Prairie Primrose Stitches

There Should be a Warning!

2012-02-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

When starting an English paper pieced project, there should be some automatic warning system that tells you...even after spending hundreds of hours sewing, you'll still have many hours ahead of you taking out ALL the paper! But it is a chore that is now done!

I filled my laundry basket 3/4 of the way just with the papers I removed!

And I saved the 'nest' of basting threads!

Time to clean up (it was quite a messy job) and get my backing ready!

Happy stitching!

Two Halves!

2012-02-05T04:27:00.000-08:00

Every spare moment has been taken up with sewing my hexagons together and as of last night I had 2 halves! Just one more very long seam to sew! It's been a project 3 years in the making and still has several months of quilting ahead of it, but I will have a new summer quilt for my bed this year.

And I am SMITTEN with it! It's not even my colors...

...half #1 (ignore my paper labels!)

...and half #2

The one thing about such a large project is that I won't have much to share for a while, so as the quilting starts I probably won't be posting on my blog as often. I'll make sure I show my progress once in a while though!

Happy Stitching!

It's a Puzzle!

2012-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

I love this part of a large project!

The anticipation is almost too much to bear.

My hexagon puzzle is coming together. I can now see the end of the endless nights sewing them together...to be replaced by endless nights of big stitching! Another week and I'll be removing the freezer paper.

And another project finished! I am smitten with how cute this pineapple is...it's just 18" square!

Now it is time to dig out the next UFO....

Happy Stitching!

FMQ Challenge

2012-01-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

I finally started practicing my free motion quilting! Part of the reason I am doing this challenge from SewCalGal is to get much better at FMQ. And then when I do I can get some of my UFO's quilted! After this months' practicing, I know I need a lot more!

I have learned a few things already...

The most important is that in the past I have always rushed through machine quilting. I have to stop and re-think that...to learn to do this well I have to take my time and realize that this is not a race to the finish- in other words enjoy the process.

Then take the time to really get your needle right and your tension balanced. What a difference that makes! In the past I have tweaked it but always said it was good enough when I got it looking 'ok'. We don't want the back to look like this!

For right now I am using up fabrics and threads I know I will not be using in any quilt.

Here is my first practice!

And from the back...it shows it a bit better. I had some fun playing.

Then, because I love to make something even when I am practicing, I quilted these to make some barrel bags. I added some loops in between the leaves.

And the finished bags... they are so cute!

One more important thing- when you get tired, stop. Your stitches will just get sloppy and you'll feel frustrated- that is experience talking!

I have already noticed that my stitches are getting more consistent. And I already have tried some threads I didn't like (too thick) , but they'll be fine for practicing.

I have some more practicing to do before February's challenge!

Happy Stitching!

One Thing Leads to Another

2012-01-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

Someone please stop me because I am supposed to be trying to finish some UFOs- not start some new ones!

It all started with finishing these bags. The charm squares were cut before Christmas and I knew I probably wouldn't get these bags made right away but I had them ready to go anyways. This past week I got to work on them...part of my endeavour to finish some UFOs.

This one is the only one with the zipper in it so far...5 to go but they go in quite quickly. Then they will be completely finished.

Here they all are...

The pattern was the Button Bag from This &That patterns. They have been quite fun to make and are a great size! I also got to use an old tool I have never actually used before. The Quilter's 1/4" Ruler made marking the seams to make the hourglass blocks easy and accurate. Along with my sandpaper board these went together wonderfully. Too wonderfully.

That led to trying blocks of different sizes. I like making little quilts so how small could I go?

In the bag pattern I started with 4-3/4" squares so I tried 4", 3" and 2-1/2" squares. I ended up with 3-1/4", 2-1/4" and 1-3/4" unfinished blocks.

And here is a picture of the ruler and the finished samples!

So now I am just itching to make a little quilt with that small size. I am not sure I would go smaller but I may try one block starting off with 2-1/4" squares just to see.

I did not mean for this little bag pattern to lead to something else but it seems as if it has!

Happy Stitching!

A New Year and MANY UFO's!

2012-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

A new year seems to be a good time to look around and see what you've got hiding in bins, hiding under other UFO's and just hiding in plain sight...in other words it has been a UFO for so long that when you look at it you don't even realize it's not done! It's become a fixture. Well, I have a couple of those...OK... maybe more than a couple.

My January find is this little pineapple quilt (3" blocks) that has been pinned to my bulletin board for months (almost a year actually!). I think it's time to get the paper out and finish it.

It is going to take me a while to get all those papers out!

I did finish two things this week though...

My Christmas bags-22 of them!

A scarf all done and blocked. I think it is going to be a wonderful gift.

And we have an amaryllis in bloom finally!

It is so beautiful!

In the sunlight you can actually see gold shimmer on the petals!

Happy Stitching!

Christmas Bags!

2012-01-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

I had good intentions. A month before Christmas I took all the novelty Christmas prints from my Christmas fabric bin to make gift bags. I didn't get them done. While I was cleaning up my sewing room I found the little pile and thought to myself 'Ann, you are not going to leave these until December of next year so do them right now!'

Well I listened to myself and I am ready for next Christmas!

I thought I would share with you how I make my Christmas gift bags.

They are fast, easy and they look great!

This is a great way to use up those leftover Christmas prints or other fabrics you know you'll never use for something else.

I don't worry much about size. As long as you can take your rectangle of fabric, fold it in half and it looks like it will do, then I use it. It just so happens that most of my fabrics were fat quarter sized.

This is also a great way to use up bits of red, green and blue threads.

So let's get started! The first thing to do is to finish all the raw edges.

I serged mine but a zigzag stitch would work just as well.

The next thing to do is to fold over the long edge to make the cuff at the top of the bag.

A great tool is a hem guide but if you don't have one it is easy to make one . All you need is thin cardboard (like a cereal box), a quilting ruler and a fine sharpie.

I like a 2-1/2 inch cuff so from a straight edge of the cardboard measure 2-1/2" and draw a marking line. You can make whatever width of cuff you like for these bags. If you have small pieces you may want the cuff smaller...for bigger bags maybe you want the cuff bigger (not too much bigger though or it will end up being floppy). Just mark multiple lines on your cardboard.

Fold over the cuff, wrong sides together and use your hem guide to press the cuff down. You get a nice even cuff making it much easier to sew later.

Fold the bag in half with the cuff along the top.

Mark the edge where the cuff ends and then unfold the cuff.

Now you mark the area to leave open for putting your cording in. Measure 1/4" up and 3/4" up from the chalk mark and put in pins. You'll be leaving this area un-sewn. Pin here and there around the rest of the bag to keep it together while you sew.

To sew around the bag use about a 3/8" to a 1/2" seam allowance. It doesn't have to be perfect! Make sure you back stitch every time you start and stop sewing. Starting at the top, sew down to the first pin used for marking and back stitch. Leave that space between the marking pins open and start sewing again making sure to back stitch. Continue to sew down the side and along the bottom of the bag.

Press the seam open from the top edge to about 6" down and refold the cuff. The seams inside the cuff should be open and matched. Pin the cuff down, just to keep it in place for sewing.

Now to sew the channel where the cording will go...

If you are wanting to match thread, make sure the thread that matches your fabric is in the bobbin.

Also this is where your open arm on your sewing machine comes in handy!

Sew along the bottom edge of the cuff. I sewed right in the middle of the serged area. This will make sure that the small opening in the seam line is left open for the cording. Double check to make sure you won't be sewing over it. For the second row of sewing I used my seam guide and lined up my fabric at the 1-1/2" marking. If you used a different cuff size than I did make sure you adjust this to fit your cuff. The channel should be about 5/8" to 3/4" wide.

You are now done the sewing! Turn your bag right side out and using a point turner, gently push the corners out and lightly press your gift bag.

Now all that is left is the cording. Thread your cording or ribbon through the channel. I try to leave about 6" tails. If you use a thicker cording or ribbon then leave a slightly longer tail.

And all done and ready to be filled!

And here it is all tied up!

Now I am off to put the finishing touches on the rest them!

Happy Stitching!

To Give and Receive

2011-12-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share a few things I got and something I made.

First the Christmas gifts I got...at least the quilty ones!

First, a new quilt rack and I know the perfect place but not the perfect quilt.

I may have to make a new quilt just for it!

And some new knitting needles...handmade ones!

A new book (it's beautiful and full of inspiration) and a couple of new patterns...

Notice the Civil War Bride Quilt pattern...oh my!

Now I plan to find the perfect background. I've been eyeing this pattern for such a long time!

And finally, a new tool to play with that will help inspire new designs. Show and tell to come....

And now I'd like to show something I gave to my good friend Gloria. It was a tough secret to keep while I was making it. It is a quilt with a lot of meaning and it was very hard for me to piece because of that. I was originally thinking of telling the story here but I can't bring myself to find the right words. I have been trying for days so I will just say that the quilt is filled with love.

The quilt measures about 54"x68". Here is a closer picture.

It is all floral scraps of different widths and foundation pieced.

I drafted the block to the size that fit the scraps in my EQ7. It worked perfectly.

Happy New Year and Happy Stitching in 2012!

Just in the St. Nick of time

2011-12-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

My stocking is finished!

Now I just have to wait and see if I have been naughty or nice....

Merry Christmas to you all!

A surprise in the mail!

2011-12-17T03:52:00.000-08:00

This week we had a wonderful surprise in the mail...some amazing wood and acrylic icicles from my brother who is a wood turner! It is hard to pick a favourite from the 20 tree ornaments so I'll just say they are all my favourite!

and more...

and still more...

And a couple in the tree already!

Thanks my brother!

Now I must go finish decorating the tree!

Merry Christmas

Everything done but the stocking...

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

I finally have my new Christmas wall hanging up on the quilt rack!

This weekend I got the machine quilting done.

I found a fabulous variegated thread in my stash perfect for Christmas.

I decided I wanted to just do a 60 degree grid. I figured it would look good with the trees and presents being longer than they are wide.I lined up the first quilting line and just marked it with masking tape.

After the first quilt line was sewn it was easy to stay on track using my handy foot attachment! My lines stayed a wonderful 2-1/2 inches apart. I love that attachment!

Ta-da!

Not just one, but two...one with red binding and one with green...guess which one I kept?

I just know my brother will love his new wall hanging (next Christmas)!

Merry Stitching!

Time for a Nap!

2011-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

I'm done my big stitched napping quilt. It is washed and dried and cozy and ready for a long winter's nap. I can hardly wait and I am so glad I decided to keep it for myself!

I am very happy with it but I don't think I will ever be silly enough to quilt (even big stitching) through flannel again. And it was thick flannel!

Slowly I have been stitching my redwork Santa and it is looking like I will have a stocking in time for Christmas! My Dad asked me yesterday if it was going to be big...I think that's a good sign!

We decorated the house yesterday, so we are finally looking festive. Christmas is a time for memories so I thought I would share some craft memories from many years past. This nativity is about 25 years old. I made it for my parents when I was in my very early 20's. It still goes out every year! My family enjoys pointing out that baby Jesus has no nose! Who would want to smell a manger anyways?

And not quite so old are these paper mache Santa's, though they are getting close to 20 years old!

Back to my secret sewing...

Merry Stitching!

It was just what I was wanting...

2011-12-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

For some time now I have been wanting to get better at free motion quilting so when I saw this challenge I thought that 2012 will be the year for that- no more putting it to the bottom of the pile!

I just joined the Free-Motion Quilt Challenge at SewCalGal .

It's going to be fun!

Happy Stitching!

Presents and Trees

2011-12-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

I finally am nearing the end of my little Christmas wall hangings. Here is the first one all laid out.

And my system for keeping organized while sewing it all together...it is all stacked row by row and numbered. There are a lot of different blocks to keep track of.

Finally, both little quilts are pieced! They are so cute!

Now it is time to find some backing and batting and get them quilted!

Happy Stitching!

Paper Piecing is a Dangerous Thing!

2011-11-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

I just realized that it has been a while since I posted...a hazard of Christmas coming and having a few secret projects. I have been slowly working away at some things I can show though!

First though, I thought I would show where my awl landed while I was picking out the paper from the Christmas quilt I have been working on. I dropped it right between my feet- missed my right foot by an inch. I think I was lucky it missed because I am sure it would have stuck quite nicely in my foot!

But look at the results! I made enough blocks to make two Bows and Boughs quilts (from the current McCall's Quilting magazine)

I was hoping to get one done by December 1st to hang in the kitchen but seeing that tomorrow is December 1st, I am thinking I may be looking at next December 1st!

The other one will be a gift for next year ( I am hoping my brother will forget all about this by next year!)

My big stitch quilt is coming along too.

I have just one side left to quilt and then I'll be ready to test it for winter napping. I can't wait!

Back to my workshop I go!

Happy Stitching!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-11-20T08:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here...at least in my sewing room! I've been busy finishing my needle punched ornaments that have been 2 years in the making. Here they all are lined up and waiting to go to new homes! They are so cute!

They are the perfect size to hang on a tree or perhaps a doorknob...

I also started a new Christmas wall hanging for the kitchen quilt rack.

This wall hanging is from the newest issue of McCall's quilting magazine. It is all paper pieced trees and presents. I have all the presents cut out so far. It is a great way to use up smaller Christmas fabric scraps!

The first block is made!

I think it will be a quick sew and it is going to be so cute!

Christmas really is my favourite time of year. I love how (most) people are happier and friendlier. And I love making gifts for people I care about. I think mostly it is appreciated. I am lucky that many people I care about appreciate the work and time and love that goes into making a gift.

So back I go to my sewing room...

Happy Stitching!

It's the time of year for secrets!

2011-11-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

I've had a VERY productive bit of time off. I have spent almost the whole week in my sewing room working on a few projects. Even the weather cooperated to keep me inside....

The main project I have been working on is a big secret...it is that time of year. I'm allowed some secrets! And this one I am not telling anyone about. But I will give a hint...here is part of my cleanup!

While I was in my sewing room and looking for things I stumbled upon a bin and looked inside and discovered some half finished needle punched Christmas tree decorations I had forgotten about.

I got organized and made some tea dye, took a leap of faith and sprayed them down with my tea solution. And oh my, they seemed a little dark. But I left them to dry and now they are looking not too bad. Next time though I will make the tea solution a little weaker.

Now I have to find some backing and get them finished. Hopefully I will get them done by the end of the weekend!

My redwork Santa Christmas stocking is all traced and ready to go. For the tracing I used a red .01 Pigma pen. The line is quite fine and very easy to see.

I read a little online about redwork and embroidery and if I should be stabilizing my fabric or even if I would like the batting (a very thin batting...like thermore) under it when I stitched. I did a quick sample of all 3...

The interfaced sample...I used a very lightweight interfacing...

It was easy to stitch through but it was also easy to miss the hole to go back down. Another problem was that the fabric had lost most of it's natural stretch so you couldn't really pull to help the stitches lie flatter.

Next is the batting....

I found I had to be pretty careful to get my stitches back in the right hole with the batting as well. Even though the batting was very thin, it still added too much bulk. And it was too puffy looking.

Finally the fabric by itself...

Now that was more like it! Great stitches! I think I found my method!

And, just fyi, I used 2 strands of floss for all my samples.

I am planning on going quilting this week with a local group who meets on Mondays. I'll be bringing my stocking to work on. Hopefully I'll get a really good start on it.

And finally....

I have noticed a few bloggers getting excited about making knitted Christmas balls. Well, the excitement rubbed off on me...look what came in the mail yesterday!!!!

Now I am waiting for the wool I ordered to arrive. I hope it's soon. I can't wait to get started!

I have a few days left of sewing room bliss so off I go...

Happy Stitching!

This one is for me!

2011-11-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

I find that I give so much of what I make away so when I bought the pattern for the Margo Handbag from Lazy Girl Designs I decided it was for me to keep! This was one of the best patterns I have ever bought. It was clear and had lots of great detail pictures so you knew exactly how it should be looking. All I had to do was follow the steps, one by one, and I got this fabulous bag! I can't say enough great things about this pattern!

Here are my pieces all made and ready to start assembling!

I found another use for the highlighter tape. I needed to mark my 1/4" seam while using my zipper foot. The best thing was that it peels right off when I'm done. (Sticky notes never worked well for me....my right hand always catches them and pulls them off)

The Margo bag has lots of pockets!

And here it is all done!

I plan to make another one of these bags for myself. It is perfect for a taking to work bag!

Now I start a week off work and I plan on starting my Christmas stocking and maybe a few Christmas presents too!

Happy Stitching!

I'm almost half done!

2011-10-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

My big-stitched winter nap quilt is almost half quilted. Every night I try to spent time quilting it. The perle cotton color is perfect too...it blends right in.

Here is a peak at the back...it is a soft thick flannel.

And the front, though you can't really see the quilting because of the chalk marking lines and how well the perle cotton blends in.

And in the queue waiting for some attention ...

I cut strips for another scrap quilt. This time I cut up all the floral scraps.

As soon as I have a sample block or two made I'll post it, but it will be a week or so. All my extra time is spent big-stitching.

I also cut out all the pieces for the Margo Handbag. I am still debating the zipper color- blue or green but either will look great. I think it will be whatever my hand grabs when I need it.

I starting getting my new Christmas stocking organized and when I opened the pattern, the stocking was a little small for my Santa wishes, so I did a little enlarging. Now it should work just fine!

And that isn't all that is in my queue...I may just have too much going on!

Happy Stitching!

A Little Christmas...and Hexagons!

2011-10-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Christmas spirit has arrived! I got to work putting together a little log cabin Christmas quilt.

I had great plans to quilt it. And the test sample was perfect. I didn't take into account all those seams this delicate thread would have to travel through though.

All the thread did was keep breaking, so I had to switch to plain red thread for the quilting...still nice but not shiny and gold.

One thing I'd like to share though is that before putting on binding I always baste the edge of my quilt about 1/8" in. It really helps to prevent tucks and puckers.

The finished quilt....about 24" square. It is going to look great on someones table!

I have also been working on my hexagons. I have a map now. Most of the pieces are assembled into strips of 3 blocks. This is my pile...

And this is my first section so far....

It is going to be so very beautiful on my bed!

Happy Stitching!

I have a LITTLE guilt....

2011-10-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

I had a great weekend sewing and cut into some of the fabric I bought while I was away to finish piecing this quilt. I love this fabric and had a very hard time slicing into it.

So here is a confession of my guilt. This quilt was going to be a Christmas present (and I will not say for whom) but after piecing it I think I need to keep it for myself. As soon as it was done I could see myself all wrapped up in it for a winter's nap. I can almost feel the flannel backing (I have to go shopping for that!) and see the quilting. And it is the perfect nap size- 60" x 67".

This one will be another big stitched quilt so it will hopefully be ready to use by the time the cold part of winter arrives.

So I am thinking a clam shell pattern with a nice brown pearl cotton.

And although I will not get another quilt made before Christmas to replace this one I will begin work on it's replacement for next Christmas...

And in the meantime, and despite my selfishness, maybe a little Christmas spirit has found me after all...

Happy Stitching!

Back in my Sewing Room!

2011-10-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

It was a long hot summer without much time in my sewing room and now I am back! Over the last week I have been working on one of the projects I bought while I was away on my holiday- the Bow Tucks Bag.

As it turned out I had bought enough fabric to make 2 bags! Here are the outside pieces and linings.

And the finished bags!

...and details of the bows and tucks!

What a cute bag!

Two someones I know will enjoy them...yes they are gifts!

I did have some difficulties...I had forgotten that my sewing machine does not like Guttermann Polyester thread. It never has...even right after a cleaning and with a new needle. I had thought I had gotten rid of all my old thread long ago. I did not even think about it when I looked for blue thread for the handles. I am not close to a thread store (at least 1-1/2 hours away) and had forgotten to buy blue thread with the fabric so I was making due.

And here is what I got...

Yuck! It is only on the back and only on the handles (I changed thread as soon as I noticed it).

I left it as it was warts and all. I decided it was part of the bag's charm...yes I am telling myself that.

Now I am going to start sewing my strips together from my scrap quilt I had started just before I went on holidays. I am so in love with this fabric I almost hate to cut into it, but this quilt has a purpose I think. It may be a gift...it is that season for thinking about Christmas a bit!

Happy Stitching!

Back from New Hampshire and NYC!

2011-09-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

I had a little fun while I was away visiting family and enjoying the sights in NYC- and by fun I think I mean I did a 'little' shopping!

In New Hampshire, one of my aunts took me to a couple of her favorite stores and as it turned out I liked them too. Our first stop was Candlelite Quilts in Chelmsford, Mass. It was a wonderful little store that had great samples and great fabrics! I would be a regular shopper if I lived there.

My first purchase was fabric for this cute tote bag. I can hardly wait to get started sewing.

Next I fell in love with these Robert Kaufman Quilters Tweeds. I can see a new log cabin quilt in my future.

I have been wanting to make myself a new Christmas stocking. Since my separation from my ex I have been using $2 Walmart Christmas stockings for myself. Really it is sad that a quilter should have such a stocking, so I am hoping I get this one done in time for Christmas this year. I may be cutting it close!

Here are a couple of patterns I bought at the various quilt shops I visited while away.

Then I found this perfect sashing fabric for a scrap quilt I was working on before going away. Now I can finally start putting it together.

Some more fabric for another bag and some for just because...

I found my calendar while away. I worried that it would get a little bent in my suitcase but it made it home in perfect condition.

Then here is a little felted wool in beautiful colors and textures. I didn't mean to buy this but my hands wouldn't let go so I had to. I have no idea when a wool quilt will get started but when it does I know I'll have a good start on collecting beautiful wool for it.

Then I came home with some stash from my Aunt Sharon's stash (thank you Aunt Sharon!!!) I have some ideas for a beautiful brown and pink quilt.

Now no trip would be complete without going into a yarn shop or two!

I very much enjoyed my time in Knit Pickings in Plaistow, NH. (As you can tell!)

The first thing I saw were these beautiful Fiddlehead mittens all made up. I have been eyeing them on Ravelry for a very long time so I bought wool to make a multicolored pair and also a 2 color pair! It will be a great winter!

Then I bought some very soft sock yarn. After all, what trip to the wool shop would be complete without a bit of sock yarn.

And here are couple more projects...

I think I bought myself a busy winter! I can hardly wait for it to start!

Happy Stitching!

Progress!

2011-09-04T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly working on those big hexagons and finally I have some progress!

So far I have 4 strips of 3 blocks put together. This will give an idea of how it is going to look. Definitely NOT my usual colors but I am liking it! I still have a very long way to go but I am happy with how quickly it comes together now.

I hope the next post I'll have some amazing show and tell! I am off on a trip to New Hampshire and New York City! I can't wait to see what the quilt shops have!

One stop is the American Folk Art Museum! And the garment district in NYC! And.... Can't wait!

Happy Stitching and I'll be back soon!

Scraps and scraps...

2011-08-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of cooler days that actually let me play in my sewing room all day long! It has been a very long time..and it was a mess up there!

Do you know what happens when you have not spent much time is a sewing room? It finds UFO's...mine collected so many projects I had forgotten about...some half started, some almost finished and even some I have dreamed about getting started on.

Remember those boxes of scraps? Well I sorted and ironed and cut all the mediums and darks into 1-1/2" strips. That took some time!

After I sorted them into lengths I sewed some samples.

Using my handy 60 degree triangle ruler I cut out a triangle. After many triangles are cut out I'll start putting them together with light background triangles to make a 6 pointed star quilt.

This is going to be a really fun scrappy quilt but one thing I learned from doing the sample is that I am going to have to press my seams with thought! In the centres of the stars I will have a lot of seams to match and it will be good to have them pressed in opposite directions before I start putting it all together.

The heat is back today so I am going to work on some hand work for a while...

Happy Stitching!

Something Old, Something New!

2011-08-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Let's begin with the old... just a couple of years in the making so far!

I finally starting to work on my hexagon quilt again after quite a long time away from it.

I had been searching for the background fabric and until I found it it had just stalled my enthusiasm! But I think this fabric will work wonderfully for the diamonds and triangles that go between the hexagons. I'll start cutting my freezer paper templates soon. For now I still have some hexagons to sew together.

And now for something with a bit of old and a bit of new....

I noticed a while ago that my 'old' scrap pile is growing and growing and growing. I really don't like it when it gets too big. It becomes overwhelming and too much work to go through it if I'm just looking for a little scrap of something.

I found a great project to start! So I have started pressing the scraps.

The plan is to cut the darks and mediums into 1-1/2" strips. I'll post more as it comes together!

And finally something new... but just in the planning stages.

I photocopied my 10 degree ruler to see how I could create a design in each wedge.

So far this is what I have...flying geese! I was playing with the proportions and now that it looks pleasing I'll draft it in EQ7 so I can play with color. The largest goose is 2" tall and the smallest just 1/4" tall. I can hardly wait to see the possibilities!

When the 36 wedges are together it will make a 50 inch circle. My plan is to have an applique border all around it but that is a long way from this stage!

I hope you enjoyed a peek of what is to come!

Happy Stitching!

Hexagon quilt
scraps
planning ruler

I'm in Love!

2011-08-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I felt the stirrings of love....no it's not a person who has captured my heart but a quilt...a beautiful, beautiful quilt that I can't seem to stop touching. My Wagon Wheel quilt top is finished!

I spent my days off this week working away at it and as usual it always takes longer when you are excited to see it finished! And now I have a long wait until the hand quilting starts. It will be October before I get to basting it and in the meantime I will be looking for a quilting design worthy of such love. I am thinking feathers....

And love has struck twice this week ( busy week!). I finished my socks I've been knitting and when I tried them on they felt amazing.

I can't wait until winter sets in so I can start wearing them. It is a little warm right now for wool socks! This pattern is Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt from the book 'Favorite Socks'.

I think I'll put away my knitting for a bit ( it's my in front of the TV thing to do) and pick up my hexagon quilt that I am hand stitching. More on that later...

Happy Stitching!

Long Weekend Marathon!

2011-08-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

No...not a running marathon...a sewing marathon!

My attic sewing room gets a little hot in the summer (that could be why I haven't posted anything for a month!) but I had only 9 Wagon Wheel blocks left to do so this weekend I was determined to get them done. I LOVE these blocks! I can hardly wait to start quilting this, but I still have a bit to do before I get to that stage.

Now I have some borders to cut and sew. The inner border is a piano key border made from whatever scraps I have left. I am hoping there are enough scraps left without dipping into my stash and introducing new fabric to the mix.

Next coming weekend I will get started on the borders and maybe start arranging the 25 blocks. I love it when a quilt gets to this stage...I can feel the anticipation!

I did get my triangle exchange quilt back from the long arm quilter. I am pleased with it ( but not pleased with this picture- I missed most of the border so I cropped it a bit).

I find though that when I have one of my quilts machine quilted by someone, I just am not all that attached to the quilt. I think for me it means much more if I do the work from beginning to end.

You can't really tell from this picture but the quilting design is an all over feather pattern. It is quite nice and suits the quilt. I'll try to take a couple better pictures soon, including a close up.

Next up... I'll have borders to show!

Happy Stitching!

Summer Interrupted Me!

2011-07-03T13:19:00.000-07:00

I've been busy enjoying summer pursuits...gardening and margarita's! (Not together!) I finally decided to take some time and get back to working on my wagon wheel quilt.

This morning I was back into my sewing room for a while at least. The heat drove me out of my attic space by early afternoon. It was almost 31 degrees C (close to 90 degrees F) when I finally took refuge in the air-conditioned downstairs!

Despite the heat, I managed to get 3 more blocks done today, making it 9 more blocks since I last blogged!

I have 15 blocks out of 25 completed! I am loving this quilt and I find myself really thinking about how I would like to quilt it. All I've decided for sure is that it will hand quilted.

In the evenings, I have been knitting socks...I have no idea why since I can't wear them in the summer. (I know this for sure because I tried one on to take a picture and it was HOT!)

This is Dead Simple Lace Socks from the book Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy D. Johnson.

I really enjoy toe up socks, especially when I am using smaller balls of wool like the Kroy Socks FX. It has a lot less yardage than many sock wools and I find it preferable to run out of wool on the leg rather than half way down the foot.

Here is a bit of a close up..

Hopefully I'll back up to my sewing room again soon....

Happy Stitching!

Inspired!

2011-06-12T05:58:00.000-07:00

I finished 4 more blocks this week for my Wagon Wheel quilt! I am up to 6 blocks! Just 19 more to make enough blocks to make this quilt big enough for my bed!

After becoming smitten with this quilt I decided to cut out all my pieces I needed to make all my blocks.

Now I am ready to sew!

At night, in front of the TV, I have been mostly knitting. I finished another pair of socks this week.

These Hedgerow Socks are a pattern I have been wanting to knit for quite a while. They fit great but I'll have to wait for several months before it is cold enough to actually wear them!

One great feature that I love in this pattern is that the pattern goes straight down to the bottom of the heel!

I'll have to get another pair of socks started this week so I can use up a bit more of my stash!

But for today I am hoping to get a couple of more blocks done for my quilt!

Happy Stitching!

I've Been Uninspired

2011-06-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

I have been completely uninspired with ALL my projects lately. I have been just going through the motions of working on these projects without my usual passion. My thoughts on quilting are that if I am not enjoying it anymore then it is time for it to be put aside for a while. Sometimes those projects never get finished but sometimes I find I am wanting to work on them again at a later date. I figured it was time for a fresh start. I packed up everything I have been working on and everything in my want to do pile and put it away where I can't see it. I know it's there and maybe one day I will want to play with it again but not for a while.

So I started something completely new! I cut out my test block yesterday and ta-da!

It all went together without a problem so I made a second block today and starting cutting a third block out.

I am loving this scrappy quilt!

The pattern is called Wagon Wheels and is from Quiltmania issue #78.

I am so happy to have my quilting mojo back!

Happy Stitching!

Testing a Block!

2011-05-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

I finally started a test block using the John Flynn Miniature Double Wedding Ring template set. 6" double wedding ring blocks are small! Once I decided to actually follow the instructions (!) it went together very nicely. It was a good thing I still had the smallest rotary cutter size to get around the templates!

I did notice that the templates fit nicely on a charm pack so I picked one out to make a very scrappy mini. Now I have to get sorting the charms into lights, mediums and darks. After that I will start cutting!

After testing that, I thought I would work on some more Farmers Wife blocks. Six more done!

I am still trying to figure out what size of quilt I want to make with these. I am now thinking I may make a lap size quilt. That would mean I have about half the blocks made that I will need to finish the quilt!

I also finished the shawl I have been knitting in the evenings. It was actually quite an easy patterrn and I was very able to do it in front of the tv without getting too lost. It is the Meandering Vines Shawl found on Ravelry. I did mine with Alpaca Cloud. It is so soft!

Here is a close up!

My sewing room is a MESS so the next thing I am doing is a good cleanup!

Happy Stitching!

A day in my sewing room but first...

2011-05-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

I spent a whole day in my sewing room yesterday! What fun...but before I could get started I cleaned up a bit and while I was putting things away I found a few UFO's!

Some I will probably never do anything with but some I really want to finish.

This is a quilt (just 36" x 48") that I made from scraps left over from a kit. It just needs a border but I keep forgetting to bring it to the quilt shop with me.

Then I have these two sashiko panels to use. I am still undecided whether to frame them one day or use them for a front panel in a tote bag.

Then I have this double stitch project from Mountain Patchwork . It is an interesting technique where you stitch your pieces together with a running stitch and then again through the seam allowance.

Here is a close up of the front and back.

Finally here is another quilt to hand quilt. I have had this top done for many years but could never decide how to quilt it. I absolutely love it so it is staying out to inspire me to get it finished!

Next time, I'll show you what I worked on yesterday after cleaning up!

Happy Stitching!

Finally!

2011-05-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that so much time has gone by since I last blogged. I finally finished putting together my friendship triangle exchange quilt that was started many many months ago!

It really has turned out nicely and I am excited to get it quilted. I think I have decided to let someone else do the quilting on this one. Feathers! I really want feathers! And a flannel backing so it is nice to cuddle under. And then I will probably gift it to someone I love!

I almost took this quilt apart before I put the border on it. This is the hazard of working on something every once in a while. My tree trunks use three different fabrics. Guess who forgot to somewhat evenly distribute them when laying out the blocks? And guess who didn't notice until they were all put together?

Here is one clump of the same trunks!

And here is another.

Despite it looking a little 'clumpish', I like it! A lot!

I have been doing a bit of knitting lately and will have something to show for it soon...but it is taking me a while to get these socks I am working on going. The other night I realized that I was doing the pattern wrong and had to rip out everything I had knitted. I am almost to the heel again! That's what happens when I pay more attention to the TV than to my needles!

Happy Stitching!

Sweet Dreams Last Night!

2011-04-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

After many months of sitting at my quilt frame, my quilt is finished and on my bed!

I am in love with it as I am with all quilts that I quilt by hand.

I finished the 'big stitching' on Friday morning and by yesterday morning the binding was on! Here is just a small look at the back of it.

I thought I would show the size of needle I use for big stitching.

The big one is a 'big stitch' needle and the small one is my regular quilting needle. I think the quilting needle is a size 10 because it was a bit easier to thread but I do use both size 10 and 11 for regular hand quilting. Now the hard part will be trying to get used to a small needle and a small stitch again.

So I am back to more time in front of my sewing machine. I think it may have missed me a bit!

Happy Stitching!

It's been a while....

2011-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

Hand quilting a quilt takes a while so I haven't been doing too much else. I am enjoying it and my progress is slow but coming along. My quilt frame sits right in front of our front porch door that soon we will want to open (if the weather actually get warmer!) so I have spent most of my free time quilting. I am on the very outside edges now so it's going well!

I did take some time out recently for a small project and some handwork as well. I made 12 each of the large and small zippered bags from 30's fabrics. It is a fun, fast and easy pattern and a nice break from the hand quilting.

Here they are in sets of two waiting to get sent out. I'll be putting them in the mail today.

I took a day last weekend and went to our local quilting retreat. I have had this quilt on the go for a couple of years now but I haven't worked on it for the last 9 months...time to get working on it again!

I wasn't sure how the handwork would go at the retreat but it went really well. In fact so well that each retreat I'll try to go for a day and just work on this quilt until it is done!

I got 5 blocks put together this time.

Soon I will have to decide what fabric to use for the diamonds and triangles between the blocks. I know it's still a long way off, but I can't wait to get this one on my bed!

Happy Stitching!

Triangle Exchange

2011-03-22T11:57:00.000-07:00

I finally have started the tree of life quilt using the friendship triangle exchange triangles! Here is one block done. Twelve to go! I always try to make one complete block before starting...just to make sure.

After this was done I got started making the trunk sections.

Just one thing about this method of making 1/2 square triangles...it is not my favourite way to make them. (It is a good way for an exchange with friends though) They are ok but they are all not exact. Just small variations in cutting and sewing makes them all slightly different sizes. It is still easy to make them all fit together but I prefer sewing together slightly larger triangles, pressing the seam open and trimming to size. Then they are exact.

And I finally got the socks off my knitting needles. They fit wonderfully and the wool is so soft.

The pattern is from the book Sock Innovation and the pattern is Wanida. The wool is Lorna's Laces.

And finally I am slowly making progress on my big stitched churn dash quilt. I am almost done the centre. I will soon be doing the outside edges. So close! I am so excited but I know from experience the edge always takes longer than you think it will. I'll have some pictures the next time I post.

Happy Stitching!

Ode to Spring

2011-03-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

For many months my snowman wall hanging has been adorning the kitchen wall but it was time to tempt spring into the great white north! I made this little quilt this week while dreaming of warmer weather!

This is what I am hoping will go away...

the snow piled up at the front of the house (we don't use that door!).

I tried a new batting in it too. It is Quilter's Dream Blend and it's a 70% cotton, 30% poly batting. It washed up nice and squishy just like a cotton batting does and it machine quilted nice. It seems to be heavier than Hobbs but lighter than Warm and Natural. I like it!

I usually do dark borders but with this little quilt I did it a bit different than the usual. At first I wasn't sure about the light borders but they have grown on me and now I really like them!

My next project is a quilt using the triangle exchange squares. Here they all are with the papers off!

I hope to get the rest of the pieces cut out this week and maybe get it started by the weekend.

Happy Stitching!

One quilt done!

2011-03-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

I finished binding the quilt I wanted for my bed. Two more quilts to go! This one is a history of my 20 years of quilting so every time I look at it I think...'I used that fabric in a quilt I made for ...' I realized I have made A LOT of quilts for people I care about.

I am enjoying the memories!

And to feed my current sock knitting addiction, I started a new pair of socks.

I'll give all the details and a better picture when I am done the pair!

This weekend I am hoping to finish a little spring quilt in the hopes that it will please the weather gods and spring will make it's way here!

Happy Stitching!

A Lot of Binding!

2011-03-06T03:57:00.000-08:00

I usually quilt my own quilts but with this backlog I sent these ones out. I just picked them up this week so now I have to bind them....that is a lot of binding!

The nine patch on the bottom is first because it is going onto my bed right away!

I had better go get my needle and thread...

Happy Stitching!

Pineapples and Big Stitch Quilting

2011-02-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

My pineapples are done! I made another 13 blocks this weekend and even got them put together! They are so cute- just 3" finished. I love how this little quilt turned out. I don't have much left of my fat eighth pack of taupes and greys so it's good that I didn't want to make it any larger. It is 18 inches square. I have a couple of ideas on how to quilt it but I'm undecided so I pinned it to my bulletin board and at least there I can enjoy looking at it until I figure out the quilting design.

One thing about making pineapples... you really get into a groove and it can be pretty mindless, especially using such neutral colors. It gives you time to think and look around at all your UFO's , of which I have too many. And I'm not sure how this happened but most of mine are LARGE quilts. Oh, what to do?

Now here is a peak at my big stitched quilt. It is coming along well. I try to quilt at it a few times a week usually just an hour or so at a time. I am falling in love with it...that is the magic of quilting it yourself.

I am using a fan pattern and pearle cotton ( used up 1 spool already) with Fons and Porter Utility Quilting needles. I also have a pack of Chenille needles I will try.

Big stitching is easy and you see results quickly so it is satisfying too. The hardest thing is keeping your stitches uniform especially if you are a hand quilter. My stitches keep trying to get smaller, but it is a rather rustic looking technique so it looks fine!

And speaking of big stitching...I think that quilt is calling to me!

Happy Stitching

New Placemats and a Tutorial

2011-02-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

I finally replaced the 12+ year old placemats for the kitchen this week. Do you think I needed to?

So I got busy in my stash and found a print I liked for the borders and then a variety of prints that went with it. These are my new placemats! I love this technique I used because the quilting is all done for you as you sew.

Here is how I made them...

For each placemat you will need:

-backing cut 15 x 19

-batting cut 14 x 18

-4 border strips cut 2-1/4 x 12-1/2

-binding to go around placemat

-strips from assorted fabrics cut 9" long and a variety of widths- I used 1-1/4" , 1-1/2" and 1-3/4" wide. Each placemat I made used 14 to 15 strips.

Next, set up your sewing machine with a walking foot if you have one.

Layer the backing and batting. Then mark a rectangle in the middle of the batting 9 x 13. That's 2-1/2" in on each side.

Line up the first inside strip with the end mark on the batting. I started on the left side and worked right.

Place the next strip on top, right sides together and sew with about a 1/4" seam. Back stitch at the top and bottom. For this project it doesn't have to be perfect. Flip over and lightly press making sure you don't get your batting with your iron.

Keep going lining up your pieces with your marked lines until you reach the mark on the other end.

Next mark a rectangle on your inside strips 8-1/2" x 12.5". You will use these lines to line up your border fabrics for sewing.

Pin the long side borders down lining them up with the marking you just made. Sew with a 1/4" seam.

Flip the borders out and press lightly. Then line up the borders for the short side with the markings. These borders will be a little too long but we will trim them later.

Flip and press again. Next baste around the outside edge of the placemat just inside the 1/4" seam allowance. Trim the excess batting and backing off the placemat.

Now you are ready to prepare your binding ( however you like to do it) and sew it on.

After the binding is on check quickly for any folds in the fabric. Then finish sewing down the binding.

Ta-da! You are done! Enjoy your brand new placemats. I'm enjoying mine!

And just a peek at my pineapple block progress...8 more done!

Happy stitching!

Giveaway

2011-02-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

I have a great giveaway (in fact 2) to celebrate my 1 year anniversary blogging!

The first is Series 8 of The Quilt Show. If you haven't subscribed to this online quilt show then this is your chance to see it first hand. It is 13 episodes ( many almost an hour long) packed with all things quilty...tips, tricks, projects, new techniques, inspiration! It is a must see!

The second giveaway is any previous series (Series 1 through 7) of The Quilt Show! All series are wonderful and you'll have your choice!

To enter, just leave a comment telling me whether you are a "Star" member of The Quilt Show or not....you will know if you are. If you want a second entry then just mention me on your blog and let me know!

Remember to leave me your email address if it is private on your profile otherwise I can't get in touch if you were to win.

Since I wasn't too clear about the giveaway I am extending the deadline a bit until Monday Feb. 14th! What a great Valentines Day surprise if you win!

Go check it out. The Quilt Show is a great show for every quilter...

Good luck and happy stitching!

I'm Almost a Year Old!

2011-02-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe I've been blogging for almost a year! It has been a wonderful experience and I can't wait to get started on year two!

I was thinking I must celebrate so....

I have two gift certificates for The Quilt Show to give to 2 of my blog friends!

The first certificate is good only for people who have never been a 'Star' member (ie. for those who have never subscribed to the shows) and the second one is for any past series of The Quilt Show (ie. series 1 through 7) and is good for anyone.

How do you enter to win?

Just leave a comment saying whether you are a 'Star' member or not. I'll keep track! If you want a second entry then just mention this giveaway on your blog with a link and leave me a comment or send me an email telling me about it.

I want all of you to have a chance so make sure that if your email is private on your profile that you let me know your email or you won't be able to win.

I guess we need a deadline so my blog birthday it is...Friday, February 11th. I will make the draw on Friday night as soon as I am home from work!

Good luck everyone!

I interrupt my quilting...

2011-01-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

....for this ironing board emergency. Yes it is long overdue and I have long known I need to make a new one, but until this week it has never bit back. Well now it has and it stained my fabric. Good thing I noticed it right away.

So now I have to make a new cover.

First I cut 2 layers of needlepunched batting large enough to fold over and cover the sides of the ironing board. Next I cut muslin and then the cover fabric about 2 inches larger all around.

Using up scraps of folded bias binding, I sew it along the right side of the layered muslin and cover fabric, leaving a space so that I can thread through my cording.

Tighten and tie the cording and ta-da! a new ironing board cover! I like it a lot more than that ugly green thing!

I tested it this afternoon on some 3" pineapple blocks.

4 down- 21 to go. Better get back to my sewing machine!

Happy Stitching!

What a Productive Week!

2011-01-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

I have no idea where it came from, but it happened! I got things done and what a great feeling it is!

I had been knitting at the beginning of last week. I finished the Diagonal Lace Socks I started at Christmas and the Hemlock Ring Throw I started just two weeks ago!

A close up...can you see the different shading? Sometimes hand dyed wool drives me crazy! But it was so soft and my feet will love them!

I went from my smallest needles (2mm) up to 6.5mm for the throw.

No wonder it took just over a week to knit! It took less knitting time than the socks did!

And yes it is my prerogative to change my mind about the miniature double wedding ring fabrics. Now those beautiful greys and taupes are going to find their way into a mini pineapple (3" blocks) and because I have gone pineapple crazy I am going to make a scrap one with 2" blocks.

And I FINISHED piecing my "History of Ann" 9 patch scrap quilt! Here is a sneak peek of it on the ironing board. Once it is quilted is is going straight onto my bed! I can hardly wait.

And still there is more to tell...

I spent yesterday on my hands and knees basting this quilt. I am 'big stitching' it so I hope it won't take me forever to get it done.

And finally in my mail box this week, a new book and I am in trouble because I need to make every quilt in the book. The question is, which do I do first?

So now I am off to clean up my sewing room before starting something new.

Happy Stitching!

My Quilting History and a Few Tips

2011-01-16T05:12:00.000-08:00

Since I began quilting almost 20 years ago I put all my small scraps into a box until one day my box exploded and I had to do something about it. I started cutting up my scraps into 2" squares and then 3 years ago started sewing them into 9 patch blocks. I had no idea what I was going to do with them. This is how it all started...

Recently I figured it out!

I was happily sewing along and looked at my first finished block and oops! Those sashings weren't quite lining up. I am not concerned with being too perfect with this quilt but I did want it a little better than that.

I thought I would share a few tips to get sashings lined up a little better.

Here is my block laid out and ready to sew the long sashings on.

I match the center of the long sashing with the center of the block and pin in place. If I am sewing a long sashing that goes the width of a whole quilt I divide into quarters and pin at each quarter. That way you know your sashing is evenly distributed across. Pin the rest of the sashing and sew.

Now for the second side- I normally would press before starting this, but in this case my sashing was cut 1" wide and I was pressing towards the sashing, so that would create sewing problems.

Line up the sashing to the block, but instead of matching the centers I match the sashings between the blocks and pin. Then sew and press.

Much better!

This quilt has produced a lot of stray threads, probably because of all the handling over the last few years. I had a head smacking light bulb moment- to use my lint brush to pick up those threads off the finished quilt blocks! Why in the world did I never think if that before now?

And my last tip...another duh moment ( 2 in one day...did my brain just start working?)

I have a couple of rulers with a 1/2" added to them and I am always forgetting that and cutting wrong. I am so used to 6", not 6 1/2". In my notions drawer I had some of the ruler highlighter tape and I just put that down at my cutting line and ta-da! No more cutting wrong! You could also use any low tack tape such as painters tape.

I've been thinking about my miniature double wedding ring I want to make and have been looking through my fabrics. A couple of years ago I had bought a fat eighth pack of 'japanese' type taupes and greys. I needed something to add to those for the background. What do you think? It will be very non-traditional but I am liking it.

Back to my sewing room...Happy Stitching!

Home and almost ready to sew again!

2011-01-06T05:25:00.000-08:00

I'm home from a wonderful Christmas spent with my family in North Carolina. I thought I would share some pictures of some 'quilty' Christmas gifts I got, including new snips! Santa was reading my blog!

My calendar and a book of quilts from Prince Edward Island (a part of my heritage)

Some knitting needles (I love Knitpicks needles)

A new spindle my Dad made for me

And finally a quilted wallhanging from my Aunt

And now to get back into my sewing room... next up is my scrappy nine patch that I bought sashing and borders for and more Farmers Wife blocks. I am also going to tackle a miniature Double Wedding ring!

Happy Stitching!

Something a little different!

2010-12-16T04:22:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share with you all what my Dad makes...some of it 'quilty' themed. He 'pieces' wood quilt blocks and uses them in his beautiful wood turned bowls. Here are just a few of his bowls. I hope you enjoy!

I'll be away from my computer for a couple of weeks enjoying the Christmas holiday with my family and I hope to have some quilting themed Christmas gifts to show off when I get back!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Christmas Stocking!

2010-12-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

I finished a new Christmas stocking for my sister-in-law this week. I knitted her last one many, many years ago and because my brother insisted on stuffing it TOO FULL and I could not repair it, a new stocking was needed. I used as inspiration, a table runner pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting magazine from December 2007.

For a project like this I like to use cotton batting as a stabilizer for the machine buttonhole stitch. I also like my tension adjusted so that the stitches are pulled slightly to the back, making sure that the tension isn't causing your stitches to pucker.

I like the way my stitches look with this adjustment.

My backs are a mess now that I have a sewing machine that locks the stitches. I am so glad no one sees this part of the finished stocking! I used to pull my threads to the back, tie and trim them but now I just pull the back thread a bit, clip the top thread and leave the mess at the back. A little lazy of me I think!

Next I machine appliqued the heel and toe and added some trim to 'pretty' it up a bit.

Ta-da!

Do you think she'll like it?

And this is my inspiration...

Happy Stitching and Merry Christmas!

A Very Productive Week!

2010-12-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

Before I show and tell, I wanted to share a couple pictures of the visitor we had yesterday afternoon. We are hoping he comes back today!

Isn't he wonderful! He was very suspicious of me and did not take his eyes off me while I snapped a few pictures.

And now for my regularly scheduled blog....

I have no idea where it came from but I have been very productive this week! I finished knitting another pair of socks...that makes four pairs in November. I'm taking a break from socks for a bit...or am I? I am still feeling a bit of a tug to knit another pair but I had better save that for Christmas holidays. I have things to finish for Christmas.

I finished another knitting project as well (and just in time for winter!)...a scarf knit with wool from New Zealand that my cousin Heather brought back for me in the spring. It is kid mohair and merino and it is wonderfully soft. I can't wait to wrap it around my neck! The picture does not do it justice. The colors are much more vibrant.

I did finish the next 3 Farmer's Wife quilt blocks as well. I am really starting to enjoy all the colors coming together. Even though I have a long way to go, I have started thinking about the sashing and border. I am thinking I may choose either black, charcoal or dark blue. My instinct is telling me dark blue...

I don't make cards that often anymore but I needed to make a couple special ones for a friend. I can't show those but I did do one extra Christmas card just because I loved the paper!

So that is some of what I finished up this week!

I have just one more project to go...a Christmas stocking!

Happy Stitching!

My Favourite Snips and More Farmer`s Wife

2010-11-29T05:30:00.000-08:00

It was a very sad day in my sewing room yesterday...my favourite thread snippers are on their last legs.

The spring is not working well and the little clip that closes it is loose and catches when it is not supposed to. I have had my beloved thread snips for well more than 10 years, maybe closer to 15.

At least Fiskars still makes them so they can be replaced! I'm on the lookout!

While I was fighting with the snips. I was working on some more of the Farmer`s Wife blocks.

When I first got the book, I drafted all the blocks into my EQ7. I had bought fat quarter packs of Thimbleberries Village Green fabrics in Dawn, Dusk and Midnight so I downloaded all the fabric swatches for them to use in EQ7. My thought was to preplan all the blocks but I have ended up just grabbing from the pile. It is great though to have a general feel for the project right in my EQ7.

My Aunt Sharon`s class is doing Blocks # 8, 18, 80 and 90 so I got right to it ths weekend.

The class is only doing 24 blocks in all, and I plan to make the queen size quilt so I have started from Block #1 and will slowly do them all. I did #6 and #7 yesterday as well. That's 14 blocks done!

I have plans for three more blocks today and a bit more Christmas present making as well!

Happy Stitching!

Christmas is Coming!

2010-11-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

With Christmas coming quickly, I have been making a few small things....some I can show, some I can't! Here is my latest little project. They turned out so cute! All you need is a charm pack and you get 3 of them!

Two charm packs later...

When I was finished sewing I started cleaning my sewing room and found this Cutting Mat Cleaner I had never tried. So I took it out and cleaned my cutting mat. The cutting mat even looks clean!

This is the close up- I would never have believed my mat could be that dirty! Very gruesome! This is one product I will be using more often!

Now back to my sewing room...I have a Christmas Stocking to make!

Happy Stitching!

Friendship Triangle Exchange

2010-11-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Today I have been working on my half square triangle squares for a friendship triangle exchange with some other quilters in my area. I only had 9 "cinnamon sticks" to sew and cut so it didn't take me long.

I am doing the Tree of Life quilt but I am adding an extra 2 rows of trees so that it will be square. In all, I need 234 squares for this quilt.

I am already thinking about making that quilt on the cover as well. I love how graphic it is.

These were really easy to do and fast. Each sheet of triangle exchange paper took less than 5 minutes to sew. (Yes, I actually timed it...4 minutes and 36 seconds! )

Cutting them apart took a bit longer but this was still a fast process.

All that's left now is to wait for the exchange!

Happy Stitching!

It's Sock Season!

2010-11-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Along with quilting I also love to knit! I haven't touched a knitting needle since February but with winter on the way I suddenly felt the urge to get working on a pair of socks! As I was sorting my sock yarn, I realized I had enough for 11 pairs plus a few more pairs of thicker socks. I know there are MUCH bigger sock yarn stashes than this, but for me it is a lot.

That will keep me going in socks for a while! But I still find myself browsing online for more. So far I have resisted. Do you think I may have a sickness?

So here is my first pair for this year...I made them to fit me but I have enough so I think I'll be passing these on to someone who might enjoy them for the winter. Although you can't see them well because of the striped wool, they have a diagonal pattern. Want to make them? Find them on Ravelry...they are called Anastasia Socks.

I have already begun pair #2. These ones ( also from Ravelry) are No Purl Monkey Socks. I don't normally make the same socks twice but this pattern is an easy knit for a striped yarn that won't show much pattern.

Maybe socks will end up being this years Christmas gifts!

Happy stitching!

Farmer's Wife Blocks

2010-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Sharon and I are working on the Farmers Wife quilt. My aunt is doing it through her local quilt shop Candlelite Quilts each month and I am following along making the same blocks as her. I am a little behind but I thought I'd show what we have done so far.

These are my blocks so far... # 29, 54, 19 and 77.

These are my Aunt Sharon's blocks so far.

I do have a bit of catching up to do!

I just got back from Vegas and had an amazing time. I printed off directions to quilt shops, wool shops and a rubber stamping store but did not make it to a single one. I did however get pictures of floors and ceilings for inspiration. There was a lot of that! I thought I would share pictures of a few floors that inspired me.

What a great way to spark your creativity!

Happy stitching!

Glue on my quilt?

2010-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

I was procrastinating on this challenge but I finally decided to just do it...that is what this blog is about but I have had misgivings. In the end I decided to keep an open mind and make a wall hanging. I found a pattern for applique to suit the season and gathered my supplies. Freezer paper and a glue stitck. It is so hard for me to use glue on a quilt. It just seems...well...wrong. I know lots of quilters use glue but I am such a traditional quilter that it is difficult for me.

The challenge was to use the freezer paper and glue method of machine applique from The Quilt Show Episode 210 with Beth Ferrier. When I googled this method there were lots of websites and blogs that mentioned it and gave tutorials.

So I began cuttitng my freezer paper, ironing it onto my fabrics and readied myself for the glue. I could not believe that every single glue stick I had was dried out. I tried it with a shrivelled glue stick and it was Yuck! Plan B..I've been meaning to try the freezer paper and spray starch method so I dig out the starch. Yuck! I am so not liking it and it took me forever to do just one piece. I ended up hand basting all my pieces, which I think took me the same amount of time as it would have with the glue stick or iron and it was less messy and I could do it in front of the tv in a relaxed position. Now I was happy!

Finally I can get to the stitching. I used Sulky clear poly thread (regular thread in the bobbin) with a very small zig zag stitch and loosened my top tension just a bit. After stitching I removed the basting stitches and the freezer paper from the back side in the same manner I would use for hand applique. After I was used to my machine stitching I made the stitch width even smaller and found it was much easier to remove the freezer paper. The smaller the 'bite' the better.

So I finished the stitching in no time at all and it turned out to be a very cute wall hanging where the stitches, while not truely invisible, were not noticeable. The one difference that I found noticeable between this method of machine applique and hand applique was that the appliques are much flatter looking as a result of the stitching on the edges. I really enjoyed it and would do this again, with the hand basting. I will not try the glue again and I will probably not try the starch again either. But I am happy that I tried them.

The pattern is from the October 2000 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine.

Happy Stitching!

Retreat quilt and GO!

2010-10-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

This quilt is getting big! When it is finished it will be about 90"x100". And it is not so easy to layout for piecing.

I sew in an attic with sloped ceilings so there is really not room for a large design wall or a small one for that matter. My design wall is a space on my floor and in this case was just large enough to hold 2 rows at a time. I moved furniture in the living room to take a picture of 4 rows done.

By tonight I did get all six rows done, so all that is left is to sew those rows together! I am really liking this quilt and I am fairly certain I am going to Big Stitch it with perle cotton. As soon as it is together I`ll start throwing embroidery floss all over it to pick a color. How many balls will I need? At least 10 and maybe up to 15. That is a lot of perle cotton. I'll be using a traditional fan pattern for the quilting. I think that circular motion of the fan will really complement the different sizes of the churn dash. This is a good winter project and hopefully it will be on my bed by summer! But I may need some luck for that.

******

So how does a person resist all the excitement of the Accuquilt GO! ?

All over blogland there are VERY excited people. I supposed I should state, for the record, that I am not buying a GO! and I have not even tried to win one. But the temptation is strong. Everywhere I look there are giveaways, tutorials and show and tell. So is anyone else trying to resist? Or is it just me?

Happy stitching!

My new most favourite notion!

2010-09-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

This week I pulled out from my drawer, a box of pins that I have had at least 2 years and more than likely longer than that. I have never tried them in all this time...so what have I finally tested and now can't live without?

Clover Fork Pins!

I've been working away at my Churn Dash quilt and decided to try using them where you butt your seams up together. I have to thank Annie Smith. She showed off these pins when she was on "The Quilt Show- Episode 209" and I realized that I had those pins.

They were amazing! Every single seam match is perfect - nothing slipped. I do have to admit to a couple of mishaps though...

I must confess that I am a pin bulldozer. I just sew right over them with wonderful abandon and it is not too often I bend a pin or break a needle, until these fork pins...2 pins bent and 1 needle broken in 3 seams. Not a good record. So I changed my ways and as I reach a pin, I slow my machine right down and I am ready to stop it and grab the wheel if necessary. After that I have a perfect record!

So now I wonder how many other notions do I own that are amazing and I don't know it yet?

Happy Pinning!

Retreat Weekend

2010-09-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

It was a great weekend. Saturday and Sunday spent quilting in the company of other quilters is always good. I had my camera along but guess who forgot to take pictures...yes, that would be me! Too busy sewing I suppose. This time I decided to start a new large quilt so I cut all my fabric before the weekend so I could just enjoy the sewing. It took me 3 days to cut it all out! I guess it had been a while since I cut out a large scrap quilt all at once. I did not expect it to take that long.

Here are some of the finished blocks from the weekend-

I am using greens, browns and blues and making 16", 10", 6" and 4" churn dashes. The original patterrn is from the February 2008 issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Lately I have found myself attracted to quilts that have combinations of blocks in different sizes.

I am roughly dividing each size into brown/blue, brown/green and blue/green combinations. This quilt will be bigger than the pattern but I am not sure yet whether to add more blocks or a border. I'll decide that later.

I finished all the 16" and 10" blocks and got a good start on the 6" blocks this weekend. I am really happy with them and I am loving these colors! All the fabrics came right from my stash except a little bit of dark blue I got from a friend. I love scrap quilts and this one will be wonderful. I'll be working on it over the next week or two so hopefully it won't be long before I can show the top finished. I was going to have it long-armed but I am loving it so much that I may hand quilt it or use the big stitch on it.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Happy Stitching!

Easy Fabric Dyeing!

2010-09-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had some fun creating my own fabric. This is the second time I've done this technique and it is fun and easy!

I used this fabulous kit for low immersion dyeing. Each kit makes 30 fat eighths and it comes in 12 colorways! I bought my kit at a quilt shop a long time ago but I did find them online at Pro Chemical and Dye. You`ll need a couple of uninterrupted hours to do this.The first thing to do is gather your supplies and read the instructions over. Yes, I did say read the instructions. (I usually skip this part myself but in this case it`s a good idea to read it over.) One thing to note is that you should buy the best quality of PFD cotton that you can. The better the quality the better your color will be.

This is the very abbreviated version of how to do it...

First you stuff your fat eighths into small containers and make your dye mixes. The instructions are straight forward and easy but there is a lot of measuring involved so you`ll need to keep your attention on your measuring spoon! One tip is be careful when adding the dye powder...it can fly in a breeze. I did mine in the garage. I`m a little clumsy so I didn`t want to take chances on dripping dye in the house.

Next you pour each dye mixture over one of the 30 fat eighths.

Already it is a WOW! Then you need to set the dye, cover them up and let them sit overnight.

The next day you rinse, wash and dry them and this is what you get...

They are soft, beautiful and I can`t wait to use them.

If you are wanting to try dyeing without committing to a lot of supplies, this is a great way to do it.

Happy Stitching!

I'm smitten!

2010-09-05T12:10:00.000-07:00

Remember this pile?

Well it sat right beside my sewing machine for a very long time but yesterday it officially became something!

All I had left from the pile was a couple of 5"x7" pieces.

I am so smitten with this little quilt. I don't often use black but I may have to start.

I think the black sashing really makes it!

Happy Stitching!

Crazy curves!

2010-08-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am no stranger to piecing curves but this kind of curved piecing was new to me. 'The Quilt Show Episode 204' starts with Ricky Tims demonstrating his improvisational curves. When I first saw it I thought " That looks interesting but not enough to try it!" But this blog has a purpose...to get me to try new things so I tried it and I am so happy I did!

The whole idea is to cut smooth curves and just sew them together. You don't worry about any seam allowance. I started with a 3-1/2" square and cut a curve in the one side. I cut the next piece matching the curve and sewed them together. I used a little less than 1/4" seam to sew them together.

As you can see it looks like it is going to be a problem...

But it isn't...a little squirt of water and a hot iron and ...

The block is remarkably flat. It is about 12" 'square'!

I do have a few tips. Each piece I added was made extra wide until I got a feel for it. Each side you'll end up cutting a curve out of it so you don't want to shortchange yourself. You don't use any pins for this technique. When you start sewing use your needle down position. You'll be stopping a bit until you get a feel for your hand motion. My left hand held the underneath fabric and the right hand held onto the top fabric. It is a bit of a juggling act to line up the top and bottom but it doesn't take long to get a feel for it.

My mind is swirling with the possibilities, both simple and VERY complicated.

I would have missed out on an amazing technique. Thank you Blog!

And thank you Ricky Tims!

Happy Stitching!

Scraps!

2010-08-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've been busy cleaning up my sewing room and doing a little reorganizing. I was finding that things I used often weren't within easy reach anymore...that could have been in part because I had a mountain of things to put away. And while I was putting things away I found a mountain of UFO's! But one in particular caught my eye...

I want to introduce you to my scraps...anything less than about 2-1/2 inches wide (unless I know a use for it) goes into my scrap container or should I say CONTAINERS!

And from these scraps I cut 2" squares for 9-patch blocks.

Here they are, in all their chain pieced glory.

This is what I found. Here are the sections all pressed and waiting to be sewn together. But now that it's found again what in the world am I going to do with it. I think my 9-patch mojo (do people still use that word?) is gone. This pile is literally a history of my quilting past dating back almost 20 years.

Maybe I've been too co-ordinated in my fabric choices lately. I used to love scrappy...the more the better but now it is more of I love planned scrappy so back to the UFO pile you go 9-patches.

But that gets me thinking about those 3 containers full of scraps.

Do I even want them? What will I do with them if I keep them?

These are the questions that are swirling in my brain right now.

Happy Stitching!

Hoopless!

2010-08-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

I'm free.. to hand quilt without a hoop! This was a wonderful challenge that really will give me more options for quilting.

It began with The Quilt Show Episode 203 with Suzanne Marshall and also Sharon Schamber's video on quilting hoopless. They both have a different way of going about it so I tried both techniques.

The most important thing was to get the basting right. Your quilt top needs to be well basted.

First I knotted my basting thread at both ends to keep it secure. I basted about 2 fingers apart (about 1-1/2") horizontally and vertically. It is a lot closer than my usual basting. I also did a fairly large back stitch every couple of stitches. This really seemed to help anchor the quilt even better. I really think that made a difference to reduce shifting while I was quilting.

Before we get to the quilting I should say that I used a size 10 straw needle (which is what I use for applique). I found I needed a longer needle because you need to have enough needle to hang into. I also used Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 batting. And I sat at a table for a bit of extra stability.

There are 2 methods for quilting...the first is that you pinch your quilt just before your quilting line. Then to quilt you move both the needle hand and the hand that is pinching the quilt. This was how Suzanne Marshall quilted. It has the advantage of being able to quilt any size quilt. Although I could do it OK I did not find this a natural motion and really preferred the hoop.

The next technique is to pinch the quilt in your hand. The motion of quilting comes from the non-needle hand. Basically the needle stays flat and you load the needle with the other hand using an up and down motion. This method felt completely natural and I really like it...for small quilts. For larger quilts it would be pretty hard to hang onto. I can see me doing this from now on!

It took a bit of practice to follow the straight lines and then again on the curves. One tip for the curves...you might only be able to put on 2 or 3 stitches at a time. It wasn't long though before my stitches were getting consistent. One other important thing was after taking a needle full of stitches I smoothed out the area I was quilting. It didn't take long before I just did it and didn't even think about it. Again...quite natural!

Ta Da!

And for the back...no puckers!

Remember the little needle turn quilt from last week? Well I liked this so much I got it ready for hoopless quilting today!

Try is definitely one to try! Happy stitching!

Trying Needle Turn...Again

2010-08-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

I don't do needle turn applique...but I was somewhat determined to give it another chance. After watching The Quilt Show Episode #203 with Suzanne Marshall, I knew I would have to give up my preferred method and give needle turn another try. Suzanne was truly inspiring. I did learn needle turn many years ago but I really did not enjoy it. Keeping an open mind....

I picked a pattern with one block and got to work using Suzanne Marshall's tips from the episode. I prepared my pieces and started on my block. So far so good.

I went piece by piece until I got to this point. I had had enough. I figured I had done enough to give it a chance but I still don't like it. I finished the block using my preferred method using freezer paper and basting the seam allowances down.

I didn't do too badly. A few curves were a little more straight than they should have been and it was taking me forever but I was satisfied.

I realized that I like freezer paper applique for lots of reasons...

*I don't have to pay as much attention while I am sewing because I don't need to follow a line.

*I like seeing how the finished product is going to look as I sew.

*I am faster at it than I am with needle turn.

*Most of all, I enjoy it!

Has anyone noticed that the new freezer paper is a lighter weight than what we used to get?

***

Something I will do from this episode is a new to me way of making bias stems. I don't know why everyone isn't doing it this way. It was fast, easy and I can make bias stems in any size without burning my fingers on those bias bars.

Simply start with a bias edge on a piece of fabric, fold it over a little less than 1/4" and press. Fold it again to make the size of stems you want and press. Baste down the center and cut from the main piece leaving the basting intact. You don't have to be neat as you trim! I used those fancy applique scissors I never use and they worked perfectly!

Amazing!

Next up...I am going to learn to hand quilt without a hoop. I am just getting my materials together for this one and can't wait to show how I do!

So what else has been taking up my time?

Veggies...delicious...

We have been harvesting yellow beans, golden beets, red onions, carrots, kohlrabi, peppers and soon we'll have corn and summer squash!

Happy Stitching!

EQ Newsprint and...Bamboo Batting

2010-07-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I won a package of the new EQ Newsprint from their blog! Thanks EQ! The packaging says it's for paper piecing and machine quilting. I thought I would test it out and show you my results!

The first thing I need to say is that I LOVE the packaging! It comes in a resealable bag. What a great idea!

I printed off some paper foundations and a couple of quilting designs right from EQ. The paper fed smoothly through my good printer and the persnickety printer as well. A good start!

Then I did the paper piecing. I tried 2 different stitch lengths- 1.5 and 2 on my machine. Both were excellent and tore very smoothly when I was done. This EQ newsprint worked much better than the paper I have been using ( I don't remember that brand now). I even had to tear out a seam and redo it. It held up well!

Next up on the test was to try machine quilting. I just pinned down the paper and followed the lines - well mostly followed the lines!

Then I just tore off the paper. I am really pleased with how smoothly this paper tears. There was minimal pulling of my stitches and hardly any shredding of the paper.

So the big question is would I keep this paper well stocked in my sewing room? A BIG yes! And now that I have tried it for machine quilting I can see me using a lot more of it!

So now that I have given a great review how about a bad one?

Do you remember that Redwork Santa? Well I started to hand quilt it using a new batting.

It is a cotton and bamboo mix and it feels so very soft to touch it. It is also thin enough to hand quilt BUT it is horrible to hand quilt. My quilting needle actually gets grabbed by that dastardly batting. I have never had that happen. At first I though maybe it was my needle, so I switched out the needle to not just a new needle but a different brand. Then I thought I might be crazy but I didn`t think so...

Finally I decided to stick it out and see if things got better. After all it is a Christmas project so it will only be out once a year. Well I finally gave up trying (and I mean trying with no success) to keep my stitches even so now they are what they are. If this had been any larger I would have torn it all out.

So I won`t be using bamboo again for hand quilting.

Hope you enjoyed my reviews!

Happy Stitching!

Fat Quarter Prewash Experiment!

2010-07-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

To wash or not to wash is a question debated by quilters everywhere. I am a prewasher. I like how the fabric feels after washing and I have had fabrics run...not often but enough. I also like prewashed fabric more for handquilting and I almost never know what I'll use the fabric for when I buy it.

I recently bought a couple of fat quarter packs to make the Farmers Wife Quilt. It's a lot of fat quarters and more than I usually buy at one time.

Then I wondered about prewashing them all. I normally just throw them in with my yardage and I usually only have a couple fat quarters to wash at a time.

I divided them into lights, mediums and darks.

I pinked the edges of the lights using my pinking rotary cutter.

The mediums I left as they were and for the darks I had read a tip somewhere to sew 2 edges together to form a tube. It was supposed to keep them from tangling.

To the washing machine I went. I used a shortened regular cycle with a warm wash and cool rinse.

And now for the results!

The lights...

The mediums...

The darks...

The strings of thread I cut off...

And the winner is the lights with the pinked edges. I was really surprised with the results. It was a very noticable difference. The lights didn't even tangle up while the mediums and darks both had to be cut apart.

From now on I'll be pinking those edges!

Now I can start that Farmers Wife quilt!

Charming Giddy Up!

2010-07-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished my Charming Friends Quilt Along and it's name is Giddy Up! If I still lived in Calgary, AB I would think I had Stampede fever (It is Calgary Stampede time right now so maybe I do! Yee Haw!)

Because it looked so western, I looked for some western themed quilt stencils but nothing appealed to me. Finally I decided on a meadering line with the occasional 5 pointed star ( sherriff badge looking I hope!)

I keep wondering if I should tea dye it. Somedays I think yes- let's tone down that white print and sometimes I think no- I like the white! I guess until I can be sure it will remain as it is!

I was browsing at more of these Charming quilts and do I ever love them. Everyone`s quilt is so different! I can`t wait to see more!

And now I wanted to show and tell a little bit. These are fountain pens my brother has made me over the years. Most are regular fountain pens with an ink cartridge but 3 of them are dip pens. Good thing I have lots of ink!

They write most beautifully! Thanks brother!

Happy Stitching!