tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53005302963597647402024-03-06T00:34:52.583-08:00Lorena's Patchwork & Quilting NotesLorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-89429081895558441782013-06-03T18:09:00.001-07:002013-06-03T18:09:13.822-07:00Binding, binding, binding<p>This time of the year is terribly busy for any quilter entering the <a href="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshow.html" target="_blank">Quilters’ Guild of NSW Sydney Quilt Show</a> that’s on at Darling Harbour from 12th-16th June. In our house there are now two quilters entering so you can imagine the state of my sewing room!</p> <p>A friend came over this morning to borrow something, she politely said it’s supposed to be messy. Hmm, I don’t think it’s supposed to be this messy (I’m sorry, I’m just too embarrassed to even put up a photo). Cleaning the sewing room is definitely on my to do list after this post ;-) It can be today’s aerobic exercise. Hah!</p> <p>June in general seems to be busy, music concerts, fundraisers, end of year tax preparations, exams, parent teacher meetings. It all happens in June. I’ve known this for a few years now. So knowing all of this you’d think I’d start binding my show quilts well before June?</p> <p>And you’d think, that having finished a *few* quilts by now I would know how to do it off by heart? Unfortunately not, every. single. time. I have to look to my latest reference to get that final step in the continuous binding. Why can’t I remember this? At the moment I’m really liking <a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/2013/02/double-fold-binding-tutorial-part-one.html" target="_blank">Canoeridge Creations Double Fold Binding Tutorial</a>. There are simple and clear photos that jog my memory straight away. Maybe I should just print out that photo and frame it?</p> <p>Anyway, here are my binding tools. That little blue cube on the right is a new addition to the weaponry. Thread Heaven. Why have I only just discovered this? Makes those binding stitches glide through and keeps the thread from misbehaving.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5vLpayd1bsc/Ua0-Ds-OMvI/AAAAAAAABbo/fYEFGzm2130/s1600-h/photo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eZKzNUQqULg/Ua0-F4FDBSI/AAAAAAAABbw/6GiRiYbwbzU/photo_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="506"></a> </p> <p>Not in that photo because they were being used elsewhere are my favourite binding tool the Clover Wonder Clips. These little clips are expensive but well worth it. Gone are the days of stabbing my fingers with pins whilst hand sewing the binding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ivYucl8vDg4/Ua0-IE5wooI/AAAAAAAABb4/ffXF-8SjjZI/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525282%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="photo (2)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-96va_SgAiRU/Ua0-K0jsg6I/AAAAAAAABcA/MZbSG459lHg/photo%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="548" height="549"></a> </p> <p>I heard a rumour that IKEA would be discontinuing their BRITTEN NUMMER fabric. Surely all quilters should band together and protest if that’s true? At the very least we should rush out and stock up!</p> <p>Do you like this chevron fabric as binding? It’s from Robert Kaufman and I’m really happy with how it works on this quilt. I usually love a stripped binding but it just wasn’t working this time.</p> <p>Well, with butterflies in our stomachs we kissed our quilts good luck as we dropped them to our kind Guild Volunteer. They’ll be hanging at Darling Harbour next week and then safely back home soon after. Ready to go on beds, the couch or maybe even be hung on a wall.</p> <p>Do you ever wonder what happens to prize winning quilts? Hmmm…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fAZzix6jy-E/Ua0-MMZrj2I/AAAAAAAABcI/il-0BTJdo1U/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525284%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo (4)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="photo (4)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7FFzljFy4q76S_DqaDOXp5IzRYQl9yO6w6ULT5bnnbQ5Rx7xupFphmHGjXdCsStGG-ZJKq8ZIZxLzz9qEy3LRIngAD6PL5F7zFFoW5kxoAlw7iWETToLhpdKMcYH5mis9b2MEauhVykw/?imgmax=800" width="480" height="364"></a> </p> <p>PS. It’s also a busy time for all the shop and business owners who have to transport all their goods and equipment to Darling Harbour and run their businesses from a temporary site. Good luck if this is you. I have been saving some extra cash to buy myself some goodies this year. </p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-8669532472690565592013-05-09T03:44:00.001-07:002013-05-09T03:45:08.995-07:00To Boston with Love<p>Since 9/11 I’ve hardly watched TV. I’m a very visual person and those images took a long time to erase. When the awful events in Boston during the Marathon unfolded I made a special effort to avoid seeing any graphic images. I read the newspaper online and switched off all the pop up videos that insist on playing whenever one of these tragedies occur.</p> <p>I don’t think I’m blocking the events out completely, just don’t think those images add any more details that I can’t already envisage. It’s the same with any horror or violent story, real or imagined.</p> <p>When I saw on Instagram and Flickr that the <a href="http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/04/to-boston-with-love-new-deadline-may-21st/">Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild</a> were collecting Flags for Boston I thought this was a way I could concentrate on something of beauty instead of all the misery being published everywhere. Then Berene (aka <a href="http://happysewlucky.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/all-you-need-is-love-a-story-about-the-good-guys/">Happy Sew Lucky</a>) asked if the <a href="http://gwsmodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/">Greater Western Sydney Modern Quilt Guild</a> would like to be involved. We’ve now got a small satchel of flags to send to Boston with Love – from Australia. Quite a few Aussies are sending flags as well as individuals and guilds right across the world.</p> <p>Whilst I realise that the flags will do little to help the victims directly, I hope they bring a ray of sunshine when they are <a href="http://duringquiettime.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/museum-of-fine-arts-boston-to-exhibit.html">exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston</a> later this month. And hopefully at any commemoration ceremony in the future.</p> <p>Thanks Berene and Amy for coordinating and driving this wonderful project.</p> <p>There is also a collection of quilt blocks to make <a href="http://bostonmqg.blogspot.com.au/p/quilts-for-boston.html">Quilts for Boston by the BMQG</a> for those affected by the events in Boston. I’ll send a block off for that next week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8-SDXa5_0Gw/UYt96ahSkjI/AAAAAAAABao/3oY-AVERaaU/s1600-h/peace%252520love%252520hope%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="peace love hope" border="0" alt="peace love hope" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RlopGtBQZMQ/UYt975JKwdI/AAAAAAAABaw/4p6LVy9icKU/peace%252520love%252520hope_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="278"></a></p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-90363920430868524072013-04-30T18:30:00.001-07:002013-04-30T23:16:21.126-07:00Busy like a bee..<p>I signed up for two sewing bees this year. My first Bees ever, sew exciting to be asked! The <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/muststash/">Must.Stash Bee</a> is run by <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/">Amy</a> and it’s a nice small Australian bee. These folks have awesome stashes! The premise is that the Queen bee chooses a block for the month and the hive all pull fabrics from their stash to create a couple of blocks for her. It has been a wonderful and eye opening experience. I think we’re going for round two. The benefit of running a bee this way is the postage costs are kept down and I’m challenged to make something that someone else will love from my fabrics.</p> <p>Here are some blocks I’ve made for the Must.Stash girls so far.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DNv64W8pkC0/UYBv6No24ZI/AAAAAAAABYw/fM-gAYgrcl0/s1600-h/Must%252520Stash%252520Bee%252520blocks%252520so%252520far%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Must Stash Bee blocks so far" border="0" alt="Must Stash Bee blocks so far" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nWC1wXRsD4I/UYBv7xERq-I/AAAAAAAABY4/ljvduGS8uYo/Must%252520Stash%252520Bee%252520blocks%252520so%252520far_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="993"></a></p> <p>I’m still receiving the Jacobs Ladder blocks from my month and love them. It’s going to be a spectacular quilt. I’ll have to remember to take a photo of the blocks together to post here. Thank you Must.Stash girls!</p> <p>The second Bee I’ve been in is the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2131770@N23/">AusMod Bee</a> organised by <a href="http://goneaussiequilting.blogspot.com.au/">Jeannette</a>. This is a much larger Australian bee with 15 members and each Queen bee sends out her fabrics and chooses a pattern. I only knew a couple of the members before I joined this bee and It’s been wonderful to get to know everyone over the past 4 months. I’ve made blocks for Jane, Charlotte and Bronwyn so far. The great thing about a big bee is the sheer number of blocks you get back, perfect for a big quilt. And I LOVE big quilts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pdwy9Wqh0z4/UYBv9ZImyGI/AAAAAAAABZA/Q3Y-E1uLbnk/s1600-h/QuiltJane%252527s%252520blocks%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="QuiltJane's blocks" border="0" alt="QuiltJane's blocks" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tcoG1XtRVFA/UYBv-VY0vPI/AAAAAAAABZI/4wIC2f_dDig/QuiltJane%252527s%252520blocks_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="554" height="285"></a></p> <p><a href="http://quiltjane.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/aus-bee-mod-blocks-coming-together.html">Jane</a> designed her own paper pieced pattern <a href="http://www.quiltjane.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/aus-bee-block.html">Refractatorium</a>, isn’t it awesome?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-otvMv7PIZNA/UYBv_4j4dSI/AAAAAAAABZQ/vpe3uvC4wKA/s1600-h/Charlotte%252527s%252520AusMod%252520Bee%252520blocks%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Charlotte's AusMod Bee blocks" border="0" alt="Charlotte's AusMod Bee blocks" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q6Ko9PPqqHo/UYBwAq4YIGI/AAAAAAAABZY/hdPfCcVEbzE/Charlotte%252527s%252520AusMod%252520Bee%252520blocks_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="535"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lawsonandlotti.blogspot.com.au/">Charlotte</a> sent out three solids Snow, Pink and Grey for modern 12” blocks. It was hard to send these away!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2ga8vtbyAN8/UYBwCOvDcrI/AAAAAAAABZg/5xCgu_Hah9o/s1600-h/bronwyn%252527s%252520AusMod%252520Bee%252520blocks%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bronwyn's AusMod Bee blocks" border="0" alt="bronwyn's AusMod Bee blocks" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJbaCpmHgpkvBi7M_fN26S0WHj99BSJN8HCNrbv_XTtKWcKsUN4VANC9tHD-BF-TGxmCimsFp1IJtEqOMVvbh6oxfFqsYGeIfnZhVOq-_xt96Mg59X8JQarjWETRni9jnikX7hY3_K74n/?imgmax=800" width="531" height="476"></a></p> <p><a href="http://whippetgoodwhippet.blogspot.com.au/">Bronwyn</a> sent out a variety of blue and aqua fabrics for some 12” modern blocks. I’m loving these stars. I think I see stars in my future…</p> <p>I was lucky to be first cab off the rank and have 60 gorgeous <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/out-sewing-in-my-field.html">AMH Feather blocks</a> to show for it. I’m thrilled with the experience so far. Postage was a little expensive sending out the 14 parcels especially given how big the templates were. I’m very happy that my long hoarded stash of Anna Maria Horner fabrics is finally being put to good use! Now I need to find some time to sew them all together.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-M2rlaOczk10/UYBwEvvCXSI/AAAAAAAABZw/xnUZrN8ElG0/s1600-h/AMH%252520Stash%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="AMH Stash" border="0" alt="AMH Stash" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4U-BWLwHPqkz9-EZSVTOigxb6pKLNb3IyPVMfdzEtodF5o1D0TPj2PAv43ffGbLDDDphwDO_x-vo5aMU04PGodv2p4mgfGl6K3NaMsBCi3e58R_OZw94W9nvY3XmVfIlpyES2SxyLRQRj/?imgmax=800" width="467" height="580"></a></p> <p>Luckily one of the Bee members recommended <a href="http://sunsetseams.blogspot.com.au/p/acrylic-perspex-templates.html">Lisa at Sunset Seams</a> to make the templates too, they really helped with making the feathers and we’re using them again this month for <a href="http://gemini-stitches.blogspot.com.au/">Kirsten’s</a> blocks so it was a good investment.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q7GvZDA7uFU/UYBwHruGm0I/AAAAAAAABaA/Z1fjseraR5o/s1600-h/AusModBee%252520packages%252520ready%252520to%252520ship%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="AusModBee packages ready to ship" border="0" alt="AusModBee packages ready to ship" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z2Q4SmeEAzc/UYBwIqvQwpI/AAAAAAAABaI/z6d563kKMpE/AusModBee%252520packages%252520ready%252520to%252520ship_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="476" height="633"></a></p> <p>There’s only 13 cause I hand delivered <a href="http://quiltjane.blogspot.com.au/">Jane’s</a> and <a href="http://www.catandvee.blogspot.com.au/">Catherine's</a> in January!</p> <p>Will post photos of my gorgeous feather quilt when I have the top together, but here are some of the blocks. I have to say it felt like Christmas receiving all the gorgeous parcels in the mail!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9nJMXs-MiG8/UYBwKTmtaJI/AAAAAAAABaQ/X9fDs1W9zlQ/s1600-h/Feather%252520Blocks%252520mosaic%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Feather Blocks mosaic" border="0" alt="Feather Blocks mosaic" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ECvj52JbiADly28t31ZC0MMg1jtoyKRrydgd928CuHGubib1vRcWao0latqeH2uzwBZZUeOJVjCQQ-uaFiy-9AirB3LeYlgVK7ilawXWl8F7MJUdvmUQXnopb-oleVv7_C7SM-V9tJ5p/?imgmax=800" width="505" height="693"></a></p> <p>Phew! Today I’m making some Granny Square blocks for Belinda, I’m really excited about using some of my new stash that I know she’ll love!</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-47067281244272873472013-04-02T05:40:00.001-07:002013-04-02T05:41:43.303-07:00Easter guilt, yes I really should blog more often<p>It’s not like I don’t have much to write about, or don’t have pictures to share… It’s just that I leave it so long and then… where do you start?</p> <p>How about some photos of the awesome blocks my patchwork and quilting students have made during our eight week Techniques course? They have really picked up lots of nifty tricks. Techniques are tools to tackle those tricky looking jobs. If one doesn’t work, try another one. </p> <p>We concentrated on machine piecing, covering most aspects of patchwork. Over the weeks their piecing improved so much, they can now feel confident tackling curves, y-seams and fiddly foundation paper piecing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-beG9GaIoJec/UVrRur7oplI/AAAAAAAABX4/dviqhHyfRms/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252859%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (59)" border="0" alt="photo (59)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--RhBHs5TXZs/UVrRvhGbKwI/AAAAAAAABYA/NNjAOppqJhM/photo%252520%25252859%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="521"></a></p> <p>Here are some of the blocks made during our machine pieced curves class. So we could concentrate on the piecing we cut our fabric using the Sizzix and the Drunkards Path and Rose Dream dies. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HP9fQqfMPqg/UVrRwsYG6II/AAAAAAAABYI/iEewbNRaThA/s1600-h/Freezer%252520Paper%252520Piecing%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Freezer Paper Piecing" border="0" alt="Freezer Paper Piecing" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wnz3-iRsjQc/UVrRxbg_YkI/AAAAAAAABYQ/8XTbzCcsxu8/Freezer%252520Paper%252520Piecing_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="510" height="521"></a></p> <p>And look at these gorgeous blocks they chose for the Freezer Paper Piecing class, aren’t they perfect! Patterns are from top left clockwise: <a href="http://piecebynumber.com/Teacup-%26-Coffee-Cup%20Blocks-PieceByNumber.pdf">Tea Cup and Saucer pattern by Piece By Number</a> ; <a href="http://starsandsunshine.com/2012/04/30/paper-pieced-hummingbird/">Hummingbird by Julia at Stars and Sunshine</a> and finally <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com.au/">Pink Penguin’s Kitchen Scales from her Let’s Bake pattern series.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RTO3RQRHa1o/UVrRzJxzDfI/AAAAAAAABYY/VfcRJLy3ng0/s1600-h/Foundation%252520Paper%252520Piecing%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Foundation Paper Piecing" border="0" alt="Foundation Paper Piecing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n-onjqwMpiI/UVrR0JULTJI/AAAAAAAABYg/7ObGqd7VgNc/Foundation%252520Paper%252520Piecing_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="533"></a></p> <p>And one more mosaic of their incredible work using the Foundation Paper piecing and English Paper piecing techniques. The first three are the striking <a href="http://piecebynumber.com/circleofgeese.htm">Circle of Geese pattern by Piece By Number</a>, the last photo is a block from Chuck Nohara’s book, made four times and then rotated to make a new block. Isn’t <a href="http://sewjournal.com/">Munaiba</a> clever!</p> <p>So that’s just a little of what they’ve been doing, I know that after eight weeks their minds are ticking away with all the new techniques up their sleeves. I know the feeling well, I haven’t learnt everything I need to know about about it yet, there are always new products and techniques to try. I find it so exciting to have so much technology available to hone our craft . </p> <p>PS I’m often asked about my classes, the easiest and most cost effective way to get started with Patchwork and Quilting is to book into an 8 week course via the City East Community College. The next course begins on the 6th May. Book online via their website: <a title="http://www.cityeastcc.com.au/course/patch" href="http://www.cityeastcc.com.au/course/patch">http://www.cityeastcc.com.au/course/patch</a></p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-7012686600281718362012-11-14T15:16:00.001-08:002012-11-14T15:16:02.144-08:00Keep Calm and Hexagon On<p>I’m still here. We’ve been a little busy. Moved house, unpacked most of the boxes, planted the garden and all those things one does in a new house. There’s still a bit to do but hopefully it’ll be finished soon. </p> <p>When I write it down it doesn’t sound so bad. Don’t be fooled, it was stressful and I never want to move. ever. again. Of course I didn’t get nearly as much sewing done as I had planned. And the work didn’t stop, which is a good thing but I’m looking forward to the holidays.</p> <p>Life is slowly returning to “normal” and I can’t believe that Christmas is just around the corner. And I still haven’t finished my Little Apples Hexagon and Stars quilt. Made very little progress on my Ring Cycles quilt too.</p> <p>After I sewed all the Little Apple blocks together and held it next to my daughter I knew it was too short. So I’m back at the cutting board coming up with 5 new hexies and 4 more diamonds. Sigh. I really wanted this done for Christmas.</p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjewFb6RbYTYG-E9WpOvNKzlfQAeI2C_ZJnhHULiZPft31AWMEDzr-15yOMbgCBxMV8dP2g0akxxeV2rWiLSLA90xgryYo3DPAl4OuUp0kR59ArZcoKrtLguP_91yVe_AH-PDLYMypCj6Y/s1600/keep+calm.jpg" width="220" height="253"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wHMK_6Nurfo/UKQmFSPjeMI/AAAAAAAABU0/wE6JESZjkGg/s1600-h/photo%252520%25252854%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo (54)" border="0" alt="photo (54)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aTz2byr67AI/UKQmHKhKSwI/AAAAAAAABU4/jZ71Ou5eX1Q/photo%252520%25252854%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="250"></a></p> <p>I’ve had to hang the quilt top up on the curtain, apparently my design wall is not big enough for the two quilters in this family. I’m adding {Make design wall bigger} to my huge to do list!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oUkIoTlzXxM/UKQmJZWS0JI/AAAAAAAABVE/7Rs-MjRM_Kc/s1600-h/Little%252520Apples%252520Hanging%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Little Apples Hanging" border="0" alt="Little Apples Hanging" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K230XxiKjnY/UKQmLMPwtzI/AAAAAAAABVM/0WuocWePXc8/Little%252520Apples%252520Hanging_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="494" height="578"></a></p> <p>I love seeing it like this, a huge stained glass curtain. Now, back to work…</p> <p>Hope I remember to post more pictures soon! Oh and I must post about my new toy, the Sizzix Big Shot Pro. We’ve been having lots of fun with it!</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-56750052086560364242012-08-20T00:26:00.001-07:002012-08-20T00:33:32.417-07:00a brilliant weekend and tonight the GWSMQG<p>At the risk of sounding boring and harping on about how fabulous the Ulladulla Quilters Gathering was, I’ll let these photos convince you:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bLcbpQD-28U/UDHmFPHmKXI/AAAAAAAABQ8/ZfLn6axtuig/s1600-h/IMG_3744%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3744" border="0" alt="IMG_3744" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jep7bt9L_qA/UDHmGu7GG8I/AAAAAAAABRE/KjBy6z2FVAQ/IMG_3744_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="414"></a></p> <p>We arrived to this splendid view at our accommodation at Burrill Lake. One of the few times I’ve thought the real thing was better than the “<a href="http://www.stayz.com.au/111621">pamphlet</a>”. It was warm, bright and comfy. We’ve already made sure we can book it again for next years retreat. Can you believe the retreat has been running for 17 years already?</p> <p>It was difficult to leave this view, and the three of us agreed it was lucky we didn’t live here or nothing would ever get done, we’d probably never get off the couch…</p> <p>But there were quilts to be made! I’m so thrilled with my choice of Lessa Siegele’s Ring Cycle quilt class. Lessa is a very generous teacher, she is full of tips and tricks, not only to help you with the class quilt but handy tips to make general piecing fly.</p> <p>Her Ring Cycle quilt is even more spectacular in real life than in the photos I’d seen. Over 270 mini 9 patch blocks. It was love at first sight! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hwPriiHV6WU/UDHmIVLc_iI/AAAAAAAABRM/jSMRKbHFgus/s1600-h/IMG_3747%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3747" border="0" alt="IMG_3747" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hpgxawFo5JI/UDHmJdymLgI/AAAAAAAABRU/lNEY6xYc2Jw/IMG_3747_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="509" height="393"></a></p> <p>I’d picked up this fabulous fabric at the Hunters Hill Quilt Show recently and I could see the possibilities immediately. Can you tell I’m into bright colours at the moment!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUyVbGwGzp6cM7ewIyBMNJssNkUsbHbEyAz8FAIJP4wN5RwNSTn9knuFejfJ7yu7-4LtQzjkl3kFINjtmn_4aUqFFsLtdWid7Mc-aCJ4NzWvYIfYf8R9qK2uEhUPf5mg76YwGRYx8YCbp/s1600-h/IMG_3718%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3718" border="0" alt="IMG_3718" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIylVyOZxSFjyLzCtPylB1X-_81XKcQHvJ901Wl3MDyBBeBu-kBe0L40iHglq1Nbvgi2bxiF3iHA9bDz5-yn4QzU50xLXcigG0b9V34bNqyklSdGBUEGazo5LPJsTp0SC_mqOJHNG5Q6X/?imgmax=800" width="514" height="303"></a></p> <p>I was really excited once I worked out I could insert some pieced hexagons into the centres of my Ring Cycle quilt. So here is what I think is a great beginning for a new quilt. Not a quick quilt, this will be another slow burner.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCWnNg9pjd0O68-cBYFgFH1ySpKX-g6FbsxbtPv6sTQkMGJDn64plbxENwjsiVmBr5_TMgatf61Qt4U76biCIq7ovnnQ9DWDwVhY0U8WWvpwcy-gLslJR3yCFSBgLd_iNDApRe0OrJ32K/s1600-h/Lorena%252527s%252520Ring%252520Cycle%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Lorena's Ring Cycle" border="0" alt="Lorena's Ring Cycle" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEFAeXb4oMSR0ijje9TNbDJqPQzHZMH8krttRjhyphenhyphen2lj3RQC-TEqWd4hC1TnLiujWI5fbUV2OVGfroGvnhuDpJg2g_rWALQqauxp576QCLNyfFoYxwCdptwYqGkC9JFi25t38dTOXcgNVJ/?imgmax=800" width="499" height="465"></a></p> <p>Of course everyone has a different quilt in mind, it’s great to see how others interpret the pattern. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IMFS17rs7IQ/UDHmP4NNI7I/AAAAAAAABR8/ERTNkhZNsIU/s1600-h/IMG_3759%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3759" border="0" alt="IMG_3759" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1DioalNb-uA/UDHmRApo7uI/AAAAAAAABSE/ZUZpp2p8fTc/IMG_3759_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="205"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u0EWEBlWHS0/UDHmSvKnENI/AAAAAAAABSM/pylPjXVDC8U/s1600-h/IMG_3760%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3760" border="0" alt="IMG_3760" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l7Mfgnx1PF4/UDHmTla_4CI/AAAAAAAABSU/tY6ykWg85SA/IMG_3760_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="204"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-DWF8mos0Yp5wzJQbDpb833glk3Iy-l6WtSfeLFMBkri5ZPxKuFHABtLDn3WVvbrD3dk-9eS3Sq7FrlShExKkp0RQbIPQvvRPlrwhiWDsA6VjFXTKAJnCVe7BNcInN7P1hhMIbJi38Qc/s1600-h/IMG_3767%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3767" border="0" alt="IMG_3767" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hJ6SdSS7xK4/UDHmWPOCjfI/AAAAAAAABSk/r0dYwfUXl8w/IMG_3767_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="147" height="203"></a></p> <p>So what were the other 3 classes doing? I always like to take a look around the workshops and see what everyone else is doing…</p> <p>Judy Hooworth was as usual making a big impact with colour with her group. I overheard some women comment that they’re ready to become Judy groupies and they’re planning their next class with her already. She has so much colour and design theory knowledge that you could probably attend her class every year and still learn lots.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivprqSBvougqle_DEcvnRuac1WJemiVyoqMzu36XRyceyBISEpDR-oCFruJG56fsI-ilnS1rcpW_Ag1R1N2dg9dInr3wT4iyk1-dPIzGkaRe1SDB382WNz7UecLSiMQetbEonjObmyFsO-/s1600-h/IMG_3763%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3763" border="0" alt="IMG_3763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9qV36QiTLJDWYuhLakE3LdT9f_9iPBT8YIDcJoLCVUxW2up4wmtt11oyXpzs1BAnXRiBxufy8Ej8w2PCxjjMxYpDZ4GUZiPBOEE7CbgzRXxAd9QiZOhsyFTgW67YSYqifCKmpn_WzR7oa/?imgmax=800" width="256" height="203"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eZGomJER5qo/UDHmaLtkZGI/AAAAAAAABS8/2nH1E415_w8/s1600-h/IMG_3764%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3764" border="0" alt="IMG_3764" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H48jwqrdGVA/UDHmbDC-W7I/AAAAAAAABTE/4CbrU7vVZKY/IMG_3764_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="202"></a></p> <p>Faye Packham, was getting her class straight into it with the clever Antique Nine Patch and Cross quilts. Faye has amazing patience and gently coaxed some of the newer quilters. It was incredible to see how much this group got done in 2 days and how different this pattern looked in all the different fabric choices.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7mZ0VUSCh2I/UDHmc1lXwYI/AAAAAAAABTM/d1X-HNKTpFA/s1600-h/IMG_3770%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3770" border="0" alt="IMG_3770" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gId93izBNko/UDHmd3pspRI/AAAAAAAABTQ/Ko_GOXlIPJE/IMG_3770_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="203" height="290"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcMhz_ywg8quMQCuS0670-MQPX1211JgTaeVf0absoREQ9wZeb8Lf4yofQ4a8fMbH85IzFH_TGiCxxNGRvGGyGQTObfzpINjgyh53H9GGgHnPcx0MbdemszL2T21MtjuAB6JvWmHZvkrL/s1600-h/IMG_3768%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3768" border="0" alt="IMG_3768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0Wgs6zoeTBg/UDHmgRbG2vI/AAAAAAAABTk/cA5tHboodrg/IMG_3768_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="287" height="292"></a></p> <p>Our final day started with the awesome view, some furious sewing in the middle and ended with a {thankfully} uneventful drive back to Sydney. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcsoRNzHtJZOEINm3DYLFSntjyQXh1rgOogzarkFnw9Q_kJNu683rV7-u-2cyAC5PxoAv-ssJ5dn0bC4zh9c2V7sT1ZwlIqonuRlaUJpvxHzEXQ66NsHx7cK6s-fYspo9PNVAW1zGLR9x/s1600-h/IMG_3756%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3756" border="0" alt="IMG_3756" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vFFFfKsLG3w/UDHmjMmytTI/AAAAAAAABT0/X0GCBEj4DRY/IMG_3756_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="231"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6Sky-3KmP6g/UDHmkLXd3mI/AAAAAAAABT8/EPU8rN0dD7w/s1600-h/7689808822_2074cb0e3a_q%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="7689808822_2074cb0e3a_q[1]" border="0" alt="7689808822_2074cb0e3a_q[1]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MZ98mp5ooCg/UDHmlIJzQuI/AAAAAAAABUE/qJbfa7xdhIA/7689808822_2074cb0e3a_q%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="217" height="231"></a></p> <p>I’m now looking forward to seeing what others have been up to at the inaugural <a href="http://gwsmodernquiltguild.wordpress.com/">Greater Western Sydney Modern Quilters Guild</a> meeting this evening. If you are in the vicinity why don’t you pop in and say hi! The group is being organised by <a href="http://www.badskirt.blogspot.com.au/">Amy</a> and <a href="http://chaletgirl.wordpress.com/">Sheridan</a> with help from <a href="http://a-labour-of-love.blogspot.com.au/">Dolores</a>. Should be fun. There’s fabric, friends and food. What more could you want??</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-23589516682591641382012-07-12T19:34:00.001-07:002012-07-12T19:37:25.177-07:00Quilt retreat time, oh yeah!<p>It’s that time of the year when I start getting excited about the annual Quilters’ Gathering in Ulladulla organised by Marilyn’s Craft Corner. </p> <p>I’ve received my paper work listing the class schedule and as usual it’s hard to make up my mind what to do. I had really hoped to be able to get away for 4 days this year and do two classes but unfortunately I have other commitments (again). But still, a weekend away with quilty friends with nothing to do but sew is a huge treat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ubsTJoYt09Y/T_-JR6XkKfI/AAAAAAAABNA/7gGjNnRC9OA/s1600-h/24%252520LA%252520mosaic%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="24 LA mosaic" border="0" alt="24 LA mosaic" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7vBYdIbTE40/T_-JTEqnVJI/AAAAAAAABNI/3zo5z-u2XG4/24%252520LA%252520mosaic_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="711"></a></p> <p><font size="1">24 blocks so far: Little Apples Hexagons and Stars, Lorena Uriarte</font></p> <p>Last year I did a great Hexagons and Stars class with Catherine Butterworth. That was the start of my Little Apples Hexagon and Stars quilt (above). I’ve been so focused on building a new house and finishing <a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/it-blue-ribbon-quilt.html">A Symbol Recomposed</a> that I now really need to finish my Little Apples quilt to take for Show and Tell. That’s one of my favourite parts of the retreat, catching up with everyone and seeing the quilts finished.</p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAkS9unHb1bJpBiOe9YVHMeu3DRKdttIMhFJjeyGBpusYx5SIxNjpkKq2tXjGG23SPrb42CSmnZO9UU-KjEO9X0ZnOz6kmivHqihWNO9DgIlmOG0s0dJwPNMBiE7R2WDNHGAkzpXCqCg/s1600/Jolly+Stars.jpg" width="488" height="499"></p> <p><a href="http://quiltsmith--australia.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/workshop-update-see-what-we-can-tempt.html"><font size="1">Catherine Butterworth’s Jolly Stars image from Quiltsmith</font></a></p> <p>This year Catherine is teaching a workshop using the Marti Michell Template Set D called Jolly Stars. Catherine is a fantastic teacher and I feel I’ve got the hang of these awesome templates now so I’ve decided to go for something else…</p> <p>I’m really interested in doing Leesa Siegele’s Ring Cycles class. I’ve seen some beautiful examples of this quilt on the net and I reckon I could get rid of a few scraps making up my 42 9-patch blocks (3.5” big) to take along to class. It’s the kind of quilt I probably wouldn’t get around to make on my own so a workshop will give me a good solid start.</p> <p> <img src="http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/images/Ring%20Cycles%20cropped.jpg" width="156" height="141"><img src="http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/images/Ring%20Cycles%20Leah%20cropped.jpg" width="147" height="141"><img src="http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/images/Ring%20Cycles%20small%202.jpg" width="155" height="143"></p> <p><font size="1">Leesa Siegele’ Ring Cycle images from </font><a href="http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=664"><font size="1">http://www.wattlerange.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=664</font></a> </p> <p>Other fabulous workshops are on offer from the award winning Merelyn Pearce. Merelyn will teach needle-turn applique techniques. I look forward to checking out her class. Another great thing about the retreat is that you are all in a big function centre and can mingle with the other classes. See if there’s something you’d like to try next time.</p> <p>Judy Hooworth is teaching a Collage and Colour class. I’ve done a workshop with Judy before, she is a very skilled teacher and the worthy recipient of the <a href="http://www.aqc.com.au/Melbourne2012/app/pages/view/awards2/">2012 Rajah Award</a> for her contribution to quilting in Australia. This is the class I’d do if I had extra time.</p> <p>But there’s loads more, I’m sure by the end of the weekend I’ll be looking forward to next year for the chance to learn from Jennifer Cornish, Beth and Trevor Reid and Faye Packam too.</p> <p>Do you like going to quilt retreats? Is it odd to want to run away from your gorgeous family, talk about new fabric releases and notions and sew like a banshee once a year?</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-4978780158819095302012-06-22T15:45:00.001-07:002012-06-22T17:10:57.394-07:00It's a Blue Ribbon quilt!<br><br> <center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnDpnaLolrefIvfhUBsCmymVfMLWS6D1JiUHvfPo29ulj_WA44czixsSWjmeBds5Yvo0sAFBCz7MQ0w72L7l4WRATqwW5LGDEGlNSD20i09OobNraq7uoJ-1dxsunnbtW0BB64lV97v84/s1600-h/CN%252520Binding%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CN Binding" border="0" alt="CN Binding" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs-3zNpX9Gp4WEhZIH_C1YQ34l-lCK90p1wwnq1nwYrrFaIGY2zhvvXltRRR1FviCwsoJEN5exR0aoOuPQgY8SUM0IGY3-1PqKzDQD96VwIqJ8exbVamz2x37LjFBcC-mAlI1ZAp3Sqpa/?imgmax=800" width="528" height="708"></a></center> <p><br>Coming back down to earth after a few hectic months. And a dose of the flu!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w09UtX_23sE/T-UFlulA53I/AAAAAAAABKs/70gFA9tCyJo/s1600-h/demolition%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="demolition 1" border="0" alt="demolition 1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-06V44dEVLlI/T-UFmtVXWiI/AAAAAAAABKw/r4dFrs_lw6o/demolition%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="173"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Bf3hTbMjr4I/T-UFn9_eltI/AAAAAAAABK8/vnsWlMbHet8/s1600-h/moving%252520again%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="moving again" border="0" alt="moving again" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HCK4ixlbiaw/T-UFowImj_I/AAAAAAAABLA/XAjuyM6aeUE/moving%252520again_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="263" height="173"></a><br></p> <p>This year not only did we demolish and rebuild our house, move twice, work hard and have our eldest start high school but I also managed to squeeze in some quilt making!<br>A very special quilt which I've been wanting to tackle since I first opened the pages of Chuck Nohara's 2001 New Patchwork Patterns.<br></p> <center><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tgQw-Vd6Xtw/T-UFqvOYbkI/AAAAAAAABLM/IZVH5HZi6HQ/s1600-h/Chuck%252520Nohara%252520book%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Chuck Nohara book" border="0" alt="Chuck Nohara book" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lczDJCIA3Kk/T-UFrzA8-nI/AAAAAAAABLU/HiWyIfErKE0/Chuck%252520Nohara%252520book_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="395" height="571"></a></center> <p><br>During such a busy year there is no way I could have done this on my own. Fortunately, it was my turn to pick a project for our annual group entry for the <a href="http://www.quiltersguildnsw.com/quiltshow/index.html">NSW Quilters Guild Sydney Show</a>. And fortunately my friends went along with me and made some amazing blocks for the quilt. </p> <p><br>Each month we met and I distributed patterns and sometimes helped with fabric choices to keep the quirky vibe. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkk-3Ncev7gvqB_OtppLxGwTeqbmc4auY6VMCrjt6nyMfflhIHNJ-Wn0rmtI2m5PmSXCcUdr9sURuakofB89QUYwUsWXr_8PlGRC_lyK-o5SC0Sq-szewceV1-TkY_YQCVbAy2zkMk3U/s1600/DSCF4527.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkk-3Ncev7gvqB_OtppLxGwTeqbmc4auY6VMCrjt6nyMfflhIHNJ-Wn0rmtI2m5PmSXCcUdr9sURuakofB89QUYwUsWXr_8PlGRC_lyK-o5SC0Sq-szewceV1-TkY_YQCVbAy2zkMk3U/s400/DSCF4527.JPG"></a></p> <p><font size="1">photo by Kerry Brack</font></p> <p>As the blocks piled higher and higher it seemed like we might actually make it to the June deadline!<br><br></p> <center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMitsFJ9ubBb2aHgCvYpyniQZ-l0s_HYE201QQ6LqBt9zP1TvMYuHLs9q-m_fChaH2fGq-gLT3IANA4_RlhEaH83ZVD0VqVgoTdcHBZtiZuY0LX5SlVUoI6O1rnVNU8q7jWS6C1Ur3YOBH/s1600-h/CN%252520crosses%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CN crosses" border="0" alt="CN crosses" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--sdIq5qXkFk/T-UFuDOyUgI/AAAAAAAABLg/7LeGiUZe34g/CN%252520crosses_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="518" height="410"></a></center> <p><br>Originally nobody thought we could make a baby Symbol Quilt with the original sashing and border. But I had my heart set on those gorgeous little plus blocks and the wacky pineapple border.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-crfGvjmTS6Y/T-UJVeUW53I/AAAAAAAABMQ/04Y35c_zACQ/s1600-h/Symbol%252520Quilt%252520photo%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Symbol Quilt photo" border="0" alt="Symbol Quilt photo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aauI6I2AdM0/T-UJXIA0HNI/AAAAAAAABMU/P6jKyBJWc7k/Symbol%252520Quilt%252520photo_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="521" height="717"></a></p> <p><font size="1">Chuck Nohara’s Symbol Quilt is a massive 6 metres by 4 metres!</font></p> <p>Just call me crazy and an optimist and surrounded by talented friends. I redesigned the border and sashings to simplify the piecing. The original border was way to big for our 121 5" blocks.<br></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7422401822/"><img style="margin: 5px" border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7422401822_f358c9541c_b.jpg" width="535" height="408"></a></p> <p><br>Reversing the dark/ light balance on the border better frames the smaller quilt (mind you it's still big at 230cm x 230cm). The original border is pale blue with white "pineapples" or crowns. </p> <p>My fabric choices were a bit of a worry to the others. The fine teal pinstripe (Just Wing It) did prove a nightmare to cut and piece. But again I knew I had one of the most talented technicians on the job! Maree I couldn't have done it without you. Your precision and perseverance to paper piece all 44 border blocks and magic some corner blocks into existence whilst I crazily sewed over 600 crosses nudged this quilt over the line. <br>I think the teal border works because nearly half the crosses are blues. And the 144 corner stones are all orange. I think that pulls it all together. <br><br><br></p> <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7422402486/"><img style="margin: 5px" border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7422402486_09d5d43227_b.jpg" width="505" height="382"></a></center><br>When it looked like we might actually have a quilt to enter this year I started thinking about quilting. No way could I have gone this quilt justice. Even if I had another year to handquilt I would have struggled with the heavy and large top. So many seams, so much appliqué. Luckily Michele Turner of <a href="http://www.pinetreecottagequilting.com.au/Pinetree_Cottage_Quilting/Home.html" target="_blank">Pinetree Cottage Quilting</a> agreed to machine quilt A Symbol Recomposed. I had seen her beautiful finish on various Dear Jane quilts, her treatment of miniature blocks respects the maker and the design. <br><br><br> <center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7422403234/"><img style="margin: 5px" border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7422403234_919182ecf5_b.jpg" width="453" height="595"></a></center> <p><br>Together we came up with quilting designs for the tricky sashings and borders. As a final nod to this special quilt Michele stitched the name of the quilt ( A Symbol Recomposed), the women who made the blocks ( Maree Blanchard, Kerry Brack, Lorena Uriarte and Loloma Wren) the quilter's name ( Michele Turner) and the woman who inspired this quilt ( Chuck Nohara) into the sashings. Barely visible but hopefully many years down the track a record of the women who were part of this gorgeous quilt. <br>And now the year is over, the quilt was hung, a blue ribbon was won. The quilt is safely home to be enjoyed by family and friends. <br>On to planning next year's entry. Our fifth one, Kerry's choice again. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it!<br></p> <p>Oh and I almost forgot to mention. This year my daughter entered her first quilt in the Show. And won 2nd place in the Under12 category. Well done Fia on your beautiful quilt! <a href="http://fia-sewfia.blogspot.com.au/">This is Fia’s blog</a> if you want to see more on how she made her quilt.<br><br></p> <center><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s16oHqR9HQU/T-UFvuzmMnI/AAAAAAAABLs/HbpVGJHmcrI/s1600-h/Sofia%252527s%252520Colour%252520Bursts%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sofia's Colour Bursts" border="0" alt="Sofia's Colour Bursts" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0pnfaUcSgOg/T-UFwtBnDKI/AAAAAAAABLw/rk3sqz8VqSA/Sofia%252527s%252520Colour%252520Bursts_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="517" height="434"></a></center> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-29088771541221239952012-05-21T00:32:00.001-07:002012-05-21T00:49:24.006-07:00Fleecy neck warmerMy son has one of those tricky colours as his school jumper. Since he catches a bus at 7:30am he needed something to keep his neck warm in the morning and then be able to whisk it off and squish it into his bag when it warmed up. <br />
<br />
I found some polar fleece that is almost the exact shade of maroon and made two ski style neck warmers.<br />
<br />
No doubt I'll be making more of these as winter nears...<br />
<br />
Do you want to make one too? They are really easy to make and you could get one done in 10 minutes and polar fleece is quite cheap, you could get three out of a 50cm cut. <br />
<br />
<strong>What you need:</strong><br />
22 x 16" polar fleece<br />
Sewing machine<br />
Needle and thread in matching colour<br />
<br />
<strong>Instructions</strong><br />
1) Cut your polar fleece to size. It's folded in half in the photo below.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7239932696/"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5240/7239932696_f5b08dec04_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
2) Fold lengthwise with right sides together making a long skinnier strip<br />
3) Sew along the open edge<br />
<br /><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7239933236/"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/7239933236_c6d99113cb_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
4) Bring one end up into the tube until the edges are level ( I left it out a bit in this photo so you can see what I mean) See the right side is now poking out?<br />
<br /><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7239933810/"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/7239933810_c0def72a4d_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
5) Now stitch around this circle, leaving a 3" gap to turn it right side out. <br />
<br /><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7239941386/"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7239941386_71d1362b20_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a></center><br />
<br />
6) Turn it right side out through this hole and then hand stitch the opening shut (try to use matching threads and invisible stitches). <br />
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7) Tahdah, you are done!<br />
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Wasn't that easy! Easier than trying to get my son to pose for a photo! So here's a ridiculous one of me wearing it in front of the mirror. You should get the general idea. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/45971461@N04/7239941936/"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7239941936_8a6f68954d_z.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a></center><br />
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhoneLorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-78606775910785696722012-03-26T18:25:00.001-07:002012-03-26T18:26:27.360-07:00Finishing your quilt ~ lots of links<p>Wow, I can never believe how far you guys come in 8 weeks. From not knowing how to thread a sewing machine or which colours go together, to having the skills you need to finish a quilt. In eight weeks, that’s pretty awesome. Very well done to all of you and I hope that this is just the beginning of your creative journey with fabric.</p> <p>Patchwork and quilting is probably a lot more technical than many of you had hoped. There’s a new language to learn (reverting to inches!!), lots of tools to buy and tricky techniques to learn. You don’t need to remember every lesson in each of your quilts. You could decide to only make machine pieced quilts or that applique is now your passion. I hope that by showing you all the possibilities you can go forward confidently and at least know where to start next time you want to make something or tackle a pattern.</p> <p>I am wary that there was a lot of information in last night’s class. Someone mentioned we actually need two lessons on finishing your quilt but then which other lesson would I cut out? I think that with last night’s tips, the notes I gave you and a few well documented online tutorials you should be ok but if you’re not, please feel free to contact me.</p> <p>Hope to keep in touch via our mailing list and can’t wait to see all your finished quilts. I’d love to post photos of them here on my blog so send me the piccies.</p> <p>Here’s one that was put together last night. Using the nine patchwork blocks, 3” sashings and corner stones this is now a 40” quilt top. By adding 5” borders that brings it up to 50”, or you could add more if you want a bigger quilt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ePkZECm2PXY/T3EXBb7_vII/AAAAAAAABII/02JZLRHQX0E/s1600-h/student%252520quilt%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="student quilt" border="0" alt="student quilt" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FMiZTetLvm4/T3EXCl1J3hI/AAAAAAAABIQ/2flf09gqToE/student%252520quilt_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="462"></a></p> <p>Only we quilters know how much effort and time goes into making these precious first quilts so give yourselves a big pat on the back ~ What a fantastic job!</p> <p>Here are the links I mentioned that I believe will be helpful as you finish your quilts:</p> <p>Great binding tutorial with step by step photos on how to achieve neat mitred corners and smooth joins. <a title="http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/ending-double-fold-binding/index.htm" href="http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/ending-double-fold-binding/index.htm">http://pir8.freeservers.com/quilting/ending-double-fold-binding/index.htm</a> </p> <p>Want to give hand quilting a go? This tutorial has lots of photos as well as explaining the tools and materials to use :<a title="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3734/perfect-your-hand-quilting-stitch" href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3734/perfect-your-hand-quilting-stitch">http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3734/perfect-your-hand-quilting-stitch</a> </p> <p>Quilt too big to fit under your domestic machine? Quilt as you go is an option: <a title="http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/how-to-machine-quilt-large-bed-quilt-on.html" href="http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/how-to-machine-quilt-large-bed-quilt-on.html">http://fiberfocus.blogspot.com.au/2008/11/how-to-machine-quilt-large-bed-quilt-on.html</a> </p> <p>There are lots more links here from preparing your quilt top for quilting to how to label your quilt: <a title="http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/FinishingYourQuilt.htm" href="http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/FinishingYourQuilt.htm">http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.net/FinishingYourQuilt.htm</a> </p> <p>Good luck and stay in touch xx Lorena</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-46519545375772019282012-03-25T16:17:00.001-07:002012-03-25T16:20:00.613-07:00Bigger layout options for your sampler quilt<p>So you want a bigger quilt? I usually don’t recommend that beginners work on very large quilts as they are difficult to quilt on a domestic sewing machine. It’s probably better to make a small project first, to understand what’s involved and to learn all the techniques. Having said that my first quilt was 88” (224cm) so I understand the compulsion to make your first quilt for your own bed! </p> <p>Every quilt after that was smaller until I found I could get my large quilts machine quilted by a professional. This is always a possibility for special quilts, when you’re in a hurry or if you just don’t like quilting a large quilt. Machine quilting can be expensive however, a quilt 80” x 80” can cost upwards of $180 to have professionally quilted.The cost depends on not only how big the quilt is but also on the style and density of quilting. The most economical is edge to edge quilting where a pattern is repeated across the quilt.</p> <p>You can contact the NSW Quilter’s Guild for a list of machine quilters or search the internet for machine quilters in your area. You could also check out this <a href="http://www.australianquilters.com.au/directory.htm">Directory of Machine Quilters</a>. </p> <p>So you still want to make a bigger quilt, here are your options:</p> <p>1) Make lots more pieced blocks! For a quilt that finishes at 82” you will need 25 pieced 12” blocks. With sashings cut at 3.5” and a border cut 5.5” wide you will get a quilt that looks like this</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ES5PeSVxUHs/T2-nTVQI4hI/AAAAAAAABGo/DUsYdiKghiI/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QR12TKdRWuU/T2-nVPIQtMI/AAAAAAAABGw/kE9cO1y3t80/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="418" height="428"></a></p> <p>Lou made one like this but didn’t have enough of the border fabric for a continuous piece. Her solution was to piece the border strips.This a great option if you only have a small piece left and your fabric has a big pattern that makes matching seams difficult.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g6OUnk3aO-o/T2-nXN5PyUI/AAAAAAAABG4/e5gMiXQoUzc/s1600-h/Louise%252520Quilt%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Louise Quilt" border="0" alt="Louise Quilt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C-SgYTKupjc/T2-nYDe-6AI/AAAAAAAABHA/eh_HirGlqjQ/Louise%252520Quilt_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="323"></a></p> <p>2) Alternate your pieced blocks with some plain fabric blocks to stretch it out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_cnmDWE2pbA/T2-natbCZYI/AAAAAAAABHI/OJSKU7LIGT4/s1600-h/image%25255B16%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0NwcA_4Dr-M/T2-ncU1F0xI/AAAAAAAABHQ/ecLgdyGTgkk/image_thumb%25255B21%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="417" height="428"></a></p> <p>Leslie did this with the quilt for her nephew using a vintage toy themed fabric:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNgnPZGDvzywywVG_jreINjKebBSVhrO4E7f8hDPL0ILKPL-k9tc7xJDhmytvcxmTwiZ6eybCLodZDbdjsWthnY815nPoPLvRhAhlF-4nOIURWnYdFkLX1tJx8B7a10kiqcYcweznjgf2k/s1600-h/Leslie%252527s%252520quilt%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Leslie's quilt" border="0" alt="Leslie's quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvkzOCCV5onMCgNubVm5vMs-6DYzWKOxphv59QZ8o-S8Wnj-8Uz9LsKmGclp2UHNjNd2JwssixfibZMmeQUHGRDkONazC8MTXYVsUDWNK_7Oxnp-YMyqaczRlgI70-C8dy627gCkmMHR4q/?imgmax=800" width="411" height="590"></a></p> <p>thanks to Amy for this photo! <a title="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/#!/2011/11/yesterday-i-popped-up-to-north-side-of.html" href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/#!/2011/11/yesterday-i-popped-up-to-north-side-of.html">http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/#!/2011/11/yesterday-i-popped-up-to-north-side-of.html</a> </p> <p>3) Alternate your pieced blocks with simple pieced blocks that you can whip up quickly. You can find cutting and piecing diagrams to some simple 12” star patterns in <a href="http://piecemealquilts.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/free-star-quilt-block-patterns/">the blog post by Piecemeal Quilts.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GK5Nv6PZY1o/T2-ndk8WZ6I/AAAAAAAABHY/3aYEyv4xf5M/s1600-h/image%25255B15%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWqxgWMM4lNFLiI_lZ09AXVVv09DOwqyrcfxQzkNaaE0vA3CLfNV1PvM-CTRxblsv1aokJoO93PCMEkOSpDyJnycx77Kz4GDMrLIFgkgFVA4rNp-efDgQlYzXNBBATZqtHWms94bo0CGr/?imgmax=800" width="420" height="428"></a></p> <p>I used a Variable Star block alternated with pieced and applique blocks in this single bed quilt to give it some uniformity and make it a little bigger.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ti7BJMpI_-s/T2-ngklnt8I/AAAAAAAABHo/ac3iCGaN5wg/s1600-h/Fia%252527s%252520Single%252520bed%252520quilt%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Fia's Single bed quilt" border="0" alt="Fia's Single bed quilt" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz4ut9ipH7Qx4yA_gPG8CSX5j_G7vGsea9bi09vtVTbX2_D2qM70fu4_jwUV7HgOOvJMtaiufrOw6LP5Nb0ifxZ99N1-M9Hsc_VEE74_VldetsSCuIcMNaX-pakY8pAT14MhvcecefjTv/?imgmax=800" width="350" height="463"></a></p> <p>Next we’ll talk about wadding and backings and how to put the quilt sandwich together.</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-81238972476952310722012-03-23T14:49:00.001-07:002012-03-25T14:47:19.364-07:00Quilt Layout and Cutting Diagrams<p>Here we are approaching Week 8 of our Patchwork and Quilting Course. By now you have determined the size of your finished quilt and need to know how much fabric you’ll need for the backing, sashing, corner stones and border.</p> <p>You have various options for making some more quick blocks to make your quilt bigger. You can mix in some simple four patch or star blocks or even a plain block.</p> <p>Sashings and borders can always be made wider too! Make sure to adjust your measurements before you cut your backing when you do this.</p> <p>I’ve mocked up some sample quilts with the cutting instructions for these previously.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/fabric-and-cutting-requirements-for.html">Baby (Cot) Quilt</a> </p> <p>Using six 12” blocks for a finished size of 37 1/2” x 52”</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/fabric-cutting-requirements-for-your.html">Square Lap Quilt</a></p> <p>Using sixteen 12” blocks for a finished size of 67” x 67”</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/on-point-layout-9-pieced-blocks.html">On Point Lap Quilt</a> (9 pieced blocks)</p> <p>Using nine 12” blocks for a finished size of 66” (just noticed there’s a mistake on that diagram. It says you need 12 pieced blocks. Please ignore this!)</p> <p>Here is a new diagram for the <font color="#ff0000"><strong>Twin (Single) Size</strong> </font><font color="#000000">that some of you were interested in.</font>This is a generous width but making it with only three 12” blocks across looks odd!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEQvYpyA8YXV0Tqk4rbV7gn7j1rKfvf_LJjszBzBYndR6OJeKteE1yDZriRiTcUg3O-3xNSRGe-iXHE4TKLncxfbVAj65ytIIqdCjpYbIpQ5N6qAeBMEA32TuWXh8v74ioEdOWhwI19q_/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VmwiARfy7CY/T2zv8fjdcNI/AAAAAAAABF8/YMbJf3n_jhE/clip_image002_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="319" height="388"></a></p> <p><b>Twin Size</b><b> Quilt </b></p> <p>Finished Quilt measures <p>62” x 76” <p>20 x 12” blocks <p><b>Cutting chart</b> <p>Sashing strips (<font color="#ff0000">red strips</font>) <p>Cut 31 12.5” x 2 ½” <p>Cornerstones (<font color="#f79646">yellow squares</font>) <p>Cut 12 2 ½” x 2 ½” squares <p>Border Strips (<font color="#0000ff">blue strips</font>) <p>Cut 2 4 ½” x” 68 ½” <p>Cut 2 4 ½” x 54 ½” <p>Border Corner Blocks (<font color="#00ff00">green squares</font>) <p>Cut 4 4 ½” x 4 ½” <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="570"></td></tr> <tr> <td></td> <td></td></tr></tbody></table><b></b> <p><b>Backing fabric</b> <p>3.4 m x 110 cm width fabric. </p> <p>Choose a fabric with a busy pattern, nothing too light or it will get dirty and need lots of washing! <p>If you select a fabric with a directional print or large pattern you may need to purchase extra to allow you to match the pattern. Alternatively insert a pieced strip between your backing fabrics to break it up. <p>To piece your backing fabric: Cut length in half, cut away the selvedge and sew pieces together horizontally like this</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqbmpULtw_PAsGbLhYrE3AjHCkteCwdYvtFvKaBR2g0ORkrMD8xwjan0ur9Iw4EBasNAzfQw7LHJqY586nyuTk2FYkClsFOpN-2uNO1J48rfTaMfLFTmYDUoA-g7ntSVr2rMuIMPohcQM/s1600-h/clip_image003%25255B6%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image003" border="0" alt="clip_image003" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wy-VLog7vQI/T2zv_Ku-fMI/AAAAAAAABGQ/sb0FrppcF9I/clip_image003_thumb%25255B1%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="29" height="38"></a></p> <p>(Allows some extra on width and length for slippage and shrinkage)</p> <p>** Always measure your own finished quilt before cutting the backing! <p><b>Binding</b> <p>1/2 m cut into 7 x 2 ½” strips, sewn together end to end to fit the perimeter of your quilt + 6” extra <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="8"></td></tr> <tr> <td></td> <td><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hv9l1Y0A6CA/T2zwANcsw_I/AAAAAAAABGY/kTk64ae3eyo/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B5%25255D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SbMaQXtil5U/T2zwBN-RFuI/AAAAAAAABGc/qKgNomlTEpI/clip_image006_thumb%25255B2%25255D.gif?imgmax=800" width="611" height="204"></a></td></tr></tbody></table> <p><b>Batting</b> <p>You will need batting (also called wadding) 4” longer and wider than your finished quilt. <p>Batting is available in a range of materials: Wool, cotton, polyester, bamboo and in different combinations. Steer clear of battings that are very thick for your first quilts as they are difficult to machine quilt. I recommend 100% cotton or wool 80%/ poly 20%. The wool/ poly batting is lighter, softer and warmer. The cotton needs to be quilted closer together and can shrink a bit. That’s not always a negative, it can give your quilt a lovely crinkly look too. <p><b>Other quilting supplies needed: </b> <p>Sewing machine with a walking foot or alternatively quilting thread, needle and a thimble. Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-17906462466337948132012-02-29T18:45:00.001-08:002012-02-29T18:48:28.413-08:00Applique tools<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT2JcwCutn9YKG5W9Ue1VrfWEAfNSMXSXjJv4f_Ppr20hOl_3amCuOAkqSxsGrcWaNVIpx0aXjJbaNu7RfJhpDOY1cXBw-N4AQJPY2xJrOY9aUcA4XLx1hk14g46QAskVal-_184Ip48c/s1600-h/%252523678.2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="#678.2" border="0" alt="#678.2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p20cuqsKhDw/T07iqERDRZI/AAAAAAAABEQ/oW2MVLwk2Uk/%252523678.2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="166" height="177"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UPlowS0VCFQ/T07irqp4M6I/AAAAAAAABEY/l1cViK3I1CI/s1600-h/Junkos%252520Rose%252520Garden%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Junkos Rose Garden" border="0" alt="Junkos Rose Garden" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sGdJZheTYF0/T07isiQ-EeI/AAAAAAAABEg/bIkJsoqqkfY/Junkos%252520Rose%252520Garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="175"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X8HU8_gW7pU/T07iuLxyWtI/AAAAAAAABEo/jm0F4i9boLI/s1600-h/cheiko%252527s%252520calla%252520lily%252520yoyo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cheiko's calla lily yoyo" border="0" alt="cheiko's calla lily yoyo" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qxz3gKhsyps/T07ivckPaUI/AAAAAAAABEw/REM6Z8znY50/cheiko%252527s%252520calla%252520lily%252520yoyo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="176" height="175"></a></p> <p>Whilst I love applique I know many people don’t. It can be slow and fiddly but there are times in life that I need to slow down and sit with a needle and thread to think about things. The sewing machine is great for getting things done quickly and putting large pieces of fabric together but for small detailed work nothing beats a good needle and fine thread!</p> <p>When sewing anything by hand it’s important to have the right tools, a poorly manufactured needle tugs and pulls through fabric.That’s no fun! If your needle is too big it makes large holes in the top layer and then the stitch becomes very visible. Thick thread sits on top of your work and screams out look at me… a thread that keeps snapping or tangling can really test your patience. So if you are not enjoying applique it may be time to try a new needle and thread.</p> <p>When I first started to sew I had no idea what all the numbers and words meant on a needle packet or a spool of thread. Now I know what my favourites are and when to use them. I know that for applique I need fine thread and that usually means 50wt or higher. But not always, unfortunately <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/300/">thread manufacturers haven’t really agreed on a system for measuring thread weights</a> so its important to feel the thread before you order it.</p> <p>I like to match the colour of the thread to what I’m sewing on for example, for sewing a yellow circle onto a black background I choose yellow thread. I like using the finest thread possible so that whenever the stitches are visible they are barely there. For years I used <a href="http://www.aurifil.com/Aurifil/Home.html">Aurifil</a> brand thread in a 50wt but recently I’ve started to use a polyester thread that looks like silk. I still use Aurifil for machine piecing and hand sewing but have switched to <a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/bobs-for-hand-applique/products/">Su<a href="http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/category/bobs-for-hand-applique/products/"><img style="display: inline; float: left" border="0" align="left" src="http://www.superiorthreads.com/media/images/st/2-bobs-variety-pack-2-5884.jpg" width="250" height="354"></a>perior Bottom Line Thread</a> for hand applique.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>This thread is usually used for the bottom thread of the sewing machine and comes pre wound on cardboard bobbins. I find I can get by with just a handful of neutral colours but one day I may splurge and buy a rainbow of them! </p> <p>When I do need a particular colour I select from my super handy <a href="http://www.wantitneeditquilt.com.au/superior-threads-frosted-donut-35-prewound-masterpiece-l-style-bobbins/">Prewound Masterpiece Threads Donut</a>. It’s hard not to find the right colour here!</p> <p><img style="display: inline; float: left" title="frosted-donut-7606a.jpg" alt="frosted-donut-7606a.jpg" align="left" src="http://www.wantitneeditquilt.com.au/product_images/uploaded_images/frosted-donut-7606a.jpg" width="217" height="214"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>My favourite hand piecing and applique needle is a milliners/ straw size 11. I find it is long enough to help me with needle turn applique and holds many stitches for hand piecing. The small eye of the needle means it also doesn’t make big holes in your fabric and you only need a small knot to anchor the thread. Needles are fairly inexpensive so I encourage you to invest in a well manufactured needle! You are looking for a gentle taper from tip to eye, a needle free from burrs that may catch on fabric and a smooth polished eye that doesn’t shred your thread. A fine, straight and sharp needle is a joy to sew with. There’s lots of interesting information on the net if you want to <a href="http://www.colonialneedle.com/html/about-needles.html">know more about needles</a>. </p> <p><img src="http://www.ozquilts.com.au/images/product_images/Bohin-Appliquer.jpg" width="181" height="177"><img src="http://www.pelennapatchworks.co.uk/ekmps/shops/pelenna/images/-needle-size-no.-9-needle-size--2689-p.jpg" width="188" height="188"><img src="http://www.colonialneedle.com/qsgraphics/CB150_Milliners.jpg" width="93" height="211"></p> <p>If you’ve tried to applique by hand and you really don’t think you will come to like it, don’t give up. There are some amazing things that can be done with a sewing machine these days. <a href="http://www.michelehill.com.au/">Michelle Hill</a> is an Australian who has really perfected this technique and her classes are highly sought after. You can read through her basic instructions for machine applique <a href="http://www.completecraft.com.au/__data/site/design/349/images/qc38dvd_page3.pdf">in these instructions</a> for a pattern published in Issue 38 of Quilter’s Companion. </p> <p>What other tools will you need? Well it depends on how much applique you do. I like small sharp scissors, a wooden manicure stick to help turn fiddly points and some Dritz Fray Check in case I snip a little close to the seam and I’m worried about fraying. Some people like to use small applique pins but I’m not that bothered. If the pins really get in the way I tack my applique down with thread and snip that off later.</p> <p><img style="display: inline" src="http://www.best-b2b.com/userimg/764/802-2/manicure-sticks-247.jpg" width="273" height="199"><img src="http://shop.hobbylobby.com/assets/item/regular/306191.jpg" width="199" height="199"></p> <p>So there you go, that’s my tools for applique. Everyone has their favourites so go ahead and use what gives you the best results.</p> <p>Read <a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/week-4-applique.html">my previous post about applique</a> for some tips and techniques.</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-89332919478861067962012-02-19T16:20:00.001-08:002012-02-19T16:20:19.040-08:00catch up post for my lovely students…<p>Hey, you’ve found my blog, well done!</p> <p>Blogs can be pretty confusing to navigate so I’m going to link to the posts that relate to what we’ve already covered in class and to what you can expect to cover next week and further along the course.</p> <p>It’s a big learning curve, I’ve structured the lessons so we cover as many of the techniques that quilt makers use without overwhelming you with too many details. If you want more information or help I post links here under each topic.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/first-week.html">Week 1</a>: We already discussed The Anatomy of a Quilt and the importance of colour and contrast in quilt design. We drafted our first quilt block and learnt about seam allowances whilst piecing a simple block. </p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/week-two.html">Week 2</a>: We learnt how to cut strips and piece them quickly to construct a Rail Fence block. Those that wanted an extra challenge are giving the Variation Rail Fence block a go. The 1/4” seam is crucial when piecing lots of strips. Sew accurately and press with care. Finally, make sure your measurements are correct before cutting.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/dresden-plate-16-petals.html">Week 3</a>: This week we are cutting and piecing a wedge shape that makes up the Dresden Plate. Next week we applique a circle for the centre and the whole flower to a 14” square of your base fabric.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/week-4-applique.html">Week 4</a>: Applique: learn a few different techniques to tackle applique. More complex applique patterns are available if you enjoy the technique.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/week-4-applique.html">Week 5:</a> Learn English Paper Piecing, we sew over card templates to construct a hexagon block, a Grandmother’s Flower Garden Unit or applique the hexagons onto your base fabric in a random design.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/week-6-foundation-paper-piecing_09.html">Week 6:</a> Foundation Paper Piecing lesson, great for fiddly blocks and blocks with lots of matching seams and points.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/week-7-scrap-busting-blocks.html">Week 7:</a> Bring in all your scraps to make either a Log Cabin block or a modern improvised block. Other patterns are available too. Time to decide if you have enough blocks, how to piece it all together and finish off your quilt.</p> <p><a href="http://ikwilt.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/on-point-layout-9-pieced-blocks.html">Week 8:</a> This week we cover sashing, cornerstones and piecing options for your blocks. Practice machine quilting or hand quilting. learn how to bind your quilt. It’s unlikely that your quilt will be finished by the end of this lesson as quilting can take a while. Don’t worry, plenty of notes are available to take home!</p> <p>I’ll post more information as we go along!</p> <p>Lorena x</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-78055552968884374022012-02-04T00:35:00.001-08:002012-02-06T04:11:20.320-08:00Getting back on the “repetitive horse”<p>I just read <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/one-trick-pony-how-to-love-repetitive.html#!http://badskirt.blogspot.com/2012/02/one-trick-pony-how-to-love-repetitive.html">Amy’s blogpost</a> about “the one trick pony” versus the “repetitive horse” and thought it was timely given the mind numbing, painstaking piecing I’ve been doing this week. I’m really not a fan of repetition, I love the challenge of finishing a tricky block and admiring it before moving on to the next one.</p> <p>That’s why I love a good sampler quilt, with lots of different techniques and proportions. That’s probably what attracts so many of us to the <a href="http://www.dearjane.com/">Dear Jane</a>, <a href="http://thefarmerswifequilt.blogspot.com.au/">Farmer’s Wife</a> and <a href="http://www.nearlyinsane.com/shop/">Nearly Insane</a> quilts.</p> <p>But a good pattern repeated over and over has it’s own beauty. The background photo on this blog is a good example. Making 49 Orange Peel blocks in black and white is really an exercise in pinning and pressing and then adding another finished block to the design wall. Yet the finished quilt looked so gorgeous hung up in my sewing room I really didn’t want to give it away! This has been my story as a quilter… making beautiful things and sending them off into the world to be loved.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6xFXIECziDZi4UpNgbFMtwpG9LNc0XASDO-uPoS2Y3NwU2i2fopOOX-_U3MsX6k3TL8GLY88SkmsTuMSRJAFDBvzjFUjxR0edEgQopDibqTHi1CMxUn25x0CwKzvgF80Mu91GrwS-lWL/s1600-h/Alice%252520Quilt%252520001%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Alice Quilt 001" border="0" alt="Alice Quilt 001" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MPN6VXzTWr8/Tyztpq7U3lI/AAAAAAAABCI/pLre5zaed8k/Alice%252520Quilt%252520001_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="261" height="211"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--y7LtpEaQMc/TyztrPKtvgI/AAAAAAAABCQ/Y2zn385hw1k/s1600-h/Alice%252520Quilt%252520013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N6jtjvYfs_w/TyztuKuNBpI/AAAAAAAABCY/EGFKPbqGNoI/Alice%252520Quilt%252520013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="209"></a></p> <p>But as I mentioned earlier, I’m trying to get into the Zen of repetitive piecing this week. I have quite pile of fabrics in front of me to get through…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zEdHWD2caw/Tyztvd1QCtI/AAAAAAAABCg/d3II40j0Qj4/s1600-h/1936%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1936" border="0" alt="1936" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j3a0ddbj9Ro/TyztwJsD4jI/AAAAAAAABCo/_3Axo4AzBAs/1936_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="445"></a></p> <p>What on earth am I making with these 1936 rectangles?</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-59cKatacJ2E/TyztyG7QtmI/AAAAAAAABCw/d9-CihzoXs8/s1600-h/CN%252520crosses%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="CN crosses 2" border="0" alt="CN crosses 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfLGPAullVYmpT0osnwQIeTRdV0AhBmuVeE_mdphWUbBCnv8kek8b1o6zarbHr7Vdm62s0RoYZD0u7NJ7MsMGYLEqh_-sNBGdciCwmcQufRKb3Uve0JZJmwA5l8JpWDbHwuy6bYwj8_h2/?imgmax=800" width="394" height="305"></a></p> <p>Four hundred and eighty four 2 1/2” little cross blocks. Phew, I’m tired just thinking about it. I briefly entertained the thought of quick piecing them, sewing up long strips and then cross cutting them but you don’t get much variety that way. I think the real beauty in these little blocks is how each one is different, with it’s own character and flaws...</p> <p>It should be relaxing really, like meditation. I’ll let you know how it goes <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d8MFdwy2SU4/Tyztz3f5LPI/AAAAAAAABDA/UQPr4-KACx8/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-92061185445114283182012-01-06T15:13:00.001-08:002012-01-06T15:13:34.224-08:00Friends through stitching<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RlRbDLQTQnY/TweAACRexKI/AAAAAAAABBY/eHbonUTl5fY/s1600-h/dear%252520jane%252520scrap%252520fabric%252520box%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dear jane scrap fabric box" border="0" alt="dear jane scrap fabric box" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3bJCJuGCHnI/TweABvEL4ZI/AAAAAAAABBg/rhLSqomwOrc/dear%252520jane%252520scrap%252520fabric%252520box_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="658"></a></p> <p>I’m just running out the door to meet a friend, it’s her birthday today. I’ll be meeting up with three women who have become great friends through stitching. Together we have one common interest but also share the ups and downs of every day life. Nothing is off limits -we chat about children, jobs, great recipes or a new cafe, sometimes we even talk about sewing, ha! </p> <p>Actually that’s not true mostly we drool over fabric and pass on sewing tips and tricks. I’ve learnt a lot from these fabulous women over the last 7 years and I feel lucky to have them as friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nS4mK3O8sH0/TweAEYQlZcI/AAAAAAAABBo/zTpdwKVJhSE/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1xC5ulGn2-k/TweAGOk8G4I/AAAAAAAABBw/g3B4NSc6qcc/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="350" height="277"></a></p> <p>We’ve been entering a group quilt in the Sydney Show together for the past 4 years. This year it’s finally my turn to select the quilt and drive the project. I can’t wait to share that with you as it’s been a long term goal to make a version of this quilt. But there’s lots of work to be done before July so I need to get a wriggle on! It’ll be worth it.</p> <p>Anyway, if you want to make your own fabric scrap box there’s a great tutorial at the Sometime Crafter blog: <a href="http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/04/tutorial-fabric-scrap-basket.html">Fabric Scrap Basket</a>. They are perfect to fill with birthday treats!</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-75377129022580178732012-01-01T20:16:00.001-08:002012-01-01T21:19:51.805-08:00More sewing with templates…<p>I am the worst blogger EVER! I hate to just post pictures without some explanation and then convince myself I haven’t got the time. But this post should be short and sweet. I’m hoping to explain how to use the Marti Michell templates to machine piece hexagons. This will save you heaps of time rather than hand piecing over papers…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYmDo8om_JgM1NuWE7WNaBOdOD4ma1tHppoKBBCXDBuEArzUrC2dytK5-SlrNkXG-b8Hx8PWsuQjT6gIgqZuZU-8Cfzi7SrpR5Rjua2coi7gOQDhOBSFsCjVDjnoRqW3IIa_MG3ZOPP9b/s1600-h/stripper%252520set%252520templates%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stripper set templates" border="0" alt="stripper set templates" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gBafWEuMWJ8/TwEvSa4Po-I/AAAAAAAAA-E/ohcS9IoKPWU/stripper%252520set%252520templates_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p>I gave the <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8059&Category_Code=PPT-B">Marti Michell 2 1/2” Stripper Set</a> a go to make this iPad case for Justine. She loves the Anna Maria Horner Loulouthi range and had a FQ bundle she hadn’t got around to using yet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fUqEape4qFs/TwE-UZSWbPI/AAAAAAAABAc/O1yqe1jQI-w/s1600-h/Justine%252527s%252520B%252527day%252520pressie%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Justine's B'day pressie" border="0" alt="Justine's B'day pressie" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ig4cbSxbP_w/TwEvVS8s25I/AAAAAAAABAk/TKjbe7X2ZT4/Justine%252527s%252520B%252527day%252520pressie_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="254"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mFhzBdXwzWQ/TwE-XVq3DOI/AAAAAAAABAo/vBqbpS-HfPw/s1600-h/IMG_3313%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3313" border="0" alt="IMG_3313" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JRn-xbwHQJo/TwE-YZpEZRI/AAAAAAAABAs/Mjp0GAqoPEM/IMG_3313_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="254"></a></p> <p>I cut a 2 1/2” strip from every piece and chose one of the larger scale prints to line the case. </p> <p>Cutting the hexagons from the strip was really easy, perfect for using up those favourite jelly rolls! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkqeV2VL1mxwhSyUbycQRNiPT3Bb4o_6n-0NPxgijM10v69wTYCt96MK17SnDTjPpA9cqKDroNHhyk2ctnayVDARA9Nu5KIm1zTH8qer6HixpMcz7uyweaFnOtGUIeNEEN3K713mLCzr-/s1600-h/cutting%252520hexagons%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cutting hexagons" border="0" alt="cutting hexagons" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KAk4k-Q3ntU/TwEvXwzUNcI/AAAAAAAAA-k/oOzcEP8UBR8/cutting%252520hexagons_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="402"></a></p> <p>Place the 2a hexagon template on the strip and use a sharp 28mm rotary cutter to cut the hexagon. You can stack the fabric strips and cut multiple pieces, this makes the cutting go real quick. Isn’t that fabric pretty!!</p> <p>Unfortunately I haven’t got a fast way to mark the dots. Use a sharp pencil, I use a regular HB pencil, anything too soft may spread and mark lighter colours. This is a little tedious but unless you can eyeball the 1/4” seam allowance where it meets at each point of the hexagon (perfectly) I wouldn’t skip this step. It really helps when you’ve got the fabric bunched under the presser foot and can’t work out where to stop sewing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D2PuIE8zBqI/TwEvZf8B5SI/AAAAAAAAA-s/PKFn8zFD-zo/s1600-h/marking%252520the%252520sewing%252520dots%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="marking the sewing dots" border="0" alt="marking the sewing dots" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQi0ndL1n7ge0EE6P121SFKYLNO7sw8PVQKCM7xh3NqstaMDtkay9vP_g3APjn2Z0Gg3maGewinR606v0NBCsOzJezmCsoDWytlD9QRhccUqL3mmmIAOpLbqqrzAVoR2gO7EohueGdNQi/?imgmax=800" width="425" height="532"></a></p> <p>Next it’s time to take your hexies over to the machine. You can pick up pieces randomly or play around till you like how they look together. I felt they needed a little resting spot every now and again so added a few grey hexies.</p> <p>Sewing the hexies… Set your stitch length to slightly smaller than usual, I use a 2mm length stitch. It gives you more control when it comes to stopping on the dot and the seams are tighter. You don’t want these gaping apart!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GX3K64kErpI/TwEvboMg_aI/AAAAAAAAA-8/au30sCYef0I/s1600-h/sewing%252520hexies%252520dot%252520to%252520dot%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sewing hexies dot to dot" border="0" alt="sewing hexies dot to dot" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lMH2eeXFNWo/TwEvctTv41I/AAAAAAAAA_E/OcqdC1RsUj0/sewing%252520hexies%252520dot%252520to%252520dot_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="466"></a></p> <p>Place two hexies right sides together and lower your needle exactly on the top dot. Give your machine a little kiss if it has an automatic knotting function now! Otherwise you will need to make a couple of zero length stitches before continuing. Sew right up to the next dot and again make a knot (zero stitches) before cutting your thread. It’s best to sew just short of the dot rather than go past it and sew into the seam allowance.</p> <p>To make a pieced section of hexagons like I did for J’s iPad case I sewed rows of hexies together end to end. Then I sewed the rows together in pairs, fours etc.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I-FA6c4QLa4/TwEveuKhlAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/S2OMWgK1qEg/s1600-h/two%252520rows%252520of%252520hexies%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="two rows of hexies" border="0" alt="two rows of hexies" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4GvDwbk8MwsWUOIzyIkxsNITw74S66_SCveRSk_5UB4TaFmrofaXgk4hpdqZHCJsusw5lOToS2vOnXpXIFM9xg3Vssto6SerpyClTF0YVb2C2IuPwinOU5zR71Os2rfQD_m350NRksXW/?imgmax=800" width="472" height="371"></a></p> <p>The next step is a little tricky to get your head around so it helps to lay the rows out and match the first seam you will sew. You are sewing between the dots, make sure to keep all extra fabric out of the way. Tie off at each seam and then pivot to sew the next one and so on until you are done.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhIeLd_5PiXv6CaGMf6ts6DDFM7CVWVnlACFC4HuwSrUIYydQ7WUbkqqYozCz970JNUJyo4SJcfwhHHNKf-0hL_Od9UmT0gtdZcgJMJu5TKzzI3eFF_8vpb5xEAJv50J4fxgoAKoXwxh3/s1600-h/sewing%252520rows%252520together%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sewing rows together" border="0" alt="sewing rows together" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5vGieHc1A0s/TwE-agl5qZI/AAAAAAAABBA/aHB8SyMWk3w/sewing%252520rows%252520together_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="326"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vdyEeC5xVak/TwE-cE_h_GI/AAAAAAAABBI/CmHqgJSlQpQ/s1600-h/sewing%252520hexie%252520rows%252520together%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="sewing hexie rows together" border="0" alt="sewing hexie rows together" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQfZu0eE17TME_nAZ2HWv5JW1IKKfP8bcLio02y8qFpa9Pb1zhcd8RwPvZCNRp8Sss7zAth51GX3pEr1B00_Yq9QSvqdJ7sHsma0dernch5HXw7m5S-UiTxVY-DZXWXInx8RLouOabmPm/?imgmax=800" width="237" height="326"></a></p> <p>There’s no need to press till you finish sewing your rows together. Then you need to pay a little bit of attention to the seams. Alternate the direction each seam is pressed so that you end up with “swirled” seams where the y seams meet. This will reduce the bulk at the seam and help you achieve a nice flat piece of patchwork.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YiHB5JlpnYc/TwEvgwtNSSI/AAAAAAAAA_c/XvBAURxnjEI/s1600-h/back%252520machine%252520pieced%252520hexies%252520before%252520pressing%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="back machine pieced hexies before pressing" border="0" alt="back machine pieced hexies before pressing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjXT_dt1WFI/TwEvhuVKW0I/AAAAAAAAA_g/Rg-nUOYp66g/back%252520machine%252520pieced%252520hexies%252520before%252520pressing_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" height="338"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tCzLUEOPX7s/TwEvjMRgg-I/AAAAAAAAA_s/TURPLndmioI/s1600-h/back%252520of%252520machine%252520pieced%252520hexies%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="back of machine pieced hexies" border="0" alt="back of machine pieced hexies" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LuHu88AvQWI/TwEvj82nssI/AAAAAAAAA_0/btoMn13ShoM/back%252520of%252520machine%252520pieced%252520hexies_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="237" height="339"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u6JXiw4MyVo/TwEvlmmJ_BI/AAAAAAAAA_8/0EBLT-i-ZTc/s1600-h/finished%252520machine%252520pieced%252520hexies%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="finished machine pieced hexies" border="0" alt="finished machine pieced hexies" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXm5-LLISb1PGDHKu5NgtrlfkvDgkkc6HOsgOURPsMkOcitPII_KKe9AdIlU9F2WAsLRRBvCSukvW3MEEdy9VtwnYpsslud9D-0bO4si7FA-fwwuWjyZ5BEjFdmyX2e4kxv1O0FV4MZ8-/?imgmax=800" width="475" height="351"></a></p> <p>I know, it’s a little slow and hardly seems worth the bother the first few times but really keep going, imagine how long it would take to sew all these hexies together by hand?</p> <p>Once I had enough pieced fabric to make the case I used a few tutorials to construct the case.</p> <p><a href="http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/2009/09/tutorial-patchwork-kindle-case.html">The Sometimes Crafter</a> : kindle case tutorial</p> <p><a href="http://greenleafgoods.wordpress.com/2011/07/11/quilted-ipad-cover/">Greenleaf Goods</a> : Quilted iPad Cover</p> <p><a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-insert-best-magnetic-snaps-ever.html">You Sew Girl</a> : Magnetic clasp instructions</p> <p>Since then I’ve also made myself a Kindle Case, using the triangle template in the 2 1/2” Strippers set. This was a very quick project and I love having something I’ve made to protect and distinguish my e-reader from all the others.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HWSaofX9R9c/TwEvoJTG7ZI/AAAAAAAABAM/9MDjw5eJEKY/s1600-h/IMG_3341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3341" border="0" alt="IMG_3341" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zBY3hbsuzTA/TwEvo-Dk20I/AAAAAAAABAQ/6VVZyWoab7k/IMG_3341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="366"></a></p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-18507325998177990552011-11-26T03:52:00.001-08:002011-11-26T03:56:59.892-08:00Sewing with templates<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kgjPkTstjUU/TtDS3pL6KdI/AAAAAAAAA8I/EmZfPYvQBjk/s1600-h/LA%25252020%252520blocks%252520mosaic%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA 20 blocks mosaic" border="0" alt="LA 20 blocks mosaic" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aq1LjIEriPw/TtDS4z0ugiI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/70bwIqZvEEM/LA%25252020%252520blocks%252520mosaic_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="474"></a></p> <p>This post has been a long time coming. How to break down and describe the process of designing, fussy cutting and sewing a block using <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8951&Category_Code=PPT">Marti Michelle’s Set H</a>. </p> <p>I first purchased a set of these in a quilt shop but felt too intimidated to use them. Then I bought the accompanying book but it still wasn't making much sense. It wasn’t till I attended a class with Catherine Butterworth that it all gelled and made sense, she’s a wonderful teacher. Now I’m enjoying arranging the shapes with different prints and colours to create unique blocks and looking forward to creating more quilts using some of the other template sets.</p> <p>Prior to this the only way I’ve tackled hexagons and inset seams was using English Paper Piecing. Now that I’ve used the Perfect Patchwork templates it’ll be pretty hard to go back to that method for a large quilt. Sewing hexagons and inset “y seams” with your sewing machine is much faster and almost fool proof. The template set comes with 3 acrylic templates to create 11 shapes.</p> <p><font size="1"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s1AUDzQVrUQ/TtDS5RhZDpI/AAAAAAAAA8U/heMRsoUBkEM/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-azkxMBEmTPk/TtDS6cIm0gI/AAAAAAAAA8g/N8RjTWR0V6I/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="416" height="340"></a></font></p> <p>By taking the focus away from the construction I’ve found I am playing more with the designs and having lots of fun with all the different tessellations that fit inside the finished 6” sided hexagon. (<font size="2">Marti Michelle templates are measured by the length of a hexagon’s side)</font></p> <p>So how do you start?</p> <p>Firstly, pick some fabric you can play with. There are lots of wonderful prints that start to take on a life of their own once you’re armed with a tessellating shape and <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=FMM&Product_Code=8941&Category_Code=">Marti Michelle’s Magic Mirrors</a>. </p> <p>Make a cardboard window of the finished size of your diamond by using the markings on the acrylic template. Move the window over your fabric and use the “magic mirrors” to help you find a placement that works.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:9ba50b78-b0c7-4f0f-a71b-a8947bcf2a5b" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;width:491px;border-collapse:collapse;'><tbody><tr><td style='margin:0px;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;width:auto'><a style="outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;" target="_blank" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=1c076f9ef7aeb7c6&page=play&resid=1C076F9EF7AEB7C6!116&type=5&authkey=tQx7y5UfqxI%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos"><img style="outline:none;border-style:none;padding:0px;margin:0px;border:0px;background:none;background-image:none;vertical-align:bottom;" alt="View album" title="View album" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SVJHHAP5rSI/TtDS7fwOjhI/AAAAAAAAA94/azdSm70n_D4/album%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style='width:491px;text-align:center;overflow:visible;padding:0px;margin:0px;'> <div style='width:491px;overflow:visible;'><a style="text-decoration:none;" href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=1c076f9ef7aeb7c6&page=browse&resid=1C076F9EF7AEB7C6!116&type=5&authkey=tQx7y5UfqxI%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" target="_blank"><span style="line-height:1.26em;padding:0px;width:491px;font-size:26pt;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" defaultText="Enter album name here">it’s all done with mirrors!</span></a></div> <div style="text-align:center;padding:9px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;"> <table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style="text-align:center;width:auto;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding:0px;outline:none;border-style:none;border-collapse:collapse;"> <tr> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 12px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=1c076f9ef7aeb7c6&page=play&resid=1C076F9EF7AEB7C6!116&type=5&authkey=tQx7y5UfqxI%24&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">VIEW SLIDE SHOW</a></td> <td style="vertical-align:top;outline:none;border-style:none;margin:0px;padding:6px 0px 6px 0px;"><a href="https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=1c076f9ef7aeb7c6&page=downloadphotos&resid=1C076F9EF7AEB7C6!116&type=5&Bsrc=Photomail&Bpub=SDX.Photos&authkey=tQx7y5UfqxI%24" border="0" target="_blank" style="font-family:'Segoe UI', helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:8pt;outline:none;border-style:none;text-decoration: none;padding:0px;margin:0px;">DOWNLOAD ALL</a></td> </tr> </table> </div> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div> <p>Once you’ve selected the area you want to use, mark the corners so you can align the acrylic template and cut the precise shape. Cut using a small or medium rotary cutter, make sure you clip the engineered corners off. They really make a difference when you are sewing the seams together!</p> <p>Use this shape to help you with placing the other 5 diamonds. </p> <p>A warning: make sure you’ve got enough of the fabric to yield 6 repeats, I’ve been caught out more than once! Generally speaking fabric repeats every 24” so you will need 1.5 yards of fabric to get 6 exact large diamond pieces across the length of the fabric. Be aware that you will need a lot more fabric than if you are cutting shapes from a strip.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uiGR7hkz2m4/TtDS8vQepKI/AAAAAAAAA8w/p5xePGAcIfQ/s1600-h/IMG_3214%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3214" border="0" alt="IMG_3214" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v6PLaB3XG_w/TtDS9j5IVOI/AAAAAAAAA84/XRskWT4fHfY/IMG_3214_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="480" height="371"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>To piece the diamonds into the star shape you will need to mark the starting and stopping points of the seams on your diamond shapes. Mark them on the back of your diamonds with a pencil. I’ve found chalk rubs off and makes piecing the blocks together difficult.</p> <p>Align two diamond shapes together, face to face.</p> <p>Starting at the first dot, tie a knot (or make a couple of “zero stitches”) and stitch along the 1/4” seam till you approach the end dot. Tie off and cut the thread. Repeat with the other diamonds. Join the first and the last diamonds together in exactly the same way. Make sure you keep the seam allowances out of the way.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAA7sXa1odPP5MyGtvWS_bbADzpNyPfUZfd28Jfb7U-_QXLKGQSvAHmtxdikrei-1Yc1SJAsicf1hjLHbtgAasM9RqSXh6URCBTOpTQz-8apK56K2H-JV2a3GyoealpVXEkdonR2i5S3EP/s1600-h/IMG_3107%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3107" border="0" alt="IMG_3107" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gRVIB6TYDQU/TtDS_nW1cBI/AAAAAAAAA9I/1YnUpj63OXk/IMG_3107_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="178" height="255"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEjpQoDUqr7Ngrpi84Gwajj5VV0vhzNGvvCmtwvBWDTfg3Ol-iX5ZogieNsYvyodqtmkPSL7ys55YOXQ6gwIgVbhdsFx65-0rk7s5GqqXzrRIvjxsWljmmS4ZISBSmOlHBNTCA-nlEim_a/s1600-h/IMG_3110%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3110" border="0" alt="IMG_3110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNB0uwZjdJeP2xZz8qLGR0aTkDnALWeRF6TkWy3_K9xIj1mWN6acUdGXCNcTWF7gx_lykpwbyKUWEGVH3FkMhFtmtW3-FvK5RORytBgEATUuvBd2lZ2cgT6Hpg63oCxxOPsyv6MTXn4mwW/?imgmax=800" width="322" height="254"></a></p> <p>Start with simple diamond shapes till you’ve mastered the cutting and piecing techniques. Press the seams to face one way and “swirl” the centre seam to reduce the bulk at the middle.</p> <p>By using 6 more diamonds, we can fill in the spaces between out star “arms” to make a hexagon.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HwH9patalaA/TtDTCicVsMI/AAAAAAAAA9g/wqyunxEP_rg/s1600-h/IMG_3162%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3162" border="0" alt="IMG_3162" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kBe45AD3WUU/TtDTD__i0PI/AAAAAAAAA9o/ttphfh8e3t8/IMG_3162_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="445" height="344"></a></p> <p>That’s all for today, will put some more information together to post here soon… Please let me know if you have any questions.</p> <p>have fun xx</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-771752531588216972011-10-04T05:05:00.001-07:002011-10-04T05:05:18.018-07:00Progress: Little Apples<p>Well imagine my surprise when Aneela Hooey herself mentioned my first Little Apples hexagon block on <a href="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/2011/09/a-is-for-a.html#comments">her blog</a>! I mean, could there be any greater honour than the fabric designer herself liking what you’ve made with her creation?</p> <p>I’m quite taken by the Little Apples fabric range. The more I cut into it, the more possibilities I see in fussy cutting and complementing it with other fabrics in my stash. </p> <p>Like the vintage Kaffe Fassett in the centre of block #10. I think it looks like disco balls with hedgehogs dancing around.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--hLh9bLjOM4/Tor2Vnq3bOI/AAAAAAAAAv0/YTI0oUzkcW8/s1600-h/LA%252520%252523%25252010%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 33px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA # 10" border="0" alt="LA # 10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iingpf-TZfg/Tor2WTk1xMI/AAAAAAAAAv4/JdryZ-1pCgs/LA%252520%252523%25252010_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="399"></a></p> <p>And whilst this quilt began as a way to learn a new technique I am determined to complete a full size quilt now, just so I can play with these cool shapes and create kaleidoscope like blocks. I wake up with new ideas of how to transform a lone little turtle into a sophisticated patchwork block.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKU4n63EL29i-z3mLx9BShaAQP3Gx5daYvz63GNhabiDme_9ihTeZCNVpS-JFVXAmF21eDmeIuw6vigQLMgzXrG9Ozw7ecf4p9EEwIqHrJXII19D1NZqRU1VWuoTfINENPGxW2IWpC7az/s1600-h/LA%252520turtles%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA turtles" border="0" alt="LA turtles" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LlYOKEp1ndw/Tor2YurAr6I/AAAAAAAAAwA/aR1HkRVZJoA/LA%252520turtles_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="443" height="394"></a></p> <p>Or form new shapes from barely recognisable items of clothing…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-880ppPgYcK8/Tor2ZgU0VII/AAAAAAAAAwE/11vOiVKRdc4/s1600-h/LA%252520Book%252520%252526%252520scarf%252520block%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA Book & scarf block" border="0" alt="LA Book & scarf block" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g2lrtLppuMg/Tor2afujwKI/AAAAAAAAAwI/qcLwz7c_UmI/LA%252520Book%252520%252526%252520scarf%252520block_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="396"></a></p> <p>I think my favourite so far is the Super Reading Girl block. She is so cool with her book in hand and the mustard text swirling around.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n0KExG3gQjQ/Tor2bcmYfwI/AAAAAAAAAwM/u3yIgaH3jnU/s1600-h/LA%252520%2525239%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA #9" border="0" alt="LA #9" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f4Uj5PG78AI/Tor2cGIMpUI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/axuvQr0HbL8/LA%252520%2525239_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="447"></a></p> <p>I’ve been taking some photos and putting together a little tutorial on how I’ve been constructing these block. I feel so liberated sewing these by machine. No papers to tack, no slow whipstitching and the backs are just as pretty as the fronts with all their swirled seams.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kbtJulWRFZA/Tor2eP9yu2I/AAAAAAAAAwU/5E7q3InAmHg/s1600-h/swirled%252520seams%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="swirled seams" border="0" alt="swirled seams" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bagt6X-FHDk/Tor2fDw_NyI/AAAAAAAAAwY/feFJRZW97-8/swirled%252520seams_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="399"></a></p> <p>I’m thinking that the Marti Michelle templates are better than any cutting system as you can align them directly over the fabric for fussy cutting. </p> <p>Now excuse me as I get back to playing with my fabric… x Lorena</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-86467307814676463352011-09-11T18:38:00.001-07:002012-07-12T19:44:26.085-07:00Fine fabric, friends and food = FUN!<p>This weekend I attended the <a href="http://thequiltersgathering.blogspot.com/2011/07/quilters-gathering-2011.html">Quilters Gathering at Ulladulla</a>. I first went to one a few years ago and had such a wonderful time I was keen to go again. Life often gets in the way of doing what we really want to do and then there’s the guilt of starting yet another patchwork project.</p> <p>But an important lesson I took way from this weekend (apart from all the fabulous construction techniques) was that I enjoy focusing on the journey not the destination! I love learning new ways of doing things, playing with new fabric and making new friends. If I have a finished quilt at the end it’s a bonus that my family appreciates.</p> <p>My workshop was the Hexagon Stars with Catherine Butterworth, a <a href="http://www.frommarti.com/">Marti Michelle</a> educator. Catherine is a great teacher and lots of fun. Her instructions are clear and she’s so generous with all her tips and hints. I feel that after 2 days I have all the knowledge necessary to explore and construct my own beautiful blocks using the template set. As an aside I had purchased the book (<em>Six is for Hexagons</em> by Marti Michelle) and templates last summer but was a little overwhelmed to try it, the workshop definitely helped but I’m sure you could work it out if you can read the instructions from cover to cover. That’s all I needed to do - RTFM!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ujRSESGRfKvLU9YVcJcL-ZvD9OlDINtNYMi6hV-sjNEVUEp69iQGxFj5kJDehEfHmjOUkNNzbGkRyMAx_0sZechGPLhR0Y87JbS9JojZ-vPiuJdQ0J6yR23TBSDVhnD8K5fE70QKtSwM/s1600-h/Ulladulla%252520Stars%252520%252526%252520Hexagons%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 1px 18px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ulladulla Stars & Hexagons" border="0" alt="Ulladulla Stars & Hexagons" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JmosA-rhv6E/Tm1ibMCegYI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/QfiCdLksJr0/Ulladulla%252520Stars%252520%252526%252520Hexagons_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p>Her teaching quilt was gorgeous, full of fussy cut treasures, interlocked and leading the eye over the quilt surface, like a tapestry.</p> <p>This is just a quick snapshot I took showing the different fabrics she chose to fussy cut.</p> <p>Whilst the heavy dark tones didn’t really do it for me I could see that this technique leads to wonderful results. And it’s all machine pieced!! No piecing over papers, stitches all neatly tucked away. It’s pretty cool.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4">Here are my blocks:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--1cR8zukRRc/Tm1icJxJGjI/AAAAAAAAAuU/wCfVaAwOwGk/s1600-h/LA%252520%252523%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA # 1" border="0" alt="LA # 1" align="left" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwwQvpZSE7bfI_VhFfqzpwDPgC8ysj4dxtt0NiOOSlAXAV_NCSROaLb8gNHf1nSVKt6G6mXYXu6_LuB2VUVuF01q9FL39L4beq7i0WvDHj68ESZeIvninwDm3MeOSXEeqwYCyPFiG8ATF/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="211"></a></p> <p>I kept my first block simple, a big hexagon and radiating triangles set in with diamonds.</p> <p>I used the <a href="http://www.unitednotions.com/fcc_little_apples.pdf">Little Apples</a> Layer Cake by Moda. I picked it up because it was such a bargain but had no idea what to do with it… the fabrics are so stinking CUTE!</p> <p>I followed instructions and the whole block came together beautifully.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LoxfPdCmyp8/Tm1id5K8ygI/AAAAAAAAAuc/a47yITsYY1I/s1600-h/LA%252520%2525232%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA #2" border="0" alt="LA #2" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T2gFjkUpWlQ/Tm1ieXXBI8I/AAAAAAAAAug/yLYAx8G9u4c/LA%252520%2525232_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="211"></a></p> <p>This is the second one I did using the more complex construction technique of “inset Y seams”. Usually these would send chills down my spine and I’d revert to hand sewing but with accurate pieces and “engineered corners” it also went together beautifully.</p> <p>Except for my picking up one Hula Hoop girl and stitching her in upside down, OOPS!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBRTfaL4vy5X_941oaLtGbbm0mOj2Y95irSV4o8eE9wWvKE_eJQNtqbJyv0n64WbCoIBSktHiZ3qmSfD9GwszxH9sq96W486wEM9UgXirfL6pQX7QXlAGcK-gweuqSDZLxLoGU71ML5SPL/s1600-h/LA%252520%2525233%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA #3" border="0" alt="LA #3" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BBXhIimJv6U/Tm1if_NTElI/AAAAAAAAAuo/xapxCpSmQT4/LA%252520%2525233_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="227"></a></p> <p>I was getting pretty confident by block number 3. </p> <p>I played around with different points on the radiating triangles.</p> <p>Loving the Little Apples fabric by now… not loving the fabric stash I picked to coordinate.</p> <p>Did I mention there’s a quilt shop down the road? 30% discount for attendants? Handy!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MECh6AQsevE/Tm1ihLtbm6I/AAAAAAAAAus/Xo-ooYcC4q4/s1600-h/LA%252520%2525234%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA #4" border="0" alt="LA #4" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dQX_wny1iHQ/Tm1ihm39w6I/AAAAAAAAAuw/kQXnsfTgda8/LA%252520%2525234_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="222"></a></p> <p>Ok, this one was a bit of a stretch. Diamonds made from 4 pieces of fabric means I had to really look at the grain lines carefully. Lots of cutting, simple edge to edge sewing and carefully pressing.</p> <p>I don’t want this quilt to be too cute so just used the Dotted Lines from the Little Apples fabric. I think it looks like stitching…</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sPR6qnABG_Q/Tm1ijGkvn5I/AAAAAAAAAu0/KILRI4OCyHw/s1600-h/LA%252520first%252520blocks%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 22px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="LA first blocks" border="0" alt="LA first blocks" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J1acrsbJ5W0/Tm1ij3Dkp3I/AAAAAAAAAu4/ucAP289ohKg/LA%252520first%252520blocks_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="257" height="193"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This isn’t saying table runner or wall quilt to me… I think it’s gotta be another bed quilt.</p> <p>Looking forward to receiving a little bit of yardage to play some more.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Other workshops were being taught by Beth and Trevor Reid, Lessa Siegele, Jane MacDonald, Michele Hill, Jenny Bowker, Gail Simpson and Bernie Varkevisser. At show and tell after dinner on Friday we saw all the stunning teaching quilts and last year’s finished projects. Very inspiring.</p> <p>If you’d like to go to the Gathering next year, put it in your diary for August 17/ 18! If you love patchwork and quilting you wont regret it. The venue was outstanding, they kept us well fed and watered. The company was entertaining and the workshops all looked amazing. Can’t wait to go back!</p> Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-89687708368627411352011-07-20T17:23:00.000-07:002011-07-20T18:36:23.241-07:00The upside to Winter...<div>It's the perfect time of the year to stay indoors and make a quilt! Brr... it's cold and wet out there.</div><div><br />Before I begin a quilt project I like to look at colour combinations and envisage the end result. If you have quilting software this is pretty easy but you can do it with MSWord too. Have a look at Amy's great blog post <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com/2008/09/visualize-your-quilts-without-cutting.html">Visualizing Quilts using Word</a>. However, sometimes I just want some good old fashioned colouring paper with a graph, hexagons or diamonds to work out how a pattern is developing.<br /><br />You can <a href="http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/trianglehex.html">generate and print out your own here </a>to your specifications. Free. Pretty cool huh?<br /><br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnvOPFBVhyphenhyphenKiV8iGVdIJPyIIUs2jw2EvCNyM6aZNBhjm_RE2Pe3I06wcta2z1b1zWZCutd_Qc3hpizjdYxd5lElTYKNJ8uwa2SE6xayFR5mg7yWxWsOW-ixqeUn1SpVsth6FPxzom9JMR/s1600/label.jpg"><img style="width: 298px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631597320656939730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnvOPFBVhyphenhyphenKiV8iGVdIJPyIIUs2jw2EvCNyM6aZNBhjm_RE2Pe3I06wcta2z1b1zWZCutd_Qc3hpizjdYxd5lElTYKNJ8uwa2SE6xayFR5mg7yWxWsOW-ixqeUn1SpVsth6FPxzom9JMR/s400/label.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Someone also asked how I made the little name labels that I sew onto my creations. I thought about ordering <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennifersJewels">custom made labels from Etsy</a> but I didn't like the idea that I'd be stuck with it if I wasn't in love with them. Plus they're not that cheap... and I don't need that many!<br /><br />Here's the way I did it...<br /><br />1. Muck around in MSWord or your prefered publishing software and come up with a design (frankly, this is often the hardest part!)<br /><br />2. Arrange the design on an A4 sheet leaving at least 2" between each design. Keep them in rows as that will make it easier when it comes to cutting them out.<br /><br />3. Once you are happy with the arrangement go ahead and print it out on paper, cut it up and play with the label size, fold it and pretend you're sewing it onto your clothing, your pencil case your bag etc... Before you print mark an x on the bottom right hand corner of the paper sheet as it sits in the tray. You may be glad you did this later!<br /><br />4. Once you're convinced that the design and label size works, take a piece of freezer paper cut to A4 size and a piece of fabric cut to A4 size. I use Ecology cloth (a fine quilter's muslim) because it is nice and stiff and doesn't shift in my bubble jet printer. I've also used Kona cotton and other fabrics without problems.<br /><br />5. Place the fabric piece (right side up) over the shiny side of the freezer paper and press it along the top edge so that it sticks.<br /><br />6. Put your fabric/ freezer paper combo into the printer paper tray facing so that the print will be on the fabric and the ironed edge is taken up by the print roller first. On my Pixma that means the freezer paper side on top and the ironed edge first. Yours may be different, if you like me have trouble visualizing this step that's where the little x mark you made earlier comes in handy. If the x is on the printed side you will need to place your fabric side UP!<br /><br />7. Print out our design and then use a hot iron to set the ink.</div><div><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVulcybQmy6Xp7ILGt8VMjL0Lh7R2PxHBK4qXxiJiX27j7beN0o-dkxqn7ZjTm0oT1lWVPvrLIqyhjA_K7sTLGCPZYVGMFYP821QAmUmeRAYdZwptWF4uoppqnIghWY3Sh-VIUhLJc3C4/s1600/label+photo.jpg"><img style="width: 300px; height: 400px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631609921626723314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVulcybQmy6Xp7ILGt8VMjL0Lh7R2PxHBK4qXxiJiX27j7beN0o-dkxqn7ZjTm0oT1lWVPvrLIqyhjA_K7sTLGCPZYVGMFYP821QAmUmeRAYdZwptWF4uoppqnIghWY3Sh-VIUhLJc3C4/s400/label+photo.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>8. That's it! You have designed and produced your own in house labels. Not much to it really... You can use the same technique to make labels for your quilts!<br /><br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv6HV_cQIM1FR0cOTCEzz-iSXn41KgdfTCfj58ldLVjWiUYCmJiuwVad8ezYE-mp0fshmswpnknvR4ybV1eHtV9btuNujAVrz1ABvpyciDe76zc6uLoQG4CIcwqkQdeaB01Gy8I0yqnjB/s1600/label.jpg"><img style="width: 400px; height: 300px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631610175346372610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCv6HV_cQIM1FR0cOTCEzz-iSXn41KgdfTCfj58ldLVjWiUYCmJiuwVad8ezYE-mp0fshmswpnknvR4ybV1eHtV9btuNujAVrz1ABvpyciDe76zc6uLoQG4CIcwqkQdeaB01Gy8I0yqnjB/s400/label.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-6406430446287801842011-06-23T17:09:00.001-07:002012-03-25T23:01:45.914-07:00Binding your quilt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIOVpv-eNQwIbRMnRzkIaCAJArwse4mjRQbm4acnQhTpp0w7cYg7a8PB0ACSiNqr0f1o5d9xC5wFagrkIFyBwJ97CXuQFujcybGhIXvy4-IcbZRHMYGBTApTLwLOV0MkHZIsq9TUY7MTM/s1600/binding.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621582670672526386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIOVpv-eNQwIbRMnRzkIaCAJArwse4mjRQbm4acnQhTpp0w7cYg7a8PB0ACSiNqr0f1o5d9xC5wFagrkIFyBwJ97CXuQFujcybGhIXvy4-IcbZRHMYGBTApTLwLOV0MkHZIsq9TUY7MTM/s400/binding.png" style="height: 254px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Different prints can add visual interest to a quilt edge. Look for evenly spaced dots, small scale prints, horizontal or diagonal stripes. Audition 1/2' strips across the width of the fabric along your finished quilt top so you know what it will look like before you cut into it!</span><br />
There's nothing like the feeling of finally finishing your quilt with a good binding! It feels lovely and completes your quilt.<br />
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A binding can add visual interest to a quilt, it can also help frame your quilt top. Experiment with using fabric scraps from your quilt, stripes and spots also look great. Sometimes a solid colour binding can hold a busy design together.<br />
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I like to use a double binding cut across the width of the fabric as it lasts longer, quilt edges can get a lot of wear and tear if used daily. Bias binding is more often used for scalloped or pointy edges as they are thinner and follow curves more readily.<br />
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I also like my bindings to be narrow and plump so I cut them 2.5" wide. That gives me enough to include the 1/2" edge and wadding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">snuggly</span>. You may prefer a flatter, wider binding, you'll need to experiment to work out your preferences.<br />
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Remember to join strips on the diagonal so the seams aren't too bulky!<br />
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To work out how much binding you need measure around the outside of your quilt. You will need an extra 10" or so to be on the safe side. There are so many excellent tutorials available showing you how to bind your finished quilt!<br />
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This one shows you how to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/10/binding-tutorial.html">attach the binding by machine and then hand stitch to finish</a>. This is my preference as your stitches will not show through to the quilt front.<br />
If you really can't face 4 metres of hand stitching you will need to practice this <a href="http://www.redpepperquilts.com/2009/11/binding-tutorial.html">machine stitching technique</a> before you attempt it on your quilt. Make sure your top thread matches the binding and your bottom thread matches your quilt backing fabric if you are machine stitching. This technique would only suit bindings made from a continuous colour or you would have to change the top thread often.<br />
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Once your binding is finished many quilters like to label their quilts. More about that next time!Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-78816809129174887742011-06-21T00:39:00.001-07:002011-06-21T00:42:04.139-07:00On Point Layout, 9 pieced blocksAnd finally... here are the cutting and layout instructions for a lap quilt using 9 pieced blocks and 4 plain blocks. This quilt is set on point which makes for slightly trickier cutting and construction techniques...<br /><br /><a style="MARGIN: 12px auto 6px; DISPLAY: block; FONT: 14px Helvetica, Arial, Sans-serif; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none" title="View Square Lap Quilt on POINT on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/58363477/Square-Lap-Quilt-on-POINT">Square Lap Quilt on POINT</a><iframe id="doc_29976" class="scribd_iframe_embed" height="600" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/58363477/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-108nqbv8ti02wjudoay1" frameborder="0" width="100%" scrolling="no" ratio="0.772727272727273"></iframe><br /><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-26837027882007177862011-06-16T20:22:00.000-07:002011-06-16T20:23:30.362-07:00Fabric & Cutting Requirements for your SQUARE LAP QUILTPrint out the fabric and cutting requirements to finish a quilt using 16 x 12" blocks here:<br /><br /><a title="View Square Quilt Fabric and Cutting on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/58065329/Square-Quilt-Fabric-and-Cutting" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Square Quilt Fabric and Cutting</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/58065329/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-1ee2jttd19l57n4pn3xk" data-auto-height="true" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" scrolling="no" id="doc_56989" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5300530296359764740.post-42158490616090653362011-06-16T19:43:00.000-07:002011-06-16T19:50:18.201-07:00Fabric and Cutting Requirements for your BABY QUILTPrint out the fabric and cutting requirements for your Baby Quilt here:<br /><br /><a title="View Baby Quilt Fabric and Cutting on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/58063233/Baby-Quilt-Fabric-and-Cutting" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Baby Quilt Fabric and Cutting</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/58063233/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-z2xb4a679y2nxrlcior" data-auto-height="true" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" scrolling="no" id="doc_28501" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">(function() { var scribd = document.createElement("script"); scribd.type = "text/javascript"; scribd.async = true; scribd.src = "http://www.scribd.com/javascripts/embed_code/inject.js"; var s = document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(scribd, s); })();</script>Lorenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10922247707368223279noreply@blogger.com0