Hopefully I can get this finished up soon.  I was surprised to realize the lettering is the hardest part.

If you’re interested too, you can use my student referral for $10 off the class. *Update, the coupon only works if this is your first skillshare class.  So if you’ve already taken a course of any kind with them, it won’t work. boo!

The Ins and Outs of Illustrator by Brad Woodard

Circle 7 Bee :: Jennifer’s Quilt

I just finished up my first month in a traveling quilt bee I joined called Circle 7.

I’ve been following along with   The Traveling Quilts + Stitch Tease and was very excited when Jennifer decided to start a traveling bee!

We chose to share the progress of the quilts since none of us could stand trying to keep a secret for a year.

So, here is my addition to Jennifer’s quilt:

She sent me her starter which included a long herringbone piece and the star block below.

She also created a Pinterest board with inspiration ideas here.

I started by making two triangle borders using solids and shot cottons and then decided it would be fun to make some churn dash blocks and make log cabin centers like in her original block to tie everything in.

I also discovered that washi tape is amazing for piecing together paper piece templates because it tears just like paper when you’re finished!

After putting the churn dash up I got an urge to cut apart the herringbone piece and use it to make a larger starter block.

I folded it up and put it on my design board to see what it might look like.   I really liked the look but decided to think on it for a bit because I was nervous about cutting her block apart!

And then I decided to just go for it since  that was the point of the bee!  Thankful that she liked it.   Such a thrill to just fly by the seat of your pants and sew!

Here’s my finished addition and extra herringbone piece mailed off to the next friend on the list, Val.

Orbit QAL Week 2 :: Piecing

I’ve enjoyed seeing peeks at the fabrics some of you have picked out!

Today starts Week 2 in the quilt along and we’ll be piecing our quilt together over the next 2 weeks.

The four blocks in the quilt are very straight forward in construction and should give you no trouble at all.

If you’re new to half square triangles, I wanted to share a little picture step-by-step on putting those blocks together.

Click on each collage to see the image up close.

The triangles are sized just enough to allow you to square up a small bit.   I really don’t like a lot of waste so you will notice there is not much to trim away.

You can always enlarge your original square size to 6.25″ or 6.50″ to give you a bit more wiggle room.

If you’re familiar with hst blocks you won’t necessarily have to pin.   Pinning is helpful though to make sure your pieces don’t shift and eat up your small trimming allowance.

I recommend making all of your hst blocks first because they are the most tedious (the trimming).   It’s nice to have them out of the way!   You can cut and pin (or stack together) each individual unit and then chain piece.

Week 2 and 3 are for piecing together your quilt.  This includes the individual blocks, rows and on to sewing all the rows together to make your top.

Use the quilt layout guide at the back of the pattern to help you as you go.   I keep it open on my computer as I sew.

Use the flickr group to ask questions, or do so in the comments!  Any questions you have, I’m happy to help!

I will be sharing my progress over the next 2 weeks and I’d love to see yours too.

Lindsey

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Feb 11th, :: Getting Ready! (fabric selection + supply list)

Feb 18th, Week 1 :: Pattern release + cutting/organizing

Feb 25th, Week 2 & 3 :: Piecing + quilt layout

March 11th, Week 4 ::  Backing + Basting your quilt

March 18th, Week 5 & 6 :: Quilting & Binding + Link Up Opens to add your finished project

April 1st, Link Up Closes and Winner selected from photo pool

Orbit QAL :: Pattern Release

I’m excited to kick things off today and get started on our Orbit quilts!

The pattern is ready and can be downloaded below.

OrbitPattern

Each week we will work through a section, starting today with Cutting and Organizing.

I’ve illustrated cutting for all pieces to give you an idea of how to arrange your cuts.

I’m a visual person, so I find it helpful to see what I’m doing along with the instructions.

You don’t have to cut exactly like this, it’s just a guide to get you started.

Remember when cutting to:

• Square up your fabric and measure your fat quarters to make sure they are the correct size.  Nothing worse then starting to cut only to realize your fat quarter was not the right size to begin with!

• Start with a fresh rotary blade, it really does make a difference

• Cut accurately.   A mis-cut can make piecing very difficult!   Measure twice, cut once.

—————

Now let’s talk organizing!

A key part of putting this quilt together easily is to be organized.

While you don’t have to color in a mockup, you will need to use the Quilt by Number sheet to assign a number to each of your fabrics.

The cutting and fabric placement is all done by number.

I like to put my pieces in a Ziploc freezer bag, grouping each number in a separate bag.   When you need to stop for the day, you can zip up your bags and not worry about losing any pieces.

Or if you’ve just put them into piles, you can stick a post-it note on top and call it a day.  It doesn’t have to be fancy.

Other ideas I’ve seen:

• Use an expandable file folder to keep cut pieces organized

• Use paper plates to stack pieces together

• Organize your rows with saved bread ties

• Use Q-pins, numbered quilting pins to help you stay organized

• Using dollar store baking sheets

Share any tips you have in the comments and if you have any questions while cutting, please let me know.

I’ll share my cutting progress this week in the flickr group.   Share yours too!

Orbit QAL :: Printable Mockup Sheet

I apologize for being a day late!

———-

Here are the links to the printable PDFs:

Quilt By Number | Orbit Mockup Sheet

Plain Jane | Orbit Mockup Sheet

———-

With two kiddos, my sewing time needs to be pretty focused if I’m going to accomplish anything.

The Quilt by Number sheet has a number for the placement of the fabrics so that you can number your fabrics and know exactly where to place them.

This helps me be productive and makes my sewing pretty mindless.

Mindless = relaxing for me!

The Plain Jane version is blank so that you can color it in however you’d like.

For this quilt, I took the blank sheet and added my fabrics for the big orbits.  I wanted to get a feel for how they would play next to each other.

Once I found the best spot, I glued them down.

OCD, yes?  haha…

Hopefully this will help you in planning your quilt and making the most of the time you have!

xo, Lindsey

Sweetheart Quilt Block

The pattern and tutorial have been posted today at Sew Mama Sew!

Click here to check it out, I hope you enjoy.

If you decide to make one, I’d love to see it!  Be sure to add your project to the flickr group.

 

 

Tutorial :: Fabric Chain Bunting

Hi all!

Today is my spot on Ellison Lane’s “Spread the Love” Valentine’s blog hop.

I have a tutorial to  help you decorate for Valentine’s Day  (or for every day!) and a giveaway too.

Based on the paper chains I made as a little girl, this fabric chain bunting is perfect for adding a little cheer and using up your fabric scraps too!

I’ll wait while you flashback to Kindergarten and then let’s get started!

———————

Each link in the chain measures 3 inches.   The listed supplies are for a 5 foot chain.  Adjust according to your desired length.

:: You’ll Need ::

• (40) 2″ wide strips of fabric at least 11″ long
• (1) yard Heavy Duty Wonder Under  or similar double sided fusible interfacing
• Iron
• Cutting Mat/Rotary Cutter/Ruler
• Scissors
• Fabric Chain Template (click to print)

:: Step 1 ::

Begin by preparing your fabric strips and interfacing.

Cut your Wonder Under in to (3) rectangles measuring 11 inches x WOF (width of fabric = 17 inches).

Sub cut each rectangle in to (8) strips measuring 2″ x 11″ for a total of (20) strips.   Set aside the extra (4) strips.

From your fabric cut (40) strips.   You will use two strips per link in the chain.   (One for the front, one for the back).

:: Step 2 ::

Sort your fabrics in to ‘front’ and ‘back’ piles.   This is helpful for assembly line ironing!

You will need  (1) front fabric strip, (1) back fabric strip, (1) interfacing strip, and your template to make each chain piece.

Starting with your front fabric strips and with a hot iron, apply a strip of fabric to each piece of interfacing.

Fuse according to manufacturers instructions.

(For Wonder Under, one side is paper backed.   Fuse to the exposed ‘rough’ side first).

You need to allow the paper to cool completely before continuing to the next step.   If you try to remove the backing right away, the second sticky side will come right off with the paper.

Enough time will have passed on your first strip by the time you have completed all of the ‘front’s.

:: Step 3 ::

Carefully peel the paper backing off of each strip.

Using your back strips, fuse your fabric to the reverse side of your chain piece.

:: Step 4 ::

Lay your chain template onto a strip and trim the excess from the bottom and around the point. Repeat for all strips.

 :: Step 5 ::

Place the template back onto your strip and fold them in half together along the length.    Snip into the marked line at the bottom of the strip.

Using the lines marked on the pointed end of your template (or eye it, it’s a 1/2″ cut on each side!), snip into the pointed end of your strip piece.

:: Step 6 ::

Roll your strip into a ring, tucking the pointed end into the hole you snipped in the bottom.

Carefully pull the point through and adjust your ‘arrow tails’ so that they lie flat against the backside of the link.

You’ve completed your first link!

Just like in a paper chain, continue to link each chain onto the previous one to grow your bunting.

Once your strips are made, kids can help assemble with a little instruction from you.    My kids love to craft, so we’re having fun putting together a loooong fabric chain!

When the holiday is over you can easily disassemble and store flat until you want to use your fabric chain again.

——————–

The giveaway today is from Lima Sews Fabric Shop on Etsy.

Lima Sews is a small business based in Portland. OR that offers beautiful fabrics and longarm quilting services too.

They’ve offered up a Fat Quarter Bundle of Mona Luna’s Havana for me to give to one of you.   This fabric is so cute and it’s organic!

The bundle includes 16 fat quarters.

For a chance to win just leave a comment below.

And share your favorite childhood craft, too, if you’d like.  I’d love to know.

Did you make paper chains too?

Open to all readers, US and International.   I will leave open until Tuesday, Feb 5th at 12 noon EST.

——————–

Megan at Canoe Ridge Creations is sharing another Valentine tutorial today, so be sure to visit her too.

The hop continues through the rest of the week.  Enjoy!

In addition to the tutorials, there are two giveaways each day from small businesses.

1/28:

Blog: Ellison Lane – Giveaway: Papa’s Old Shirts Fabric Shop

Blog: Doodle Do Designs – Giveaway: Material Girl Quilts

1/29:

Blog: Canoe Ridge Creations – Giveaway: Knotted Threads Fabric Shop

Blog: LR Stitched – Giveaway: Lima Sews Fabric Shop

1/30:

Blog: Owen’s Olivia – Giveaway: During Quiet Time

Blog: Petit Lyons – Giveaway: Stitch By Stitch Long Arm Quilting

1/31:

Blog: Jednoiglec/Sewing Under the Rainbow – Giveaway: By Mary Fabric Shop

Blog: Stitchery Dickory Dock – Giveaway: Knotty Gnome Crafts

2/1:

Blog: From the Blue Chair – Giveaway: Our Epoch Fabric Shop

Blog: Sew Crafty Jess – Giveaway: Hot Pink Stitches

Tutorial :: Ribbon Gift Bow

I have a new tutorial for you today as a part of the Ribbon Jar blog hop!

The Ribbon Jar is an online shop that carries a variety of gorgeous ribbon and trims.

Julie, the owner,  has amazing taste and her selection shows it.   The shop has classic grosgrain, pom pom trims and fancy jacquard ribbons.   You’ll be hard pressed to find something you don’t like!

From our studio in Salem, Oregon, we hand-pick the finest ribbons and trims from around the world to bring you fresh designs, funky retro patterns, lovely vintage trim, and of course the classic staples. Whether you are sewing, scrapping or wrapping, our woven ribbons will add a special touch to your latest project.

Julie sent me a sampling of ribbon and also gave me the chance to pick some to try.    I made several projects this week to show you ways you can use ribbons to add a special touch to your project!  (She’s also offering you a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to her shop, so be sure to enter at the end of the post).

When making clothing, ribbons can be used lots of ways.    I used a jacquard from Anna Maria Horner to add a pop of color at the waist seam of a Washi tunic.    This is a more expensive ribbon and you don’t need much to use it in this way.

For the drawstring bag I used a whimsical measuring tape ribbon instead of sewn fabric ties.    This is one of my favorite ribbons!

I also made a simple key chain by sewing the ribbon right on to a piece of fabric.

I will share each project in more detail this week, but I wanted to give you a little bit of inspiration.   On to the tutorial!

:: Ribbon Gift Bow Tutorial ::

Supplies: 

• 2 yards ribbon (makes one 5″ bow)

• covered button (I used 3/4″)

• fabric scrap

• glue gun + sticks

• scissors

Step 1:

Begin by cutting your ribbon.   You will need (6) pieces measuring 7.5″ and (3) measuring 5″

Step 2:

Fold your  ribbon to create a loop as shown below.   For the large (7.5″ pieces) you will overlap your ribbon by 1/2″, for the small (5″ pieces) you will overlap by 1/4″.  Use a drop of hot glue to secure.  Repeat for all 9 pieces.

Step 3:

Take your largest loops and place as shown, securing with glue as you add each piece.

Step 4:

Repeat the process for your (3) smallest loops, placing as shown below.

Step 5:

Place your small loop piece inside of the larger one, line up the smaller loops so that they each rest in between (2) larger loops as shown.  Secure with hot glue.

Step 6:

After making a covered button with your fabric scrap, glue to the center of your bow.   You can then attach a small piece of ribbon to the back so that your bow is easy to secure to your package.

Pop on your package and you’re done.  So much better then a store bought bow!

You can experiment with the size of your ribbons to create different finished bow sizes.   I’m looking forward to Holiday wrapping so that I can make some more!

I hope you enjoy!

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To help you get started making some bows or whatever your heart desires, Julie has offered you a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to  The Ribbon Jar.

Leave a comment below for a chance to win.   I will draw a winner using random.org on Wed, Nov 14th.   Open to all readers both domestic and international!

 For more chances to win please visit the other blogs on our hop, each is giving away a $25 gift certificate.  Good luck and thanks for visiting!

Amber @ Life in Color Wednesday, November 7th,

Ashley @ Cherished Bliss Thursday, November 8th

Lindsey @ LRstitched Friday, November 9th

Christina @ The Sometimes Crafter Saturday, November 10

Jen @ Betty Crocker Ass Sunday, November 11

Katy @ no big dill Monday, November 12

Melissa @ all buttoned up Tuesday, November 13

Julie @ Color Chic Wednesday, November 14

disclosure: I was provided the ribbon for this tutorial as part of this blog hop promotion

Linked up to : Dear Creatives & Simple Home Life

Triangle Quilt Pattern :: almost ready!

A little update, I haven’t forgotten!  Just taking a bit of time to work up.

I’m planning on doing a step-by-step tutorial, I’m working on that now.

Hoping to also convert to a paper-pieced template which I think would be a much faster way to make the triangle blocks and borders.

I can’t wait to share!

xo, Lindsey

*Original pattern by Judy Martin.  She has graciously given me permission to publish the pattern Pine Burr Beauty from her book, Scrap Quilts ©1985, as a PDF.

Tutorial :: Hexagon Belt

I’m excited to share this tutorial with you as a part of the Festival of Hexagons!

I love quirky clothing items and thought a hexagon belt would be a fun nod to quilters.

Let’s get started!

:: Supplies Needed ::

• A 1.5″ wide skinny belt (larger width would work too, but you’ll need to increase your hexagon size)

• 1.5″ hexagon templates (I printed mine here)

• 1/2 yard fabric cut into 3″ squares

• Needle and matching thread

• Sewing machine

• Spray starch and iron

• Scissors

• Safety pin

Begin by measuring the area you want your hexagons to cover and round up to an even number if needed.

You will need 1 hexagon for each inch and the number will be divided between the front and back of your belt.

Example:  For my belt, the area I needed to cover was 26″.   I needed 13 for the front and 13 for the back, 26 total.

Cut out as many 3″ squares as needed and using your 1.5″ template, baste your hexagons.  Here is a great video tutorial if you’re new to basting hexies!

Divide your basted hexagons evenly into two stacks and stitch each stack together to make 2 rows.    I chose to stitch by machine using an 1/8″ seam allowance.

Stitch by hand if you are more comfortable with that!

Starch and press each row well.

Lay one of your rows out onto your belt to make sure it evenly covers your desired space.

Now take both rows and place wrong sides together.  Pin at each point making sure to line up the hexies evenly.

You will sew the top points and the bottom points separately, leaving the ends open.

Using an 1/8″ seam allowance, carefully sew around each point leaving the beginning and end of the row open.  (You will insert your belt through this opening).

Be sure to backstitch at each starting and stopping point.  Clip your threads.

Take your safety pin and and poke through an inconspicuous point on the buckle free end of your belt.  Carefully thread through your hexagon casing.

Straighten out your hexies and press using a cloth between your belt and iron.  The casing should fit snugly around your belt.

You can put a small hand stitch at the top and bottom corner of the hexagons at the beginning and end of your belt to prevent shifting, if needed.

Put on your new belt and strut your stuff!

I hope you enjoy!

Lindsey

Be sure to visit the rest of the stops on the hop this week, I can’t wait to see what the other ladies have in store.

 

Monday, Aug. 13 – Ali from a²(w)

Tuesday, Aug. 14 – Amanda from A Crafty Fox

Wednesday, Aug. 15 – Kelly from Kelbysews

Thursday, Aug. 16 – Terri from Sew Fantastic

Friday, Aug. 17 – Jeni from In Color Order

Monday, Aug. 20 – Lindsey from LRStitched <- hi there!

Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Kati from From The Blue Chair

Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Michelle from Super Orange Sewing (I Like Orange, Too)

Thursday, Aug. 23 – Sara from Sew Sweetness

Friday, Aug. 24 – Megan from Canoe Ridge Creations

Saturday, Aug. 25 – Recap

Aug. 27 – Sept. 2 – Link Party

Sept. 3 – Sept. 5 – Voting

Friday, Sept. 7 – Winners announced