Monday, August 8, 2022

BEE PREPARED - Prairie Meadow Sew Along!!

 


YaY!!
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 is the point to start gathering
your supplies and order
your quilt kits for the sew along.

This one is the 
Prairie Meadow SEW ALONG
and I'm so excited for it to start!



We will be making the 
Prairie Meadow Quilt 
which finishes at
 68" x 85"
It has twelve appliquéd blocks
 which we will be using my 
Sew Simple Shapes to make...
and there are sashings between the blocks
 and pieced border blocks around the
 entire quilt that are rotary cut 
and sewing machine pieced.
Each Prairie Block 
without the block borders
 finish at 16" x 16" 



My Sew Simple Shapes Sew Alongs
 always take place here on my blog
 and they are on Monday's.

This one starts August 29th!


How do you join the sew along?

1.You simply grab yourself a
 Prairie Meadow Quilt Fabric Kit

2. You will need the
 Prairie Meadow 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 29)
where I will give you the 
free step by step tutorial 
for that weeks block.
*for week one block I'll be doing a
 video tutorial on my YouTube channel
 and I will also be doing a 
week one blog post here as well.

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
gathering what you will need.


There is no pattern to purchase...
because basically the
 Prairie Meadows
Sew Simple Shapes
 are the pattern and the instructions on
 how to use them for each block 
are shown weekly here 
on my blog or YouTube channel
for week one 
during the sew along.




After purchasing the shapes you will 
need to download the handy dandy 
Prairie Meadow  
Sew Along Guide
for the free download.

The guide is not a pattern...
remember that the shapes are the pattern
 and the guide is simply a guide.
Why do I create a guide?
It has all kinds of info such as:


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...
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 as well:)

Notice that there is a number correction 
in the first run of the shapes.
Two of the shapes have the same number
 (N-5)which is of course not right!
The one that looks like a leaf should be
 (N-3) so I just wrote 
3 over the 5 with a sharpie.
Now my N-3 is labeled correctly!


You will also find a diagram of the 
background and border blocks
 that will be machine pieced.


There is of course a diagram on 
sewing the quilt together 
after all of the blocks are appliquéd 
and the border blocks are completed.

And as always I have designed a page
 for "Prairie Notes" 
so that you can 
jot anything down from my blog posts
or video tutorials 
 during the sew along.

You can print as many
note pages as you would like 
to take as many notes as you want:)


So now you know what the guide includes.
The instructions to make each block
is NOT in the guide. 
The instructions are a detailed 
step by step tutorial
 and I show you those here each week
 during the sew along:)


As per usual I put one of my 
Bee Keeper Binder Pocket Inserts
 in there to hold my set of 
Sew Simple Shapes....
for easy access during the sew along!

I also added one of my 
Prairie Enamel Charms 
to the zipper pull for the cuteness factor:)




This is the PRAIRIE Beekeeper Binder 
that my Sew Along Guide will live in...
and I love it!!


Look how cute this little
 covered wagon bookmark is!
I love how it peeks over the top 
of the binder...traveling along
 with me on my journey of making the
 Prairie Meadows Quilt:)
I made it with the 
Prairie Washi Tape label.


One more thing that I did was 
make a paper pocket to hold the
 N-13 Sew Simple Shape 
because it was too wide for the
 Binder Pocket Insert.
Sometimes I just need a 
very large shape for a block lol 



I used paper from my 
Prairie Crafting Paper Pad 
for the envelope and a few clip art pieces
 from the pad to decorate the envelope:)

I showed you how I do this
(it's so very easy and fun)
in the My Happy Place video
 on my YouTube channel.
Here is the link to that video
 if you need a refresher!


I had so much fun decorating 
my binder and I'll show it to you 
in my week one video:)


So now I have my Sew Along Guide 
and my shapes all in one place 
and I'm ready to go!



Okay...
enough about the guide and the binder...
let's talk about the fabric!
The collection that we are using 
for the Prairie Meadow Quilt is of course...
PRAIRIE!!
Designed happily by me... 
and produced and distributed 
to quilt shops everywhere 
by the amazing Riley Blake Designs:)





I'm really in love with
 how this collection turned out:)

I dedicated my Prairie collection
 to my pioneer ancestors and the
 journey that they endured 
while crossing the plains.

With each and every 
Prairie project and print
 I hope to honor them well...
from their courage and integrity
to their handmade bonnets and quilts
made with precious and sentimental 
fabrics carefully brought with
 them as they traveled in covered wagons
 to make their new home on the prairie:)

There are 42 prints in the collection...


Along with 8 backgrounds that I designed
 to coordinate with the prints:)

I hope my Prairie collection speaks 
to you and finds a home in your heart
like it has in mine:)

And after all...
one of my favorite quotes from
 Laura Ingall's Wilder...
"HOME is the nicest word there is"



So let's talk about the
Prairie Meadows Quilt Kit.

Several shops are stocking the kit...
both brick and mortar shops
 as well as online quilt shops.

The Prairie notions as well as the
 fabric have begun shipping
to quilt shops everywhere 
and will continue to ship as 
each item arrives at the warehouse!

So of course if you have not 
already pre-ordered 
your fabric kit and need one...
it is not too late at all!

The sew along does not begin
 until the end of this month...
and when I say "BEGIN"
that just means it's when I begin
to do the weekly tutorials.
As always...
everyone sews at their own speed,
at their own time and so it simply 
does not matter when you start.
 
Do what makes you happy 
and do what works for you...
because I always keep 
each and every tutorial right here
 on my blog and it never goes away.

The schedule is NOT to keep 
YOU 
on a deadline or stress you out ...
it is simply the schedule for 
ME 
to do my tutorials.
If you will look at my sew alongs that way
hopefully that relieves any stress.
Sewing is FUN!

 So again...
if your kit has not arrived
just know that it's coming.
And if you are just deciding to join in 
Just do a quick google search of
 "Prairie Meadow Quilt Kit" 
to find one...
google is your best friend lol...
easy peasy!!



With each collection that I design...
I also design wide back prints 
(108" wide)
 to use for the backings on any and all
 of your Prairie projects...
it's so nice when you don't have to 
piece the back!

Here are the Prairie Wide Backs
and I love how they look like
 flowers from the prairie!

You can choose whichever 
color way you would like 
for the back of your quilt...
they both match perfectly:)


I also designed this
 "Very Prairie" 
print for the collection.
It's not used in the quilt 
but I just had to show it to you 
because I love it so much!

If you would like to see
all things PRAIRIE
to view the story board!


Because I am a visual person...
I thought you might like to see 
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 Prairie Meadow Quilt.

Some are listed in the guide
 and some are not ...
but I will explain each one!

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:




You will need the 16 1/2" Square
 Cute Cuts Trim - It Ruler 
to trim up the Prairie Meadow Blocks
 after they are appliquéd.

 This ruler will also be essential 
to use when laying out the appliques 
to correctly place them where they
need to go 
before basting and applique.

I have several other sizes 
of my Trim-It Rulers 
that come in handy for every 
applique and pieced blocks that I make.

***NOTE***
(Backgrounds are cut larger to allow 
for working the block and 
then trimmed up later)


You will need 2 packs 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!

For the sew along...
I'm keeping my smaller supplies
 like these inside my new 
Prairie Sewing Tin!


Here is the 1/4" Clover Bias Tape Maker 
that you will need for this quilt.
All or the flower stems are cut 
from the same print. 
Some are on the bias and most are not.
I always like to keep my cut
and prepared bias rolled up 
on one of the empty spools 
from my large Vintage Trim.
It's very handy!

You can watch any of my week one in any
 of my sew along videos if you have not 
seen how I prepare my bias strips for applique.

If you have never cut strips on the bias
 you can watch how from this weeks tutorial
from my Sew Simple Shapes ReMix Series. 



Here is a photo of my NIFTY NEEDLES...
they come in a card with several
 of each different kind...
and also come in 
individual needle tubes as well.

There are 6 different kinds 
for all stitching tasks...
shown in the tubes are 
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.





Now let's talk thread.
I have a Aurifil thread set
called Bee Happy
and it will work for most of the colors
 in my fabric collections including
PRAIRIE. 

The thread is 50 wt. and 80 wt. 
and is used for
 APPLIQUE and NOT embroidery.

Because I have introduced several
 new colors in PRAIRIE 
I have once again collaborated
 with Aurifil for a 10 spool 
Prairie set
that match the new colors.
  




I also have my PRIM Aurifil Thread set...
that can be used for some colors as well.


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.

These thread sets work for both 
machine and hand applique!

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.

to watch my tutorial on both 
machine or hand applique.

Then you can decide 
which you would like to do! 


I use my washi tape to tape my 
Seams Sew Easy Guide 
onto my sewing machine.
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 
easily peeled off without leaving 
a residue on fabric or your sewing machine.

I do a set of washi tape designs 
with each fabric collection 
and these are from my Prairie set:)

I use my Seams Sew Easy Guide 
to piece all of the blocks in the quilt.
It's used as an accurate
 1/4" seam allowance and also when 
piecing all of the easy corner triangles 
in my quilt blocks.


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 to match up seams.

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.


I use the Bee in my Bonnet Design Boards 
when cutting and for pinning and
 glue basting each applique block.
The new Prairie ones will come in
 four sizes...7" - 10" - 14" and 18"
There are 2 prints for each size.


You will need sewing scissors 
as well as small machine scissors.
I use both...these are my
 9" Sewing Scissors 
 and my Stork Scissors.


Besides my Trim-It Rulers 
for laying out and trimming blocks...
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
and the same goes for my cutting mats.
I have a big variety for cutting and of course
to make your sewing room look cute!!

These rulers are the ones that I use
 to cut all of my fabrics for everything...
including all of my pieced quilt blocks.


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.

You can use them to help label your 
appliqués or blocks as you cut them.

LOVELY and SEW HANDY!!


And speaking of sewing...
you do not need a 
fancy shmancy sewing machine
 to make the applique pieces from the 
Sew Simple Shapes 
or to piece the quilt blocks.

Just a good straight stitching 
machine is all you need...
at just a bit shorter than 
regular stitch length.
 It really is a matter of 
personal preference and what works 
best for you but I would suggest 
doing a smaller stitch
 rather than larger.

As usual...
I am using one of my vintage
 Singer Featherweight machines
 for making this quilt.

You can see my 
Seams Sew Easy Guide
 washi taped to my machine...



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.
Use a seam roller that is flat and not rounded
so that it will not distort the shape.

I don't like to "smoosh" my shapes down
 and iron them too flat.
I like a little poof in my shapes 
because it gives my applique 
a nice handmade finish.

to watch my video about why and how 
I use vintage irons and where to
 find them and what to look for!



So here is a sneak peek
of what is to come!
3 Prairie Meadow Blocks:)

Again...during the first week I always do
 a video tutorial for block one
which is the center block in the photo. 
and I'll be doing that tutorial on my 
YouTube Channel.

I'll of course also be posting 
all about week one here on my blog 
and will have a link to my 
YouTube video here for you 
on my week one blog post.


I have been using my blog exclusively
for my sew alongs for several years now.
If you would like to know
 what I am up to on a weekly basis...
check out my weekly videos on my
 YouTube channel.
There I talk about what I've been doing
and new things happening:)
Last week in my video 
announced something very exciting... 
I'm going to be a grandma again
at the end of this year!!
Kassidy and Caleb are expecting 
and it's a boy:)
We are all so excited and we know that 
they are going to be great parents.
If you have been following me for
 a while you know that I have
 a granddaughter Sophie Belle.
She is now 13!
She is the daughter of our oldest son
 Ben and my daughter-in-law Nicky:)


Another update that I announced last week
 was the launching of my new website


I moved from Etsy shop that I have
 had for several years onto
this website created by my son Sterling:)
We have been busy as bees!! 


And finally...
above photo is what the home page
 of my channel looks like.
If you are new to my 
Sew Simple Shapes Sew Alongs...
I suggest that you watch a few 
of my previous week one video tutorials
  because I know that 
they will help a you a lot!!

to watch week one tutorial for
Chicken Salad Sew Along
to watch my week one tutorial for 
My Happy Place Sew Along
to watch my week one tutorial for my
 PRIM Sew Along and 
to watch week one tutorial for my 
Flea Market Flowers Sew Along
to watch my entire playlist 
of each and every one of my 
Sew Simple Shape tutorials:)

OH MY GOODNESS!!
That is a lot of information 
but it's all very important and meant 
to be informative and answer all questions
so that you can Bee Prepared
as much as possible.
As for me...
I will be doing what I always do 
while preparing for a 
sew along which is...
Cut my fabric and make kits for each block 
so that every week I am ready to go!

I am SEW excited to make the 
Prairie Meadows Quilt with you:)

I will meet you right back here 
on Monday August 29th for the
Week One kick off!!


Sew with you soon...
xx
Lori







6 comments:

Carol Read Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator said...

I’m so excited to start this sew a long! The fabrics are so beautiful! I spent some time today cutting my fabrics for each block. I’m so glad I made enough design boards for each block, the borders, and sashing so I can stay organized. Your methods are so much fun Thank You for all the detail you provide us!

Happy Little Stitch Shop said...

YAY!!! I cannot wait to make this quilt! Thank you so much for this fabulous post with all the info we need to bee prepared and have fun! I’m excited!! 🤗❤️🤗

Cathi NuFerrous said...

Thanks for the thro information as always… I’m getting ready. You make it easy to sew along😊
Awww and a new grand baby 😇

Tamela said...

I am so excited for this sew along! Lori, do you use Best Press on your appliqué fabric?

Joannie said...

I love how organized you are. This is my first time to sew along. I got so many things from your new shop. Love it! Hope everything comes on on time. The shop is set up so well and easy to use. Will be there anytime I need something. Your family is amazing. Thank you
.

Nancy said...

Hi Lori,
Bless your heart, I don't know how you do all the things you do!!! I love your work!!!
Have you ever thought about doing a quilt along for those of us who grew up near the beach? Farming doesn't strike a cord with me but I remember my grandma & mom's pictures in there old vintage swim suits and cat eye glasses. Sand peachy tan instead of dirt browns, corals instead of oranges, the chartreuse of the 70's, where one person says it's green and another says it's yellow. Beach balls, seagulls, wide brim hats, flip flops, towels, heart glasses, navy blue, anchors, sea shells, star fish, sail boats, sunny weather, silver dollar eucalyptus trees, palm trees, oleander bushes, watermelon, waves, suntan lotion, coke bottles, ice cream cones, lemonade, popsicles, hotdogs, kids on the beach, catching sand crabs, sand castles, buckets, lobster restaurants, kites, striped beach bags.
I would live for a chance to make a quilt YOU designed out of your beautiful vintage fabrics for my heritage!
Love, a fan,
Nancy

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