LET'S GET ORGANISED

It's not long now until our sew-along official starts on the 1st June, so, if you haven't already it's time to gather everything together so that you are ready for some happy stitches.

First off, can I say a huge thank you to everyone who signed up to receive a monthly fabric pack from us, we were completely blown away by just how many of you decided to do so. I am so sorry if you missed a spot, but that doesn't mean that you can not join in with the sewing-along, it is a perfect opportunity for you to enjoy using fabrics from your stash. The only thing that we ask is that you MUST have purchased the Perfect Pairs acrylic template. If you haven't already got one you can purchase one on the website HERE

Next, you will need to gather your fabrics together. For my quilt I am using a muted rainbow of fabrics for the heart appliques and lighter low volume fabrics for the backgrounds. But of course you could use any colour palette that you desire. If you plan on making a scrappy quilt like me, each month you will need the following:

• from each of three different Background fabrics ~ (1) 6 ½” by half width of fabric from which you can cut (3) 6 ½” squares.

• from each of nine different fabrics for the Heart appliques ~ (1) 5" squares, remember, if you are planning on fussy cutting the fabric for your hearts, you may need a larger square!

• In the final month you will also need fabric for the border, backing and binding, plus wadding. Quantities will be confirmed nearer the time.

THREADS

You will also need threads to match your applique fabrics. The general rule with applique is to match/blend your thread colour to the applique fabric, rather than the background fabric. I will be using Aurifil 80wt in the following colours which you can find HERE:

• Red #2255

• Pink #2410

• Beige/Brown #2314

• Mustard #5022

• Green #2900

• Light Teal #5007

• Grey #2620

• Mauve #2510

• Muslin #2311

A thread set is now also available should you wish to purchase them all. Please note however that some of these colours are my favourites that I use time and time again, a few of them have previously been used in past 'special' boxes, so, if you only need a little top up to fill any gaps in your collection, they are also available individually.

PINS, NEEDLES & THIMBLE

I will be using my Favourite Needles for Needle Turn Applique, THESE ONES! They are a long thin needle, perfect for helping you turn under the seam allowance with the tip of your needle. I'll also be using Clover Applique Pins, available HERE. At a smidge over ½” long they are absolutely perfect for applique as I find that your thread doesn't get tangled in the pin. I'll also be wearing my Prym Ergonomic thimble whilst I sew, if you ever struggled to wear one give it a try I can not sew without it now! FYI I wear a large.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS & NOTIONS THAT I FIND VERY USEFUL

You will need both Fabric Scissors for cutting out your heart appliques, I'll be using my trusty Fiskars and a smaller pair of embroidery scissors for cutting your thread.

A Removable Fabric Marker Pen to use with the acrylic template to mark your heart, make sure you do a little test to make sure that it is truly removeable. I am using a Frixion Marker where the drawn line disappears with heat, however as I have spoken many time before I always use this type of pen with caution as there are examples where the line reappears when cold or on certain fabrics can leave a ghost line. BUT for applique it is great as I am turning on the line, so in theory you shouldn't see any of the line or a very minimal amount would be left visable, that would then disappear once the heart block is pressed.

I few years ago I made myself a sandpaper board simply by gluing a piece of finest grade sandpaper to a piece of thin mdf. It's such a great addition, as I can place my applique fabric onto it and it gently grips it in place whilst I draw my hearts onto the fabric using my Perfect Pairs template. I'm actually going to make a smaller version which I'll get poppy to film for an Instagram reel.....watch this space!

In the final month I will be using a sewing machine to join my heart blocks together and to add the border. I'm also planning to hand quilt, so I will be using my favourite Aurifil 12wt thread and Big Stitch Needle to do so. But that is a long way away yet and something for you to contemplate nearer the time!

Before you start, you will first need to decide which method of applique you would like to use to applique your hearts.   I will be using the ‘Needle Turn’ method.  You can of course, use whichever method you prefer, for example, the ’Interfacing Method’, ‘Raw Edge’ or method of your own choosing …remember ‘little happy’ video tutorials can be found in my FREE Beginners Guide to Patchwork and Quilting Course for each of these techniques and is available on the Schoolhouse website HERE. 

This is a relaxed sew-along, there is no pressure to keep up, the most important thing is that you enjoy a little happiness in every stitch, when the time is right for you!!

The Sew-Along will officially start on the 1st June 2026, which is when I will add the Pattern Instructions to the PERFECT PAIRS SEW-ALONG PAGE and I will also be sharing as promised how to make my Petite Pin Cushion.

Throughout the sew-along, I will share my progress on Instagram and I will use the hashtag:

#PFTPerfectPairsSewAlong

so that you can easily find and add your own photographs should you wish, to the hashtag. I'm also planning some Instagram 'reels' so it will definitely be worth keeping an eye on my page there!

I can not wait to start and hope that you will join me!

Sarah xo