Creative Times with Sue

Shabby Lovin’ GIVEAWAY

2011-05-23T14:08:00.001+09:30

I love cloth dolls and if you do as well, why not pop over to Shabby Art Boutique and enter for this giveaway for this lovely doll called Thrifting Tammy.

Good luck!

Origami Christmas Tree Tutorial

2011-05-19T15:52:00.001+09:30

The long awaited Origami Christmas Tree is finely here! I hope you are able to follow my instructions. The images should be of great value if I have failed.

Using Freezer Paper, I made ten triangle pattern pieces with seven inch sides . This gave me enough triangles for half the project. You need ten triangles in a dark and ten in a light tone. I made four trees, hence it saved me reusing the template so often and of course saved a lot of time. The Freezer Paper templates are now packed away safely for another day.

It is surprising how often Freezer Paper can be ironed onto the fabric, shapes cut out and then paper peeled away for another time.

Using a scant 1/4” seam, sew a light and dark fabric triangle with right sides together by machine. Leave enough room on one side to turn your triangle in the right way. Carefully push out corners. You do not need to sew the opening shut. Press well.

HINT: Depending on how thick the fabric is, you may need to snip the excess fabric away at the corners before turning the right way.

Using a piece of paper the same size as your triangle template, fold it so that you can find the centre of the sewn triangle, plus each edge centre.

You may find it easier to remove the seam allowance on this paper to mark your centres on your made up triangles.

HINT: Transfer these centre marks onto the dark side of your triangle using chalk or other removable marker of your choice. It is easier to see chalk on the dark side of the sewn up triangles.

Take each point of the triangle and tack it to the centre mark as you see in the image below. Take the tacking stitch right through to the light side of the triangle so that the fabric sits nice. The stitches will also be a guide for the next step. Try to keep the stitches small and tidy.

Turn your work over for the step that you see in the image below. This is where you will tack with 3 or 4 stitches, the guide marks you made along the straight edge to the centre on the light side (previous tacking stitches will be your guide for the centre). I didn’t take the stitches right through to the dark side.

Continue with each side as above trying to keep the folds as neat as possible. Here you will tack each centre of an edge together so that the fold is held snug and tight to the middle.

The image below shows the completed triangle all folded ready to be hand stitched to its neighbour.

Lay three pieces together as you see below so that you will get the idea of which parts have to be sewn together. You will add to these as you progress.

The hand sewing (I used the same whip stitch that I sew my hexagons together) will be done on the back so you will need to face two pieces together and sew the folded edge that you see touching in the image below.

The finished Origami Christmas Tree at the very bottom of this tutorial will also help you to understand this step.

You can put any shape pot that you want at the base of the tree. I did put a little bit of padding in mine, as I felt it gave it a bit more oomph. Don’t pad the trunk or you will not be unable to turn the fabric if you are going to hide the opening behind the tree.

Wrong side of finished Origami Christmas Tree

Decorate your tree in any manner that you wish.

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial, even though a snail is much faster than I am getting it put together!

May your day be full of creative time,

Technorati Tags: Sewing,Crafts,Origamin Christmas Tree

Catching up

2011-05-18T13:47:00.001+09:30

Well it is time to kick this blog into gear, starting with a new name. I hope you like “Creative Times With Sue”. I feel parts of, “Home of Creative Treasures” is a a bit to common on the Internet for my liking and wanted something that was more me.

My faithful followers will also see a new look. I hope to expand on this as the creative light bulb lights up.

Tomorrow I will be posting the long awaited tutorial for the Origami Christmas Tree wall-hangings that I made for myself and family.

Also Easter has been and gone with a lot of fun making bunnies using a pattern I found at RevoluzZa for my grandchildren. I forgot to take a photo but lucky enough that my daughter did. Thank you Renae for allowing me to share this photo.

Now to start on tomorrows post…. catch you then.

Technorati Tags: Softies,sewing,Easter

Blind Quilter

2011-04-04T13:32:00.001+09:30

Are you looking for some inspiration? Take a look at this video and you will be in awe of what can be achieved if we put our minds to it.

Well I have a date with a sewing machine! :)

Hugs,

Out of the Box BOM - 2011

2011-01-28T17:13:00.001+10:30

I can’t believe I had forgotten to do a post about this BOM. You have only until the end of this month to grab the first block from The Pickedish Patch, as the second one will be up on the 1st of February. Vicki who is the blog owner also has a sneak peak of the 2nd block …. take a look!

Dawn from Sweet as Cinnamon also has a BOM running with the same dates, as The Pickedish Patch. These two ladies are working together; it really is worth a look.

Also there is a Flickr group showing off their progress, which you can find by going to Vicki’s blog.

Well I am on holidays at the present time at Moonta Bay. I am having a lovely time doing some stitchery and applique with the Girls Day Out quilt that I am doing. I am just loving it!

Technorati Tags: BOM,stitchery,sewing,craft

Christmas Decorations & Happy Holidays

2010-12-22T17:38:00.001+10:30

With Christmas nearly here I thought I better show you an image of the finished Origami Christmas Tree. I just don’t have the time to edit the photos and write up a tutorial just now, but promise to have it up after the silly season is over. At least you will have an early start making your own for next year. ;)

I also plaited three filled tubes of fabric to make a simple wreath. The little ornament at the bottom was purchased from KMart to finish the wreath off. I did consider making a bow and hot glue it onto the wreath. The problem was finding the colour ribbon that I needed, so decided to go with the welcome Santa at the base. I was rather pleased with the result.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you, my wonderful blog readers, a Merry Christmas and if you don’t celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays!

Cheers to you all!

Technorati Tags: Origamin Christmas Tree,crafts,sewing,Christmas

Origami Christmas Tree Progress

2010-11-27T16:16:00.001+10:30

Phew, progress is coming along with my Origami Christmas tree wall hangings, with forty fabric double sided sixty degree triangles folded and hand sewn into place.

Yes all forty are shown in the image above. Now it is time to hand sew ten together for each tree. I am yet to make a stem and pot for the base of the trees.

Three are for gifts…. I wonder who for!!! :D

Well it is back to needle and threads for me near a large window, while watching the clouds scooting past. Hope I don’t prick my finger when cloud watching! ;)

Technorati Tags: sewing,crafts,Origamin Christmas Tree,Christmas

Paper Piecing Potholder

2010-11-25T10:59:00.001+10:30

Gosh I could have done a better job at ironing this Paper Pieced potholder. It is square although it does not look like that in this image. The pattern, well there wasn’t any other than a play beforehand of drawing lines on a square sheet until I was happy with it. I made this Christmassy potholder yesterday from cheap fabric I would not normally use for crafts (no loss if it did not work out) to teach myself how do paper piecing, as well as become more familiar with my new Bernina Aurora 440.

I love the little Christmas bell decorative stitch as well as the fonts. Paper piecing also makes sense to me now that I have given it a go. :)

Today I am back to folding fabric for my Origami Christmas Tree hangings, with a photo of my progress tomorrow.

Until then, happy crafting people!

Technorati Tags: crafts,sewing,potholder,Christmas,Paper Piecing

Secret Triangle Business

2010-11-22T18:04:00.003+10:30

Well not really all that secret, as I have already told my sister Leanne over at Stitch Selection what I am doing while baby sitting my grandson. I am making Origami Christmas Tree wall hangings with many triangles to be sewn up and folded. 80 triangle pieces…gulp!

I even put the sewing machine in my art studio because I felt that my sewing/office room was not a safe place for a small child to play. I can see this happening often with a TV close by and the coffee pot close too! lol

If the photos work out with the steps involved I will make a tutorial and post it here, so stay tuned with an update.

I would like to also take this opportunity to apologise for my absence from this blog. I haven’t been sewing for some time with other things in life getting in the way. I am making a huge effort to make time for crafts and so serious about this decision that I upgraded my Bernina sewing machine to an Aurora 440 QE. I am also joining the Burra Quilting Group, where I will be able to spend some time with my sister Deb from over at Sewdeb

I hope you like the new look blog. I will in time pretty it up when ideas strike me. :)

Happy sewing everyone.

Technorati Tags: crafts,Sewing,Aurora 444 QE,Bernina

Friday Link Sharing #4

2009-07-10T08:57:00.001+09:30

I can’t believe how fast this week has gone with another Friday Link Sharing post to be published. I hope you find something of value amongst these links.

Photo copyright, Jessica from A Crafty Blog & More

Fleece fabric has always been a part of my fabric stash for many years and would imagine it to be the same for many people who have sewn clothing. Jessica from A Crafty Blog & More has come up with a great idea of making A Fleece Hat Pattern – Under an Hour to Make! You can see an example of the hat in the image above. I can imagine my own grandchild doing the exact pose, so very cute!

Melissa Mortenson from The Polka Dot chair has a tutorial post on Moda Bake Shop. The post is Angela’s Diaper Bag and gee it is so pretty. It would be a wonderful gift to make for any new mum and perhaps even for those things that we also like to carry around with us.

Golly I am starting to realise this Fridays Link Sharing is all about tutorials, as I have another one to share!

Newbies to sewing and quilting are often on the lookout for how to sew borders for their quilts, especially as there are so many ways to finishing off a quilt. Sew4home has a tutorial on How to Make a Border with Mitered Corners. The Tips & Resources is a page worth visiting as well.

Well that is another Fridays Link Sharing post hitting the dust…happy sewing everybody!

Technorati Tags: tutorials,sewing,sew,hats,fleece hats,crafts

A Royal Giveaway

2009-07-08T18:42:00.001+09:30

Clare’s Craftroom is having not one but three giveaways for her 100th post. The example in the image above is the first prize; isn’t it wonderful! If you would like to enter, go to The “Royal” 100th Post Giveaway! and join in.

Good luck! :D

Friday Link Sharing #3

2009-07-03T12:33:00.001+09:30

Gee we are having wet and cold days of late. For the family farm, mud is money at this time of the year so I had better not complain about it. Click on the thumbnail above and see how Sasha, my papillon starts her night in her bed. She is quite funny about it as she will even pull up the crochet blanket higher if we haven’t done it right. The crochet blanket is one that I made for her when she was a tiny pup. Sasha has never attempted to destroy it and treats it like her blankie as any child would, hence the blanket is now called blankie. She will go and find her crochet blanket if we command her to “bring blankie here”… lol

Ok now onto some links. I haven’t that many as I have been pretty busy, but I think the first one will more than make up for it, especially if you haven’t seen this website before.

Who loves free patterns? I know I do but don’t know when I am going to get a chance to try a few of them out, but hey I like a challenge. For those that would like to add some extra patterns to their own collection, do take a look at this very long list at free quilting patterns, free quilt blocks, quilter techniques at Susan Druding website equilters.com. There is sure to be something there for everybody. Also make sure you check some of the links on the home page, because there is a wealth of information their as well. For example the Links to many more of Susan’s Quilting Articles.

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet: I do get so frustrated with the fitted sheets, especially the new ones that have the elastic all around the edge. I found this website with good diagrams showing how to fold fitted sheets that do look very tidy once finished. You may also find it useful.

Half Hexagon quilting is a good way to make a quilt if you want it to happen a lot quicker by sewing machine, than sewing by hand. Abyquilt has a great Hexagon Quilt Tutorial with lots of images as well.

I do hope you have enjoyed this post.

Technorati Tags: Papillon,sewing,link Sharing,hexagons. quilting. hexagon quilting,free patterns

Friday Link Sharing #2

2009-06-26T14:33:00.001+09:30

Photo copyright Julia of Julia’s Place

For those quilters that find large projects difficult to do nor able to pay someone else to quilt it for you, quilting as you go maybe one way of solving this problem. I found this Quilt as you go tutorial on Julia’s Place, creativeribbons blog. The tutorial is easy to follow and with Julia’s permission posting one of her images that you will see if you pop over to her blog. Also take a look at Julia’s other tutorials; they can be found on the left hand side when you scroll down her blog.

Who knew about iron on Velcro? I didn’t until now and my mind is already ticking over how useful this stuff could be. It would be so easy to apply to pockets and pouches inside totes and bags that you feel needs more security, AND wished you had done so before sewing the project up! Check out the green box at the Birchhaby website to see it is real and not my imagination. I would suggest I am the only one that does not know about this stuff! LOL

Do you receive error messages when viewing some blogs. Pop over to Tozz’s Corner and read her clearly written post on how she fixes this problem.

Have you ever used Google Alerts? Take a look at the image below as I am about to explain why I use these particular alerts.

The two top alerts are what I would expect Google to find when anything related to my blog is found on another website. So for example, if someone was spreading the link love about my blog, that is what perhaps would be the link title. Also I have come across my name on numerous websites and why I leave that listed so that I can see what is being said about me. I have now added the Friday Link Sharing to see how much interest that post creates, if any at all. You will see the alert below that I received from talking about this on a Craft Magazine Forum that I enjoy.

This is how you can also create alerts for sections of your post to see if it is being stolen for monetary gain on other blogs. You can create as many alerts as you want. Where it would be handy is for those that have a Giveaway Post on their blog or a BOM. Not everyone will make a comment on your blog but it does not mean they are not talking about you or the subject. I know I would be curious to see what those people have to say if it was about me, although it isn’t necessary always going to be good. ;)

You will find more information at the Google Alerts Help page.

How well do you see Colour? Just for some fun, try this one out at Online Color Challenge . It is the only time that I have ever been happy to receive a zero score. Click on the thumbnail above and you will see I am not fibbing. LOL

I do hope you have enjoy my second Friday Link Sharing post.

Technorati Tags: quilting,quilt,quilter,colour

Friday Link Sharing

2009-06-19T12:38:00.001+09:30

I thought I would try something different and provide some links each Friday to items I have found interesting on the Internet. There will be times when I may be away and can’t do this but hopefully for the most part, this post will happen each Friday.

The first link is a video demo.

I don’t have this book but after seeing this demo I am thinking what a great way to make a quilt. Even the demonstration is a lesson worth watching. Crazy shortcut Quilts blog is a lovely read as well.

Also I am intrigued with my prize I won from miss~nances life blog and I thank you for it Gail. You can see what I won by popping over to this Giveaway post. I hope to do justice and finish this project in the future. Thank you!

When reading comments, I came across a new blog called DIY Bag Lover. The blog promotes tutorials of bags made by others and link back to the original owner. I don’t mind this blog, as it does recognise and acknowledge that the copyright belongs to the bags owner, which is very important. There are lovely bags on this blog so worth a visit.

There is so much to learn when it comes to blogging. I have known about ProBlogger blog for quite some time now and learnt a lot from Darren. He is an Australian that makes his living from blogging and a nice guy. If you want to make your blog work for you, especially if you want to make sales from your crafts, it is worth checking out Blogging Tips for Beginners. Make sure you make a hot drink before you sit down though, as there is some great reading with lots of hints to make your blog greater than it already is.

Some of you may wonder what I am doing when I am not sewing. If you are interested, you can see my other blog by visiting Arts and Stuff. How is that for a piece of self promoting…LOL

Now another link just for luck! A Quilting Life is an inspiring blog that reminds me why I love quilts. One day I will have one of my own quilts finished to snuggle into. Do take a look at this lovely blog, you won’t be disappointed.

Just a hint to those that are not internet savvy when it comes to blogging and copyright. When you want to use images that do not belong to you, make sure you get permission from the owner of the material before publishing their content on the web and it will keep everybody happy. Many share freely but there are those that will also be quite upset when they come across material posted without their permission. I know I would not appreciate my artworks being posted without my knowledge or prints made from them. Many artist know the style of artworks and who created them and are the eyes to the web and soon report back to the image owners if they see something that does not look right; I have seen this happen myself although thankfully not my own work. I have also seen where whole posts are copied and posted on a blog with lots of advertising happening. These bloggers are stealing content to attract visitors to their blogs and make money from ads and once reported, smartly closed down by blogger. Copyright does get heavy going, but it is worth knowing something about the subject so that you have knowledge of where you stand on this great wide web. Oh one more link wont hurt! Copyright Explained.

I would be interested to know if you have enjoyed this post so please leave me a comment and let me know.

Technorati Tags: Link Sharing,Copyright,Problogger,Crafts,Blogs,Blogging,Quilting

On My Heart BOMs

2009-05-25T21:33:00.001+09:30

Do you love to collect BOMs?

There is a lovely BOM happening over at Tozz’s Corner. Look at the image above; how can you resist such a pretty pattern!

Hop over to Tozz’s Corner and read all about On My Heart BOM.

Happy sewing everybody!

Technorati Tags: BOM,stitchery,sewing,crafts

Autumn

2009-05-23T16:02:00.001+09:30

I do love rag dolls and yesterday when I saw a kit that had everything in it other than the filling at a reduced price, I just had to have it and sew today so that I can truly get to know her.

So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Autumn who has berry’s in her hair and a bouquet in her hand. I am sure she will get on very well with my other rag dolls in my growing collection.

Technorati Tags: Rag doll,doll,craft,sewing

ELEFANTZ has a Shabby Roses Giveaway

2009-05-03T15:54:00.001+09:30

I thought I was too late to alert you to a beautiful giveaway, but if you hurry, you may just make it in time.

Go over to Jenny’s blog at Elefantz and enter. Also tell her that you read about the giveaway here at my blog.

I know I will be collecting Jenny’s beautiful BOM and hope you do as well.

Technorati Tags: crafts,sewing,BOM,free

Appliqué

2009-04-24T14:15:00.001+09:30

Appliqué played a big role in my sewing career many years ago. I appliquéd fronts of jumpers/sweatshirts before sewing them up; selling all but a small quantity that I kept from the time my children were small.

I am aware of copyright when using images, hence why I could never sell appliqué created from images from children's books. They were fun to do for my children though.

I also did commissions as well with customers coming to me with an idea of what they wanted. Drawings were done and approved and then it was down to sewing business. I stopped counting the garments once I had reached one hundred. I often wonder if any of them were kept by their owners.

The process of these appliqués is done by drawing on a tear-away stabilizer, then baste it onto the wrong side of the garment fabric. I then pin around the drawn shape so that I can see the pin line on the front of the fabric. The pins are then used to guide me where to place my appliqué fabric so that I have less waste. Pin fabric in place then with a straight stitch, on the tear-away side, trace the shape with your sewing machine. You will then see on the right side of garment fabric, the shape of the appliqué that will then be trimmed back to the stitching. This is then finished with a satin stitch to tidy the cut edge, as well as cover the straight stitching. Once I am finished, I then remove the tear-away then sew up the garment.

Using t-shirt fabric for the appliqué fabric on fleece, I did use a light iron on stabilizer to make the t-shirt fabric easier to handle and not stretch out of shape. These garments were always tossed in the washing machine and as you can see, some are worse for wear than the appliqué itself. The garments received a lot of use.

With grandchildren now, I just may get a tutorial done for this blog in the near future.

Note: When appliquéing small areas, I build the pieces up from back, coming forward. An example is the arm of Popeye comes out of a sleeve, the arm does not sit on top. I build the layers so that the piece feels as if it has depth. I used terry towelling for the clowns hair so that it had more texture.

Technorati Tags: sewing,craft,applique

Another Giveaway – Stitch Selection

2009-04-21T11:18:00.002+09:30

Image posted with permission from Stitch Selection

Mothers are special to us and with Mother’s Day fast approaching, we hope to be able to celebrate with them. Unfortunately my sister Lucky1 and I lost our mum many years ago. I thought it was a lovely gesture by my sister from Stitch Selection to have a Mother’s Day Give Away in honour of our mum, along with other mums that are no longer with their families, although I am sure they are in spirit.

Please do enter in my sisters giveaway and good luck! :D

Technorati Tags: Giveaway,craft,sewing

Tozz’s Corner - Giveaway

2009-04-20T12:47:00.001+09:30

Vicki who is the blog owner of Tozz’s Corner is having a giveaway. I had intended getting this post up much sooner but was completely sidetracked.

Pop over to Tozz’s Corner and enter in Vicki’s 100th post giveaway as it is gorgeous. Even if you miss the giveaway, Vicki’s craft blog is worth a visit.

Technorati Tags: Tozz's Corner. giveaway. crafts,sewing

A Tea Party

2009-04-06T15:14:00.001+09:30

After such a big day yesterday at the Laura Folk Fair, these three girls each have a story to tell. While they wait for their tea to be served with scrumptious cucumber sandwiches, here is their tale.

One has had a bad hair day although her dress sense will pass muster and very happy to join Sue’s family.

The second is so busy doing her washing that she forgot to leave it behind and oh so sleepy from all her hard days work. Golly Sue did think she needed to rescue her from such a difficult life!

Now the sweetest of both, who’s name is Sugar Plum, well she was yet to be put together after being found by Sue. At an extra special price of 12 dollars, pattern, material, beads and hair, now lets face it, how could she resist.

Home Sue goes with her bounty of three girls, that she is sure in time will all get to know each other well.

Measure, cut, snip, tear, along with some stitching; hello Sugar Plum, welcome and please join the tea party!

I do hope you have enjoyed meeting my little family.

Technorati Tags: Crafts,doll,sewing,craft doll,blue

A Wonderful Prize

2009-03-28T14:05:00.001+10:30

Rarely participating in entering prizes of any sort, imagine my overjoyed surprise when I won a bag from a lovely blog called Tozz’s Corner by entering the competition for Coming up 2 years for Blogging!

The presentation of the gift was beautifully presented, wrapped in a fat quarter with a ribbon tied around the beautiful bag and lovely fabric wrapping and put safely in a plastic bag then a post packaging.

I already know this bag is going to acquire a lot of use on my shopping trips to Port Pirie. Thank you Tozz’s Corner for your wonderful gifts; they will always be treasured.

May there be more wonderful bags made by you as this one!

Technorati Tags: craft,bag,fabric,prize,sewing

English Piecing

2009-03-18T10:50:00.001+10:30

Having never done English Piecing before, I am delighted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying this new experience. The craft is ideal for picking up when only a few minutes is available for sewing or carting around in a caravan to sit and relax in the outdoors. I have to admit that the outdoors is the ideal light because I do like to use tiny hand stitches, which can be hard on the eyes without good light.

If you have the Patchwork & Stitching Vol 9 No 4, you will see the quilt that I am making on page 24. I am not copying the colours nor are the values exactly the same. So far I am happy with the results considering I am using some material that I have had here for some time and adding to it as the project progresses. It would have been so much easier if I had planned ahead of time, but hey I am a learner and learning from my mistakes!

Cheers,

Technorati Tags: English Piecing,quilt,sewing,hand sewing,Patchwork & Stitching

Quilters and Embroiderers Stand

2009-03-17T16:07:00.001+10:30

Oh I do need to get my first quilt top finished and sandwiched ready for quilting so that I can try my new toy out.

I am very pleased and impressed with the quality of this stand, which is made of Jarrah from Jarrah Lacky. I just noticed in the image that I still have some of the packaging attached to the stand, which I must say was excellently done.

I ordered the Quilters Stand and was pleasantly surprised when the Embroiderers Stand adapter was included at no extra cost to me in case I also do embroidery. At the time my order was made, I was torn whether to include the adapter or not and decided to keep my cost at a minimum. As you can imagine, I was stoked to see the Embroiderers Adapter and even wondered if I lost my marbles and did order it. The Embroiderers Adapter is sitting at the bottom of the stand along with the wing-nut tightener. I thought it was quite clever to make the wing-nut tightener from timber; a very nice touch!

Maybe I will now do some blanket stitching on my Table Topper.

Technorati Tags: quilt,quilter,quilters stand,embroider,embroiderers stand

Fabrics from Charlenes of Jamestown

2009-02-23T18:48:00.000+10:30

Aren’t the fabrics lovely!

My husband and our son needed to go to Jamestown for farm supplies. Because I have been itching to check out Elaine Flower’s shop called Charlenes, With the help of my daughter-in-law (us girls have to stick together, wink), I did just that!

I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I can tell you right now, I will be tagging along from now on for those farm supplies from Jamestown in South Australia. The shop is packed full of patchwork, beading & Haberdashery. A crafters paradise.

The hand dyed fabrics on the right in the image above were purchased from Charlenes. The three burgundy tone on tones are just beautiful and I don’t even have to wash them; they have already been thoroughly washed! Hand dyed fabrics are made by Gail Simpson. I found the prices are the same as the website. The three on the left are also from Charlenes and would have been so easy to add more to the stash, but there is always another day.

By the way, if anyone is looking for blue craft fabrics, Charlenes is the place to go.

Technorati Tags: crafts,craft fabrics,sewing,burgundy