FW Tutorial Series | Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Creating a Block Copy

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Volume 1 | Issue 1 | Creating a Block Copy

Welcome the first issue in our series of tutorials for block making.You have received your chosen block…what now?

Here is step by step tutorial how to make a copy of your block.

Step 1 | Preparation

  • Roll out flat the AO sheet as soon as you receive
  • Do not leave in a roll
  • Please take care to not damage the paper
  • Leave in a safe place until you are ready to cut out

Step 2 | Cutting out the Master Block

  • Cutting is easy isn’t it? Well actually cutting is easy however being accurate isn’t.
  • Using a good pair of sharp paper scissors gently do a “rough cut” approximately 1.5cm outside the block

 

  • Now cut very carefully on the black line of the blocks

Step 3 | Marking the Master Block

  • Using your Pattern Awl, make a small hole at exactly the tip of each dart.
    (Make this hole only big enough for your sharp pencil to go through)

  • Optional | Notching | I do not notch my basic blocks for accuracy however if you would like to notch notch the areas your would like eg dart ends, seams, levels etc.

Step 4 | Tracing the Master Block

  • Place the blocks exactly on the edge of the cardboard.
  • Put pattern weights or anything that will not damage your block, however stop your block from moving as you trace the master block
  • Once secure take a sharp HB pencil and trace around the Master Block.

Step 5 | Transfer Markings to Block Copy

  • Using you sharp pencil mark Dart ends
  • Using a your Pattern Making ruler mark the dart ends, block levels (High Hip, Hip)
  • Use your rulers to clean up any lines, eg hip, side seam
  • Label Block replacing Fashion Work room with your name
  • Hole punch the block to hang on a pattern hook
  • Optional: professionally laminate the block.

Congratulations you have now made your first copy!

 Fashion Workroom Tips

  • Good quality paper scissors.
  • Do not not rush this, do it once.
  • Accuracy in every step.
  • File away your Master Block so it is very good condition when you need to re produce a new block
  • I keep my blocks in a clear plastic garment bag for protection.

Need more information contact us

Next tutorial coming..

Volume 1 | Issue 2 | Creating a Personal Pattern from a Basic Block

 

 

 

FW Summer Project-Lets Make a Pin Cushion!

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I must admit I have a bit of a thing for Pin cushions!  Mine is used every day, as well as being practical they can have tones of personallity .

Here are some cool ideas which I have found requiring varying degrees of sewing. This is a great way to learn some new skills on a small scale such as Embroidery, Patchwork and Quilting.

1. MASON JAR
I love this idea of storing all of your supplies in a Mason Jar! With just a little retro-fitting, an old-fashioned Mason jar can become a new sewing kit with a built-in pincushion on top.

My sewing room is full of these, no sewing required…
Get more information how to make this..

2.EMBROIDERED LOG CABIN PATCHWORK..
I love this one..  it has so much personality. Gorgeous Needlepoint Embroidery teamed up with some Log-Cabin Patch Work.
Create the centre piece you want, then surround it with some of the one the wonderful fabrics you have.
This would be a wonderful gift, or a great addition to your workroom.
Get More information how to make this

Log Cabin Patchwork

EMBROIDERED FELT
There’s nothing more inspiring than surrounding yourself with beauty in your work space. This felt flower pincushion is calling you to get creative!
It’s a simple project to stitch and is the perfect way to store your sewing pins! Using readily available materials, you can piece one together in an afternoon!
Get More information how to make this

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EASY PATCHWORK CUSHION
Pick a favorite block and quickly create a sweet, stuffed pin holder with just a few fabric scraps and buttons.
It takes just a few fabric bits and buttons to make tiny pin pillows.
Give one away, use one to accent your sewing room,
or tuck one in your on-the-go sewing kit.
Get More information how to make this

Patchwork pin cushion 2

BIG BOLD PIN CUSHION
Don’t spend time searching for your pincushion. Big and Bold is the key.
Make a jumbo (6x6x3-inch), tufted cushion in bright, lively prints — finding it will be a cinch!
Get More information how to make this

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WHAT STUFFING DO I USE??
So the first thing to decide is this – do you want a light-weight pincushion or one with some weight and substance to it?
Or does that not matter to you?
Do you like a pincushion that is soft, or do you prefer a firm, relatively solid pincushion.
What is the shape of your pincushion?
Is this pincushion something you actually intend to use, or is this something pretty that will sit on a shelf in your sewing room?
Your answer to each question will then factor into which filling you use and how much you use.

Stuffing / Fiberfill / Wadding.
This comes in cotton, polyester, and bamboo.  The benefit of this kind of filling is that it can be stuffed into a point and it will hold that shape.
For any shaped pincushion, this kind of stuffing is the best to use.

Sand – Silica or Play Sand.
Very popular fill for pincushions – it gives a nice weight to the finished pincushion, it is easily found and not very expensive. You can find both kinds of sand at hardware stores and home improvement stores.

Sawdust. This isn’t something new, most vintage pincushions are filled with sawdust. If you know any woodworkers or carpenters, then you’ve probably got an easy source for sawdust.

Ground Walnut Shells
A natural filling for pincushions and other stuffed crafts Gives a solid, heavy feel to the finished item.
NOTE: Not a suitable stuffing for anyone with an ‘allergy to nuts’

Emery Powder
When you use this black mineral to fill your pincushion it becomes one of the best pincushions in all the world! Emery pincushion! Every time you stick your needle or pin into an emery pincushion, it cleans it of the natural oils in your fingers and any impurities in your cloth.
It also sharpens the very tip of your needle, making your work quicker and easier on your hands
It’ll keep your needles clean, sharp and will give the pin cushion some weight.

Make one this Summer to start off the New Year!!