A Seamstress Tea Towel {Janome Tutorial} : :

Today's I'm sharing my newest tutorial as an Independent Project Designer for Janome, for a "Seamstress Tea Towel" using linen, ticking, applique, and some of those amazing built-in stitches that the Horizon Memory Craft 12000 offers!



This tutorial includes all the steps needed for making the linen tea towel, as well as a little applique and "I'd rather be sewing!" stitching. You can really have some fun with making these just by adding a different applique or a strip of patchwork. I have a few more that I've made to share here later in the week, that are each so different, but all made using the same tea towel instructions!



The amount of built-in stitches that the Horizon MC 12000 offers is really amazing! My goal is to try them all out. I just couldn't hold off on using this spool stitch any longer -- it's just about the cutest thing ever and the inspiration behind this particular applique design!



I had some fun with all the letter options, as well! The MC 12000 has several built-in word stitches including sweet, love, handmade, and stitch, or you can program in letters to create your own little saying.



I used a water soluble backing to handle the stitching on my linen, that rinses away with cool water. After the stitching you simply just trim away the connecting threads and you have this perfect little lettering!



I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks to themselves while cooking or cleaning in the kitchen, "I'd rather be sewing..." And now I have a fun tea towel that says so!



Be sure to visit Janome to get the full how-to! If you do give this tutorial a go at anytime, be sure to share on my Facebook page or in my Maureen Cracknell Handmade Flickr group anytime!

As a follow-up to both my Quilt-as-you-go Tote and my Quilt-as-you-go Tutorial from last week, I decided to put together that bag tutorial for this week, as well. I can't wait to share it, I'm almost finished! While making progress on my qayg quilt last week, I decided I'm going to need to make more blocks, which means it's going to take me a little bit longer for me to finish. So, here's a peek at my QAYG Bag Tutorial...stay tuned!!

Wishing a wonderful new week to all!! ♥,  Maureen 

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A Valentine Appliqued Apron Set Tutorial : :

Today's tutorial is for a sweet apron set for an adult and child. I use sturdy ticking fabric with simple raw edge applique to add a little Valentine village, that's perfect for wearing all year long. You can use whatever fabrics you'd like with this method of applique to add any details to suit your style or those receiving these aprons. Have fun and be sure to let me know if you give these aprons or any of my tutorial projects a try!

What you'll need : :

• 3/4 yd of ticking fabric
• an assortment of scraps for your applique village
• 1/2 yd piece of heatbond lite
• 1 - piece of fabric measuring 6" x 24" for child apron waistband
• 2 - pieces of fabric measuring 5" x 18" for child apron ties
• 1 - piece of fabric measuring 9"x 32" for adult apron waistband
• 2 - pieces of fabric measuring 8" x 44" for adult apron ties (I make mine extra long to tie in front)
• threads -- black for applique stitching and an assortment of colors or white to match your apron fabrics
• Sewing pins
• Sharp scissors and/or a rotary cutter/mat set

Cutting and Hemming apron pieces

1. Trim selvedge ends from the fabric. 2. First, cut 14" from one side of the fabric -- this will be the fabric for the child apron. Second, cut remaining fabric to measure 18" x 30" -- this will be the adult apron 3. Hem bottom and sides of these pieces by folding over edge 1/4", press, fold again, press, and sew a double seam to hem those raw edges



Once finished, the apron pieces should look like this : :



Cutting and piecing your scraps using Heatbond Lite

1. Cut a large square from the heat bond light 2. Cut scrap pieces out in the fabrics chosen for the village design 3. With paper side down, arrange scraps on top of the heatbond 4. Press with iron to adhere fabric pieces to heatbond



Cutting and adhering the Valentine village pieces

1. Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut out rectangle, triangle, and square pieces for the village and bunting design 2. Always layout the design first



3. Carefully peel off the paper backs of the pieces, use an iron to press in place. This will permanently adhere the village design to the apron. Don't forget to add the heart! 4. Once the design is adhered to the apron, use black thread to "draw" around the inner edges of each piece added




This is my favorite part! I love the way the black thread make the applique pieces look like a drawing!





Choose and cut waistband & tie fabrics  -- see measurements above



1. Fold in outside edges of the waistband fabric a 1/4" on each side, press. Do this with all four sides 2. Fold waistband in half, press well 3. Open waistband, place apron piece centered inside the waistband piece



4. Fold over waistband fabric, pin in place 5. Using coordinating thread, sew a seam along top and bottom edges, leaving both ends open



6. Repeat these steps for making the apron ties, be sure to hem the ends of these as well 7. Insert tie pieces into the opening of each side of the waistband, pin in place, sew



Add a few stitches here, this will get pulled at quite a bit when tying the apron on!



Repeat these steps for finishing the adult size aprons and you'll have a lovely set to wear with your little(s) or to give as a nice gift!



We love ours!!



I really hope you enjoy this project! This is my favorite so far! I know the tutorial has quite a few steps -- feel free to add a comment here if you have any questions! And, always let me know if you give it a go!! My Quilted Valentine Pillow tutorial is being shared today on Sew Can She, feel free to stop by and check that out!!

Have a lovely day, friends! ♥ Maureen

Valentine Appliqued Apron Set : :

Well, I'm back today with yet another Mother/Daughter project!



I'm starting feel sorry for my boys. I know they don't care, but a little Mama guilt started to settle in yesterday. I better come up with something for each of them soon. Sewing for boys is tough for me, how about you? My guys are nine and almost eight, it really is a challenge! Please do share any ideas/suggestions you might have! I'd love to hear!!

Alright, back to these aprons! Now this was a fun project. Really fun!



I have been wanting to share a little applique tutorial here for awhile now, but I knew I didn't want to make another pillow. Although, this would make a pretty cute pillow, I think.



I picked up this ticking fabric with tea towel making in mind (I'm almost ready to show you those), but with Valentine's Day right around the corner, I thought a sweet apron set to wear around the kitchen would be special and fun!



I kept the main apron design the same for the both of us (although I have one more little house in my village), and then we each picked out the fabrics we liked for the waistband and ties.



My ties are extra long to tie in the front, and her's tie nicely in the back.



It was another special sewing project we were able to do together. I only hope she will cherish these days, projects, and photos as much as I will!



Tutorial for this raw edge applique and ticking apron making for Mama and Little's to come very soon! Stay tuned!!

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday today!!