OFFICE OR CRAFT ROOM
Nutcracker Pillow
MADE BY Chase Wu • FINISHED PILLOW SIZE: 14½˝ × 14½˝
This classic holiday pillow is made with retro prints and embellished with an embroidered mustache that brings texture to the pillow and makes the soldier come to life. He stands ready for his next dance! Bring on the sugar plum fairies!
Material and Supplies
CD content is available to download from http://tinyurl.com/11026-patterns.
•Assorted print fabrics: scraps totaling ¹⁄3 yard (I used 10 pieces 5˝ × 9˝ to piece the ribbon and the nutcracker.)
•Background fabric: 1 fat quarter
•Backing fabric: ½ yard
•Cotton batting: 16˝ × 16˝
•Unbleached muslin: 16˝ × 16˝
•Embroidery floss: 1 skein DMC 3772
•Spray adhesive, such as Elmer’s Craft Bond
•Water-soluble pen
•14˝ pillow form
Cutting
BACKGROUND
•2 strips 47⁄8˝ × 11˝ for sides
•1 strip 2½˝ × 11˝ between ribbon and nutcracker
•2 strips 2½˝ × 15˝ for top and bottom
BACKING
•1 piece 12˝ × 15˝
•1 piece 8˝ × 15˝
INSTRUCTIONS
All seam allowances are ¼˝.
Assemble the Nutcracker and Ribbon
1. Assemble all sections for the nutcracker and ribbon.
2. Join B to C. Join D to E to F. Join G to H. Join J to K. Join GH to JK.
3. Join BC to DEF to GHJK.
4. Trim nutcracker to 3⅜˝ × 11˝. Trim ribbon to 1½˝ × 11˝
Assemble the Pillow Front
1. Sew the background 2½˝ × 11˝ strip between the ribbon and the nutcracker. Sew a background 47⁄8˝ × 11˝ strip to the left and another strip to the right. Press the seams open.
2. Use a fine point water-soluble pen (I like Mark-B-Gone by Dritz.) to trace the mustache onto the nutcracker’s face. Using 2 embroidery floss strands, outline the mustache contour. Remove the paper foundation. Using 6 embroidery floss strands, fill in the mustache with satin stitch.
3. Sew the background 2½˝ × 15˝ strips to the top and bottom of the block. Press the seams open. Trim the pillow top to 15˝ × 15˝.
4. Layer the pillow front, batting, and muslin. Baste and quilt.
Assemble the Envelope Back
1. Sew a ¼˝ double hem along a long edge of each backing piece. Topstitch along the hem’s inner and outer edge.
2. Position the backing pieces so they overlap on top of the pillow front, right sides facing. Sew around the pillow’s perimeter.
3. Trim away excess fabric and batting. Zigzag stitch around the pillow’s perimeter or use a serger to finish the inside seams. Trim the corners and turn right side out.
Mail Organizer
FINISHED BASKET SIZE: 9˝ × 2˝ × 8˝ long • FINISHED ORGANIZER SIZE: 9˝ × 2˝ × 31½˝, including ribbons
Made by Ayumi Takahashi
This letter organizer showcases three paper-pieced designs that tell a story about a letter’s delivery. It is exciting to think about a letter’s journey, especially when you know the letter was written just for you by someone special.
Materials and Supplies
CD content is available to download from http://tinyurl.com/11026-patterns.
•Green solid fabric: 1 fat eighth for back of top pocket
•Beige solid fabric: 1 fat eighth for back of middle pocket
•Coral solid fabric: 1 fat eighth for back of bottom pocket
•Polka dot fabrics: totaling ¼ yard for 3 pocket bottoms
•Coordinating fabric: 3 fat quarters for pocket linings
•Assorted scraps for paper piecing
•Lightweight fusible interfacing: 1 yard for pockets
•Heavyweight fusible interfacing: 1 yard for lining
• ⅝˝ linen tape: 1 yard for ribbons
•Red six-strand embroidery floss for mailman’s mouth
•½˝ black button: 1 for mailman’s eye
•½˝ buttons: 10 for back of pockets
•Water-soluble pen
•Letter stamps and ink pad for fabric (optional)
Cutting
GREEN, BEIGE, AND CORAL
•1 rectangle in each color 6¾˝ × 10½ for pocket backs
POLKA DOT
•3 rectangles 6½˝ × 10½˝ for pocket bottoms
COORDINATING FABRIC
•3 rectangles 10½˝ × 19˝ for lining pockets
LINEN TAPE
•1 strip 10˝ for top hanging loop
•4 strips 6˝ for middle and bottom ribbons
LIGHTWEIGHT FUSIBLE INTERFACING
•3 rectangles 97⁄8˝ × 18⅜˝ for 3 pocket exteriors
HEAVYWEIGHT FUSIBLE INTERFACING
•3 rectangles 9¾˝ × 18¼˝ for 3 pocket linings
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble the Mailman Pocket
1. Assemble all sections.
2. Join B to C. Join A to BC to D. Join E to F. Join ABCD to EF to G. Trim the block to 6¾˝ × 10½˝.
3. Remove the foundation. Embroider the mailman’s mouth using a backstitch.
4. Sew a polka dot 6½˝ × 10½˝ rectangle followed by the green 6¾˝ × 10½˝ rectangle to the bottom of the mailman block.
5. Center an interfacing 97⁄8˝ × 18⅜˝ piece on the wrong side of the mailman pocket and fuse it in place. Attach the black button for the mailman’s eye.
6. Fold the mailman pocket in half, right sides facing, and sew the side edges together.
7. Create box corners at both sides of the bottom of the pocket. Flatten the corners and center the seam, and draw a 2˝ line across the corner. Sew along the line and cut off the excess, leaving a ¼˝ seam allowance.
8. Fuse a heavyweight interfacing rectangle to the wrong side of a lining rectangle. Make the lining by following Steps 6 and 7.
9. Turn the basket exterior and lining so the seams are on the outside. To fix the lining in place, match up the box seams of the basket exterior with the box seams of the lining, and pin. Sew once again along the box seams, sewing through both the lining and basket exterior.
10. Turn the pocket right side out. Fold ¼˝ under along the top edge of both the lining and the exterior and press to create a crease. Hand stitch the lining and the exterior pocket together.
Assemble the Mailbox Pocket
1. Assemble sections A and B. Join A to B.
2. Trim to 6¾˝ × 10½˝. Remove the foundation.
3. Follow Steps 4–10 of “Assemble the Mailman Pocket” to complete the mailbox pocket, using the beige solid and polka dot fabrics.
Assemble the Envelope Pocket
1. Stamp a message on a piece of fabric at least ¼˝ larger all around than piece A4. Press to set the ink.
TIP
If you don’t have letter stamps, you can substitute with a text print fabric or even a cute fussy-cut design.
2. Assemble section A using the stamped fabric for A4. Assemble B and C. Join C to A. Join B to CA.
3. Add pieces D1–D4 individually.
4. Follow Steps 4–10 of “Assemble the Mailman Pocket” to complete the envelope pocket, using the coral solid and polka dot fabrics.
Assemble the Mail Organizer
1. Sew a ⅜˝ double-fold hem along both short edges of all the linen tape strips.
2. Using a water-soluble pen, mark 2¾˝ in from each side on the top edge of the back of all 3 pockets.
3. Mark 2¾˝ in from each side at the top of the polka dot base on the back of the mailman and mailbox pockets.
4. Align the ends of the 10˝ strip of tape with the marks on the top edge of the mailman pocket, placing the folded-under edges against the back of the pocket. Sew very close to the top edge to join the tape to the pocket.
5. Align one end of the 6˝ strip of tape with one of the marks on the polka dot base seam on the mailman pocket. Sew in place and attach a button on top of the tape to further secure. Repeat for the other mark on the polka dot seam, using a second 6˝ strip and button.
6. Repeat Step 5 for the mailbox pocket.
7. Line up the open ends of the 6˝ strips on the mailman pocket with the marks on the top of the mailbox pocket and stitch in place.
8. Line up the open ends of the 6˝ strips on the mailbox pocket with the marks on the top of the envelope pocket and stitch in place.
Artist’s Portfolio
FINISHED BLOCK SIZE: 16˝ × 8˝ • FINISHED SIZE WHEN OPENED: 21˝ × 32˝
Made by Cheryl Arkison
Children are prolific artists. They churn out drawings as fast as you can say “paper piecing.” Keeping every single one would be impossible, but there are always special ones you just can’t bear to part with. This artist’s portfolio is a place to store the most precious of artwork. Of course, that’s only one possible use—an artist will think of many more!
Materials and Supplies
CD content is available to download from http://tinyurl.com/11026-patterns.
•Assorted color fabrics: 16 strips 3˝ × 12˝ for rainbow fan
•Text fabric: ¾ yard for background
•Stripe fabric: 1¼ yards for backing and binding
•Batting: 23˝ × 34˝
•Heavyweight interfacing, 20˝ wide: 1 yard
•Freezer paper
•Coordinating thread
Cutting
TEXT FABRIC
•16 squares 2½˝ × 2½˝ to piece the rainbow fan
•1 rectangle 9˝ × 17˝; from this rectangle, cut 1 piece using template A and 1 piece using template B
•2 strips 4½˝ × 21˝ to sash the rainbow block
•2 strips 2½˝ × 21˝ to sash the rainbow block
•4 strips 2¾˝ × 8½˝ to sash the rainbow block
STRIPE
•1 piece 21˝ × 32½˝ for lining
•1 strip 3½˝ × 21˝ for bottom of portfolio
•6 strips 3˝ × width of fabric; join 3 of the strips into 1 continuous strip to use for binding. From the remaining strips, cut:
– 8 strips 3˝ × 7˝ for ties
– 2 strips 3˝ × 14˝ for handles
INTERFACING
•2 pieces 14˝ × 20˝
INSTRUCTIONS
Assemble the Portfolio Cover
1. Make a copy of the rainbow fan on the matte side of freezer paper. Cut out the whole foundation, not the individual pieces.
NOTE This project uses basic foundation piecing with freezer paper as the foundation material. Remember, the finished piece will be the mirror image of the pattern.
2. Arrange the 16 fabric strips in a pleasing pattern.
3. Assemble the rainbow using the color strips and the text fabric 2½˝ squares.
NOTE Keep the large fabric trimmings for the back of the portfolio.
4. Fold the text fabric template A piece in half and finger-press. Open it and fold the sides toward the middle to find the quarter marks. Finger-press and open.
5. Fold the rainbow fan block in half and then in half again. Finger-press to mark the folds.
6. Pin the center fold on the text template B piece to the center of the rainbow, right sides together and between pieces 15 and 17. Pin at the ends and at the remaining fold marks. Add 2–3 more pins between each fold. Make sure there is no puckered fabric between the pins.
7. With the rainbow arc on top, start sewing from the center pin around one side. Remove the pins as you sew. To sew the other half of the seam, flip the block over and sew with the text fabric on top, again starting from the center and sewing to the other side. Be careful not to pull the rainbow block as you sew. Press the seam open.
NOTE Sewing this seam in two steps, each time starting in the middle, will help you keep the rainbow fan exactly centered.
8. Repeat Steps 4–7 with the text fabric template B piece and the bottom of the rainbow fan. This time, sew the entire seam with the rainbow circle on top. Clip the seam allowance 4 times and press open.
9. Sew a text fabric 2¾˝ × 8½˝ strip to both sides of the rainbow. Sew a text fabric 4½˝ × 21˝ strip to the top of the block and a 3˝ × 21˝ strip to the bottom.
Assemble the Portfolio Back
1. Cut the leftover scraps from making the rainbow block into 2½˝ × 2½˝ squares. You need a total of 32 squares.
TIP
If needed, cut squares from any excess text fabric and add them to the mix.
2. Sew the squares together into an 4 × 8 patchwork section measuring 8½˝ × 16½˝. Press.
3. Sew a text fabric 2¾˝ × 8½˝ strip to both sides of the block. Sew a text fabric 4½˝ × 21˝ strip to the top of the block and a 3˝ × 21˝ strip to the bottom.
Assemble the Portfolio
1. Sew the stripe 3½˝ × 21˝ strip between the bottom edges of the portfolio cover and back.
2. Remove the foundation from the rainbow block. Baste the exterior of the portfolio to the batting. Use quilting to add texture and to keep it from slumping once assembled. Trim any excess batting.
3. To prepare the lining, apply the 2 pieces of fusible interfacing to the 21˝ × 32½˝ stripe fabric. Leave ½˝ of fabric around the top and side edges of each piece of interfacing.
4. Fold the handle and tie strips in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long side for all strips. Sew along a short side for each tie. Turn the strips right side out, using a turning tube or a large safety pin attached to an end.
5. Topstitch ⅛˝ from the edges for each tie. Topstitch ⅛˝ from the long sides of the 14˝ handle.
6. Layer the lining and portfolio wrong sides together. Machine sew the binding to the portfolio.
7. Turn the portfolio over so the lining faces up. Mark the center of one end and then mark 3˝ to each side of center. Pin the ends of the 14˝ handle strip at these marks, being careful not to twist the strip. Repeat for the other end.
8. Pin the ties 5˝ and 10˝ from the top and bottom, on both sides.
9. Machine stitch over the handle and ties to attach them, sewing within the seam allowance of the binding.
TIP
If you are machine finishing the binding, you can skip tacking down the ties and handle because you will catch the ties and handles in that stitching.
10. Finish the binding by hand or machine.
Sewing Machine Cover
FINISHED SIZE OF PAPER-PIECED BLOCK: 11¼˝ × 11¼˝ • FINISHED COVER SIZE: 16˝ × 31˝
MADE BY Caroline M. Press
Natural linen and modern fabrics combine to make a stylish, practical cover for your sewing machine. This sewing machine cover is designed to fit most sewing machines because it has easy tie closures.
Materials and Supplies
CD content is available to download from http://tinyurl.com/11026-patterns.
•Linen background fabric: ¾ yard for the cover and notion block background
•Red fabric: scraps for scissors
•Gold fabric: small scrap for thimble
•2 similar color fabrics: scraps for measuring tape
•2 similar color fabrics: scraps for measuring tape dispenser
•Print fabric: 7⁄8 yard for lining, ties, and binding
•Batting: 17˝ × 32˝
•Gluestick
•Water-soluble pen
•Embroidery floss
Cutting
LINEN
•1 strip 5˝ × 12˝ for side of block
•1 piece 16˝ × 20˝ for cover
•Use the remaining linen to construct the notions block.
•5 strips 2˝ × width of fabric for double-fold binding and ties
•1 rectangle 16˝ × 31˝ for lining
INSTRUCTIONS
All seam allowances are ¼˝, except where noted.
Assemble the Block
TIP
If a pin would get in the way of sewing, use a gluestick to hold down tiny pieces of fabric.
1. Assemble all sections.
2. Join B to A to C to D to E.
3. Join F to G to H. Join J to K to L. Join JKL to FGH.
4. Join N to P. Join M to Q to R. Join NP to MQR.
5. Join S to T. Join W to X to V to U. Join WXVU to ST.
6. Join WXVUST to NPMQR to FGHJKL to ABCDE.
7. Trim the pieced block to 12˝ × 12˝.
Assemble the Cover
NOTE All seam allowances for cover assembly instructions are ½˝.
Sew the linen 5˝ × 12˝ strip to the right of the block and the linen 16˝ × 20˝ piece to the top. Press.
Embroidery
Use the embroidery templates on page CD103 and a water-soluble marker to write “S-E-W” on the linen 5˝ × 12˝ strip. Use a running stitch and 4 strands of black embroidery floss to outline the letters.
Quilt and Finish the Cover
1. Remove the foundation. Layer the print 16˝ × 31˝ lining (right side down), batting, and sewing machine cover (right side up) and baste in place. Quilt by hand or machine.
2. Use a water-soluble marker to mark 7˝ from both corners of the cover along the long sides.
3. Make double-fold tape using the 2 print 2˝ × width of fabric strips. Use a bias tape maker. Or press the 2˝ strip in half lengthwise, open and bring raw edges to the crease, and fold in half again. Topstitch along the edge to secure. Cut each strip in half to make 4 ties total.
4. Position ties at each 7˝ mark along the edge. Baste in place.
5. Bind the cover.
6. Tie a knot in the tie ends to keep them from fraying.
Coat Hanger
WALL ART
MADE BY Leila Beasley • FINISHED SIZE: 10˝ × 14˝
Why not start a collection of embroidery hoop wall art? They look great grouped together in different shapes and sizes! And it is a fun way to display some of your favorite fabrics and paper-pieced blocks.
Materials and Supplies
CD content is available to download from http://tinyurl.com/11026-patterns.
•Polka dot fabric: 1 fat quarter for background
•Wood-grain fabric: 1 fat eighth for hanger
•Black fabric: small scraps for hook
•Backing fabric: 1 fat quarter
•Oval embroidery hoop: 8˝ × 12˝
Cutting
POLKA DOT
•2 strips 3¼˝ × 5½˝ to sash the block
•2 strips 2¾˝ × 14˝ to sash the block
BACKING
•1 piece 10˝ × 14˝
INSTRUCTIONS
All seam allowances are ¼˝.
Assemble the Block
1. Assemble all sections. Join A to B to C to D. Trim to 5½˝ × 8½˝.
2. Sew the polka dot 3¼˝ × 5½˝ strips to the sides of the block and the polka dot 2¾˝ × 14˝ strips to the top and bottom.
Assemble the Wallhanging
1. Place the finished block on top of the backing fabric.
2. Place both layers on top of the bottom half of the embroidery hoop. Make sure the block is centered.
3. Push the top half of the embroidery hoop down over the block. Smooth out any wrinkles before securing the block inside the embroidery hoop. Trim away excess fabric on the back.
