Craft Gate

Product Review: Vilesofix

2012-01-28T00:12:00.000-08:00

Vilesofix allows the patchworker and crafts person to fuse fabrics together, such in the case of adding appliques to your projects. Some of the uses include adding motifs to clothing such as shirts, jeans and jackets or when wanting to add motifs to quilts, wallhangings, blankets or tablecloths and bedlinen.
A iron set at a low temperature will in most cases ensure the adhering of the motif to the backing fabric. Thou if in doubt or the backing fabric is of a delicate nature do a test on another piece of fabric first to ensure the best results.
Vilesofix is a fine webbed bonding material with a paper backing on one side.
Its on this paper backing that you can draw or trace your desired motif. You can use a soft lead pencil to draw your motif. A outline of the motif is all that is necessay. Cut out your motif approx 1/4" away from the pencil outline. Iron the cut out paper motif, with webbing side facing the wrong side of the motif fabric, onto the fabric, Now cut out the motif along the pencil line.
The next step is to peel off the paper backing from the motif and place your cut out motif, with the adhering webbing face down, onto the right side of the backing fabric. With your iron set at the desired temperature iron the motif in place. The heat from your iron will melt the webbed bonding material and thus adhere your motif to the backing fabric.
At this stage a precaution needs to be taken as the webbed bonding material once melted is very hard to remove from your ironing board or iron if it should accidently touch either surfaces. Thus you might like to consider utilizing a Applique Mat underneath your work and non gresed baking paper between the motif and the iron.
Click on the following link to view Applique Mats http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Applique-Sheet.html
Once your piece of work has cooled you can now add embellishment to the area. It should be noted that thou your motif has been secured into place with the Vilesofix if this item is going to be subjected to ongoing wear and tear extra anchoring stitches are needed to ensure the motif stays anchored.
It is always advisable to buy the exact amount you need for each project. Vilesofix does not store well over long periods of time as the air tends to cause the wedded bonding material to separate from the backing paper. Once this occurs it is very hard or almost impossible to utilize with satisfactory results. If you do need to store Vilesofix at anytime it is best stored in an airtight bag.
When buying Vilesofix you need to buy "fresh" Vilesofix. Therefor you are looking for Vilesofix that has not separated from its paper backing prior to you purchashing it.
To view Vilesofix on the Craft Gate website plese click on the following link http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Vliesofix%3A-Widith-30cm..html
Cheers
Suzanne
http://www.craftgate.com.au/
http://suzaniscraft.wordpress.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftgate/

A Thought

2012-01-27T00:21:00.001-08:00

2012-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

For those who may be contemplating joining us for the BOM series thru out 2012 here is a sampler quilt l constructed a couple of years ago There are a few close up shots of two of the individual blocks. The blocks prior to having the boarders added were approx 12" or 30cm in size. In this quilt l utilize sample pieces of furnishing fabric and sheeting fabric for the boarders/shashings. I didnt wash the fabric prior to use so consequently after the first wash the fabric did shrink a small amount thus giving the quilt a very ruffled/rippled appearance which l quiet like. The first block and associated start up information will be published the second week of February so l do hope you will join us each month for a different BOM.

Cheers

Suzanne

http://www.craftgate.com.au/

http://suzaniscraft.wordpress.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftgate/

2012-01-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

Today l sat for a few hours and made some fabric cards, see pics in the file section.They were such an easy project to complete and a great way to use up some special scraps of fabric. These scraps of fabric were from fabrics l had bought in London at a Craft expo held at the Alexandra Palace in 2007 and some Laura Ashley piecs l had bought in London. First l ironed my backing fabric onto a very heavy vilene, then arranged my pieces of fabric ontop of the backing fabric. Then over this top layer l placed a piece of netting or sheer chiffon and with a contrasting thread free motioned machined over the piece of work. The next step involved cutting the piece to a postcard size and ironing onto the back a piece of calico. The calico adhered to the backing as l had pre ironed some Vliseofix to it. The hot iron ensured the Calico fabric with the Vliesofix layer would adhere to the back of the postcard.

The final step involves running a close wide satin stitch around the edge of the card.

Now you have a card that can be sent thru the mail or kept as a memento of a special time.

To the product Vliesofix click on the following link;

http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Vliesofix%3A-Widith-30cm..html

Cheers

Suzanne

http://www.craftgate.com.au/

http://craftingblogger.blogspot.com/

http://suzaniscraft.wordpress.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftgate/

BOM Commencing In February

2012-01-18T02:43:00.000-08:00

Commencing the second week in February will be the Craft Gate Block Of The Month. This year long project will introduce the beginner patchworker to the basics of patchwork. In the first month l will also include some general information re patchwork i.e. fabrics and equipment needed. More news re the sampler over the next few weeks. Task any questions before we start or along the way please do so by clicking on my yahoogroup link.

Cheers
Suzanne
http://www.craftgate.com.au/
http://suzaniscraft.wordpress.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftgate/?yguid=283834294

Talking About "Wash Away " Plastic

2012-01-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Heres a project that lve had on the go for awhile, a great way to utilize some of those smaller pieces of vibrant fabrics one doesnt want to throw away . The blue piece, above, is the finished result.

The above green piece is a work in progress.

Step 1. Chose a backing fabric, in this case lve chosen calico and stiffen it with a lightweight iron vilene.
Step 2. Collect your fabric pieces, in a particular colour theme. Lots of different textures evident here.
Step 3. Arrange your fabric pieces in a pleasing manner ontop of the backing fabric, within a A4 size.
Step 4. Cover with " Wash Away" Pastic and pin in place.
Step 5. Set your machine for free motion machine embroidery. Embroider your fabric piece, in my pieces l utilized a meandering stitch. A great way to become familiar/pracrice your free motion machine skills.
Step 6. Further embellish with some solid free motion stitch work.
Step 7. Cut your piece of work down to a A4 size
Step 8. Satin stitch around the eges of your project
Congratulations you now have a unique piece of textile work.
Another thought us that you could cut you work down to a postcard size and create your own personalized postcards or Artists Trading Cards.

Craft Gate Newsletter

2012-01-10T14:25:00.001-08:00

From all of us at Craft Gate we hope you have an amazing 2012. For the team at Craft Gate our business just gets busier and busier. We have added many new products to our range. From brightly coloured African Fabrics; http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/African-Designed-Fabrics/ , Waddings; http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/Waddings/ to Vintage and Reproduction Fabrics; http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/Vintage-and-Reproduction-Fabrics/. So we do hope you will get a chance to view these new categories plus we have also been adjusting stock in our other categories over the Christmas/ New Year break. Well worth a weekly or may we suggest a daily visit to see whats new in our product ranges.

As many of you are aware we have had our studio in Canterbury, Melbourne open during the week for fabric sales in 2011. For 2012 our hours will be 1pm - 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, from 16th January. Fabrics that we will have avaliable for sale will include an amazing range of fat 1/4s for $3.00 each, African Fabrics in a variety of colours, prints and sizes. Our most exciting inclusion is Vintage and Reproduction Fabrics sold in fat 1/4s for $5.00 each. These very popular fabrics are utilized in quilts predominantly designed from the 1800s. Also included is an array of Japanese Fabrics, these bundles of 5 fabrics; size approx 17cms x 35cms, sell at $15.00 each and Procion Dyed fat 1/4s. A feast for the avid stash builder.

Craft Gate; Rear of 81 Canterbury Rd, Melbourne. Turn into Wentworth Ave and the left into the first driveway. The studio is the 5th building along, the only one with an external staircase leading up to it. Parking is avaliable in Wentworth Avenue.

Thursdays and Fridays our studio will be open from 10am til 3pm for "Sit an Sew" sessions. With each session we shall have our very experianced tutor Jenny Daniels avaliable to guide you thru any of your unfinished projects. The cost of these sessions is $5.00 with tea and coffee provided. These sessions will be commencing from the 16th and 17th February. Bookings are essential. Do come along to these informal sessions and met other quilters and finish a UFO or start a new project. FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE RING 1300321849 OR EMAIL sue@craftgate.com.au

Cheers
Suzanne Francis

Craft Gate

Where In 2012 Everyday Is A Sale Day

You Will Be Amazed By Consistantly Our Low Prices

"Wash Away Plastic" Product Review

2012-01-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

Product Review

"Wash Away Plastic"

Water Soluble Embroidery Topping.

Great for use on plush fabrics or when creating your own fabrics.

On A Roll......22.23cm x 4.57m
On A Sheet......69.85 x 91.44cm

"Wash Away"
A water soluble plastic that dissolves when placed in water. It is commonly used when you want to prevent stitches from being buried in plush or heavyweight fabrics when you machine sew. Another use is when the embroider wants to create their own piece of textile fabric. These following steps will explain how to make you own piece of fabric from fabric scraps.

Step 1 Select your scrap fabric, it can be a variety of fabrics from different weights and colours.

Step 2: Place/sandwich the scraps between 2 layers of the "Wash Away" plastic.

Step 3. Secured in place with pins and placed in a hoop ready for free motion machine embroidery.

Step 4. The finished piece, now can be used as an extra embellishment or an actual piece of fabric in one of your quilt designs, after the plastic has been washed away in warm water.

To view pictures regarding the above technique please click or copy and paste in the following link: http://www.craftgate.com.au/pages/How-To-Use%22-Wash-Away%22.html

To order "Wash Away Plastic" click on or copy and paste the following link: http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Wash-Away-Plastic...1-Sheet.html or http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Wash-Away-Plastic..On-A-Roll.html

To view our entire range of "Wash Aways" and "Tear Aways" click on or copy and paste the following link; http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/Haberdashery/%22Wash-Away%22-and-%22Tear-Aways%22/

Craft Gate: For All Your Craft, Quilting and Haberdashry Needs.

2011-11-19T03:06:00.001-08:00

Suzan Is Craft TV Show & Singer Sewing Machines

2011-11-19T03:05:00.000-08:00

Here are YOUTUBE clips of the Singer Sewing Machines used on the TV show Suzan Is Craft. These are newly released sewing machines by Singer in 2011. For further information re the TV show Suzan Is Craft and the Craft Gate website please click on the following links. http://www.craftgate.com.au/ https://suzaniscraft.wordpress.com/ http://www.c31.org.au/program/view/program/suzan-is-craft

Colouring Your Fabric

2011-09-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Have added two new videos to the Craft Gate website re using Dylon Dyes and Silk Paints to colour and dye your own fabrics. Create your own unique fabrics using either mediums. Click or type in the following links to view: http://www.craftgate.com.au/pages/Colouring-Your-Fabric-With-Silk-Paint-No-2..html and http://www.craftgate.com.au/pages/Dying-With-Dylon-Dyes.html

Suzanne

http://www.craftgate.com.au/

sue@craftgate.com.au

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/craftgate/

Decorating your fabric with Silk Paints

2011-08-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

Patchworkers colour fabrics with silk paint. Dilute your silk paint 3 parts water to 1 part silk paint. Then with a dropper disperse the paint over your fabrc, preferably use 3 to 4 colours and then allow the secondary colours to develop.

To develop a more textured effect sprinkle salt over the area which is brused off once the paint has dreied. To set the paint iron the fabric or garment for 2 to 3 mins on the silk setting on your iron. Click on the following link to view the silk paints:

http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/Silk-Studio

How To Create Fabric Flowers and Leaves

2011-07-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

Fabric Identification And Colouring.

2011-06-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Fabric Identification And Colouring.

First a demonstration showing how to identify certain fabrics by burning them. Then taking a look at what is meant by primary colours as opposed to secondary colours. Brought to you by Craft Gate http://www.craftgate.com.au/

Getting To Know The Decorative Stitches On Your Machine

2011-06-18T02:25:00.000-07:00

Getting To Know The Decorative Stitches On Your Sewing Machine

A short segment on how to become more familiar with the decorative stitches on your sewing machine. Or alternatively how you can " jazz up" the plain fabrics in a quilt. For decorative thread idea click on this link http://www.craftgate.com.au/categories/Threads/

Brought to you by Craft Gate http://www.craftgate.com.au/

Combining Different Fabrics In A Quilt Top.

2011-06-18T02:22:00.000-07:00

A short segment showing some of the ways you might like to combine different types of fabrics i.e. procion dyed, and fabric from cast off clothes. Brought to you by Craft Gate

http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To Test For Sizing In Fabric.

2011-06-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

How To Test For Sizing In Fabric.
A short segment illustrating how you can test a fabric to see if sizing is present or not. Brought to you by Craft Gate

http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To Store Visoflex Suvccessfully

2011-06-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

How To Store Viso Flex Successfully.
In this clip is presented a way in which you might find useful to store Visoflex. If Visoflex is kept for a length of time and the air gets to it the two layers will separate and thus the visoflex will be unuseable. To view the product visoflex click on this link http://www.craftgate.com.au/products/Vliesofix%3A-Widith-30cm..html

Brought to you by Craft Gate http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To: Caring For Your Quilting Cutting Mat.

2011-06-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

Care of your quilting cutting board is very important so that it does not warp, as once it warps it is impossible to repair.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To: Choose Colour For Your Quilt Projects.

2011-06-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

Some ideas on how to co-ordinate colours for your quilt tops.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To: Trace A Design Without A Lightbox

2011-06-05T05:16:00.000-07:00

If you dont have acess to a lightbox to trace a design heres a alternative which might just solve the problem for you.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To: Create A Hexagon Patchwork Quilt

2011-06-05T03:26:00.000-07:00

How To create a very eye catching Hexagon quilt, that will be a true family heirloom.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To: Creating Gathered Ribbon Flowers.

2011-06-05T03:22:00.000-07:00

How to create ribbon flowers to add that extra embellishment to many of your craft projects.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

Buttonhole Stitch: How To.

2011-06-05T03:17:00.000-07:00

A short video demonstrating how to do buttonhole stitch and how you might like to utilize it in your embroidery work. Ideal for adhereing applique work in place in your projects.

Cheers
Suzanne Francis
http://www.craftgate.com.au/

How To Do A Running/ Straight Stitch

2011-06-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

Running Stitch or also known as Straight Stitch explain in simple easy to follow steps. A stitch that forms the bases of many embroidery designs.

Cheers

Suzanne Francis

http://www.craftgate.com.au/