ERRORS IN THE BOOK!
Page 39
Photo labeled Step 2.
The callouts on the photo are incorrect. If you seam rip where the callouts on the photo indicate, the technique will not work.
At the bottom of the photograph it should say; “Leave attached and open seams”. If you look closely you can see the fluorescent orange seam that has been removed two inches back into the circle.
The two “Open seams” at the top of the circle in the photo should not be there. Please cross them out.
Page 58
Addition #5:
5. Clip convex curves, steam iron, and sew the seam . .
Page 59
Replacement for #9 and the “Tip”:
9. Clip the convex curves, steam iron and sew the seam. As you sew, manipulate the fringe of the convex curves so it will splay out like a fan. Remember, only pull on the two adjacent fabrics or the fringe. If you have added enough glue they will stay attached. Trim seams to 1/4” and iron the seam in the direction you prefer. Use the fringe flipping method (page 60) if you are using an open toed foot.
WHERE DO I SEW?
To get a better idea of where one thread from the crease is, do the following exercise. Sew two pieces of fabric together. Gently finger press the seam open. One side should have three layers of fabric, the other side one. Look at where the stitches are. The stitches will be snugged right up against the crease. That is how your own stitching should be sewn.
WHY DOES THE FABRIC NOT POP OFF THE PATTERN?
Too much glue is used on the first tack. Tack the fringe down with the lightest amount of glue. The quantity is like the touch of a feather, it does not solidly cover the paper pattern. It is spotty, only enough to tack.
THE TWO FABRICS DO NOT STAY GLUED TOGETHER.
There can be several reasons the fabrics don’t stay attached to each other:
1. The second glue application has to be very heavy. You should see a slick sheen of glue, 1/2” wide, all the way over the fabric edge. There should be no seam allowance without glue.
2. The glue dried before the second fabric was pressed into the glue and joined with an iron.
3. The wrong glue was used. Some of the generic glues do not adhere. Removable glue never works for this step.
Where do I get a Circle Cutter?
The circle cutter is a Fiskar’s circle cutter. It is used for scrapbooking and can be found in craft stores or online at Amazon.com. The price varies from $14 to $20. The cutter is adjustable and cut circles from 1” to 8”. The cutter works best on two fused layers of paper. Some practice is needed to keep the pressure consistent while cutting
I can't find an AVERY GLUE STIC.
For a good bond in Pinless Piecing the glue in the glue stick should be as firm as a tube of lipstick with good adhesive qualities. Brands other than AVERY that work well are UHU and SCOTCH. Fabric Glue sticks
work but often are mushy and therefore quite messy. Some generic brands of glue work well but many are too soft and more importantly, do not have good adhesive qualities and so the fabric units fall apart when you sew them.
MORE ABOUT REMOVABLE GLUE
People either love it or hate it. Learn to use the regular glue correctly before you try the removable glue.
The people who like it are students who have difficulties cutting patterns. Perhaps they have carpal tunnel syndrome or other conditions that cause weakness or pain.
I like it because I can use a circle pattern many times before it gets too goopy with glue to allow the pattern to pop off easily
It does have drawbacks as noted in the book.
What Sewing Machine do you use?
I use a Pfaff Performance 2056. I love this machine. The needle-positioning feature is 9mm (3/8”) wide with excellent feed dog distribution. I get straight, consistent stitches with neither slipping nor sticking. The built in walking foot allows me to sew silk and canvas together with no slippage. It also has the toe tap needle feature that allows me to put the needle up or down with just a tap. There are many excellent machines on the market but I am a confirmed Pfaffer.
How can I order your book?
Please purchase my book through C&T Publishing.
