Sewing Confrontations Blog Hop

I recently was asked by Jessica of Quilty Habit to join her Sewing Confrontations Blog Hop.  The objective of this Blog Hop is to feature different bloggers that are tackling a sewing challenge that they have wanted to try forever, but never have.  I knew exactly what I wanted to tackle....The Ruffle!  I had pinned this tutorial by Sweetwater on how to make a Ruffled Kitchen Towel and knew that was what I was going to attempt.

Before I get into this post, I wanted to thank Jessica for including me in this Blog Hop and also for giving me a push to try something new.  It is so easy to just "pin" a project onto a Pinterest pin board to make "someday".  Once I got started on this project, I realized how easy and fun it was.  I just needed a little encouragement.  Thanks, Jess!

I had two goals for this Sewing Confrontation.  One was to learn how to make a ruffle and the other was to make this towel out of only fabric that I had at home.  I did not want to have to spend any money on it.  One goal I met, the other I was super close to meeting.  

Now, let's get started.

I had purchased this off-white waffle fabric from Joann Fabric's quite awhile ago.  It went straight into my stash for a rainy day.  What I like about this fabric is that it is soft and the grid lines in the fabric it make it easy to cut straight.

Next I found four coordinating prints and cut them into strips of 36" x 2 1/2".  

I turned the bottom each up 1/4" and pressed.  Then repeated that again and top-stitched the fold into place to create the hem.

At the other opposite side of the ruffle, I sewed a gathering stitch close to the edge using the longest stitch length possible.  Then I did another gathering stitch right below the first.    

This is when you make the ruffle.  I discovered that if you pull the top threads (not the bottom bobbin threads), it ruffles very easily.  When I first attempted to make the ruffle, I was pulling both the top and bottom threads at the same time and nothing happened.  

I pulled the threads so that the ruffle was as long as the waffle fabric. (Sorry, this picture doesn't really coincide with the sentence I just wrote.)  Imagine this ruffle was stretched out in a straight line.

After I pinned the ruffle onto the waffle fabric, I added twill tape on top of the ruffle to cover the raw edges.  This is where I did not meet my goal of not purchasing anything.  I have never used twill tape before so I did not have any on hand.  I was going to try to make something to cover the raw edges out of fabric I had on hand, but then just sucked it up and went out and bought some twill tape instead.  Let me just say, it is WONDERFUL!  It is so easy to manipulate and made this project look finished and clean.  I sewed twill along the top and bottom of the twill.

I added the next ruffle and covered it's raw edge with another strip of twill tape.

Fast forward...Four rows of ruffles each with twill tape covering each raw edge.

I then folded over the edges all the way around the outside perimeter of the towel 1/4" and then again over itself another 1/4" and top-stitched it into place.  One challenge I had was when I was sewing the edge where the ruffles were, the thread kept breaking and I was afraid my needle was going to break.  My friend, Lindsay, gave me a heavy duty needle and that did the trick!

Ta Dah!  I did it!  It feels so good to have tried something new and actually succeeded in the project!

Now go check out what the other girls are attempting in their Sewing Confrontations at the Blog Hop:

Kickoff: Friday, Nov. 2: Jess at Quilty Habit (right here!) - Accurate Rotary Cutting

Nov. 9: Rebecca at Sew Festive Handmade - The 1/4 Inch Seam

Nov. 16: Val at PinkPlease! - Ruffles

Nov. 23: Rachel at Let's Begin Sewing... - English Paper Piecing

Nov. 30: DOUBLE POST: Katie at Swim, Bike, Quilt - Sewing with Knits

Kristina at Ornamental Confectionary - Making Pants

*AND link up at Quilty Habit with your own Sewing Confrontation!

xoxo

~Val

Happy Early Halloween!

Can anyone guess what I'm going as????

Happy Father's Day!!!

I thought it would be super fun to have the boys spell out "Daddy" for a Father's Day gift for Matt.  

To get an insider's look at how this photo shoot really went down, see below...

I hope your day is filled with fun times with a special man.

xoxo

~Val

Winner of my Dresden Ruler giveaway.

Congrats to Mystery Robin for winning my Dresden Ruler giveaway.

Here is what Robin had to say:

Thanks for playing, everyone!!!  

Robin, send me your info and I will get your ruler shipped out ASAP!

~Val

Dresden Lampshade Tutorial

How to Make a Lampshade using a Dresden Ruler.

I mentioned in my last post about the Salt Lake City Modern Quilt Guild's Dresden Quilting Challenge.  I was asked by the SLMQG to come up with something unique using the Dresden Ruler as a part of the Blog Hop and to kick of the Dresden Challenge.  I have come up with a tutorial on how to make a lampshade (to match the cute quilt you hopefully are going to make using the Dresden Ruler for the Challenge!)

1.  Start by cutting 26 pieces of fabric leaving at least 1/4"-1/2" extra fabric on each side of the Dresden Ruler.  13 pieces will be used for the outside of the lampshade and 13 for the inside.  (This is a great way to use up extra scrap fabric.)

2.  Lay out the fabrics in the order that you'd like them to be in.

3.  Cut 13 pieces of Pellon Peltex 72F Double-Sided Fusible Ultra Firm Stabilizer.  I bought a yard of this at Joann Fabrics and this was more than enough.  Cut these pieces 1/4" - 1/2" larger than the Ruler just as you cut the scrap fabric pieces.

4.  Lay your first 'outside' fabric piece face down on your ironing board, right-side down.  (I apologize in advance for the condition of my ironing board cover.  I thought twice about even mentioning it, because I didn't want to draw extra added attention to it, but I just couldn't go without a quick apology!)

5.  Set a piece of Pellon Peltex on top of the "outside piece."

6.  Lay the first "inside" piece on top of the Pellon Peltex right-side up.

7.  Follow the instructions that came with the Peltex on how to attach it to the fabric.  Here I am using a damp press cloth (AKA...a SHAM WOW!) :)

8.  After I used the damp press cloth on both sides for 10 seconds, I then removed the cloth and pressed both sides directly with the iron.

9.  After you have attached all fabric pieces to the Peltex, it is time to trim up each piece using the Dresden Ruler.  Set the Ruler in the middle of the fabric sandwich making sure the back piece is centered with the Ruler as well and trim around the Ruler using a rotary cutter.

10.  After trimming, you should have 13 beauties, just like this.

12.  Now it's time to sew!  Place the first two pieces together side-by-side and zig-zag stitch them together.  I started at what will be the bottom of the lampshade and sewed toward the top. (Large end of the Dresden to the thin end).

Connect 6 of the sandwich pieces together and then in a separate group connect the other 7.  

Having 2 separate groups will make this more manageable for the Step 14.

13.  Set your Stitch Length to 0mm & your Stitch Width to 4.5mm.

Step 14.  Sew over the zig-zag stitch using your new length/width adjustments.  Go slowly and you may also need to pull the fabric through a bit more than normal.  If you want this seam line to look really solid, you can go over it a 2nd time.  Just an FYI, this uses a TON of thread!

Step 15.  Keep in mind, your bobbin thread will show so choose your colors appropriately.

Step 16.  Connect the first group of 6 to the second group of 7 in the same fashion as above.

Step 17.  Using the same Stitch as in Step 14, stitch around the bottom of the lampshade.

Step 18.  If you'd like, choose a fun little ribbon, pom pom, or rick rack to add to the bottom of the lampshade.

Step 19.  Connect the ribbon to the bottom. 

Step 20.  Now for the fun part.  Head on over to your local Goodwill Store and look for a lampshade that has a 4" center.  I took my lampshade with me to find one that had the same size center.  I got this one for $1.50, on sale, baby!!!  

Remove the fabric from the extra lampshade leaving just the metal frame.  This metal part probably has a name, but I have no clue what it is.  (I went to the hardware store & a lamp store to buy this part and neither sold it.)

Step 21.  Set the metal frame into the middle of the lampshade with the metal circle resting on the outside of top of the lampshade.

Step 22.  Cut a piece of fabric 2 1/2" x 20" on the bias (diagonal from the bottom of one selvage side to the top of the other).  Fold in half lengthwise and press, creating binding for the top of the lampshade.

Pin this binding into the middle of the top of the lampshade with the folded part of the binding hanging down in the middle and the open end of the binding pinned onto the top of the lampshade.  

Step 23.  Stitch around the entire top starting on the inside about 1/4" down, coming through to the outside 1/4" down, and then up and over the metal frame.  Repeat this all the way around the entire lampshade.  This is what is actually holding the lampshade to the metal frame.

Step 24.  Pull the binding from the inside over the metal frame to the outside.  Blind stitch the edge of the binding to the outside of the lampshade.

Step 25.  Find a cute base for your lampshade and there ya have it!

If you'd like a chance to win one of these SUPER Cool Dresden Rulers, leave a comment for me on something fun you plan to do this summer (kids activity ideas are definitely needed here!!!).  I will be selecting the winner by Random Generator on Friday at 9pm EST.

Now, hope on over to Leigh's blog at Leedle Deedle Quilts for another idea of what to make with your Dresden Ruler and another chance to win a free Ruler.

The Blog Hop Continues.....

June 6

Amy: amyscreativeside.com/

Elisa www.stitchoutsidetheditch.com/

June 7

Katie: www.swimbikequilt.com/

Emily: emsscrapbag.blogspot.com/

June 8

Melissa: happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/

Brooke: pitterputterstitch.blogspot.com/

June 9

Nicole: mamalovequilts.blogspot.com/

Amy sukie.mt-wudan.com/

June 10

Elizabeth: www.dontcallmebetsy.com/

Colleen: www.thebusybean.com/

June 11

Faith: www.freshlemonsquilts.com/

Deonn: quiltscapesquilting.blogspot.com/

June 12

Angela: angelaflicker.com/

Barbie: thequiltingmill.blogspot.com

June 13

Amy: www.diaryofaquilter.com/

June 14

Jessica: sewcraftyjess.blogspot.com/

June 15

Salt Lake MQG: Wrap-up www.slmqg.com/

Thanks so much to the incredible Sponsors for making this Challenge so special!

                   

xoxo

~Val~

The EZ Dresden Quilt Challenge

Hey Everyone!   

I am so excited to share some exciting news about a new quilt Challenge that is kicking off TOMORROW!!!  The Salt Lake City Modern Quilt Guild has partnered with EZ Quilting to create an amazing quilt challenge in honor of Darlene Zimmerman's 20th anniversary with EZ Quilting.  This Challenge has an emphasis on Darlene's Dresden Ruler and has some INCREDIBLE prizes for the top finishers.

To get this Challenge jumpin', there will be a blog hop featuring different project that can be created using the Dresden ruler.  Each blogger will also be giving away a free ruler to a lucky reader.  Make sure to stop by each blog in the hop for a chance to win!  

Come back here on June 5th for my sweet little tutorial as well as a giveaway!

All the details of the Challenge can be found here.

The Blog Hop Begins Today!!!

June 1

Salt Lake MQG: Kick Off www.slmqg.com/

June 2

Lee: freshlypieced.blogspot.com/

June 3

Kati www.fromthebluechair.com/

June 4

Victoria: bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/

Tanya: www.squaresandtriangles.com

June 5

Val: howaboutpinkplease.blogspot.com/

Leigh: leedledeedlequilts.blogspot.com/

June 6

Amy: amyscreativeside.com/

Elisa www.stitchoutsidetheditch.com/

June 7

Katie: www.swimbikequilt.com/

Emily: emsscrapbag.blogspot.com/

June 8

Melissa: happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/

Brooke: pitterputterstitch.blogspot.com/

June 9

Nicole: mamalovequilts.blogspot.com/

Amy sukie.mt-wudan.com/

June 10

Elizabeth: www.dontcallmebetsy.com/

Colleen: www.thebusybean.com/

June 11

Faith: www.freshlemonsquilts.com/

Deonn: quiltscapesquilting.blogspot.com/

June 12

Angela: angelaflicker.com/

Barbie: thequiltingmill.blogspot.com

June 13

Amy: www.diaryofaquilter.com/

June 14

Jessica: sewcraftyjess.blogspot.com/

June 15

Salt Lake MQG: Wrap-up www.slmqg.com/

Thanks so much to the incredible Sponsors for making this Challenge so special!

                   

Have fun hoppin'!!

~Val

Teacher or Director Appreciation Gift

The director from my two sons Pre-School recently retired after more than 20 years.  The Moms wanted to make her a gift that she would cherish forever.  

We have one of the coolest paint-your-own pottery places in town called Half Baked Pottery.  Kristen, the owner, let me borrow paint and I took the plate & paint to the Pre-School to have all the kids make their fingerprint impression around the plate.  

I then came up with a quote and printed it out on the computer and traced it onto the plate.  I used a pencil that withstands firing to write the words.  When it came out of the kiln, I wasn't happy with the pencil because it was too light.  I decided to trace over the pencil with a Sharpie.  It turned out much better and really popped!

I hope she loves it!

For a few other plate ideas, go here.

~Val

My UK Adventure!

   HELLO!!!!!!!!!   It has been way way way too long since I've been in touch! I have just gotten back from an incredible adventure that I can't wait to share.  My big brother recently got married to a lovely British gal in Cambridge, England.  This was my first time over The Pond and the experience did not disappoint!   Our trip started off by visiting family in Scotland for 4 days.  Luckily, they had record high temps while we were there making the trip that much more enjoyable!

Eyemouth, Scotland

 

We took a day trip to Edinburgh (anything to see more castles)!

Next, we headed to Cambridge so the boys could be the ring bearers in the wedding.  

They were dressed in tuxedos and Chuck Taylor's All Stars sneakers.  (Chucks & Tuxs!)

It was a beautiful wedding on a perfect day.  I'm so glad to finally have a sister!!!

photo taken by http://www.stillvision.co.uk/

Then we headed off to Paris for a few days.  We figured that since we were so close, we might as well go!  This may not have been the brightest idea with 3 small boys in tow, but I am glad that I got to experience it!

On our way to La Basilique du Sacre Coeur in Mont Martre, we passed by this sculpture.  Does anyone know what this is and why there is a shiny buttocks on the stone wall?  There was a school field trip that was studying this as we passed by, so I know it must have some important story "behind" it.  

Just curious if anyone has a clue about this?

It definitely was the best vacation I've ever taken and I can't wait to get back there again!  I also can't wait to get back to sewing!

xoxo

~Val~