Winner of the Leanika Panel is...

Amy said...
I always love a pretty apron. This year I've been busy making purses for just about everyone on my list.

Well Amy, we hope you enjoy making this apron! We will be contacting you and getting this apron in the mail!

Thanks to all who have participated!

Great Gift Ideas and a Gift For You!

The Holidays are sneaking up on everybody so we thought it would be a good idea to give you some quick and easy project ideas. Below are pictures of the Leanika Canvas Panels by Dena Designs. The entire pattern and directions come on a 1yd panel. There are two different patterns, one being a tote and one an apron. The tote straps are adjustable and the apron fits most sizes. They retail for around 10dollars so it makes for a fairly inexpensive gift. So if you are running late on your present making/buying this is a great idea that doesn't take much time at all!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

It just so happens we have an extra apron panel around here so comment with your favorite Holiday gift you enjoy making for others and you could be selected to win this apron panel! Don't forget to include your e-mail in your comment. Winner will be chosen on Thursday, Dec. 10th. Good luck!

Laminated Fabric

Above are our newest laminated fabrics! The top photo is out of Anna Maria Horner's fabric, then the swatches consist of Heather Bailey, George Mendoza (Art of Possibility) and Annette Tatum.

Below are some sewing tips that will help you in your Laminated sewing projects!

Tips for sewing Laminated fabric
From Coats and Clark

Thread: Use All-purpose thread. Dual Duty XP or Coats Cotton All-purpose
Needles: Size 12 or 14, sharp. A smaller needle makes a smaller puncture hole.

Presser Foot: A Teflon coated presser foot will prevent the presser foot sticking when sewing on the laminated side. This is especially helpful when topstitching. A roller presser foot may also be used.

Tips:
Use a longer stitch length (3mm or more) for seaming and topstitching. Shorter stitch lengths can have the affect of perforating the fabric.

Select a pattern with simple lines and seaming. Avoid eased, gathered or intricate shaping because the fabric does not give.

It isn’t necessary to straighten the grain on a laminated fabric, it will not shift due to the coating.

Cut in a single layer with the right side up. For pieces cut on the fold, fold wrong sides together.

Mark with chalk or smooth-edged tracing wheel.

Holes may remain in fabric, so place pins in seam allowances and avoid having to rip seams. If making a garment, be sure of fit and make alterations to pattern before cutting out.

Do not touch an iron to the right side. Use a warm iron on the wrong side.

Welt, flat-fell or topstitched seams will lie flatter than a plain seam, since seams cannot be pressed open.

Last Round of Pics from Houston Market

Amy Butler's booth. Vibrant colors and great items tucked in each corner.

Pictures show upcoming patterns that will be coming out next year.

This couch cover is a great way to spice up a dated piece of furniture.

Amy's 'Sexy Hexy' quilt that is a free pattern

Annette Tatums mannequin that was an artistic way to show off her new fabric collection House.

Brandon Mably, Kaffe Fassett and Philip Jacobs booth that was a great display of all of their fabrics.

Rebel quilt by Scott Hansen from the collection Rebel by Douglas Day. This was quite the conversation piece at market!

All of the Hallmark quilts.

Scott Jarrard in his booth with wife Amanda showing off his new collection Boogie Monsters.

More from Houston Quilt Market

Jane Sassaman's booth

Jane Sassman herself showing off her great booth!

These are some of her new patterns she had displayed. Don't you love the tea cozy?

Loved her black mannequins. She added black skirts to all of them which was a great touch.

Anna Maria Horner's booth

Don't you love the new substrates? She showed many ways you could use the voile and dobby prints.

Most of the booth in this shot. Oh how pretty

Heather Bailey's booth. These are one of her new patterns. How cute!

Everyone was obsessed with this dress at market and there was a unanimous vote that this should be a new pattern from Heather!

'Clothes Line' in the booth!

Very inviting booth!