Stash Books Blog

Fun with FunStitch! A New Blog Series

by Joanna Burgarino on May 3rd, 2013

The launch of the FunStitch Studio imprint has created quite a stir around the C&T office. Stepping into the world of kids’ books has brought a new found sense of wackiness and whimsy into our office, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Some of us have kids, some of us are big kids, some of us have kids and are big kids, but all of us are getting pretty excited about FunStitch!

Behind the scenes, FunStitch fever has taken over. Our designers have copies of Teen Vogue at their desks (it’s “research”). Some editors have been using their kids and youth groups as guinea pigs, bringing copies of projects and reporting back on how the kiddos did. And me? I’ve been hand-stitching folders. Hundreds (and hundreds) of folders. Did you think those embroidery floss x’s on our FunStitch marketing folders were done by machine? Nope. I added the vibrant FunStitch colors to those folders one cross stitch at a time. (My coworkers helped. A little.)

Happiness Storage Trays from We Love to Sew FunStitch Studio

The “Stitchin’ Station” at my desk, where I prepped and stitched many, many FunStitch Studio folders

Stitching those folders was actually my inspiration for this new blog series—the projects in the FunStitch books looked like too much fun not to try! I set a goal that I would craft my way though each and every FunStitch Studio release. I’ll try one (or two) of the projects, maybe make some tweaks here or there, and then blog about my results. Knowing me, I’ll have a few spectacular failures along the way, which of course, I will share. (I am willing to embarrass myself for the sake of entertaining others.) It should be crazy fun.

*****

As most of you know by now (and if you don’t, please see the blog posts here and here), We Love to Sew by Annabel Wrigley is the first FunStitch Studio release, and what an adorable book it is! I wish something like this existed when I was a young crafter.

I’m only one book in and already I can tell that picking just one project per book is going to be the hardest part of this entire series. In this case, I limited myself to the “Use” section. The Happiness Storage Trays won out because my cubicle is a mess. Some sweet little trays might be just the thing for conquering the small army of Post-its invading my desk.

Reading the instructions, the materials list made me hesitate. The second item is “heavyweight cotton fabric.” Uh oh. I don’t have that. Sometimes for projects I go out and buy what I’m missing, but I prefer to work with what I have. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like fabric weight stop me—I would just have to be resourceful.

First, I decided to try C&T’s new fast2fuse Light. For the trays, you layer the inner fabric, batting, and outer fabric (the one that should be heavyweight) just so and then flip it inside out after sewing the edges. Because the fast2fuse was pretty thick and double sided, I decided to skip the batting part. My plan was to fuse one side to the fast2fuse, layer the second fabric, sew, flip, then fuse the remaining side which was now safely in the tray. (You experienced sewists probably see where this is going.)

I fused my fabric to my ironing board. My mom’s ironing board. And I mean fused fused.

Oops.

After I pried it off and said a few not-very-nice things that I should not have said, I kept going and managed to finish the tray. It’s not perfect, but it worked out. It looks great holding my yarn and knitting needles.

I probably should have just purchased heavyweight fabric at this point, but that would be admitting defeat! Instead I decided to try an interfacing with just one fusible side. I fused a layer of ShapeFlex to the wrong side of my fabric and this time I used batting as instructed. The tray came out looking like the photo in the book. Hooray! It’s a little floppy, and if I were to make it again I would probably use two layers of ShapeFlex, one on top of the other. I mismatched my buttons to give it a little extra flair.

Maybe with this handy tray I’ll stop forgetting my keys and snack before I run out the door in the morning!

That was where I planned to stop, but then I found a fabric sample of Betty the Yeti flannel by Illustration Ink for Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Long ago (I won’t say how long), I had a college roommate who loved yetis. I kid you not. If yetis came up in conversation or in whatever video game we were playing, she would drop whatever she was doing and elaborate on the awesomeness that is the Yeti. I needed to make her a tray using that fabric.

Fabric with yetis. Those fabric designers think of everything.

Unfortunately there wasn’t enough fabric to follow the instructions as written. The solution? Make a smaller tray! I subtracted an inch all the way around, including from the inner square that determines the finished size. Voila! A mini Happiness Storage Tray. I can’t wait to send it to my friend as a surprise. We’ve fallen out of touch recently, but what a great way to reconnect—over Yetis! One of the Yetis is holding out a bouquet of roses. I think she’ll like that Yeti best.

We Love to Sew has been out about a month now. Has anyone out there tried the Happiness Storage Trays yet? Did you make them with your kids or (be honest) for yourself? If you haven’t, give them a try—they’re fast, fun, and amazingly practical. Meanwhile, this is the most fashionable container my Post-its have ever had!

The next FunStitch Studio release is Forest Fairy Crafts by Lenka Vodicka and Asia Currie. Off to Fairyland!

* Oh, and Mom, if you’re reading this, I owe you a new ironing board cover.

Posted in Behind the Scenes | 1 Comment

the buzz — office quilting bee block for April!

by Tina Farman on May 1st, 2013

After a brief hiatus, our in-office quilting bee “the Buzz” is back! And now 18 members strong.

In addition to working full-time for C&T Publishing, I am also a mom to three toddlers (ages Erick, 16 months, Elizabeth, 19 months and Isabella, 2 ½ years old). Whenever a staff member has a new baby or gets married, a quilt is given so Elizabeth and Isabella both have their quilts. Erick is a new addition to our family – he’s been in our family a full month now! Here are the “3 under 3” enjoying a stroll with Daddy. The timing was perfect as April was my “Buzz” month so I knew this quilt would be for Erick.

When we reviewed Growing Up Modern – 16 Quilt Projects for Babies & Kids, I knew this was the book I was going to choose for my block. “For busy moms who want to quilt” – Allison Harris was speaking to me.

I chose the Jack and Jill quilt which Allison says is easy enough for a beginner, and the raw edges give it lots of texture. Although she does provide a template for the circle in the book, my colleague, Ruthmary, suggested using a product she had at home that was perfect and cut all the circles for me. (Feel free to use any circle cutting tool or plate or the template for that matter – since it is appliqued, the size of the circle is not a make or break it moment!)

In the book, Allison provides the yardage for a baby, crib and twin quilt – I opted to do the baby size. I chose 5 fat quarters and distributed the fabric to my fellow Buzz members.

I am really excited that I already received some blocks back and can’t wait to mix the different fabrics to create my blocks.

When I am finished assembling the blocks, I will show you the finished results!

Posted in Behind the Scenes | Leave a comment

New Release! Growing Up Modern … and a Giveaway!

by Joanna Burgarino on April 22nd, 2013

Our latest Stash release, Growing Up Modern by Allison Harris, of Cluck Cluck Sew Fame, is the perfect way to spoil the kids in your life.

Featuring 16 quilts, the book has a fresh design for every boy and girl in your life, and each project is beginner friendly. (And, I’m sure most will agree, there’s nothing like a fun, fast project even if you’re a more experienced quilter!)

As one of the book’s editors, I fell in love with Allison’s projects long before the public got to see them. Oh how I wish I had that Scrappy Reader Pillow when I was little! I had so many Little Golden Books that I could have stored in that handy pocket—my mom would have needed to make me more than one.

I don’t have any little ones to quilt for at the moment, but if I did, I would definitely make them the Jack and Jill quilt. Cute and playful, the quilt would make an awesome baby gift, even on short notice when you’re in a hurry to come up with a memorable gift.

Then again, Jack and Jill is one of seven quilts in the book that can be made in twin size. I just might need one for me! There’s also a very stylish Jack and Jill eco-tote coming out in April, so I can enjoy the quilt and organized my stash of “fun” fabrics at the same time. How can you go wrong with that?

Giveaway time! In the comments below, tell us about your favorite (or least favorite) project that you made for a baby or child. It could be a quilt, but it doesn’t have to be. One commenter will be selected at random on April 29th and will receive a copy of Growing Up Modern by Allison Harris. International winners will win the e-book version. Good Luck!

4/30/13 UPDATE: Christina is our winner – Congratulations!

Posted in New Releases | Comments closed

Free Pattern! Piece O’ Cake Needle Caddy Companion to Quilter’s Applique Caddy

by Allison on April 19th, 2013

Finished size: 3 1/2˝ x 3 1/4˝ (closed)

Materials

Cover fabric: 1/8 yard
Lining fabric: 1/8 yard
Pocket fabric: 1/8 yard
Shape-Flex or similar woven fusible interfacing: 1/8 yard
Felt (we like bamboo felt): 1 rectangle 2 3/4″ x 5”

Cutting Instructions

Cover fabric: Cut 1 rectangle 4” x 8”.
Lining fabric: Cut 1 rectangle 4” x 8”.
Pocket fabric: Cut 2 rectangles 4” x 5”.
Fusible interfacing: Cut 1 rectangle 3 7/8” x 7 7/8”.

Construct the Needle Caddy

1. Make a template from the pattern available as a PDF download here. Please note that this template is finished size.

2. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the 4” x 8” rectangle of lining fabric.

3. On the fused side of the lining, draw a lengthwise line 1/4″ away from the edge of the fabric. Align the template on the drawn line, centered widthwise on the fabric. Trace around the template onto the fused side. Mark where the arrows meet along one edge to leave an opening for turning later.

4. Draw lines on the fused side to match the dashed lines on the template:

Draw the 2 vertical lines for the pocket edges.
Draw one horizontal line on the left side, and 2 horizontal lines on the right side, to divide the pockets into sections.

5. Fold each pocket fabric rectangle in half along the longer side, right sides out, to make pockets measuring 2 1/2˝ x 4˝. Press. Place the pockets on the right side of the lining fabric at either end, matching the raw edges. Pin them in place. The folded edge of each pocket should line up with the vertical line drawn on the fused side of the lining.

6. Sew through the pocket and lining fabric on the 3 horizontal pocket divider lines drawn on the fused side of the lining.

7. Pin the 4” x 8” rectangle of cover fabric and the lining right sides together with the pockets between them. Sew the layers together on the outside line leaving one side open as marked. Be sure to sew the curve neatly, without points or flat areas.

8. Trim away the excess fabric leaving a scant 3/16” seam allowance. Carefully clip the curved ends.

9. Turn the needle caddy right side out. Press the seam allowances at the opening to the inside of the needle caddy. Press the needle caddy flat.

10. Top-stitch the edges.

11. Fold and press the needle caddy in half, right side out.

12. Lightly draw a line down the center of the felt.

13. Place the felt on the inside of the needle caddy, aligning the pencil line on the felt with the pressed-in centerline. Sew the felt to the needle caddy along the line. Fold to close.

Posted in Miscellaneous | 3 Comments

APRON TUTORIAL by Celina Mancurti and a Giveaway!

by Allison on April 16th, 2013

Linen.

What a lovely textile – don’t you agree? We were thrilled when textile artist, Celina Mancurti offered to write a tutorial about her process of using hand screen printed linen in a unique apron design. And you will be thrilled because not only will you learn how to make one of your own today – but you will be given an opportunity to win a kit (retail value $32.00) with all of the materials you need! (Pictured below).

Celina is an Argentine textile designer living in the United States. Following her passion for textiles, she decided to work on her own linen collection that reflects her lifestyle. She tells her story through her beloved screen printing and the unique designs.

She finds inspiration in her travels and in nature close to her native Buenos Aires. She has been influenced by organic fibers and eco-friendly notions turning her vision toward a more sustainable product.

The offspring of this marriage is a line made with 100% linen that is fully hand-screen printed and sewn with organic cotton thread. This blend gives a unique product in a limited edition that is green and handcrafted.

Celina treasures her clear-cut linens for the satisfaction she gets from working with her hands while thinking about future generations.

APRON TUTORIAL

Aprons can liven up any cooking experience, so we want to share with you how to make your own.

SHOPPING LIST

30 inches (7/8 yard) of medium weight linen, 55˝ wide
3 yards of cotton twill tape, 3/4” wide
Cotton thread to match the fabric
2 small buttons
Fabric paint or ink
Stamp or 1 small potato

1-PATTERNS AND CUTTING LAYOUT

Cut your fabric into 3 pieces as shown in the diagram.

2- STAMPING THE POCKET

Plan your design. Consider the color you wish to use and the placement on the fabric. This is where it gets fun and creative. Create your designs on a scrap piece of muslin fabric for practice. When you are happy with the design, you are ready to stamp your project fabric. Smooth the fabric flat, right side up, and arrange it so that the area to be stamped is on a surface that is protected from any paint that might bleed through the fabric.

Put a small amount of paint onto a palette or an old plate.
Cut a small potato in half if you are using that for a stamp.
Press the half potato or stamp of choice gently into the paint to load it with paint.
Lower the inked stamp down onto the fabric in the predetermined location. Press it carefully and firmly with your fingers, making sure that the entire surface area of the stamp comes into firm contact with the fabric.
Raise the stamp straight up when you are finished stamping.
Re-ink the stamp to use it again. Continue repeating to create the design.
After the paint dries on the fabric, set a household iron at the highest heat that will not scorch the fabric. Use a press cloth between the iron and the printed material, and iron on each side for 3 to 5 minutes. This will heat set the paint to withstand repeated washings.

3- RIGHT AND WRONG SIDE

It is important to recognize the right and wrong side of your fabric. In the following steps, the right side will be shown in PINK and wrong side will be shown in ORANGE.

4- MAKING THE POCKET

1-Mark the center line across the pocket with chalk or pins halfway down the pocket.

2-On the front top edge of the pocket, fold the raw edge of the fabric over ½” to the wrong side once, and then fold again. Pin in place. Sew by machine, using a straight stitch close to the folded edge.

3- Fold the pocket right sides together along the center line. Stitch the sides with a 3/16” seam allowance. Trim the seam slightly, then press open.

4- Turn the pocket right side out. Topstitch along the side seams using a 3/8” seam allowance. Press the completed pocket.

5- ASSEMBLING THE APRON

With chalk or a pin, mark the center of the completed pocket, skirt piece, and waistband piece.

Place the waistband and skirt pieces right sides together. Match center line and all raw edges. Pin the waistband in place.

Pin the pocket to the skirt/waistband at the top, aligning the center marks, with the back side of the pocket facing the right side of the skirt.

With the the pocket on top, machine sew using a straight stitch and 5/8” seam allowance, through all layers.

Press all the seam allowances down toward the skirt. Fold the waistband in half over to the right side. Just below the seam you just stitched, stitch a second seam through allthe seam allowances. Then pull the long threads to unravel the raw edges from the waistband, skirt and pocket, removing threads until you get close to the second seam.

Now we will finish the outer edge of the skirt with a double fold hem and mitered corners.

From the wrong side, fold the bottom raw edge of the skirt up 1/2˝ to the wrong side, and a 1/2” again, and press. Repeat on the sides.

In order to have nice, clean corners, we will need to miter the 2 lower corners of our apron. Unfold the pressed side and bottom edges. Fold a triangle to the wrong side on each corner as shown, and trim away. Refold along the pressed lines, pin in place, and then machine stitch close to the folded edge, starting at the top of the skirt, pivoting at each corner.

Neaten the waistband’s top edge by folding it over ½” toward the right side. Press.

Align the middle of the twill tape with the center of the apron, centering the tape horizontally over the top edge of the waistband that you just folded down.

Machine stitch close to each edge of the tape through all 3 layers.

Press the completed apron and hand sew the buttons at each side of the pocket as a detail.

Congratulations! You have finished your apron!

Giveaway!

Leave a comment on this post telling us if you have ever tried to screen print – either traditionally (with a screen) or with a potato (like in this tutorial!). The winner will be selected at random on April 25th. Winners in the United States will be sent the kit to make your own apron and winners outside the U.S. will win the e-book of their choice. The name of the winner will be posted here when selected!

Didn’t win? Don’t be sad! They are available for sale in Celina’s Etsy shop! Prefer to have Celina sew it for you? No problem at all; she sells completed projects as well.

4/25/13 UPDATE: ”In the Boondocks” is our winner – Congratulations!