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Drunkard's Path Bookmark Class--Part 1

Drunkard's Path Bookmark Class--Part 1

Old 03-25-2010, 10:28 PM
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Welcome everyone to the Drunkard's Path Bookmark Class. I hope you all enjoy the process of learning the DP block done with my cut down method.

So here is a Drunkard's Path Block
Attached Thumbnails attachment-31474.jpe  
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:30 PM
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Traditionally it is made by tracing out two parts of the block with 2 curved templates. But I have developed my own way of making them without having to piece any curves. The only curved sewing is when we sew the “yoyo” onto a background fabric. There are several ways you can do this so it is not a hard thing to do.

So lets continue on to how to make a flat “yoyo” I have been told this is not really a yoyo but as it is the same steps up to the point where you sew the center hole closed I will still call it a yoyo.

As we are making a bookmark we are using a 1 ½” template but you can use any size template to create blocks of larger size. The yoyos will need to be bigger also for a bigger size block.


TIP: To figure out the size circle you need for a larger block just cut a circle of paper to use as a trial run. Place your circle on the template you are going to use and see it that size fits.
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:32 PM
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Making a flat yoyo:

Cut a swatch of each fabric - a swatch is a piece of fabric that you cut without measuring. You should make sure you cut at least a 3 1/2" size piece. You can cut a square but you will be trimming it down later. The reason for this is to get a more accurate block.

A light burgandy
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31475[/ATTACH]
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:38 PM
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Cut a 2” circle of cardboard for a circle template. Lay the circle on the back side of the light swatch. Trim the swatch to about ½” to ¾” from the circle. It doesn’t need to be cut perfectly round but don’t cut it much smaller. A little larger gives you more to work with when you pull the thread.

Swatch with cardboard circle
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31263[/ATTACH]

Baste a thread around the edge
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31264[/ATTACH]
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:40 PM
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Thread a needle with a length of thread at least 10”
Sew a running stitch around the edge of the light burgundy swatch.

Run the thread all the way around the edge
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31476[/ATTACH]

Pull the thread tight across the back of the yoyo.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31477[/ATTACH]
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:44 PM
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Spray with sizing and iron. I soak mine with sizing. I like them stiff because they are easier to work with. Turn it over and spray the other side. Set aside to let it dry. I like to let it dry overnight for the stiffest results. But you can work with it if you iron it as dry as possible. You just have to be more careful to maintain the circular shape after you remove the cardboard circle. A hair dryer might dry it quicker also. Just an idea.
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:45 PM
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Tip: I thread several needles at a time so you have what you need at hand.


Tip: If you don’t want to get sizing all over your ironing board ( it can get sticky) you might protect your ironing board with a thin cotton tea towel before you spray. You still need a flat surface to iron on so don’t use a fluffy towel or you will not be able to get it flat enough
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:48 PM
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After your yoyo is dry - pry up one edge and pull the cardboard circle out gently. Your circle should maintain it’s shape but you need to gently pull the thread to pull it back into a circle. I like to put my thumb against(NOT ON) the thread to keep the circle in shape as I pull. Pull gently on which ever side you need to to draw it back into a good circle shape. Now you can trim the thread off.

Pull the cardboard out gently
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31334[/ATTACH]

Pull the thread gently til the circle is back in shape
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31335[/ATTACH]

Now you can trim the thread
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31336[/ATTACH]

A flat yoyo or a prepared applique circle whichever you want to call it
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31337[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-31334.jpe   attachment-31335.jpe   attachment-31336.jpe   attachment-31337.jpe  
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:52 PM
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Ok Now to make the blocks!!


Making the block

Cut 4 swatches about at least 3 ½” square. It doesn’t have to be a perfect square. It can be a scrap. I tend to just hack off a piece approx. the size I want without measuring.


Tip: If you cut all the swatches at one time it will save you time. I highly recommend that you make all of your yoyos at the same time before going on to the next step. If you leave them to dry overnight or for awhile this is especially important to make all of them now. They will be very stiff and easier to work with the longer you can leave them to dry.

Dark Burgandy swatches
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31338[/ATTACH]
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Old 03-25-2010, 10:58 PM
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Now lay the yoyo face up on the swatch( also face up). Pin in place. Then sew the yoyo onto the background swatch.

Place the yoyo under the foot on your sewing machine. Sew around the edge slowly. Take a couple stitches and then evaluate whether you can take another stitch or do you need to lift the foot and turn your fabric.

Make sure you always leave your needle down before you lift the foot! When you get practiced at doing this you can slide the fabric so it spins under the needle. But spinning them is not easy to do. And I still do it slowly.

Continue to sew around the circle a few stitches at a time until you get back to where you started. This is the only curved sewing you will do on this project. With practice this is not really hard. It may seem intimidating but if you go slow it isn’t really that difficult to do. I can’t drop my feeddogs so I just sew it normally.

Sew the yoyo onto the swatch
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31265[/ATTACH]
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