Welcome!!
Today is the day for the
"Bee Prepared"
post that I do in preparation for my
appliqué sew alongs using
my new fabrics and new sest of
Sew Simple Shapes
This is the point to start gathering
your supplies and order
your quilt kits for the sew along.
This one is the
HOME TOWN SEW ALONG
and I'm so excited for it to start!
We will be making the
Home Town Quilt
which finishes at
75" x 84"
It consists of 12 applique house blocks
and 40 pieced quilt blocks.
(4 each of 10 different blocks)
Each applique block finishes at 14" x 14"
and each pieced block finishes at 5" x 5".
The sashing and borders are a
simple machine pieced setting
to compliment the blocks!
To make the blocks we will be using my
Sew Simple Shapes called of course...
HOME TOWN
Sew Simple Shapes
There is no pattern to purchase...
because basically the
Home Town
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...
but of course there is a
free cutting guide and I'll talk
more about that in a minute:)
My Sew Simple Shapes Sew Alongs
always take place here on my blog.
For this sew along each tutorial
will be on Monday's and Friday's!
and I will do a video on my
YouTube Channel
for week one.
I'll also be doing videos on my
YouTube Channel for the 5" pieced
blocks during the sew along:)
The Home Town Sew Along starts
September 18th and you are invited!
How do you join the sew along?
1.You simply grab yourself a
Home Town Quilt Fabric Kit
2. You will need the
Home Town 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 and Friday
during the sew along
(starting September 18th)
where I will give you the
free step by step tutorial for one of
the house blocks on each of those days.
*remember 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 blog posts here 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.
After purchasing the shapes you will
need to download the handy dandy
Home Town
Sew Along Guide
I will be keeping mine in the
HOME TOWN
BEE KEEPER BINDER
to keep everything organized
and handy all in one place.
I use sheet protectors to
hold each page of the guide
for easy peasy reference!
Once again... the
Home Town
Sew Along Guide
is not a pattern!!
Yes...it is very handy and very full
of information but to find out
HOW TO
make the blocks during the sew along
is when you come here on my blog
and/or my YouTube channel
depending on the week.
So to re-cap...
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:
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 several pages of
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.
All of this is very helpful information.
This way you can cut ahead of time
if you would like to
and make individual block kits for
your quilt and have them all
ready to go for each tutorial!
As with any sew along...
organization is really the key.
I like to have this information
ready for you 3-4 weeks ahead of time
so that you can have each block cut
and ready to go...
So that each week you can
simply make the block or blocks!!
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:)
Even though you have the measurements
for the interfacing pieces...
I recommend waiting to TRACE
the shapes until each tutorial
as there may be special instructions
on tracing for certain blocks.
pieced blocks in rows, sashing,
and quilt borders for when it is
time for you to finish your quilt
and sew it all together!
There are just a few blocks with
a small amount of embroidery
and there are patterns in the guide
for tracing them directly onto
your blocks when it comes time.
There are a few buttons on the quilt
and on this page you can see
the placement for each one.
I have many collections of
CUTE LITTLE BUTTONS
and you could use any of them
because they all match my fabrics...
but if you don't have any in your stash
you could just purchase a bag of the
1/4" size because it has a variety
of colors and would be perfect
for our Home Town Quilt.
For tracing embroidery and also
tracing button placement dots...
I use the
Easy Trace Light Box and a
mechanical pencil and use Washi Tape
to tape my pattern on there
as well as my block when tracing.
Washi Tape does not leave a residue
on either fabric or paper.
And as always there is a page
for "Home Town Notes"
so that you can
jot anything down from my blog posts
or video tutorials
during the sew along.
I recommend using these pages to
write down the tips
that I will be giving you during
the tutorials for each block:)
You can print as many
note pages as you would like
to take as many notes as you want
so you could print a page for
each block if you wanted to!
I have designed several sets of Washi tape
to use and so I have several to choose from.
Here you can see my Home Town set:)
I use my washi tape to temporarily 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 use my Seams Sew Easy Guide
every time that I piece a block
or sew a quilt top together.
It's a very accurate 1/4" seam allowance
and if you haven't used it before
you will see how I use it during
the pieced blocks tutorials.
blocks especially are my
Sew Handy Stickers
I will show you how I use them
when I make my pieced blocks
for this sew along.
to make a bookmark for my sew along guide.
I haven't made this one yet but I've
saved it in my binder until I do!
If you've followed other of my
sew alongs you have seen how I do it:)
I'll also "bee" using my
Home Town charms in my binder and
other projects...
because I love them!
So now you know what the guide includes.
***PLEASE REMEMBER***
The instructions to make each block
is NOT in the guide.
The instructions are a detailed
step by step tutorial done by ME for
EACH applique block and EACH pieced block
and I show you those each week
during this sew along:)
Okay...
let's talk about the fabric!
The collection that we are using
for the Home Town Quilt is of course...
HOME TOWN!!
Inspired by my own dear memories of
growing up in my own Home Town and
designed happily by me...
and produced and distributed
to quilt shops everywhere
by the amazing Riley Blake Designs:)
I'm really excited to be working and
playing with my Home Town collection
as it is very near and dear to my heart!
behind all of the Riley Blake Designs
filming for their YouTube channel
to make a video for my Home Town fabric
sort of along the lines of a
movie trailer...and he did!
It's so cute and I love it!
to watch this fun video!!
So let's chat about the
Home Town Quilt Fabric Kit.
Several shops are stocking the kit...
both brick and mortar shops
as well as online quilt shops.
The fabric and notions as well
have already shipped
to quilt shops everywhere
and will continue to ship as
each new 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 September 18th...
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 and should stay that way!
And if you are just deciding to join in
Just do a quick google search of
"Home Town Quilt Fabric Kit"
to find one...
google is your best friend lol...
easy peasy!!
If you would like to see
all things Home Town
to view the story board!
If you would like to watch my
Virtual Spring Market Video
where I show you everything
that is coming this year...
Okay...let's talk more about the
notions needed for our quilt!
We will be using the large Vintage Trim
in the color Sea Glass
to use in the binding of our quilt:)
For this sew along you will need the
14 1/2" and 5 1/2"
Cute Cuts Trim - It Rulers.
Yes you will need the 14 1/2" to
trim up the applique blocks
after they are appliquéd but
this ruler size is so very important
during the block layout process.
It is how I will show you how the block
looks and all of the lines on the ruler
show measurements and spacing
that will be very useful!
I have several sizes
of my Trim-It Rulers
that come in handy for every
applique and pieced blocks that I make
and this is the only one that you
will need for the applique
blocks in this quilt.
***NOTE***
(Background fabrics are cut larger
to allow for working on the block and
then trimmed up later using this ruler)
used for squaring up your pieced blocks
before sewing them into rows.
Besides my Trim-It Rulers
for laying out and trimming blocks...
You will need cutting rulers and
of course a cutting mat
to cut out your fabric pieces for each block.
I have a variety of Cute Cuts Rulers
in 3 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.
You will need my Sew-In Interfacing
for the appliqués.
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 have a package of 3 yards and
also a package of 10" square sheets.
Either or both
will work perfectly for this quilt
they are the same interfacing
but simply cut and packaged differently:
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!
I have several different sets of
Pretty Pins and the
Applique Pins
in the in the green package 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'm excited that I will be using the
Flower Power Magnetic Pin Holder
to make my Home Town Quilt:)
I'll "bee" using several different sizes of
Bee in my Bonnet Design Boards
when cutting and for pinning and
glue basting each applique block
and also for each pieced block.
I came up with these handy dandy
quilting companions several years ago
and since have made and designed many!!
They come in four sizes...
7" - 10" - 14" and 18"
I would recommend the 18" size when
you are laying out and glue basting
your applique blocks for this quilt.
Here are the Clover Bias Tape Makers
that I keep in my jar...
and what we will need for this quilt.
1/4" - 1/2" - 3/4" - 1"
I left out the 3/8" size
in this post so I thought I should
edit this post and add it in:)
Cutting for the 3/8" is in the guide and
we will need it!
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.
Some strips may be cut on the bias
but most or all could be cut straight.
If you have never cut strips on the bias
or watched how I prepare my strips
using the bias tape maker...
you can watch how from this 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
HOME TOWN.
The thread is 50 wt. and 80 wt.
and is used for
APPLIQUE and NOT embroidery.
I have a new 45 spool set coming out
soon with an update of favorite
old colors and new colors too!
In the meantime you can find thread
to match any of my fabrics
from my current sets.
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!
Of course I'll be using all kinds of supplies
for this sew along like my scissors
in several sizes and my readers
in different strengths...
all for different tasks.
For this sew along
I'm keeping my notions inside my
Home Town Project Box
I have already started filling it up...
but everything is not in there yet!
comes inside the Home Town Project Box...
because I designed them for storage too!
They stack so nice on top of each other
and might I say they are a perfect fit
for my 10" stackers and also my
10" Square packages of Sew-In Interfacing
My pattern and kit for the
Home Town Friendship Star Table Topper
comes in a different collectable box
and I just have to show you how cute
that it looks on my design wall
with some of the 5" blocks
for our sew along quilt.
I sure am having fun sewing with
Home Town and I hope that you will too!
And speaking of sewing...
like I always say...
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.
Also...a note about washing and ironing.
I do NOT prewash my fabrics.
I did used to years ago
but now we have such nice
quality fabric available to us
I do not find it necessary.
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 one that is curved
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 another sneak peek
of what is to come September 18th!
Again...during the first week I always
do a video tutorial.
The first block is the
HOME TOWN FLAG HOUSE
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.
A while ago blogger changed their format
and since then I have not been able
to put a button on my blog
for you to get email notifications
or to follow me here.
But remember that google is your
best friend and all you have to do
is type in the name of my blog
or the name of my sew along
and it will bring you right here!
I have been using my blog exclusively
for my sew alongs for several years now
except for the week one video.
I like to be able to write everything
down here for you such as the pieced
block measurements and applique shape needed
but I also like the visual of
actually showing you how I do my
Sew Simple Shapes method of applique.
That's why I do the first week
on my YouTube Channel.
Using both my blog and my channel
for these sew alongs is a perfect pair!
I do many other tutorials
on my channel as well.
So...If you would like to know
what I am up to on a regular basis...
check out my videos on my
YouTube channel.
There I talk about what I've been doing
and new things happening:)
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 week one tutorial for my
Prairie Meadow Sew Along
to watch my week one tutorial for my
Calico Garden Sew Along
to watch my week one tutorial for my
Bee Vintage Sew Along
to watch my entire playlist
of each and every one of my
Sew Simple Shape tutorials:)
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 cut each block kit and place it on a
separate 10" Design Board
and then stack them up neatly
where they stay nice and safe...
waiting patiently until it's their turn
to be made into a Home Town Block!
I am SEW excited to make my
HOME TOWN Quilt with you:)
I will meet you right back here
on Monday September 18th for the
Week One kick off!!
Sew with you soon...
xx
Lori