What is better than 1 guest, 2 guests, 3 guests? YOU tell me?

Editors note:


I thought what a wonderful FRIDAY this could be. I invited 3 guests...count them 1, 2, 3...YES, thank you for obliging. Our First guest is suesue, our second guest is Jules and our third guest is Karen. All of them have something in common....They LOVE SELVAGES. ( me too, but I don't have enough yet to make what they did) Sew follow along. leave some delightful comments for our guests...and REMEMBER, someones selvages can make B U T full things...


Welcome suesue

Good morning! My name is suesue and I am an artist. I say that because I believe that all of us who make beautiful items (whether it’s through quilting, sewing, painting or any other creative medium) are artists. I am so appreciative to be here with you all today!

Madame Samm contacted me a few weeks ago when I had featured my selvedge chair on my blog. She was so sweet and encouraged me to share the “how to” with you all. Plus she gave me the advantage of adding another wonderful blog to my reading list!

The blogging world really inspires me. One of my favorites on my “never ending list” is Karen at the Selvage blog. (I had always spelled my selvedge this way so I looked it up and found out that both ways are acceptable.) She features quilts and items made from the selvedge edges of fabric. I have seen some fabulous creations there. I’ve been saving my edges for quite a while now and accumulated enough to finish my project. 

My old sewing machine chair had definitely seen better days! I had it since 1987 when I bought my Bernina and was going to replace it until I had the idea to recover it with selvedge fabric. So appropriate for my studio space!!

Since I had made some other items with some of these pieces, I knew that I needed a good overlap so the raw edge doesn’t sneak out. 

Now when I cut my selvedges I always leave a good inch or so on them. The picture below shows three selvedges. The first doesn’t have enough fabric left to overlap. The second is okay but the third is the best!

The first thing I did was trace my top and seat around onto a muslin piece of fabric. Then simply keep adding selvedges by overlapping the finished edge of one piece on top the raw edge of the next piece and sew down each row with a straight stitch. You can sew from either side depending on your comfort.

Sometimes my piece wasn’t long enough so I placed two or three selvedges to get the desired length. 

After filling the whole area with selvedges and a few polka dot fabric strips for even more color, I stitched around the whole perimeter of the top and the seat. Since I was able to take the top of the chair apart, I folded, tucked and hot glued the top selvedge fabric and then snapped it back together. 

I couldn’t undo the seat so I lifted it up with  my pliers as I went around tucking my fabric into it. I did put some hot glue into a few places there as well where I could reach. If you wanted to you could simply make a cushion cover or slip cover for your chair instead.

A few pictures of some of my favorite pieces:

As you can see from the last piece I didn't overlap it quite enough so I had to undo it and fix it.

To celebrate this honor I’d like to host a little lagniappe giveaway of a selvedge cuff bracelet. 

Simply pop on over to my blog and leave a comment and I’ll pick a random number next week and email you!  Ohhh and please leave me a comment here too...love to hear from you.

Thank you again Madame Samm and all your readers!!

And our next Guest Selvage Blogger...is Jules, welcome my dear...

Hi. I'm Jules of From Three to Insanity. I've been sewing for 4 or 5 years and started quilting two years ago. I love to browse Flickr for sewing inspiration. I remember seeing this one day and just *swooning* for it. It was so unique and beautiful and I instantly wanted to make one. I'm not sure exactly why I thought I could amass enough selvages to make a quilt, but I figured I'd ask around on the online community and would be able to collect enough of them at some point in the distant future. But through the generosity of Flickr swappers, I was able collect more than enough selvages in 6 months to make a twin sized quilt.

The finished size of this quilt is 68"x85" and is made out of more than 1,100 selvages. Oh, how I love to look at each one. They all tell a story - sometimes they'll remind me of a project I finished long ago. Or maybe I'll remember who sent me a particular selvage. Either way, they are just so pretty.

I figured that by the time I was finished with the quilt, I'd never want to see another selvage again in my life, but I was so wrong. I still can't get enough of them. I love the way Moda selvages have the same font and can be lined up just so.

I love all of the little color dots - so bright and cheery.

And I love that sometimes selvedges don't need pretty fonts or pretty dots to have an impact - sometimes it's all about how that plain strip of white breaks up an ordinary patchwork. I totally groove on how the bands of white separate the all of the colors in this rainbow pouch for an even stronger visual impact.

They just speak to me. Each little scrap, once destined for the trash bin, can find new life in projects big and small.

If you find yourself *swooning* for selvages too, stop by my blog for a giveaway. Thanks so much to Madame Samm for having me today! Happy crafting to you all!

and yet another guest.... Karen from the Selvage Blog..welcome Karen.

How to Make the Red Zinger!

Starting with a solid red square (this one is about 9") lay the selvages as shown, and sew along the bound edge of each.

Continue as shown, being careful to overlap each raw edge with your next bound edge. Add some interesting selvages and patterns.

Add selvages to the third corner. This is so much fun. Finally, trim back to the original red square size.

Sew your blocks together and enjoy the secondary patterns! This is the pattern that I made for Quilter's Home magazine. It was in the September/October issue. I wanted to come up with a design that looked dazzling, but wasn't hard to do, and I'm delighted with this one!
Some quilters have made this quilt with strips (not selvages) and they came out great. Since there's no bound edge, you simply "stitch and flip."
I hope you have a blast with this idea. Happy quilting.

What You Glue is What You Get

A Whole New World That's Where We'll Be...

(sing with me - it's from Aladdin)
A Whole New World for You & Me....

This little bottle opened up a new world of

curved piecing for me!This is Corrie from Quilt Taffy.

Nice to be here!

I was sewing with a friend, Lori,

(Be sure to visit her etsy shop - See Lori Sew; she has some great items!)

on her comfortstitching

quilt along blocks and we used glue instead of pins!

~

To be honest, I was thinking GLUE with piecing??

I'll try it because -- it's not my quilt :).

But I'm a believer!

~

I like this Tombo glue's applicator, it's got a nice tip that doesn't clog

& doesn't run like some others.

You can find it here or at your local craft store.

~

Here's a peek at the hundreds of wedges that will go into the blocks.

After 8 wedges are pieced together, the arc is cut out.

Just a drop goes on the white,

and the arc piece is centered and pressed down.

Then put a very thin line of glue near the very edge

from the center out to one corner

and press a little with your iron.

It works perfectly.

What you glue is what you get.There's:

no shifting

no puckering

no pins to run over

no gumming up the machine

~

I like to sew with the white side up.

It sews so smoothly.

A whole lot faster & easier than pinning (shown below).

And no broken needles, if you miss taking one out.

Onto the next curve.

This is the one of the outer corners.

Glue & repeat!

Give it a try on your next project.

My next try will be on an apple core block --

actually looking forward to it.

Thank you Madame Samm for having me over & to Lori!

~

Hey, every Thursday we have a GIVEAWAY on our blog,

since it's Thursday, you're welcome to join in,

just leave a comment here so I know you read me here and come on

over to our post over there.

The winner will receive a Tombo glue & some other fabulous items :). trust me.

( due to the overwhelming request for this glue we are all out..
looking at bringing in more asap, will keep you abreast through Mdm Samm)

And we're having a Quilt Taffy super sale today through Monday.
40% off most yardage & patterns in eBay store!

This 'Sale' isn't listed in the Sale category, it's storewide.

Plus

for the next 24 hours find a coupon code on our blog

for Stash visitors for

10% off Quilt Taffy etsy

Comments are here and there...

Behind the Seams with our JUNE Banner Winners

My favorite part of celebrating a new month, 

unveiling our new look, is also the BEHIND the SEAMS

stories about our winners quilts....

 I am proud to introduce the following...

now from your right to left...

Take Laila's the end photo on your right..

this is more of her beautiful runner and her story..

My table runner is made from a pattern designed by the most recognized and popular Norwegian designer AnnAKa. Since back in 2004, when I started making quilts, I’ve attended several of her classes. She makes patterns that is easy to understand, and mostly projects which are quick to make, like this table runner. It’s also very easy to add your personal touch on the projects, like using your favorite fabrics and colors. The one I made with purple fabrics  is the fourth table runner from this pattern, so I guess I can call it a favorite :o) I have been asking AnnAKa to consider translating her patterns to English.  I really hope she will, even if the patterns are so easy to understand by the drawings :o)

Link to the whole quilt:more about it here

Thank you so much for using my quilt! I’m very honored! You really made my day brighter, I needed that ;o)

Both your own blog, and Stash manicure is a source of inspiration to me, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending so much time and energy to do this for us fellow bloggers. You’re awesome :o)

Wish you a great weekend!

Hugs,

Laila Skauge

MY BLOG, please come on over and visit

And beside Laila is our Jamie...

Hello June Readers -- My name is Jamie of L'Fair Quilts and I live in  Louisiana, about 50 miles southwest of New Orleans.  In January of this year, Judy Laquidara with Patchwork Times challenged her readers to make quilty monochromatic projects.  With my monster stash of fabrics, this was perfect for me.  I am using this challenge not only for the use of one color, but to stretch my designing techniques.  I like to design from scratch, starting with a favorite block and the design wall.  For my "Field of Violets" ...take a peak here for more , it started with chubby pinwheels, 16-patch blocks, and the left-over cutaways as fillers.  After finishing this special quilt, I needed a "WOW" backdrop -- hence the beautiful gardens created by friends Donald and Aaron.  My new challenge is to make a different quilt for each themed niche' of their garden.  If only we had more hours in a day.

My official post today , so excited!
A special thank you to the talented Madame Samm .... Stash Manicure takes priority over the daily newspaper in my home, so I feel very honored to be chosen as a part of the June Banner. 

and next to Jamie is our Susan...and her story..

I am SO thrilled to have my quilt featured (again) on the banner of Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure!  My quilt is called Romantic Rings (approx 36” by 43”).  It is all hand pieced and hand quilted, made back in 2004 and a real labour of love.  The pattern, by Bev Darby, was first published in Australian Patchwork and Quilting Magazine and is still available today.  I found the perfect fabric from my LQS to fussy cut the centre diamond shapes and used a wide range of pinks, mauves and purples from my stash.  The backing, which I thought was perfect, came from Ikea! I remember spending many a winter’s evening lovingly stitching this quilt together.  I am saving this special quilt for my first grandchild! (I just need to get one of my two sons married off! ) It was also my Mother’s favourite quilt so it is even more special. I am blessed to be sharing it with you all! 

 And Next to Susan is our  Dawn and her story...

Wow! I'm so honored to be choosen to be on the June banner over at Sew We Quilt!  Thank you Samm! Here is my story.

In July my DD2 is getting married! {The first of our 3 daughters to get married}  It is known among my family and friends that I love to give quits for wedding gifts.   So when my daughter got engaged, I asked her what kind of quilt she would like and in what colors. Her favorite color combination is purple and yellow so I pretty much knew what the colors would be but I had to ask!  I suggested a few patterns but DD2 & SIL weren't crazy about them so they searched and found this pattern, a form of log cabin with a twist called Lover's Knot.  There wasn't many directions on how to make the quilt so out came my graph paper and pencils to figure out size and yardage. Then came the search for the right fabric. I choose from the Eden collection by Lila Tueller.  Since the pattern lent itself to only 2 fabrics , I choose one from her lilac range and one with a white background.  For borders, I added some Kona Snow and one from the collection's yellow range and a larger multi-colored print. I love how this quilt came together and the fabrics were wonderful to work with. Can you see how 4 blocks form the knot? Since their wedding isn't until July, I haven't posted a complete reveal on my blog yet but just a few pictures.  Here is my link: more of my quilt here.  I want to thank Madame Samm for choosing my quilt to be part of the June banner. I am so honored.

Leave them a lovely sentiment, and I will include your name ONE MORE TIME
in our giveaway...YES I WILL.... Later today winner will be announced for this...

When did you start liking PURPLE, LAVENDER???

( today for me lol) 

Our June Banner Winners and GIVEAWAY! (love purple, gonna love this giveaway)

 WINNER ...out of 721 votes...

many could not get in here to comment...

check out this link, Teresa said this worked for her..'

http://fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/

and yes Winner of all the PURPLE PACKAGE

thetracyquilter.... I think her name must be TRACY.

#422

sent her an email right away...

Congrats my dear...

and all those who left the nicest comments

to all of our banner winners..

THANK YOU on behalf of them....

x

Yes JUNE Banner is up but not before we thank from our hearts

 our last months winners...

from left to right, Rhanda, Cheryl, Trudi and another Cheryl..

YOU kept us in the PINK and buttercream for the month...( although Trudi

did in fact have pink too) This was our Coin Quilt MONTH and it certainly

gave many the inspiration to create some coin quilts in their future. 

Sew thank you for that. I LOVED opening up Stash each morning

and see you shining sew bright..and there in my mind you will stay.

Thank you for sharing your creations with us....

AND now a summery CONGRATS to....

It is June, somewhere this morning....and it is that time

to reveal our JUNE Banner winners. 

Surprising to me, we had 373 lavender to purple quilts submitted.

I had no idea how many of you  made quilts in these hues..WOW.

It was very difficult for me this month to choose, as I don't think

there was any one quilt that I did not like...

I chose these for blending purposes only. I never have

any idea who's quilt is YOURS, until I am done....

Congats to Dawn... why I chose hers...

Now Dawn, hers was the loveliest shade of lilac/lavender

of the mix. Her choice of fabrics, texture, design,

was ever sew soft and struck me as a lot of love

went into this quilt. Her overall presentation

had me awestruck...She  has made me a fan

of lilacs, to lavenders to purples...You can bet in

my future  I will have something like this in my cupboards.

Congrats to Susan...

Susan, I believe was on our banner in January,

now June, she is one of the few who has been

selected twice. It is obvious her heart stitches

appeal to many. Her  double wedding ring

which I have always admired is extra special

and her selection of fabrics= perfection. Here quilting really

stands out in this quilt...

Congrats to Jamie

Jamie...oh Jamie...I loved her photos, the sun

caressed her quilt with such subtlety I wanted to

pick up her quilt and wrap myself up in it..

Her pinwheel design with the hues of deep purple

welllll, had me at HELLO purple...lol.

Lovely indeed..

 Congrats to Laila

And my dearest Laila....lol How could I overlook

this lovely piece...it is a  table runner ladies...and

you will be awed as I was when you see the entire

quilt. The appliqué of her flower at both ends

was absolutely amazing touch.

I just had to include it, because I am sure many

will be wanting to make one just like this one..

I loved her choice for background fabric...

I would be proud to display this in my home....

Their Behind the Seams stories will be featured tomorrow..

and our end of month DRAW is.....

SPONSORED BY

Michael Miller -10 fat quarters

Kristal Bundle in Purples and look, look. look....

some binding in black polka dots, some pink polka dot

and white ...imagine the possibilities?

 as well as some matching threads

  Presencia Finca Perle Cotton
 ( sold to Colonial Needles mid June)

and who will  also be our new sponsor...

Does this not have you screaming SUMMER?

#1 Please let our ladies know how Lilac or Purple will slip

into your life this year...Where will you add these colors?

....Winner will be announced on WEDNESDAY OF THIS WEEK!

#2 Be a follower and let us know that too...

I am going to LOVE JUNE won't YOU?

Kitchen Sink Bunting

Hi there!  I'm Jennifer of That Girl... That Quilt and I'm so excited to be back here today to share another way to use up those little scraps.  Who doesn't love some bunting??  Especially when it's made from your favorite fabric scraps...

This idea started when I had some left-over dresden plate blades.  And then I had some left over tumbler shapes... and then some charm squares... some triangles... hexagons... maybe a few orphan quilt blocks... I even folded some squares in half to make triangles.  Pretty much everything but the kitchen sink! 

Traditional bunting is all the same shape but I can never seem to stick to the traditional way when my creative wheels start turning.  So feel free to add in your own creativity when following along with this tutorial. 

Here's what you need:
Lots of scraps cut into defined shapes
3-4 yards of Twill tape {bias binding, left over binding strips, etc work well too}
Heavy duty machine needle
All the usual suspect notions...

First, organize your fabric shapes into a long row.  I like things random but feel free to obsess over the order if you would like... ;)   If the raw edges of the pieces bother you, you can always zig-zag stitch or pink around the edges.

Now that you are organized, grab your twill tape and shapes.  It's up to you to decide if you want to stitch the fabric to the front of the twill tape or to the back.  I stitched mine to the front so that the most amount of fabric could show.  I spaced my shapes out randomly with 1/2" to 2" between each shape.  I typically avoid pinning but pinning the fabric bits to the tape makes it super easy to sew without a lot of stopping.

Do you know how to chain piece?  Sewing the shapes down is a lot like that.  Now all you have to do is take one end of the tape and stitch each shape to the tape.  I used a zig-zag stitch and stitched one continuous line {even on the open spaces of twill tape}.  Keep stitching until you have made all the bunting you want.  That's it!

I'm hanging my bunting on the long wall of my sewing studio so I didn't worry about making the pieces two-sided.  If you would like to make them two sided you could easily do that before sewing your pieces to your tape...

Thanks for having me today!  I hope you will hop over and visit my blog too... I'm always up to something. :)