Kreinik Iron-On Threads and the Simplicity Bias Tape Maker

Who was the Smarty Pants who came up with this idea?



Can you guess?  Yep....it was me....Mrs. Smarty Pants...."Oh Ah Dance in Smarty Pants" (if you don't know this one....click here and scroll to the bottom of the post).

When I was in Houston for Quilt Market in October I got the business cards of Mimi Shimp, Product Manager at Simplicity Creative Group,  and of Doug Kreinik and told them they had to talk to one another.  I knew the Iron-On Threads by Kreinik would work in the Bias Tape Machine by Simplicity.    They spoke and then in November....wah lah....Kreinik puts this video on youtube.  I am thrilled to see the video.  The only thing I think they should add is at the end when it says....Go to Kreinik for Iron-On Thread and to Simplicity for the Bias Tape Maker.....it should also say....Go to www.IHaveA-Notion.com for Mrs. Smarty Pants.  ROFL

What can you think of to do with the Bias Tape Maker?  I know it also works to iron ribbon.  Just make sure your temperature control is set for the proper heat for the ribbon you are ironing.  I just run mine through without a bias tip....and wah lah....ironed ribbon :)

Smiles,
Kelly

"MJ's Bag Tag" Tutorial by Kelly Jackson

I remember promising some readers that I would post a tutorial about making Bag Tags. That was months ago. Well....I finally did it. Being a visual learner I probably took way too many pictures. For those of you who only require a few, hang in there! :)

The pattern was designed by my dear friend Mary Jane.

You will need:
- Timtex
-Fabric 3 1/2 x 12 inches
-Fabric Strip 14 inches by 1 7/8 (if you are using the binding machine otherwise use the width you prefer)
-Clear Plastic 2 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches - you can get this at Wal Mart (if they have fabric) or JoAnn's.
-MistyFuse

Timtex cut 2 1/2 x 11 inches

Fold Timtex  in half

Cut the tips off I used the Olfa Ruler

Tips cut off

Fabric 3 1/2 x 12 inches (Amy Butler Fabric)

I use Best Press and iron my fabric. I like my fabric to be wrinkle free.

Then I cut a piece of MistyFuse just larger than my Timtex (I eyeball the measurement). It might be difficult to see in this picture but if you look closely you can see it is about 1/4 inch larger all the way around.

Then I lay my wrinkle free fabric down, put a layer of MistyFuse and then my Timtex.

I trim the corners of the fabric off - freehand-does not need to be exact.

I'm using "The Applique Pressing Sheet" because the MistyFuse does not stick to it. I flipped the fabric sandwich(fabric, MistyFuse, Timtex) over and pressed. I used "Hot Stuff Harriet" because she does not steam :) I love her....heavy and cheap ($3.00)

Now I flip it over and press the sides in first. Next, I press down the ends. The extra MistyFuse is not visible here (it is wonderfully thin and leaves you fabric soft not stiff) but that is what holds the fabric in place. No need to use more or cut more it is already there.

Then I press in the "ears"

I fold it in half and press again.

This is how I make my straps. You can use fabric to match, coordinate or clash :) You can also use ric rac or ribbon (anything your heart desires:)

I use my new Bias Tape Maker to make the straps. I cut my fabric 14 x 1 7/8 inches. You can do it the old fashion way and fold your fabric in half, then fold the edges in and press. You can use the Bias Tape tools by Clover too. What ever works for you. This is just how I do it.

I feed it around the roller (I usually make 4 or more at the same time so I make lots of bias tape and I don't cut it on the bias because it is only being used for tag straps)

Just lay the fabric over the roller.

I cut it on an angle so it fits through the tip easier.

I use my Awl aka "Pokey Tool" to get my fabric through evenly. You don't have to...I just do...

As soon as it is fed through I remove the top of the Bias Tape Maker

Top Removed....fabric comes across the plate and over the end roller.

Note: you need to get the fabric over the end roller.

Replace the top, turn it on-it heats up very quickly. (this picture was taken out of order. I take mine off first before feeding it but I also turn mine on and do it carefully. If you follow my lead....you can get burned....YIKES. Danger Will Robinson!!!!

Waaaahhhhhh Laaaaaahhhhhh...you have bias tape :)

Subliminal message: Do not see the mess in the background.....do not see the mess in the background.....do not see the mess in the background.....

I fold it in half and stitch down both sides.

The stitches should be even....often my boys are playing next to me and I'm talking to them and not watching what I'm doing exactly. Then you get a wobbly line....I'm not thinking the bag handlers will notice....do you?

I tuck my strap in half and edge the tips down into the Bag Tag about 1/2 inch.

The next few pictures relate to the cutting of the plastic. This is just how they got uploaded....You can cut your plastic at the same time you cut your fabric.

Because I had such a hard time seeing the edge of my plastic when I cut it I use these Q Tools Cutting Edge Strips on the edge. You can see here that I place it on the edge of my roll of plastic.

Now I can see where I'm cutting. This just makes it easier for my. You might not have a hard time seeing the plastic. I have these strips for my rulers and they are re-usable so I use them on my plastic too.

Back to the Bag Tag Sewing

First I stitch right along the edge of the strap securing it in place. I usually go forward and backward and forward again. This secures the strap into the Bag Tag.

Just as I turn to come down the side I place my plastic on top of the Bag Tag. It is a little difficult to see here but that is what I've done. I use my walking foot because it glides over the plastic and does not get stuck. I've used my 1/4 inch foot and it sticks to the plastic.

I continue stitching all the way around and then clip my threads. Then I put a business size card behind the plastic.

You can make an assembly line to make several tags at once. They make really great gifts. Everyone I've ever given them to has told me how much they appreciate them. I put them on my boy's back packs for school, lunch boxes, gym bags and my luggage. I have made them in smaller sizes for gift tags and then they can use them for their bags afterwards.

This tutorial took quite a bit of time to do the pictures, upload them, write out the tutorial etc etc etc. I did not share the pattern (which took MJE time to create) without her permission. I ask that you not copy my instructions without my permission. The pattern and instructions are being shared freely and not intended for sale or profit.

If you get stuck or need more information feel free to e-mail me at IHaveANotion@yahoo.com. If you need any of the items used to make Bag Tags check out www.IHaveA-Notion.com

I would love to see your Bag Tags. If you make some please, please, please send me pix to share.

Smiles,

Kelly

Bias Tape Maker by Simplicity Update

This has been the hottest item in the last week. I've received several e-mails asking about the tips sizes that will be available. So I thought to save myself lots of time answering e-mails I would publish the tip sizes that will be coming in Aug. (according to my sources).

The tips for single fold bias tape will be: 1/8 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/2. The Quilt Binding tips will be for 2 1/4 in and 2 1/2 in cut strips.

If you would like to see how the machine works click here. I got a sneak peak and a test run back in April. The Bias Tape Maker comes with a 1 inch tip. The additional tips will be for sale individually in Aug.

I hope this helps explain the questions.

Happy Bias-ing and Binding,

Kelly

Slashed Squares and Bias Tape Maker by Simplicity

This is a block from Lynne's blog posted in July 2008. I saw this block way back then and saved the site in my favorites file. Can you believe I remembered it was there? Now that is good considering I don't remember what I did yesterday :)

I recieved permission from Lynne to post about her beautiful quilt. She has a great tutorial as well. A little about Lynne:

My name is Lynne and I live in New England in the USA. I've been sewing
since 5th grade and making quilts since college. I love working with
abstract shapes and color. I love strip piecing. I'm trained as an artist,
and I love the graphic quality of quilts. I'd rather take the time to make
something beautiful than buy something ugly. My companion is my tuxedo cat,
Millie, who has her own blog at darlingmillie.blogspot.com.

Left over fabrics from finished projects would be great with this pattern too. I was thinking about this in a miniature wall hanging using some fabrics I have left over from my circles quilt. I never know what to do with those left over blocks. This would be a great wall hanging and a nice reminder of the larger piece I have made.

Just an fyi, the Bias Tape Maker Machine by Simplicity is now available for 69.99 . I guess there was some question as to weather they are now in....and they are. The Rotary Cutting Machine by Simplicity is also available. It will cut strips from 3/8 inch to 2 3/4 inches.

Have a wonderful Saturday!!

Kelly