Free Motion Sewn Mr. Bunny

We're so excited to have a guest blogger today, Melanie from Sister Hipster!  Sister Hipster is specializes in hip baby gear, but also creates some very cool retro artsy pieces.  Here's some of her latest stuff:

cactus tea cup

felt flower hair bow

April Showers wall hanging

Melanie also made this fabulous vintage illustration (courtesy of Beatrix Potter) Easter bunting:

And exclusively for Holiday Snob, she produced this Mr. Bunny Free Motion Sewn wall art, 

so without further ado, here's her tutorial!!

When I started making these images I used paper on paper and another

was fabric on fabric. I thought to get more variety I mixed it up and

did paper on fabric. Paper is so fun cause I had so much of it! A lot

more variety than my fabric selection. So that is how mr. Bunny came

about. Heres the know how...  

Step 1: draw and design your image

Step2: for the next step, you'll need to make several separate parts

for stenciling. So what I did, I took my picture to the light box and

using heavy cardstock, I traced each separate body part I was going to

use for different paper or fabric. Before I cut them out I labeled

them so I would know what was the part and which was the front. Once

they're cut out it can get a little confusing.

Step 3: I then cut out each piece. I then figured out my color scheme

and started tracing. You want to make sure you trace on the back of

the paper. Also, when doing that, you need to make sure your stencil

is turned around. That way the front of the paper will match the right

side of he stenciled image. If that makes sense.

Step 4; once all the body parts are cut, I placed them how they should

fit (also added an oval for the background). Then I taped them just a

little to keep the image together while I sewed it.

Step 5: I stretch my fabric on an embroidery hoop and place my image

on the back (so it lays flat on the machine) after all taped, I used

my sewing pen ( with disappearing ink) and drew in designs like the

nose, eyes, and border. That way I can see exactly where to sew once I

get on the machine. (saves a little heart ache)

Step 6:  Then I take off the needle and the "pressure foot ankle"

itself . That way I can fit the hoop under. Once under I put the ankle

and needle back in place. Then I put on my embroidery/ daring foot.

Make sure to change all settings necessary for free motion sewing such

as lowering your feed dogs and anything else depending on your

machine.

Step 7: start sewing! I went around each body part a few times, along

with the body. You can choose to do one continuous line without bring

your needle up for a different effect. I raised mine a few times to do

the eyes and nose parts separate.

Step 8: here's the image all done sewing wise and now flipped on the

embroidery hoop, but you can see I still need to trim off excess

fabric from the back.

Step 9: um.. That would be trim the excess fabric off the back. Make

sure the image is EXACTLY where you want it and pulled tight. once you

trim off the back it's almost impossible to change.

Pic 10 and 11 : Finished product! I left it like it is at this point

but In the past I've added embellishments such as buttons, brads,

ribbon, stamps or whatever tickles your fancy. Just have fun with it!

Thanks, Melanie!! 

Dot and Glitta

Linking here:

Sunday:

http://iheartnaptime.blogspot.com/

Monday:

http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/, http://makingtheworldcuter.blogspot.com/, http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/, http://www.skiptomylou.org/, http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/

Tuesday:

http://todayscreativeblog.net/, http://ladybug-blessings.com/, http://tipjunkie.com/, http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/

Wednesday:

http://eisymorgan.blogspot.com/, http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com/, http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/, http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/, http://www.mybackyardeden.com/, http://reasonstoskipthehousework.blogspot.com

Thursday:

http://www.momnivores-dilemma.com/,  http://www.houseofhepworths.com/, http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/

Friday:

http://www.whipperberry.com/, http://www.kojodesigns.blogspot.com/, http://www.thegirlcreative.com/,http://tidymom.net/, http://sassysites.blogspot.com/, http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/, http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/, http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/

Saturday:

http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com