SewBerryPatch: 2013

I'm a crafter by heart. In as much as I love quilting I also like working on applique and embroidery projects. I have tried stroke and tole painting, too! Last month I explored brooch making out of a brooch metal frame and cut fabric from my fabric scrap stash. Here's a photo:

I used a fabric with smaller prints so whatever image I choose would fit the inside diameter of the brooch. Voila! I found this cute red fabric with a flower design which I also used for my strawberry applique. Here's a photo of the strawberry:

Now back to the Mod Podge adventure...

I stopped making the brooch because the fabric I glued on the metal frame was fraying. It took me a few weeks to find out after reading a book from my recent visit at Barnes and Noble. There it was, a two-page 'how to' and it was the only solution needed so I can go back to an unfinished project. Then I asked Norman (my hubby) to drive to Hobby Lobby on our way home. Got my Mod Podge Gloss and Mod Podge Dimensional Magic.

So the journey to finishing the unfinished project went on just this weekend. Here's a photo after I applied the gloss:

Here's what it looks like when the Dimensional Magic still sets. You can see the opacity.

And now the unveiling of a project that almost hit the recycling bin....

See how glossy it is?! I had to take an angled photo so you can actually see it.
Now it's time to make more and add them on Etsy.

Thanks to Mod Podge!

We were stationed in England when I made a Union Jack wall hanging quilt. If I remember it right I started making it in the summer of 2010. I was so frustrated not being able to find a pattern online. A friend, Luzette, sent me one as she knew I've been searching. She sent a pattern right after I made the quilt block :)

It took me over two years to make a pattern, and so here it is!

I hope you enjoy learning the quilt block pattern I made.

You will need the following:

4 pcs charms (5 x 5 fabrics)
66" x 1 1/2" strip
2 pcs 66" x 1" strips

Rule of thumb: Cut selvages off before we begin.
I had to change color combination on the strips if you notice. The stripes didn't blend well with the floral prints :-)

Cut your 5 x 5 fabrics into half triangles. These will make 8 half triangles total.

Start sewing 1" strip to 1 1/2" strip. I used 1/8 seam allowance for the purpose of showing more fabric on the right side.

Then sew the other 1" strip on the opposite side of the 1 1/2" strip.

Press open the fabric.
This is how much of the purple fabric is showing using a 1/8" seam allowance.

Now take one of the half triangles and place it on your strip as shown on the photo. Leave an inch space from the top end of the strip.

Then begin sewing. Normally, I do not backstitch when I sew quilt pieces together, but I recommend using the backstitch function of your sewing machine to seal the edges of the half triangles.

Then sew the other half triangle parallel to the first.

Press open. I always think it looks like a kite :-)

Onto the next pair. Same step as in the first pair.

Press open , and now the second pair is done.

Third pair of half triangles. Remember to leave a 1 1/2" gap between each pair you sew together.

This is how I've sewn my pairs together, notice the gaps in between each pairs? Remember to set aside the remainder of the strips for finishing the block.

Another view.
Then we will cut these pairs separate from each other to make 4 small blocks. Set aside the remaining strip for the next steps.

Just showing where I got my strips from, a Gabrielle jelly roll.


This is how the pairs look after they're cut into four. Refer to top and bottom photos.

Squaring up done!

Bottom and Top pair sewing instruction:
Measure the height of the gap between the two blocks. Then cut that measurement from the remainder of your strip you have set aside.