Sewing Edge Needlebook

Hi, I'm Amy and this is my first post on the Sizzix blog. Most of my projects will probably be fabric based or somehow related to sewing! Today I am going to show you how you can use the Tim Holtz Alterations Sewing Edge die to make a needlebook with quilted cover and a felt page for needle storage. I sewed two versions to show what different looks can be achieved depending on your fabric choice. This one has a vintage feel with the McCalls pattern fabric.

This one is bold and modern.

We will use the die to create an applique. I wanted a silhouette look so I used Kona Black fabric. I cut the fabric 6" x 4" (a 1/2" wider than the die in order to account for seam allowances). I then applied Steam-A-Seam 2 fusible webbing to the wrong side of the fabric. I tried sending it through the Big Shot that way and the die cut the fabric fairly well but there were a few spots that needed some snipping with the scissors. Because it is important to have nice smooth edges with raw edge applique, I tried again. I added a scrap piece of chipboard on top of my fabric and then ran it through the Big Shot. My cut was nice and clean. I would definitely recommend that tip for sharp edged applique designs.

Because we cut the fabric 1/2" wider than the die, in order to account for seam allowances, it is necessary to clip either edge in order to remove the excess fabric from the top of the cut. Then cut two 6" squares of the fabric used for the outer cover of the needlebook.

Next, remove the paper backing from the Steam-A-Seam 2 and fuse the black applique to the lower edge of the cover front with an iron.

You could choose to leave your applique alone at this point. The manufacturer claims that it is not necessary to stitch the edges to secure them.

I normally like to stitch around the edges anyway. To do this, I put on my free motion quilting foot and lowed the feed dogs on my machine and carefully followed the edges.  Though,  I think it is probably overkill for a project like this that will not be washed.

With my edge stitching presser foot, I attached some measuring tape twill tape below the die cut design.

Then I embellished the design using embroidery floss.

You will need to cut two more 6" squares of fabric for the inside cover. With right sides together, stitch along the left hand side of the front cover pieces using a 1/4" seam. Repeat for the inside cover. Cut a piece of cotton batting 6" x 12".

Make yourself a quilt sandwich and baste. Try your best to line up your inside cover and outside cover seams!

Quilt as desired.  I added rows of turquoise stitching spaced 1/4" apart in the black area below the measuring tape twill.  Then I changed my thread to white and made a box with an "x" on the back cover.

I then bound my needlebook using more of the black Kona.  I cut my binding strips to 2 1/4", my preference for small projects.  If you want, at this time, you can catch ribbon into the inner binding edge at the center of each side in order to tie the book closed. 

I matched my felt to the embroidery thread used to embellish the cover.  It is cut 5" x 9" and centered.  That allows room for Velcro on either side if you would prefer that method of closure.  Pin the felt with your pins far from the center seam because you are going to flip the book over and stitch along the seam line on the outside of the needlebook to secure the felt page.

Now you have no more excuses for lost needles!

Amy

InLinkz.com
misc: thread, sewing machine, scissors, ribbon, twill tape, embroidery floss, basting pins, wool blend felt

Prize pack giveaway!

For the next two weeks, Sizzix and Glue Dots have teamed up to bring you 10 prize packs.  Each day (Monday through Friday) for the next two weeks, we will give away one prize pack a day!

Our winner for Thursday was 

1. Lisa - papergraceApr 20, 2012 12:45 PM

   What a gorgeous card, Tiff! Love that Sizzix has Letterpress plates. Adding to my wish list. :) I'm already a Follower of both Sizzix AND Glue Dots on Twitter.

Entering to win each day is super easy!  We have 4 (four) chances for you to enter! 

Here's how:

Complete one or more of the items below to be entered. The more items you complete, the more times you'll be entered! 

1. Follow Sizzix and Glue Dots on Twitter

2. RT Sizzix's Tweets about this giveaway

3. "Like" Glue Dots and Sizzix on Facebook.

4. Leave a comment here on the Sizzix blog.

For week two, leave a comment on the Glue Dots blog below telling them how you’ve entered (i.e. Liked us on Facebook, followed us on Twitter, etc.)  If you already follow us or Like us, that is ok, just leave a comment telling us that you already follow and/or Like us.  Leave a separate comment for each step.  Each comment will be counted once so if you do three things leave three comments.  

We will select one winner each day.

Good luck!


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Week 1 winners:

Kris WhittakerApr 16, 2012 05:08 PM

I follow Sizzix and Glue Dots on FB!

Carmen NulandApr 17, 2012 11:29 AM

I retweeted a Sizzix tweet (@cmouse01)

Day 3 of our fabulous @GLUEDOTS + @Sizzix_US promo is live on our blog. Leave a comment there for a chance to win!http://sizzixblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/pop-up-tag.html

Retweeted by Nichole M. Lewno

jeanApr 19, 2012 07:04 PM

I visited gluedots blog & left a comment

jeanmheming@aol.com

Lisa - papergraceApr 20, 2012 12:45 PM

What a gorgeous card, Tiff! Love that Sizzix has Letterpress plates. Adding to my wish list. :) I'm already a Follower of both Sizzix AND Glue Dots on Twitter.