The Sewing Cottage Magazine Issue 6

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www.patchworkposse.com


Welcome to The Sewing Cottage Issue #6 This issue has been so fun to put together! Let’s hear it for the boys! That’s right– the boys. It’s full of goodies for those little guys in your Life. I have a few favorites in here —from the past and the newest – Sprockets Quilt! Boy’s are all about the playtime imagination, so take the patterns and go for your own ideas and imagination. The play-mat Is a great way to start you off with trying something new. Enjoy the collection and have some fun with your favorite boy! Becky www.patchworkposse.com


Table of Contents Q & A~ What’s in your sewing kit? Play Mats- space and islands Quick Stitch: Rocket, Alien & Astronaut Robot Bookmark printable Sprockets Quilt My Creative Space with Lynn Robot Stuffie Printable Calendar Foxie Adventures- Block #3


Multiple pairs of scissors - always losing them. A hair band, so I can pull up my hair and get busy. Chocolate is good. Lots of bobbins. Must•have•chalk,•ruler, rotary•cutter,•good•shears, Dollar•Store•shears,•flower•pins,•embroidery•scissors,•seam•ripper, measuring•tape 6" ruler, pins, and scissors I love gadgets so I have a tool holder for it all, 7 pairs of scissors, marker pens, pins, thread needles tape measure wooden presser. tape mesure,•seam•ripper, 6"•ruler,•fade•away•marker, scissor•sm.•and•lg. Thimble - the one with the open back for long nails, scissors, needles, thread The best scissors that I can afford, as well as my favorite pins, with glass heads from Clover. 6 1/2 inch square ruler Omnigrid Tweezers, thread clippers, bamboo skewer, which works as a stylus, pins Seam•ripper,•thread, needle•threader,•clips•for•sewing down•the•binding•on•a•quilt,•little•snips,•and•a•leather•thimble. The•leather•thimble is•my•must•have. Thread to match or blend with the project. Seam Ripper/Rotary Cutter. Machine Needles. Rulers to check size and/or square up units. Zip Lock baggies to store like units. Pressing board and travel iron. I try never to sew over a seam that has not been pressed either by iron or hand. Thread,•needles,•seam ripper,•thimble•(never•use), scissors•yo•yo•makers,•pins,•pen•and•paper•and•two tape measures. Needles,•thread•I•am working•with•at•the•time, seam•ripper,•1/4"•marking•tape,•straight•pins. Fantastic lighting! I use LOTS of lighting. I have 13 overhead lights, plus a daylight lamp on the sewing desk to the left rear of my sewing machine. In the daytime, I am also fortunate to have a huge expanse of windows to allow much sunlight into the room. I have still another light on my cutting table for use at night. I also have a great collection of threads of all colors and types. I consider this essential to sewing and quilting. Wow- what isn't - measure tape- needles pins seam ripper rotary cutter scissors two kinds. Needles of all sized, 100% cotton thread, quick-unpicks, pins, scissors are the basics!


seam ripper, scissors, scotch tape, measuring tape, extra needles, pincushion and thimble....wooden presser. Needles, scissors, thread but above all I must have a good light source. Either natural light or a good sewing light. Off white spool of thread; assorted needles, sm pair of scissors, std. sewing machine needle, .o5 Pigma pen, thimble. spring-tension clippers, needle threaders My Gingher 4-5" scissors. I would be total lost without them. bobbins, Ipod for music, comfty slippers, my Left handed scissors, left handed rotary cutter, and a mini mat for cutting beside my sewing machine. Also a cushion for comfort....

needle threader, wax, scissors pin cushion, embroidery scissors Embroidery scissors, pin cushion, pin sharpening strawberry, glass head pins, seam ripper, needle threader. little scissors, assortment of needles, a metal thimble, white,black and gray thread. needle threader, small ruler, everything right at hand I don't have just a sewing kit, I have a shop full of notions and tools. But when I'm hand sewing, my favorite thing is Thread Heaven, its a thread conditioner, you pull the thread thru it and it keeps the thread from getting tangles and knotted. what is n't! thread sissors , thread caddy,( made by a speacial freind holds all my applicaet thread in bobbins) seam ripper , pencils of all kinds ( 5) gum chocolate.•needles thimble.•bits•of•fabric....•humm... circles•for•making•circles.•templet•scraps•&•those•sisors.•change purse. needle•threader (•3kinds)•needle•pullie•thingie..... snap•on•2X•glasses.....and•case.....•and•mini•light....•all•in•a•cigar box....:) thread, buttons, needles of all sizes, mini pins, large pins, seam ripper, tape, invisible marker, reading glasses, seam glue, craft embroidery thread, scissors, pin cushion, attachable little light, needle threader, wax, pins

I must have my reading glasses and a lot of light wooden presser stick, stiletto, forecepts to remove bobbins and pull from the thread ends to the top of the quilt on auto cut thread machine when I am doing stitch in the ditch.


6‐1/2 x 12‐1/2" plastic ruler by EZ, Friskars 45M rotary cutter, 18x24" mat, 1/4" foot fot my sewing machine, walking•foot,•extra•bobbins,•thread•snippers,•seam•ripper,•Iron and•ironing•board•or•mat,•extra•sewing•machine needles,•scissors,•cleaning•brush•for•bobbin•area, the usual, needles for silk thread for applique, larger ones for cotton and embroidery threads. I have a darning needle and a wool bodkin for other types of threads or yarn. Scissors, seam ripper, tape, needles, thread, scissors, seam ripper, magnafine glass, needle threader, needles, thread and etc I have a kit full of the standard items - pins, needles, magnets for picking up runaway pins, thread (cotton and silk), masking tape for loose threads, marking pencils and pens, measuring tape, among other gadgets. I also always have Dr. Scholl's molesking for sticking a strip to the machine for a perfect 1/4" seam.

needles of various sizes, threaders, basic thread colors, iron on patches, mending tape, buttons, scissors. My sharp pointy embroidery scissors, needles that are sharp and have an eye that is easy to thread, and my magnetic pinholder. Needles, pins, seam ripper, seam ripper, seam ripper... Oh yeah I guess I mentioned that one already!! :-) Extra sewing machine needles, threads, extra rotary cutter blades, glue stick, brass stillito, extra bobbins, saftey pins, brush for cleaning out my sewing machine and a few of those phoney credit cards that they send with applications in the mail. They work great for paper piecing projects. An add a quarter ruler lives there all the time too. I keep a long pair of tweezers, stiletto awl, seam ripper, and nipper sissers handy. These are a must. I must have my size 20 super fine long straight pins, 6 inch omni grid ruler, and my pink handled small fiskars scissors. Tin snips, my quick unpick and a marking pencil. Dessicant in any container that holds metal because I live in a very humid state. A must-have is sewer's aid and fray check. I am going to assume this means when I leave home kit: snips, scissors, bobbins, machine needles, seam ripper, pins, rotary cutter, small ruler my sewing kit is my sewing room. I have fabric, machines, thread, etc


I have a variety of sizes of needles for hand-sewing, my stick-on finger pads, band-aids (yes, we do stick ourselves sometimes and want to keep blood off the quilt!), and a leather thimble. This is my sewing kit for hand-sewing. Hmmm, I have a little bag I keep within my sewing tote since I hand quilt on the go, while waiting for appts, etc. Inside my little bag is alittle needlekeep to hold an assortment of needles and straight pins, small scissors, wax for thread, thread of assorted color and type, a decorated old altoid tin to hold quilting safety pins. frixxon pen, small 6 inch ruler with 1/4 inch increments, a thimble or two and at least one chocolate bar, preferably hersheys. everything but the kitchen sink scissors- needles -seam ripper- tape measure- rulers- pencilsrotary cutter- pins(lots of them)- granola bar I covered a rectangular metal box with pretty scrapbook paper and glued a coordinating ribbon around the lid. I keep a small pin cushion that I made from a bottle cap and rolled felt, needles, Thread Heaven, small scissors, a needle nanny, my favorite thimble, and various small projects I am working. I also carry a very small sewing kit in my travel bag, with just basics, needles, common thread colors, a button, stafety pin, and a tiny pair of scissors. glue stick, wrist, finger or magnetic pin cushion. Clippers you name it..it's in there probally got the kitchen sink as well nippers when at the sewing machine, and 6" ruler, magnetic pin cushion with colored head pins. small scissors, few hand sewing needles, off white thread, tape measure, calculator, sticky notes and a pencil I like my old fashion thimble that was my grandmothers... For everyday sewing/embroidery I must have little embroidery scissors. When I'm doing stuffed animals and dolls I can not live without my hemostats (surgical clamps). They work like a second set of hands and really really help when turning (especially when turning tubes or small pieces). Fine embroidery scissors are Number 1. (I do a lot of reverse sewing). Sharp pins, and a sharp rotary cutter blade; you cannat successfully cut fabric with a blunt one. READERS to wear over my regular glasses first. Then the regular items; scissors, thread needles, seam ripper and straight pins. Wish I could use a thimble, but can't. Tide stain remover stick. No kidding, between poking fingers (oh yes bandaids too) and other unexplained "stuff" it has really saved the day. I always hace a large pin cushion with several types of pins. rotary cutter, large & small scissors, asst. needles, asst. threads, asst. rulers, marking chalk, pencils, notepad, band aids, eye glasses and mints


A bottle of Best Press Quilting Needles Sewing Machine Needles Small glass headed pins Pin Cushion Scissors Rotary Cutter/Mat/Rulers of all shapes & Sizes Mini ironing board Bandaid Hand lotion Mint Aspirin Twizzers Lint Roller Finger protector pads Pencil #2 Permanent Fine Point Sharpie Water bottle for my iron My iron Rug for my feet Office Chair Ben Gay Gum Plastic sheets to make templates if needed A towel to set my hot iron back into my kit when done A long extension cord Safety pins Thread Extra Pre-Wound bobbins Pillow to set on

needle, assorted thread, glasses! In my sewing kit, you'll find a seam ripper, Fiskar's 3-inch squeezy handled scissors, threads, pins, marking pencils, safety pins, a nail file, Clover needle threader, buttons and little love notes from our girls. small scissors, straight pins,small ruler, favorite machine feet, extra needles in various sizes...... My walking foot!!!! I must have a nice sharp pair of scissors, so I keep a sharpener in my sewing kit. Other than that, probably the same things as everyone elseneedles, pins, safety pins, pincushions, thimbles, bobbins, threads, etc. It depends upon what type sewing but I do have a favorite size hand-sewing scissors, beeswax, and my leather with coin thimble.

A small pair of scissors, a seam ripper, scraps of fabric to use as leaders when chain piecing, Silk pins (I like them best because they're thinner than regular), my Purple Thang (especially when I'm turning corners out or stuffing things), rotary cutting tools. Scissors, full bobbins, silk pins, flower heads for cottons and heavy fabrics; a full set of assorted size needles; lots of threads; fray check; scissors - dressmakers and embroidery; nice sharp rotary blades - a cutter with a lock; 6 x 24 inch ruler; 13 x 6 ruler; 12 inch sq, 22 inch sq, 5 inch sq; turning cutting board; June Taylor ruler; specialty rulers/templates; oh my goodness - hand lotion!!! Also tools for my sewing machine....now that is a kit unto itself...lol! fabric eraser, seam ripper, tape measure, pencil, ruler, quater inch tape, assorted embroidery needles, embroidery scissors Fine pins sharp, fine needles and scissors that cut to the tip. Also my weighted pin cushion is a must. A good size cushion ( 5'-6"sq} with the filling made to fit the pretty outer using a small cloth bag of very well baked dried pulses for the weight, covered with a loose textured wadding so that the pins will go in easily. (pulses dried in the oven when cooking something like a cake, so that any hint of moisture is gone) music!!!! ;D glue stick a must have!! then the usual thread,scissors,snips,seamripper, pin cushion and a bg to catch thread,scrapsetc which i save for dog beds!


IN MY SEWING KIT ARE A RANGE OF THREADS AND YARNS IN MANY COLORS, MATERIALS AND WEIGHTS, VARIOUS SIZES OF SCISSORS, NEEDLES OF WIDE RANGE FROM SMALL SHORT SILK NEEDLES SHARPS, TO HEAVY YARN AND WEAVING NEEDLES BECAUSE I ENGAGE IN WEAVING, APPLIQUE AND EMBROIDERY AS WELL AS THE MUNDANE SEWING TASKS SUCH AS MENDING, PATCHING, ALTERATIONS, ETC. thimbles, Aurifil thread, several sizes of needs, binding clips, little sizers, small ruler, embroidery thread, applique pins, glass head pins, marking marker, and a few hershey kisses for good measure. Needles, thread, scissors, pencil, floss, buttons, I have a really big sewing box/kit that my brother made for me. It has many little compartments in the top, and a big space for unfinished projects in the bottom. It is easily carried by a handle (sort of like a briefcase made from wood) small scissors, seam ripper, thread and needle hand sewing kit, lotion, small ruler, and lots of scraps. When I get an idea I like to make a small sample, so I don't loose the idea and can tweek the "pattern" Small scissors, needle case with a few different sizes of needles, binding clips, pin cusion and thread. If the bobbin still has thread on it when the top is finished, the bobbin goes into my sewing case to use when I hand sew on the binding. My favorite radio station playing. Otherwise just the usual...pins, seam ripper, good lighting, tweezers, garbage can at the ready, good sharp scissors. different size needles seam ripper meaure tape chalk pins valium buttons and lots of patience SMALL•EMBROIDERY•SCISSORS•*•BERNINA•UNPICKER•*•FRAY•CHECK•*•TWEEZERS•*•GOOD•QUALITY•NEEDLES AND•THREADS Scissors, needles, long pins, Ripper, ruler, thread, marker, Chop Stick if corners need to be pushed out. I have a desk pencil holder that I keep next to my sewing machine that has a small pair of scissors, seam ripper, small ruler, pen, pencil, & tweezers in it. Is it bad to say I don't actually have a sewing "kit" so to speak? I must have however, my Fiskars spring action scissors, my Havel 4 1/2" squeeze scissors, my Best Press for ironing and my Fons and Porter ceramic marking pencil with different colored "leads".

I really like to have my lint roller near by, to pick up threads and fabric bits off the project I'm working on. In addition to my seam ripper I must have a tweezer in my kit. I use it to pull threads from fabric mistakes, pulling the bobbin thread up from plate, and I even turn corners with it. Yes, chopsticks! I use them for a lot of things.


Play Mat Pattern By Patchwork Posse

Grab the Legos, Dudes, Boats, Space Ships and whatever Else the imagination requires and Play away! The play mats are easily folded And tucked away for quick storage. Wool felt is the way to go to add Some great features–- this is the Start, add what you like. The skies the limit!

www.patchworkposse.com 2012 All Rights Reserved


Materials Needed: 1 Yard background fabric– ideas: space, sky, water, brown for dirt/ground…etc. 1 Yard heavy fabric for the back– duckcloth, denim, designer weight Wool Felt– for boats, sharks, planets, moons, islands, trees….and whatever else you can dream up Sewing Instructions: 1) Cut out templates and pin on wool felt 2) Cut out pieces– for the larger parts: islands, planets freehand cut or draw the templates 3) Pin or glue in place 4) Stitch 1/8” inside the felt pieces- sewing around the whole shape. You can add a few fancy stitches In the leaves or other shapes to make them more real if you’d like. * Use black thread for a more ‘whimsy’ look or match the thread to the felt color to blend in.

5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

Sew all the felt pieces where you’d like them Pin- right sides together the back and the front fabric Sew all the way around 1/4” -1 /2” seam allowance. Leave a 4” opening for turning. Snip the corners and turn right sides out Sew all the way around the play mat– making sure to sew the opening closed too.

www.patchworkposse.com 2012 All Rights Reserved



My Creative Spot with Lynn This month Lynn from Sew Far From Home is sharing her creative spot With The Sewing Cottage Magazine. In her layout– a quilting machine, Large windows overlooking a beautiful yard, and a design wall. Thanks Lynn for sharing your beautiful Creative Spot with us! Lucky girl to be working in the sewing industrydesigning and playing around with patterns and fabric.

Please take a moment to visit LynnBlog: Sew Far From Home Website: Quilters Attic


I've been interested in needlework since I was a young girl. I've always enjoyed making things and my passion has only grown over time. Even when my work life took me all over Europe and beyond, you could always find some sewing or knitting in my hand luggage to while away the time spent in aeroplanes or departure lounges. In fact, I used to incorporate my handicraft skills into my people management tasks. I have made numerous items celebrate a "new arrival" to a team members family.

I started blogging as a way of keeping in touch with family back home in the UK. As time moved on I found that I was blogging more and more about my sewing activities. That's when I decided to create the "Sew far from Home" blog. There is such a thriving community of needlecraft people who have encouraged and helped me. I hope my experiences will help and encourage others.


My new enthusiasm for the craft has taken me onto computer software systems such at 5D Embroidery, EQ7 and QBOT Design. I've worked with computers for many years and I feel it's a very natural progression. I have a home office set aside a part of my work life but I have to say that it looks more It’s like an extension of my sewing room.

I create all my designs and patterns there and I even use the one free wall with a handy fibre sheet where I can "stick" up squares to try out patterns and colour combinations - just in case the computer is lying to me. To complete my little creative hide-away, I have an area that I can get away from machines and computers and just sit and sew or knit or even read a book.


I have a whole room dedicated to my machines. I can completely loose myself in there for days at a time. One half is devoted to my Pfaff Grand Quilter long arm machine and cutting table. The other end has my old sewing desk configured with my main machine (now a Pfaff Creative Sensation) and a Babylock Evolution serger. I use the closet as a fabric stash. The closet seems to get smaller by the day. I always like to have something on in the background so I either have the TV or audio books running. If I were to wish for any improvement I would take up the carpet and fit a solid wood floor ...... but it is supposed to be a guest bedroom.


At the end of 2007, the American software company that I was working for, gave me the unexpected opportunity to take up a position in the USA. It was a thrilling prospect. I had visited several times but I never imagined that I would be offered a chance to live there .... and be paid to do so! I packed a couple of bags and flew off to a new adventure. It was a very busy transition but through it all I had my sewing and knitting projects to give me comfort in those quiet moments in a strange place without my family around me. And so, in the middle of February 2008 we began our life here in rural New York on the southern side of the wonderful Shawangunk Ridge. I had always wanted to start quilting but could never find the help and encouragement I needed back in the UK. I just lived to far from the nearest center of expertise and supplies. The benefits of having ready access to supplies and a friendly sewing community have taken me to whole new level.




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