Thursday, March 29, 2007

How to cut pieces for paper pieced quilts


I'm so excited! I've just returned from a stitches and craft fair and my mind is a buzz with lots of new projects in mind. My main problem is working out how to double the hours in a day so that I will have time to sew and create them all.

One of my exciting finds was a pack of pre-cut 1/4" hexagon paper templates. Yes...they are tiny and very cute. I can't wait to start piecing them together as a miniature quilt for my daughter's dolls house.

The production of pre-cut paper piecing templates has made the process of paper piecing much quicker. Instead of tracing your templates individually they can be purchased in packs of 100 which saves a lot of fiddling around. And you can reuse them many times over.

All you have to do is cut out your fabric approximately 1/4" from the template edge, fold your fabric over the template and start tacking around the outside edge by hand. It is not necessary to use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut out your fabric, cutting with a sharp pair of scissors is fine because the seam allowance does not have to be exact as in machine piecing.

Folding the corners however can be tricky. If you would like to see some diagrams explaining this process click on the link here. http://www.stitchingcow.com/paper-piecing.htm

Hope this information has helped you ...I must go I have some paper piecing to get started!

Happy stitching.
Warmly Lenna






Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Free Hand Stitched Embroidery Design


If you would like a free hand stitched embroidery pattern...look no further. This cute little hand embroidered project could be just what you are looking for. It includes beginner embroidery stitches and is quick and easy. And the best part is that it's my gift to you...it's absolutely free.

This easy hand embroidered sewing project could be on your wall in a flash. Or you could incorporate it into a cushion or wall hanging. I have used a terracotta button in my design although this could easily be substituted by appliquéing the pot shape. Instructions for this are included in the pattern. Click here to get your free hand stitched embroidery design today, it's that easy.


Happy stitching!

Warmly Lenna

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Sewing With Children/Kids


One of my most rewarding experiences has been teaching my own two daughters to sew. It started from them watching me curiously as I worked on one of my many sewing projects. Soon they were wanting their own needle, fabric and threads. It wasn't long before they were very proudly displaying their sewing projects to family and friends.

Kids love the colours and textures associated with buttons and fabrics and learning to sew can bring them hours of enjoyment.It's best to start with hand sewing projects. Both my girls started with stitching wool through a thin piece of cardboard that I had drawn a simple design on and pre-pricked the holes with a large needle. They still have their first sewing attempts tucked away amongst their treasured possessions. As they became more proficient they moved on to hand stitching simple designs on calico or homespun. They continue to amaze me and I gain much pleasure from watching the enjoyment they now get from my favourite past time.

Only last night my 6 year old snuggled next to me on the lounge and whispered "I love watching you sew Mum".

As my girls went in search of new sewing projects, it soon became apparent to me that there was a lack of quality hand sewing projects designed for kids and teens. This prompted me to take to the drawing board and start making patterns and kits specifically designed for children to include on my website. Hence the "Little Cows" section is now up and running on the Stitching Cow Site. If offers easy sewing projects for kids. More designs are on the drawing board and soon we hope to include many more cool girl designs for teens.

If you have been looking for sewing crafts for kids online, or beginner sewing kits for children, then look no further. Click on the link to start your kids on their sewing journey, you'll be glad that you did.
Kids sewing patterns


Happy stitching!
Warmly Lenna













Monday, March 26, 2007

Welcome to The Stitching Cow Blog

I'm very excited to be able to share with you daily updates, helpful resources and useful information all about your favourite hobby. Whether you are passionate about patchwork and quilting, embroidery, stitchery or applique, I know that you will find lots of information here at this blog.
It's also a wonderful opportunity for you to share your passion with others. There is something magical about chatting with like minded people who relate to your area of interest. So don't be shy. We would love to hear from anyone out there. Feel free to contribute to this blog. Write a few lines and let us know what you would like to read about on this blog site. It's here for everyone to enjoy.
Warmly Lenna

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