SALTBOX CHRISTMAS - BLOCK #3 - CHRISTMAS LADIES SEW ALONG

 

Mary Jane & Friends Christmas Ladies Sew-Along.

Here is my Block #3.  Kits, pattern, including digital download, and also Christmas Button Accessory kit are all now available on our website.

ReetsRagsToStitches.com

There are 9 designers in this group and we are now on Block #4.  Join the group through the Mary Jane link at top  . . . the Christmas House blocks are wonderful.

Here are some simple stitching decorations for those 3 trees.

An easy feather stitch with added French knots.

AMERICAN FARMHOUSE SEW-ALONG

 See our previous post for designer schedules.  Here are the first 4 Blocks.  Your Free Pattern Download and kits available can be found on each designer's website.  From top to bottom:

Farmhouse Threads, Reets' Rags To Stitches, The Cottage at Cardiff Farms, Bits and Pieces by Joan

TWO NEW SEW-ALONGS!

Reets is participating in TWO new Sew-Alongs both beginning

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2022

The schedules are below.   Click on either schedule to link to the FB Group and sign up.

FARMHOUSE FRIENDS AMERICAN FARMHOUSE SEW-ALONG will offer Free Pattern Downloads Each week along with Kit and Printed Pattern available for sale.

HALLOWEEN LADIES SEW-ALONG will offer pre-sale kit/pattern 2 weeks previous to each debut.  A discounted pattern download will be available for 2 weeks following each debut.

 

STITCHING UP THE POSIES- REETS BLOCK #9

Here is my Just Flowers Block #9. Happy Poppies!  One of 12 designs in Farmhouse Friends FB Sew Along.  Loved dyeing up a lot of new wool colors for this.  Just visit our website for the FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD plus kit and printed pattern options.

Below you will see a recap of all of the blocks so far.   A list of websites is below the image.  You can copy and paste to go to their website.

Reets' Block #9 - Happy Poppies

Week #1 Sunflowers by Farmhouse Threads

http://www.farmhousethreads.com/

Week #2 Zinnia's by Sew Cherished

https://www.sewcherished.com/

Week #3 (COMING LATER IN THE LINE UP)

Week #4 Hollyhocks by Heart to Hand

https://www.hearttohand.com/

Week #5 Sweet Peas by Bits and Pieces by Joan

https://www.bitsandpiecesbyjoan.com/

Week #6 Daisies by Farmhouse Threads

http://www.farmhousethreads.com/

Week #7 Tulips by Olde Green Cupboard

https://www.oldegreencupboard.com/

Week #8 Black-eyed Susans's by Woolen Willow Designs

https://woolenwillowdesigns.com/

Week #9 Poppies by Reets Rags to Stitches

https://reetsragstostitches.com/

2022 FULL OF STITCHING FUN . . AND SHOWS!

Greetings!  I hope that you are off to a good start in 2022.  Here are a few Stitching Happenings that you may be interested in.

BEGINNING MON., FEB. 7, 2022 - NEW Farmhouse Threads Sew-A-Long.  12 designers,

12 Flower Blocks, 12 Free Pattern Downloads.   See bottom of post for schedule.

 JOIN HERE

 

I would just love to see you in our booth at The Folsom Quilt and Fiber Show.  This is one of our smaller shows but robust with creativity from this very large guild . .  and a great selection of vendors.   For more information visit Folsom Quilt and Fiber website.

OH . . and one more BIG reason I love this wonderful show - Karen's Bakery and Deli!  Not only is this fantastic restaurant nearby . . they also cater the food at the show.  And it is incredible . . not kidding.

Last but not least . .a new pattern on our website.   Happy Hippo will offer you a pillow design and also a charming little stuffed toy.   Just drop by Reets' website to view and/or order.

Blessings and may our stitching fingers gently touch . . . at shows or here online!

❤️ Reets

Here is the schedule for Just Flowers Sew-A-Long.  Click on it to make it larger and then you will have to copy and paste each website.

CRAZY FOR FALL BLOCK #12 FROM REETS

 

REETS' BLOCK #12 - CRAZY FOR FALL SEW ALONG

This is the final block in Farmhouse Friends FB Group

Crazy For Fall Sew Along

for the FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD and Kit and Pattern options visit

Reets Rags To Stitches Website

Next week Rhonda will have the finishing instructions for this 12 Block fall quilt.  She always stuns us with her put-together of the 12 blocks.   Don't miss it.   For more information about Farmhouse Friends Sew Alongs visit Farmhouse Friends FB Group Page.   You can also find all previous blocks and information  in my previous Blog posts or on Reets FB Page.

Please sign up to follow Reets on FB

LET IT SNOW BLOCK #2 FROM REETS

Here is Let It Snow Block #2 - The Wool Peddler.

Sadly, the Wool Peddler’s Shoppe had to close in 2020.   Reasons need not be told.   Rather than let her wooly warm "wears" sit idly in boxes through the long cold winter, she decided to take them on the road.  Being a sympathetic soul, many of her woolens ended up in the hands of unfortunates along the way.  “Everyone deserves to be warm” she was heard to say.  The towns people miss her so.  But no worries . . she is busy knitting , stitching and weaving away and will be well prepared for her reopening in the Fall of 2021.   And again, there will be tea and maple scones every Tuesday afternoon.  With that . . . it would seem, that if in dark times you can let the light within,  shine even just a bit, on those around you . . you may well lend a happier ending to someone’s sad story.

This is one of the larger blocks in this uniquely designed mystery quilt - 12 x 18 inches.   The FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD Plus Kit and Printed Pattern Options can be found on my website, ReetsRagsToStitches.com  

For the download simply click on the green rectangular box on the website product page.   No additional shipping added to kit for this sew along special. 

For a schedule and links to the other 11 Let It Snow designers Blocks CLICK HERE 

To JOIN THE GROUP, go to Farmhouse Friends Mystery Group

FARMHOUSE FRIENDS CHRISTMAS VILLAGE BLOCKS

 Farmhouse Friends Christmas Village quilt was part of the “12 Weeks of Christmas” sew-a-long. We’ve had SO MANY requests for the patterns and kits for this quilt we are offering them for sale. Each participating designer, listed in the bottom image, will sell the pattern or kit for their block: Kit plus pattern will be $19.95. You can find our Geppettos Toy Shop on our website, ReetsRagsToStitches.com

FARMHOUSE FRIENDS - Before this Sew Along begins March 1, New Years fun begins now. Farmhouse Friends Christmas Village quilt was part of the “12 Weeks of Christmas” sew-a-long. We’ve had SO MANY requests for the patterns and kits for this quilt we are offering them for sale. Each participating designer, listed in photo, will sell the pattern or kit for their block: Kit plus pattern will be $19.95. You can find our Geppettos Toy Shop on Reets website   Click on the image to enlarge and view all participants.  To JOIN GROUP and for more information please visit Farmhouse Friends FB Group Page.

 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

2 WEEKS OF CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

This is an extension of our Mystery Quilt Sew Along. Our 12 designers will be bringing their shops directly to you . . new designs, specials, and more. JOIN THE GROUP. Just go to Mystery Quilt Sew Along - Farmhouse Threads. All year long in between our sew alongs we share tips, videos, free downloads. Members post their progress, ask questions and share with each other. Come join this fun group and get ready for
JULY 12TH

CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

12 DESIGNERS
MYSTERY QUILT SEW ALONG

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY FACE TUTORIAL

The Little Drummer Boy Pattern, Block 10.  From the 2020 Christmas Carol Mystery Quilt Sew Along.

Many have asked for some help in appliquéing this sweet little face. 

To follow the helpful hints below you will have to print out the actual size of his image which can be found in the PDF file I have created.  

For the printable PDF file and instruction

CLICK HERE

Below is duplicate information of what you can print out on the PDF link above. 

Hope you find this helpful.

The Little Drummer Boy's face is actually quite simple. The pattern covers most of this info but here are some helping hints.
The positioning of the Cap and facial features can make a big difference.  The distance between the eyes and how far down or up you locate them render completely different expressions.  The pattern shows positioning but here i have scanned his head.  If you print this out the image should measure 2.75w x 2.56h.  It will match up with your pattern templates.
You may have seen the tutorial i posted here on this Blog,  and also on my FB Page and the Mystery Quilt FB Page about using vinyl or a sheet protector, and a dry or wet erase marker.  This works perfectly for the Face.

• Place your vinyl over this face image and trace the shapes and details.  
• Once you have your appliqué pieces cut out, position as directed on pattern.  Place this traced vinyl over the head,  carefully lift one end and then line up the Cap & Scarf in line with your traced vinyl.
• Get your head and Cap stitched in place as directed in the pattern.
• Reposition the vinyl over head.  Position Eye Circles and stitch them on with the large dark blue French knots.  With a disappearing ink marker, lightly mark nose, mouth and a bit of the hair using the traced vinyl as your guide.   Stitch as directed in pattern

Here are some additional hints:

• Fabric:  I like to use cotton for appliquéd faces rather than wool.   Stitches are better defined on cotton for a face.  For The Little Drummer Boy i used medium weight Monks Cloth in the color Nut Shell.  I carry this on my website.  This color is a nice golden skin tone.  You can use any cotton skin tone that you might have.  Fuse it well.
• Eye Circles:  Bluish/Grey wool was used.  Cut out the Eye Circles with your fusible webbing, pressing the webbing to the back of the wool a bit longer than usual.  
• Mouth:  You can stitch with floss or cut out a tiny rectangle of fused wool and round it on the ends.   Hold in place with a few slip stitches in a matching color sewing thread.
• Nose is stitched with thin black quilting thread, one stitch down and one short stitch over.
• And the powder rouge for his cheeks is a must.  It is the finishing touch.  Apply lightly a little at a time and blend. 

BLOCK 10 - THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

Well it is finally my turn in the Christmas Carol Mystery Quilt Sew Along.  My Christmas carol is

The Little Drummer Boy.

When i finished him i realized he looks just like an older version of my grandson Maverick.

This fun 12 inch block is wool appliqué and there are two cotton backgrounds, the Black Plaid and the wonderful Lite Grey with embroidered white +.  Doesn't it look like snow?  Perfect background for so many yuletide creations.  It is available on our website by the way.

For your FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD simply go to our website,

Reets Rags To Stitches

On the website, click on the Christmas Carol Free Pattern Download.  DO NOT add to cart but simply click on the brown rectangle box that says "CLICK HERE FOR FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD.

A KIT ONLY is also available for sale on our website - the background fabrics and the hand dyed and mill dyed wools.

If you do not wish to download the free pattern you can order a PRINTED PATTERN.

Please see my previous post for some appliqué tips.

This is such a fun sew along and brilliantly created by Rhonda of Farmhouse Threads.

Here is a most wonderful version of the song The Little Drummer Boy,  by Josh Groban.

Play and Stitch! 🎵

APPLIQUE & LETTERING PLACEMENT TUTORIAL

This is an extremely simplified version of how to use vinyl or a sheet protector and a wet or dry erase marker to help you position appliqué pieces onto your backgrounds.  I also use it for lettering placement when embroidering words onto a project.  

I do a lot of character appliqué . . characters with attitude.  The attitude is usually conveyed in a facial expression, position of eyes or mouth for example . . . or with a certain position of the body, tilt of the head, or a raised foot (see Witchie in the wall hanging).  Most patterns show a Layout of how the pieces fit together.  My very simplified example is from this Witchie Portrait pattern.

 I'll use the pouch design as a quick example.
Take a piece of vinyl, or more simply, a sheet protector and place it over the pattern layout.
With a wet or dry erase marker, trace the position of the design, including facial features.







 Below you can see I have traced the pattern and moved the sheet protector to the side so that you see the tracing.  Now simply position the vinyl on top of your project background fabric.  Lift the vinyl and position your appliqué pieces in line with the tracing.  With a disappearing ink marker draw the facial expressions in line with your tracing.   This works wonderfully with any appliqué project whether it's character, flowers, houses etc.

There are many methods for transferring Lettering.  I am usually in a rush so I use this vinyl method for first of all, figuring out how and where i want lettering to appear when i'm creating a design.  It's easy to erase!  When i am satisfied, i lay it over my project, lift and draw it onto the fabric with a disappearing ink marker and then stitch.  

I hope you find this useful.  Try it out . . . and happy stitching everyone!

FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD - BUNNY ORNAMENT

Whip up this cute little 5 inch bunny ornament in a jiffy.  It is made from wool but you can also use cotton or flannel.  The pattern is a FREE DOWNLOAD.  When you click on the link below it takes you to our website.  You do not have to add it to your cart . . simply click on the brown box that says "Click here for FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD.  

You've got time to make up a few of these in different colors!

H A P P Y   S T I T C H I N G !

FREE BUNNY ORNAMENT DOWNLOAD LINK

CRAZY SEASONS MYSTERY QUILT - REETS WOOLY WINTER BLOCK

It is beyond 90 degrees so i had to bring back this neighborhood photo to get in the mood for . . 

CRAZY SEASONS MYSTERY QUILT BLOCK #11 - WOOLY WINTER

FREE PATTERN DOWNLOAD - 16 inch Crazy Quilt Block

This is the 11th Block that is part of Farmhouse Threads Crazy Seasons Sew Along.

I was so happy to be a part of this wonderful project.  Rhonda from Farmhouse Threads did an incredible job organizing this group of 12 designers.

I learned a lot.  Had never done a crazy quilt.  I dug out my old embroidery book also, and learned several new fun stitches.

On our website you will find

1. Free Pattern Download
2. A Kit available for purchase - All Flannels and Hand Dyed Wools shown.
3. A Printed Pattern available for purchase  - for those who do not want to print the 12 page free download.

A NOTE for those of you who choose to purchase a Kit:  Most of the wool pieces are very small .. there is no extra.  For your convenience we have folded each Flannel Background section around the wool pieces for that section.  This was a huge effort but we feel good knowing that there will be no confusion knowing what goes where.  A few of the flannel pieces are brushed flannel meaning they are fuzzy on only one side . . the other side is smooth homespun.  Be sure to note this when cutting out your sections.

I hope you enjoy this pattern . . and the other 11 free patterns.  And of course you do not have to make the entire 12 block quilt . . this would be a great 16 inch pillow or wall hanging.

All three of the above items are found on the home page of our website.  CLICK HERE to head on over to Reets Site for your free pattern and more.

If you have not been following the Sew Along,  just go to our previous posts to see all of the preceding blocks.  Or Click Here to go to the Crazy Seasons Sew Along FaceBook Group page.

And Click Here to see the schedule of designers and links to their free pattern.  They are only free until August so don't wait!

Happy Stitching!

SEW-ALONG, FRIENDS STITCH, AND NEW DESIGNS

i hope you have been able to follow the Crazy Seasons Mystery Quilt Sew-Along.  If not, learn more about it at Farmhouse Threads.  You'll see a schedule of all 12 designer blocks and links to the free pattern downloads.   Here are first 5 blocks.  Our block will be released June 15.

 Aren't they Great?!!

You can use your own fabrics or each designer has a kit available with the flannel background and

the wool appliqué pieces.

 Love this creation stitched up by Kathleen.  She chose this whimsical fabric to stitch up the small case that is part of our Nifty Little Pouches pattern.  Love her choice of fabrics.

I'm working on the instructions for these two new patterns.

Box Bottom Slide Clasp Purse

and

Time To Bloom

They'll be on the website soon.

What are you stitching up?

MARILEE'S PRIZE APRON

REVERSIBLE APRON WINNER

Marilee won this wonderful apron at her quilt guilds Pirate Gift Exchange.   Stolen . . . but she stole it back.  Just happens it was from our Reversible No-Hem Apron pattern.

Love their fabric choices for the front and the reverse as well.

Aprons are a great gift anytime.  I had a request from my daughter-in-law to make one for my 2 year old grandson . .  his sister received one last year . . so it was only fair.

That was fun . . Truck fabric . . what else.

Hope you are all having some

HOLIDAY

STITCHIN'

FUN !!

JANET'S LITTLE SANTA

Which is cuter . . . Janet's Little Santa . . .or her adorable son?

This is from the pattern Little Santa Things.

Love the Sue Spargo ribbon down the front.  What a wonderful piece of art and such a beautiful setting . . perfect!   Thanks Janet.

STITCHIN' FRIENDS

Renee made this adorable Little Drummer Girl Tag in a recent class at Bunny Hop Quilt Shop.

Love her style.

The pattern is

Christmas Tags
And Bags

Sally's Holiday Ornament

Made from this pattern . . 

Holiday Tags and Ornaments

Holiday Tags and Ornaments Pattern

And some more wonderful wool art from June Cornell

June's Festive Wool Stockings

LAST DAY OF REETS PATTERN SALE - MON. NOV. 27

TODAY, 11.27.17, IS THE LAST DAY OF

REETS 1ST EVER WEBSITE PATTERN SALE!

If you follow this link .  and this link ONLY,

https://reetsragstostitches.com/discount/BFCM17

you can choose ANY pattern on our website and receive 20% off.

Discount appears only at CHECKOUT. NOV. 24-27.

Kits and Accessories not included - Patterns Only.

PLEASE SHARE WITH ALL OF YOUR STITCHING FRIENDS.

Let the Stitchin' Parties Begin!