Tag: hot pad

Changing seasons…

…or maybe it’ll be hot summer forever here in Alabama. The only leaves in MY yard are sickly dry brown ones from the drought. However, it finally rained… and was dark and cool for a little while this weekend, which made me think of autumn. In celebration, I’ve put “When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall” Platter Pad on sale for just $1.00 the rest of the month. It’s super easy and really lovely–a nice seasonal touch for your kitchen or table. Keep watching because within a few days there will be a pattern for a matching runner. (It’s ready to quilt right now!)

Click here for more information:

“When Autumn Leaves Start to Fall” by LJ Christensen

While I miss the bright colors of flowers, I have to admit that autumn has its own magnificence and is inspiring my designs this month.

Autumn Branches by LJ Christensen
Country Colors by LJ Christensen

and especially for quilters!!!

Quilted Barn by LJ Christensen

“School’s out for summer!”

Been singing that one for many decades, and right now it’s true in Alabama. We have early school ending in our district, so it’s time RIGHT NOW to get those teacher gifts ready. The rest of the country may have another month, but here you can’t wait! Try this darling “Little Red Schoolhouse” Platter Pad in 8″, 10″, or big 12″ size–easy to make by the dozen. So cute to hang or to truly use on the table, it’ll be well appreciated by any teacher. On sale for just $1.50 through June 15 this year…click here to get to the pattern:

Little Red Schoolhouse Platter Pad cc2005

I usually add some photos, but the sad truth is that I have absolutely no scintillating pictures of schools! So instead I’ll share some Applique Tips! Any zigzag machine can be used. Try it on a simple project like this one:

1) Fuse paper-back fusible web to the back of the fabric BEFORE cutting out pieces (saves time and gets the web to the corners).
2) To remove the paper, score it gently with a pin. (It works like a charm!)
3) Use tear-away stabilizer underneath the background (the type of tear-away for embroidery). 4) Use a close-together, wide zigzag and open-toe presser foot. (It’s always better to be able to see what you’re doing.)
5) As you sew, make sure the needle goes in a little past the edge of the fabric (to keep the “stray frays” in place).
6) Sew slowly and evenly, slower yet as you go around curves. (Better to be slow than jerky.)

Let me add that some patterns call for just using the fusible web instead of sewing. While that is fine for a wall hanging, it’s really not recommended when it’s something to be washed and dried. The heat sometimes unfuses the edges. I always prefer to sew them down for security–Libby

In the future I plan to add a “tips” page. Let me know what you think!