Friday, November 6, 2009

Yo-yo Demonstration!

It has been quite a non-productive week! I really don't know where time has gone and here we are, it is the weekend again. I have made and sewn together quite a few yo-yos for a cushion I am making! You will need to buy a large Clover Yo-yo Maker and the included instructions are very explicit and written in English, French, Spanish and Dutch. They cost around the $10 here in Australia, so it is not really an expensive little gadget. Very worthwhile!

The translucent yellow plastic is the plate and the bright yellow the disk. I have used some charm squares, but scraps approximately 5 inches square will do nicely!

The wrong side of the fabric is placed behind the disk and the the disk is inserted into the plate. plate. There are little markers showing you where to align the plate and the disk.

The fabric is then trimmed back approx 3/16" from the edge of the plate.

Oopsy! A storm was brewing while I was trying to take pics, so I had to step outside to get a nice clear picture.
This is a little difficult to explain in pics, but I will try! I use fine quilting thread for this step. See the little slots on the back of the plate - the needle is inserted from the other side and carried in and out around the plate through these slots.

When one has finished stitching right around the plate, the plate is then removed and this is what you will see. Look closely and you will see the little stitches. Perhaps I should have used a dark, contrasting thread - never mind! - as I said, you will get great instructions if you decide this is for you.
Now, by drawing up this thread, and with a little bit of manipulating, you will have a beautifully formed yo-yo with a diameter of 1-5/8" approximately! I think 8 x 8 = 64 will give me a nice 14" cushion!
This little demo is to illustrate just how easy it is to make lovely, neat yo-yos very quickly. It is a nice portable project, good for times when you are at a sewing gathering - quite mindless, allowing quality time to chit-chat, LOL! It is intended to give you an insight into this method should you wish to have a little play!
Happy weekend!

26 Lovely People said ...:

Sherri said...

Love your group of yo-yo's! Great tutorial too!

Anonymous said...

Your yo-yo's are picture perfect Lurline. They are just so colorful and pretty! I have missed you. Hope you are doing ok and that your weekend is nice.

I Purr-Furr to Craft said...

love this!!
I think they would make great gifts for the new crafter too. Quit morish!!

Ozjane said...

Clever lady...I have the three sizes...nothing but excessive in regards to me....but have made about one.
Would have loved to use them for the Christmas Dresden centres but not enough background fabric.
Just had a wild thought....do think occassionally..and the air cons are on..so brain has a hope....but I could buy lace by the yard and made yo yo;s if all else fails.......maybe
When I get my cat back......LOL

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Don't you just love the yo-yo maker? What a handy gadget. I did a video on how to use them not too long ago too. Fun! I would love to know how you join your yo-yos to each other. I've only just used them on their own as decorations with buttons in the center.

MGM

wordmama said...

Thanks for the tutorial on the Clover product. I was curious, but hadn't got the inside scoop until now. Thanks again.

Deb said...

Oh I love the yo-yos. I'm going to have to invest in this fab gaddy, I'm seeing a screen (like a curtain) made up of these. Yum!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Great idea Lurline I love your pics. I have eyed these off for a while but never knew how they worked, thanks for the great tute! xo

Anonymous said...

wath a fantastik work.
i love the jojos.
i make the seam.

soory for me engels.

greatings conny

Nedra said...

I've seen those around, and it was nice to have a tutorial on how the yoyo makers work. thanks!

antique quilter said...

looks like your having fun too!
another use for my squares!
Kathie

Cardygirl said...

Great yoyos Lurline...I love my yoyo maker...I too have several sizes...fun!

Micki said...

Thanks for the tutorial and I love your yoyos...you picked some incredible fabric for them.
Micki

Abby and Stephanie said...

I do have one of those yo yo makers and have yet to use it. Perhaps your post will get me yo yo making!!! Thanks for the tutorial Lurline.

Kristie said...

Very nice job! I love yo-yo's!
Kristie

wishes, true and kind said...

There is something so charming about yo-yos!

Purple and Paisley said...

yo yo love! thank you for the tutorial and your yo yo project will be fabulous - everything you do is always so gorgeous! ♥

Kim D. said...

I agree that's YO YO Love.. Found your blog and signed up to become a follower. Someday when I finish my grandma's flower garden I'll have time for yo yo's. Love your header.

Myra said...

Thanks for the yo-yo demo/tute Lurline!!! I must get to trying that sometime soon...
Your Bird of Paradise with your Civil War Bride blocks will be awesome! 8-)
Happy stitchings!

Stephanie Hughes said...

Lulurine, I just love yoyo's and I use this method as well. Great colors. Thanks for the demo, I am sure there are many that don't know how to do it! Thanks for all your comments, it is very encouraging. Steph

quiltingnana said...

I never used a yo-yo maker so it was nice to see your tutorial

zetor said...

Thankyou for that, I have pondered on buying one.

Kim said...

Okay now I get it, it just helps you space the stitches and keeps you from having to turn the fabric under as you stitch.

What a great decorative pillow that will be :0).
You have a lovely color sense Lurline.

Happy Sewing

Teresa Rawson said...

Hi Lurline,

Lovely as usual...GREAT tutorial! I just bought one of those little Clover goobers and look forward to trying it out. I have a yo-yo Christmas ornament in my head I want to try...

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Maxine said...

Great tutorial. I have a plastic container with my yo-yo maker and 5-inch squares of pinks, browns, and beiges. Slowly but surely I am making enough yo-yo's for a lovely shower curtain.

Nanette Merrill said...

I am a dork when it comes to making yo yos. for some reason mine do not look like yours! I wanted to make a yo yo garland for christmas but I don't have time so I bought one on etsy. I am going to come back here and read your tutorial again when I am making them or trying to next time!