If there’s one thing we’ve learned living and working in Berkeley is, people around here are proud of the Free Speech movement that had its origins in this town. And they don’t hesitate to exercise their 1st Amendment rights. These days, there are so many feelings that may need to be expressed - so how about you express them in stitches?! Whether you call yourself a sewer, sewist, stitcher or quilter, there are so many ways you can use your skills to send a message. The needle and thread are our allies during these times of seclusion and shelter in place. Plus, you know what they say about idle hands.
Here are a few things you could try!
Denyse Schmidt is hosting a quilt along beginning March 28th called The Proverbial Quilt Along. You will need Denyse’s quilt pattern The Proverbial Quilt. Check out the details on her website. I think a few Hello Stitch members have already signed up, you can all keep in touch together via Instagram as you work through this fun project. Who knows, maybe Hello Stitch will join in too.
Take a class from Sarah Filke on the Blueprint platform. Her class is called Word Play: Personalize Your Quilt. She also has a wonderful book out called Stitch Your Story with 6 complete alphabets in it!
Is paper piecing more your style? Perhaps you want to take this opportunity to say it AND learn it with a new technique. We love this pattern, developed by our very own Terri Carpenter! You can find the I Spy The Alphabet Quilt PDF download on etsy. It's a paper piecing pattern that comes together quickly and can feature your favorite novelty prints if desired.
Don't forget that quilt blocks can totally be incorporated into tote bags (see photo left) or into one of our favorite garments, the Tamarak Jacket. But, If quilting isn’t your thing, how about you say it with embroidery?
The easiest option is to embroider in the style of your very own handwriting. We like the Frixion pens for marking. The ink disappears with a simple swipe of a hot iron (just be sure you are all the way done with your stitching). Not a handwriting master? Use your favorite computer font, print them out on paper to trace. Me-made or even RTW jackets, jeans, shirts and sweaters are all great places to express yourself.
Celebrating a special someone? Have a friend who’s having a Covid-19 birthday? Make and mail a bunting or banner to send good wishes their way. Ready to share words of encouragement or inspiration? Hang your bunting message on the tree outside your house, or on your fence to send messages to neighbors and passers by.
We found a fun and free alphabet font perfect for raw edge applique from Shiny Happy World.
And some bunting how-to’s can be found here:
Quick raw edge fabric banners from The Painted Hive or turned under fabric banners/flags from Crazy Little Projects.
*Some of the links above may be affiliate links, meaning that Hello Stitch will get a small commission if you decide to purchase any of the products that we have recommended at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services that we have used ourselves and think are good value for you. Your purchase also helps to support the studio. It's a win-win!