• Tutorial :: Improvisational Block

    Sometimes Crafter June 17, 2009

    Today’s tutorial is not the same as the last tutorials.  There is no direct way for me to tell you all how to do your improvised block, I can only lead you in the direction to free form sewing your pieces together.  I created my block and at the end was very happy with it – but let me tell you, part way through I wasn’t liking it.  But I just stuck with it and I’m glad I did.  So the directions in this tutorial will simply explain how I went about piecing my block. First things first, go grab…

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  • Fabric Scrap Basket Pressing

    Sometimes Crafter May 12, 2009

    As an aside to my Fabric Scrap Basket tutorial, I thought I would talk about how I get my sides so crisp and square.  I press.  A lot. When I first finish sewing the basket together, this is what it looks like.  Very rounded from the top.  Not very “basket” like in the boxy sense. First I start by folding the sides in toward the center and pressing with the iron along what would be the bottom edge.  When I’m pushing the side into the center, I make sure to push it in only so much as to have the…

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  • Fabric Scrap Basket Tutorial

    Sometimes Crafter April 21, 2009

    I thought I’d share with you how to make my fabric scrap “basket”. It’s VERY simple. I whipped out another two baskets in no time at all. Now I have all of my smaller scraps organized into small, medium and large groupings. Did I even mention I’m a Capricorn and like to be organized to a fault? No? Well if this doesn’t prove it, I don’t know what will. Go ahead, make yourself a few of these today. You’ll love it so much better than your Ziploc bags. I know I do! Directions 1. You will need to gather your…

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  • Drunkard’s Path Block

    Sometimes Crafter April 13, 2009

    **I have since ‘misplaced’ the original template file for this block, but the directions still apply for any drunkards path piecing you do!** First things first: you need to decide how many fabrics you want to use. You’ll want at least two fabrics, but no more than 8 for a block like this. (You’ll see why I say a “block like this” at the end.) Directions 1. Choose your fabrics and cut to 7 1/2” square. 2. Stack all your fabrics, lining up all edges. 3. Lay your template on top of your fabric. 4. Cut around the curve. We…

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  • Zigzag Block Tutorial

    Sometimes Crafter March 17, 2009

    Well, here we go!  For you experienced quilters, there will be a little more info than needed.  For those of you somewhat new to the game, I hope to provide ample information.  Never hesitate to email should you have a question.  I’m always here to help. 1. Pick out 5 complimentary fabrics and cut the following: 2. Cut your squares in half on their diagonal as shown. 3. Lay out triangles in order they will appear in block to help with the following step. 4. Match up your fabrics as follows: 5. Sew your all of your blocks together. Press…

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  • Coasters Tutorial

    Sometimes Crafter March 12, 2009

    I made some of these for my friend for her birthday.  They are so quick and easy! Directions 1.  Cut out your fabric for the top and bottom, and a piece of batting to sandwich between, 4” square.  Gather scraps, at least as big as the area you want to show through on top.  I cut my scraps to 4” square, also. 2. Draw your design, to be cut out after sewing, on the backside of the scrap fabric. 3. Place the right side of your scrap fabric to the wrong side of the top fabric.  Sew around your design 3…

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  • Hot Pads Tutorial

    Sometimes Crafter March 10, 2009

    So my mom has some ugly as sin, macramé “hot pads” that my step-cousin did for my stepdad when we were young.  Really young.  We never really used them (okay, not at all) until recently.  It’s great for when she’s heated tea on the gas range.  The tea pot handle is too hot to touch alone, so we always use that ugly thing.  Well, time to make some new ones.  Unfortunately, I still haven’t made her one.  These went to my friend for her birthday this weekend. Directions 1. Cut your fabric/batting (or Insul-bright) 2 – 5 1/2” squares of…

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  • Hourglass Blocks Tutorial

    Sometimes Crafter February 2, 2009

    My last hourglass quilt I thought to myself: There has to be a better way! Last time I cut my square into quarters on the diagonal and sewed all those tiny triangles together. Tedious! So this time I went to my scrap basket and figured out a better way to piece hourglass blocks. I hope you’ll find the following helpful. 1. Cut out your print and solid blocks. Mine are 6 1/2” square. 2. Layer one print and one solid, right sides together. 3. You can do one of two things: a) Using a ruler, mark a line on either…

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  • Crochet Hook Case

    Sometimes Crafter December 15, 2008

    Well, i’m stuck at my moms tonight.  We had some snow here today – finally – and the roads are icy tonight.  But, that isn’t going to stop me from posting the tutorial.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Rachel’s Crochet Hook Case – Enjoy! *Update*  This could also be used for other items, too!  Make the “pockets” a little bigger and you can hold a few pairs of knitting needles.  You could make a small art case out of this to hold colored pencils, artist pencils, pens…  I’m sure there are more ideas. *Embroidery pattern for acorn originally…

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