How to mark stitching lines on wool

We don't plan to have a Christmas in July celebration like many shops do......it's just coincidental that we finished our sample of "1800 Saint Nick" by Sew Cherished in July.  Your $34.95 kit includes the pattern, the tea towel background and wool for applique.  The thread is sold separately; we'll be happy to put together a thread kit of Valdani perle cotton size 12 for you -- just let us know.  info@sewgracefulquilting.com or 479-372-7403

Quiltmania #132 arrived and is filled with projects to appeal to all skill levels.  If you're on autoship, Debby is processing your order.  If you're not on autoship and would like to be, email info@sewgracefulquilting.com or call 479-372-7403. $13.99

We are often asked the best way to mark stitching lines on wool.  We've tried many methods but our new favorite involves a product found in the paper goods aisle of your grocery store.  "Liberty" was the perfect piece to test out our newly found method.

We picked up a box of Press 'n Seal at our local grocery store.  That product along with an ink pen (some say to use a fine tipped Sharpie but we found it tended to smear) was all we needed.

You can approach marking the stitching lines one of two ways.  If you used a plastic overlay to help place your wool pieces on your background wool, lay a sheet of Press 'n Seal over the pattern and trace the stitching lines.  Then lay the Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece.  Use your hand to press in place. If, like us, you just eye balled placement of the wool on the background, lay your Press 'n Seal on top of the wool piece and free hand the stitching lines.  Once you have the lines marked, press in place with your hand. Now you're ready to stitch on the drawn lines.  Your stitches should be slightly smaller than normal since you will be removing the Press 'n Seal from around the stitching and don't want to distort the stitching.

Once stitching is complete, carefully remove the Press 'n Seal.  Here's the finished product.

We free handed the embellishing stitches on our flowers but you could also use Press 'n Seal to mark any additional stitching if you feel uncomfortable about placement.

"Liberty" kits are still available.  Your $36.95 kit includes the pattern, wool (background and applique are wool) and cotton backing fabric.  The finished piece will fit in a large metal tray.  Please call the shop at 479-372-7403 for pricing and shipping info on the tray.  The mat finishes 12" x 21".

This week for our "when it's gone, it's gone" section, we have a kit designed by Lynette Anderson.  "Bunny Garden" finishes 12" x 13".   Your $29.95 kit includes the pattern, hand painted button, stitchery stabilizer, fabrics for the top and binding.  We have only 1 kit left and won't be making more.

It's too hot to work in the yard so why not grab a quilting friend or two and head over to Grove OK for the 39th annual Grand Lake 'O the Cherokees Quilt show.  The show will be held at the Grove Civic Center, 1702 S Main Street, July 19 (9:00-6:00) and July 20 (9:00-5:00).   Kay will be minding the booth and has several new projects to share including a sneak peek at our 2020 $10 block of the month quilt in progress. Darlene and Debby