Moda Flurry Presents wrapped

Well, looks like I'm going to have to finish up my Moda Flurry quilt for next Christmas.  That's OK, I'll have more time to enjoy it next year.  Things have been hectic traveling to visit with family and trying to finish the shopping rush.  Still not completed yet :-)

So, I'll probably iron out the present blocks I finished and pack away the precut fabric that's ready to finish the quilt.  I thought I would share the presents completed. 

Here's hoping you and your family have a great Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Thanks for stopping by! ~*~Trish~*~

Moda Flurry Christmas Present Quilt by Kate Spain

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to want to complete a Christmas Quilt.  As I was surfing the Internet, I came across different versions of the Flurry Christmas present quilt and just fell in love with it.  I also found the free pattern online here.  Below is what the quilt looks on their site.

One difference is that I will be completing it using some older fabric I had in my stash.  So, I'll be making my quilt top in basic grey fruitcake fabric layer cake I previously purchased from Moda.  I'm busy cutting out all the pieces.  It's the border I think that will take the most time!

Thanks for stopping by!
~*~Trish~*~

IHAN Machine Embroidery Blog Hop - Embroidered Labels

I'm so excited to be part of the IHAN Machine Embroidery Blog Hop.  I'm a hobbyist and not a professional and I love creating items to give away or sell for charity. The quicker and easier things are, the better.  That's why I love working with complete embroidery designs in the hoop when available.

When I saw Anita Goodesign Machine Embroidery files, it was difficult to choose which design to stitch out.   There are so many great options to choose from.  When I was asked to participate in this blog hop and choose a design to participate with, I was drawn to the beautiful labels available to embroider.  I am so guilty of not always placing a label on my quilts.  We all know this is such a no no.  So, I figured if I could churn out a few pre-made labels, I might be more inclined to place a label on a finished quilt.

For today's blog hop, I've chosen the Folded-Fabric-Quilt-Labels to complete.  When you purchase the set, you receive 15 different quick designs to stitch out.  Below is my favorite one.

MY FAVORITE TIPS

• Don't be afraid to stop your embroidery machine and change colors mid stream.  Even though a piece may be designed as one color, you can stop and switch colors and then let it continue on.
• Unless you are doing contest pieces, just enjoy the process and go with the flow.  If the thread breaks, OK, back up a few stitches and restart. If it keeps breaking... cuss a little and keep going. 
• If the stabilizer is not sticky back, I'll use the 505 Temporary adhesive spray to help keep the fabric pieces in place.  
• If you have questions on anything, please feel free to email me!

GETTING STARTED

A.  Place your scrap piece of fabric (duh, I had paper incorrectly typed earlier) for your label background
B.  Trim your fabric close to the outline of the label stitched
C.  Stitch the label outline chosen.  You can even stop here and not stitch the inside sentiments
D.  Finished stitching the label as designed.

ADDING THE SIDES

For each side placed, the embroidery stitching will stitch the outline of the side, then you place your fabric piece right sides together towards the center.  The embroidery file will stitch down your fabric side with a single line stitch.  Then you fold back for right side up.  Give it a little press and move on to the next side.

A.  Left side size stiched out.
B.  Left side stitched down with single stitch line.
C.  Left side ironed back for right side to face up.
D.  All four sides completed.
E.  All stitched out and cut from the backing.

FINISHING TOUCHES

For my labels, I like to use both fusible webbing and stitch down the sides.  In order to do both, it's easier for me to put a backing on the label so the sides have something to stitch down.

A.  I add a backing to the label.  To start, I place the backing right sides together to the front side of the label and add a 1/4" seam all around the sides.  When completed, I snip off the corners for easier turning.
B.  Next, carefully lift the backing from the front of the label and snip a slit in it to turn the label right side out.
C.  turn your label right side out and then press flat.  Now you can add your fusible webbing to the back of the label plus stitch down the sides.  If you would like, you can just stitch down the sides.

From here, grab your favorite permanent fabric pen and customize your label!

OTHER OPTIONS

From the label set, there's 14 different additional options to stitch out.  Take a look at some of the others included!

Thanks for stopping by!  
~*~Trish~*~