with Rob Appell
Freestyle applique leaves you with a million raw edges. And then, when it’s time for machine quilting, you have to carefully stitch along the perimeter of each piece. Frankly, it cramps my “free” style.
Today I’ll show you how to add a layer of nylon netting over your quilt top. It’ll hold everything in place so your stitch patterns can be wild and free.
Click HERE to watch the vid!
I enjoy quilting from a pattern, but my first love is freestyle applique. I let my imagination take the wheel as scraps of fabric are transformed into a totally unique scene.
Globe trotters, today’s your day! I’m working on a fabric luggage tag that can really take a beating. It’s made from a solid piece of James Thompson canvas, so it’s incredibly strong and durable.
Customize this project with your favorite fabric color, cool decorative stitching, or even a bit of applique. Then slide in your business card, and you’ve got a unique tag that’ll last for years to come.
Click HERE to get the free downloadable PDF!
Man Sewing gives me a lot of fun opportunities to travel and I’ve become a bit of an expert, if I do say so myself. Traveling can be cumbersome and draining, or it can be smooth sailing. I prefer to make things as easy as possible on myself and plan ahead. I’ve even used quite a few of my own tutorials to whip up some awesome accessories to carry along with me wherever I go. So take my advice, the extra suitcase is worth it to carry along the comforts of home.
My travel must-haves include:
Before you hop on that plane, remember, a Man Sewing trip is much more fun than just a regular trip. Traveling can be a lot easier when you have the essentials. Catch you later!
I cannot begin to say how excited I am to share this news with you. My new Shark Applicutter rotary cutter is now available for purchase (at missouriquiltco.com)! This product has been in my head for years and I am so happy to finally be able to share it with all of you! This cutter is the perfect tool for applique and other detailed projects! The 14mm blade is the smallest available, perfect for those curves and tight angles.
Watch the video to see it in action!
The Shark Applicutter makes intricate cuts easier and more exact with these great features:
I can’t wait to hear about your experiences once you get to try it out for yourselves! It’s available at Missouri Star Quilt Company HERE.
Rob demonstrates a square and arc stitch motif for FMQ on a home sewing machine. This design is perfect for a modern quilt pattern or even to bring more life to a solid choice in fabric! He uses Machingers Quilting Gloves and a Sew Slip Multi Purpose Sheet as he quilts.
Click HERE to get supplies
String quilting is a quick & easy type of foundation piecing. Strips are stitched to a fabric base, and you can get a little crazy with angles and skinny pieces because the foundation keeps everything nice and pucker-free.
This week’s quilt was inspired by the incredible fabric designs of Kaffe Fassett, so of course it’s all about color and movement. I chose to create half square triangles by sewing my strips diagonally on one half of each foundational block. How cool is that? Click HERE to watch the tutorial
A sewing machine is an remarkably versatile tool – don’t limit yourself to basic, flat projects!
My fabric bowl is like a 3-dimensional sculpture, and construction is simple with fabric scraps, cording, and a classic zigzag stitch. It looks great, is super useful, and makes a fantastic gift.
Click HERE to watch the tutorial!
You’ve got mail!
I’m a more sensitive guy than most of you would imagine. I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched a rom-com with my wife. Well, us sensitive guys know that no matter what your significant other might say, Valentine’s Day is not a holiday to be trifled with! In the past I’ve spent hours cruising the local shops, racking my brain, trying to find the perfect gift. But in my experience, something handmade and from the heart always does the trick. Then I realized I’ve already got the perfect idea!
Be prepared this year with a gift that’s super easy, and super rad. Skip the greeting card aisle and sit down at your sewing machine to whip up a few fabric postcards! Even if your loved one is far away, these awesome fabric postcards can be dropped in the mail just like a regular letter.
Watch my Fabric Postcard Tutorial and see how easy it is to make a personalized card that will last for a long time! Start with your favorite fabric, add a few embellishments, and you’ve got a gift that will definitely win you some points this year. For the traditional cards, I used the Dear Heart collection by Studio E.
I use a fun technique here called “fussy cutting.” Basically, it means cutting your fabric in a way that shows off a special part of an illustration or motif. It’s perfect for these postcards!
And check out this awesome “Zombie Love” fabric by Riley Blake Designs. Nothing says “I love you” quite like literally giving your heart to someone special. I think my kids will get a kick out of these!
I hope you give these D.I.Y. Valentines a try and be sure to share yours with me on social media using #mansewing!
Two years ago, Jenny Doan and I teamed up for an epic 3 Dudes Quilt tutorial. More than 335,000 views later, I’m ready for a re-mix! The 3D Dudes Quilt is visually complex, but it comes together easily thanks to strip piecing and Jenny’s signature half-square triangle shortcuts.
Click on the button to watch the video and get the supplies to add some more dimension to your life!
(And, for old times sake, you can click HERE to watch the original 3 Dudes Quilt tutorial with Jenny and me.)