Cherie Ralston brought over her new favorite sewing tool and she agreed to share how it works. (Cherie has authored several books with Blackbird Designs as well as written her own. Click on her name for a short bio.) She always finds ways to make piecing and applique easy. As you will soon see, she knows quite a bit more than me.

Here's the tool. It's called The Angler 2. It makes easy work out of half-square triangles. No more drawing lines or using paper piecing. All will be revealed here. This product comes with instructions too...but sometimes it just helps to have someone show me. I think I'm a visual learner.
Note the rectangle labeled "Key" in the picture above. This small rectangle must be cut out with an exacto-knife.

Cherie is carefully cutting the "Key" portion out.

After the "Key" is cut out notch a small hole as instructed on the Key.

This hole is for alignment with the needle on your sewing machine. Do not loose the "Key" or you will be "voted off the island." (An adage for those of you who know about reality shows.)


Now you need your squares....This sewing tool will work for all sizes up to 7 3/4".


Next center the Key on your sewing machine.

The point of your needle fits into the hole you notched earlier.
You need to have a 1/4" presser foot. (Of course I don't have one and now I realize that I very much need one. Cherie voted me "off the island" until I get one.)


The Key is in position.


The purpose of the Key is to help align the tool on your sewing machine. Cherie is placing the tool over the Key. The Key will now fit back into the area we cut it from.

While doing this step, Cherie thought it would be helpful if I had a larger surface to tape the tool in place. I got my larger plastic sewing table.


Cherie adjusted the feet of my table so it would fit. (I hate to admit this....I didn't know it was adjustable. I wish I could say Cherie didn't roll her eyes at me....but I think I did catch her rolling at least one eye!)

The larger surface of the plastic table really helped. Make sure when positioning the tool that it is straight.

Tape the tool in place. Cherie found that the blue painters tape didn't hold as well as the regular masking tape. Remove the Key at this point. You don't leave it in while sewing.


Tape the key to the side of your machine. It will be easily found the next time you need it.


Pick up your squares and place them right sides together.

Position the presser foot edge to the left of the diagonal point of the square as shown.

The remaining diagonal point is positioned on the left line of the sewing tool.

Sew a seam. Cherie likes to chain piece. After she has a long chain of squares sewn on one side, she flips them and sews the second seam. For time purposes we only did one square. Also, this is where the 1/4" presser foot comes in handy. I have a Bernina so I need a #37 foot.

Again align the diagonal point of the square to the left of the presser foot. Align the remaining diagonal point with the left line on the tool. Sew another seam.



Cherie likes to cut her squares apart with scissors. Quicker and easier.

Could I find any scissors? No...so we used the rotary cutter.

Iron them open and trim the "wings".

If you would like to win one of Cherie's favorite sewing tools just respond in the comments section. I will do the random generator thing and pick three lucky quilters. One entry per person please. Drawing will be Monday morning. Hope you have a bit of time to sew something fun!

Thank you Cherie!

Until later,

Alma

Dave and I really enjoyed the extra hour today. Instead of getting up late...we were up early and had "extra" time to walk the dogs. It was just one of those days that makes you really glad to be alive.

As we walked along a farm road, Dave noted the dark berries hanging high up in the trees growning along the hedge row. The berries are attached to a vine loaded with thorns. We cut down a long portion of the vine and brought it home. I was really careful not to let any of the berries fall on my land. This vine is not one that I want growing here. But I do love to spread it along my fireplace mantle. It's perfect for the season! Their deep rich green/black color along with the light green leaves make me think of a quilt border.

We lunched alfresco. I made a salad and added fried sage leaves on top. I picked some from my herb garden and fried them in butter. I've been thinking about them ever since reading about them on a cooking blog. A pat of butter and 8 leaves ....cooking them until the butter browns....they turn out crispy. Like a very small potato chips...If I had known how delicious these were I would have grown about 50 sage plants....maybe next year. (When Barb heard what I was feeding Dave she felt sorry for him....she told him not to worry! She would be over with chocolate chip cookies soon. She brought tears of joy to his eyes!)

While eating we picked some of my scarlet runner beans. I love the color of these small gems....



and the way the pod curls after you open them up. Isn't nature wonderful?

Wishing you time and lovely weather to enjoy the pleasures of the season!

Until later,

Alma

This is today's second post. But Linda just sent this photo to me and I know you will want to see it immediately. Look at this fabulous fabric!!! No color removal needed here. Love the lining paper too.

Linda says.....

"Thursday I went out to a fabulous local art supply store to look for paper to line my boxes. I found some delightful Italian papers and selected one with lemons for my first box.

I love the fabric. Here is the surprise; the fabric is just as it came off the bolt. When I saw it last year, I got a half yard because I knew that I would find something special to do with it. I would have preferred paper with a design of vines and/or plants more similar to that in the fabric; but what can I say? The colors do harmonize.

This box was my first and is a trial run for second one that will be a gift. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with it even though my critical eye says there are obvious flaws. I hope that subsequent boxes will have fewer flaws.

Thank-you so very much for teaching us how to cover boxes with fabric and line them. Many years ago, I bought some boxes because I wanted to cover them with wallpaper. I had attended a Spirit of Cross Stitch Festival in Des Moines where I took a workshop class featuring a stitched design to put on the top of a wallpaper covered box. I wanted to make more wallpaper covered boxes but the wallpaper was too heavy to work well. I reluctantly put the boxes away and gave up on the idea.
You have given the idea new life. Thank-you very much. The boxes are coming out of hiding." :-)
Hugs All Around,
Linda Nelson

Now....continue to scroll down and see Jean's Sewing box too.

Until later!

Alma

Jean wrote.....

"I just loved your tutorial on making fabric covered boxes.


Jean .....I have to say, You passed "Sewing Box 101" with flying colors! Click on Jean's name to go and visit her blog.

Until later!

Alma

It's raining here again today....it is so dark...I'm wishing for a sunny day.

I think there are still questions about the covered box. So today we will do a bit of Q & A.

Sherrill asked...

Couple of questions--is there a particular type of paper you copy your sampler onto? And is PVA equivalent to Elmer's? Thanks so much for sharing.

1. The paper used is the regular paper loaded in the copy machine at Kinko's. Kinko's or Fex-Ex Office is my favorite place. They have great copy machines and a staff that is willing to help if you need it....but they allow you to use their machines without their help too. Just right to play uninterrupted with a many-thousand dollar machine making images of my samplers.

2. The Paper Source PVA glue is not the same as Elmers. When you use it on paper and fabric you don't get the wrinkles you would get with Elmer's. It is archival and acid free. It is not water soluable when dry. It is flexible when dry. It is specially formulated to work with paper and cardboard.

Margaret said...

Thanks, Alma. I will definitely have to try this sometime. Now if you can solve the dust problem for me, I'll be home free. :D

1. Margaret....you are on your own! I love you dearly, but I'm not helping with the dust problem. I've got my own dust issues here!

Patchysails asked:

Hello, I did what you say to cover the boxes, and my first one went well, but my second attempt the fabric bubbled all along the sides of the box. So the top and bottom fit well but bubbled in the centers, do you know what I did for this to happen ?

1. There are a couple of things you might check. Are you using the right glue?

Remember when applying the glue to use a thin coat. Too much glue can make things a bit "gloppy". (Is that a word? I bet not...but you get the idea.)

Also, stretch the fabric a bit as you put it on the box. When it fits tightly there is less chance of ripples or bubbles. Run your fingers over the fabric to make sure it feels smooth and there are no air bubbles under the fabric.

Luned said...

Ooh pretty! You are so creative and inspiring and have such clever ideas. Thank you for the tutorial - you did make it look so do-able! I have now collected fabric, PVA, cross stitch finishes to photocopy (hope the local library's copier does colour) and I'm now going to search for a suitable box or two... or three!

1. I'm so glad you are going to try! It has taken me several boxes to really get the hang of it! Remember if the first one doesn't turn out exactly like you want ....try again! It's fun.

What do we put in a sewing box? Beautiful trims, that's what!

You have to check out Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods. Susan Gower goes to Quilt Market each year. Every time we see her booth Barb and I go crazy. I think it's the display of color. If you love to stitch....you love color. Floss, fabric, wool....we love to collect it all. Trims are my new downfall.

Susan came to the Sewing Expo in Kansas City last week. I offered to help her unload her car and set up her booth. You can't imagine the work she goes to taking all of these trims on the road. She's leading the Gypsy life for sure. She loads up her van and travels for weeks at a time going from show to show. Click on the shop name above and take a minute to check out her site. You will be glad you did!

Also Click on the "About Us" button on her site. Scroll down and you will see her Grandmother. Susan's Grandmother had a store, called Smith's Nifty Dry Goods. I just wish Susan's Grandmother could see her booth! She would be proud.

Until later!

Alma

Step 1 Trace the outside of the box lid on your decorative paper and cut it out. This is a color copy of an old Quaker sampler we own. I love to make color copies of our samplers. They look so real! You can see all of the stitches.

Step 2 Spread a thin coat of PVA glue on the inside of the box lid.


Step 3 Center the paper circle and press in place. Smooth to remove any wrinkles. It will extend up the box sides a tiny bit. Make sure those areas are smooth also. Measure the inside rim of the lid. Mine measured about 3/4" so I cut the strip about 5/8".


Step 4 Glue the strip in place. If you have to cut more than one strip, butt the paper strips together.


Step 5 The finished box lid. I wish I would have centered the verse better....but life continues to move at a very fast pace....(in other words..."This will do just fine.")

Step 6 The bottom of the covered box is done exactly like the lid. Trace the box bottom on the fabric and cut it out adding a 1/4" fold-over allowance. Spread the glue on the box bottom and glue the fabric in place.



Step 7 Glue the fold-over allowance down.


Step 8 Measure the box side and add 5/8" to the measurement. Mine measured 3" so I cut a strip of fabric 3 5/8".



Step 9 Fold over 1/4" of the fabric along the long edge for a finished edge. Iron the fold to crease. Spread a thin layer of glue along the side. Align the finished edge along the bottom of the side. Glue the strip in place. It helps to do a small area at a time. Stretch the strip along the side and smooth in place.

Step 10 Glue and fold the raw edge over. Apply more glue and press the finished edge down.

Step 11 Glue the raw edge of the fabric strip on the inside of the box. Draw the box bottom on your decorative paper and cut it out. Glue it in place exactly as you did for the box lid.

Step 12 Measure the sides. Mine measured about 2 3/4" so I cut my strip about 2 5/8". Cut the strip and glue in place.

If you have to cut more than one strip, butt the paper strips together.

Step 13 Wipe the excess glue away with a damp paper towel. Finally! We are done!!!!

It really doesn't take too much time to complete this project. I know you will want one of these! Great way to wrap gifts too. Don't worry if your work isn't perfect. Each one will be unique and different. Hey.....they are made by hand and that's what we love.

The lid fits very tightly....you might have to pull it out a bit to stretch it.

Send pictures! I would love to see how you finish yours. Now you can have a beautiful place to store your special sewing supplies!

Until later dear friends,

Alma

The blue fabric turned out better than I thought it would. Actually, I really like it. The fabric on the left is the one that was color removed and overdyed with tan dye. It looks faded and old....You could tell your friends..."Look what I found it in my grandmother's attic!"


The black fabric on the right is the one that was color removed and overdyed. I think I'm going to cover the box with this print. It just looks like it should be on an "old" sewing box.

Step 1 Trace the outline of the box lid on the reverse side of your fabric.

Step 2 Cut out the circle adding a 1/4" fold-over allowance.

Step 3 Use a sponge brush and cover the entire area of the box lid with a light coat of PVA glue.



Step 4 Center the fabric circle on the box lid and stretch and smooth the fabric in place.


Step 5 Since the centering part of step 4 is really hard to do....trim around the edge to get rid of some of the excess. I can never get mine centered just right. Plus the fabric stretches a bit as you try to pull and smooth out the fabric.

Step 6 Spread glue around the edge of the lid and press the fabric excess in place.


Step 7 Measure the rim size. Add 5/8" to the measured size. My rim measures almost 1". So I cut a strip a hair over 1 1/2".



Step 8 Fold over 1/4" of the fabric along the long edge for a finished edge. Iron the fold to crease.



Step 9 Spread a thin layer of glue along the rim.


Step 10 Align the finished edge along the top of the rim. Glue the strip in place. It helps to do a small area at a time. Stretch the strip along the rim and smooth in place.


Step 11 Glue and fold the raw edge over. Apply more glue and press the finished edge down.


Step 12 Wipe the excess glue away with a damp paper towel. Press the fabric strip along the rim edge to make sure you it is glued down securely.



Step 13 Glue the raw edge of the fabric strip on the inside of the box lid.


I am going to line the inside of the box with a color copy of a vintage sampler. For those of you who have stitched a reproduction sampler....here is the perfect place to use a color copy of your stitching. You will need a couple of images of your work....2 - 11" x 17" pages will give you enough paper to finish this project. If you would like to use old book pages or decorative paper this will work great too.

It's almost 6:00pm here...so I have to close for now. My husband and I are going out to dinner....don't want to miss that! No cooking tonight!!!!!!

Until tomorrow!

Alma