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Tutorial: How to Make a Yo-Yo

9/15/2015

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Hi Everyone!  

This was a fun tutorial to put together and I have even included a video (just in case you did not want to read this whole article! And yes I have created a YouTube Channel... very nervous about that!  So be kind just in case you leave a comment and critique, LOL!

Yo-Yo's can be used for a lot of projects! Embellishments, backdrops on quilts, and even a full quilt, the possibilities are endless.  I love to make them for my garlands that are sold in my shop.
Now to get started!

The supplies you will need:
Scrap of Fabric (make sure it covers the plastic template)
Scissors
Thread
Needle
Yo-Yo Plastic Template
(I used the Quick Circle Y-Yo Maker - Nancy's Notions)
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You want to take your fabric and place it on top of the yo-yo template with the hole in the middle. Make sure the wrong side of the fabric is facing you at this point. You will then place the solid yo-yo template on top of your fabric, making sure the edges are kept outside of the circle.


When placing the plastic template onto your fabric you want to make sure you are matching up the raised line facing you to the notch on the bottom portion (see the top photo to the left).
Next you want to grab your scissors and cut off the excess fabric from around the circle. You will cut along the edge of the template making sure you have an excess of fabric to just turn inside so you can sew through both layers of fabric.
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Thread your needle and make sure there is a knot at the end (Yes I have forgotten to do this!). You want to start sewing to the left of the notch. Place your needle through both layers of fabric and pull through until the knot catches.  When you look at the other side you will see you are to the right of the opening.


To bring your needle back to the side you started you want to place the needle to the left of the opening.


You are now back to the side you started.


You will continue to do this stitch around the template until you reach the point where you started.


You will repeat one more stitch. Yes they will overlap!
You will now pop out the top template using the hole cut out underneath by pushing on it. 
Once separated you will then pull the fabric off the plastic template.
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Place your fabric on a hard surface (our your leg) and start pulling on your thread.  You will see the fabric will naturally gather upon itself.  While pulling you will start to form your yo-yo into the circle you want.




Knot your thread on which ever side you chose on your yo-yo.  Snip it close and Wha-lah!  You have just created a Fabric Yo-Yo!

From here the possibilities are endless in your creativity!
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I hope everyone enjoys this tutorial, I had a lot of fun putting it together!  Now that I made you all read this post, below is a video with the same information!

First video made EVER, so I apologize for the background sound!

Let me know what you think!

ENJOY!
~ Desiree
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What... I Need a Different Needle?

7/19/2015

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Hello Everyone!  It has been awhile since my last post... 

Was really busy traveling (NO, not a vacation, I know, pitty...) but thank goodness for my iPad and Facebook. I am involved in some great groups and we have some great conversations throughout the day (more will come about this - stay tuned!)


But it was funny, one day I was reading all the posts and just trying to catch up.  What is great within these groups is we help out each other. There is always someone who does I craft that I do not know about and visa versa..  In this post there was a crafter who just could not understand why her metallic thread was breaking! Her posts were just hysterical with what she was saying and then it dawned on me, was she using a metallic thread needle...  

I had made the suggestion to her and she since came back on the posts and thanked everyone for their help and it was the needle that was causing her the problem...
Now I have to admit I am really not that type of person who remembers these things and really what was making me laugh was I knew her pain!!!  I learned the hard way...

When I started sewing, MANY, MANY years ago. I used one needle and I mean that literally.  I NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER NEEDLE!!!  As I got further into my craft and got involved in my local quilt shop, yes I was taught the proper use of sewing needles. Can I tell you I had people rolling on the floor with some of the stories I was telling them and my thoughts...  and here I thought I knew it ALL!  

I learn everyday that I do not and nor does anyone else, but together we continue to LEARN even more!!!
Method of madness from this post?  It is always a good thing to make sure you are using the correct tools for the job you want to complete.  Even though we like to think we know what works because it has in the past!

I have attached a video below that talks specifically about needles for our sewing machines.  It has a lot of great details and the instructor is great!  His name is Rob Appell with ManSewing and I absolutely love his videos!  His passion for sewing and quilting is great and exciting, plus he is just down right funny!!!  Please take the time to check out his YouTube Channel (links above)
Sewing Machine Needles
Until next time everyone!  ENJOY!!!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!
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Business Tips:  Handmade Promotional Items...

6/29/2015

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For those of us that run our own business we are always researching ways to research and market our products... We are after that one chance to get noticed and make the sale.  Here, in this post, I am going to focus on how to keep my business in the buyers mind. I do not want them to forget me and the services and products I can offer for their next purchase.

I have tried a couple techniques:
  • Coupon codes for their next purchase
  • Free item, based on their purchase

While sitting in my craft room, I came up with a promotional item that be part of every purchase made from my shop...so this is not an item that will be sold, but rather my gift to say 'Thank You' and another reminder for them!

Introducing the Cord 'Minder', below is how I have created my item and hopefully will inspire you to come up with a promotion that will work for your business!
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The Cord 'Minder'...

Below are the materials I used to make this product, you can adapt any way you see fit.

  • (2) pieces of material CUT 2 1/4" x 5 1/2" - print (use your specific fabric made that represents your brand) or plain (for stamping)
  • (1) piece Medium Weight Interfacing CUT 2 1/4" x 5 1/2"
  • (1) Complete set of Plastic Snaps
  • Iron

Optional (Stamping)
  • Company Logo Stamp
  • Pigment Ink (I use ColorBox - Black)

To begin you want to cut your pieces and iron your interfacing to the wrong side of one piece of the fabric.
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Once the interfacing is secured,you will pin your fabric pieces together with right sides facing each other and sew around your pieces with a 1/4" seam line.  Here you want to make sure that you leave an opening so you can turn your piece.
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Prior to turning your piece you want to clip the corners close to the seam line, but you do not want to cut into the seam line.  By doing this you are able to create crisp corners.  To help with turning you can use a chopstick to help push out the corners.  

My husband just loves it when we go to one of our favorite restaurants, their chopsticks are perfect for this, I always stock up!

After turning you want to press.  This helps to lock in the stitches and also gives your piece a nice crisp finish.
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Next you want to sew a seam line to accent your piece.  I always choose to use a scant 1/8" around the edge, just to finish it off...
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If you are using a specific fabric created just for your business you can skip this next step and scroll down to the snap installation...  The next steps will show how to stamp on fabric!

Create your own stamp with your Logo or just simply say THANK YOU!!!  You want to use a pigment ink stamp pad, a rubber or clear stamp, and your iron.

If you are a stamper then you already know the process of stamping. For myself I had a lot to learn and yes I am still learning and I hope I do not pick up yet ANOTHER craft, LOL!

You will Stamp your logo or statement on your piece in the center. And set aside to let dry.  I like to wait for at least 2 hours and then press with an iron.  This will set the pigment ink onto the fabric.  Since I already know the fabric I will be using, I plan to set up a sheet of fabric with my Logo and then set them aside.  This way they will be ready for when ever I need them...
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And now for another tool, and this one was a gold mine when I found it and so easy to use!  There are plenty of videos available to watch to learn more about this product. (Plastic Snap Pliers-KAM Snaps) I bought mine from www.ilikebigbuttons.com.

When placing your snaps you want to make sure they are positioned correctly based on how you are closing your product.
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There are soooo many options to choose from.  For me I am waiting on my logo stamp to be sent to me, and yes cannot wait!  You could also use a 'Thank You' stamp like I did here in this tutorial, use another saying, create your tag line or motif, or use that special fabric the represents your brand...  Whatever you choose it will represent you and be that special item to make people remember you and your business and come back for more!!!

I hope you ENJOY this tutorial and it inspires you to bring your business to the forefront!!!

Please show me how you are going to create your promotion item for your business below...

Have a Great Day!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!
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