Scripture Cover Tutorial Featuring Vintage Market from Riley Blake Designs

scripture cover tutorial

My daughter and I recently received new scriptures and with new scriptures comes a need for new covers!  I love these little quilted covers, I think of them as blankets for your bibles….heehee 🙂  The Riley Blake Designs fabric I am using is called Vintage Market Fabric by Tasha Noel.  Absolutly everything Tasha designs is too cute for words.  I can’t decide which little scene is my favorite!  I love jam, bicycles, quilts, sewing machines, and all vintage goods.  I guess I love it all!!!

This pattern will walk you through the steps of determining the measurements for your bible or book and how to create a quilted cover.  The two examples shown are a set of regular “quad” scriptures and then the larger “quad” scriptures.  scripture cover  vintage market 5

The first step is to take the measurements of the book.  Hold the tape measure from cover to cover with the book closed as pictured below.  Write down that length measurement.  Then do the same thing width wise and record that number.

scripture cover tutorial riley blake designs vintage market

MEASUREMENTS

To determine the measurements for the width (top to bottom), add 1″ to the width measurement and then subtract 1/8″.

To determine the measurements for the length (side to side), measure the length and add 6″.

For the regular quad, the book measures:  7 3/8″ x 13″ so the number we are after is 8 1/4″ x 19″

For the large quad, the book measures: 9 3/8″ x 15″ so the number we are after is 10 1/4″ x 21″

Overview

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Here is a photo of what the finished cover looks like.  The inside consists of 2 flaps to insert the book cover.  The cover also extends beyond the book so it wraps around and buttons to close.IMG_8802

Construct the Quilted Cover

Following the instructions for the “quilt” will give you a quilt that is slightly larger than the measurements required.  Not to worry, I have put a little “extra” in as the quilt tends to shrink after being quilted.  Once it is pieced and quilted you will square it up to the measurements you determined at the beginning.

The quilt consists of 3.5″ cut blocks that finish 3″ square.  The Vintage Market motifs are fussy cut.  They are alternated with hourglass blocks.

How to Fussy Cut

There are many ways to fussy cut an image, this is my method.  Cut a 3.5″ square out of a piece of card stock.  Use this as a little window to center the motif.  Draw a pencil line around the 3.5″ square.  Keep in mind you will have 1/4″ seam allowances.
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Using scissors  do a rough cut around the pencil line.  Then place the image on a cutting mat and use the pencil lines as a guide to line up the ruler.  Make sure to match the ruler to the grid as the pencil marks might be off slightly.  Any pencil marks shown will be caught in the seam allowance.

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Next, wrangle your cat away from the fabric so you can continue with this project 🙂

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Hour Glass Block

To make the hourglass block, cut a light 5″ charm square and a dark 5″ charm square.  Draw a diagonal line on the back of the light square.
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Place the light and dark squares right sides together.  Sew 1/4″ seam along both sides of the pencil line.  Cut apart and press toward the dark.  
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Take the two half square triangle (HST) units and draw a diagonal line on one of the wrong sides.  Place the HST units together so the lights and darks are opposite, match the center seam.  Sew 1/4″ along both sides of the drawn line.  Cut apart along the pencil line and press the seams open.
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This will give you 2 hour glass blocks.  Next, place the hourglass block on the cutting mat and “square up” to measure 3.5″.  Make sure to align each diagonal seam with the 45 degree lines on the cutting grid.

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It will look nice and perfect when you are done!

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For the regular quad, you need (5) fussy cut squares and (5) hourglass blocks

For the large quad, you need (9) fussy cut squares and (9) hourglass blocks

If you are creating your own book cover with different measurements, you need enough squares to get closest to your measurement, but not to exceed the measurement.  There will be accent strips to make up the difference.

Piece the quilt together using 1/4″ seams, block by block, pressing toward the fussy cut blocks.  Then join the rows together, pressing seams open.  The regular size of scriptures has 2 rows and the large size of scriptures has 3 rows.

For both sizes of scriptures, sew a 2″ strip along the top and bottom of the “quilt”.  No need to measure, it can hang off, it will all get squared up soon.  Press seams toward the strips.

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Square up the sides and sew a 2.5″ strip to the right side and a 2.5″ strip to the left side.  Press seams toward the strips.  It is best if these are different colors as they will be overlapping once the cover is finished.

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Again, do this no matter what size scriptures you are using.

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Baste the quilt to the batting.  I love to use Spray n Bond because I can baste this little quilt in about 30 seconds!!!  Quilt as desired.

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Once it is quilted it is time to square up the finished quilt cover.  Here are the measurements again:

For the regular quad: 8 1/4″ x 19″

For the large quad: 10 1/4″ x 21″

It is best to determine the center and than count each side out so the top and bottom strips look even.scripture cover tutorial riley blake designs vintage market 20

Next cut an angle off the LEFT side of the quilt.  NOT THE RIGHT SIDE LIKE I DID.
DON'T

Cut the angle on the LEFT side.  For the 2-row quilt, measure in 2″ and angle down 2.5″.  Do this on both corners.  For the 3-row quilt, change the measurements to 2″ in and 3″ down.

cutting

You can add lace or other decorative trim at this point.

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Our quilt is finished!  WhoooHoooo!!!

Flaps

Prepare the flaps by cutting (2) squares the size of the width measurement.  For the regular quad it is 8 1/4″ square and for the large quad it is 10 1/4″ square.scripture cover tutorial riley blake designs vintage market 22

Press both flaps in half.  Set aside one flap.  On the second flap, press the edges opposite the half crease under 1/4″ inches like this:

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Cut the lining piece (pink) the measurements of the quilt:

For the regular quad: 8 1/4″ x 19″

For the large quad: 10 1/4″ x 21″

Position the flap without the pressed seams on the left, aligning the raw edges and the folded part toward the center. flap placement

Place the flap with the pressed under edges at the 14″ mark for the regular quad scriptures  and the 16″ mark for the large quad scriptures.  If you are determining your own measurements you would subtract the length of the quilt by 5″.  Pin the right flap in place and top stitch along the folded edges.  The left flap will be caught in the final seam.

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Place the quilted cover on the lining/flap piece, right sides together.  Match all edges and pin in place.  Don’t worry about the angles, we will cut them later.

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Leave an opening for turning where the colored pins are:

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Sew all the way around the cover using 1/4″ seams.  If your seams are larger the cover won’t fit.  Trim off the excess lining where the angles are.  Clip the corner and turn right side out.  Press all edges and press opening edges under.  Top stitch the opening closed.

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The inside should look like this (below).  You can add a little top stitching around the angle flap.  Don’t top stitch around the entire cover or the book won’t fit inside.

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Insert the scriptures and mark where you want the button holes.  If your measurements only call for 2 rows of quilt blocks, you only need 1 button.  For the larger version with 3 rows of quilt blocks, it is helpful to have 2 buttons.  Sew the button holes and then hand sew the buttons, making sure not to catch the thread in the flap.

You’re done!!!!

You can use regular buttons or make covered buttons like these ones:

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True fact:  If you have cute scriptures you are more likely to read them 🙂

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I hope you enjoy this tutorial!  Let me know how yours comes out 🙂scripture cover vintage market 3

Birthday Cat-Cake Towel Tutorial

cat cakes

It’s my birthday today!  To celebrate I made this fun appliqué towel with cat cupcakes – or Cat Cakes as I call them!  I bought this toweling by the yard.  It comes in lots of colors and styles.

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To make this towel you need:

1 towel or 1 yard toweling

6 charm squares for cats and cakes, I used Day Sail by Moda

3 scraps for candles

Heat n Bond Lite cut into 5″ squares

birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 6I used the Sizzix cat head and the Sizzix cupcake bottom to create the Cat-Cakes.Screen Shot 2015-07-03 at 7.51.52 AMScreen Shot 2015-07-03 at 7.51.21 AMIron the Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the charm squares and run it through the Sizzix Fabi.  Make sure to position the fabric over the desired shape.  I cut out all 3 at once!

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Peel off the backing paper and position the Cat Cakes on the bottom of the towel.  Press to set in place.  Sew around each shape 2 times with navy thread.birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 11

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Make sure your cat approves 🙂birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 21

 

If you don’t have a July birthday, make this to celebrate our Nation’s Birthday!!!birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 14

 

Or make one for your cat’s birthday 🙂birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 2
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Mufasa loves the Sizzix Fabi.  He hears me getting it out and comes running!!!birthday cat cupcake applique day sail 24

Sizzix Crazy Cat Lady Coasters

cat coasters

I am sharing this fun tutorial for “Cat Coasters” over on the Sizzix blog today.  This is a fun project to use up charm squares or other scraps of fabric you have laying around.  Of course you can always change the appliqué to something that reflects you if you are not a crazy cat lady like I am 🙂 cat coasters sizzix. 3

I used the cat head from the “cat die”.  I also used some of my Heat n Bond Lite scraps I had laying around.  I love scrap buster projects!cat coasters sizzix. 5

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#kittyquilter Mini Quilt Tutorial


kitty quilter mini quilt

Hey there all you crazy cat quilter friends!  I have a fun mini quilt for you!!  I love using the hashtag #kittyquilter on Instagram.  There is something about felines and quilting that just go so well together!  Baby Mufasa is involved in every step of the quilting process: choosing fabric, cutting, basting, and binding – he’s right there!

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This fun little quilt sews up fast.  The fabrics are from Blend Fabrics’ Best in Show fabric line.  I am sew in love with the kitty faces fabric – I ordered more yardage to make a skirt!!!   You could easily make this with your favorite cat theme print fabric.

This quilt has 2 different traditional quilt blocks: Kitty in the Corner and King’s Crown.  I choose kitty in the corner for obvious reasons and I choose King’s Crown because Mufasa means King!  Isn’t that the cutest!!  Let’s get started!  (1/4″ seams throughout)

Supplies:

1/4 yard of a variety of coordinating fabrics including cat theme print

Heat n Bond Lite EZ print Sheets

#kittyquilter letters

batting

1/2 yard backing

1/4 yard binding

Fussy Cut (4) Cats

Choose the cats you want in the center of the blocks and cut them 3.5″ square.

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Kitty in the Corner Block 6.5″ finished

Make (2) of these

Cut the fabric according to the diagram pictured below.  I don’t know about you, but I love when measurements are shown in pictures and not in a long list of cutting instructions.

kitty in the corner quilt block diagram

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of the (4) white squares.  Match a white square and a patterned square right sides together and sew on the pencil line.  Cut 1/4″ away from the seam.  Press to the dark.  Do this with each of the (4) white blocks and (4) patterned blocks.  This makes (4) half square triangle (HST) units.  Arrange them as pictured below and sew as you would a traditional 9-patch.

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Kings Crown Block 6.5″ finished

Cut the fabrics according to the picture below.  Make sure to cut (8) white 2″x2″ squares, I only have 4 in the picture.
kings crown quilt bloock

 

Draw a diagonal line on the back of the (8) white squares.  Next make (4) flying geese units by laying the white square right sides together with a patterned rectangle, matching up the 3 edges.  Sew on the line as pictured below:

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Trim 1/4″ next to the seam and press toward the dark.  Place another white square on top of that unit and sew on the line, as pictured below:

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Cut 1/4″ away from the seam and press again.  The block should look like this:
kitty quilter mini quilt

If you turn the flying geese blocks around it makes a Sawtooth Star pattern.  I love that each of these blocks has the same center measurement and only a variation on the 2″ sides!

Sew the block together and press seams open.

kitty quilter mini quilt 8Happy Cat blocks!!

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Prepare the applique

Print the letters on the EZ print sheets and iron them to the back of the desired fabric.  Cut around each letter and peel off the backing paper.

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Cut the remaining strips according to this cutting diagram:

#kittyquilter design

Position the letters on the white strip and press in place.  Top stitch around each letter.
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Sew the (4) blocks together and press seams open.  Sew each of the rows together according to the layout diagram.  Quilt, bind, and let the cat have a nap on it:)

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Mufasa loves it!  and I hope you do too!!!

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Strawberry Patch Quilt Pattern – Available Now!

strawberry-patch-coverHomegrown strawberries in a New Jersey backyard, berries being grown all year round in Sunny California and two friends who lives miles apart….came together to design these yummy strawberry quilts…. JUST FOR YOU!  Tina from Emily Ann’s Klsoet and I had so much fun making these quilts – we know you will love the pattern as well!  It’s one pattern but there are 2 versions you can choose from!  The Strawberry Patch pattern is available in paper copy or PDF.  Come take a peek over at Emily Ann’s Kloset.

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These yummy fabrics are from the Moda fabric line “Hello Darling”.  strawberry patch quilt hello darling moda 3

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I have my quilt hanging in my family room – I smile whenever I walk by it 🙂
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I even updated some decor times to have a strawberry theme.  It just feels so happy!!!strawberry patch quilt hello darling moda 9

 

I hope you love this quilt as much as I do!!!strawberry patch quilt hello darling moda 10

Baby Mufasa was very helpful in the quilt making process!!!
strawberry patch quilt hello darling moda

Fish Bubbles Apron and Runner Tutorial

sizzix fish apronI had so much fun sewing my Fish Bubbles Pillow that I wanted to make more Fish Bubbles projects!  Have you seen the toweling by the yard?  It is amazing!  It is hemmed on both edges and it comes in a variety of colors and patterns.  I thought it would be fun to make an apron with it and a table runner.  Here’s how you can make one.

Supplies:

1.5 yards of toweling

Sizzix Fish Die

Sizzix Circles 1 1/2″ Die

Heat n Bond Lite if you want to sew the appliqué or Heat n Bond Ultra if you want “no-sew”

1/2 yard for waist band

Cut the toweling to 1.5 yards.
fish apron 3Hem the cut sides of the toweling by turing under 1/2″ and again 1/2″ and sewing close to the fold.

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Choose some fun fabrics and iron the Heat n Bond to the wrong side of the fabric.  Heat n Bond Lite is a great light weight fusible appliqué but is best if you sew around it to secure.  Heat n Bond
Ultra requires no sewing.  I used Heat n Bond Ultra for this.  Once you have fused the appliqué medium to the wrong side of the fabric, run it through the Sizzix Fabi.

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I appliquéd 4 fish and 5 bubbles.

Now all you have to do is make the apron waist band.  Cut (3) 5″ x WOF strips from the waist band fabric.  From one of those pieces cut it down to 24″ x 5″  The two long pieces will be the ties and the 24″ piece will be the waist band.

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Fold the ties in half lengthwise and sew, leaving one end open, and angling the other end to form a point like this:  Turn right side out, press, and top stitch along both sides 1/8″ from the edge.
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Cut the top hem of the toweling off to reduce bulk while gathering (I tried it with the hem and it was way too thick.)  Run a zig zag stitch along the top edge to cut down on the fraying.fish apron 9

We a gathering stitch along this top edge about 1/4″ from the top.  Pull up the threads to gather.  Pin the gathers to a WRONG edge of the 24″ waist band strip, pinning 1″ from the edge of the strip on both sides.  Sew along the gathering stitch.fish apron 12

Press the other edge of the waist band under a generous 1/4″, then fold it over to the front to cover the gathering stitch.  Top stitch to secure, leaving the edges open.  Take those ends and fold them in 1/2″.  Tuck the ends of the ties in the side openings and sew where the pin is in the photo below:
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Apron is finished!  I love, it’s the cutest ever!!!fish apron 14

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To make the table runner, you need about 5 minutes!  Cut the toweling to the desired length of your table.  Hem the edges by rolling under 1/2″ then another 1/2″.  Sew to secure.

fish apron 2Cut the fish and circles using the Sizzix Fabi with Ultra Hold.  Then Iron the fish and bubbles in place!  This project is great because it adds a nice pop of color and doesn’t take much time at all!!fish apron 19

 

Sizzix Fish Bubbles Pillow

fish bubbles intro

I am super excited to share my Fish Bubbles Pillow Tutorial – It’s over on the Sizzix Blog today!  Did you know I love all things Nautical?  (hee hee)fish bubbles pillow

I choose to use Day Sail from Moda – I love this fabric line!!!  Add some Therm O Web Heat n Bond and run it though the Sizzix Fabi and you’ve got yourself a cute fish pillow!
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I love that I can cut so many perfect circles at once!!!  Now more hand cutting circles – yippie!!!!daysail fish bubbles pillow 18

This pillow makes me think of Summer!  I wish it was July!!!!daysail fish bubbles pillow 20

The back is even cute 🙂  Hop on over to the Sizzix Blog for the full set of instructions so you can make one for YOU!!!!

Star Wars Sewing Projects

I love May the 4th!  I had too much fun sewing Star Wars projects!     IMG_6713

This cute comic book Star Wars  zipper pouch was made using this tutorial – I omitted the lace trim.  I just can’t get enough of this fabric!!  I used Heat n Bond fusible fleece and added some topstitching along the seam.

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My brother’s birthday is May the 4th!  I made his this more “manly” zipper pouch using this tutorial.  I also used Heat n Bond fusible interfacing AND fusible fleece.  It has a really nice feel to it!IMG_6549My daughter takes a sketch book with her everywhere she goes!  She was in need of a new case.  To make this follow these instructions, but change the measurements to 26″ x 15″.  For this pouch I used Heat n Bond fusible stabilizer to give it a nice weight.

 

May the Fourth Be With You

star wars skirts. 13May the 4th is a HUGE holiday in our family – yes I said holiday!!!!!  For some reason we are all Star Wars Nerds!    We needed to do a little sewing to celebrate this totally awesome day and to show our true level of nerdiness!  When I saw this fabric I knew it was perfect for skirts for the girls – I love that there is pink and aqua in it!

star wars skirtsI immediately went to my Potato Chip Skirt and Chocolate Chip Skirt patterns from Tie Dye Diva.  They are FUN to make!  In fact, Ella sewed her entire skirt by herself!

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Mufasa slept on the cutting table the entire time!IMG_6517

 

I LOVE how they turned out!  The girls were both up extra early this morning so excited to wear their new outfits!star wars skirts. 14

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I put Ella in charge of the T-Shirts.  She drew the heart, applied the Heat n Bond Lite and ironed it on.  We did a little top stitching to secure.  star wars skirts. 9

Of course we needed some Jedi hair styling!!  I love the Jedi Braids!!!

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Jedi Master Mufasa also wishes you a Happy May the Fourth!!!

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Sizzix Whale Bookmark Tutorial

whale bookmark tutorial

In celebration of Earth Day, today, I thought I would share this fast and fun tutorial for a whale bookmark using the Sizzix Whale Die.  I have loved whales my whole life.  I remember as a little girl saving up my money to buy a $5 gold colored whale necklace; I was so excited because a portion of the money would go to the “Save the Whales” fund.

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Here’s what you need to make the bookmark:

scrap of aqua, gray dots, and red fabrics

Heat n Bond Fusible Fleece

Sizzix Whale Die

Heat n Bond Lite fusible applique

Grommet or large eyelet

scraps of ribbon/trim

Instructions

Begin by cutting the aqua fabric (2) 4″ x 10″

Cut the Fusible Fleece the same size, 4″ x 10″

(sorry for the photo quality, I do my best work late at night!!!!)
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Draw an angle in the upper corners to form the shape of a tag.  Notice where I positioned my lines in comparison to the grid:

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Iron the fusible fleece to one of the aqua pieces on the wrong side.  Plaace right sides of the bookmark pieces together. Sew around the bookmark,using a generous 1/4″ seam.  Leave an opening along the side for turning.  Trim the edges close to the seam and clip corners.  Turn right side out, press.  Top stitch.

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For the whale and heart appliqué pieces, iron the Heat n Bond Lite to the wrong side of the gray fabric.  Cut out a rectangle roughly the size of the Sizzix Whale Die.  Run it through the Big Shot or Fabi Machine.  For the heart, I cut it freehand.  Peel the backing paper off.sizzix whale bookmark 3
Position the appliqué pieces as desired.  Iron in place.  Top stitch around the whale and the hart.
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When you are finished, add a grommet or eyelet and tie ribbons through it.

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It also doubles as a cat toy!!!sizzix whale bookmark 7

I think it’s the cutest and I totally needed an new bookmark!!!
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