Friday, October 23, 2009

Let It Snow : Tutorial #1

This little tutorial will be the introduction to the beginning of a line of patterns from Cath's Pennies Designs. Hopefully, if all goes well, the pattern will be available for sale in a week or so.

For years, I've been asked to sell patterns of the things that I make, but I put it off ... just not willing to take the time away from sewing to write the patterns. It's time now and I'll start with my very popular Wool Candle mat that I made and Ebay sold last year.

EDIT: This is NOT a free design to use. The pattern for this Candle Mat can be purchased.
This is a relatively easy pattern to make and my hope is that seeing pictures of it in the process of being made will make it even easier to make. But please, buy the pattern. Just let me know of your interest and I'll happily put you on the preorder list.

Thank you for not stealing my designs. :)
Let's get started.


"Let It Snow" is made with 100% wool but it can easily be made with woolfelt if you wish. It measures about 13-14" across.

I use #8 DMC Pearl cotton threads for this along with #5 DMC for the snowflakes. Ecru, which is the main color that I will use, is easy to find at Joann Fabrics.

I've traced the pattern onto Freezer paper and then ironed the paper onto my dark blue background wool. You could trace the design right onto your wool with chalk, but I prefer the freezer paper because the paper holds the wool tight while you cut so there's no fear of stretching wool and mishappend shapes because of it. This is especially important with these scallops. Freezer paper gives you the exact shape.
With natual white wool, I've ironed the freezer paper snowman body pieces. 4 bodies with 8 arms. This is where I was going to change the design from last year. I considered making the snowman and arms as one complete pattern piece but after thinking a little more, I think it would look much better with the arms added on, so that's how it's staying! Those pieces are carefully cut out and now the sewing part starts ...
The arms and body are lined up, pinned and then blanket stitched onto the blue scallopped edge. This just looks like a big white blob right now but the fun part of giving the snowman character/a face will come next.


For the next steps ....  Tutorial #2 GO HERE!


Happy Day and Weekend everyone!

11 comments:

Cat Haven Craft House said...

I love your designs and this snowman is just too cute. One thing that always stumps me in making a scalloped edged circular mat is how to draw it??? How to you figure out the size of the scallops and how many? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Cat Tales

Patti said...

Will you be accepting paypal as payment for your patterns??????

SewLindaAnn said...

I'm looking forward to being able to purchase your pumpkin/scarecrow design. Please put it out even if it's after Thanksgiving. Thanks, beautiful work.

WoolenSails said...

I was going to ask you if you had patterns for your pieces. They are wonderfully designed and look forward to seeing them in the future. I am the same way, I am always creating and hate to do patterns, but I do when I get in the mood;)

Debbie

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Your work is incredible. I came over from Sweet P. Let it snow is beautiful, but that one with the Christmas Stockings just grabs me! I'll be watching for pattern!!

Rhonda said...

Cath
You are so talented. Love the tutorial. Stealing is very offensive. I like you feel that if a person is going to steel there is nothing you can do to change that. It is a shame that people have to be that way though.I hope you do well in this new venture. You deserve it.

Rhonda

SDQuilter said...

I would like to purchase this pattern, please. Thank you for deciding to sell, your designs are wonderful.

Tolentreasures said...

Best of Luck on your patterns! You have great designs, they should do well. I used to sell painting patterns also, welcome to the world of "publishing"

Cathy

appleberrycottage said...

Please put me on the pre-order list for the snowman! I keep meaning to try more penny rugs, but just haven't gotten around to it. This one wouldn't take 10 different wools, so that simplifies the process. I'm even thinking the background could be black, or even a barn red. :)
Laura

Anonymous said...

i would also like to purchase the snowman pattern, please let me know how to pay you. thanks, patti

Anonymous said...

Well done Cathy! You make these patterns look so easy & so beautiful,that I your untalented sister am even tempted to try one! Well, OK not really....but it did make me pause for a few minutes.

Casserole Carol