Michael Miller Christmas Blog Hop

Happy Holidays!!

 I can’t think of any better way to start the Christmas season than participating in the yearly Michael Miller Fabrics Holiday Blog hop!

CM9639-BLAC-D / Winking Santas

CM1065-PAPR-D / garden pindot with metallic

This year I decided to stick with the theme of creating a unique and sustainable (not to mention Pretty!) way to “wrap” your holiday presents for family and friends.  So, for the 2022 Michael Miller Fabrics Holiday Blog Hop I have designed a Reusable Gift Bag you can sew up in a minimal amount of time. Best of all I created the Reusable Gift Bag in 3 different sizes!

CM9637-GREE-D /

mini trees

 So, grab your favorite Michael Miller Fabrics Holiday Prints and follow along with the free step by step tutorial below.

CM8864-NAVY-D /

a gnome to fa la

CX6699-FUSC-D /

hash dot basics

CX6699-SPRO-D /

hash dot basics

Reusable Gift Bag Finished sizes are:

Small Size: 5 1/2” x 7 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Medium Size: 6 1/2” x 9 1/2” x 4”

Large Size: 8 1/2” x 11 1/2” x 4 1/2”

Reusable Holiday Gift Bags Tutorial

Materials Needed

 

FABRICS AND INTERFACINGS:

(Amounts listed will be enough to complete all three sizes!)

1 yard 44” wide Quilting Cotton -Main Fabric

1 yard 44” wide Quilting Cotton Lining Fabric- Lining Fabric

1 yard 45” Pellon SF101 Shapeflex Interfacing - Interfacing

OTHER:

1 yard 44” wide Quilting Cotton -Main Fabric

12- ¼” diameter grommets- (4 per each bag)

4 yards ¼” wide ribbon

Sewing Machine

Coordinating Thread

Pins or sewing clips

Cut the fabrics and interfacing for each sized bag using the chart below:

1. Following the manufacture’s directions fuse a piece of interfacing to the WRONG SIDE of each Main Fabric piece.

2. Place the two Main Fabrics RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, and the two Lining Fabrics RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER for each size.

3. MITERING THE CORNERS:

Making sure the two layered fabrics are aligned together along all sides, for both the Main Fabrics and Lining Fabrics, measure and cut a square from each bottom corner as follows:

For the Large- Measure, mark, and cut a 2 ¼” square from each bottom side.

For the Medium- Measure, mark, and cut a 2” square from each bottom side.

For the Small- Measure, mark, and cut a 1 ¼” square from each bottom side.

4. Take the two Main Fabric pieces (RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER) and pin the side and bottom edges together. Stitch down both sides and across the bottom with a 1/4” seam allowance.

5. Next, pin the side and bottom edges of the Lining pieces then stitch down each side with a 3/8” seam allowance, then stitch across the bottom edge leaving a 3” opening at the center for turning.

6. Press the seams open.  At the bottom corners on each piece align the side seam and bottom seams together then, align the raw edges and pin in place. Stitch across each corner with a 1/4” seam allowance.

7. Turn the Main Fabric piece RIGHT SIDE OUT.  Place the Main Fabric piece into the Lining Fabric piece so the two are RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. Align the side seams and the top raw edges. Pin in place.

8. Stitch all the way around the top with a ¼” seam allowance.

9.  Turn RIGHT SIDE OUT by pulling the Main Fabric through the opening in the Lining.

10. Once the entire bag is turned through the lining fabric, align the unsewn section at the bottom of the lining, keeping the raw edges tucked in, and pin. Edge stitch across to close the opening.

11. Tuck the Lining down into the Main and press the top seamed edge. Then, topstitch around the top edge with a ¼” seam allowance.

12. At one bag corner fold all of the layers together the length of the bag and press. Repeat for the remaining 3 corners. Align the two folds together at each side and press again.

13. Add the Grommets to the front and back of each bag.

Mark the position for the grommets as follows

For the Large- Measure and mark 1” down from the top edge and 2 ¼” in from each side edge.

For the Medium- Measure and mark 1” down from the top edge and 2” in from each side edge.

For the Small- Measure and mark 7/8” down from the top edge and 1¼” in from each side edge.

14. Following the manufacture’s directions install two eyelets to each side of the bags.

15. Cut 1 yard of the ¼” ribbon then thread it through the eyelets on the Small bag.

Cut 1 ½” yard pieces of the ribbon for the Medium and Large sizes and thread though the eyelets on each bag.  

I hope you love sewing up your very own Reusable Holiday Gift Bags as much as I did creating them.

 

If you are looking for more unique and sustainable ways to package your gifts this holiday season, check out my free pattern for creating your very own Nesting Band Boxes HERE.

 A heartfelt Thank You to Krismely and Michael Miller Fabrics for the opportunity to participate again in their Holiday Blog Hop!

I hope you have the happiest holiday season and a wonderful New Year!

 

In case you missed any of the previous blog hop participates you can find them here:

Click on the photo above to visit all of the Michael Miller Holiday Blog Hops!

Slow Stitching with Michael Miller Fabrics- 2022 Harvest and Fall Blog Hop!

I was super excited when Michael Miller Fabrics invited me to be part of their 2022 Harvest & Halloween Blog Hop. The opportunity to create something fun using some of their Halloween fabrics was spook-tacular!

Projects created using Michael Miller Fabrics from their Holiday Shop!

While most know me for my love of sewing and creating bag patterns, I thought this time I would share with you something new. Another passion of mine, which I share with my daughter, is modern English Paper Piecing. I would love to treat you all to a free pattern so you can give this form of sewing a try!

Haunted House- created with: Fresco DCX10060-PEWT-D, DCX10060-CARR-D, DCX10060-GRAP-D and bats all, folks DCX10332-GRAY-D

Pentagon Fabric Bowl- created with: creepin’ it real CX9739-ORAN-D and Fresco DCX10060-STEE-D

The fabrics I chose were from Michael Miller's Hocus Pocus. I chose these fabrics because I found that the prints were perfect for an English Paper Piecing project. Just about every print in the collection is perfect for fussy cutting smaller shapes.  

Pentagon Fabric Bowl- created using: owl night long CX9741-TEAL-D and boo moon CX9742-BLAC-D

I have created a free pattern for you to download and create your very own Halloween Bowls!

Pentagon Fabric Bowl- created using: batty CX9743-GRAY-D and Fresco DCX10060-PEWT-D

Sew up some fun Pentagon Fabric EPP Bowls in time for Halloween. This free pattern I created for you all is the perfect introduction to English Paper Piecing. Best of all, it is a quick sew project that can be done in time to fill with your favorite Halloween candy!

This pattern is sewn using traditional English Paper Piecing sewing techniques but rather than using paper, which would need to be removed before final assembly, we use Décor Bond fusible interfacing to make the bowls. This makes them more durable and washable!

The pattern includes step by step instructions to complete the project along with printable templates to cut your fabric and interfacing pentagons.

You can download the free pattern by clicking HERE!

To display with my Halloween Fabric Bowls, I created the Haunted House and Pumpkin mats using Michael Miller Fresno and Solids featured in their Holiday Shop. The colors perfectly match with the Holiday themed prints!

Both mats were made using In the Hoop Embroidery Patterns from Kreative Kiwi Designs you can find them for sale HERE!

Pumpkin Mat- created using:- Fresno DCX10060-CARR-D and Cotton Couture SC5333-AMBE-D, SC5333-MRGD-D

Happy Halloween! Be sure to download the Pentagon Fabric Bowl pattern and check out all of the Fall and Holiday prints from Michael Miller Fabrics!

If you missed any of the previous blog hop posts, here is a recap for more inspiration using Michael Miller’s Fall Collection Fabrics!

Sept. 19th: Brianna Roberts from Sew Cute and Quirky- Visit her blog HERE 

Sept. 20th: Daisi Toegel from Flower Sew- Visit her blog HERE

Sept. 21st: Lisa Ruble from Love to Color my World- Visit her blog HERE

Sept. 22nd: Kristi McDonough from Schnitzel and Boo - Visit her blog HERE

Sept. 26th: Daisi Toegel from Flower Sew - Visit her blog HERE

Sept. 27th: Suze Vinton from Beralus Vinton Design - Visit her guest blog post HERE

Sept. 28th: Annie Unrein from ByAnnie.com - Visit her blog HERE

Sept. 29th: Natalie Crabtree from Crabtree Arts Collective - Visit her post HERE

Holiday Nesting Band Boxes- "Making it fun" with Michael Miller Fabrics and A Quilting the Fabrics Tutorial

Sew up some Nesting Band Boxes in time for the holidays! Looking for a unique and sustainable way to package your gifts this holiday season? The Nesting Band Boxes are quick to make and come in 3 sizes. Best of all: it’s free!

Read on for a tutorial for quilting the fabric for your very own Nesting Band Boxes for the Holidays.

Michael Miller-Grandma’s Christmas Wish- Snow Play

Michael Miller- Home for the Holidays

Michael Miller-Snow Day Outing

I was honored to be asked to join in this year's Michael Miller Blog Hop. Today is my turn to share with you what I created using a variety of their Holiday Fabrics.

Michael Miller holiday themed fabrics are a perfect choice for creating the reusable nesting boxes. The variety of fabric choices ensure the boxes are just as pretty on the inside as they are on the outside. The best part of using these Nesting Band Boxes is that they won’t get tossed in the trash like traditional paper, gift bags, or boxes. Make hard to wrap shapes, clothing, toys, etc. easier to handle! Or create a beautiful gift box filled with your recipients’ favorite things

Neatly store the boxes away to be used again and again by simply stacking them inside of each other. Or give them to the gift recipient to reuse!

Interior Fabric: Michael Miller- Fairy Frost

They are a great way to safely store ornaments or other holiday items.

Interior Fabric: Michael Miller- Gingham Play

To say happy holidays to all of my wonderful customers and Michael Miller Fabrics, I have created a free pattern for everyone to download and enjoy. You can download your copy here: CLICK HERE

Interior Fabric: Michael Miller- Garden Pindot

Read on for instructions on how to quilt your fabrics to add a special touch to your Nesting Band Boxes.

Quilting the Exterior Pieces

For the Holiday Nesting Band Boxes

Cut out the Fabrics and Foam pieces:

You need to begin with pieces that are larger than the pattern pieces as when you do the quilting the pieces will shrink in size.

Here are the sizes you will want to cut for each Box Size-

 

SMALL:  1- 25” x 9” rectangle from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

                 2- 9” x 9” squares from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

 

MEDIUM:  1- 29” x 10” rectangle from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

                     2- 10 ½” x 10 ½” squares from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

 

LARGE:  1- 33” x 12” rectangle from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

                 2- 11” x 11” squares from both Main Fabric and Flex Foam

 

Do not fuse the Flex Foam to the Main Fabric pieces just yet.

 

Prep the Pieces for Quilting:

1. Measure and draw on your lines onto the fabric where you will sew your quilt lines.

If you would like to do a diamond type pattern, I use the 30-degree mark on the ruler, aligning the angled line along a straight edge of the fabric

2. Using a Chalko or heat erasable pen draw your line the length of the fabric. You can continue to measure over 1” from the previous line and mark the next line. Continue until you have all of your quilt lines marked.

I have a gadget for my Janome that will measure the lines for me, which means I only need to mark the first line, set it how far apart I want the lines then, use the guide for the remaining lines. If you have one of these, it is a super time saver, so be sure to use it!

If you are drawing your lines onto the fabric, I recommend completing the drawing of the lines one way first then, once those are sewn, draw on your second set of lines and quilt those.  

3. Place each Main Fabric piece onto the corresponding Flex Foam piece so the FUSIBLE SIDE of the flex foam is facing the WRONG SIDE of the Main fabric pieces. Pin in place. Do not fuse the flex foam as the pieces will shrink when you quilt them and could distort the pieces if the flex foam is adhered.

Smooth out the fabric so it lays nice and flat and pin it to the foam.

Quilt the pieces:

1. You will want to use a slightly larger stitch length to do the quilting I use a 3.0. You may also need to adjust the presser foot height and tension from the settings you normally use. I usually raise my foot from a 3 to a 2 to accommodate the thickness. I also use a walking foot as I find it easier to quilt the fabric on foam with it.

I recommend stitching a few lines on a scrap piece of fabric over a piece of flex foam to be sure you are happy with your settings. So much easier than ripping stitches out!

2. Begin in the center of your piece and work towards one side first.

3. Then, quilt the lines on the opposite side of the center. This will help keep your fabric laying nice and flat as you work towards the edges.

4. After you get all of the quilt lines stitched one way. Draw your second set of lines going in the opposite direction.

5. Starting in the center again, stitch all of the lines going in one direction, then finish quilting the lines on the opposite side of the center.

Finishing:

1. Once all your pieces are quilted fuse the Flex Foam to the fabric pieces. Press the pieces until they are nice and flat.

2. Cut your two Exterior Circle pieces (Piece A and B) from the quilted squares and your two Exterior Side pieces (Piece C and D) from the large quilted rectangle piece, for each of the sizes you have chosen to make.

Your Exterior Pieces are complete and ready to begin!

Cut the Lining Fabric and Interfacing pieces as directed in the pattern then, fuse the interfacing pieces to the wrong side of the Lining Fabrics. Your prep is all finished. Follow the instructions to complete your Nesting Box(es). starting on Page 4: Instructions to Complete the Nesting Band Boxes:

RLR creations will be hosting a bag making retreat in Clarkrange Tennessee

Join us in the beautiful Clarkrange Tennessee area from October 10th-13th 2019 for an all-inclusive bag making retreat.

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This newly built Quilter’s Retreat Center sits on a 5 ½ acre wooded lot in lovely Clarkrange TN, located between Nashville and Knoxville. It offers beauty and privacy for a weekend get away of sewing, socialization, and relaxation while only being a mile from town and amenities.

 
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Large sewing room is bright and spacious with large work tables and comfortable chairs for each sewer, plus cutting and ironing stations.

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Need a break from sewing?  The Retreat Center offers: free WIFI, an extra-large living room for relaxing and watching TV, and a large outside deck with comfortable seating to relax in a nature-inspired setting! Also, there is plenty of beautiful land and a pond to walk around and explore!

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All meals, snacks, and drinks are included! Every meal is prepared and served in the comfortable dining room in a family style setting by the owners.

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Adjoining the sewing room is a fully equipped kitchen and dining room. So if you have special dietary restrictions and prefer to prepare your meals or enjoy cooking and would like to prepare something for the groups.

 
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When it is time to get some rest, each guest will have their own bed in one of 5 shared bedrooms. Each bedroom had a fully equipped bathroom! All the bedrooms are on the ground level- so no stairs to negotiate.

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We have a fun filled weekend planned!

You will be sewing an exclusive, never before seen, RLR Creations pattern! You will get to sew a brand new bag design with Rachel right there beside you! She will help lead you through the pattern, teach you new things, and answer all your questions! The exclusive pattern will be a new design for RLR Creations that will prove a new but worthy challenge to all sewers! We will also have hands on activities, bag making technique demos and sew much more!

Our timeline for the weekend is as follows:

  • Thursday, Oct 10th: Check in, then Meet & Greet at 5 PM in the Activity Room

  • Friday, Friday Oct 11th: Sewing and Such with Rachel from 9 AM until 5 PM *

  • Saturday, Oct 12th: Sewing and Such with Rachel from 9 AM until 5 PM *

  • Sunday, Oct 13th: Check out! Take some time to check out the surrounding area before heading home!

*The activity room will be open 24 hours/day, so you can continue working on your retreat sewing project during your evening free time. Guaranteed one-on-one instructional time with Rachel will only run from 9 AM until 5 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Your ticket price of $450 includes: 

  • A 3 night stay at the Retreat Center

  • All meals, plus snacks & drinks

  • An exclusive RLR Creations pattern

  • A hands on activity (all supplies provided)

Remember there are only 15 spots available! For a chance to attend, follow the link below to fill out the registration form. The spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Once we receive the forms, we will send out a confirmation of reservation -- along with payment information for you to make your deposit and secure your spot!   

Don't Delay- Fill out the Registration Form Here! 

Retreat spots sell out fast so don't delay! Please note that a nonrefundable deposit of $150 is required to hold your spot. Details on how to submit your deposit will be included in the email conformation.

Find the registration form here: https://forms.gle/XWkweLmWckoF19ss9

Final Assembly of the Teardrop Sport- No Drop-in-Lining or Bias BINDING seams Assembly Method.

The lovely Fran Bott of the RLR Creations testing team has put together a photo tutorial along with some tips on assembling the new Teardrop Sport for the test team, and has graciously allowed me to share it here with everyone. 

The Teardrop Sport is a sling style backpack that was designed to be the sporty version of the popular Teardrop Sling Bag. It was designed with the purpose of being for an active guy on the go. Designed for the guys but equally handy for adventurous girls too! 

Bag and photos by Fran Bott

Bag and photos by Fran Bott

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You can find the newly released Teardrop Sport Backpack Sling here: http://www.rlrcreations.com/pdfpatterns/teardropsport

I have had many requests for a "guy" version for the popular Teardrop Sling bag and when it came time to design it I asked the Test Team for their opinions on what they would like to see be done differently. The most popular request was to design it so that it did not have to be finished with a "Drop-in" lining, and that it had an exposed zipper for easier opening. So, I set off to create a way to accomplish this without it needing to be complicated or take many more steps to complete.  

So without further Ado, let's see how it is done!

Tutorial and Photos by Fran Bott

Attach the Gusset Panels to the Zipper Panels

-Starting on Page 22 of the written Instructions of the Teardrop Sport

Add the finished Exterior Gusset Panel to the Main Fabric side of the Zipper Panel

When adding the Main Opening Zipper to the Zipper Panel pieces the last 1/2" at the ends of the Zipper Panel was left unstitched to allow us to separate the Main Fabric from the Lining fabric so we can add the Gussets to the Zipper Panel.

Page 22-23 Steps 1-3

Separate the Main Fabric and Lining Fabric pieces of the Zipper Panel along the short raw ends. Pin the Exterior Gusset Panel short raw edges to the Main Fabric short raw edges of the Zipper Panel, right sides together.  Pull the lining fabric away from the zipper end  and clip or pin out of the way.

Be sure that you are pinning the Gusset to the Zipper Panel so that the zipper pocket on the Gusset faces the top of the zipper on the Zipper Panel.

 

 

 

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Once you have the Exterior Gusset pinned to the Main Fabric side of the Zipper Panel stitch across with a 1/2" seam allowance. 

As you stitch over the zipper, you will want to use something besides your fingers to hold back the lining fabric, I have a small screwdriver that I use, but you can use whatever works for you – a small pair of scissors, an awl, etc.

This is how it looks after you have stitched the pieces together-

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Follow the directions on Page 23-Step 4 to press and topstitch along the seams on the Exterior Fabric. Be sure you keep the interior side out of the way as you do not want to stitch it to the Main Fabric. 

Add the Interior Gusset Panel to the Lining Fabric Side of the Zipper Panel

Page 23 Step 5

Turn the piece over so that the Lining Fabric side is facing you.

Next, you will add the Interior Gusset Panel to the Lining Fabric side of the Zipper Panel in the same manner. Folding back the zipper end and the Main Fabric side of the Zipper Panel. 

 I use my screwdriver to hold back the Exterior Side while adding the Interior Gusset piece to the ends of the Lining fabric side of the Zipper Panel . I use zipper tape so I have to hold that back to sew the lining on. I use my zipper foot with the needle on the left to get in close. That is why I recommended something other than your fingers to hold the fabric or tape back.
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Your piece will now resemble a circle with the two Gusset pieces WRONG SIDES TOGETHER, with the Interior Gusset on one side and the Exterior Gusset on the other side. 

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Align the raw edges of the Interior and Exterior pieces on the Zipper Panel so everything lays nice and flat. Follow the directions on Page 24 , Step 7 to complete the topsitching along the zipper on the Zipper Panel.

Add the Main Panels:

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The Interior Main Panels are sewn to the Interior Gusset Side with the Main Panels and the Gusset right sides together.

Lining Panels – The photo on the left shows Lining Panel pinned at the marks referred to on Step 3 on Page 24 of the pattern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 24-25 Steps 5-6

Interior Main Panel pinned to the Lining Fabric side of the assembled Gusset. Be sure the Exterior side of the Gusset is pushed out of the way. 

Interior Main Panel pinned to the Lining Fabric side of the assembled Gusset. Be sure the Exterior side of the Gusset is pushed out of the way. 

 

 

 

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Page 25 Step 7

Stitch all the way around the pinned pieces with a 5/8" seam allowance. Trim your seam allowances and then flip the piece over and with the Exterior piece out of the way add the second Interior Main Panel to the other side of the Interior Gusset piece. 

 

 

 

 

 

Now open the Main Opening Zipper and the Front Pocket Zipper on your Exterior Front Main Panel all the way. At this point, you can stitch the Exterior Main Panels to the Exterior Gusset piece, following the same steps as for the Interior.  You will want to stitch the Exterior pieces together with a 1/2" seam allowance. 

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I like to get the lining panel out of the way so I don’t have to keep moving it when sewing. Since your Main Zipper is open, push the lining into the middle of the main gusset. It should look like this:

 

The main gusset should be wrong side out when attaching the Exterior Main Panels, the finished Interior will be sandwiched in between the Exterior Main Panels.

 

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Page 25 Steps 1-4

Attach the Exterior Panels to the Exterior Gusset the same way as you finished the interior, only this time stitch the pieces together with a ½” seam allowance.

It should look like this.

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I have the lining pushed out of the way so you can see the panel.

Now is time to attach the Exterior Back Main Panel. This panel has the Strap and Connectors attached to it. Be sure your Lining is pushed to the inside so it will be out of the way. Fold the Strap and the Bottom Connector pieces so that when you set the Exterior Back Panel on top these pieces will sit inside the bag and away from the edges of the Panel piece:

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Everything, including the Lining will be out of the way when you sew this last Panel in place.

 

Pin the Exterior Panel to the Exterior Gusset and then stitch all the way around with a  ½” seam allowance as you did for the Exterior Front Panel.

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When completed and everything is trimmed reach through the opening you left at the bottom of the Front Pocket
lining pieces and pull everything through to turn the bag right side out.  The opening left in the pocket lining makes for very easy birthing. 

Push the interior through the Main Zipper opening so it is on the inside of the bag.

Follow the Finishing steps on pages 26 and 27 to close your zipper pocket lining and add the rest of your hardware. 

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If you have any questions while creating your very own Teardrop Sport please hop over to the RLR Creations Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/  and let us know as Fran, myself, and many other testers are always happy to help!

We would love to see your finished Teardrop Sport bags, please post them in the RLR Creations Facebook group using that month's hashtag for a chance to win a free pattern monthly. 

 

Without my talented testers, like Fran Bott, I would not be able to bring you the unique patterns that are published monthly. They are the true talent behind RLR Creations Sewing Patterns. A huge thank you again, to Fran Bott for the picture tutorial on completing the Teardrop Sport. 

Laser Cut Acrylic Templates for RLR Creations patterns now availible from Tops and Bobbins

Tops and Bobbins Laser Cut Acrylic Pattern pieces for RLR Creations designs.

When Denise from Tops and Bobbins Quilt Shoppe contacted me about creating Acrylic Pattern Pieces for my designs, I was a bit skeptical.  A few questions I had were: Are they as detailed as the paper pattern pieces? Are they as precise in size as the original pattern pieces? Can they include all the placement and fussy cut markings I add to my pattern pieces? Denise was happy to answer all my questions and provide me with updates throughout the process of making the first set. Her husband was more than accommodating to all of my requests to be sure the pattern pieces matched my designs perfectly.

What is a better way to decide if Acrylic Templates are worth it? Why receive a set in the mail of course!

Tops and Bobbins sent me a set of templates hot off the laser cutter for my review. The turnaround time was simply amazing; I could not believe how quick they had the very first set done and in my mailbox!

What are Laser Cut Acrylic Templates?

Templates from Tops and Bobbins are acrylic (like your quilting ruler) templates that are precise laser cut duplicates of the original pattern pieces included in each of the RLR Creations PDF patterns.

 
 

 

They are crystal clear to help make cutting not only easier but accurate as well. Each piece is laser etched with the pattern piece identifiers (name and pattern piece letter), your cut list, along with all the markings that are on the original paper pattern pieces.

 

Each set contains full size pattern pieces with every pattern piece included in a pattern. No more printing, cutting and taping PDF pattern pieces together! The Acrylic Templates were wrapped and packaged very carefully so they arrived to me in perfect condition.  Each piece is paper backed to prevent scratching during shipment.

 

I think my favorite part right out of the box is that a hole was cut into each piece and they were laced onto a piece of coated wire that simply unscrews when you want to separate the pieces. A great way to keep all your pattern pieces together and hang up when not in use!

Also, enclosed in your order is a thank you card to let you know how to care for your new templates along with all the contact information you need for Tops and Bobbins.

A few of the benefits I found that make investing in Tops and Bobbins Acrylic Templates the ideal choice for your most used RLR Creations Patterns.

First and most likely the ideal reason is: The acrylic is durable and will last forever. No more reprinting, cutting out, and taping new  paper pattern pieces that have become too worn and tattered from using over and over.

 

Acrylic Templates are see-though which makes them ideal for making sure your targeted print area of the fabric will be cut specific to the pattern piece so a key part of it is not lost in the seam allowance, contrast pieces, or within curves.

 
 

They make cutting faster and much more accurate. Simply place them on the fabric and either trace around the pieces or for an even quicker cut grab your rotary cutter and cut right around the template piece without worry of accidently chopping off an edge of the pattern piece!

 
 

A quick Tutorial on Fussy Cutting your “Place on the Fold” Acrylic Pattern Pieces in 4 easy steps.

1. Measure and mark the center of your targeted area on the fabric.

2. Fold your fabric at the marked center line.

3. Place the Acrylic Template piece on the fabric with the “Place on the Fold” side aligned along the fold. Use the seam allowance and placement markings for contrast pieces ect. to align the design perfectly under the template.

4. Grab your rotary cutter and cut out your pattern piece!

 

If you prefer no “cut on the fold” pattern pieces, Tops and Bobbins will custom cut the pattern sets to full size pieces for you!

Are you ready to purchase your first set of Acrylic Pattern Templates for your favorite RLR Creations Pattern?

You can find them here:

 
 

If you are not a member of the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Facebook group, you can join here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/

Ken and Denise from Tops and Bobbins will be hosting a giveaway for a set of free templates for a new RLR Creations Pattern coming in June 2017! There is also a special group discount code for 10% off Tops and Bobbins Acrylic Templates for the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns group.

 

 

Tops and Bobbins is a family owned company based in Hesperia California. For more information about their Acrylic Template services you can reach them by

E-mail TopsandBobbins@Gmail.com or by Phone: 760-881-4025 (Tue-Sat 10am to 5pm Pacific Time)

PATTERN SPOTLIGHT- THE TITANIA TOTE PATTERN FEATURE part 2

Welcome back to the RLR Creations “Pattern Spotlight”.

I’m Tanya Summers, Creative Director at Little Mate’s Wardrobe and one of your friendly admin on the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns group. In this edition, I am looking forward to show you some more tips and tricks in creating the RLR Creations “Titania Tote” pattern to help you create your very best version of one of my favourite patterns.

 
Bag and Photo by Tanya Summers

Bag and Photo by Tanya Summers

 

Firstly, you will need a copy of the Titania Tote pattern, which is available for purchase on which is available for purchase on rlrcreations.com, Craftsy and Etsy.. We had a special discount code for you last week when purchasing the Titania pattern from rlrcreation.com, so click HERE if you need to read last week’s blog.

Last week’s blog had lots of information about and tips on creating the Front Exterior Welt Pocket and preparing and attaching the Strap Connectors and contrast Bottom so click on the link to have a read while you are getting your discount code!

This week’s blog will feature how to make a peek-a-boo feature on the Internal Zip Pocket and also give you some tips and tricks for attaching and top stitching your Top Main Zip.

Let’s get started!!

Making a Peek-a-boo feature on the Internal Zip Pocket

This is a cute way to add a bit of excitement to your interior by using up a leftover scrap fabric!

 
 

Instead of cutting Piece H – Interior Pocket Lining, you will need to cut 2 separate pieces of fabric 10½” wide x 8” high, I have cut one plain to match the interior lining and one ‘picture piece’ to use as my focal point.

 
 

Using your non-picture piece, place it right side down in the centre of your interior main piece and follow the instructions for creating a zipper pocket on pages 13-14, stopping after you complete Step 12 ‘adding the zipper’.

 
 

 

Once you have added your zipper, your interior main piece will look like this on the wrong side.

 

Lay your picture pocket lining piece on top of the non-picture piece right sides together. Pin or clip around the sides and top of the pieces (but NOT the bottom), then sew around the 3 sides using a 3/8” seam allowance.

 

Remember to fold your interior main piece out of the way while you sew the two pocket pieces together.

 

After you have sewn the three sides, the bottom of your pocket will remain open or unsewn. This is the nifty hole we will use to turn our bag right side out!!

Peek-a-boo! View from the front with our zip open. Perfect!

 
 

Attaching and Top Stitching your Top Main Zip

Note: You will need to have completed steps 1-7 on page 16 to prepare your zip.

Starting on Page 17 of your instructions, we will take our top zipper (with the cool zipper ends) and lay it along the top of the Exterior Main Piece right side of the zipper down. I like to add a bit of Sewline glue here as it holds the zip snug between the two layers without shifting.

While the glue dries I like to hold it with clips to keep it steady. When you get to the 1” mark you made at the end, gently move the end of the zip down and out of the way of the ¼” seam allowance.

After sewing your zip, press open your seam. This will be a little bit trickier with the second side as the Exterior is one piece. I like to iron it in 2 stages. First with the lining folded open…

Then open the zipper, fold the lining under and iron the exterior away from the zip tape and press.

 

 

 

Don’t forget the little bits on the outer edges!!

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There are 2 ways to top stitch the second side. Both will involve a bit of manipulating to get to from the outer edges in to the middle, and may depend on what your machine looks like. My machine has a removable tray table, but if your machine doesn’t then your will need to do it this way.

 

Keeping the external sides together move the already topstitched side out of the way. At the start you will need to lift it that side up and around to help move the zipper tab out of the way (to the right as you look at my photo)

The second way is slightly easier, if you can remove your tray table and expose the free-arm of your machine. Turn the bag right side out so the exterior fabric is on the outside. Again move the tab to the right so that is out of the way.

Once your zip is top stitched, continue following the instructions from the “Finishing” section on Page 18 to complete your Titania Tote.

 

Please note these tips and tricks used in this article are the ways that I have found to be a quick and easy way to complete my Titania Tote. They are by no means the only way to do it. If you have a tip or trick that you would like to share with us, please join our RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Group and post your tips, and of course, share your creations with us in there!!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/.

We all love to see the beautiful bags that are made using the Titania Tote pattern. If you missed the discount code last week and would really like to say GDAY-TITANIA and purchase this fantastic pattern, then you will need the GDAY-TITANIA code word, before heading to the rlrcreations.com website.

Now to the next big decisions! What size (handbag or tote) will you choose? Which fabric will be chosen? I would love to see your fabric previews as you start your project!!

 

Until next time, keep creating!!

If you would like to learn more about the extremely talented Tanya Summers and see the amazing  things she creates hop over to her facebook page at Little Mate's Wardrobe and take a moment to view her fabulous bags at her Etsy Store HERE!

Give us your best view of the Titania Tote and win some fabulous prizes!

We are flat out excited to celebrate the one year launch of one of RLR Creations most favored patterns the Titania Tote.

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

The contest details:

Help us celebrate Titania’s birthday by submitting a flat lay photo inspired by the Titania Tote between March 17th and March 24th to the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Group and on Instagram.

You can follow RLR Creations on Instagram here: RLR Creations.

On March 25th, a winner will be chosen by random draw using a name picker generator.

The prize:  We will spin the wheel LIVE to choose the prize. It could be a free pattern, or patterns, and/or a bag hardware gift certificate, maybe some cork for your next Titania tote and a free pattern. It’s all up to the spin of the wheel!

Why the flat lay?

A flat lay photograph is a way to show off your style! It’s a unique way to tell a story or show visual impact without the need for words. Best of all it allows you to think outside the “box” and show your personality.

 
Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

 

If your next question is “What the heck is a flat lay?”

A flat lay is basically when you’re photographing items from directly above; from a bird’s eye view. Usually those items will be arranged or styled on a flat surface. Most of all you want your composition to tell a story! 

How to enter the Titania Tote Flat lay contest:

We all love to see the beautiful bags that are made using the Titania Tote pattern and most of us are inspired by the beautiful fabrics that are chosen. To celebrate Titania's first birthday, we want to know how you would 'dress her up for her birthday'.

1. If you have made a Titania Tote: Snap a flat lay photo of your Titania Tote along with some items that you would carry in it, or even some items that reflect the inspiration for the fabric choices you made for it. Or, simply choose some items to display with it that will reflect a birthday theme! Most of all have fun with it and show us your personal style.

 
Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

 

2. If you have not yet made the Titania Tote show us how you would 'dress her up for her birthday'. Simply arrange your chosen fabrics and hardware in a flat lay arrangement, along with some of your favorite sewing tools, or even add a birthday theme to your arrangement!

 
Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

 
You can purchase the Titania Tote Pattern here: http://www.rlrcreations.com/pdfpatterns/titaniatote
Craftsy: www.craftsy.com/sewing/patterns/titania-tote-w-wristlet-2-tote-sizes/297786
Etsy: Titania Tote with a attachable/detachable Wristlet

How to Enter the Contest: 

Simply shoot your flat lay photo with your phone or camera, then post it in the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns group using the hashtag #titaniaflatlay.

You can earn more entries by also posting to Instagram, and you other favorite Facebook groups. Be sure to use the hashtag #titaniaflatlay so we are sure to find your submission!

Quick Tips to photograph your Titania Flat Lay

Most importantly, your composition should include a Titania Tote or the fabrics and hardware you would use to make your very own Titania Tote. Your submission should reflect your unique style!

Next, you’ll need to select your background. White or neutral backgrounds are normally the best choice. You can arrange your objects on a white piece of cardboard, a sheet or table. If you don’t have anything white, work with what you’ve got. Keep in mind a flat surface is best!

If possible, try to use natural lighting.  Natural light is beautiful, so why not move your arrangement closer to a window. Or if you’re heading out to the café for the day, pick a table in a lighted area to sit and snap. If you need to use artificial lighting, then be sure to light your photo up so you don’t have any shadows that will take away from the “flat” look.

Arrange everything on your background. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different compositions—pay attention to negative space in your image, the angle and positioning of your objects, and how the colors and textures interact with one another. Look at what is laid out in front of you and see how you can make it more visually appealing. Do you want the focus to be in the center of the photo? To be the bottom third? To be the top third? Or be evenly placed?

Getting the right shot might take a few tries, but it’s worth it!

Try and make sure your phone or camera is parallel to the table or surface you’re photographing. You might like to climb on a sturdy chair to get a little bit more height. Keep the camera stable, and as straight as possible; having the camera at an angle will make it less of a “flat lay”.

Sound too hard? It’s not, I promise. Flat lay photography can quickly become addictive.  Just work with what you’ve got, wherever you are and be sure to have fun!

Once you’ve got your shot, share it with the hashtag #titaniaflatlay on Facebook and Instagram to enter the Contest!

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Photo Credit: Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Don't forget to check out Tanya's Titiana Spotlight feature. If you do not own the Titania Tote pattern, you may find a little surprise in her blog post here: http://www.rlrcreations.com/rlrsewingblog/titaniaspotlightweek1

 

 

PATTERN SPOTLIGHT- THE TITANIA TOTE PATTERN FEATURE

Welcome back to the RLR Creations “Pattern Spotlight”

I’m Tanya Summers, Creative Director at Little Mate’s Wardrobe and one of your friendly admin on the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns group. In this edition, I am looking forward to showing you some tips and tricks in creating the RLR Creations “Titania Tote” pattern to help you create your very best version of one of my favourite patterns. 

Bag and Photo by Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Bag and Photo by Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

Firstly, you will need a copy of the Titania Tote pattern, which is available for purchase on rlrcreations.com, Craftsy and Etsy.

** Surprise!!** For our valued readers of this blog, we will have a special discount code for you to use on rlrcreations.com, so keep your eyes peeled.

So, gather your fabric, interfacing and fancy O-Ring bling (and a cuppa) and let’s go through the pattern.

I will focus on 4 main parts of the pattern.

The first 2 sections I will cover this week:

  • Front Exterior Welt Pocket 
  • Strap Connectors and contrast Bottom 

Then next week we will go through:

  • Making a Peek-a-boo feature on the Internal Zip Pocket
  • Attaching and Top Stitching your Top Main Zip

Front Exterior Welt Pocket

After interfacing the pattern, the next step calls for you to do your Welt Pocket. For many of you (as it was for me when I tested the pattern) this will be the first time you’ve attempted one of these. Trust me when I say it is just as easy as a zip pocket.

Tip #1 – For the fussy cutters –

When I fussy cut my pieces I wanted to keep intact the head nearest the top including her hair. Unfortunately what would happen then is the chin of the face was going to be cut off with the welt pocket. So I drew the welt pocket box a teeny bit down to accommodate the full face (and moved the lining on the other side down the same amount to match). As you can see below, the face is visible through the interfacing and allowed me to move it down to suit me.

 

Sew and clip as per the instructions, keeping in mind that the closer you can snip into the corner (without cutting the stitches) the squarer your corners will look.

 

 

 

 

Next, when turning the pocket lining through, I like to use a strip of water soluble fabric glue to hold the fabric to keep even pressure on the crease instead of relying on pins.

After sewing your two welt pieces together, as per the instructions, and pressing open, run a strip of glue either side of the opening and lay your welt pocket over the opening, centering the seam. I like to roll mine down from one side so I can eyeball the seam into the centre as I go. 

 
 

Check it looks correct from the front…

If you’ve come this far in, you deserve a break. Like the look of the pattern? Head over to rlrcreations.com, add the Titania Tote to your cart, enter the codeword GDAY-TITANIA and receive 25% off the Titania pattern! (valid til March 31st 2017).

Okay, phew! Enough of that excitement! Where were we? Yes, that’s right, stitch around the outside of our welt pocket opening to hold the pocket welts in place.

You can choose at this point whether to unpick the stitches holding the welts together (at step 6 on page 6) or do as I do and wait til the end when you turn your bag right side out to do it as one of your finishing touches.
 
 

To sew the pocket lining onto the welt pocket is a little bit different from the usual zip pocket, but once you’ve seen how to do it, it’s a simple process. Align the bottom of your pocket liner piece to the bottom of the welt pieces.

 

Sew along that edge by moving the Main Panel piece out of the way.

 

 

 

Press the seam open so that the pocket lining sits flat.

Fold the pocket lining piece up so that the top short edge aligns with the top of the welts. Pin together without catching the other layers.

 

 

Sew along the top edge, keeping the main piece up and out of the way. The next step is to sew the sides shut and we will use the same process of folding the main piece out of the way to sew the side seams of the pocket.

Your main piece will now look like this from the wrong side.

To create the slit in the fleece, use the measurements provided in step 1 of “Adding fleece to Exterior Main Panels” on Page 8 of your instructions. As you can see on mine, I use a quilting ruler to measure down the top measurement and use pins to measure in from the side. Then you can quickly create a cut along your ruler line keeping between those pins (do not cut over pins as your rotary cutter will get a blunt spot there and no longer cut properly).

 

Pull the lining through slit you just created in the fleece, making sure that it sits flat.

 

Iron the fleece to the main piece to hold it in place

Strap Connectors and Contrast Bottom

Firstly pin or clip your pocket up and out of the way.

 
 

Prepare your strap connectors by drawing a line longways down the centre of the piece. (*Please note this is slightly different to the instructions in the pattern, but will give you the same end result).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next run a strip of temporary fabric glue or double sided tape down the centre of the line you just made and fold the long sides in to meet at the centre. I like to use double sided tape for vinyl especially as it holds better than glue, but just be aware that certain tapes may ‘gum up’ or put a stick residue on your needle. If that happens carefully clean the needle with an alcohol wipe to remove the adhesive. Fold the strap connector through your o-ring and stitch to secure as per instructions. (I like to do my straps using the same method (draw line in centre, fold to centre, use tape to hold) then fold them in half longways again to get 4 thickness of vinyl.)

 
 

Use your quilting rulers as a handy guide when positioning your strap connectors. As my rings as thicker, I make my top measurement 1¾” instead of 2”, but that is just my personal preference and will not effect functionality. Check your side measurement is correct for the size you are making (ie 3” for the small size and 4” for the large size)

 
 

Once your strap connector is in the right place, use a little bit of Sewline Glue or double sided tape to hold the strap connector in position temporarily while you stitch it in place. If you are having trouble with skipped stitches or your needle isn’t moving, try using a ‘height adjustor’ or even folded vinyl of the same height under the back of your foot to make it level again.

 
 

 

If you have thick rings like these you may also use it on the opposite side of the foot to keep even pressure on each side as well as being level front to back.

**Please note that I will be using rivets to strengthen my strap connector attachment instead of using the strengthening X-box stitching as described in the pattern. If you do not intend on using rivets, please follow the instructions in the pattern to on how to sew the stitch box (as detailed on Page 11).

Use your rulers again to position your second strap connector and sew it again like the first. Repeat the process for the opposite Exterior Main Panel, then join the front and back panels as per the instructions in Section “Adding the Bottom Accent on page 12.

 
 

For my bottom contrast panel, my personal preference is to fold the edge rather than having the vinyl backing showing. When cutting my contrast piece in vinyl I will use the ‘cut on this line for fabric’ option. I measure down ¾” and draw a line and add my double sided tape to the outside of that line.

 
 

I then fold the edge to meet that folded line and you have a perfect 3/8” fold. (I use 3/8” as opposed to the ¼” stated as vinyl tends to be a bit harder to get a good fold on only ¼”). Lay your overlay on top of your joined Exterior front and back Main Panels and sew as per the instructions in the “Adding the Bottom Accent” section on page 13

 
 

Turn your piece over and you will see why we need to pin the external welt pocket lining up and out of the way. Phew!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yay!! That’s the outside done!!  (Aren’t you glad you pinned up that pocket!!)

Check back in next week-

To see how to make a peekaboo pocket for the interior…

 
 

…and some tips and tricks for to attaching and top stitching your top main zip

 
 

As always please share your creations on https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/. We all love to see the beautiful bags that are made using the Titania Tote pattern (and of course any other RLR Creations patterns). So grab your discount code (ok I’ll be nice and put the GDAY-TITANIA discount code here too), head to the rlrcreations.com website and get creating on your very own Titania Tote, in either handbag or tote size.

 

*Please note these tips and tricks used in this article are the ways that I have found to be a quick and easy way to complete my Titania Tote. They are by no means the only way to do it. If you have a tip or trick that you would like to share with us, please join our RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Group and post your tips in there!!

 

See ya next week!!

If you would like to learn more about the extremely talented Tanya Summers and see the amazing  things she creates hop over to her facebook page at Little Mate's Wardrobe and take a moment to view her fabulous bags at her Etsy Store HERE!

PATTERN SPOTLIGHT- THE LIMELIGHT ACCORDIAN WALLET FEATURE PART 3

It's time for the third Installment of the RLR Creations “Pattern Spotlight”

This month we will be focusing on the Limelight Wallet, which is available for purchase HERE or for Craftsy users you can find it HERE.

This week is all about Paper Piecing!

Basically the art of paper piecing is a fancy way to re-purpose those small scrap sized pieces of fabric and use them to ‘colour-in’ a design or shape. This creating this simple heart shape design on the flap of your Limelight wallet is as easy as counting to 11. 

Organizing the fabrics you want to use.

There is no right or wrong way to arrange your fabrics. The pattern (available here) shows that you can use 3 colors (shown as red for the heart, grey for the angle section and white for the background) or you can choose to only do 2 (heart and background) as I’ve done in my example. Your scrap pieces should be large enough to cover the area they are assigned for PLUS a 1/in (6mm) seam allowance around the outside. More tips on that later.

So let’s get started!

Download your Paper Piecing Pattern HERE!

Step 1. Take your heart coloured fabric and using a temporary glue like a Sewline Glue Stick, apply a small amount to the wrong side of the fabric. Hold your design up to the light and, using the shadow of your piece of fabric, position it over the Number 1 section with the wrong side of the fabric glued to the WRONG SIDE of your pattern paper. Remember to allow at least a ¼” seam allowance on each side.

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Step 2. Turn your pattern piece RIGHT SIDE up so you can see the numbers. Where the Number 1 and Number 2 sections meet (the 1-2 line), draw over the intersecting lines. I like to use a Frixion Ball Point Pen as it makes a nice folding line and erases with my iron)

 

Step 3. Using the indent from your pen line, fold along the 1-2 line. Trim the fabric to ¼” past this fold.

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Step 4. Take a piece of your “Angle Section” fabric (color coded grey on the pattern) and place it RIGHT SIDE UP. Place the Paper Piece pattern and the first section of heart on top of the Angle Section fabric so that the 2 pieces of fabric are right sides together.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5. Keeping the edges of the 2 fabrics aligned, gently fold the paper back so you can see the numbers. Sew along the line between Numbers 1 and 2 with a short stitch length (I like to use about a 1.5 stitch length) remembering to reverse at the beginning and end to secure the stitches.

 

Step 6.  Fold the Angle Section fabric back to expose the right side and gently press the seam

 
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Step 7. Turn your pattern piece over, and start the process again (from Step 2 to Step 6) with the next number. Remember to use the line that joins to the lower numbers (so the line between 3 and 1, then the line between 4 and 3/1) See? I told you it was as easy as counting to 11!

When you are finished with the last seam, trim around the outside of the pattern piece and then continue as per the Limelight instructions. (you could even add piping at this step by using last week’s tutorial!)

 
 

It looks so good, even the gnomes come out of the woodwork to see!!

 
 

Please remember to share your creations on the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/) page on Facebook. We would love to see your colour combinations with the paper piecing pattern and on all your creative interpretations on the Limelight Wallet pattern.  

Next time, I will be looking at putting a twist on a different RLR Creations pattern… Which one would you like to see?

PATTERN SPOTLIGHT- THE LIMELIGHT ACCORDIAN WALLET FEATURE PART 2

It's time for the second Installment of the RLR Creations “Pattern Spotlight”

This month we will be focusing on the Limelight Wallet, which is available for purchase HERE or for Craftsy users you can find it HERE.

This month we will be focusing on the Limelight Wallet, which is available for purchase HERE or for Craftsy users you can find it HERE.

WEEK 2 – This week the extremely talented Tanya will focus on Fussy Cutting and attaching a Wrist Strap...Plus working with Piping on your Limelight Flap!

Fussy Cutting

Fussy Cutting is the art of perfect pattern placement. To help you with perfecting your pattern placement on the flap of the Limelight we have created the “Fussy Cut Flap’ guide pattern piece just for you! Just cut out the window and voila! Instantly you can see what will be seen on the front of your wallet. No missing heads anymore!

To download your copy of the Fussy Cutting Guide click HERE

Click on the image to download the printable template

Click on the image to download the printable template

Cut out the hole on the Fussy Cutting Guide and place it over your fabric until you are happy with the section you can see.

Place your Flap Piece F on top of the guide so it lines up with the edges of the Fussy Cutting Guide

Remove the Fussy Cutting guide by holding your fingers in the middle of the Flap Piece F and gently pull the Fussy Cutting Guide Piece up and over.

Cut around Flap Piece F as you would normally. 

Bonus Feature- Using Piping!

Piping can be a bit scary at first, often because it can be difficult to get right on your first attempt. Hopefully with some of my hot tips you will be able to enjoy sewing with piping and add it more to your projects!

Choosing your piping colours.

Piping is a great way to highlight of emphasis colours in a fabric pattern. When choosing piping I like to place it around the edge so you can get the full effect. 

Hop tip #1

Sewline Glue is a water soluable tacking glue that I love using for pretty much everything! It will hold zips straight, keep your clear vinyl for your ID card pocket steady without pins and is great for holding piping too.

Please note on this picture that my piping is not level with the edge. I have moved it in until the existing stitching of the pre-made piping is approximately 5/8” in from the edge (this is the seam allowance plus the width of the piping, so at the end the overall width of the flap including the piped edge remains at approx 5” as per the original. 
 
 

After glue basting the piping in place the next step is to sew baste it. When sew basting I like to sew either on the existing stitches of the piping or slightly to the cord side of the stitches. 

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I use the sew basting to create a line, so whenI sew the interior and exterior flap pieces together I can sew slighting to the inside of this line to keep the piping tight and reduce the need to go back and re-sew it multiple times.

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Adding a Wrist Strap

Many have been asking for wrist straps to make the Limelight Wallet hands free, especially when your cute dress or favourite shorts don’t have a pocket! Adding the wrist strap is really easy and looks great, and as a bonus you can add your keys to the wrist strap like a matching key fob!

To start with you will need to choose your hardware:

1 - 1” Swivel Snap Hook

1 - 5/8” (15mm) D-Ring – Please note if you want to use a ½” ring that is also fine just remember to adjust the width of your Connector tab accordingly (so ½” D-Ring would need 1 x Main Fabric 3” x 2”, 1 x Interfacing 3” x 1”)

Then you will need to cut the following EXTRA pieces:

Connector Tab – 1- Main Fabric 3” x 2 ½”

Connector Tab Interfacing – 1 - Interfacing (SF101) 3” x 1 ¼”

Wrist Strap – Cut 1 x Main Fabric and 1- Interfacing (SF101) 17.5” x 4”

Add the interfacing to the main pieces, making sure that the interfacing on the connector tab is centred width-wise on the main piece 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fold both the Wrist Strap piece and the Connector piece in half lengthwise (so parallel to the longest edge). Press to get a nice crisp fold then open up again. Fold in the long raw edges so they meet on that nice crisp fold line. Press, then refold your original fold to hide the raw edges. 

Connector Piece:

Wrist Strap

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Completing the Connector Piece-

Topstitch the long sides of the Connector piece approximately 1/8” from the edge. Place the connector piece through the D-Ring and fold in half to secure the D-Ring. Sew as close to the D-Ring as you can to stop it from moving around.

 

Completing the Wrist Strap Piece-

 

Place the Wrist Strap piece through the Swivel Hook (this style is my favourite and is available in Australia through Handbag Hardware Australia) and fold in half to match the short ends. Now this is where it gets tricky so I’ve included lots of pictures! 

 

Step 1:

Step 1 – Place the straps in front of you with the swivel hook at the bottom of the loop. 

 

Step 2: 

Step 2 – Twist the front end of the strap piece 90 degrees to the right (so from 6 o’clock to 3 o’clock). 

 

Step 3:

Without changing the angle open up both the front and back pieces so the right sides are facing and the 2 pieces are at right angles to each other. Pin together. Draw a 45 degree angle line from the bottom left corner up to the top right. This will be your sewing line. 

Step 4:

Once you have sewn this line open up the loop to see if it now creates a circle. 

If it does you can now trim off the triangle piece about ¼” away from the seam. 

Step 5:

Press the seam open. Refold the raw edges into the middle and you will have a perfect loop. Sew around each side about 1/8” away from the edge. 

Step 6:

Sew around each side about 1/8” away from the edge.

Step 7: 

Make a fold at one end to secure your swivel hook and sew as close to the Swivel Hook as you can or add a rivet if you prefer. Your Wrist Strap is now complete.

Adding the connector to your Limelight Wallet

After you have completed step 3 on page 6, take you flap piece and place it exterior side up. Measure in ¾” from the side (I’m right handed so I put mine on the left) and 1” down from the raw top edge. Baste stitch about ¼ inch in from the raw edge.

 

And that’s it!! You can now complete your wallet as per the instructions. Please remember to share your creations on the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/) page on Facebook. We would love to see your unique twists on this versatile pattern

 

Next week, I will be sharing with you an exclusive Paper Piecing design designed by myself, made especially for the Limelight Wallet flap. Its probably one of the easiest paper piece designs, which makes it great for beginners to paper piecing, but it also makes a great quick embellishment to your next Limelight Wallet.

If you would like to learn more about the extremely talented Tanya Summers and see the amazing  things she creates hop over to her facebook page at Little Mate's Wardrobe and take a moment to view her fabulous bags at her Etsy Store HERE!

Pattern Spotlight- The Limelight Accordian Wallet Feature Part 1

Welcome to the first Installement of the RLR Creations “Pattern Spotlight”

I’m Tanya Summers, Creative Director at Little Mate’s Wardrobe and one of your friendly admin on the RLR Creations Sewing Patterns group. Over the next few months I will be showing you cool features of some of the RLR Creations patterns and giving you a few ideas on how to make your creations unique to you. This is where you will be able to come for inspiration and get some hot tips to help you create your very best!

Photos and Limelight Wallets by Tanya Summers of Little Mate's Wardrobe

This month we will be focusing on the Limelight Wallet, which is available for purchase HERE or for Craftsy users you can find it HERE.

Each week, I will be showing you some sewn examples of different fabrics, ideas to create a magical one-off piece, and even give you a free, yes FREE, and easy paper piecing pattern specifically designed for the Limelight Wallet. Along the way, I will show you some tips and tricks to help you perfectly place your fabric on the flap, add piping to give it a pop of color and much, much more. 

So let’s get started…

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Week 1 – Getting inspired by your favourite designer to create a memorable flap design!

As the Limelight Wallet has a large flap (in proportion to its overall size) this is the ideal spot to make a creative impact! For my first example I have used ‘reverse appliqué’ to create a design on my first example. I have used cork because, like leather, it is resistant to fraying which is important when we cut a raw edge for things such as appliqué.

My theme for this wallet was Tula Pink, one of my favourite fabric designers, largely due to her fabulous and creative use of animals in her designs. 

A Quick Guide to Reverse Applique

Draw your design on some tracing paper, then turn it over and transfer it on the back of your cork/leather. I like to use lead pencil for this. 

Now that your design is clearly copied onto the reverse, you can start to cut very carefully along the line. 

Pick your fabric colors for under the cutout and then cut out small pieces large enough to cover the hole with enough room to stitch around the outside.

Once you have stitched around each shape you can then add other stitches to join the shapes together, in my case adding the stems for the flowers.

 Now that your Exterior Flap piece is complete, continue to create your flap as per the Limelight instructions.

Week 1: Bonus Add-on: Double Card Pockets

Who doesn't love more card Pockets? The creative Tanya Summers has added a double row of card pockets to the Limelight wallet to give you even more space to store all of your cards. Follow along as she shows you how simple this is to do!

My card pockets on this wallet vary from the main pattern. I have added a set of 3 card pockets to the inside front of the wallet, in addition to the 3 on the inside back and the hidden pocket behind the card pockets at the back.

Rather than cut the Piece C Card Pocket Panel that is included in the pattern you will need to cut these two pieces:

The cutting list for the new card pockets is:

  • Card Pocket A – 18 ¾” x 4 ⅞”, cut 1 Lining Fabric and 1 Interfacing
  • Card Pocket B – 15 1/4 “ x 4 ⅞”, cut 1 Lining Fabric and 1 Interfacing

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the Fabric Pieces then create your folds as follow: 

Card Pocket A:

Measure down from the top of the fabric piece in the following increments:

4”, 2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¾”.

Fold the first line, from the top, wrong sides together, the second line right sides together, the third fold wrong sides together and so on, until all the lines are folded. Topstitch the tops of all the folds as directed on Page 13, step 2 in the pattern. 

Now, with your Card Pocket A right side up, fold the topstitched edges up, towards the top of the Card Panel until you have created 3 card pockets. The top card pocket top will sit evenly on top of your last top stitched line. Pin in place along the sides.

Card Pocket B:

Measure down from the top of the fabric piece in the following increments:

½”, 2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¼”, 1 ¾”,  2 ¾”.

Fold the first line wrong sides together, the second line right sides together, the third fold wrong sides together and so on, until all the lines are folded. DO NOT topstitch the top fold (with the ½” folded behind, but DO topstitch the tops of folds 2, 3, 4.).

Now, with your Card Pocket B right side up, fold the topstitched edges up, towards the top of the Card Panel until you have created 3 card pockets. The top 1/2", that you did not topstitch will be folded wrong sides together and will create the bottom of your pocket. 

Join the bottoms of Card Pockets A and Card Pocket B together with a ½” seam. CHECK that your card piece fits nicely along Main Piece A (See page 15/16 of the instructions for the location). It should be 7 ½” long. If your piece fits well, iron the middle seam flat and topstitch on either side of the seam. Baste down both long sides as close to the edge as possible. Continue from Page 16, step 3, topstitching to the Main Panel Piece A.

And that’s it!! Everything else is finished as per the pattern. Please share your creations on https://www.facebook.com/groups/RLRCreationsSewingPatterns/. I would love to see what reverse applique, traditional applique or other great ideas you have for your Limelight Wallet.

Next week, I will be discussing Fussy Cutting (how to get your pictures centred perfectly on the front flap) and how to add a wrist strap! 

If you would like to learn more about the extremely talented Tanya Summers and see the amazing  things she creates hop over to her facebook page at Little Mate's Wardrobe and take a moment to view her fabulous bags at her Etsy Store HERE!