In case you haven't figured it out yet ... I LOVE TO FREE MOTION STITCH!
I LOVE everything about it ... the imperfections that happen because I was going too fast, or not fast enough. I Love the buttery feeling under my hands as I navigate the sewing machine over simple plain muslin.
And then to see the outcome, after a little bit of stress and tense shoulders is always worth it!
Here's what I did:
First you want to go to the Burlap Tote Tutorial I have a few days here and cut out all the parts and pieces needed to make one of those totes.
- Before I start free motion stitching I always do some warm-up panels to get the rhythm and flow going. I always have a stack of batting and muslin squares sitting right next to my sewing machine ... ready to be stitched.
- Looking at the print/motif on the burlap I choose to, I decided to free motion stitch a couple of mums and a stem and a few leaves.
- On plain white copy paper, I drew the basic shapes.
- Next I layered a panel of white cotton bating with a panel of muslin and then pinned the copy paper on top and cut out around the shape.
- Next I used a fabric glue stick and fabric basting adhesive to adhere the batting and muslin to the front panel of my burlap tote.
- Next ... the fun part ... Free motion stitch the mum, stems and leaf patterns, while looking at the motif on the burlap. I use free motion quilting gloves to help grip the fabric a bit.
What I did not realize was just how much the boots I was wearing was going to effect the control, or in this case, lack of control ... I had with the foot pedal! Oh, my ... total lead foot here!
- Then using sharp scissors, I cut out around the stitched motif and best I could.
And there you have it ... Easy Peasy and one so fun ... and the perfect size and shape to hold your laptop and wallet ... oh any you lipstick!













