Another Video

 

As you well know, videos are 'the thing to do' in quilting (and every other aspect of life it seems.)  I know they can be fun and informative, but for me, they are very stressful.  I kinda want to do them because I really love reaching.  But, I'm not at all good at it, as you will see in the latest video I just published on my YouTube Channel.  All I can say is have mercy on me, and be kind, please.  

I've wanted to do a video on how to use my Fussy Cut Template set, and my husband (bless his heart) tries to help me.  We end up laughing at all the bloopers more than we get done in an afternoon.  I'm a person who shies away from the camera, so a video is horrifying to me.  I just tell myself I have to try new things to grow as a person....so I charge on.  Hope you take a look at it, have a few chuckles, and see how wonderful these templates really are.  Click here to see my video.

I am a baker and I come from a long line of bakers.  I adore a good pie, and way back in 2014, I talked about wanting to learn to make a good pie crust on this blog.  My friend, Janet, arranged a surprise for me to learn about making pies when I was on a teaching trip to Utah.  You can read about that trip here.  

Anyway, I have struggled with pie crust ever since (which is absolutely no reflection on Janet's instructions!)  Last year, I went searching on YouTube to see if I could find a video that would help me (see, here we are back at videos!)  I often find that in watching videos, I pick up on subtleties that aren't in written instructions.  Maybe it's the kitchen tools used, or the way a person handles the dough that makes all the difference....things like that. 

I think I found my pie nirvana.

If you're wondering why I am writing about pie making today it's because I baked this delicious cherry pie over the weekend, posted about it on social media, and was met with many requests for the recipe.  I am always happy to share a good recipe....and quilting hint...why not?

After all, this is not my pie crust recipe, and....there's a video tutorial to go with it!  

What I love about this pie crust recipe is it is seemingly fool proof.  You never vary on measurements, or technique, and it will come out flaky and perfect every time.  As a novice pie maker, this crust is a dream to work with.  It's not dry, and doesn't crack.  I love how it feels in my hands when working with it, and who doesn't love making food that is a pleasure to make, and delicious to eat?

So, enough of my rambling...here's the recipe:

Old-Fashioned Flaky Pie Crust

1 2/3 cup all purpose flour

1 TBL sugar

1/2 tsp salt

2 sticks of cold butter (do not freeze)

1/2 cup cold water

The recipe alone is not enough.  You have to watch the Baking with Stella video to see the technique she uses, which is very simple, but ultra important.  Click here to see the video.  If for some reason you need to search for her on YouTube, search the following:

How to Make the Best Old-Fashioned Flaky Pie Dough

My cherries came from Door County, WI.  If you live in the Midwest like I do, you know all about Door County cherries....absolutely divine!  I buy the already made pie crust filling.  I think you may be able to find it on-line....it's worth it!  

So....now you have a few videos to watch....one to make you giggle (mine) and the other to have you making glorious pies.  

Hope you find these videos useful and informative.  

See ya Friday for more on the Teeny Tiny Star quilt.

Circa 1880 Nine Patch Blocks

Here are this week's blocks.  Some cute fussy cuts in this batch.  The green flower in the center of the block at the right is easy to spot.  Do you spot the fabric with the bicycles?

That is the F*U*N of putting Fussy Cuts in your blocks!!  Little surprises.  

Need help Fussy Cutting?  I've made it super easy....click here to read more.

Be well....Happy Stitches always.

Fussy Cut Template Winner

My thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on my new Fussy Cut templates!  

As promised, the randomly chosen winner is...

Nettie, who said......

I can't tell you how many times in the past 20 yrs. I have needed these fussy cut templates! I love to center a special motif or saying on some of my quilt blocks. Happy Holidays and thanks so much for the very special drawing!!!


Congratulations, Nettie!  Please email your mailing address to Pam@HeartspunQuilts.com.

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to comment.  I read them all and enjoyed them.  

Click here to order a set for your Christmas stocking or for Santa to give to you....wink, wink!

Besides preparing for Christmas, and the usual work of filling orders and such, I'm working on several new quilt designs.  There are two new fabric lines in the works and several more planned for next year.  It definitely keeps me out of trouble!!  

While we are all so busy at this time of year, I try to find a little "me" time each day to sew something for myself as it makes me a much happier person.   You, too? 

Enjoy the weekend!

NEW! Fussy Cutting Templates

Heartspun Quilts Fussy Cutting Template Set 

While I was working on The Circa 1880 Nine Patch quilt, I cut lots and lots of fussy cut motifs for the blocks.  I love the surprises fussy cutting gives, especially in such a scrappy quilt!

This is what I was using to fussy cut my motifs.  Yeah....it works, but not well.  I didn't always get the motifs centered correctly because the ruler lines make it difficult to see.   Over and over again, I wished I had a clear template showing an unobstructed view of the fabric I wanted to cut.  

As they say.....necessity is the mother of invention!  

I designed what I think are the perfect fussy cut templates!  Each template will cut two sizes of motifs.  In the sample above, the full template size cuts a 3 1/2 inch finished square.  The inset square cuts a 1 3/4 inch finished square.  I deliberately made the inset lines very faint so as not to obscure the view of the larger motif.  I love it!!

For the larger motif, using the full template, center the design and cut the fabric on all four sides of the template (white arrows.)

For the smaller size, center the design in the inset square (white arrows.)  Make the first two cuts on the right and top of the template. 

Turn the fabric around and align the cut edge with the dashed seam allowance lines on the inset square (red arrows.)  Finish cutting the square (white arrows.) 

Voila!

 I created six different templates that cut twelve different size fussy cut motifs:

1 inch and 1/2 inch squares

2 inch and 3/4 inch squares

3 inch and 1 1/2 inch squares

3 1/2 inch and 1 3/4 inch squares

4 inch and 2 1/4 inch squares

5 inch and 2 1/2 inch squares

Instructions, with color photos, is included in the set.

To celebrate the debut of my new Fussy Cut Template set, I'm giving away a set to one lucky winner!

Leave a comment on my blog by midnight, Friday, December 7th and I'll randomly choose a winner.  Please include your email so I can notify you.  

To be fair to everyone, do not email your comment.  Only blog comments are eligible. 

If you can't wait....or need a Christmas gift for yourself (your hubby will appreciate the hint!) or a special quilting friend, the Fussy Cut Templates are in stock and ready to ship today!!

Click here to order!  

I hope you're enjoying the holiday season so far.  Our home decorating is nearly complete.  I started to do some shopping but stopped because we've been busy preparing to ship Mrs. Miller's Apprentice patterns to quilt shops as the BOM begins in January.  

I still can't believe it's DECEMBER!!!   Stay cozy under a quilt...or two....or three!