*the giveaway is now closed*
Pellon has a really exciting brand new product available: Flex – Foam. I think you are going to like it!
Pellon® Flex-Foam™ is a lightweight stabilizer consisting of a layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of soft fabric. It is excellent for use in crafts, accessories, and home décor projects for an elegant finished look. It can be used in place of or in addition to other stabilizers. Flex-Foam is a breeze to sew through and adds shape and body to projects such as computer cases, eyeglass cases, purses, tote bags, cup holders, diaper bags, and more! It is compatible with a wide variety of fabrics. It is available as a sew-in, a 1-sided fusible or a 2-sided fusible. Available 20” on the board and 60” on the roll in all of your favorite stores.
I was lucky enough to get some advance product to test it out and I decided to make my good friend, Kelly’s, Hour Basket. This is a free pattern that Kelly has offered and I know tons of you have already downloaded it and made it. But I’m COMPLETELY sold on making this with Fusible Flex Foam. Love it. Seriously.
I used a precious piece of fabric I own for my basket…a fat quarter size piece of fabric cut from an old Orla Kiely table cloth sold at Target YEARS ago. So, sorry! Good luck finding any! I used Kelly’s pattern and cut my pieces of foam and fabric to size. And easy peasy, I fused the fabric to the Foam. I used the one sided Fusible Flex-Foam because I added a lining that was separate from the base of the basket. To sew the pieces together, I broke out my Clover Wonder clips. (If you don’t own these you should!!) And this was the first time that I wanted the jumbo version actually. But the regular ones worked really well to hold these layers together.
I used a foot that could accommodate some bulk…any kind of dual feed foot system or walking foot should do fine. It was super easy to sew over this. I was really surprised by that. I expected it to be more difficult.
Following the steps of Kelly’s pattern, I again used my clips to start sewing box into three dimensions. Again, this was so much easier than I anticipated. The foam moved so easily into this shape. I did finger press my seams open as you can see to help eliminate any bulk and match my seams easier.
You can see below how well this basket is standing on its own without even being sewn or encouraged into a square shape.
I added the lining as per the instructions and again broke out the wonder clips (seriously…buy these) to hold the edges of the two together. I was pretty easily able to put this under my machine foot and sew all the way around the edge. The next step which you don’t see is always the trickiest when making any lined bag…pulling the whole bag through a small opening in the bottom of the lining. There was some tugging that went on, but again…not painful. (I may have a hidden fear of bags lol…I’m realizing that as I write this). It all turned perfectly and…..<
I am SO HAPPY with my new basket!! This is a really good size basket. I know people who made these for Easter Baskets last year for their kids and I understand why now. I personally took a note from Kelly and chose to fill mine with bundles of precuts. I’ve got a huge F8th bundle and two Fat Quarter Bundles in there.<
I couldn’t be happier with it!! I did a little hand pressing on the sides to encourage the foam into shape, but it did not need much. It has a beautiful shape empty (I just like it filled with fabric!)
Overall, I was very impressed with the fusible flex-foam and would use it again in a heart beat. I was particularly impressed with how well the fabric fused to the foam. There is no rippling in the fabric on the foam…I hate when that happens with interfacing. I’m sure that is user error, but I had no user error here. I just have a beautiful finished product.
*the giveaway is now closed*
Congrats to the winner! #189 AnnetteSeptember 12, 2015 at 7:31 PM
And now for the giveaway!!
Pellon is offering one lucky winner a package of 1 yard cuts of each of the three varieties of Flex-Foam.
To enter, just leave a comment below. I’ve recently gone Gluten free for health reasons and may do a Paleo diet in the future. So if you have any tips on healthy eating I’d love to hear those….or tell me why you could never do it! lol Good luck!!
I don't know that I have tips for healthy eating but I have had to be GF for over 5 years now… I guess my thing would be that my favourite all around for frozen breads is Udi's… their products are pretty darned great 🙂 Good luck!
I would love a large basket like this to store my scraps in till i am able to sort them.
The benefits of eating healthy always outweigh the taste of a donut!
Good luck on the diet. I tried some of this foam a couple of weeks ago after seeing it at my local Hancocks, and I LOVED it!! I used some for a zipped case swap I'm doing on Instagram, and the rest on a one hour basket to gift to a friend, meaning, I have no foam left for myself. Isn't that always the way? So I'd love to win this giveaway and make myself a purse. And my step-daughter a diaper bag, and…
I have a pretty restricted diet, so I always keep something in my purse for times when I'm STARVING and can't quickly get anything that I can eat. I LOVE the snack subscription Graze- the portions are perfect, they're sealed and portable, and you can customize or any food preferences or restrictions!
This looks easy to use and love the stability that it has. I have done the paleo diet and there are a few really good websites with recipes and breakfast egg dish was the easiest for me. I should get back on track now too so good luck!
Thanks for the review. I've used other stabilizers before and some can be very difficult to work with. Best of luck on your new diet. I can't offer any advice but would like to know if you feel better going gluten free. sjvonfumetti at yahoo dot com
Love your basket. Thanks for the giveaway. I would certainly use it to make myself a purse. robinsheloratearthlinkdotnet
Oh, I would love to try this and would make the same basket with some of my special hoarded fabric. As for gluten-free, it's a great time to give it a try as there are so many choices in the grocery store and online recipes galore. I tried some pretzels last week and they were so, so good!
Holy cow, that stuff looks cool! We could never do gluten free or Paleo because my daughter has severe egg, peanut, and tree nut allergies. It is possible to cook gluten free without eggs but it is not easy. Paleo would be hard too because of her diary restrictions. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for introducing this new Pellon product. I tried to be gluten free, but I am Italian and can't leave without REAL pasta! But kudos to you for your decision.
I can't wait to try the new fusible foam! It looks amazing!
I probably won't ever go gluten or paleo, just because I have the world's pickiest eaters in my house and any change in flavor or texture leads to battles!
This looks like an amazing new product and I'm anxious to try it out, maybe on Noodlehead's divided basket. I have the pattern, just haven't made it yet. I can't offer advice on your diet. I am in the middle of eating healthier foods trying to lose weight, but I don't know what the Paleo is…. I'll have to look at that.
I've never done a bag or basket but I would love to try that. Thank you.
kcummings71@gmail.com
I need a workshop bag so will have to try this Pellon product.
Ive just read your post, this seems like a wonderful product.
I have made a million of those baskets and I am excited to use the new foam!
Wow, this Pellon product makes that bag stand up beautifully. And that Orla table cloth score on your part is a grand slam! I'll have to keep my eyes open at the thift stores… As for Paleo, my daughter, son and his girlfriend did the "Whole 30" protocol earlier this year with fine results. All three were looking quite buff at the end of the days. Warning though: you have to spend more time in the kitchen…
This looks like a great way to store all my patterns on my shelf! The foam flex looks really great to work with – and wonder clips are fabulous!
I'm trying to eat a low carb diet with no processed foods – my doctor informed me that carbs are like poison to someone your age – should I have been offended? LOL
My daughter eats gluten free and it has changed her life! There are so many products available in the stores today to make the transition easier.
We have started using spaghetti squash in place of regular spaghetti noodles and I do not miss them! Also, butternut squash soup is fab! Thanks for the tutorial. I have a fear of bag making too but you are pretty encouraging about this stuff so maybe,with some of this foam I would be able to try to make one.
Love the project. The gives it great stability. I don't know much about gluten-free eating. I do know that people who have reduced or given up wheat products feel so much better. Good luck!
Tracinecharest at gmail dot com
Good Luck with the diet! Your basket is great and I can't wait to try out the flexible foam!
Thanks for the comment and review on the foam. Always looking for new products. Have not made this basket and will have to give it a try. My friend is on the Paleo diet and loves it.
That is quite a nifty basket you have made. I would love to try out this new foam stabilizer. I love making bags and baskets for all kinds of uses. Thanks for the opportunity, as well as the tip on unexpected fabric 'findings'. How smart of you to use a tablecloth for yardage.
Great basket. I would love to try this product.
This stuff looks amazing! I would go Paleo, but I fear for the sanity of everyone around me if I ever did… 🙂
This basket was the first thing I thought to make when I saw this new foam. I've made 6, with different interfacings, and think this would hold it's shape best without being a struggle to turn right side out at the end. As for the Paleo diet, I don't think the cave men had cheese, so it would be difficult for me! Good luck to you though! jacklynnsteven at netzero dot com
Thank you for the chance! Great giveaway. I am not Gluten free or paleo, but there are so many options out there nowadays you should have no trouble with inspiration.
Just beautiful. I have been anxious to try these products. Thanks for the giveaway!
Would love to win this foam. I sew a good bit of bags and would love to try this basket! Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
I would love to win! Quite frankly, I feel that if you need to change your diet for health reasons, you should, but the majority of people will do just fine if, IF, they eat a normal, healthy diet.
I love your basket! I may just have to try making one of those. Good luck with your diet! Thanks for the giveaway!
I've never tried to eliminate any one thing from my diet. I just use moderation and sometimes severe moderation. If I tell myself I can't have it it only makes me want it more. Good luck with this diet journey!
Thanks for the chance to win!
I love how your basket came out! We are big on organic, local, seasonal whole foods at our house – we cook dinner from scratch pretty much every night. We are huge pasta eaters (Mediterranean diet!) so I don't think I could ever do gluten-free or paleo but I don't have any of the health issues that those are supposed to help out.
I just started the Whole 30 a few days ago, which is very similar to Paleo… The food is great!! You just need to commit!!
It helps me to cut up veggies and leave them in the fridge, since I tend to go from ok to desperately hungry in a hurry! Awesome basket! Thanks for the chance to win- this looks like a great product!
Totally! A whole buncha patterns I've wanted to make lately (bags!) call for this or something similar. Would LUV to try. My hot-paleo-tip is bone broth (great recipe on nom nom paleo). ESP easy (and so good) in a pressure cooker. You can do it!
Thanks for the chance to win! Lately I've tried to eat a bit healthier by only eating when I feel hungry. It's been great so far!
I would love to try this!! I have health issues and mainly to do with thyroid. I am attempting to do AIP and the menu is pretty bleak. My husband has allergies to a ton of vegetables so we are really in a bind. I have cut all dairy and have been working on all grains. The book Against all grains is pretty good and should help you. We find there are tons of cross contaminates from grains so be careful and gluten free doesn't mean it is good or good for you.
I am itching to try this! And I really want to make that basket! Good luck with your new diet. Being neither paleo nor gluten-free, I don't have any tips for you. But, thanks for the chance to win!
Your basket looks wonderful!
I would love some of this Pelion to try. I hate the stiff stuff and this new fusible looks like I would love it.
looking forward to try ing Pellons fusible foam, it look awesome ….your basket I mean !
I've made many of these baskets but none with foam. Anxious to try it! Thanks!
My only eating healthy advice is to plan meals and plan ahead. You don't want to get stuck with nothing healthy to eat!
My daughter has endometriosis and she has gone gluten free and now she is doing the Paleo to help with symptoms. I think it is working since she is able to exercise twice a day after having a portion of her ovary removed in early July. I hope you have great results too!
I love your bag – looks very sturdy. I could never go gluten free because I like to eat and I have no will power. Thanks!
Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
This is my favorite gluten free pizza recipe! I only did 1/2 of the amount of spices. It freezes well. You won't miss the bread! Than you for the giveaway!
http://livingglutenandgrainfree.com/2011/01/24/grain-free-pizza-crust/
Love the basket! Also… Zuppa Tuscana. If you want to do it strictly paleo, you could try coconut milk (haven't tried that myself). I think this is the recipe I follow, but I use pan-fried regular sausage instead: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/13126/zuppa-toscana/