QUILTsocial Winter 2015-15 Issue | Page 14

Sewing the pieces together and achieving perfect seams is a breeze when the Pfaff IDT™ system is engaged. Prior to sewing, make sure that the seams have been pressed in opposite directions on the two pieces being sewn together. This will ensure that the seams butt up against each other when sewing. Perfectly matched seams The IDT™ system allows for an even feed of the pieces over the feed dogs and under the quarter inch foot. The IDT™ system also prevents shifting of pieces when sewing because, with the even feed, perfectly matched seams are achieved. Which quarter inch foot should you use? With or without the guide? Either will work just fine for this job as they are both compatible with the IDT™ system. With the checkerboard now made, I cut an 8½" square of the light background fabric to sew to the checkerboard to create the full mug rug. The size of the mug rug is approximately 8" x 12". Perfect for holding a mug and a plate of yummy treats! The snowflake motif Checkerboard sewn to background fabric I collected snowflakes in various sizes and shapes for my mug rug. I even made one from paper like I did when I was a kid – it didn’t turn out so well! There are many places to collect snowflake designs. Try: colouring books, cookie cutters, gift bags, and the glyphs in your office software on your computer. Snowflake fused to light hued background fabric Collection of snowflakes It would be really cool if we could use the actual snowflakes that fall from the sky. I'm sure their designs are fantastic, but, possibly, a bit too intricate. It’s hard to find out without a high powered microscope! I love the big, huge flakes that fall, because they make everything look so magical. The snowflake design I chose is one I used in my Santa Sac designs. I enlarged it for this project. My favourite form of appliqué uses fusible web with the stitching done by machine. No hand stitching for me; the machine does a far better job! I drew the outline of the snowflake onto a piece of fusible web with a paper backing and fused it to the fabric for my snowflake. I fused the snowflake design to the background square making sure to cover everything with a Teflon appliqué sheet to prevent getting glue in unwanted places. If you don’t have a Teflon sheet, parchment paper is a good substitute. 14 QUILTsocial .com ● winter 2014/2015