How I Paper Piece

I have had several of my friends ask how I paper piece, and how I do it so fast. I am not sure that I do it any faster than the next person but I do make patterns so this may be to my advantage. I wanted to help those who are new to paper piecing and those who want to learn new tricks or maybe just a refresher on how to paper piece.

I created a few videos to show you how I foundation paper piece.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 1 This is the video of how I piece the fabric on to the paper.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 2 Time-lapse of the rest of the pieces.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 3 Time-lapse of the rest of the pieces.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 4 Time-lapse of the rest of the pieces.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 5 This is the time-lapse video of me trimming the edges of each section with my ruler at 1/4.

I line up the solid thick line with my ruler at 1/4 inch, I then trim the extra fabric and paper. If you have an old blade on your rotary cuter, now would be the time to put a new one on. Do this all the way around on each piece. This way you know each piece now has a perfect 1/4 inch and when you sew and line everything up it will be perfect.

Foundation Paper Piecing Part 6 This is the final stage of piecing each section together.

Make sure to follow the patterns order of piecing, as this will help you sew the pattern together in the correct order. In the video I am working with my own pattern and simply know the order of how it should go.

Please leave a comment with any question you may have.

You can also check my Craftsy and Etsy pages for easy patterns, more intermediate and also many advanced patterns. I do have free patterns but those can only be found on craftsy.

Its been awhile!

Its been awhile since I have had any real time to sit and create a blog post. Now that I am back into the swing of business and getting my goals checked off my list, I wanted to get back to posting blog posts too.

This year I have been creating quilt paper piecing patterns and have enjoyed creating something new each and every day/week.

You can find my patterns for purchase/free at:

Craftsy

Etsy

I have the free patterns available on craftsy and the tutorial on how to glue the patterns together on craftsy as well. If you have purchased a pattern please leave a review or comment and let me know how much you love them (or don't).

I also wanted to let everyone know for the rest of the month of July, you can use the coupon code on ETSY: XMASNJULY when you spend $15 you will get $5 off.

Head on over to etsy and purchase those patterns you've been wanting to get. Or grab those free patterns on craftsy.

Be sure to tag me and follow me on Instagram: @QuiltNSew #pitchersboutique

Ill be posting all the new patterns and new projects ive been working on here, so be sure to follow the blog!

Thanks to everyone who has supported me.

Baby Shower Gift

One of our close family friends was having a baby, and a baby girl, at that! By now, you should all know I enjoy making anything having to do with girls. I just can't get enough because I have such true, rough and tough boys.

I wanted to make her the traditional "Sarah" gift, which is usually burp cloths. However, I didn't want to make a ton, and only give her those. So, instead I made each burp cloth extra special, and even added in some adorable bibs as well.

Here are the burp cloths. I added a few "scallops" or half circles to the rows of different colored pinks. I did a raw edge finish on them, so they would fray and have even more detail, and texture.

I just love all the girl colors, and yet still has a little blue/teal.

The bibs I made with strips of the same fabric, and just simply made a large panel of the strips and then cut out the bibs.

I added terry cloth to the back, to make them extra absorbent, and help keep the wetness away from the skin.

I, of course, added fun pink snaps, with just that extra detail on them.

Heres how I finished packaging them all up:

Lastly, heres the items with the handmade card:

I hope the wonderful mother and baby girl love them all.

Burp That Baby,
Sarah

More Handmade Cards

I enjoy ever second I spend on making cards. It has been a great way to use my scrapbooking paper, stickers, and tools up. I love adding a little quilting into it as well. Not to mention the amount of money I have saved by using what I have.

The first card below, I made was for my mother's birthday back in October. I made a wall hanging for her, and wanted a card to match the theme and colors. The fabric in the wall hanging was floral and the theme was a vintage apron. She said she wanted an old vintage style apron, as a gift. Since I am not local and can not take measurements of my mother, I decided to add a little humor into my quilting and make a mini wall hanging of a vintage apron.

This is the cover of the card, its purple with a quilted floral diamond and gem style cover.

I used a bright colored floral paper for the inside. Using matching letters I added "Happy Birthday Mom!" I also have the press on/transfer quotes, and the one I added really went well.

The back, I used the diamond quilted paper pieces, and added my "handmade" touch.

Another card I enjoyed making was for a family friend having their very first baby (girl). I love anything baby! I enjoy making burp cloths, baby blankets, and baby pants/shorts. Anyways, I had a ton of really girly stickers and paper, so I cut a few onesies out, added a few stickers and ribbon, and of course a gem or two.

Yes I did cut those onesies out, no punch, they are not stickers, and I did not buy them.

The back of the card:

The inside, I added some very girly stickers, gems and a punch of color.

This last card was for another new mom, also having a girl. I had fun making her card, and tried my hand at a baby carriage. I also did a little tutorial on how I made it.

First thing I did was cut a circle the size I wanted the carriage to be. I need it to have a flat side, and also open like a card. I folded my paper in half, and placed my circle on the folded paper. I then slid my circle down slightly off the fold for the flat bottom of the carriage. Trace your circle and cut.

Once you have it cut, you need to measure out the opening of the carriage, or where the hood would end and the handle bars will be.

Trace and cut that window out.

I then placed my carriage on top of a white piece of scrap paper. I drew a pretty handle (you can do this as unique as you want).

Cut out two of those handles and glue one on the front and one on the back.

I then added wheels, detailed paper, and a few stickers. This is where you can have fun and add all the gems, colors, bows, ribbons, etc.

Once all the glue dried, I added a fun flower, and a few stickers.

Don't forget the inside, and that can be as simple as a little decorative paper.

Heres the back, with my handmade signature.

The finished baby quilt with the matching handmade carriage card.

If you are on a tight budget, and have a ton of stickers, or scrapbook paper available, this is a great way to use those items up, save you TONS of money, and say you care because you spent time MAKING their card!

I love when everyone says, "this card is so cute", "I love this card".... It makes it just that much more sweet, as you invested more time.

Give a Gift,
Sarah

Give Thanks December, Week 5 LAST ONE EVER!!!!

December 29:
     Its been a rough day, I am not feeling to well; but with that comes the small moments today, that I am so thankful for. My oldest, almost 3 years old, held the gate open, at the bottom of the stairs today, while my youngest and myself walked through. After, he closed it. He helped me with breakfast, even closed the gate to the kitchen, while letting me know "gate needs to stay closed". He even listened to me when I said that cereal bowls stay on the table, and he returned the bowl back to the table. I guess this new technique might actually be working. Crossing my fingers that being a kind and caring person, means that my kids will be too.

December 30:
     Thankful to finally see some of my military friends again. I missed them all while I was away. Its always so easy to slip right back into life with them. Its like we all just pick right back up where we left off, like we saw each other yesterday!

December 31:
     Thankful that today is the last day of this project, and all that I have learned to be thankful for. Its not always the big obvious things (as some days are too rough), but sometimes its the small things that matter the most. I am so thankful for everyone who supported me through this year, and reminding what I can be, should be, and am thankful for. One month of giving thanks in November just is not enough to learn anything from. A full year, a journey of sitting down each night and thinking about the great, wonderful moments of the day and the almost impossible decent moments in the hard, uneventful days. I have been reminded that each hug, kiss, and word that someone gives time to you should be something you are thankful for. Those people are giving you the time that they value, and in that time they are sharing a piece of themselves with you. Don't forget to smile, keep your chin up while walking, and work hard for each and every goal you want to succeed in the day, month, year, or lifetime.

Thank you for joining me on this year long journey. I can't believe I am done. Is it really over? I guess it is.... until next year. Happy New Year Everyone!

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks December, Week 4

December 22:
     Thankful to be done with our Christmas shopping.

December 23:
     Thankful for a wonderful day down in Balboa Park, while we checked out the train museum, and had some delicious Mexican food.

December 24:
      Today is a day I am thankful for family and all my amazing friends. Its just been a wonderful day with so much to be thankful for.

My mother and my youngest, Jared

December 25:
     How am I not going to be thankful for my husband, and my two wonderful boys. Yes we all have those off days, and we question a lot; but I am thankful for all of the bad and all of the wonderful moments too. I am thankful that I can learn and grow as an individual to become a better wife and mother.

December 26:
     Thankful that we were able to see Great Grandma Dolores today. The kids love seeing her, and I am sure she loves seeing the boys. Its always hard to see her as she is kind of in the middle of Cali, and a lot of family is either northern or southern. However, today we all got together and saw her. It was a ton of fun to hangout and let everyone play and chit chat. Wonderful and such an amazing experience to be thankful for.

Vava (Great Grandma Dolores) showing my youngest his gift. 

December 27:
     Thankful for one last full day in southern Cali. I hate saying goodbye, but its nice to see family and friends when I can. I am thankful to my in-laws who housed me for the month, and fed us all! We love you all so much, its hard to leave.

December 28:
     Nothing beats your own bed, and your own pillow. Thankful to be home, safe and sound, the boys are a little off but playing pretty well, and the husband is being a champ for us all (as I am not feeling 100%).

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks December, Week 3

December 15:
     SOOOOO Thankful that my mom is giving me her 40 year old Kenmore sewing machine. Its not completely up and running, but it works!

December 16:
     I am so thankful that my father-in-law is willing to invest money into the kids favorite toys/items, trains! The boys had a blast for hours, while he was setting the train up, playing with it after it was set up and showing us how it worked. Best 2 hours spent.

December 17:
     Thankful that even a day full of errands and relaxing can be a completely fun and crazy day!

December 18:
     I love hanging out with my sister. Thankful that she was able to take the day off from work so we could take the boys to see santa, have photos done, have lunch out, and enjoy some holiday shopping as well.

December 19:
     Thankful that I was able to finish another baby blanket for my etsy shop tonight. Its so cute, I can hardly stand it.

December 20:
     Today was the best, thankful to have spent the morning with my favorite friends Erin, and twin Natalie as we made some delicious treats. Then spent the rest of the afternoon at a family friends house enjoying dinner, conversation and a little white elephant gifts.

December 21:
     Thankful to have my husband here in southern Cali, and near my side again. Let the best week begin!

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks December, Week 2

December 8:
     I am so thankful for a new sewing machine that helps me bust out a ton of new products, and items to sell, give as gifts, or just to try.

December 9:
     Thankful that these paper piecing patterns I made of birds, are working out perfectly and the fabric and colors are looking amazing together.

December 10:
     I am so thankful to hangout with one of my best friends and see her pregnant belly and wonderful and amazingly adorable kids. Thanks Kim for making time for us, I am so blessed to have you as a friend.

December 11:
     Thankful and amazed at what wonderful people I have in my life. One of my friends sent me a TULA and not just any tula, a toddler one in the fabric that I have been eye balling for weeks! I cried when I opened it and I can not thank her enough. THANK YOU SARAH!!!! (yes, she has the same name as me).

December 12:
     I am so thankful that I have two adorable nieces to spoil, I mean, come on, how do you not love that face?

December 13:
      I love sewing, and when friends or family members ask for my help I am so honored and thankful that they ask me. I love to show my brothers, girlfriend, Tiffany, anything and everything I can while I am here.

December 14:
     I love trying new sewing items, and thankful that my friend Erin thought of me when she needed a set of garters for a friend who is getting married soon. They turned out great.

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks December, Week 1

December 1:
     Thankful for a warm but cool day here in southern California, so we could be outside and helping grandma Pitcher plant the Poinsettias in the front.

December 2:
     I always enjoy a wonderful dinner out here in there with family or friends. I am really thankful when my mother takes the boys and I out for sushi! Sushi is the one food I can not afford on our tight budget, and I often only have it when I come down here to visit. Thanks mom for some yummy sushi at my favorite sushi restaurant.

December 3:
     The one thing I love and am soooo grateful and thankful for when I come to southern California, is that my father-in-law and sometimes mother-in-law make lunches and dinners for myself and the kids. I rarely have to make anything other then breakfast. Its just a nice break from the grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning up after.

December 4:
     Excited and thankful for another etsy order! I am so lucky to have such amazing friends who are willing to take chances on me.

December 5:
     Thankful for the real christmas tree my father-in-law purchased for everyone to enjoy. The boys are loving the "Chwistmas twreee". I am enjoying the wonderful smell too.

December 6:
     Had to wait for its arrival to the shop, but after a long week, I am thankful to have my new sewing machine set up and ready to sew!

December 7:
      I love, having a nephew, and I am so thankful that I get to hangout with him a lot this vacation.

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks November, Week 5

Nov. 29:
     Thankful for some immediate family time. Its always nice to just hangout with my mother, sister, and brother. Its a great chance to catch up and relax.

Nov. 30:
     Thankful that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas decorations and music has arrived!!! The most wonderful time of the year...

Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks November, Week 4

Nov. 22:
     Thankful for a girls night out, even if it wasn't a perfect night, it was nice to get away from the kids and have some adult time.

Nov 23:
     My father-in-law found a local train museum (well the beginning of it), and I am so thankful that he did. Both of the boys enjoyed roughly 30 minutes of train time, making all the cars go fast or slow. Lots of screaming "choo-choo" and "look, its Thomas" was happening.

Nov. 24:
     Every time I get to hangout with my mom, it doesn't matter what we do, we find the most ridiculous or inexpensive ways to have fun. Thankful that I have a wonderful mother who is willing to be spontaneous and crazy with the boys and I.

Finding the fun at the mall, sending off a letter to santa while giving money to an organization!

Nov. 25:
     So excited that I am able to re-do the binding on my first ever quilt, that I made my mother. Thankful that she loved it to death, and thats why I have it back, to re-do the binding! Yay for my first quilt, and laughing, loving, and admiring all the flaws and mistakes.

Nov. 26:
     Thankful that I can invest some time, for myself, into a new facebook group called, "quilter pen pals". Now quilters from all over the world can join the group and get paired up with other members and exchange fabric, patterns, and quilting items. It will be a great adventure.


Nov. 27:
     Thankful for my family, friends, and all the blessing around me.


Nov. 28:
      Thankful for a quick errand out of the house without kids, as I was able to purchase a new sewing machine at an amazing price! YAY!!


Give Thanks,
Sarah

Give Thanks November, Week 3

Nov. 15:
      Thankful that the baby quilt is finished! Now that adorable baby can enjoy the warmth of this quilt.

Nov 16:
      Thankful today that I made it safely to southern California. Thankful to have helping hands, friendly faces, and a warm bed to sleep!


Nov. 17:
      Today is my husbands birthday! I am thankful to have him in my life, be the father to our two boys, be the most understanding person I know, and still stays strong and energetic each and every day! I love you babe, happy birthday!


Nov. 18:
     Thankful that I was able to see my nephew and my sister, as well as my mother so far, while on this vacation! So far, so good!


Nov. 19:
     I am always up for a new experience and to see new things. My mother-in-law took my sister, mother and myself to a quilt art show. Yes a quilt art show. Thankful that I was able to see what I love to do in an art form, it was a wonderful experience!

Nov. 20:
      Thankful that my son is not seriously ill or injured. A night at the ER and some antibiotics later, he has strep, but so thankful its not anything extremely dangerous.

trying to sleep while in the waiting room at the ER

Nov. 21:
     After the last few days with a very sick kiddo, I am thankful for a few short minutes to do some sewing and quilting. Yay for some alone time.


Give Thanks,
Sarah