escape and create christmas

I saw a post on Instagram asking for bloggers to join Escape and Create and thought it was a great opportunity. I applied, but wasn’t expecting to hear from them. It was to my surprise that they replied to say I was one of the chosen sewers. I am so thrilled to be part of the team. I have just got my first blog post finished and published with them... I am so excited I figured I’d share it here too!!

 

I love Christmas and thought it was a good excuse to make a reversible Christmas patchwork table runner, placemats and coasters. I wrote the blog to include full 'how to' instructions, with extra information like how much fabric to order and a handy cutting diagram to get the most from your fabric.

Since this made it quite a long blog post, I choose to remove the binding instructions, as readers who are already quilters will know how to sew binding anyway. The project is also suitable for beginners though, so I have shared the tutorial on binding on a separate blog post here. This one goes through the method I used on this project, but I also plan on sharing an alternative binding tutorial later so keep your eyes peeled for that coming up.

 

 

So, if you fancy looking at this project in more detail, want instructions to make your own or just fancy a read... go check it out on the Escape and Create page here. You can also find a great choice of fabrics and patterns on their website too, so I'd recommend a look.

 

This project was also included in my Q4 finish-a-long, so I can tick it off as complete and you can see my list here.

 

Mx

Binding tutorial: method 1

There are two main methods of binding that I use. The first is a simple binding for smaller projects and the other I mainly use for quilts. I thought I'd write a tutorial for each. The first one today and then the second next month.

Method 1 uses 2” strips of fabric and is sewn on to your project with a 1/2” seam allowance. I sometimes join on the bias however in this example I have used straight seams. The benefits of straight seams are that it requires less fabric and is easier to sew.

 

  

 Cut 2” strips the width of fabric (110cm = WOF)

Place 2 strips right sides together and pin the 2" width at one end. Sew together using a 1/4” seam allowance, then press the seams open. 

 

Press the strips in half lengthways, wrong sides together. Then, bring the long raw edges into the middle crease and press along again.

To attach the binding to your project:
1. Clip the binding onto the bottom edge with a few inches extra at the end for joining later. Stitch the binding on using a scant 1/2"seam allowance.
2. Measure and mark 1/2" from the corner and stop stitching when you reach the mark.

3. To shape the corner, fold the binding down wrong side together, vertically in line with the edge of the project, to create a 45 degree angle on the corner. Holding the corner in place, fold the binding back up and clip in place ensuring it is aligned along the corner edges.

4. Stitch from the bottom edge up to the next corner, stopping 1/2” before the end.

5. Repeat step 3 for each corner and continue sewing until you have about 3” before you reach the start of the binding, then stop.
6. To join the two ends, mark a line about 1” in from the end then fold it back on itself, wrong side together. Lay the other end of the strip over the top, right sides together and pin, only catching the top 2 layers of fabric.

7. Fold over to check, that it lays flat and the binding strips meet at the marked line. Make sure to secure the join in place with pins before you move it to sew.

8. Move the binding so the join overhangs the project. Stitch along the marked line to join the 2 layers of binding together. Once sewn, double check the binding lays flat along your project and trim to leave a 1/4"seam allowance, then press the seam open.

9. Stitch the joined section of binding to the project, again using the scant 1/2" seam allowance.

To finish your binding, turn over your project. Bring the binding over to the back, folding the raw edge in and the folded edge down. Clip to hold in place and hand stitch in place on the reverse. I use a ladder stitch although a slip stitch would also be fine. Alternatively, you can use a machine to top stitch close to the edge of the binding.

Mx

 

Q3 & Q4 plans...

It is time to look at my finish along Q3 finishes and make my plans for Q4. Quite simply I have made some progress on projects but not actually finished anything this quarter. Technically I have finished my birthday stitchers swap gifts, but since I can’t share them yet, they don’t count! 

I have got very distracted and have started, and actually finished a few other things. I am disappointed but that’s just the way this quarter has gone and I need to forget it and move on.

Rather than my normal round up and new list, I have just added what progress (if any) I have made. Unfortunately I have to add a few more projects I have started too.
This list is still so long, I just need to face the reality I definitely won’t finish my list this year, not even half. So I have decided to prioritise some projects that need to be done and selected just a couple of wants. 

• birthday stitchers projects- all finished, just need wrapping, will show you in Q4!
• Christmas project for escape and create blog- almost finished and so excited to share
• Annie's advent
• Christmas pouch ig swap
• butterfly cross stitch- progress
• jo's gifts
• Christmas stocking SAL
• my advent
• finish my meadowland quilt- still needs binding!
• an EPP case for myself (as a pattern release too)- made progress 
• Cork and liberty pouch- progress
• car accessories/quilt- the quilt top is made!
• a heather ross quilt- did a little bit but not enough to really consider it progress.
• pin badge banner
• unicorn pouch
• green blanket 
• Christmas bunting
• Christmas cross stitch
• polar bear cushions
• liberty HST quilt
• Tasha noel seaside skirt
• adele dress
• makers mat SAL- skipping this year, hopefully next year

I have taken part in the Saturday night craft along swap for a few years now, I really don't want to miss it. I will see how things go though.
Of course I have made some more progress on my ice cream soda quilt, although im not expecting that to get finished this year at all... maybe not even next. 

 so that's it...wish me luck!

I am using the #2019falcraftylilmouse for all my finish-a-long projects, if you wish to check them out.

If you want to join in the finish-a-long please go visit the blog here. 

Mx