It's Magic!

If you have worked with textiles of any kind, you know all about that necessary but evil job of ironing.  It isn't a fun job, but somebody has to do it!

We have tested and approved a product that takes your everyday ironing up to the next level!

It's the Magic Pressing Mat by Pam Damour.

The mat is a compressed felted wool product, about 1/2" thick and 12" x 18".

 Just place it on top of your ironing board and proceed to iron.   In the picture below, I have it on my little travel ironing board.  It sits right next to my machine in the sewing room for any small iroining jobs and for keeping some necessities handy.  In most cases, I use steam with this but it can work with a dry iron, too.  The wool fibers trap and hold onto the heat and steam, multiplying the effect on the item being ironed.  I can really tell the difference when I tested it by putting my hand beneath the block right after ironing.  It's HOT!

Here's a little before and after of some curvey quilt blocks--

These arcs of the Mini Rings by Sew Kind of Wonderful don't always look so wonderful!
Even after pressing with my regular ironing method,
 they left me wondering if those ripples would "quilt out" and look better when finished.

Then I repressed them with the Magic Pressing Mat and there is a visible difference in the look.
Much closer to the flat blocks that I want to see.
I'm getting this small quilt ready to teach for a summer class!

 And the benefits are just for quilting, either!  The concept of pressing on wool isn't new, it's been a useful tool of garment and tailoring skills for a long time.  Remember the pressing ham?  It's a sort of football shaped form, one side covered in wool, to put beneath curves that need to be shaped to fit a person.  I have a simple denim shirt that I love to wear because it's stretchy and comfortable.  But I was alway bothered by the fact that the back hem edge always rolled up on itself.  I could ignore it pretty well because I didn't have to look at the back while I was wearing it, but I always knew it was there.  It never stayed down after ironing it flat.  Until the Magic Pressing Mat happened!  I steam pressed the heck out of it on the Magic Mat, and voila, it stays flat now after multiple wearings!

One thing that almost everyone comments on after using the mat is the fact that there is a bit of a smell.  That's the hot wool smell!  Not unpleasant at all, so much nicer than the actual sheep barn!

Call us at the store (651-429-1039) to purchase your own Magic Pressing Mat for $55!  We have been selling a bunch of them, but we keep re-ordering so we can have them in stock for you!

It's Time For Gift Giving!

Need some gift ideas?  We have some options for you to consider...

A Cozy Scarf pack for only $6 each, with free directions to make 3 variations.  This is soft and cuddly fabric with easy no-sew or low-sew possibilities!  And pulling the threads to make the fringe is really rather soothing if you get too much jingle in your jangle!  Tammy is a good sport for our photo session, maybe she will find one under the tree at her house?!

A handcrafted seam ripper with wooden handle--$17 and a choice of wood color.  These are going fast!  I can personally vouch for the quality of workmanship and sharpness.  If you have to rip, you might as well do it in style!

A great new iron also makes the world a happier place, at least in the sewing room!  This has the advantage of being a cordless model, so it can be utilized in some different ways.  Since I do longarm machine quilting, sometimes I encounter something that needs to be pressed while the quilt is on the frame.  With my Panasonic cordless iron, it's simple to do!  $129.95

And for the mobile quilter on-the-go, this travel sized Clover Wedge iron is just what's needed.  It costs $49.98 and is worth every penny!

Another uniquely handcrafted gift is the little Needle Nanny.   It has a magnetic attraction!   It can be placed on your lapel or on the project in the works.  While doing some handwork, when you need a break or just get interrupted, it holds onto your needle until you get back to the stitching!  We have a variety of designs and shapes to choose from for $11.99.

One of these key fobs with wrist bands is a perfect little stocking stuffer and costs just $9.  They work for keys, loyalty cards, flash drives, or anything you need to hook up!

From the same artisan who creates the wooden seam rippers, we have numerous wooden bowls, platters, vases, etc.  Each one is unique.  They really are something special, and we have a variety of sizes, shapes and colors.  Depending on size, they are priced between $10 and $20.  They are sanded so smoothly, it's a special sensation just to touch!

Our imported woven baskets from Ghana are also one-of-a-kind gifts.  No two are exactly alike!  Depending on size, they range in price from $40 to $50.  From bright colors to subtle shading, they are works of art and utilitarian on top of that!  They are quite durable and strong.

I'll be back in a day or 2 with more ideas for you!  Quantities can be limited, but we always try to get more in stock.  Even if Santa's elves can't get it here before Christmas, we would be happy to write up a gift card to cover the cost of the item to be picked up later.

Pam

Sewing Tips for Ten!

There are some tips and information that I want to share with you regarding my new quilt pattern, Ten.  This is kind of an add-on bonus to the printed directions for Ten.  The Ten pattern is available for purchase at Bear Patch. 

Ten by Emmaline Design
Quilt MN 10th Anniversary

The blocks in Ten used quite a few of the "corner squares", AKA "snowball", or "cheater corners".  I re-named them because in my opinion, it's not cheating to build a better block and improve on techniques!

When I first learned quilting, in 1980, things were mostly done by hand.  So I learned that to make a piece that looks like this:

I would use a triangle template and a matching strip that was cut at a 45 degree angle on both ends.  Simply hand stitch on the seamline, and you've got it!

Then came the sewing machine revolution!  We discovered that our sewing machines could stitch together quilt block pieces in a fraction of the time of hand sewing!  We went through a period of adjustment and acceptance before this machine work was viewed as legitimate.  When I started attending my local quilting group, Ham Lake Piecemakers, the majority of the group did entirely handwork.  Or maybe they were learning to piece by machine, but always quilted by hand.  Thanks to a few friendly and open-minded members, they took me in anyway!  Now the tables have turned, and those who do hand piecing and hand quilting are few and far between.  I still dabble in the art of hand quilting a bit, but I love my machines!

So now, there is a method to make those little triangle pieces on the corners of a larger strip or square or rectangle by machine.  By stitching a diagonal line across a square shape and the larger shape beneath it, we can mostly eliminate any problems with stretch on that bias edge.  But, we need to practice accuracy or else we get sloppy results.

There are 3 methods I am going to cover for this technique.

1.  Place a strip of masking tape on the bed and tabletop of your machine, in line with the foot.  It only needs to be about 4" long.  Mark a straight line down the tape.  Put the needle down and center the marked line with the needle.  Make sure it isn't slightly angled one way or another.  Don't let the tape come in contact with the feed dogs.  That would really screw things up!  Feed one corner of the little square to the needle.  Keep the opposite corner of the square on that center line as you continue to feed it into the needle.  No need to backstitch because these will be sewn into another seam later and prevent the ends from loosening.

Drawback:  this doesn't work with large pieces because you can't get a line of tape extending forward far enough to accommodate something like an 8" or 10" square.  Depending on the type of tape used and how long it's left in place, you could get some gummy residue.

Advantage:  it's cheap!

2.  There are several products that can be purchased to use instead of the masking tape.  These all afix to the bed and tabletop of your machine in some way.  Probably my favorite is Clearly Perfect Angles.  It is a "cling-on" sheet of plastic that has the markings for the diagonal seams, plus more.  There are directions for using the additional markings in other piecing.  Plus, if you are sewing garments, there's a 5/8" line printed on the plastic to guide your fabric.  Here's a link to a short video demonstrating some of the features of this product.

Drawback:  purchase required, and you have to remember where you put it!

Advantage:  it is easy to put in place and has the option to be left in place indefinitely (so you don't have to remember where you put it!).

3.  Draw a pencil line on the wrong side of the little squares from corner to corner.  Use a ruler that's small enough to be convenient and just a little longer than that diagonal line needs to be.  It's best to use a sheet of very fine grit sandpaper on the table top.  You can even purchase sandpaper boards.  The grit holds the fabric still but isn't rough enough to make a bumpy surface.  If you have the fabric on a smooth surface and apply much pressure to the pencil, you can get a little "wave" of fabric just ahead of the pencil, and that inevitably turns out crooked.  Use a mechanical pencil to keep a sharp point and fine line.
Drawback:  takes longer to prepare
Advantage:  very little expense required (sandpaper and mechanical pencil).

Now, let's talk about a pressing matter:
You might have noted that quite a few of the newer patterns call for pressing your seams open instead of to one side.  If you have made garments, pressing seams open is the norm.  For a long time, we have had it drilled into our quilting brains that we always press seam allowances to the side, usually the darker of the 2 fabrics.  I'm not 100% sure of why that was the absolute correct way to do it, but I have a theory!  When seams were hand stitched with a running stitch, there could be little gaps visible if the seams were pressed open and then stretched.  By pressing to one side, anything visible through a tiny gap in stitches would just show as ordinary fabric.
Flash forward to today, with machines that sew a neat and tidy seam, and there are no gaps!  So if that was the reasoning behind the pressing question, it now is invalid.  And we can press any direction we want!  When I have some bulk in the seam at points where seamlines cross, it can look much neater to press open.  And I have a handy little helper for that!

The Strip Stick!  It's a fabric covered stick, flat on one side and slightly curved on the other, and available to purchase at Bear Patch.  When I lay the seam on the curved side of the stick, it is easier to get the tip of the iron started on the seam correctly between the 2 layers, and continue the length of the seam.  There are several lengths available, I use the 18" size for all of my needs.  I can press one section, then slide and reposition for the next area.

Give it a try--you might just be surprised at how you like it!  

I hope that this is some help to you not only for your Ten quilt,
but many other sewing and quilting uses.   If you are interested in purchasing the Clearly Perfect Angles and/or Strip Stick, please contact the store at 651-429-1039.
Pam

Extreme Ironing

An excellent idea for improving the life of a quilter--

A lovely new, bright and shiny, fancy pants iron!

The Panasonic 360 Freestyle Cordless Steam Iron!

We have a limited quantity of these on hand, so don't dilly dally if you want one.  I have been putting my own precious new iron through the paces the last few days, and I can assure you, it is a keeper!  It is a cordless style with tapered points on both ends, something that is not your typical iron.  But then, you are not the typical quilter, either, right?!  

Because you are special, and you deserve a special iron!

It is easy to handle, heats up well and steams well, and even comes with a handy carrying case.  Your new iron is all wrapped up and ready to go with a big bow on top!

Call (651-429-1039), email (info@bearpatchquilting.com) or come in the store!  

You won't be sorry!

Day 10 -- Best Press

The 12 Days of Christmas

Day 10

Best Press starch alternative--
buy the 16.9 oz. spray bottle for $7.95,

 get the 6 oz. spray bottle free ($3.99 value)

Best Press is a clear, crisp spray starch alternative with a lovely scent that makes ironing more enjoyable. It’s in a non-aerosol can, so it’s environmentally friendly and you can see how much is left, too.

With Best Press, there’s no flaking, clogging, or white residue on dark fabrics. A special stain shield protects fabrics, and the product helps resist wrinkles. Best of all, it’s more effective than any starch you’ve ever used. Try Best Press today- you will never go back to ironing with spray starch!

Did you know that Mary Ellen Pinkham, the developer of this product and many others, is a Minnesotan?  She has created a nice little empire being the lady who has tips for everything.

Click here to learn more fun facts about Mary Ellen!

Just in case your ironing bores you, take a cue from these extreme ironing experts!

Makes my ironing look a whole lot safer!

The Important Stuff

The first order for the 12 Days of Christmas requires your name, 

phone number and credit card number,

which we will hold and charge with the total amount at 

the conclusion of the 12 Days.

DO NOT email your credit card number.

Call us or we will call you.

Orders can be placed via email, phone (651-429-1039)

or in-person at the store during regular business hours.

Mon-Thurs 9-9,  Fri and Sat 9-5,  Sun 12-4.

Pick-up begins December 19 and ends December 23.  

No items may be picked up before 12/19.

Remember, we are closed December 24, 25 and 26.

Items can be shipped for the additional amount of postage.

No handling fee is charged.

Liquid and/or oversized items will not be shipped.

The items offered are in limited supply, so requests

are filled in the order received while supplies last.

Sign up for our email list, follow us on Facebook or come back here to our blog

to get up-to-date information every day.  If you are on the email list you will also enjoy a recipe each day!

Stay tuned for Day 11!

Pam

Pressing Matters

Today I have a nice little idea for you that is so simple yet so great. This is all about the humble pressing cloth. I have come to realize that using a pressing cloth can make a big difference in the success of some of my projects. It is especially useful for applying iron-on interfacings or stabilizers or batting, so I can get enough heat to create the fused bond but not melt anything to the bottom of my iron! I generally have used a chunk of muslin, since that is usually plentiful and cheap and works.

Not very long ago, Debbie told me that she was ordering a bolt of white organdy fabric because it makes the perfect pressing cloth. I experienced a moment of thinking "What will she think of next??" and maybe even "What makes her pressing cloth so special?". But she is the boss, so if she wants a bolt of organdy then she can have a bolt of organdy! Who knows, maybe we will start making bridal couture!

So the bolt of organdy arrived, and I was leaving for a retreat, so I decided I wanted to try out this organdy press cloth idea with some others. You know, put it to the test. See if it's really worth chucking out the muslin I've been using (which is brown enough to earn a replacement anyway). I thought it was kind of stiff, and Debbie told me to just serge off the raw edges and run it through the wash once. Which I didn't totally do (the serging part was skipped) but I did pack it up for my trip. Well, it was a hit! We used that pressing cloth in a variety of ways and found that it is, indeed, superior to the muslin we were used to. Who knew!? It's thin enough that you can see what it underneath it and do a more accurate job of placement and pressing. And it just seems - well, sort of like a little luxury on the ironing board! We do get pleasure in the little things, don't we?

So, to make this long story short, get thee down to Bear Patch and try out some organdy press cloths! Because we do have a whole bolt of it! It is only $6.99/yard, so it is a sweet little idea that is inexpensive, useful and thoughtful for the other people you know who use an ironing board more than twice a year!

A Pressing Idea

Who would know how important a good iron is other than your fellow quilters? These 2 products have risen to the top of the heap, in our opinion. The Rowenta Travel Iron ($50.00) is easy to use, comfortable to grip and a good size to transport. When you are sewing with a group, it is always nice to have your own little ironing spot but you don't want to jeopardize the power source with using a full size iron. This is the perfect solution!

But when it comes to a full size iron, this Velocity iron from Reliable is the cat's meow! It is actually on my own wish list this year! And if it's good enough for me, it's good enough for Oprah's list, too! This V50 model is $115, get 'em while they're hot!