Prim Sew Along - Bee Prepared!!

Today is the day for the 

"Bee Prepared" 

post that I do in preparation for my

 appliqué sew alongs using my 

Sew Simple Shapes 

and my latest fabric collection.

This one is the 

PRIM SEW ALONG

and I'm so impatient for it to start!

We will be making the 

Prim Quilt which finishes at

 72" x 90"

It has twelve 16" appliquéd blocks

 which we will be using my 

Sew Simple Shapes to make...

and there are fourteen 

rotary cut and machine pieced 

Prim Steps Blocks for the borders...

and also four - 10" Prim Corner Stars

 that are rotary cut and machine pieced.

My Sew Simple Shapes Sew Alongs

 always take place here on my blog

 and they are on Monday's.

This one starts August 24th... 

just three weeks from today!!!

How do you join the sew along?

1.You simply grab yourself a

 PRIM Quilt Fabric Kit

2. You will need the

 PRIM Sew Simple Shapes and

 the Sew Along Guide

3. Gather up supplies needed 

to make the quilt

4. Come here to my blog every Monday 

during the sew along 

(starting August 24)

where I will give you the 

free step by step tutorial 

for that weeks block.

Please read ALL of the information 

within this post telling you all that 

you need to know about this sew along.

Once the sew along has begun...

each of my weekly posts will be 

tutorials about actually 

making the blocks and so I am

 telling you here all about the supplies

 and other things necessary to get started.

There is no pattern to purchase...

basically the

 PRIM QUILT 

Sew Simple Shapes

 are the pattern and the instructions on

 how to use them for each block 

are shown weekly here 

on my blog during the sew along.

Along with the shapes you will 

need to download the handy dandy 

Prim Sew Along Guide

CLICK HERE 

for the free download.

In the guide you will have:

 A print out of the finished quilt...

the schedule of what blocks

 we will be doing each week 

during the sew along...

(in this photo the number 8 shows up

 twice lol the dates are correct)

Also in the guide you will find

 fabric requirements for the quilt...

and notion requirements for the quilt

 as well as suggested notions 

that I use when making mine.

You will also find instructions 

for cutting each and every 

piece of fabric in your kit!

It will tell you what that piece is for...

which Sew Simple Shape it is used with

 and what block it belongs to.

This way you can cut ahead of time

 and make individual block kits for

 your quilt and have them all 

ready to go each week!

As with any sew along...

organization is really the key.

I like to have this information 

ready for you ahead of time 

so that each week we can 

simply make the block!!

You will also find the cutting 

measurements of the Sew In Interfacing 

that goes with each Sew Simple Shape 

so that you can have that all cut

 and ready to go:)

I like to put my Sew Along Guide 

in a binder and decorate it 

for the sew along...

after all I will be using it 

for at least 13 weeks and 

it needs to be cute!

With that being said...

I have given you a page and a half of "PRIM" Clip Art 

to decorate your binder!

I am also a paper crafter and planner girl

 at heart because I never have 

grown out of the cutting and pasting era

 of my childhood and I know a lot of you 

have not either...

which makes us kindred spirits:)

You can also use this clip art to

 decorate your planner...

make bookmarks...

or tags for organizing and gifts.

 If you are a shop owner 

you have my permission to use my clip art

 to tag your PRIM items and kits 

that you are selling in your shop.

I have put each of the 

12 Prim Applique Blocks into a circle...

you could use these to

 put within each block kit 

to label them...

the possibilities are endless!

I hope you enjoy them:)

And as always I have designed a page

 for "PRIM Notes" so that you can 

jot anything down from my blog posts 

each week during the sew along.

You can print as many clip art or 

note pages as you would like 

for your own personal use...

just keep in mind that they are

 copyrighted and they are not for re-sale.

They are meant as a gift to you 

from me for joining the sew along

 and to add even more fun!

P.S. I do recommend copying the clip art pages onto card stock 

for paper crafting and decorating:)

Okay...enough about the guide...

let's talk about the fabric!

The collection that we are using 

for the Prim Quilt is of course...

PRIM!!

"Take a step back in time with my 

latest fabric collection called PRIM.

My inspiration for this line of fabric 

comes from an earlier period of history

 which was reminiscent of gentler times,

 when things were simple and homegrown 

and handmade with love...

when friends and neighbors

 worked and worshiped together...

and put their hands to work 

and hearts to God.

Pull up a comfy chair, 

make yourself at home...

and allow PRIM to tug at your heartstrings

 as well as your creativity!"

There are 42 prints in the collection

 and I also designed 4 more prints

 to go into my 

Bee Backgrounds Collection 

that go especially well with PRIM.

In addition to the 42 prints ...

I have designed a "cheater cloth" 

called Prim Churndash.

I love this print!

Although we are not using it 

in the Prim Quilt...

there are certainly a lot

 of possibilities with this one:)

If you have not already pre-ordered 

your fabric kit and still need one...

 just do a quick google search of

 "Prim Quilt Kit" to find one...

google is your best friend lol...

easy peasy!!

For the quilt we will be 

using all 42 prints...

As well as two of the Bee Backgrounds

 and the "Clover" Confetti Cotton 

for the stems and "Beach" 

for the faces, arms and legs.

I developed another of my SHABBY prints

 to use for the background of 

each of the applique blocks.

So far I have 55 SHABBY colors and 

this one is called "Latte"

We will use the Pewter Ticking in the collection for the binding.

With each collection that I design...

I also design 3 wide back prints 

(108" wide)

 to use for the backings on any and all

 of your PRIM projects...

it's so nice when you don't have to 

piece the back!

Here are the 3 Prim Wide Backs.

You can choose whichever you would like 

for the back of your quilt...

they all match perfectly:)

This is the set we will be using;

PRIM 

Sew Simple Shapes

This is my biggest set so far...

big meaning the most pieces...

a whopping 62!!

Because I am a visual person...

I thought you might like to sew 

a photo of each of the supplies

 and notions that are listed in the guide.

 ***The following photos are some

 of my notions and other of my

 favorite notions that I am using 

to make my Prim Quilt.

You will see me using them in the

 tutorials during the sew along...

 so I thought I would tell you about 

each of them here...

 to answer any questions that 

you may have about them.

You can of course use what 

you would like...

these happen to be my favorites:

The Cute Cuts 10 1/2" Trim - It Ruler

 is used to trim up the border 

and corner blocks.

(Prim Steps and Prim Corner Star)

The 16 1/2" Cute Cuts Trim - It Ruler

 is used for placing and centering

 the applique blocks during preparation

 for applique and then 

trimming them up after applique.

(Backgrounds are cut larger to allow 

for working the block and 

then trimmed up later)

You will need close to 2 full packages

 of my Sew-In Interfacing.

Since starting my sew alongs that use

 my easy applique method...

 I have developed what I think is the 

perfect strength and thickness of 

interfacing for shaping the appliqués.

I also use the

 Point to Point Turner by Clover 

to shape each of my pieces...

I could not do without this handy tool!

I pin and then glue baste 

each block for applique prep.

I love love love this glue by Sue Daley

 and affectionately nick named it

 "Sue Glue"

It is water soluble...

dries clear...

keeps my pieces in place for applique

 but can be pulled off if I need to reposition...its a win win!

Here are the 2 sizes of the 

bias tape makers by Clover.

The green is 1/4" and the yellow is 1/2"

Here is a photo of my NIFTY NEEDLES...

they come in a card and also 

individual needle tubes as well.

There are 6 different kinds...

shown in the tubes are the ones 

that are relevant for this quilt.

Embroidery...applique and binding.

You can also use the sewing needles

 in one of the smaller sizes 

if the applique needles are 

too small for you.

It's really a personal preference...

they both work just as well and 

there are several sizes 

to choose from within each tube.

This is what the inside of 

my needle card looks like.

You can see that I have 

color coded each needle so that you 

can easily identify them when 

they are removed and placed 

into your pincushions or needle books.

And speaking of needle books...

I have done a tutorial on how to

 make my needle book with pockets

 using my PRIM fabric.

I recently joined YouTube and have 

started my own channel.

 That's where you will find the tutorial

CLICK HERE

 to watch and make one for yourself!

It's a perfect place to keep your 

needles for applique and your 

binding thread too:)

Let's talk thread.

I have a new Aurifil thread set 

out for Prim that includes

 10 colors that are new.

You can use them in addition with my 

other sets to match my fabrics!

The thread is 50 wt. and is used for

 APPLIQUE and NOT embroidery.

You can decide if you would like to 

machine applique or hand applique...

either way you will need to 

have matching thread for each applique.

This thread works for both!

If you are machine appliquéing

 you would use it for the top thread

 but you would not need to change 

your bobbin color as it would 

not show on the top.

There is a little bit of embroidery 

on a few of the blocks 

which uses all the same color.

If you have my PRIM Aurifloss set

 for cross stitch you can use the

 1140 Raisin

P.S. Aurifloss is made by Aurifil and 

is a six stranded embroidery floss 

for handwork...not for the machine.

You do not use Aurifloss for applique...

but for embroidery or cross stitch.

You can also use DMC 3021 as it is

 a good match as well.

One skein is plenty!

Any embroidery patterns for the quilt 

are in the sew along guide.

You can tape that page to a window 

on a sunny day to trace directly

 onto the fabric for embroidery 

(I use a .05 mechanical pencil)

 or you can use a light box.

I use my Easy Trace Light Box.

 I'm excited to announce that 

it's time to produce them again!...

they will be exactly the same but I will 

do a different color this time 

just to change it up!

I use my washi tape for 

taping my embroidery pattern and fabric

 onto my light box for tracing.

I don't want my pattern or fabric

 to shift during this process.

For those of you who may not know

 what washi tape is...

it was developed for paper crafting and packaging but I also use it 

for sewing and quilting!

Just think of it as cute 

miniature painters tape.

It has a low adhesive so that it 

can hold temporarily and can be 

peeled off without leaving 

a residue on fabric.

Perfect for taping paper 

and fabric to the light box!

I do a set of four washi tape designs 

with each fabric collection 

and these are from my PRIM set:)

I have several different sets of 

Pretty Pins and these are the two

 that I use when making this quilt.

The Double Pins are used when 

piecing blocks and I will 

show you during that tutorial.

The Applique Pins are used for 

pin basting into the design boards 

and are essential to me!

These are just the right length 

for this task...

which is why I call them appliqué.

I also have "mini applique" Pretty Pins 

that are short and tiny and are 

used for hand applique 

when I don't glue baste.

And again...speaking of pins...

of course you need a pincushion 

for this sew along! 

I made this one to use 

when making my quilt...

I made it with one of the prints...

my Bee Cute Lace and a 

vintage silver sugar bowl 

that I thrifted for just a few dollars.

It has the perfect amount of wear on it 

and a beautiful patina.

I also did a tutorial on my 

YouTube channel on how I make my 

pincushions from vintage finds.

CLICK HERE 

to go on over for a visit!

I use Bee in my Bonnet Design Boards 

when cutting and for pinning and

 glue basting each applique block.

The new PRIM ones come in

 three sizes...10" - 14" and 18"

There are 2 prints for each size.

You will need sewing scissors 

as well as embroidery scissors.

I use both...these are my

 9" Sewing Scissors (available soon)

 and my Stork Scissors 

that are available now.

You will need all sizes of 

cutting rulers and of course a cutting mat...

I have a variety of Cute Cuts Rulers 

in 4 different colors and shapes and sizes.

When I am cutting I use my 

Sew Handy Stickers for labeling 

my cut pieces and blocks etc.

They come in 5 different colors 

and are letters and a few

 number pages as well:)

These stickers adhere well...

can be ironed over...sewn over too...

but then they easily peel off 

without leaving any residue.

LOVELY!!

When I cut my blocks for this quilt 

I grabbed 12 of my small design boards 

(I have literally a ton of these lol) 

and I stuck a number sticker onto

 each one for that block.

(Now that I have my Clip Art ready

 I'll have to add these block circles

 to the blocks I have not done yet!)

As I cut I placed the pieces 

for each individual block on it's 

labeled design board...

then stacked them up!

The board keeps them safe and they are

 ready to go when needed.

Not pictured but added later was the interfacing pieces

 all cut and ready to go on

 each individual board as well:)

Here are all of my sashing strips...

corner stone squares and 

Prim Steps Blocks 

all cut and labeled 

with the correct letter.

I have assigned each Prim Steps Block

 a LETTER in the Sew Along Guide 

and have labeled accordingly with my stickers.

Here is just a visual about 

cutting strips ON THE BIAS.

Most of the strips are straight cuts 

and are specified in the 

sew along guide within 

each fabric cutting instructions.

Once in a while I will have you 

cut a square and then cut some 

strips diagonally from that square from corner to corner like this.

That is when those strips need to curve

 so they will need to be cut on the

 bias instead of just across 

the width of fabric.

This photo is when cutting the

 bias strips for block one.

These need to curve because they 

are the white stripes on the flag.

You will cut these 1" wide on the bias.

Whenever I have you cut 1" wide 

you will run the strips through the

 1/2" bias tape maker.

This info is in the guide as well.

These bias strips will be used 

for the  curved handles in the vase 

on block six but I had you cut one extra 

on the bias too for the 

brim on the mans hat in block four.

Even though the brim is straight 

I like the way the gingham looks

 on the bias across the hat for the brim:)

All strips are cut 5/8" wide 

for using the 1/4" bias tape maker.

Sorry about this photo lighting but

 it was dark and I did not have 

natural light for this photo:)

Anyhoo...this is the bias strip that 

you will cut for the 

curved strawberry basket handle 

in block two:)

All of this info is

 in the guide but again...

visual photos are a help to me and 

I hope they help you as well.

In the background of this photo

 you can see all of my blocks 

and border blocks cut and stacked.

Now I'm cutting across the half yard 

of Clover Solid to use for 

all of the flower stems.

Most of the stems are curved 

which is why we are 

actually cutting on the bias.

Some stems are straight like in

 block 5 but its okay to make 

straight stems from bias cut strips.

These will be cut 5/8" wide 

for the 1/4" bias tape maker.

After cutting a few you can 

actually fold down your fabric ...

lining up the cut edges evenly

 and continue cutting 5/8" wide strips...

the fold would go across the top.

The strips end up the same length...

this is just so that you can 

use a shorter ruler...

making it easier to cut.

I'm just keeping my cut stem strips 

together in a pile and 

pulling them out as needed for each block.

I also wanted to show you a picture of

 my cut blocks for the 

Prim Corner Stars

I have them separated and placed 

on my medium design board until sewing.

And speaking of sewing...

you do not need a 

fancy shmancy sewing machine

 to make the applique pieces from the 

Sew Simple Shapes.

Just a good straight stitch 

is all you need...at just a regular

 stitch length or just a bit shorter.

I am using one of my vintage

 Singer Featherweight machines

 for making this quilt.

You can see my 

Seams Sew Easy Guide

 taped to my machine...

(I use washi tape for that too)

I use my Seams Sew Easy Guide

 when piecing all of the border blocks 

for adding the easy corner triangles

 and an accurate 1/4" seam allowance.

I'll show you during those block tutorials:)

Also...a note about ironing.

I do not use steam in my iron 

and you want to make sure not to

 after you have sewn your shapes

 and are pressing them.

Just a good and dry hot iron works well

 and I have found that a 

seam roller works fabulous for

 pressing my shapes after shaping as well.

I don't like to "smoosh" them down

 and iron them too flat.

I like a little poof in my shapes 

because it gives my applique a nice finish.

So here is my Block One 

already cut and ready to sew and shape!

Here's a little peek at my

 Block One in progress.

I have been working ahead so that I 

can prepare the tutorials for you...

I am about 5 blocks ahead right now 

and let me tell you...

I love love love each and every one!!

I will meet you right back here 

on Monday the 24th for the 

step by step tutorial for block one:)

Relax and have fun while 

preparing your block kits 

using the guide instructions.

It's not a race...take your time!

When I have a lot of cutting to do 

I like to listen to an audio book 

or binge watch something.

While I cut all of the pieces

 for my Prim Quilt 

I binge watched "Anne with an E"

on Netflix.

It was the perfect companion for Prim!

Sew with you soon...

xx

Lori