I don't think I've ever been busier...or more challenged to find and keep my creative mojo working. I'm loving the excitement and energy that each day brings! (Isn't it great I can say that after all these years)? Love it!
When I look at my schedule for the next four months I break into a cold sweat then remind myself to just take it one day at a time.
To add to the craziness I've started getting up a four dark thirty to walk for an hour before work. I'd like to think the exercise helps me better cope, but now I find myself stressing over getting to bed early enough to get in my seven hours of sleep, which in turn makes me anxious and causes sleepless nights.
Oye.
One thing I know for sure that helps with stress is spending a day (or preferably two) on the weekend in my Happy Place sewing and creating.
Last Sunday I came up with these:
The idea came from one of my very first tutorials way back in 2009 - in the Olden Days when mug rugs were called coasters.
If the technique could work for five inch squares, why not ten inch squares? This project is great for those left over Layer Cakes and you can make them in no time. They are perfect for last minute hostess, teacher or girlfriend gifts we always seem to need at this time of year and the best part is that the folded layers create a little pocket in which to tuck a surprise.
Here's how:
You'll need -
6 - 10" squares (they can all be different fabrics and one of the six won't show at all)
1 - 10" square of flannel or batting (a great way to use up bits and pieces you may have been saving)
1 yard 5/8" wide ric rac (optional)
Circular Embroidery Attachment* for your sewing machine or a plate or circle that measures about 9 3/4" across.
*A Circular Embroidery Attachment is a cool tool that attaches to the bed of your sewing maching and acts kind of like a compass. You stick your fabric onto the pin on the arm of the attachment and the fabric rotates in a circle as you sew. No need to measure or mark, you just sew in perfect circles.
You can pretty much use any foot you want with the attachment - a walking foot, bias binder - any foot will work. Way cool!
To Make:
Layer lining, batting and backing in this order
Lining - on the bottom,right side down
Batting or Flannel - in the middle
Backing - on top, right side up
Using a Circular Embroidery Attachment or drawn circle, sew on optional ric rac to backing fabric through all three layers as shown above.
Press four of the fabric squares in half and layer as follows on top of backing fabric
with raw edges even and fold to the center.
Sew all layers together. If you are using the Circular Attachment you will want to sew this next step by making your circle one tick smaller. If you are not using a Circle Attachment you will want to flip your fabric stack over and sew just inside the stitching line that attached the ric rac.
Turn right side out so lining is hidden inside and backing fabric is on the back. Just reach into one of the fabric folds and pull the whole thing inside out. It's easy, you'll see.
Press and top stitch.
That's it. The thing that takes the longest is deciding on your fabric combinations. So easy!
We'll be making these Wednesday night and Thursday morning at Bernina Club. We hope you can join us!
Love you guys!
Encourage one another,
