You know how reusable bags are all the rage? Everyone is giving them out, our houses are filled with them. I was given a bag to promote Susan Carlson's new book, Serendipity Quilts. It is a very pretty bag, made of woven plastic. I don't see myself using this bag very much so I dissembled it and made it into something I could really use.

I love to sew on the go and anything that helps me get organized and to carry everything I need is a fine thing. Clear plastic pouches with zipper closures are indispensible and so much prettier than ziplock baggies.

You will need:
Woven plastic cloth or cloth of your choice (7 5/8x8")
Woven plastic cloth or cloth of your choice (19.5x3/4" folded in half lengthwise-for pouch binding)
Woven plastic cloth or cloth of your choice (7 5/8x3/4" folded in half lengthwise-for zipper binding)
1 zipper 8"
6mm plastic sheeting (7 5/8x4.5")
scissors, pins and a zipper foot
Sewing machine

I tore the entire bag apart, keeping every piece. This 'cloth' is woven plastic, it sews up just like cloth, although it is stiff. The nice thing about this cloth is that it is super strong. You can cut 3/4" strips, fold them in half and and sew in place over your raw edge. Easy peasy.

This tutorial is really about zippers, which folks seem to be afraid of. Zippers are easy! 'Installing' them requires a zipper foot and that you move the needle either to the right or left most position.

In this photo you see the zipper pull faces the clear plastic. The zipper pull is the 'right side' of the zipper. I sewed within a 1/4" of the edge of the zipper tape. Turned the plastic away from the zipper and finger burnished a fold in the plastic right where it was sewn to the zipper.

Apply the zipper to the 7 5/8" measurement.

Place the right side of the zipper to the right side of the cloth and wedge this between a 3/4" fold of the plastic cloth. Sew in place at a 1/4" from the fold.

You can trim the extra tape after you are done sewing it onto both the clear plastic sheeting and the plastic cloth.

Open the rectangle, which now has a zipper down the middle (ish) and fold in half so that the right side of the cloth faces out.

This is a tricky photo because you can't see the clear plastic sheeting. Rest assured, it is folded to meet up with the raw edge of the plastic cloth.

The binding will finish three sides of the pouch, the forth is a fold and does not need binding to close it.

Stop at 1/4" from the raw edge, turn the pouch by 90 degrees, back up so that your needle pierces the outter most edge.

Fold the binding down and over the raw edges, trying for a neat corner.

Now I know that many of you might also like a tutorial on creating a zipper closed square bag but, ha! That is a challenging project with much swearing and difficulty. I could more easily do a tutorial on how-to-swear-like-a-trooper-while-trying-in-vane-to-make-a-pretty-bag-with-no-major-problems. Like the zipper pull falling off (they are easy to replace if you free the opposite end of the zipper tape and resew the bag), or the corners not matching up and making a torqued square, but whatever! I sewed this bag to within an inch of its life and am happy with it.

And I made three zippered pouches to hold all my travel-on-the-go sewing supplies. You can too! Show me what you make with this tutorial! I wanna see.

Jane LaFazio has a tutorial about using freezer paper with paint sticks.

Carla Sonheim has a tute up about drawing an easy wabbit using Tombow.

Traci Lyn Huskamp has one about painting bird eggs.

Lyric Kinard has done a tutorial about making a sketchbook slipcover.

The prolific Alisa Burke has a tute up on making a butcher paper wreath.

Judy Coates Perez has a tute on how to make a faced binding.

Jill Berry has a journal mapping tutorial up.

My tutorial on incised fun foam stamps also mentions:

Kelli Nina Perkins small media slip cover with stitch paper.

And Gwen Diehn's recycled cover for a small book.

As if that isn't enough, when you are done hopping and you have 25 minutes of viewing time, this Ted video is phenomenal.

We all know how very addicted I can become with stamping. Words like potato chips come to mind and mottos that go something like, 'You can't make just one' are a few of my favorites. Last week I was thinking through easy-peasy things you can do to make your mark and Incised Fun Foam Stamps came to mind.

What you will need:

Sticky Back Foam Sheets
An Awl
Mechanical pencil with 3B Lead
Scissors
Tracing paper
A terrific sense of fun and creative play.
Stamp pads
A journal, ATC cards, sumpthin' to stamp!

Not only that but the Art Spark Gals are rolling out their Tutes all week long and these are just from todayl:

Today (Tuesday):

Gwen Diehn will be posting a Tute on a Recycled Slip Cover for a small book.

Kelli Nina Perkins will be doing a Small Media Case with Stitch Paper.

I will post the rest of the Tutorials here and on the Inspired to Quilt facebook fanpage as they go live. Enjoy!!!

Because I have visited New York as a tourist, and I now live here as well, I have insider views that I could not get any other way.

When you visit, it seems there are buildings and pavement everywhere.

But when you live here, you get a behind the scenes look into the courtyards and hidden spots of verdant solitude. It is fun to know and great to see.

This is the last photo of me with longer hair. My Man took this photo, he loves to play with blur and motion. I think I look like a waif or ghost.

Glow.

And then we went and bought art yums.

I am particularly happy with the liquid frisket pen. Which can be seen in this Frisket Kit. Until this point I have used old dead brushes liberally dipped in liquid soap and cleaned often. This pen doesn't need soap and with care can draw very slight and gentle lines. I am playing with it on a journal page now. Yumsta!

And in case you missed my latest post on The Sketchbook Challenge site, I will embed it here.

And remember, you can subscribe to my youtube channel, there is a bright yellow button mid-top page.

I have also posted this video at The Sketchbook Challenge and I don't want it to go unnoticed if that blog is not on your radar.

But there were a few questions about materials over there and I wanted to talk about that here. I use M. Graham gouache, an opaque watercolor paint. This is a new choice. For years I have used a cheap, sub-student grade paint that worked just fine. Pelikan Opaque Watercolor Set

I was satisfied with the color intensity, price, rewetting ability. That paint set is great for the price. But then I decided (a wild hair caught my attention and I could not shake it), that I needed to honor my abilities and intention and that I needed to upgrade to professional grade paints. I don't regret having done it, quite the opposite.

But. That opaque set held me in its grasp for almost 10 years. I learned a lot while using it, it served me well and it was inexpensive. There is a lot to be said for that. I find that often times when I start talking technique, my student or readers will feel they need to use what I have. Like when I lecture about quilting, I will get asked, "what machine do you use?" To which I always answer, "It is the operator, not the machine".

I could also make the argument that you should make a solid commitment to your paints and prove to yourself that you are taking your art seriously by purchasing the best supplies possible right off the bat. But why? I think it is best that you TRY things out. Heck you can water acrylic paint down to the degree that I show within the video and get smashing results. In the meantime, you will see that yes, indeed, you do love painting in this manner and you should have the paints you desire.

It is difficult to be a conscious consumer, to slow ourselves down and question, if I buy this, will I use every last drop of it? As far as the M. Graham Gouache goes? I sure will-I have no doubt whatsoever. I have no intention of returning to my sub-student grade set. But I do value the time I spent with that set and think the art I made while using it is great.

I have been and will be answering questions and responding to comments within the comments section of the blog. I hope this creates a sense of community and exchange. Also: The 30 Lines 30 Days challenge now has an open Flickr Group, please join and upload your photos if you are participating. It has been a lot of fun to do this with you. Thank you!

Check out Kristen, and Suzanne O!

Blogging everyday is a challenge! But, I am up for it.

Todays lines are patterns. Maybe this is what the splotch in yesterday's post looks like under magnification! Ha!

I have uploaded a new Ruling Pen video and I hope it will answer some questions that have been popping up in the comments section of the blog. Jeannie asked if certain paints work better. No. Using paint or dye in the ruling pen is about obtaining the correct consistency. The paint (substitute dye if you are using that), should flow easily in your palette, should not drip out of the ruling pens beak and should create a consistent line when draw on cloth or paper.

I hope the video helps.

The Ruling Pen is about consistency. Purposefully mix some paint too thin, make a line, add a tiny bit more paint, make another line-until you get it right! What could go wrong? You have ugly lines? Who cares? This is how we learn.

As for other doings at Studio Melly, I received a package from Annika today. Annika knit and beaded these yummy wrist warmers and was going to sell them at a craft fair when I snapped them up! Love 'em! I was on my way out when I saw her package. I literally, ripped them open, ignored the note, left the packaging, put them on and went on my way! I have wanted a pair of beaded wrist warmers for a very long time and am so happy to support Annika's creative journey. I have, of course, come to my senses, read the beautiful note (on a hand made card) and taken time to enjoy the manner in which she packaged them for shipping. Big sigh.

I have been and will be answering questions and responding to comments within the comments section of the blog. I hope this creates a sense of community and exchange. Also: The 30 Lines 30 Days challenge now has an open Flickr Group, please join and upload your photos if you are participating. It has been a lot of fun to do this with you. Thank you!

Check out Kristen, and Suzanne O!

Blogging everyday is a challenge! But, I am up for it.

Todays lines are patterns. Maybe this is what the splotch in yesterday's post looks like under magnification! Ha!

I have uploaded a new Ruling Pen video and I hope it will answer some questions that have been popping up in the comments section of the blog. Jeannie asked if certain paints work better. No. Using paint or dye in the ruling pen is about obtaining the correct consistency. The paint (substitute dye if you are using that), should flow easily in your palette, should not drip out of the ruling pens beak and should create a consistent line when draw on cloth or paper.

I hope the video helps.

The Ruling Pen is about consistency. Purposefully mix some paint too thin, make a line, add a tiny bit more paint, make another line-until you get it right! What could go wrong? You have ugly lines? Who cares? This is how we learn.

As for other doings at Studio Melly, I received a package from Annika today. Annika knit and beaded these yummy wrist warmers and was going to sell them at a craft fair when I snapped them up! Love 'em! I was on my way out when I saw her package. I literally, ripped them open, ignored the note, left the packaging, put them on and went on my way! I have wanted a pair of beaded wrist warmers for a very long time and am so happy to support Annika's creative journey. I have, of course, come to my senses, read the beautiful note (on a hand made card) and taken time to enjoy the manner in which she packaged them for shipping. Big sigh.

It is time I shake things up around here.

First topic of conversation: From now on I will answer comments to the blog within the comments section of the blog and not privately through email. I have been doing this but I just realized last week that you may not know to look there. So if you want to converse or ask questions or comment on other peoples comments, please check back and see what is happening in the comments next time you visit.

Second topic: I have come up with a challenge for myself. One that I hope you will enjoy and if you are inspired will either participate or configure your own challenge with your own rules.

30 Lines, 30 Days

I will be using the tools seen above: a Ruling Pen, paint brushes, acrylic paint, and a timer (the iPod has one).

The Challenge:

Create line on the 5.5x5.5" block in no more than 15 minutes (less is OK), each day for 30 days. Post a picture with commentary (or without, the picture is the important part) each day. At the end of the 30 day period I will reassess and see if I need to make more blocks or make something out of the blocks.

Here is my first block:

How do you use a Ruling Pen?

ETA: What do I hope to gain from this? I think Line is underrated but beautiful. Line is choppy, straight, broken, dotted, strong, vague, inconsistent, consistent, connected. I would like to see what I come up with, how the project itself affects me. I also look forward to seeing what I might do with the blocks at the end of making the blocks. This is a big learning journey of 'What if'.

I sorta hope you will join me.

A few months ago Iris from Mistyfuse asked me to create a project for an ad to be launched in the 2010/2011 Quilting Arts Gifts magazine. I was happy to do so.

And well, I also have an article in Quilting Arts Gifts called Wee Memories! So not only do you get a freebie tutorial here on my blog, I do hope you will go purchase your copy of the mag today! Here is a Wee Memory teaser!

And here is the Pinbook Tutorial. Pinbook.pdf <------Click it!

This is a tutorial of sorts. In this tutorial I would like you to embrace the concept of resists for paper. In a very broad sense a resist is anything that blocks or preserves an area in your painting. You could simply lay a piece of paper over your page and paint off the edge and call it a resist or you can explore the friskets and tapes available at your local art store. Getting to know what is available and how to use then is half the fun. I have created a video that shows the creation of a single page in my journal. In the video I use Magic Removable Tape. This is an easy way to create straight lines on your page.

So about using removable tape. When you apply the tape to the page, firmly push the tape onto the page. You do not want a slight buckle to occur. This will allow paint to gather in the buckle and negate the use of the tape to create a straight line in the fist place. You can cut into the tape with an Xacto knife to create curved lines too. This tape comes in multiple widths, I am using 1/2" tape in the above video. It also comes in 3/4" and wider.

This tape sometimes leaves a sticky residue after removal, in which case you can easily remove the residue with a Best-test Rubber Cement Pickup.

Sometimes this tape can make a really firm bond with the paper and doesn't want to be removed. If this occurs, simply warm the tape up with a heat gun or hair dryer. This will loosen the glue and you will be able to lift the tape off easily. For the most part this is not an issue. It is only an issue if you lean heavily on the tape with your elbow, leave the tape in place for a few weeks or do some other extreme thing to the poor tape.

If you are able to lift the tape without marring the surface or stretching the tape, the tape can be use several times before the tacky glue will become spent and tired. Check it out.

In this video I also use Zebra Sarasa Gel Retractable Roller Ball Pens (10 pack), which I like for the most part. They are water soluble and they mix well with paint! An added benefit in my eyes. BUT! They also become permanent with heat, so ironing your page will heat set these inks (awesome sleuth work on my part). The blues and dark greens are too close on color for my liking, the barrel is not indicative of the ink color as far as the blues and dark green goes. BUT! They write on top of both gouache, my beloved paint, and acrylic, my second favorite paint to journal with. I love having a set of colored pens that work well on top of paint. If you have other suggestions, please don't hesitate!

You will see the use of the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen again. I love this pen. L-O-V-E it. Last time I spoke about this pen I had a couple of people ask about it in camparison to other brush pens. Sometimes I wonder if I should start answering questions within the comments section of the blog, what do you think? At least then everyone could read my response! Anyway, I told her I like this pen because it is an actual brush, unlike Tomboy brush markers it actually has bristles, not just a felt tipped shape of a brush. This pen is expressive and useful. I want to say it is even bad ass!

I also used a Lower Case Alphabet stamp set and an alphabet stencil (whose collection I will be expanding upon, suggestions welcome)

I will be teaching Inspired Journaling at Create on Friday, August 27. Unlike this video I will also be verbal and share artistic approach, ideas about composition and playful prompts to get you thinking about what we are doing and why! I do hope you will join me.

This is a tutorial of sorts. In this tutorial I would like you to embrace the concept of resists for paper. In a very broad sense a resist is anything that blocks or preserves an area in your painting. You could simply lay a piece of paper over your page and paint off the edge and call it a resist or you can explore the friskets and tapes available at your local art store. Getting to know what is available and how to use then is half the fun. I have created a video that shows the creation of a single page in my journal. In the video I use Magic Removable Tape. This is an easy way to create straight lines on your page.

So about using removable tape. When you apply the tape to the page, firmly push the tape onto the page. You do not want a slight buckle to occur. This will allow paint to gather in the buckle and negate the use of the tape to create a straight line in the fist place. You can cut into the tape with an Xacto knife to create curved lines too. This tape comes in multiple widths, I am using 1/2" tape in the above video. It also comes in 3/4" and wider.

This tape sometimes leaves a sticky residue after removal, in which case you can easily remove the residue with a Best-test Rubber Cement Pickup.

Sometimes this tape can make a really firm bond with the paper and doesn't want to be removed. If this occurs, simply warm the tape up with a heat gun or hair dryer. This will loosen the glue and you will be able to lift the tape off easily. For the most part this is not an issue. It is only an issue if you lean heavily on the tape with your elbow, leave the tape in place for a few weeks or do some other extreme thing to the poor tape.

If you are able to lift the tape without marring the surface or stretching the tape, the tape can be use several times before the tacky glue will become spent and tired. Check it out.

In this video I also use Zebra Sarasa Gel Retractable Roller Ball Pens (10 pack), which I like for the most part. They are water soluble and they mix well with paint! An added benefit in my eyes. BUT! They also become permanent with heat, so ironing your page will heat set these inks (awesome sleuth work on my part). The blues and dark greens are too close on color for my liking, the barrel is not indicative of the ink color as far as the blues and dark green goes. BUT! They write on top of both gouache, my beloved paint, and acrylic, my second favorite paint to journal with. I love having a set of colored pens that work well on top of paint. If you have other suggestions, please don't hesitate!

You will see the use of the Pentel Pocket Brush Pen again. I love this pen. L-O-V-E it. Last time I spoke about this pen I had a couple of people ask about it in camparison to other brush pens. Sometimes I wonder if I should start answering questions within the comments section of the blog, what do you think? At least then everyone could read my response! Anyway, I told her I like this pen because it is an actual brush, unlike Tomboy brush markers it actually has bristles, not just a felt tipped shape of a brush. This pen is expressive and useful. I want to say it is even bad ass!

I also used a Lower Case Alphabet stamp set and an alphabet stencil (whose collection I will be expanding upon, suggestions welcome)

I will be teaching Inspired Journaling at Create on Friday, August 27. Unlike this video I will also be verbal and share artistic approach, ideas about composition and playful prompts to get you thinking about what we are doing and why! I do hope you will join me.

This week has been a flurry of blogging activity! The Art Sparks and I have created a virtual Tsunami of Tutorials for your inter-tainment. Today Gloria Hansen gives us Painted Shibori, and I am going to DO THIS THING!

Can I say "Yum"? And I am sorry but I can't say the word Shibori without getting all pirate and sneering, "Shibori me timbers, matey!"

Alma Stoller has created a tute on How to Recycle a Magazine, paper and stitching Oh My!

Judy Coates Perez just upload a tute on Printing on Teabags! This just hot off the press! Judy is just amazing.

Don't forget Tracie Lyn Huskamp's great Nature Inspired greeting card

Jane LaFazio's Felted Wool Tute and if you are looking for a way to USE felted wool, other than hanging it on the wall... click here. Geez, Jane!

Spiff your Togs with help from Lyric Kinard

Put your Chic On with help from Alisa Burke's Altered Striped Tank tutorial.

And the always inspiring Kelli Nina Perkins Spoon Poetry tutorial.

Then there is me, with two tutes, most recently the Cloth to Headband tutorial. Download Part 2 again because I updated and reworded #9. And my Pencil Case Tutorial, for your swag pencil keeping needs.

This week has been a flurry of blogging activity! The Art Sparks and I have created a virtual Tsunami of Tutorials for your inter-tainment. Today Gloria Hansen gives us Painted Shibori, and I am going to DO THIS THING!

Can I say "Yum"? And I am sorry but I can't say the word Shibori without getting all pirate and sneering, "Shibori me timbers, matey!"

Alma Stoller has created a tute on How to Recycle a Magazine, paper and stitching Oh My!

Judy Coates Perez just upload a tute on Printing on Teabags! This just hot off the press! Judy is just amazing.

Don't forget Tracie Lyn Huskamp's great Nature Inspired greeting card

Jane LaFazio's Felted Wool Tute and if you are looking for a way to USE felted wool, other than hanging it on the wall... click here. Geez, Jane!

Spiff your Togs with help from Lyric Kinard

Put your Chic On with help from Alisa Burke's Altered Striped Tank tutorial.

And the always inspiring Kelli Nina Perkins Spoon Poetry tutorial.

Then there is me, with two tutes, most recently the Cloth to Headband tutorial. Download Part 2 again because I updated and reworded #9. And my Pencil Case Tutorial, for your swag pencil keeping needs.

Todays Tutorial Tsunami continues with Tutorials by Lyric Kinard who is Painting Shoes!!

and Alisa Burke who's done an Altered Striped Tank Tutorial

I am totally impressed!

If you are looking for the Headband Tutorial, you can click <--- that link or scroll down.

LynnDel asked for photos of the headband off the head. :)

Here they are. And just to let you know, you may want to download part two again, because I updated it with additional photos and a rewording, thanks to Kevan Lunney!

Todays Tutorial Tsunami continues with Tutorials by Lyric Kinard who is Painting Shoes!!

and Alisa Burke who's done an Altered Striped Tank Tutorial

I am totally impressed!

If you are looking for the Headband Tutorial, you can click <--- that link or scroll down.

LynnDel asked for photos of the headband off the head. :)

Here they are. And just to let you know, you may want to download part two again, because I updated it with additional photos and a rewording, thanks to Kevan Lunney!

A Tutorial Tsunami means lots of learning, lots of fun and good times for all. A bunch of us pals (we call ourselves the Art Sparks) got together and decided to start a tsunami of sorts. Jane LaFazio, Diana Trout and I will pack the snowball and get it rolling. Oh wait! I am mixing metaphors!

Jane will be doing a machine felting tutorial and Diana will be guiding us through an adventure of BIG art making. From here we will pass the baton to Lyric Kinard and Alisa Burke who will be posting tomorrow, (Thursday) and they will pass the baton to... Well, you will just have to wait and see!

So here goes:

You will need:

Cotton cloth prepared to dye and soda soaked (I made a fat quarter for the purpose of this tute. I have left overs!) :)
Dye concentrate
Freezer paper and iron
scissors
Plexiglas
Sewing machine (regular and rolled hem foot)
Elastic
Thread
Iron
pins

Soda Soak solution: 1/2C. Soda Ash to 1 gallon water
Dye concentrate: 2 tbs dye Powder to 2C water
Thickener 11Tbs to 2C water

Further explanations of all of the proceeding information can be found within pages 17 through 33 of my book, Inspired to Quilt.

Part One:

1. Fold freezer paper (nice action shot, huh?)

2. Draw out a simple design.

3. Cut the design out of the freezer paper. Iron in a pleasing pattern on your soda soaked cloth.

4. Mix up some thickened dye.

5. Spread it out evenly on a Plexiglas sheet.

6. Apply cloth to dye.

7. Press cloth into dye, a brayer would be useful here.

8. Lift cloth away and batch. Wash.

9. ops! Blurry. Sorry!

HeadbandPart1.pdf

Part Two:

1. Cut a 14x2" strip of cloth. Iron raw edges toward center of the strip. (*see step 9)

2. Sew closed.

3. Thread an 8 inch length of 1/4" elastic through the sewn strip.

4. Cut a 12.5 x 6.5" square of cloth, I will demonstrate a rolled hem, though you could try other methods if you do not have this foot.

5. Sew a 1" length at 1/4" from raw edge. Leave the tail; you will use this to guide the cloth into the foot.

6. Holding the tail, draw a 'wave' of cloth into the foot. The 63 foot for the Bernina machine will turn about a 1/4" of cloth into a tight rolls as it sews the cloth in place. You'll want to feed the 'wave' about a 1/2" of cloth just forward of the foot.

7. Once both of the long edges are roll hemmed (or your choice of hem) baste the other two raw edges with a long stitch length.

8. Gather each of the two ends up to create two highly ruffled edges.

Headband construction tip: When you join the elastic strip to the headband part put right sides together with the headband strip on the bottom and the elastic band on top and ready to go thru the machine, allow the narrow hemmed edges to wrap around and on top of the elastic strip slightly and sew in place. When it is turned, the ragged end of the seam allowance will be concealed and you can then top stitch across the end. It will be very professional looking.

9. Following the above headband construction tips, pin both sides, sew in place, turn and sew again, this area will get a fair amount of stress as you pull the headband on and off your head.

Zig Zag the raw edges together. Repeat for other edge.

Complete the opposite side too.

*All of these measurements can and should be fine-tuned to fit your head or that of your child or girlfriend. If you would like to do this, I suggest making the elastic and tube longer strip longer, say, 18x2 and basting the opposite side in the proper place to see if it fits you properly. Trim away the excess before completing your headband.

This headband is a great way to enjoy having the top down on your convertible, taking a fast ferry to Provincetown, or just plain keeping cool.

HeadBandPart2.pdf
***ETA: This is an updated version of Headband Tutorial Part 2***

Watch this video for inspiration. And better still, subscribe to my You Tube Channel and get automatic emails when I add new and exciting content.

I really hope you enjoyed this tute, downloaded the 2 PDF's, and now go check out Jane Lafazio and Diana Trout's Blogs.

A Tutorial Tsunami means lots of learning, lots of fun and good times for all. A bunch of us pals (we call ourselves the Art Sparks) got together and decided to start a tsunami of sorts. Jane LaFazio, Diana Trout and I will pack the snowball and get it rolling. Oh wait! I am mixing metaphors!

Jane will be doing a machine felting tutorial and Diana will be guiding us through an adventure of BIG art making. From here we will pass the baton to Lyric Kinard and Alisa Burke who will be posting tomorrow, (Thursday) and they will pass the baton to... Well, you will just have to wait and see!

So here goes:

You will need:

Cotton cloth prepared to dye and soda soaked (I made a fat quarter for the purpose of this tute. I have left overs!) :)
Dye concentrate
Freezer paper and iron
scissors
Plexiglas
Sewing machine (regular and rolled hem foot)
Elastic
Thread
Iron
pins

Soda Soak solution: 1/2C. Soda Ash to 1 gallon water
Dye concentrate: 2 tbs dye Powder to 2C water
Thickener 11Tbs to 2C water

Further explanations of all of the proceeding information can be found within pages 17 through 33 of my book, Inspired to Quilt.

Part One:

1. Fold freezer paper (nice action shot, huh?)

2. Draw out a simple design.

3. Cut the design out of the freezer paper. Iron in a pleasing pattern on your soda soaked cloth.

4. Mix up some thickened dye.

5. Spread it out evenly on a Plexiglas sheet.

6. Apply cloth to dye.

7. Press cloth into dye, a brayer would be useful here.

8. Lift cloth away and batch. Wash.

9. ops! Blurry. Sorry!

HeadbandPart1.pdf

Part Two:

1. Cut a 14x2" strip of cloth. Iron raw edges toward center of the strip. (*see step 9)

2. Sew closed.

3. Thread an 8 inch length of 1/4" elastic through the sewn strip.

4. Cut a 12.5 x 6.5" square of cloth, I will demonstrate a rolled hem, though you could try other methods if you do not have this foot.

5. Sew a 1" length at 1/4" from raw edge. Leave the tail; you will use this to guide the cloth into the foot.

6. Holding the tail, draw a 'wave' of cloth into the foot. The 63 foot for the Bernina machine will turn about a 1/4" of cloth into a tight rolls as it sews the cloth in place. You'll want to feed the 'wave' about a 1/2" of cloth just forward of the foot.

7. Once both of the long edges are roll hemmed (or your choice of hem) baste the other two raw edges with a long stitch length.

8. Gather each of the two ends up to create two highly ruffled edges.

Headband construction tip: When you join the elastic strip to the headband part put right sides together with the headband strip on the bottom and the elastic band on top and ready to go thru the machine, allow the narrow hemmed edges to wrap around and on top of the elastic strip slightly and sew in place. When it is turned, the ragged end of the seam allowance will be concealed and you can then top stitch across the end. It will be very professional looking.

9. Following the above headband construction tips, pin both sides, sew in place, turn and sew again, this area will get a fair amount of stress as you pull the headband on and off your head.

Zig Zag the raw edges together. Repeat for other edge.

Complete the opposite side too.

*All of these measurements can and should be fine-tuned to fit your head or that of your child or girlfriend. If you would like to do this, I suggest making the elastic and tube longer strip longer, say, 18x2 and basting the opposite side in the proper place to see if it fits you properly. Trim away the excess before completing your headband.

This headband is a great way to enjoy having the top down on your convertible, taking a fast ferry to Provincetown, or just plain keeping cool.

HeadBandPart2.pdf
***ETA: This is an updated version of Headband Tutorial Part 2***

Watch this video for inspiration. And better still, subscribe to my You Tube Channel and get automatic emails when I add new and exciting content.

I really hope you enjoyed this tute, downloaded the 2 PDF's, and now go check out Jane Lafazio and Diana Trout's Blogs.

During the month of June, I am going to do a Tutorial a week and hope you will enjoy my offerings. Next week will be a surface design tutorial. I can't wait.

Months ago, I made this case along with this larger zippered case. Today's tutorial features the simple pencil case. Hopefully, I will get to the larger pencil case too. I hope you enjoy.

1. Satin Stitch the top edge of the 51/2"x4" square.

2. Satin Stitch the one end of the 2 3/4" quilted square.

3. Pin long piece (the flap) to the outer upper edge of the larger square. Satin stitch in place.

4. Fold this 'L' shape piece in half, wrong side together.

5. Straight stitch sew outer edge of folded area. Remove from machine. Trim threads.

6. With the flap opened up, satin stitch entire piece. I suggest you satin stitch the entire piece 2 or 3 times to ensure coverage of the raw edges of your pencil case.

7. Fold the flap down so case measures 6 3/4". Pin.

8. Sew a fold in the top most edge of the flap at 1/8".

If an elastic closure sounds good to you, tuck the elastic 1" below the top edge of the fold during step 4 of this tutorial. I used ribbon in my first pencil case and wish I had used elastic.

You may choose to whip stitch embroider your satin stitched edges which is my preference, it is neater and conceal the raw edges better. Beside which, you should love on your pencil case and it should be as purdy as you are! Whenever I take my pencil case out of my bag, I get lots of compliments.

You may use this pattern to your hearts content in any way you choose. A link back to my blog http://www.melanietesta.com/mtype would be appreciated.

I have also uploaded this tutorial as a PDF to make download and printing easier for you. The difference between the two is the fact that Word reformats the images and so they appear smaller. Enjoy.

Quilted Pencil Case.pdf

During the month of June, I am going to do a Tutorial a week and hope you will enjoy my offerings. Next week will be a surface design tutorial. I can't wait.

Months ago, I made this case along with this larger zippered case. Today's tutorial features the simple pencil case. Hopefully, I will get to the larger pencil case too. I hope you enjoy.

1. Satin Stitch the top edge of the 51/2"x4" square.

2. Satin Stitch the one end of the 2 3/4" quilted square.

3. Pin long piece (the flap) to the outer upper edge of the larger square. Satin stitch in place.

4. Fold this 'L' shape piece in half, wrong side together.

5. Straight stitch sew outer edge of folded area. Remove from machine. Trim threads.

6. With the flap opened up, satin stitch entire piece. I suggest you satin stitch the entire piece 2 or 3 times to ensure coverage of the raw edges of your pencil case.

7. Fold the flap down so case measures 6 3/4". Pin.

8. Sew a fold in the top most edge of the flap at 1/8".

If an elastic closure sounds good to you, tuck the elastic 1" below the top edge of the fold during step 4 of this tutorial. I used ribbon in my first pencil case and wish I had used elastic.

You may choose to whip stitch embroider your satin stitched edges which is my preference, it is neater and conceal the raw edges better. Beside which, you should love on your pencil case and it should be as purdy as you are! Whenever I take my pencil case out of my bag, I get lots of compliments.

You may use this pattern to your hearts content in any way you choose. A link back to my blog http://www.melanietesta.com/mtype would be appreciated.

I have also uploaded this tutorial as a PDF to make download and printing easier for you. The difference between the two is the fact that Word reformats the images and so they appear smaller. Enjoy.

Quilted Pencil Case.pdf