Skinnies

Maggie's quilt is pinned and waiting.  But I wanted to take a little break before I started in with the quilting again.  So I wanted a quick easy project.  And I found one!  I have a book with patterns for Skinnies, tallish banner-like applique projects.  I had all the materials to make one, but I'm not a big fan of applique.  At least, not until now!  I discovered my new sewing machine has a blanket stitch on it, and even though I never used the fancier stitches on my machine, I gave it a try.  I tinkered with the stitch settings and made some samples, and guess what!  It's not so hard after all.  I had a GREAT time making my first (but not last!!) Skinny!

Here's the book I used:

This book has full sized patterns that you trace onto double sided fusible web.  You cut out on your traced lines and then iron it onto your fabric, then peel off the paper.  There is a rubbery glue on the back of the fabric and you place all your pieces onto the background fabric and when you have an arrangement you like, you iron the pieces again, and the rubbery glue (melts?) fuses the pattern piece to the background or to each other.  It really was quite easy and went fast.  I did this whole skinny in one day, and I didn't know what I was doing exactly.  I will do it a little differently next time--instead of tracing/cutting each shape one at a time, I will do all of one color in a group.  Less waste, and it would be faster.


So!  Here is my first Skinny!  I still have to add the batting, backing and binding, plus hanging "loops", but you get the idea.  I also included a detail closeup so you can see my blanket stitching around the shapes.

 

Oh, and guess what!  THIS project will decorate a wall in MY house!  I usually always give my projects away, but this is a keeper.  I will make more to give away.!