Steam-A-Seam 2 is Back in Stock

Back in Stock!  On Hand Now!  Steam-A-Seam II is here!

Have you ever used this popular double stick fusible web?  It is quite the handy stuff when you want to make your own appliques or patches.  It went missing for quite a while, but it is back in production and we have two rolls here in the shop - the 12" wide and the 18" wide.

I had never actually worked with Steam-A-Seam 2 but sure had heard a lot about it.  So today I decided that I would try it out.   If you have been in the shop this year you know we have a resident official greeter - his name is Andy and he is a sweet little cockapoo.  He wears a vest with his name on it every day.

Being a boy, he wears out his clothes!  He needs a new vest for the holidays.

I have used the Kwik Sew pattern #3517 for the harness/vest many times - it is easy to use & alter to any size - and the pattern includes a few other nice things you can sew for your dog.  When I finished cutting out the new vest from a pretty snowflake flannel print, it took but a moment to sew it up.  Then on to the name tag, which is where the Steam-A-Seam 2 comes in.

 I followed the printed directions and traced my letters onto the paper backing.  Then stuck it onto the wrong side of the fabric I chose for the letters.  You just stick it in place by finger pressing - pretty neat!  But oooops - my letters came out backwards!  So when you try this be sure to reverse your letters and trace them backwards.  The paper backings on the Steam-A-Seam are sheer enough that it is easy to trace your designs.  You can see from my photos the wrong way (patch on the right side) and the right way.  If you get confused, just try out one letter first.

After I cut out the letters I just placed them in order on the piece of fabric I chose for the contrast, and fused in place with a steam iron.  Worked just great!!

I just have to put a bit of velcro here & there and Andy the Official Greeter will be ready to say hello when you come in.  Don't miss our After-Christmas sales - you will love the discounts!  And whenever you come in, mention you saw this post about Steam-A-Seam 2 and get 20% off your purchase of this great product!

Holiday Boutique in the Classroom

Excitement is building as the hour grows near.....

There will be a drawing every hour throughout the day! Fun little gift items, great stocking stuffers, surprises that Santa would be proud of.....

Baked goodies, crochet hats just too adorable, patchwork purses, tote bags and shoppers, wonderful jewelry, delightful assortment of handmade goods and the friendly craftspersons to chat with - it is going to be a great day at the shop.

From 10am until 5pm 

Country Cloth Shop, 330 N. Main Street, Angels Camp, CA  209-736-4998

We are easy to find in the Mark Twain Center next to Umpqua Bank

Christmas Boutique in the Classroom        Saturday, December 13         10am  til   5 pm

You are invited to join us for our first ever Holiday Crafter's Boutique - a great opportunity for shopping locally  handmade gifts.  We will be hosting several local craftpersons with their unique and interesting hand made items - you might just find the perfect gift for someone on your list, or even for yourself!  The Classroom will be bustling with excitement as we fill the room with baked goodies, jewelry, hand sewn purses and totes, quilted home decor, Refreshments and a whole lot more!  Oh and lots of shoppers too!  We hope you don't miss the chance to stop in and say hello!

This month our favorite little Bernina is on special!  Always a bargain even at regular price, this little jewel of a beginner sewing machine has been very popular this year.  If you have been thinking about someone on your list who wants to sew, now is the perfect time.

 For a limited time (through December) we have a great package price that includes the Bernette machine plus the SewSteady clear table extension.  A wonderful addition to the machine, the table comes in your choice of two sizes.  So be sure to check it out during our Boutique Saturday, or anytime before the end of the month.

The classroom is decorated with projects galore.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

December Block of the Month demo

Welcome to our new feature:  tutorial demonstrations for some of our Log Cabin Home block of the month blocks.
For December we are working on blocks 7 and 8 - the Pine Tree and the Basket.  Each block has several triangle squares for lots of practice!  You will be so good at doing this patch after these two blocks!

Make your triangle-squares and arrange the patches to look like a tree.  Follow the directions in your pattern to stitch the pieces together.

 This is a pretty normal basket block.  The fabric looks like a wicker weave so you may want to cut your patches so that the print in all the triangles goes the same direction.

As in the photo below, keep the fabric the same direction when you are drawing the diagonal lines to make the 1/2 square triangle patch and when you are cutting the squares into triangles that fill in at the top of the basket.  This will make sense when you refer back to your pattern directions.

As you set out the patches into the basket shape, just watch how they all line up so nicely.  Looks like you just finished weaving it yourself!

The Shop's finished blocks will be available to see, and you can always stop in for consultation with Lindy, who will be happy to help you.