Fab-ri-cate (from dictionary.com unabridged – based on the Random House Dictionary)
- To make by art or skill and labor; construct
- To make by assembling parts or sections
- To devise or invent
- To fake; forge
That definition pretty much leaves the door open for ultimate creativity, wouldn’t you say? One idea includes designing your own fabric or altering a fabric into something totally different, which is what I did with the above jacket.
The fabric used for the applique trimming is a polyester / satin. A lightweight fabric with fabulous drape, perfect for a blouse or lining (both of which I plan to add to jacket). That fabric, if left alone, would be a nightmare to create appliques or cut-outs, so I fabricated – sounds like a bad word 🙂 !
The trick – Heat N Bond, now available from my favorite place WAWAK Sewing and comes in 5 yard and 35 yard pieces. At first I wasn’t too sure about this stuff, but basically you iron it to the back of the fabric and it makes it easier for you to cut out an applique – especially if you are using the Brother Scan-n-Cut
This is how easy an applique can be:
- Choose a design – for the sleeve I enlarged a design already in the scan-n-cut memory.
- Place the bonded fabric onto the cutting mat (the paper backing on the heat –n-bond makes it easy to stick)
- Press the start button (told you it was easy!)
Peel off the backing and place the appliques on the garment.
Once you have the perfect placement, use a press cloth and press the applique in place. Notice I attach the appliques before sewing the sleeve together.
Even though the cut of the scan-n-cut prevents the fabric edges from fraying, I still stitch the applique in place. I choose the blanket stitch and stitched around each applique. That took some time, but it looks great. Almost looks like leather!
I followed all those steps for the jacket front and again used a blanket stitch.
Of course I could cut these appliques by hand, but I really like the fact that all the front pieces are exactly the same! By the way, don’t look too closely at my studio – can you tell I have been working 🙂
Well, that’s one fun way to fabricate. Have you ever tried appliqueing apparel?
Cheers,
Hi Angela,
Not much for fishing although I love watching it on tv, I think being that close to one that large is what amazes me! lol. Now the applique on the jacket is simply stunning!!! I have every device and notion known to man having been sewing for AT LEAST 30 years now! I purchased the ‘Scan & Cut’ when it first came out a few years ago, I cut a few small things and then set it on a shelf in my sewing room. But NOW after seeing what you’ve done with it, I’m dusting it off and will definitely be using it very soon!!!
Also, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your basic tutorial on that particular applique, it was very to the point with great photo’s. I will be ‘watching’ you sugar!!! lol, thanks!
Where did you catch that trout? Looks like AK, they are really big there!
Hi Maggie, In the St. Joseph River in Michigan. We catch them on Lake Michigan as well. cheers 🙂
I just popped into to say that I really love to watch your segments on Its Sew Easy. You give so many tips that I have applied to many projects. Its easy to see that you love what you do and you do everything so well. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Hi Jill,
Thanks so much! It’s people like you that make me want to teach 🙂 Cheers!
Angela! Your jacket is exquisite – worthy of a “Threads” cover, in my view. Love the technique too.
You are too sweet! I was just thinking about you, your ears must have been wringing! Hope all is well on your end 🙂
Hi Angela,
Wow, that is a beautiful jacket!!
I like the fish picture too.
Joe
thanks Joe 🙂
I have never seen a scan and cut machine. It seems quite fun. Your jacket looks very nice 🙂
Angela: That is some fish!!! After watching your WAWAK hem rolling, I ordered the ball foot. Unfortunately, I did not know it was for industrial machines only, as are all their other feet, so I was “out of luck”. Will pass it on to a friend who has an industrial machine. Did order several zippers at less than 50 cents each and lots of seam rippers as you suggested. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. Deanne
Angela, hope you had a wonderful time on you vacation. Beautiful jacket!
I love trying new techniques and (embroidery machine) applique is one that I’ve been working on for about a month now. It’s a great way to add some pizzazz to a piece. I’d love to have a Scan n Cut, but not in the budget right now.