Friday 24 February 2012
Tuesday 21 February 2012
More Scrappy Projects on the go!
Today I am linking up to Jo's Country Junction Scrap Along. I've got pineapples and stars and FW blocks on the go. I guess the more the merrier! You can't get in a rut when you have so many choices.
Here are the star blocks I made using the Modern Blocks book. I just love these little 3" blocks.
I reckon on having quite a few crumbs to use on this latest project!
Here are the star blocks I made using the Modern Blocks book. I just love these little 3" blocks.
I reckon on having quite a few crumbs to use on this latest project!
Groovy Rulers!!
Good morning to all! Let me tell you what I came across today.
These Bloc-Loc rulers! I am one of those quilters who prefers to make my blocks bigger and trim down to the exact size. This is perfect for HST and Flying Geese blocks. On the weekend, while making my FW blocks, I had some homespun fabrics to trim up. I have to say it was a bit difficult to see the diagonal line on my ruler to trim up the HST blocks. These rulers make it so much easier because they lock onto the seam. You don't even have to look for the exact placement. It just snuggles right into the seam making sure you get the right trim.
Here is the YouTube video. See what you think.
These Bloc-Loc rulers! I am one of those quilters who prefers to make my blocks bigger and trim down to the exact size. This is perfect for HST and Flying Geese blocks. On the weekend, while making my FW blocks, I had some homespun fabrics to trim up. I have to say it was a bit difficult to see the diagonal line on my ruler to trim up the HST blocks. These rulers make it so much easier because they lock onto the seam. You don't even have to look for the exact placement. It just snuggles right into the seam making sure you get the right trim.
Here is the YouTube video. See what you think.
Sunday 19 February 2012
Gotta give it to Mary Lou Weidman!
I'm sure many of you were wondering what other uses you could have for heart-shaped cookie cutters.
This is an idea I came across on Mary Lou and Cherries Too blog. Can you think of any better ones?
http://marylouweidman.blogspot.com/2012/01/here-is-another-use-for-those-heart.html
This is an idea I came across on Mary Lou and Cherries Too blog. Can you think of any better ones?
http://marylouweidman.blogspot.com/2012/01/here-is-another-use-for-those-heart.html
Can you peel a potato this easily?
The things you find, when you're not looking, are just amazing!
Here is a video on the humble potato:
Just saying..............................!
Here is a video on the humble potato:
Just saying..............................!
Saturday 18 February 2012
T2T Scrappy Pineapple Blocks Day One
While looking for a scrappy project to sink my teeth into, I came across Gyleen Fitzgerald on The Quilt Show website. I was so taken by her video, that I ordered her T2T book and ruler.
This is a really easy project to perhaps do in between others or just whenever you feel you want to pare down your scrap collection.
There is a great big pile of novelty and ugly fabrics I seem to have collected which I would really like to dispose of. This project with its 1 1/2" strips gives me a good reason to use them up and forget about them. The special ruler is the perfect way to make sure I don't have to engage any more brain cells than is absolutely necessary!
My first three attempts here for the world to see! I thought I might give them all a common centre and probably sash them when I have enough to make the whole quilt top.
This is a really easy project to perhaps do in between others or just whenever you feel you want to pare down your scrap collection.
There is a great big pile of novelty and ugly fabrics I seem to have collected which I would really like to dispose of. This project with its 1 1/2" strips gives me a good reason to use them up and forget about them. The special ruler is the perfect way to make sure I don't have to engage any more brain cells than is absolutely necessary!
My first three attempts here for the world to see! I thought I might give them all a common centre and probably sash them when I have enough to make the whole quilt top.
Thimbles, thimbles and MORE thimbles
Bonnie Hunter from Quiltville decided to do a linky on Monday about thimbles. Did this open up a can of worms!! I knew I had a few thimbles, but not this many.
I guess we all end up collecting more thimbles than we need simply because they get lost amongst all the other quilty stuff. I started my collection when I couldn't decide which thimble worked best for me. Standard thimbles can be too tall or too short. Too big or too small. For quilting or for general sewing. I have tried many and for various reasons, they have all worked out at some point.
My favourite ones are the TJ Lane and Roxanne thimbles. They are not only functional & comfortable, but also have the bling factor. Along with the thimbles, some of the containers used to store them. Lipstick holders are ideal for holding a selection.
Here are the ones I could find at the moment!!
I guess we all end up collecting more thimbles than we need simply because they get lost amongst all the other quilty stuff. I started my collection when I couldn't decide which thimble worked best for me. Standard thimbles can be too tall or too short. Too big or too small. For quilting or for general sewing. I have tried many and for various reasons, they have all worked out at some point.
My favourite ones are the TJ Lane and Roxanne thimbles. They are not only functional & comfortable, but also have the bling factor. Along with the thimbles, some of the containers used to store them. Lipstick holders are ideal for holding a selection.
Here are the ones I could find at the moment!!
Barrister's Sow-A-Long Day One
Well here is one of my new projects. Randy D has started a SOW-A-LONG for Farmer's Wife Quilt. This is a quilt I have had on my to-do list for a while. Choosing the fabrics was something that I couldn't decide on until now. I have collected several homespun and flannel fabrics and thought they would look right in this quilt project. So off I went. Grabbed the SOW-A-LONG button and got started.
This quilt has 111 blocks and I came across a good way of storing the blocks as they were being made. I bought a photo album with pages measuring 8"x8". Just the right size for this project.
Six blocks so far and I am pleased with the fabric choices I made. Tell me what you think.
This quilt has 111 blocks and I came across a good way of storing the blocks as they were being made. I bought a photo album with pages measuring 8"x8". Just the right size for this project.
Six blocks so far and I am pleased with the fabric choices I made. Tell me what you think.
Wash or don't wash, that is the question!
I'm just going to put it out there, because in all the blogs and posts I have come across, I haven't actually read this anywhere.
So many quilters say they prewash their fabrics before working with them. All the reasons seemed pretty sound. I thought I agreed with the whole feel, shrinking, dye and sizing issues.
So here is the BIG question: Do these quilters avoid precuts? I can only assume the "prewashers" must totally avoid jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, noodles, turnovers, etc. Please enlighten me on this burning issue.
When I started quilting, my tutor told me to wash fabrics and I certainly did. But when jelly rolls and such precut treats started to become so popular, I threw the whole prewash idea out of the window. But let me say that it was not before I actually washed my charm squares!! The very first charm pack I bought was carefully separated into like colours and placed in those little mesh bags that used to come with washing tablets. Can you imagine how difficult that was, to dry and press all those little squares. I must have been mad! LOL!!
Well that made my mind up for me. I came to the conclusion that if these precuts did not get washed, why was I going to waste my time washing my yardage fabrics.
I never prewash my fabrics. To date I have had no problems often associated with not prewashing.
Before I cut my fabrics, I always spray starch and press carefully. This gives the fabric great body and a slight firmness that makes cutting more precise. The starch I use is from Lakeland Ltd. It doesn't flake and is not heavy. Also makes the fabric smell lovely.
It is alway good to hear other opinions and experiences. Please leave a comment with your thoughts on this subject.
So many quilters say they prewash their fabrics before working with them. All the reasons seemed pretty sound. I thought I agreed with the whole feel, shrinking, dye and sizing issues.
So here is the BIG question: Do these quilters avoid precuts? I can only assume the "prewashers" must totally avoid jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs, noodles, turnovers, etc. Please enlighten me on this burning issue.
When I started quilting, my tutor told me to wash fabrics and I certainly did. But when jelly rolls and such precut treats started to become so popular, I threw the whole prewash idea out of the window. But let me say that it was not before I actually washed my charm squares!! The very first charm pack I bought was carefully separated into like colours and placed in those little mesh bags that used to come with washing tablets. Can you imagine how difficult that was, to dry and press all those little squares. I must have been mad! LOL!!
Well that made my mind up for me. I came to the conclusion that if these precuts did not get washed, why was I going to waste my time washing my yardage fabrics.
I never prewash my fabrics. To date I have had no problems often associated with not prewashing.
Before I cut my fabrics, I always spray starch and press carefully. This gives the fabric great body and a slight firmness that makes cutting more precise. The starch I use is from Lakeland Ltd. It doesn't flake and is not heavy. Also makes the fabric smell lovely.
It is alway good to hear other opinions and experiences. Please leave a comment with your thoughts on this subject.
Friday 17 February 2012
Quilt Stolen!! Sally Schneider's "Farmer's Daughter"
A quilter in the US has had her quilt stolen. A beautiful quilt by Sally Schneider.
Please be on the lookout for Sally Schneider’s “Farmer’s Daughter” quilt. It was last seen on January 26, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was being shipped to Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place. It was to be included in her book that will be published in January 2013.
This quilt is 95″ by 95″. It combines the scrappy look with cream. The background is Moda Grunge. This quilt is machine pieced and machine quilted.
If you find this quilt, please contact Sally immediately at sally@sallyschneider.com.
Please be on the lookout for Sally Schneider’s “Farmer’s Daughter” quilt. It was last seen on January 26, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was being shipped to Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place. It was to be included in her book that will be published in January 2013.
This quilt is 95″ by 95″. It combines the scrappy look with cream. The background is Moda Grunge. This quilt is machine pieced and machine quilted.
If you find this quilt, please contact Sally immediately at sally@sallyschneider.com.
Monday 6 February 2012
Here's where I am today!
I am in middle earth at the moment with my quilting. I have completed a couple of projects, but I still have more in progress. Trouble is I really want to do something different.
Orca Bay was loads of fun while it was happening and then I fell behind and sort of slowed down.
Here are the photos of my Orca Bay to date.
All of the parts, but not put together. I am still working on the wing triangles.
The red triangles are what slowed me down. I will carry on with them, but 3/4" is labour intensive!
Bonnie's "leader-ender" is how I am planning on finishing these triangles.
700 is a BIG number in my book. I usually piece a couple of blocks, then cut a couple of blocks. Cutting all in one go and sewing all in one go is too daunting and sometimes boring.
I need instant gratification.
This is a quilting pattern by Anne Bright. I had some extra backing fabric on the longarm and so I thought I would quilt up a piece of fabric to use in another project.
I need liberating from all the exact piecing required in Orca Bay.
Scrappy houses is a strong possibility!
Orca Bay was loads of fun while it was happening and then I fell behind and sort of slowed down.
Here are the photos of my Orca Bay to date.
All of the parts, but not put together. I am still working on the wing triangles.
The red triangles are what slowed me down. I will carry on with them, but 3/4" is labour intensive!
Bonnie's "leader-ender" is how I am planning on finishing these triangles.
700 is a BIG number in my book. I usually piece a couple of blocks, then cut a couple of blocks. Cutting all in one go and sewing all in one go is too daunting and sometimes boring.
I need instant gratification.
This is a quilting pattern by Anne Bright. I had some extra backing fabric on the longarm and so I thought I would quilt up a piece of fabric to use in another project.
These books jumped out from my bookshelves and spoke to me.
I need liberating from all the exact piecing required in Orca Bay.
Scrappy houses is a strong possibility!Sunday 5 February 2012
WOOP WOOP!! The first snow has arrived. Glad I got my new snow shovel last summer. I knew it would have an outing at least once this year.
Anyway, while sitting here in the warmth, watching the snow falling, I had a look at some of the old posts I published and realized that the "Heart Pillow" post had an old link. So I am posting the new link.
Heart Pillows are so needed by loads of breast care hospitals. I support Medway Maritime breast care nurses. If anyone would like to help me out, please send me an email and I will chat about how you can help.
Photos and instructions are on this page: www.heartpillow.dk
Anyway, while sitting here in the warmth, watching the snow falling, I had a look at some of the old posts I published and realized that the "Heart Pillow" post had an old link. So I am posting the new link.
Heart Pillows are so needed by loads of breast care hospitals. I support Medway Maritime breast care nurses. If anyone would like to help me out, please send me an email and I will chat about how you can help.
Photos and instructions are on this page: www.heartpillow.dk
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