Fussy Cut Texty Fabrics!

It's no secret that I LOVE words!  And, I LOVE to fussy-cut fabrics.  So, it shouldn't be too much of a leap to guess that I LOVE to fussy-cut WORDS!  There are some wonderful texty fabrics out there, so when I see one that I fall in love with, I grab it.  Really like this one:

My Love Notes Pattern (Heart Mug Rug) requires printing on sewable, washable fabric sheets.  Or, does it?  Made these Heart Mug Rugs by fussy-cutting phrases:

Love Notes Pattern - Craftsy
Love Notes Pattern - Etsy

 And, made these Last Minute Mug Rugs by fussy-cutting larger phrases:

Last Minute Mug Mat - Extravaganza!! Pattern - Craftsy
Last Minute Mug Mat - Extravaganza!! Pattern - Etsy

Cute & FAST!  How do you know the phrase will fit?  Don't have the right-sized Templates on hand? Make your own Template Frames from ordinary copy paper!  (See paper Templates in fabric photo above.)

In the Love Notes Pattern, I actually provide a "blank" Template for you - simply print onto copy paper & cut out the middle to leave the seam allowance all around.  In the Last Minute Mug Mat Pattern, the center finishes to 3" square.  So, draw a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square using a sharpie on paper, draw the 1/4" seam allowance all the way around the inside & again, cut out the middle. Quickie Template Frame!

Now, move paper Frames around your texty fabric - it's that simple!  You can even mark the outside corners on fabric, remove Template & cut out desired text using fabric scissors. Don't limit yourself to Text for goodness sake - check out your cute novelty fabrics for ideas. How about using some small embroidered pieces instead?  Warning:  Highly Addictive  (But, so worth it!)   love, faith.

I "Heart" the Bronco's!!

I really enjoy the Superbowl - all the hype & music & commercials & reminiscing - it's great entertainment.  And, I enjoy the game, too (unless it's a blowout, but we won't go there!). My favorite memories are watching football games with my dad a million years ago. I was always trying to learn more about the game & he was always in the "zone".  In other words, he didn't say much!  lol  What are your favorite football memories/traditions?  Just in case it involves coasters under beverages, here's that tutorial I promised:

Front & Back of Heart Mug Rug, Doodle Time Designs

Pattern:  Love Notes Heart Mug Rug, Doodle Time Designs

Fussy-Cutting Bronco's Motifs

Tape fabric to window so you are looking at the WRONG side of fabric & motifs are backlit. Hold Heart Foundation Unit up to fabric to locate where selected motif will fit nicely.  In this case, the horse motif will replace Fabric Piece #1, #2, #3, #4 & #5.   

Template Method:  Make a copy of Heart Foundation Unit onto FREEZER PAPER to make Templates to cut fabric pieces.  For Horse Motif Template, cut Freezer Paper along outermost Sewing Lines of Pieces #1 - #5 (highlighted above with a black marker).  Using a dry iron, press Template to WRONG side of fabric, centering Horse Motif as desired & cut out fabric piece - allowing 1/4" minimum all around.  Save Freezer Paper Templates & use to cut a variety of motifs of different shapes & sizes for different Mug Mats.  Always allow at least 1/4" all around - this will become your seam allowance as you paper-piece.

Now, paper-piece as usual using Horse Motif to replace Fabric Pieces #1 - #5. Below I've added Fabric Piece #6 & #7.  I think the text below the Horse's Nose will be distracting ...

So, I folded the fabric back to see where I needed to sew to cut out the unwanted text.  My new Sewing Line is in red below.  Feel free to adjust Sewing Lines as needed to custom fit your motif - just remember, straight lines ONLY!  

That's about it!  Continue adding fabric pieces - you might even be able to work in another motif, but I cut it short for this one because the SUPERBOWL is starting - gotta go!  

Love them Bronco's!    faith.