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Teeny-Tiny Tulips and Blooper featuring Sashiko...

A great idea turned blooper. We’ll get to that in a minute.

But first, let’s make this teeny-tiny tulip table topper. Say that five times fast!

Tulips are my favorite flower and during the spring months, every bodega in NYC is the ultimate source for grabbing a bunch to brighten up your teeny-tiny apartment.

I’ve been wanting to make a teeny-tiny modern project that featured negative space.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own table topper:

Here’s the simple instructions for making your own table topper:

  • Print out the Teeny-Tiny Tulip FPP templates. Remember to print at 100%.

  • Cut (1) 10” x 6 1/2” Riley White background rectangle.

  • Make the Teeny-Tiny Tulip blocks & background units.

  • Remove the paper from the back of the blocks & background units.

  • Using a 1/4” seam allowance, sew the blocks & backgrounds units together.

  • Press seams to one side.

  • Using a 1/4” seam allowance, sew the 10” x 6 1/2” background rectangle to the blocks & background units.

  • Press seam to one side.

  • Layer quilt top, batting, and backing.

  • Quilt and bind as desired.

Let’s get to that blooper.

Since acquiring the Sashiko Machine from BabyLock, my goal has been to share project ideas to inspire you while using the machine’s function in unique ways.

Why not use it to create a textured binding!

It’s a wonderful idea, but you’ve been warned. It’s time consuming and unless you use a contrasting thread, it will be difficult to see.

Bloop. Blooper. Bloopered.

If you squint you can see the texture and if you close your eyes, you can feel the texture. Or click on the photographs in this post to see it.

This is how I did it:

  • Open and press the 9” x WOF fabric rectangle.

  • Starting on one end, create rows of Sashiko stitching.

  • Upon reaching the opposite end, refold the fabric rectangle and press.

  • Cut (3) 2 1/2” x WOF strips.

  • Attach binding using preferred method.

Go ahead and try this! The subtle texture is really beautiful in person. Looking for more Sashiko Machine projects? Check out what’s available at BabyLock by clicking HERE.

cut, sew, repeat…

the tattooed quilter

Cutie Coasters featuring Sashiko...

These Cutie Coasters are the perfect Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day gift.

And the best part, they’re scrappy and oh-sew beginner friendly!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

  • (6) 2 1/2” x 6 1/2” Strips (Nine-Patch Prints)

  • (6) 2 1/2” x 6 1/2” Strips (Nine-Patch Background)

  • (4) 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” Squares (Half Square Triangle)

  • (4) 7” x 7” Squares (Backing)

  • (4) 7” x 7” Squares of Backing

  • Kitchen Bowl or Round Acrylic Template (At Least 5 1/2” Wide)

  • Olfa Pinking Rotary Blade and 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter

  • Basic Sewing Supplies

  • Pencil or Fabric Safe Pen

  • Optional: Sashiko Machine from BabyLock

I used my Hearts Seasonal Basic from Riley Blake Designs as well as Dapple Dot (backing) and Confetti Cotton Solids — all fabric I had left over from my Love Note mini quilt.

Here’s how I made the Cutie Coasters:

  • Make (4) 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” Nine Patch blocks

  • Use the pencil of fabric safe pen and draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the (4) 6 1/2” x 6 1/2” Squares (Half Square Triangles)

  • With right sides together, sew on the diagonal line

  • Trim 1/4” away from the diagonal sewn line.

  • Press away from the Nine Patch block

  • Repeat to make (4) Cutie Coasters

  • Add Sashiko or Quilting (optional — I used Aurifil 40 WT in Dove)

  • Layer the top, batting, and backing

  • Using the kitchen bowl or round acrylic template and the pencil or fabric safe pen, trace the circle, centering it inside the block

  • Sew on the circle, backstitching at the end (I used the same Aurifil thread)

  • Repeat on all (4) Cutie Coasters

  • Using the Olfa Pinking Rotary Blade and 45 mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, trim 1/4” (or so) away from sewn circle

  • Repeat on all (4) Cutie Coasters

  • Trim any excess threads

Ta-Da! Your first set of Cutie Coasters! You’re going to have a hard time just making one!

The Sashiko adds some organic texture that I just love! These Cutie Coasters are absolutely giving me Anthropologie vibes. Don’t you think?

When using the Sashiko Machine, you get to chose the stitch length and spacing. For this project I used the four for both. I also did not to tie off the ends of the Sashiko threads, especially since they were layered with the batting and backing and then top-stitched with the circle.

Looking for more Sashiko Machine projects? Check out what’s available at BabyLock by clicking HERE.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about Cutie Coasters. I had so much fun making them. The possibilities are endless!

cut, sew, repeat..

the tattooed quilter

Project Bag Featuring Sashiko...

Me: let’s get organized.

Also me: let’s make a new project and get organized.

A couple of months ago, my friends at June Tailor gave me a couple of their new sew-by-number projects, including this awesome set of Project Bags featuring the Zippity-Do-Done pre-sewn zippers.

Sew-by-number is super easy, especially with their detailed instructions and online video resources. This project is beginner friendly and perfect for those—’’I’m not sure what to make’’—moments.

I used yardage from the new basic, Dapple Dot by Riley Blake Designs as well as two 5” Stackers (select colors) from Liberty Fabrics Emily Belle. They’re both modern and chic!

Following the instructions for the bag header, I chose several colors from the Emily Belle stackers and created a scrappy bag lining. I used my Baby Lock Journey sewing machine, the Digital Dual Feed Foot and 50 weight thread for piecing and quilting.

I used 40 weight thread and my Sashiko machine from Baby Lock to add cross-hatch quilting to the bag header. There’s a large canvas for creativity, so why not use it to add another layer of dimension to this fun project?

Helpful tips for using the Sashiko machine with this project:

  • Practice on scrap fabric to find the perfect stitch pattern, length, and spacing

  • Mark the desired stitch pattern with a heat resistant pen

  • Start the stitches outside of the seam allowance, this will help to prevent them from “popping” out

  • Leave a longer-than-usual thread “tail” at the beginning and end

  • Tie off or trim the thread “tails” right before piecing

Check out this blog post to read more about the Sashiko machine. This speciality machine is perfect for those looking to add something new and exciting to their sewing room.

After wrapping up the quilting details, the rest of the Project Bag came together quickly.

I like to say that I’m “zipper challenged,” but the Zippity-Do-Done zippers will you make you a zipper superstar in no time! All you need to do is slide your project into the pre-sewn casing and stitch. The zippers are available in six colors and sold individually or by the yard.

Now I have something beautiful to kick off my organizing adventure. How do you organize your sewing room or projects? Tell me in the comments below.

cut, sew, repeat…

the tattooed quilter