Applique

This week I worked on some applique. I used HeatnBond, which is fusible on both sides. I found some simple outlines I wanted to use, first were the campfire and tent. I traced the shapes onto the paper side of the HeatnBond and cut around them, then fused them to the back side of the fabric I wanted to use. I used a pin to scratch the paper backing and remove it, then I fused the fabric to the items. In this case it was to make two coasters.

The applique needs stitching, so I chose a blanket stitch, made it small to match the scale of the coasters, and I love the result. I added borders and even repeated the blanket stitch there. I cut the backing oversized to fold to the front and bind it.

I found a cat silhouette I liked and added a cat applique to one of the cat-shaped coasters. I will continue to use the method on other things, like an initial on a coin pouch, or other shapes.

While looking for shapes I found some I liked, but they would work better as embroidered accents. To do that I’ll have to work on my embroidery machine (fix the tension) and test out a few.

Making Decisions

As I’m designing items for sale in my flea market booth, I am considering several things at once.

~ People want to buy something handmade that someone else made

~ Time invested in each item vs. how much to charge

~ What do customers want to purchase? Practical items or splurges?

I discovered by putting some hotpads out that they sold very quickly. It was right before Christmas so gift giving could be a big motivator. Handmade makes it a one-of-a-kind item.

I can quickly make simpler designs, but a more complex design may be appreciated and purchased sooner. Or not, I’m just guessing what goes on in a customer’s mind. I can charge less for the simpler ones, but would have to charge more for a more time-consuming design.

I’d love to offer a huge variety of items, but I think it’s better to focus more on a varied inventory of a few types of goods. Definitely the zipper pouches, but also more hotpads, drink coasters, and ice cream pint sleeves. I’m still thinking, and collecting potential patterns and designs. I will put a split ring (like a keyring) on the zipper of each pouch, but I’ll also offer a few beaded zipper pulls if someone wants to make it even more unique. Along that line of thinking, I can make wrist bands in many colors that will coordinate, to turn a pouch into a wristlet purse that will hold phone, cards, and cash.

These are a couple of coasters (aka mug rugs) that I’ve made the last few days. I have other prototypes that didn’t work out, these are the good ones.

Happy Accidents

I mentioned I had bought a pound of fabric strips. They are the ends of bolts, so they may be a bit uneven and can be anywhere from 3-5 inches wide. I knew I’d be using small pieces for patchwork so it worked for me. I could not picture how much fabric a pound would be. The internet was mostly not helpful, but being stuck far from home and not allowed to shop in person, I took the chance. I was thrilled with the variety and the amount of fabric I got for that bargain price.

There were blenders, wild prints, and some that were novelty prints including medical themed for nurses’ scrubs. I’ve had a lot of fun challenging myself to put fabrics together that will look better than each alone. Like happy accidents.

I’m making two basic shapes of zip pouches, coin size and makeup size. I will sell them at a flea market booth starting this summer at $15 and $20 each. Come look at some of the fabric combos I’ve made.

The fabrics are for scrubs, one with lungs and bones, the other has medication names.

The pink and green fabric has giraffes on it. I thought to disguise that with the pink stripe alternating.

More scrubs fabrics that really coordinate well. The skeletons on the darker blue are in yoga poses, that made me laugh.

I wanted to use the dark fabric and had to find something else with a similar color to the orange swirls.

I have plenty of fabric to keep going with all my zip pouches, hotpads, drink coasters, and anything else I can think of to quilt for my flea market booth. Wish me luck!

Coping and compensating

Early in December I got another devastating diagnosis – this time it’s an aggressive Leukemia. I’ve been away from home since Dec. 9, with the exception of 2 days in January. I must stay within 30 minutes of the cancer treatment center and my home is much farther away than that.

I’ll be here until the end of May/early June. Since I have my sewing machine, and I didn’t want to waste opportunity, I bought fabric, needles, thread, notions, zippers, and more. I even found someone selling a pound of fabric strips from bolt ends, great variety and well worth the price. I’ll have the flea market booth again this summer and it’s a great time to create homemade quilted goods to sell. That’s the coping – with boredom.

Compensating – I have peripheral neuropathy which has only become worse with the new chemo I’ve been given. My fingers are tingly and going numb, to match my feet and lower legs. I compensate visually – I have to look at everything I do and touch. The sensation in my fingers is like I’ve stuck my wet hands in sand and can’t get any of it off. I found out with iron-on stabilizer that I have to rub it against my cheek to find the rough side. There are a lot of ways to compensate, I just have to find them. Doing without quilting is NOT an option!

I had a stem cell transplant and I’m on an anti-rejection medication that gives me tremors. Have you tried to cut a straight line while your hand jiggles uncontrollably? The good news is that I’m almost at the point they will discontinue that medication and I’ll really be able to speed up.

Enjoy this little photo gallery of items I have sewn to sell. Some look unfinished, I’ll add details after I finally get home. If you have more suggestions, I’d love to hear about them! These are mostly zipper pouches, but I’ll also make hotpads, drink coasters, and anything else that catches my eye, from photos on the internet.