How to Make a Modern Trivet

Posted in April 2021, Aurifil by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone! I’m here today to show you how to make a modern trivet or better know as a hot pad!

What is a trivet? It’s a small plate placed under a hot servicing dish to protect a table or surface. The one I created isn’t a plate but a padded fabric pad that is thick enough to protect your table.

As an Aurifil Artisan, each month, we are tasked with a project, and this month, we partnered with FreeSpirit Fabrics to create something of our choosing using 5 fat quarters of their Kaffe Fassett Collective Classics.

Let’s take a look at my modern trivet:

I can’t help but stare at this trivet all day long. I love how it turned out. I also learned how to do a couple of things that I have never done before.

The first is adding pom-poms in the corner of the sewn piece.

Second, how to do some tufting on this piece!

I learned all of this from Rashida Coleman-Hale of Ruby Star Society. I found her project pattern and knew I wanted to recreate it for myself using this vibrant fabric from FreeSpirit Fabrics called Kaffe Fassett Collective Classics.

Here’s how to create a modern trivet:

Materials:

Aurifil Thread 2460
5 fat quarters of Kaffe Fassett Collective Classics Fabric
Linen scraps
High Loft Polyester Batting
4 Felted Balls
Sewing Needle
Scissors
Rotary Cutter
Cutting Mat
Quilting Ruler

Let’s get to work:

Step One: Cut the fabric

For the front of the trivet:

cut two 2 1/2 inch squares from 4 of the fat quarters
cut 8 2 1/2 inch squares from the linen fabric

For the back of the trivet:

cut one 8 1/2 inch square out of the 5th fat quarter

For the inside of the trivet:

cut two 10 inch squares

Step two: Prepare the patchwork

Decide on the placement for the 16 squares (8 pattern fabric pieces and 8 linen pieces).

Step three: Stitch the patchwork

Stitch the squares together using a 1/4 seam allowance. You should have 4 rows.

Now stitch each row together using a 1/4 inch seam to create one piece.

Iron the seams to each row in opposite directions.

Step four: Create the sandwich

Place the two pieces of batting down first.

Then the patchwork right sides up first.

Last, place the back piece wrong side up on the top.

Step Five: Stitch the trivet

Now stitch all around, leaving a 3-inch hole for turning.

Step six: Turn and clip the corners

Now turn the piece inside out and push out the corners.

Step seven: Attaching the pom-poms

Decide on the pom-poms that will go with your trivet.

Thread your needle and tie a knot.

Push the threaded needle through the corner of the trivet.

Then push the needle into a small portion of the pom-pom, then back down into the corner’s center, making sure the pom-pom is steady in the center. Repeat to make sure the pom-pom does fall off.

Repeat for all sides.

Once all of the pom-poms are sewn in place, whipstitch the opening closed.

Step eight: Tufting

Tufting is easy to do.

Thread your needle with your thread of choice and tie a knot.

I wanted the ties to be on the back for this trivet, so I push the needle from the back and back down and tie it on the backside.

Tie a knot and cut the tails short.

Repeat according to your taste.

Now you’re done!!

How amazing is this!!

This is perfect for my hot pot of boiling water to rest on my table.

Now it’s your turn to make a trivet. Pull out your scrap fabric stash and get to sewing.

I hope you give this project a try and let me know. I would love to see them.

Supplies used:

Thank you so much for stopping by!

27Mar2021

How to Create a Denim Pillow Sham with English Paper Piecing Hexagons

Posted in Aurifil, March 2021 by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone! I’m here today to show you how to create a denim pillow sham with English Paper Piecing Hexagons. Yes, I’m trying new things. The weather calls for it, LOL.

Springtime has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier. I love the smell of flowers, the birds chirping, and the warmer weather. Better weather calls for new skills and fun stuff. Don’t you agree? So when Auriful asked their Artisans to create a project using English Paper Piecing (EPP), I was eager to learn.

So, let’s jump into English Paper Piecing.

English Paper Piecing is a hand quilting method that allows quilters to sew intricate and complex shapes with acrylic and paper templates. EPP involves using these templates to stabilize fabric before sewn together to form blocks, sewn together to make quilts, or whatever your heart desires.

It is most effective for shapes that do not have long straight sides and will require numerous set-in corners, such as hexagons.

Let’s take a look at my Denim Pillow Sham with English Paper Piecing Hexagons:

I love this!! It was therapeutic to create. Sewing by hand relaxed me so much. It went by fast too.

Creating those hexagons would be hard if the English Paper Piecing method was not used. The edges of these hexagons are nice and clean because they are neatly folded underneath.

Interesting right? Want to learn more? Great, I’m going to show you.

Here’s how you create this Denim Pillow sham with English Paper Piecing Hexagons:

Materials:

Aurifil Monofilament Thread
1-1/4 inch Hexagons Acrylic Template
1-1/4 inch Hexagons Small Pack Paper Pieces
Sewline Glue Pen & Refill
Fabric -Tilda Chambray
Clover Gold Eye Applique Needles, No. 9
Best Press Spray Starch
Iron
Denim fabric
Quilting Ruler 3 Inches
Small Cutting Mat
Rotary Cutter
16 inch Pillow Form

Let’s get to work:

Step One: Cutting the Hexagons

Cut 3-inch squares out of the different fabrics you choose. I cut 15.

I do this to make it easier to stack my fabric in smaller pieces than dealing with the entire fat quarter or yardage.

Then I stack the squares on top of each other and cut the hexagons out using the acrylic ruler.

Step two: Glueing the hexagon paper template

Now, place the paper hexagon template on the wrong side of the fabric and glue the sides down.

Do not let the glue touch the edge of the paper. You do not want glue on your needle.

Turn the edges over so that they stick on the glue.

Step three: Stitch them together

The fun begins now! Decide on the pattern you want to create.

Start with two pieces and whipstitch two sides together using a small needle and Aurifil Monofilament thread. That way, you don’t see my stitches.

Continue doing that until you have all of your pieces stitch together.

Once you’re done, take the paper out of each hexagon. They will come out with ease and stay in shape.

If you want, you can starch and iron them.

This took me about 30 minutes to do with stopping to rethread my needle. Easy and very therapeutic to do.

Now it’s time to attach this piece to the denim fabric.

Step Four: Cut the denim fabric

The pillow form is 16 inches so cut the pillow front to 16 inches by 16 inches.

Cut two back panels to 16 inches by 10 inches. This will create the opening in the back.

Step Five: Attach hexagon to the denim fabric

You can sew this panel on the fabric, but I decided to use my sewing machine to complete the task.

Place the hexagon panel on the front of the denim front piece and pin.

Add the Monofilament thread as the top thread in your sewing machine.

If your machine comes with an applique foot, use that. I’m using the #20C foot that comes with my BERNINA 570 QE sewing machine.

Blanket stitch the entire piece.

Step Six: Sew the pillow sham

With the panel in place, it’s time to sew the pieces together.

For the back pieces, turn the 10-inch side over 1/2 and sew in place. Repeat for the second piece.

Place the front panel right-side up first.

Then place one of the back panels right sides down, matching the raw edges.

Now place the second-panel right-side down, matching the raw edges.

Both sewn edges should be in the middle and on top of each other.

Sew the entire pillow sham closed using a 1/2 inch seam allowance.

If your hexagons hangover, trim them off. Trim the corners to reduce bulk.

You can zig-zag the edges if you want but not needed since no one will see it.

Turn the pillow sham inside out and push out the corners.

Insert your pillow form, and you’re done!

Beautiful right!

Now it’s time to make the matching pillow. The best thing about this pillow sham is it’s WASHABLE!!!

It’s your turn now to give this project a try. Will you? I would love to hear all about it.

Supplies used:

Thank you so much for stopping by!

27Feb2021

How to Decorate a Pouch using Different Thread Weights

Posted in Aurifil, February 2021 by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone! Today I’m going to show you how to decorate a pouch using different weight threads.

When I first started sewing, I had no clue thread came in different weights. I thought all thread was the same until I was introduced to Aurifil.

What a game-changer!

Let’s look at my decorated pouch:

The flowers sewn onto the pouch are all created by the same color but in different weights. Yes, the weight makes a difference.

I used four different weights when making this pouch. I used natural white (2021) in the following weights: 28 wt, 12 wt, 40 wt, and 50 wt.

Let’s explore some more:

28 wt (gray spool):

It’s the second heaviest weight thread that Auriful offers and is perfect for projects such as hand applique, blanket stitch, Machine embroidery, and quilting.

12 wt (red spool):

The heaviest weight thread Aurifil offers are perfect for hand embroidery, embellishments, Sashiko, and machine art quilting.

I love how thick this thread is. Perfect for Sashiko stitching which I love.

40 wt (green spool):

Is a slightly thicker weight and is used for sewing bags, garments topstitching, and machine applique. This is slowly becoming my favorite.

50 wt (orange spool):

This is my go thread for everything, which might change. It a strong and thin thread that is flat and leaves crisp seams. It’s used for almost everything, such as EPP, machine embroidery, whole cloth, mico quilting, and needle turn applique. I love how this thread sinks into the material.

After using all of these different weights, I now understand what they look like together and will let out and try them instead of always reaching for the 50 wt.

Stitching the design:

Thread the top thread with one of the three threads: 12 wt, 28 wt, or 40 wt.
Load the bobbin with the 50 wt thread.
Decide on a decorative stitch that comes with your sewing machine. On the BERNINA 570 QE, I used decorative stitch 1108.
With each new decorative stitch, I switch out the different weight threads.
Once the stitching is completed, make the pouch.

Such an amazing layer of texture from the different thread weights. What is your favorite thread weight? What are you most comfortable using? Is there a weight that you would love to try? I would love to hear all about it.

Supplies used:

There are some compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you.

Thank you so much for stopping by,

24Nov2020

How to Make a Quilted Travel Roll

Posted in Aurifil, November 2020 by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone!! I’m here today with a super cute quilted travel roll tutorial as a part of the Aurifil Artisan November Challenge – Hand Quilting!

Traveling is one of my favorite things to do. I usually travel at least 3 times a year. I love seeing different places and meeting new people. One of my goals is to visit every country at least once.

COVID-19 has put a halt to my travel plans. I was supposed to take a class in Portland during March, spend my birthday in Aruba in April, and have fun with my sister and our children in Belize and Mexico in August. None of that happened, and I can’t wait till we get to jet-set again.

While we wait for the green light to travel again safely, I am getting ready by making some new cute travel quilted rolls, and I’m going to show you how.

Take a look at my quilted travel roll:

Now I have to say, I don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but when I travel, I want to make sure I have all of the items that I do wear or would like to wear with the outfits in my suitcases. This case stores my jewelry in a safe, scratch-free place.

Here’s how I created this quilted travel roll:

Materials:

2 Coordinating Fat Quarters – Honey Bee Collection
Batting
Aurifil Floss – 2140
Aurifil 12wt – 2140
Pins
Sewing Machine (BERNINA 570 QE)
90/14 Topstitch needle
Quilting Ruler
Cutting Mat
Studio Carta Tight Weave Cotton Ribbon – Marigold
Studio Carta Cotton Ribbon – Marigold
Fabric Pen/Chalk
Scissors
Sashiko Sewing Needle

Let’s begin:

Step 1: Cutting fabric

Cut fabric and batting to 20 inches x 10 inches.

Step 2: Create a quilt sandwich

Lay the bottom fabric (exterior fabric) down first, the wrong side facing up.

Then place the batting on top of that.

Place the top fabric (interior fabric) on top of the batting, right side facing up.

Pin in place.

Step 3: Prepare the fabric for hand quilting

Using a quilting ruler, draw a centerline horizontally across the fabric using a fabric pen or chalk if your fabric is dark.

Measure 2.5 inches from the short edge and draw a vertical line. Next, measure 5 inches from that line and draw another line. Repeat till the end.

Step 4: Hand quilt

Thread a sashiko sewing needle with Aurifil Floss 2140 and begin hand stitching on all of the drawn lines.

The rule of thumb is to measure the thread by the length of your arm.

Step 5: Add binding

I used Studio Carta Marigold Tight Weave Cotton Ribbon for the binding. Place one edge of the ribbon against the raw edge of the quilted fabric and pin.

Go around the entire piece, create a mitered corner at each corner.

Pin the ribbon on the inside of the binding and in the middle of the roll.

Step 6: Sew the binding

Sew the binding a quarter inch around the entire piece.

When you finish, change the top and bobbin thread to Aurifil 12wt thread.

I sew with a BERNINA 570 QE sewing machine, and they have a high thread tension bobbin case (golden-yellow bobbin case), which allowed me to add the 12wt thread in the bobbin.

Change the needle to a new 90/14 Topstitch needle.

Fold the binding over to the back and stitch in place.

Step 7: Stitch the ribbon on the inside

This step could have taken place when the hand quilting was happening, but I decided to do it now.

Change out the top thread and the bobbin thread to a microfilament thread so that you can’t see the thread on either side.

Stitch the two ribbons on the inside.

Complete!

Here’s how I use it:

I tie my bracelets with the hanging ribbon and hanging my necklaces from the broad ribbon.

I hook my earing to the broad ribbon.

Super cute and fun!

So what do you think? I hope this inspires you to try and make your own quilted travel roll.

Supplies used:

There are some compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you.

Thank you so much for stopping by!

27Oct2020

Aurifil Artisan October Challenge – Bag Making

Posted in Aurifil, October 2020 by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone!! I’m here today participating in the Aurifil Artisan October Challenge – Bag Making! Yayy!!

I’m pretty excited about this challenge because I started my sewing journey with a tote bag. My daughter taught me how to sew a tote bag. I was so excited to see the finished bag. I held it up next to my daughter’s bag and laughed so hard. My handles were all wrong. My daughter said, “Mom, don’t worry, it can go on your bike handles.” I laughed even harder because I didn’t own a bike.

Since that day, I’ve been making bags and loving it.

Take a look at my mini bag:

This mini bag perfect for my daughter. Her keys, money, and ID can fit in this mini bag when we are going out. Now she can put her belonging in my bag and find them when she needs them, LOL!

Bag Elements:

I used 5 different fabric patterns. Matching up the different fabrics was fun, and I need to do it more often.

The lining is just a cute as the outside of the bag.

I learned how to do Sashiko stitching some time ago. I love adding it to different projects. It was a must for this one. It adds texture and dimension.

Aurifil thread is perfect for a bag like this. The different thread weights create the texture.

The beaded zipper pull is a fun element that matches the fabric perfectly.

Take a Closer Look:

Making this bag was fun and took no time at all. I want to make a bigger version and possibly add a wristlet. Now that would be cute.

Pattern found in the Making No. 6 Magazine.

Thanks for stopping by!

25Aug2020

How to Create a Set of Sashiko Mug Rugs with Aurifil 12wt Thread

Posted in August 2020, Aurifil by Kreative Kymona

Hello everyone! I’m so happy to be here today to show you how to create a set of sashiko mug rugs with Aurifil 12wt thread.

I’ve had some recent bumps in the road, but I’m on the mend in the right direction. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I’ve promised myself to catch up slowly, and that is what I intend to do!!

Today, it’s all about hand-stitching. It’s comfortable and therapeutic to do, especially if getting to your sewing machine isn’t an option at the moment.

Take a look at my brand new Sashiko Mug Rugs:

Such beautiful patterns that would look amazing on any coffee table.

I love using Auriful’s 12wt thread because it’s thick and stands out against this pretty blue fabric.

Aurifil 12wt Thread info:

It is the heaviest weight thread that Aurifil offer and is perfect for:

-hand applique
-hand embroidery
-hand quilting
-cross stitch
-embellishment
-handmade lace
-machine applique
-blanket stitch
-machine embroidery (especially for designs that use a longer stitch length)
-machine art quilting
-Sashiko
-redwork
-lower looper serging
-longarm quilting (which I hope to do someday soon).

Imagine all of those projects that this thread is perfect for. Let me show you how I used it on my project.