Printing Quick Projects & Organizing the Sewing Room

 

                     

Good afternoon everyone! I was excited to see the US numbers increasing in the stats this weekend.  💕 I've been clearing out the sewing room after my DH added a couple storage options. I have been sorting, colorizing and moving fabrics around while printing some Alice Caroline Liberty of London Sew Along patterns for a friend's gift bag and related goodies.  

My dearest, oldest friend has been waiting so patiently as I heal from shoulder and multiple wrist surgeries; it's taken far longer than I could have imagined, truly.  They're not a fan of mixing prints or charm projects, so I'll have to pull a 💙 solid, maybe some of the light, yarn-dyed Speckled Blue Essex Linen for the dotty fabric? I'm just not sure yet. 

I don't have enough yardage for a full bag with insert(s) or tool bag, so I'm hoping something like the X fabric will also work for her. It's been so long, maybe it will be more appealing at this point. 

Happy Sewing, Sorting & Planning,

Heather

Judie Rothermel's New Releases & More

Goodies just arrived and I can't wait to work with them! Judie Rothermel's Aunt Grace Goes Scrappy line is as lovely as expected. Some of the prints are re-releases in case you missed the original promotions. Initially, I only purchased small cuts and was a bit late to the party; the additional yardage is certainly welcome. 

The all-pastel jelly roll by Riley Blake will fit right in the growing stash. I decided to go with some smaller cuts of tiny prints that can be utilized in several projects. Reproduction prints and their beautiful, cheery color combinations are still appealing to me after all these years. Of course, the Over the Rainbow Dear Jane is still on my mind, but I also have a few other plans for some upcoming projects once sewing room access is restored. 

DH & the kids have been changing layouts in a couple of bedrooms and the only available temporary storage space available in a pinch was the laundry/sewing room. The applique go-bags and embroidery supplies are somewhere beneath the growing piles. Fingers crossed this process goes quickly, I'm difficult to deal with when I can't piece, applique, quilt, or embroider, as you can imagine. 

Happy Sewing,

Heather

Charms Arrive

Some harder to find 1930s charms arrived today. They may be used in my Dear Jane, with details to come later. I think the eye block in that blue fabric with the white diamonds outlined in black was on my redo list. It's been so long, I could be mistaken.

I was excited to see the Judie Rothermel red lily of the valley fabric. Lily of the valley flowers are my favorite. They were in my wedding bouquet that I designed and arranged. When I was a young girl, they lined my grandmother Lucile's driveway. 

I loved the scent and fragile nature of these beautiful blooms; they'd be nice to have in the yard in the future.

 

My love of flowers started as a toddler when my great grandfather, Eddie showed me how to propagate violets. He grew several perennials, his favorites were his climbing roses and asparagus ferns, a pink and green combination that appealed to me. The grands and great grands have been on my mind lately. It must be time to get that DJ done in honor of my great grandmother, Gladys.

Happy Sewing,
Heather

Embroidery Floss

The embroidery floss took longer to sort than expected. The carrying cases did not work as well as I had hoped but for now, they're sorted and all loose floss has been wrapped around a card. I have a large glass dry goods container somewhere with a lid that could hold everything in one spot. I'd like to keep them off my sewing room counters, if at all possible. 

I'm looking forward to starting some of Aneela Hoey's patterns from her books Little Stitches, Sweet Stitches and Stitch & Sew soon.

Happy Handwork,

Heather

Salsa Fresca/Pico De Gallo & Guacamole

I whipped up some salsa fresca, also known as pico de gallo. It's simple and so delicious! Start with fresh tomatoes, these are heritage varieties that we rarely have access to unless we grow them ourselves. Next, dice half a large or one whole small white onion. I opted to include four jalapeño peppers, sliced, seeds removed and diced roughly the same size of the onion pieces. I'm not a fan of cilantro but LOVE lime juice in my salsa and guacamole. 

Salsa fresca is great served with tortilla chips but I also use it a component of my guacamole. Mash your avocado(s) in a serving dish. Guacamole seasoning is readily available, but I prefer to use the following: 

• Garlic Salt
• Black Pepper or Lemon Pepper
• Onion Powder
• Cayenne
• Thyme
• Chili Powder
• Fresh Cilantro (optional)

Next, add salsa fresca and more lime juice to your seasoned avocado mash. The rough ratio is about one ladle salsa fresca per ripe, soft avocado. If you are making this in advance, be sure to cover in cling wrap, pressing the plastic over the top of the mixture to avoid darkening to a gray-green hue. Be sure to share both the salsa and guacamole paired with fresh restaurant style tortilla chips with guests and family members. Enjoy!

Heather

Embroidery Floss Galore & Feedsack (1930s fabrics) Background

Good afternoon, RF readers. I'm sorting items a bit at a time for my sewing room, starting with my embroidery card collection. While I enjoy taking just a few embroidery floss cards with me for on the go or upstairs with the family, organization of this stash is long overdue. Separating the colors alone has me feeling more accomplished already. I chose an acrylic canister set designed for kitchen use for storage but may need an extra jar or two for the overflow, we shall see. 

It occurred to me as I was fussing over the beautiful colors that some of you might be interested in the background of 1930 fabrics. My focus has been on my reproduction collection, which reminds me of my great grandmother, Gladys and favorite fabric designer, Judie Rothermel. The history begins with garment sewing, common quilt patterns of the day, a revival of charm quilting, and dry goods of the period. The reproduction fabrics are more appealing in the soft, tight-woven quilter's cottons in joyful conversation prints and florals.

1930s Feedsack articles, if you'd like to learn more:

• QUILT INDEX
• SATURDAY EVENING POST
• FEED SACKS
• QUILTDOM

My favorite quilt patterns are from this era, including Nosegay (also known as Bride's Bouquet), various hexagon quilts, Dresden Plate, LeMoyne Star, various basket patterns, Double Wedding Ring, and Arkansas Snowflake (known by several other names including Periwinkle, Feedsack Star & Hummingbird). There are free patterns available if you're interested in the block instructions. I'm attaching a few but they can be made in many sizes; if you'd like something larger or smaller, a google search for the block name(s) should provide the instructions you're seeking. Some of the sites have pop up advertising, which I try to avoid sharing. 

• NOSEGAY
• ARKANSAS STAR & instructions and an alternate pattern
• LEMOYNE STAR
• DRESDEN PLATE
• DOUBLE WEDDING RING

Happy reading & sewing,

Heather

Heather Ross Line Arrived!

The anxiously awaited (pre-ordered) Studio Edit line by Heather Ross arrived today. They'll work well with the rest of her designs that I've collected over the years. I keep thinking that the incredibly adorable illustrations would make a fantastic I-spy hexie quilt in addition to several other future projects. YAY!

Piece,

Heather

Thank Goodness for Google Translate!

 It was a lovely surprise this morning to see so many visitors to the blog. Thank you! 

Overnight, the US dropped to 4th place with Vietnam, Hong Kong and Brazil taking first, second and third place respectively. After the US, we have Indonesia, Argentina, Singapore, Ecuador, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Bangladesh, Columbia, Germany, India, Netherlands, Kazakhstan, Morocco and "Other".

UPDATE: Brazilians are now nearly half my viewers!! Welcome to my site. When I'm able to update my university lessons, I have some plans for this space that I think you'll enjoy. Please feel free to comment or reach out, I can always use translate, if needed. 

To the wonderful Alaskans that have popped up overnight, my oldest is working in your state as we speak. After this summer, he and his girlfriend plan to hike the PCT. I'm a little nervous about that with the national park workforce reductions, but what's a mom to do? Just so ya'll are aware, the continental US shows up as one destination, so I am unable to break down other visitors by state in the lower 48.

If your country is not showing up in blogger data, please let us know in the comment section. Family members are curious, and I love sharing stats when new spots appear. Whether you are new to the site, you've been here all along or you stop by occasionally, you are appreciated. I hope everyone finds something helpful and/or posts that bring you joy.  

I have purchased so much fabric over the years, I'm not sure where to even begin organizing and sharing photos with you. I have been buying LOTS of 30s of course, Tula Pink designs, Liberty of London Tana Lawn prints and some basic polka dots in addition to Heather Ross and Aneela Hoey fabrics. I'm thankful for the wonderful online options as all the local quilt shops have closed. 

1930s reproductions were very hard to find for a while but thanks to

 Judie Rothermel's Schoolhouse Quilt Shoppe and some Etsy sellers, they're available again. I'm buying larger pieces than I have in the past just in case they become difficult to find again. 

Happy Sewing,

Heather

Welcome!

Welcome new visitors & friends! It's so great to see that the blog is getting some traffic again. Whether you are new to applique, the Jane Stickle quilt (Dear Jane), are a fan of 30s reproduction fabrics, a modern quilter, a combination, or just browsing, I'm so glad you're here. I've been teaching, finishing two master's degrees, have changed jobs a couple times, and am considering going for a third master's. I've also had several surgeries on my wrists and forearms, making some of my quilting and embroidery challenging - but I'm determined to get back to my piecing and applique soon. While I've been on the mend, I have purchased several new 30s reproductions for the ever growing collection and several new cabinets to house them in.                                                                  

My daughter and I have been collecting Strawberry Shortcake vintage goodies for years and added the new re-releases from France, thanks to some incredibly kind online friends. You'll note that Strawberry has a sewing machine nook in the Berry Happy Home. It's behind the Brazilian brunette version in the picture on the left of the screen. While the pretend sewing machine makes me happy, my zen space, the real sewing room has been calling. I do hope that means once I get back to it, I can complete my Dear Jane between projects (and unfortunately, laundry!).

Thank you for taking the time to check in! 

Wishing you the very best, 

Heather

                                                     

Aneela Hoey Triple Pouches 2.0

On the very last day of my summer break, I've had a request for another 2 Triple Pouches (Pattern by Aneela Hoey). This time they'll be in a Pencil Club print and Essex Linen in a light gray. I'd have to look it up to give you the actual name but will gladly do so if you're interested. The plan is to keep art supplies in this set and school pencils/pens/markers in the other but plans are often subject to change. In any case, I'm happy someone is enjoying the Aneela Hoey patterns as much as I am. The second and third sets are going smooth as silk. :)

Happy Sewing,

Heather

 

Aneela Hoey's Triple Pouch #1 is Complete

Munchkin chose a couple fabrics for the first version of Aneela Hoey's Triple Pouch. It takes some time to complete and to be honest, probably wouldn't make them for anyone else. She's picked out some Pencil Pals & Essex combinations for the next couple. Now that I've made it through the first one, I think the next ones will go a little smoother (fingers crossed). Overall, I'm pleased with the results. 

I love Aneela Hoey's patterns but my sewing experience is limited, so I was doubting myself through the process. Plus, I naturally figure out patterns along the way and often come up with easier methods to complete it a second time. This one...not so much. I spoke with a generous Aneela fan who graciously encouraged me to keep at it, not to read ahead on the directions and to stop thinking my way through it. She assured me I'd be ok. This was also Aneela's advice lol but I guess I needed a little confidence booster. Thank you for your time and for being so kind to answer a late night plea from someone who clearly needed to take a break...which I did for a couple days.

Happy Sewing, 

Heather

               

♡ Another Aneela Hoey Applique To Go Bag ♡

 

 

Another Aneela Hoey amazing bag. Foxglove is such a gorgeous line, I'm excited that I purchased the last set of 1/2 yards available online. I still have quite a few of the other prints that could work for some more goodies. I know I said the last bag was my applique to go bag, but I think this may be perfect. 

This was my very first snap! 

Happy Sewing, Heather

                  

A New Pin Keep & Needle Book Completed

    

Isn't the print super cute?

I also opted for ties on this version to
keep everything inside & to vary the
fit for larger blocks and tools.

The print is from a set of Aneela Hoey blocks that I seriously considered embroidering over for this project...but time is of the essence, as I'll be back to prepping for school in a week. So, while I was on breaks during a virtual conference this week, I just decided to go for it. 

The new needle book/pin keep came

 together nicely and pretty quickly. I used the older tutorial as a basis and added a few bells and whistles since there will be a coordinated set of Aneela Hoey bags.  

I was just chatting with a few people about raw edge applique...but am trying to find some love for the technique and knew this kit would be around a while. Add a little ribbon and some small tool pockets and it's just about right.

Happy Handwork,

Heather

The To Go Bag Comes in Handy

The convertible was in need of some maintenance this weekend. Luckily, the new applique to go bag was in my tote with a new pack of Kona Ash 5" charms. I used my time to prep some more melons for back basting method using my actual size template and a regular pencil on the backside of the fabric pack. The 42 charms were finished quickly, which left plenty of time to make a couple new friends before the car was ready.

I'm terribly aware that I need to get my new eye glass prescription. As a result, the remaining prep is in limbo. So far, the Lizzy House Pearl Bracelet (and Mini Pearl Bracelets) are in the lead for the focus fabrics. I just love polka dots and think the irregular dots on the bias cut will have an interesting overall look. Of course, there's the gorgeous Aneela Hoey Foxglove line (OOOH AHHHH) and the super fun recent Heather Ross goodies, too. As you can see, there are some adorable options to consider.

Originally, I wanted to use just one focus fabric and who knows? Maybe that's what I'll end up doing. If so, I'm leaning towards the navy original Lizzy House pearl bracelet.

For those of you appliqueing along with us, if you're interested in using charm packs rather than cutting your own background fabrics, you can use the 5" charms or the larger 10" layer cakes. For the layer cakes, you'll need to plan on 4 (small template) melons per 10" piece. I'm sticking to the 5" charms so I don't have to think about my handwork to be honest. Each 5" charm can be set up the same way and becomes somewhat automatic as you get further along in the process. That autopilot handwork is what helps ease anxiety and lower blood pressure. 

The smaller size also allows you to move your melons around, which can be really helpful to those of you using directional prints and of course allows you to play around with the layouts. Do you want the Xs to be the same print and the Os to be mixed or would you rather have the Os the same color? Would you like just the petal look to show in rows? That's certainly an option, too. I don't usually know exactly what the final project will look like until I'm finished with the exception of Dear Jane...that planning is next level and I think that's why I'm just going with the flow on this project.

I have never attempted hand sewing blocks together but am certainly willing to give that a try if you are not planning to use a machine at any point. Please just let me know so I can research and get a tutorial together for you, if that's of interest. Also, if you're in Chicagoland and need a machine, I have several and am working on downsizing, thanks to the recent Viking purchase (YAY!).

If you're using the 5" charm packs for background fabrics, please check out the size list here.
For the 10" layer cake size backgrounds, see the counts per size here. Most of the sites say 2 packs for queen, up to 3 for King. Please keep in mind, you'll have to be careful with the planning of the layer cake size if you're using the "small" melons, less so if you purchase the larger Missouri Star template version.

As always, if you get stuck and need some assistance, please reach out and we'll get a video conference set up. Additional applique tutorials are available via the tab just beneath the header. 

Happy Applique,

Heather

Where in the World are RF Readers? The 2025 UPDATE

A lot of visitors' locations are included in the "other" category. If you don't see your country in the list, please add it to the comments below. My family enjoys discussing the expanding list of reader countries. I sincerely hope that you're enjoying the posts and tutorials.

Have a wonderful day,

Heather