Thursday, June 23, 2016

Tutorial English Paper Piecing Apple Core Part 3 finishing - long overdue

I began this tutorial for English Paper Piecing Apple cores in 2011. 
I had no idea it's been 5 years.
I abandoned many many projects to write my book Large - Block Quilts
 and now it's time to get back to them and finish some.


Finishing an English Paper Pieced applecore is a bit more challenging with the curves. 
Although I can't show these steps as I must have forgotten to take pictures please prepare as follows:

1. remove the English paper pieces from the fabric as you complete stitching around each apple core.

2. Once all cores are stitched, remove and baste the outside edge of the apple core with a large basting/running stitch. This will keep the 1/4" seam allowance turned and neat while you quilt your project.

3. Layer with batting and backing.

4. Hand or machine quilt your project.
I chose to hand quilt my cores with a size #12 pearl cotton and a 'big' stitch.


Once quilting is complete, it's time to finish the edge of the cores.
I opted to use a 'knife-edge' finish.


Trim your batting to 1/8" less than the finished edge of the apple core.
You shouldn't be able to see your batting. 

This is important because you will be folding the backing in
 and sandwiching it between the batting and the apple core 'top'.
Next, trim the backing to 1/4" as shown.


As I said before, I then fold the backing into the center of the batting and quilt top.
Notice my basting stitches? that can be removed once the edges are completely sewn closed.


This shows how I carefully match the back to the front.


Place a pin.
Continue folding and pinning for about the length of 2 apple cores.


As I stitch the edge closed using a whip stitch, I move the pins and fold.




Continue to whip stitch the edge of the entire quilt.
Here is a collage of the steps.





And voila` project is done.


I love my 1930's reproduction apple core table topper. 
I mean I'm smitten enough to consider stitching a King size version for my bed.
I might be crazy......

Friday, June 17, 2016

Farm Girl Vintage Anniversary Quilt Along and Block


Happy Anniversary!


 It's a Farm Girl Quilt Along celebration with a special anniversary block
 from Lori Holt and the Fat Quarter Shop.

You can find the pattern HERE

I chose some "delicious" fabrics for my cake.


The 12" block went together simply - just like all of Lori's blocks.


I am smitten with my cake block and now I want to try it in the 6" size!

Here's a Christmas version with Lori's fabric Cozy Christmas.


If you are new to Lori's Farm Girl Vintage - 

You're in luck: the book is 10% off! at the Fat Quarter Shop. 
The sale runs from Friday, June 17th at 8 a.m. CST - Friday, June 24th at 8 a.m. CST.



There are several bloggers sewing along today
 and you can view their version of the anniversary blocks here:

Kerry from Very Kerry Berry
Vickie from Spun Sugar Quilts - that's me!
Katie from ChooChoo Skadoo
Sedef from Down Grapevine Lane
Erin from Why Not Sew?
Kelly from Kelly B Sews
Debbie from Happy Little Cottage
Renee from Sewn with Grade
Sinta from Pink Pin Cushion
Lisa from In the Boondocks
Dana from Old Red Barn Co.
Melissa from Happy Quilting
Kim from Persimmon Dreams
Marni from Haberdashery Fun
Jacque from Lily Pad Quilting

Lori has also released a new little quilt
using some of her farm girl vintage blocks with a twist
- a 'farmgirl' and lettering.


 It's super sweet. For sale at the Fat Quarter Shop Here.

Happy Sewing ;)
p.s. I'm hosting 40 % off all regular prices in my etsy shop- no coupon needed.