Friday 4 March 2011

A question of style - free motion stitching

Since seeing all the lovely things that are made using the free-motion machine stitching technique, I decided last week to invest in a special foot for my sewing machine.  It set me back £19.95 (!) so I was somewhat nervous that it would make no difference to my ability to sew interesting shapes!

Here it is, with a spring action to prevent the fabric riding up the needle.

After spending a good ten minutes pondering how to attach the thing, I got started. 


It's early days, but the results are encouraging.  I used iron on interfacing to strengthen some white cotton and some other fabric and then stitched one to the other in various shapes.  I then cut out the shape to reveal the calico underneath. 

What to do with my little shapes?  Well, when I was hugely pregnant with Felix and bored at home I invested in proper badge making machine, so I made use of this and made a few teeny badges.


If you're wondering what the red and green thing is, it was supposed to be a slice of watermelon. A little more practice needed :)

So here's my problem, I'm not sure what my style is when it comes to this sort of thing.  With patchwork I know what I like, and what my signature look is, but with this it feels like I'm starting over (which is not bad, just challenging) ..anyway, I'll persevere and maybe the signature style will pop out somewhere :)
Before you go, head on over to Sew Justine Sew. To celebrate her 100th post she's giving away a gorgeous selection of handmade goodies - definitely worth a visit!

x

4 comments:

  1. I could see that the red and green thing was a watermelon, the badges are adorable. I absolutely love free motion stitching, unfortunately my attempts are not quite as professional as yours :)
    Emma x

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  2. Hi Ceri, I do want people to be able to reply to comments via e-mail, but I don't know how to do it, I've had a look but I can't figure it, out any tips ?
    Emma x

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  3. Ok I've ticked the box, hopefully it will work.
    Emma x

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  4. Ceri, looking great. I think you have done a fantastic job !! You can use an embroidery ring to keep the fabric taught aswell...just in case you don't want to use the inter facing. Well done you!! Can't wait to see what else you do ( I could tell that was a slice of water melon too ) Nic ♥

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