Sew very SWEET BOOKS!

These are IN STOCK now in the shop!

We love quality Children's Books--and these 2 new paperback books have adorable pictures and catchy rhymes!

It's a wonderful idea to have a plot involve SEWING and QUILTING--Sweet Gabby shows her little friends TLC as she stitches something special--
and little ones everywhere will be inspired to create something, too!

Each Book  comes with a free pattern --
our price -- only $9.99!  (Suggested $10.95)  
(Patterns alone $3)

 Would you like to peek inside?

GABBY QUILTS FOR FRIENDS 

 GABBY'S WINTER JAMMIES

Review Time! The Skinny on Fusible Web Tape

    We have always loved using Steam-A-Seam products for fusing applique and we now carry Steam-A-Seam in rolls of 1/2" and 1/4" widths.  Skinny fusibles are great for doing appliques--stems, etc, attaching trims, hemming, and zippers.

       I thought I would do a little comparison of (SaS) Steam-A-Seam 2 fusible tape (1/4") with (SW) Stitch Witchery Tape (5/8" in light and normal.)  I applied each product between 2 strips of 100% cotton fabric according to manufacturers' directions. When cooled I pulled strips apart half way to check bonding--then I washed them--and repressed and checked bond again.

      All of them bonded well and when pressed after washing--they all maintained a good bond and "rebonded" where I had pulled them apart.  For Applique you need to have a pressing cloth for both products to protect your iron from residue.   Both come in different widths--SaS in 1/4" and 1/2"--SW in 1/4", 5/8", 1", 2" in light to heavy.

      My Preference is the Steam-A-Seam and here's why: 

      Only Steam-A-Seam is a little tacky to help it stay in place as you get ready to press. (although it sticks better if you warm the cloth with an iron before pressing the sticky side on.) Also it is a bit less stiff after fusing than SW.

     Steam-A-Seam is applied in 20 seconds with a warm iron, while the Stitch Witchery tells you to use a damp cloth and steam and a little bit more time.

      I also prefer 1/2" to 5/8" size for wider uses and IF you get the 1/4" SAS it comes in 40 yard packs compared to 20 yards for the SW.  1/2" SAS is also 20 yards.

Review Time! 505 Basting Spray and Quilter's Dream FUSION

 For BASTING the Top and Backing of Larger quilt projects to batting(and smaller projects too!)--We recommend 505 SPRAY--Temporary Fabric Adhesive.  Just a light coat creates a good bond. If some wrinkles along the way--just pull up and reposition fabric.  The adhesive holds well and will not leave excessive gummy residue on needles.  Wins the "Money Well Spent" Prize.
BYE BYE tedious Pin and Thread Basting!

Fusible Cotton Batting?  Yes, indeed!  This IS the same wonderful, soft 100% cotton  batting from Quilter's Dream that we have recommended to you for years--but with fusible fibers on one side!
I was curious and bought the "twin" for the bed quilt I was making my grandson(more about that later!)
FIRST: the GOOD news is that this batting comes in many sizes, is very easy to work with and fuses smoothly and securely.  Also,  Press with a Dry iron according to enclosed directions--you can reposition your fabric but if you Press with Steam a strong permanent bond is created-while the batting stays very soft.
NEXT:  The Not So Good news is I was using it for a pretty big quilt--When I bought it, I assumed it fuses both sides--Hmmmm--IF it had been fusible on both sides, how would I have managed THAT!?
I did FUSE the Dream Fusion to the BACKING, but I'm here to tell you that 68" by 86" takes a good while to press. (Basted the Top on with 505 Spray)

We recommend:

     Quilter's Dream FUSION is a softer, natural cotton alternative to the slightly stiffer fusible polyester fleece.  Ideal for adding soft body to  purses, bags, table toppers, clothing, and other small projects.  It's PERFECT for fusing the backing to batting in Quilt as You Go projects.   MORE GOOD NEWS that may surprise you--Adding up cost by square inch--it actually costs LESS than fusible fleece!  
      


Both the Dream FUSION Batting and 505 are in stock now at The Dusty Attic!
by Cindy