EPP and Quilting on a Budget - Tips for Saving Money and Keeping Costs Down

[@KattGothica]

I go to thrift stores and look at their sheets skirts what ever is in cotton and has alot of fabric for the sale price. But that's because I rarely can afford what's in the shops

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That is a great idea Gabby, you can repurpose any fabric almost for epp and make something really unique

[@traceycoles1693]

Men's cotton shirts from charity shops are great!

[@szotyi9]

I also found cutting mat and rulers in op shops, so worth looking at the craft section too 😊

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I used to turn my husband's shirts into cleaning cloths the size of tea towels or smaller as soon as the tips of the collars and cuffs began to wear and now I'm looking at that M&S and other good quality 100% cotton with new eyes. It's free fabric (to me ...). xx@@traceycoles1693

[@teremazon6109]

I also do that a lot, recycling is also good for the planet and

[@catmama7]

You was talking about what to use to make hexi forms, I just wanted to tell you what I use. I live it a retirement complex with 126 apts and we all share Christmas cards so I use my Christmas cards to punch out my forms instead of throughing them away

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea Ann!🌸

[@mimsmurfette]

I like to spread my 'good' fabric out, interspersing lots of white. It makes the patterns stand out more rather than getting lost as well as being much cheaper - particularly if you're using an old charity shop duvet cover/sheet. I access my magazines through pressreader which I can use for free with my library card! Libraries are excellent resources

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great tips! My library has BorrowBox but I can’t find magazines, I will Do some more research 😊🌸

[@nicoletor8604]

Thanks for a great video. I've been enjoying epp for just over a year. My little tip is to buy pillow cases, I go to Asda. They have different colours and for £2 you get a huge amount of fabric so it's nice to be able to experiment, and also match it with patterned fabrics.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great tip! Thanks for watching

[@paintedstars2]

I found YOU and this video and the most perfect time! I am currently finishing my first patchwork project and going to do my first quilting (a pin cushion plus embroidery pattern) which I've never done either😆 My mother is a master quilter so I wanted to make something special for her 74th birthday. I have been using clothes, ESPECIALLY handmade dresses from thrift shops maybe from different cultural ceremonies that have lots of beads or metalic ribbons and full skirts for 8.99??? Those kinda things on a fixed income TO ME are a huge value. I also found great books at library on embroidery and slow stitching. Hopefully after 46 years I can make my mother proud with one teensy sewing gift

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that is so lovely and I’m sure you will make her proud! She will be touched that you went to all that effort for her and I’m sure you’ll make something very beautiful

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I wish charity shops were better here. I suspect they pick out all the good stuff and pass it on to sell online at fairly high prices. Our shops are often tiny and have 3 or four racks of fairly uninspiring clothing - mainly synthetics, a shelf or two of shoes (mainly heels and hardly anyone wears those now), some tatty paperbacks and "made-for-charity" greetings cards and mugs. I've given up the "treasure hunt" mentality I had when I went in, which was rarely. American "thrift" shops are so much better if what I see on YT is truly representative of "charity" shops over there. I wish folk would set up local "thrift" shops where all the profits go back into the community, instead of to huge charity businesses.

[@kathysmith5411]

Thank you Emma. Great ideas. I always think that quilts in whatever form years ago were made from what was available. It's more about enjoying the process and finding the material treasures wherever. If end result is more organic then that is fine too. Just enjoy being creative ❤⚘

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That is so true Kathy. Thanks for watching 🌸

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I did smile when you said denim would be too heavy. Well ... I am halfway through my first QAYG garden quilt, using repurposed denim I've been saving for projects such as these, giving denim borders to the more expensive fabrics on the front. I actually got those fabrics as part of a large bundle I bought from a lovely lady who was downsizing her stash (all brand new 100%, Lewis & Irene or Makower, etc fat quarters, half metres and even a panel for Christmas stockings) and they were a fraction of the price new. I'm only using 100% cotton denim for this quilt, but I have a stash that's mixed. You will probably be shocked that I'm also using some fleeces from when my children were younger as batting. Some of them were only worn once or twice at, say, a Scout or Girlguiding camp and the fabric is making a perfect batting, albeit in 100% polyester. These denim backed quilts are for the garden, to sit on mainly, and I want them to be sturdy and easy care. I don't want my best Liberty fabric covered in moss or grass stains. I'm not on a tight budget, but I do love fabric and I love to repurpose every scrap I can. Yes, I'll do some really pretty ones when I've used all of this up, which I don't think will take long. When I sat down to listen to this vlog, I started unpicking a couple of pairs of 100% cotton M&S chinos my son only wore once or not at all and which he's long since grown out of. I could sell them, but I'll get a lot of use out of the fabric. I have a wardrobe full of clothes and like to dress nicely when I go out, but when I'm weeding the garden, the "bag lady" look is what I'm most comfortable with and I don't care if the knees of my jeans turn green from the dye of the kneely mats I use or there's ground in dirt I'll never get out. That denim will never make it onto a quilt, but I'll wear them until they're "done". I really have to thank you for the inspiration to make some really practical and actually very attractive things for the home and garden with hexagons, which I can draw in any size with a simple pair of compasses and a ruler. For now, the rest of the lovely bargain fabrics and the expensive Liberty I bought at full price is waiting patiently. Their time will come. xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hi Amelia, thank you for taking the time to write this, this was so interesting. I can totally see how denim would work for quilt as you go, I was meaning that denim would be too think for epp because I would imagine it would be hard to wrap around the paper shapes and to sew them together with a whip stitch but someone else commented that they’ve done it so maybe I should try! I can imagine your quilt would look lovely with the denim contrasting with the other fabrics. I think repurposing fabric is a great thing to do, and it will make your projects completely unique. Take care and thanks for watching 🌸

[@sharonlalli1414]

You can use the mixed fabric denim as long as you use interfacing because of the stretch in the material.

[@SusieQ3]

I think denim would make a lovely backing fabric to applique the EPP elements to.

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

Oh my! You could be my long-lost sister as I collect denim as well and my garden jeans have been patched and repatched. I've actually been contemplating using some of the lighter-weight denim a hexi project and appreciate that you've offered your experience. 😊

[@ameliagfawkes512]

You're probably right about using denim for EPP, but if the pieces were large enough, perhaps it could work, but you'd need card rather than paper. One thing I wondered - having paid attention to fabric grain all my life (my Mum had been what she called a "tailoress" and taught me to sew), I've been careful to cut all my hexagons with the grain all the the same way. Does everyone or am I being OCD about that? I've watched quite a lot of videos where people are cutting their fabric and they're definitely not doing what I do, which is more of a "Bernadette Banner" (she has been known to "pull" thread to find the exact grain, although I have to say that that does not work for all fabrics, which are often skewed). I get my grain and then I create a honeycomb of hexies, wasting no fabric, except for tiny bits around the edges. Once I've cut out all the hexies I can get from the denim I have (I've just unpicked a denim jacket I never wore), all the rest will be patchworked to make fabric, probably for a panelled skirt. I may join them with thin borders of Liberty fabric, like a stained glass window in reverse. xx

[@suzisaintjames]

I agree denim would be difficult to form around the paper templates, but I think denim would be fine for a base fabric to appliqué your hexis onto. I especially like to appliqué any sort of patchwork onto a denim tote bag. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@ameliagfawkes512]

I think card would word - not as easily distorted. It definitely works for QAYG. I used fleece for the batting (these are not going to be "precious" quilts - they're for garden seating or, say, yoga on the lawn, if I ever get around to doing yoga again ... 😶‍🌫). The shapes need to be a decent size - no teeny, tiny hexies for denim. xx

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

I purchased an XL Fiskars paper punch that makes 1 inch hexagons and i use my "junk mail" that is cardstock weight to punch out hexagons for my EPP. You inspired my to start EPP about 2 months ago by watching your videos! The punch makes them the same size every time. Also, I got to thinking that old sweatshirts or sweatpants would work for the "batting" in the quilt as you go hexagon quilts. I want to start a QAYG quilt, but I don't have that many batting scraps & don't really want to cut into a full piece. The sweatshirt fabric is stretchy, but since it would be between the cotton, it wouldn't stretch. Also, I have a community paper where i live that I'm able to put in a "WANT AD". I asked for scrap fabric. I got so many calls that I had to turn people away...I ran out of room for all the fabric! People just gave it to me! I also placed an ad for batting scraps, but didn't receive any calls. I think I'll ask for sweatshirts now. 😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That is such a great idea for batting! I would never have thought of it! I think it would be fine because like you say, it’s sandwiched between the cotton so would work perfectly. 🌸

[@claudettemonty4077]

Dear dear Emma, you were the ONE who gave me the love of EPP. And your way to teach, with a calm voice and manners pushed me to try! Now, I do EPP with a pleasure. But there is a question: Do you prepare your "hexagone" (with fabric) just for your present time project or sometimes do it with the fabric that you have prépare some in advance and when needed you have some?? You show us a box with ready ones so it make me ask you.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh I’m so happy to hear that Claudette, that really means a lot to me. I’m so happy you are enjoying EPP. I usually only prepare the hexagons for the project I’m working on, so those ones in the box were for a mini quilt I was making and I think I showed some others that were for my rose garden quilt. I prepare quite a lot at a time to have them ready then stitch them together and then I prepare some more. Maybe I should do a video on preparing a project? 🌸

[@teremazon6109]

Hi, Emma. I am also an EPP addict and almost all the quilts I make are put together with that method, but I seldom use hexagons. I like to reproduce complicated geometric blocks from vintage quilts and one of the aspects of the craft that I enjoy the most is the figuring of the math to make it all fit and the tracing of the shapes on graph paper. For a large quilt with mixed blocks another notion that is essential to me is a pack of ziplock freezer bags to write at the front the block number and name and keep the cut paper shapes and later the cut fabric. I’d get even crazier without them trying to figure out which piece belongs to which block. The drawers in my craft room are full of freezer bags as I tend to have several WIPs on the go all the times.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

that is a super tip, thank you!

[@helsynorfolk]

Thanks for some more great tips Emma. I have always used old birthday & Christmas cards for making EPP papers. I LOVE Aldi too, I’m jealous of your boxes! Their fat quarters are excellent quality too. Best wishes x

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea Helen! I forgot about their fat quarters! I got some Winnie the Pooh ones a while back 😊🌸

[@yvonnevigil7489]

Thank you for all these tips. Having so many hobbies I need to watch my budget. EPP is the newest hobby so slow going on this. ❤ take care dear.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you for watching Yvonne 🌸

[@nickygray8019]

Great episode Emma. Your ideas are fantastic! I always get inspired to sew when I've watched one of your episodes. I especially like the little hexiflower on the purse. That's a really cute idea. I'm usually a person that hand sews the shapes, but ive recently bought the glue and some refills. I'm keen to try that as you show how quick and easy it is. Looking forward to your next episode.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Nicky. I think you’ll enjoy the glue because it is so quick, I really like it anyway. Take care and thanks so much for your support 🌸

[@nathaliebourre3578]

This video is like a treasure chest, full of gem tips! Heartfelt thanks for passing on great wisdom, Emma and for your shared passion!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Aww thank you Nathalie, I’m so glad you liked it 🤗🌸

[@ValShepley-qc4zr]

Thanks for all this information. I've been EPPing for a while now but always found it difficult to know what different things to do with the finished hexies. You're so very inspirational and I can hardly wait to start some of your ideas. Thank you so much.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh thank you! What a lovely thing to say 😊🌸

[@sherrycapstraw5096]

Thank you soooo much...this glue is such a time saver not that i want to rush i just get so excited to see the progress and how beautiful its coming along. Im so inspired by you im going to make a curtain for my bathroom.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh how lovely Sherry! Have fun making it and enjoy the process 😊🌸

[@kyliemaslen5969]

this was such a great video. thank you! i’m new to EPP and found this very useful. i’ve been borrowing magazines and books from the library as they’re quite expensive. the ones that i keep coming back to will be the ones i spend money on purchasing. i’ve also found great books and magazines as well as scrap fabrics at charity shops

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

great tips! thanks so much for watching

[@dianeford6796]

Dear Emma, thank you so much for this video. You are such an inspiration! I found everything you said really helpful and I will be following your ideas. It was nice to see that you had bought thread etc from, Aldi, Lidl and the cheeper shops. I have always been a bit unsure about these products, not knowing if they are good enough quality. But now I will be looking out for them myself. I always get so excited when your videos come up and find them totally relaxing and a joy to watch. I can't thank you enough. Many, many thanks, Diane xxx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh I’m so glad you liked this video Diane. Thanks ever so much for watching and for your lovely comment 🌸

[@barbaracollins-miller3411]

Oh my gosh I just signed up for Readly...it's wonderful...wish I had known about this way before....ty for sharing and make sure you get your free month...ty ty I love all your work

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that’s so great! I’m glad you love it as much as I do, thank you 😊

[@valerielabat-gest9225]

Hello from Istanbul! Thanks so much for your video that give us so much ideas. I really love your work. To see beauty and sweetness of your creations bring to me happiness and comfort each time💖💐. All the best to you🌹

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hello Valerie, thank you so much for watching and for such a lovely comment, really means a lot to me 😊🌸

[@JackiHebb]

Done it! Thanks for speedy response.

[@melsmith5833]

These were really great ideas for saving money. I am always snatching up flat cardboard boxes in the grocery store, like the ones a can of tuna sits in, and love using those for organizing quilt pieces. I watch the bags of thread at thrift stores and sometimes you get good deals. I will never tire of your lovey work and inspiration, thank you so much! 🥀🥀

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Those are super tips Mel, thank you! Take care 🌸

[@melsmith5833]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox ❤🌼🌺🌻

[@alisonmary1443]

Great ideas and advice. I have hamstered away Lidl and Aldi sewing bits and bobs, Lidl thread has proved to be really good, used it on my first EPP projects. Loved this video and fantastic advice about fabrics, I always feel enthusiastic about sewing after your videos :D Thank you 🌸

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that’s such a lovely thing to say, thank you so so much!🤗🌸

[@sherriekeller319]

Emma, watching you stitch by hand is so calming and you make it seem effortless. I am a bit jealous of your Liberty fabric. I'm in America and have seen Liberty on line but it is very expensive, even more so than what you pay or it. I purchased a small charm pack from someplace in Europe. I've used some of it but I tend to just keep it. Silly, I know. You know, if I use it then it will be gone. Smile. Thank you for the video. Til next time.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Hi Sherrie, I hope you are well. I know what you mean about using the precious fabric, I think if I wasn’t making these videos I would have so much untouched fabric because I really struggle to cut into it too! It’s unfortunate that things have to cost so much isn’t it. I really like the Lori Holt fabrics and notions but they are so expensive here compared to US prices, it’s all about import fees etc. Take care 🌸

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

Excellent advice and ideas. Times are tough lately for many of us!😢

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I know, difficult times for so many of us, we need our crafts more than ever but it would be awful if costs prohibited people from making things altogether. Thankfully there are more affordable options available for people. Thanks for watching 🌸

[@monicamag7543]

An absolute stunner in the making. Love love it. Your inspiration is igniting a fire. Thankyou

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cheekyllamacreations]

Thank you for all these great tips, Emma. I love your videos and find them very relaxing and inspiring 💐

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome and I’m so glad you enjoy my videos. I put a lot of work into them so your comment means a lot 🌸

[@cheekyllamacreations]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox it shows how much work you put into them. They are very professional 💐

[@loesursem-timmerman6702]

Thank you for the tips. Readly is amazing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad you like it too!

[@Anne5440_]

When you read a magazine can you save it or an article to your computer hard drive?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

@@Anne5440_ no I don’t think so but you can save it within the app as a bookmark and come back to it very easily

[@BonnieDietz-d5g]

Just started epp . I’m really excited about watching your videos.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! I’m excited for you to start your epp journey and i really appreciate you watching my videos 😊🌸

[@Anne5440_]

Really good tips. I've done several of your small projects. I had the thought of using them again to make gifts for my crafty friends this c'mas. I love the needle books I've made. I put extra felt pages and label them for type and size of needle. I keep one at each place I do handwork around the house.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That's a great idea! I’m so glad you like what you made from my patterns 🌸

[@partyfiesta1557]

Hi Emma! Very sweet and neat video! I actually used denim in one of my EPP quilts and it worked great. I appliquéd it and it was perfect

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that’s great to know! I would have thought it would be too thick to wrap around the shape but now you’ve said that I will give it a go!🌸

[@partyfiesta1557]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox happy I inspired you to try this. I always give my clothes to charity and now kinda regret it because I had so many different colors of denim and I think it would have been fun to pair it with florals or make it very modern with a couple of solids thrown in there. Quilting on top of it would be very difficult unless you have a long arm (one can dream!) many hugs

[@redeemedvintageseamstress4728]

Thanks for posting this! You inspired me to start EPP a couple months ago. I thought I would NEVER want to do EPP. After seeing your videos, I was very excited to try. Now I'm hooked! I save my "postcard" junk mail that is cardstock weight. Then I punch out hexagons with the Fiskars Flip punch where you can see right where you're punching out, then squeeze....and out comes a perfect 1 inch hexagon. Same size every time! The punch was less than $15. I figured it was a worthwhile investment.

[@violet2048]

Well done, you're right on for the beginner. Thank you Emma.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad you think so, thank you!

[@chrisb5391]

Thank you Emma for all of the tips. Your work is so lovely.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much Chris, glad you liked it 🌸

[@elainejohannessen4742]

Thanks Emma for such great advice and info! Your advice is invaluable - you’re a star💕🥰

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You're so welcome!

[@debrawortman1712]

I really enjoyed this video, Emma! I was reminded of my first forays into stitching, and being on a rather tight budget, I quickly learned how to be resourceful. Great advice!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

So glad you liked it Debra. Thanks for watching 😊🌸

[@susanmc9685]

Thanks for all the tips. Love the fabric you use and the colours are beautiful.🌻

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Susan 🌸

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I use new card stock with a paper punch for accuracy. I am hooked on English paper piecing. I am using a wide 5 striped fabric on this project, and a couple accent fabrics. It is approaching 60" now, and I will turn it into a rectangle.

[@mrsmiggins6435]

Another brilliant, informative video Emma. Thank you. Stay safe and well🤗

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! You too!🤗🌸

[@beverleyhasler1521]

Thank you Emma. I do look forward to watching your videos. All so very good. ❤ I recently made a very scrappy 1” queen hexagon top and backed it with a queen flannelette sheet. Very toasty warm. Look forward to your next video ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that sounds so lovely Beverley! Thanks so much for watching 🌸

[@audreygillespie8535]

Hi Emma can I just say that your work is absolutely beautifulx I am so jealousx I'm sure your home is gorgeous with all this great stuff in itx thanks very much for showing us thisx keep goingx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

thank you Audrey! in reality my home is full of toys belonging to my 6 year old son, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

[@jacquelinestrand6283]

Thank you for another great video. I so appreciate your encouragement and suggestions.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that’s so lovely, thank you Jacqueline 🌸

[@coloradoblueskiesboutique7720]

Just added this and OMG the amt it will save!❤thanks for letting us know

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You're welcome!! Thanks for watching 😊🌸

[@maureenlehman139]

Thank you or the wonderful video. Such great ideas Emma!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yolandakingston3806]

Hello from Australia I always enjoy your videos. I use old greeting cards and check out charity shops for odd bits and pieces of craft things. The Library for reading craft magazines is also good here. I have made a few of your projects and made small shaped hexagons to mend clothes or brighten up something dull. ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Great idea! Thanks so much for watching 🌸

[@jacquelineknox1977]

Hi Emma. So many good ideas to save some money when sewing. I have signed up for a month free of Readly and will see if I get around to reading the magazines. Thank you for telling us about it. As always I love all your fabrics and gentle arts which I find so inspirational. Take care xx

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much Jacqueline, I hope you love it but remember to cancel at any time if aren’t get the most from it 😊🌸

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

The magazines I have found on the free app, Libby, if you have a local/County library card are fun to read through. I noticed the magazines are from the UK, so living in USA, it's nigh impossible to support the local stores, in the UK.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you! That’s great to know, I haven’t heard of that one. I have BorrowBox but that doesn’t have magazines on it 🌸

[@susanwilliams2506]

Hey Emma , hope all is well with you . Thanks for your tips , helpful . Take care of your self . See you soon . Thanks

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thanks so much Susan, take care x

[@eljay5623]

Wonderful suggestions! Thank you!

[@debrablanson2288]

Your work is amazing

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much 😀

[@marianrooth9514]

I love your work. Thanks for sharing.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much!

[@SusieQ3]

I found some punches that I like to use for hexagons, as that's the shape I use most often. They're very inexpensive, less than $20 for a 1" and a 1/2", and they're very simple and easy to use. I found them at a big box craft store in the scrapbooking section. Also, my mom gave me a 30s print jelly roll that I was able to cut enough pieces out of to make 48 - 3 round grandmother's garden blocks out of. It's delightfully scrappy, and it is my long term, on the go project. I've finished about a quarter of the blocks, but honestly, I haven't even bothered basting all the pieces yet.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Super tips Susie, thank you. A 30s print grandmother garden quilt will be so charming! Have fun making it 🌸

[@suzisaintjames]

24x6 inch ruler is great to have to cut yardage IF your cutting mat is 24 inches or more. If your mat is 8x10, you only need a 12 inch ruler. (I like an inch longer on each end of the ruler to extend past the mat to help line up my rotary cutter.) 💖🌞🌵😷

[@shellyboyle9407]

I loved this video! Alot of great tips and tricks! I use a fiskars paper punch to punch my hexi's. I have friends that save me their magazine subscription cards to punch my shapes with. I have friends who save me a strip from their fabric their cutting so I can make hexi's out of the strip. I quickly get a great variety!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Such great ideas! And good friends! I’ve never tried the punches but they look quick and easy 😊🌸

[@rmcnichfl]

Such good tips, Emma. Thank you, Ruth

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching Ruth 🌸

[@fairyglade4861]

Such an informative video. I wanted to memtion that a lot of libraries do an online reading app totalling free. You need to be a member of the library and use your pin number to set it up. I use Libby. Not sure if that's the same countrywide. Also, a friend recommended Pritt Stick instead of the sewline pens i was sceptical at first, but its a game changer, it really is.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you so much. my library had BorrowBox which is super but it doesn’t have magazines, I will look into it though. I haven’t tried regular pritt stick for fabric myself so couldn’t recommend that to others without testing it myself. I know the Sewline is a special one for fabric and washes out very easily. How does the pritt stick wash? Does it come out easily? 🌸

[@KP-mb9jx]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox Elmers School Glue is very good because it washes out, and it's available stick form too.

[@simplyann2710]

I use butcher paper that is waxed on one side to draw my hexagons on. I place the waxed side down on the fabric and use the iron to press it on. The paper will stick to the fabric and is easy to peel off when done. You can get a huge roll of Reynolds butcher freezer paper for about $7.00 here in the states. You can use the papers several times before they loose their stickiness. Very economical.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

great tips, thank you!

[@kiricalo]

So, are you using the freezer paper as the template and then pulling the paper out afterwards? I would be interested in learning this way

[@simplyann2710]

Yes, I pull the paper out once I have sewn the hexagons together.

[@simplyann2710]

There are a few videos here on KZbin using butcher paper for paper piecing.

[@craftdipper]

Thanks for all the tips, Emma☺️I got some good buys in Lidl and Home Bargains😉 and I find it impossible to discard a nice box, especially one with a lid 😂 I'm sitting hand quilting my EPP hexagon lap quilt as I watch your video. I used mostly little scraps I've had for years, as well as bits of an old shirt and a fine cotton skirt that didn't fit anymore. Even my border and backing are fabrics I bought years ago with intentions of making I know not what😂. Lovely that they are now used and amazing that they matched 🎉 I hand-cut and thread-basted my paper hexies and pin-basted my quilt to save buying new supplies. So the only "new" expenses I had were thread for quilting and of course, the wadding. (Oh, 🤭, I did treat myself to 3 or 4 new Tilda fat quarters to give recurring colours that unified the quilt even though it is scrappy. It has taken me a long time to make (almost finished!), but it has been such a satisfying process and the little quilt will be both cute and useful. Next hand stitching project.... A quilt-as-you-go🌟😍👏 Your videos and patterns and tutorials are a constant inspiration. Thank you for the free downloadable shapes in your newsletter. Acrylic templates and pre-cuts are beyond my budget at the minute, so thank you! ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Your quilt sounds amazing! I love that you made so much of it from scraps and that you cut the papers yourself and thread basted, doing it the traditional way, what a Labour of love. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed that process too. Exciting that the quilt as you go will be your next project! Well done for hanging on to finish your previous one first, I’m so guilty of starting the next thing before finishing what I’m working on!🙈😊Take care and thanks so much for watching and commenting.

[@craftdipper]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox I'm not sure I will be so strict with myself the next time.... There have been times during the quilting that I longed to be holding small pieces in my hands and joining them together. That was my favourite part, I think. I only have to stitch my binding in place now - should get finished this evening!It has turned out nice👏👏👏Looking forward to making some larger Quilt as You Go hexagons using more scraps and some vintage embroideries😍 PS I'm Shirley, btw☺️

[@craftybookworm8280]

When I first started EPP I didn't have very many fabrics so I stitched some small pieces together and made two/three colour hexies. The new craft range at Home bargains is brilliant. I bought some dressmaking shears for 2.99, embroidery hoops for 1.69 each and a set of 3 acrylic hexagon templates plus a ring to hold them on for just 1.99 among many other bargains.😁😁

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Oh that’s great to know, I’m looking forward to checking it out 😊🌸

[@duck114]

Tips in Brazil/truques no Brasil 1. Ache uma avó. Mesmo que ela não saiba muito sobre EPP, ela provavelmente sabe o básico sobre costura e pode te ensinar 2. Feiras são o melhor lugar pra comprar coisa barata. A qualidade, por vezes, é duvidável? É. Mas 12 rolos de linha por 5,99 e um kit de agulha por 3 dá pra começar muitos projetos. 3. Retalhos são seu melhor amigo. Arrume uma costureira na cidade. Chances são que esses retalhos vão pro lixo e você vai ter tecido de qualidade pra trabalhar. 4. Apoie o olho da agulha no dedo quando for colocar a linha. A linha vai ter menos espaço pra fugir, então fica mais fácil de colocar 5. Sobre as agulhas que você encaixa a linha: elas são melhores pra trabalhos em linha de bordado (mais grossa). Linhas mais finas tendem a escapar 6. Se você mora em cidade grande, é sempre bom comparacer a workshops gratuitos de costura e bordado 7. Use feltro no verso da costura se você quiser o projeto mais firme Bom trabalho!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Great tips - thanks!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kajalsingh9554]

Great ideas. I always keep chocolate boxes for needle craft supplies.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That's a great idea!

[@marilynpease8782]

Just excellent information. Thanks!!

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching Marilyn 🌸

[@elizabethcollins8817]

Great ideas and advice 🤗 thank you

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching Elizabeth 🌸

[@lotteandersen1459]

Very good tips. Thank you Emma. I have been trying to sign up for your newsletter but dont know what to write in the "comments" box.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you Lotte. I never get to see those comments for some reason, they don’t come through. So just put “hello”😊

[@janesauter3850]

How do I sign up for your Newsletter. I would really like it. I so enjoy you and listening to all of your great ideas. Tnx so much.😊

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Thank you, if you visit www.vintagesewingbox.co.uk and scroll to the bottom of the homepage you will find the sign up box 😊

[@nedawilmhoff3599]

I really like a Kwik Klip pinning tool when I pin baste a quilt.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I’ve never heard of that but will check it out, thanks!

[@sarahfriesner7442]

😊if you live in the UK, most libraries have e. Magazines online, so you don’t need to spend any money. They have quilting and embroidery magazines and other categories for other interests too.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

My library has BorrowBox and it doesn’t have magazines on it but I will do some more research, thank you!

[@sarahfriesner7442]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox what a shame!

[@suzisaintjames]

Check your local library, mine has die cutting machines and cricut machines that you can use for free. 💖🌞🌵😷

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You are very lucky Suzi! No such thing in libraries here!

[@neocat81]

great video!! thank you sooo much!! question: i'm attempting to piece a dress. i sew all my own cloths and i have just taken a big batch of scraps and cut them into 1.5 inch strips. i will cut them into squares. i would like to do hexi's and i heard that squares are a good starting point. not sure what the next step is. i can print templates but i don't want to line the dress. i want it to be renaissance inspired style so i need to contain all the raw edges with out a serger. i do like going by hand. is the whip stitch the best? how would the corners look? how would i mark the stitch line and make that even?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

oh that is a big question! I'm not sure I can help, I've never pieced a dress before and the whip stitching of hexagons in the EPP style wouldn't conceal the raw edges. You could try hand piecing, so you would cut your hexagons with a seam allowance included and mark you stitching line with a fabric marker that will disappear and do a running stitch to join them, but again you will have raw edges so you'll need to think about the possibility of some sort of lining. Sorry I can't be of more help

[@neocat81]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox thank you for trying. still love your videos!!

[@neocat81]

@@emmajonesvintagesewingbox how about, how do you cut the hexi's? especially when the pieces are so small that you can barely handle them?

[@JackiHebb]

Just signed up. I wanted to get the newsletter too but there is a box marked comment which is required but has no explanation. Unable to go further. Pity.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

It’s to stop spam, you can just write newsletter in it or hello or anything 😊 thanks so much

[@residualblue]

What was that pink plastic thing at the very beginning of the video?

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I think it was a heart shaped yoyo maker

[@anonfornow359]

Ive had success posting on free sites (like freecycle) for scraps and any other quilting things people dont want anymore.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

That’s a great tip! I’ve never done that myself but will try when I need more scraps!

[@janesauter3850]

Emma. How do I get on your channel. I'm techniphoebic but I really enjoy you and would like access to your channel. You are wise beyond your years ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

You can press the subscribe button and then when you go on the KZbin website you will see my channel and always be up to date with my videos, thank you 😊

[@hels1941]

Do you ever have difficulty taking the paper out??

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

No, it comes out easily

[@BlackJack-sx1jw]

I was hoping you’ve found a cheaper brand of glue that works as well as Sew Line. Everything else I’ve tried has just been a disappointment.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

I have tried a cheaper brand actually but it was nowhere near as good so couldn’t recommend. I think Sewline is really great but definitely comes at a cost.

[@KP-mb9jx]

Another way of saving money on fabric is to speak to a seamstress, or clothing manufacturer, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to give away some offcuts of scrap fabric.

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

Yes good idea if you know someone like that.

[@nalourosescottage2639]

Bonjour Emma tu habites dans quel pays ? ❤

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

En angleterre

[@nalourosescottage2639]

Je suis française.Je découvre ta chaîne , j'ai commencé le le english paper piecing il y a quelques mois ,je pense que tu vas beaucoup m 'inspirer🤩 , j ai déja envie de faire plein de choses 😘 merci merci 😘

[@paulaverry1973]

Water soluble glue sticks for kids crafts is a cheaper option for epp

[@judimantos904]

Interesting episode but I’m in the US and I have not seen or heard anyone using this time consuming technique

[@emmajonesvintagesewingbox]

It’s actually very popular there, check out Brimfield Awakening, they are US based 😊

[@moonlightcrafter6299]

I'm in rural West Virginia and made my first project five years ago. Yes it's a bit time consuming but I keep a project bag with me for doctor visits or any time I find myself waiting for long periods and it's really amazing how quick these come together.

[@cathgllt4255]

Hello Emma, be careful with lidl or aldi threads, they are only worth for hand seewing not for machine sewing. Bad quality for machine 😉