Tuesday, June 27, 2017

A Salute to the Red, White and Blue



Welcome to day 3 of Paint Brush Studios 4th of July Patriotic Palette Blog Hop.
I will be hosting today so keep reading because there is a giveaway (or 2) at the end. If you've already been following along, you can see projects on IG @paintbrushstudio look for #pbstudio #painterspalettesolids and #RWBsolids.

As some of you know I have been lucky enough to be able to participate in several Paint Brush Studios events, including their March Madness bundle challenge and now, this. Some of you also know, that these solids are my favorite brand, hands down the softest hand of the quilting solids I have had the opportunity to use. 


You may also know, that besides quilts, I sew garments and to me, seams are an elevated art form. 

  • [SEAM] noun- 1. the line formed by sewing together pieces of cloth, leather, or the like. 2. the stitches used to make such a line. verb- 1. to join with or as if with stitches; make the seam or seams of.
  • taken as a whole, seams are as varied as quilt blocks with fun names to match (bias, flat fell, French, Hong Kong, inset, open welt, picot, piped, top-stitched, etc.)
  • and as a design element: seams are absolutely essential to good construction.
I knew immediately that I wanted to use the 7 Painters Palette solids to try out a seam that doesn't immediately jump to most peoples mind, by making a quick, modern, versatile, patriotic, 2-sided project that could double as a banner or a table topper and that can be made in what ever size you like. 


For my project, you have to meet the lapped-felled seam. (Like quilt blocks, some specialty seams  are identified by several names). I like this particular combination as it really identifies the 2 basic components of this technique,  lapped seams, followed by felled seams. 

I'll walk you through the process but first you'll need to gather some supplies:
Fabric: I used 7 FQ in the following colors: White, Patriot, French Blue, River, Claret, Crimson and Tomato.

Thread: I went with a top stitch (28 wt) weight on the top, color matched to the background segment I was working on and Aurifil 50 weight 2021 in the bobbin.
Glue for basting
Iron and water bottle for spritzing (or starch, or Flatter)
Heavy weight paper (for triangle template)
Ruler, rotary cutter, washable marking pen

Ready? Set? Go (create)
1. Make a template. I made my triangle 10" wide by 6" tall. Please note that the 2 sides abutting the base have squared corners instead of pointy ones. You will see in the next steps why this is necessary. Those squared corners are 1/2" high. Because this "pattern" can be personalized, you can make your triangle template any size you choose, making your project uniquely yours. 



2. Trace your triangles (using your sturdy paper template) onto the fabric you chose for those triangles. (Here, white). Trace as many triangles as your design calls for. I used 6. Cut out your triangles and put them aside.


3. Using your triangle height as a guide, cut a strip of fabric the width of your desired finished piece plus 2" by the height of your triangle plus 2" (for me, 22" wide (the width of a FQ) by 8" high). (The extra height will be necessary giving you some wiggle room when you trim). Then, place your triangle in the center of your background fabric strip and cut along the left side, using the edge of the triangle as the cut line. (This photo shows the cut background fabric aligned with the center triangle before any ironing or sewing. By lining things up before hand, you can organize your segments  making it easier and quicker to iron, glue and then sew.

4. Take your triangle to the ironing board and iron a 1/2" fold, pressing to the FRONT of the triangle. See how nicely those squared corners line up at the triangle bottom. 

5.  Iron a 1/2" fold to the BACK of the right side background fabric (red in this photo). The remaining background piece  should match the left side of the triangle if you are doing things correctly. (This is where lining things up in step 3 really speeds things along).

6. Nest the pieces into each other as shown.  Placing the right side of the triangle and the right side of the background piece together allows the folded seam allowances to overlap, with the seam allowance of the triangle covering the cut edge of the background piece. (This is the first past of lapped portion of the lapped-felled seam). Put a little glue between the nested red and white 1/2" seam allowances , iron to set glue and keep things in place.


7. Fold the red background piece over the white triangle and re-iron the ironed background fabric seam allowance. I recommend at this time, pulling back the red background fabric and adding a little glue to the top of the nested white triangle fabric- and setting the glue by ironing again.  This extra glue basting keeps all the layers in place without letting them move. If you choose not to to that, it still works, I just like the assurance of another glue basted seam.  (Now both raw edges are covered and the 2nd lapped part of the lapped-felled seam is complete). 

8.  Take your freshly glue basted and ironed piece back to your cutting surface and trim the background fabric using the left side of the white triangle as your guide.

9. You will see if you've done everything correctly, you will have one background piece left that is exactly cut to finish the left side of your triangle. 

10. Repeat steps 4-7 to complete the left side. Trim segment at top and bottom

11. Now, the fun part..... take your glue basted triangle/background to the sewing machine where you will sew 2 seams (This is the felled portion of your lapped-felled seam). One seam should be sewn very close to the Triangle background and the other just less than 1/2" away.  The goal is to catch both lapped edges with these 2 seams. I used a matching red thread on the top  (Front: full and detail)
               

and white thread in the bobbin (Back full and detail)


12. Repeat making segment "blocks" until you have the desired number of blocks all stitched and trimmed.  You attach the linear segment "blocks" to each other with the same lapped-felled seam technique as was used to prepare each segment "block".  I decided to alternate reds and blues, moving from lightest to darkest as I went.

13. Finish the outside edges with your favorite mitered-corner technique (there are so many). Deep blue fabric showcases the mired corner from the back-side of the finished piece. Because of the construction seam choice the piece is finished on both sides and is reversible.



Since both sides of this piece are finished it is ready to use once your mitered edges are done. The seam detail is truly worth the effort and makes a beautiful image with the light shining through. (Have I mentioned I have a thing for seams.....??). 
  
Other reasons I wanted to explore this seam detail further, is, it is another way to construct projects using the Korean technique of Pojagi. I took a class a few years ago but struggled with the repeated trimming and back and forth ironing and sewing, as well as constantly having to pay attention to joining the 2 pieces (because with the traditional pojagi technique, one side has one seam showing and the other 2 seams showing). In the end I was not happy with the visual quality of my seams. Since Pojagi is reversible, you can't hide the seam detail- it's all about the seam! By using a lapped-felled seam you can glue baste all your seams first, then sit down at the sewing machine to construct your segment "blocks", without having to worry about what side of the piece your working on.  Once the segment "blocks" are done, you then can rearrange them to your liking before sewing them all together in a finished piece, again without worrying about the sidedness of the seams. 





Yes, this technique has quite a few steps, but it is so worth the extra effort. Once you make your first block the others go quickly! Depending on the size of your triangles and the width of your background fabric the possibilities for  customization are endless. You can add more than 6 segments. You could add less. You could join side segments to make this bigger...... you can also use this seam technique to construct a multitude of other gorgeous projects including, but not limited to, curtains, scarves, clothing, and summer quilt/throws. 

I hope todays tutorial has given you a few new things to consider and I hope if you explore this seam, you'll share your projects with me, on IG @spontaneousthreads use #seamsmodern

As promised....... and because you made it this far.

The GIVEAWAY
  • A winner will receive 7 fat quarters in the colors used in the Patriotic Solids blog hop. Each blogger is giving away a FQ bundle, so please make sure to visit each and follow their rules for eligibility.
  • To be entered to win, you need to leave a comment here on my blog, letting me know what your favorite 4th of July activity is.
  • The giveaway is open till June 30th at midnight. Winner chosen at random on July 1st and announced here and on IG (@spontaneousthreads)
  • If you comment make sure I can contact you if you win. Failure to do so will result in another person being chosen as a winner. If you are a no-reply blogger please your email address and IG handle in your comment.
  • Anyone can comment, but only US residents can win the FQ bundle. 

BUT, there is MORE......
I made a little 2.5" charm pack of the left overs from my project. (see photo). I will send a second luck winner this charm pack and some fun variegated hand quilting thread just because. The same rules apply (see above), BUT this is why everyone should comment- I will happily ship this little gift internationally if that's how Mr. Random number generator see things lining up.

So, good luck everyone!

PS: Just in case you missed any of the blog hop, here's a list and the dates they are participating. And you really should go and see everyones posts, remember there is inspiration and fabric on the line.


6/26: OP Quilt
6/27  YOU ARE HERE
7/3:    Peas in a Pod

52 comments:

  1. Thank you for teaching that wonderful technique! I'm self taught and I've often wondered how to sew a project and have it finished on both sides! My favorite July 4th tradition is a barbecue with the family that includes swimming!

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  2. Wow, I am a relative novice in the sewing / quilty world~ I've only made a handful of quilts and trying many techniques. This is something I've never seen before! I love your tutorial. Thank you for sharing! (This would be great to make to cub scout banners I used to make for my sons many years ago!) One of my favorite activities for the 4th of July is to gather at the courthouse and listen to the music ~ usually pickin' music :)

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  3. I love salute to the red white and blue banner. It's traditional around my house to cut the first watermelon of the season. Happy Independence Day to you.

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  4. Thank you so much for the tutorial. My favorite July 4th tradition is a cookout with family and fireworks in the evening.

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  5. A quiet holliday at home is the best. USA. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  6. This is an amazing tutorial Stephanie! Just when I think there is no mind blowing techniques to learn...you prove me wrong! Thank you for sharing...

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  7. Oh my that turned out looking like stained glass. Great job. Thank you for sharing your project.

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  8. I can see this being a great technique to use when making a banner. Thank you. So, we pretty much stay home or have a picnic with local family. This year maybe will make ice cream!!

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  9. I had never seen this technique before. It makes for both sides looking so neat. What a great banner.

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  10. Thank you for sharing such a detailed description of this technique. I enjoy watching the local 4th of July parade.

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  11. What a great technique! I love spending time with family.

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  12. My favorite activity for the Fourth of July, now that my Daughter is all grown up, is for my Husband and I to pack up a picnic lunch and take our two fur babies out in the woods for a day of relaxation. I really enjoyed reading your tutorial and hope to try it soon! Thank you for sharing and the opportunity to win. brend_ack@yahoo.com

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  13. That is such a beautiful seam! Our favorite 4th of July activity is watching the fireworks. The state we live in allows for fireworks, but the state we're just outside of doesn't so we get a lot of people coming here just to light up fireworks so we get to see them for about a week before the 4th every night. If there isn't much wind it's awful, but if the wind blows the smoke away it's really fun to see them ever night. One of my girls when she was little was always so disappointed when the nightly shows ended.

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  14. It SEAMS this has me thoroughly intrigued! Those seams are really slick. Favorite 4th activity: being able to sleep after the KAAA-BOOOOM's have stopped.

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  15. Thank you for sharing your Tutorial with us! Love your Blog!!! Thanks for chance to win your give-a-way too! :)

    Favorite 4th of July thing is to go to friends for a cookout & then watching the Amazing fireworks show at stadium near them..sittin in their front yard!! :)

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  16. Wow, your tutorial blew my mind. I am so going to try this after my niece's graduation quilt is done.

    I live near Washington DC, and love to go down town to watch the BIG display. If I can't get DH to agree, then we head to the local high school for a smaller version. There's nothing like live fireworks.

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  17. What an interesting technique! Thank you so much for the detailed tutorial.

    For several years we couldn't enjoy fireworks, even on tv, because the noise scared our elderly dogs. Now our oldest dog is having some hearing issues, so I'm thinking that this year I can return to one of my favorite 4th of July activities: watching fireworks!

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  18. i think your project turned out amazing. Thanks for sharing! I love to watch fireworks on the 4 th!

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  19. Amazing quilt! The food-especially when family brings their own pot-luck favorites-I just tend to eat 'til I feel as if I could bust-good times! Thank you, Susan

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  20. We have a big cookout and slice the first watermelon of the season-it has to have seeds! I bought it today-the biggest one I could find.

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  21. hot dogs, hamburgers and s'mores, yummmmmmmmmmmmmm!

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  22. I love fireworks displays on July 4th, and cooking out. Happy birthday America.

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  23. p.s. I love the welted seam tutorial. That is so clever, I have to try it!

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  24. I love getting together with family and swimming, eating and sharing memories and making new ones. I will have to look into your technique when i've got a little more time to spare.

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  25. Lots of potato salad and fireworks.

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  26. What a great seam technique. I never saw that method before. Love getting together with family for a cookout, backyard games, and fireworks in the evening.

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  27. I love going with my family to see the fireworks at our local park.

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  28. The fireworks in the night sky are great--also picnicking with family and friends!
    bjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)

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  29. Great tutorial! I like to have a BBQ and watch the fireworks on the 4th of July!
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  30. Your project is awesome!! I would like to try it!!
    Good food on the grill, family!!
    Thank you.
    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  31. Thank you! Great scraps!!
    kcummings71@gmail.com

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  32. Great idea for a different outdoor flag. Perfect for a cookout with family and friends. Thanks for introducing a new technique!

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  33. Wow your seams are truly amazing! Awesome! My fav fourth activity is fireworks! churcae(at)auburn(dot)edu

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  34. Great tutorial. Day spent with extended family, outside games for adults and little ones, barbecue and then fireworks to end the day.

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  35. My fav 4th of July activity is to have a BBQ w/ family & watch the fireworks.
    rozz01 at cox dot net

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  36. Awesome project! We have a community sponsored Fireworks Display in our small city. The best time is watching the fireworks, sitting on a quilt or in chairs (cause at 71, blanket sitting is hard) and sharing a snack while ooohing and aaaahing over each explosion!

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  37. attending our city's Parade and following with a ceremony at the park to honor our Veterans and Military service/men/women

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  38. PICNICS WITH FRIED CHICKEN+POTATO SALAD FOR US! GREAT PROJECT!THANK YOU!

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  39. I have been interested in this technique for a very long time! I have yet to try it and this seems to be a good project to give it a go. Thank you. I will be saving your tutorial. My favorite thing is a cookout. As long as I don't have to do the grilling! And thanks for the opportunity to win some fabric!
    kakingsbury at verizon dot net

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  40. Love this idea...by encasing all the seams, less chance of the stitches coming undone...this was a great tutorial and I am going to practice this .... alot....I have to make a baby banner for a shower..and this will be perfect....I enjoy the fireworks the most....such pretty colors and designs...kind of like quilts.....

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  41. My family on my Dad's side has a big July 4th picnic -- my favorite!

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  42. No need to enter me in the giveaway, as I just jumped over here to say Very.Cool.Technique. Your method gives a precise flat-felled look every time, which (as you say) is critical to two-sided projects. Thanks for this!
    Elizabeth

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  43. I'm not sure it's my favorite, but that piccolo solo in the Stars and Stripes Forever doesn't play itself, so that's what I'll be doing three days in a row with the community band this weekend!

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  44. My husband and I are veterans so we try to go to base to see the fireworks,it reminds us of our military days seeing all the families together enjoying the yearly fireworks and picnics

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  45. What a wonderful banner. I'll have to try this out.
    As far as the 4th of July barbecue and fireworks.

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  46. We enjoy watching the fireworks.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    Peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

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  47. My favorite thing to do on July 4th is get up and go to the Chuck Wagon breakfast at the park at 6 AM. Hang out and talk to family and friends, then we walk down the street to my great Aunt Dorothy's house and the whole family sits in the front yard to watch the parade. Then in the afternoon our immediate family gathers for a BBQ. Then we go watch fireworks at the park. This has been our tradition ever since I was a little girl.

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  48. I love to have family picnics! thanks

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  49. Great work! I especially love the idea that this project has a dual purpose...as a banner or table topper! I've always wanted to make a front door banner for the 4th of July, so this would be perfect! (new follower here!) duchick at gmail dot com

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  50. Lovely quilt! I love to relax, have a BBQ and watch fireworks--I prefer live and in person, but sometimes we watch on TV!
    Happy 4th of July!

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