Friday, April 24, 2020

Crafter's Edge Amazing Mask Fabric Die

I feel so lucky to get to play with Crafter's Edge fabric dies. The dies come in so many
great applique and sewing shapes like Dresdens, squares, and triangles. 

Now they've come up with something amazing...a mask fabric die! It can cut four different sizes
 and includes directions for the masks and an insert if you want to add one to the mask.
The instructions are clear and sewing one together is really quick.


The Crossover II can cut up to six layers! 


Using the Crossover II platform, layer with the fabric following their directions.


This die is the 2nd from the smallest and was a nice size for a two or three year old.
Halloween spider web fabric seems perfect for any time of year.


The instructions include the size of mask the die makes and how to add elastic or fabric ties.


The next step after using the die to cut the fabric is to sew along the curve.


You'll want to clip the curve or use pinking sheers to help the curve lay flat.


Press the curved seams to the side. 


Pin the elastic 1/4 inch from the edge of mask back as shown below. 


Stitching it in place before sewing helped to keep it from slipping.


With right sides together, sew around all edges leaving a 2 inch opening for turning inside out.
Be careful when sewing to not catch the elastic or ties in the seams.


Turn inside out and press seams flat. Top stitch around the edges making sure to sew the
opening closed. Double stitching over the elastic ends helps secure them better.


The second from the smallest was a perfect fit for Monkey Baby who is two years old. The elastic
was cut 5 1/2" long. He "willingly" posed for the camera with a mask on once I promised him a
doughnut in any flavor if he would do it. He asked for a chocolate doughnut, which was
delivered promptly to his doorstep. He chose the cream filled chocolate one...yum!


The second from the largest size die was a little big for the five year old, but shorter elastic
(it was 7" long) would have made it fit better (6" would be just right.) He didn't seem to mind!


He loved the Riley Blake Designs light blue "Hot Wheels" fabric for his mask.


The seven year old fit the 2nd from the largest mask a little better though the elastic should 
have been tighter. It was cut at 7" so probably 6" would work. He also liked the other 
Riley Blake Designs "Hot Wheels" fabric with all the swirls and cars.


The fifteen year old was looking pretty cool in the mask cut from the largest die.
Halloween fabric with spiders adds a little creepy to the mask...I love creepiness!
The elastic was cut at 8" but 7" would have been better.

If you aren't sure about the elastic, the ties would be a great choice to ensure the masks fits.


One really awesome thing available from Crafter's Edge is an adapter that can be used with 
your Accuquilt Go cutter. It's really great to be able to use the mask die on an Accuquilt, too!


The electric Accuquilt was able to cut all four dies at once.


*Tips for cutting fabric with the dies: 
Iron the cotton fabric before cutting.
Tilt the die and fabric on the cutting platform so that it doesn't run parallel to the rollers.

Here's another way to add bias tape ties cut 44" to a mask.

My oldest daughter was happy to model this bright pink gingham mask.
I love those blue eyes!


Cut the fabric using the mask dies and sew sections together as shown above.

With right sides together, sew mask on just the short ends. (This is a lighter pink gingham
than the one she is wearing in case you wondered about the color change.)


Turn inside out and press.


Find the center of bias tape and pin to center of mask, catching all layers.


If you want a wire for the nose area, now would be the time to add it.


Turn under bias tape ends if needed. Sew along edge of bias tape to secure to mask.
Repeat on both sides. Done!


Non Woven interfacing can be added to the masks if desired and I was really excited to learn
that Therm O Web has just released a new product made specifically for masks,
HeatnBond Sew-In interfacing.

"Working closely with The Masks Now Coalition, Therm O Web (the manufacturers of 
HeatnBond brand products) has developed this new interfacing for use in the MasksNow.org 
3-Layer Mask Pattern from Created for Crisis, as well as other patterns that call for 
lightweight 100% polyester nonwoven, sew-in interfacing."


Thank you for stopping by...stay safe and healthy!

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Riley Blake Designs Hocus Pocus Fabric Blog Tour

If it's Halloween related, I'm totally in!
Especially if it's Riley Blake Designs Halloween fabric that is as spooky and cute
as "Hocus Pocus" by Echo Park Paper Company.

It was perfect for "Bellagosa's Boutique" quilt that measures 50" x 55" and
is full of a lot of applique hocus pocus and magic.

Bellagosa's Boutique


Riley Blake Designs "Hocus Pocus is great for quilting, apparel, and home decor.
The fabric has witch shoes and stockings, candy, ghosts, and creepy spider webs...I love it!
Oooooo, and skeletons!


There's awesome "Hocus Pocus" panels, too!


"Bellagosa's Boutique" sells hats, bats, shoes, and potions.



There's dresses and capes for witches of all sizes in black and green skeleton fabrics.
I love that turquoise fabric full of yummy Halloween goodies!



The local hearse is "dying" for you to shop at this boutique.



A gnarly and spooky tree to hang the quilt on...



With the virus affecting the Las Vegas Strip by closing all the hotels, it was our chance to
head out there for photos. Usually there are lots of people and cars at this sign, but we were
 all alone. That was pretty creepy...so perfect for "Bellagosa's Boutique" quilt!


You can find Bellagosa's Boutique pattern in my Etsy store HERE.

Check out the other creations using Riley Blake Designs "Hocus Pocus"!

4/15 - Just Let Me Quilt (it's me!)
4/22 - Boo + Lu
4/29 - Jessica Dayon

Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Riley Blake Designs John Wayne Americana Fabric Blog Tour

I grew up watching "The Duke" so sewing with Riley Blake Designs "John Wayne Americana"
fabric was a real trip back through time. John Wayne was one of the greatest stars of western movies!

John Wayne Americana - 60" x 70"


He was an all American hero!
Check out the patriotic quilting...love it.


The John Wayne Americana collection for Riley Blake Designs is great for quilting, apparel and
home decor. This print features textured stars and sheriff badges. It is 100% cotton.



I used these fabrics for my John Wayne Americana quilt.


There's several Americana style designs in this quilt!





Quilting was by Ginger Turner of Sew Sassy Longarm.
She did a beautiful job with the perfect design...thanks, Ginger!


Of course, my crew was there to support me as always.


There are more amazing projects using John Wayne Americana you should check out!


4/9 - Carol - Just Let Me Quilt (this is me!)
4/16 - Lacie - Riley Blake Designs
4/23 - Julia - Riley Blake Designs
4/20 - Julia - Riley Blake Designs

Thanks for stopping by!


You can find this pattern HERE.

Give It A Whirl Blog Hop Starts Today

It is time to whirl, twirl, and spin with the "Give It A Whirl" blog hop! What was the challenge? Somewhere in or on your project ...