Halfway through quilting it, the tension decided it was tired of cooperating. Went completely out of whack. Of course, this never happens when I have a “just gotta make a quilt for fun” quilt on the frame and could play with it until the cows come home. Nooooo. It happens when I’ve got a graduation quilt up that has to be mailed by Monday to get it there for the graduation party on Saturday. Ugh. I completely ripped out the stitching in three of the squares. I’d get the thread loops on the bottom corrected, and it would railroad on top. I’d fix the top threads, and the bottom would loop again. AARRGGGH! I had my insurance agent on speed dial, as I was certain the machine would “mysteriously” fly out the upstairs window and crash into the front yard, and I’d need to file a claim.

Finally got the tension correct and sewed the binding on it on Wednesday. Spent most of the day Thursday watching movies and catching up on recorded TV shows while hand-stitching the binding to the back. My fingers are bruised, but it’s done. I always hand-stitch bindings, as it’s the only thing I do that is completely by hand. That way I can say it was “handmade” and feel like I’m telling the truth. It was shipped on Friday. It will get there with time to spare. Whew! Hannah’s a sweetie, and I know she’ll love it, so it was all worth it.

Oh, by the way, this is the second quilt I’ve made with zebra-striped fabric. I solemnly swear I will never do it again. My eyes go absolutely buggy trying to sew that stuff!

Miniature quilts have a hold on my heart, and she has several that are quite impressive!

I’ll be back with more quilts from the show tomorrow!

I was feeling pretty good about my progress until I took a break and counted up how many HSTs* I would need for a quilt that would measure about 90″ square.  I need another 80 blocks, and there are 16 squares in each block.  So, that means I need to sew together another 2,560 triangles.

Gulp.

Maybe this is why I like making miniature quilts so much – instant gratification!

p.s.  HST = half square triangles.  Two triangles are sewn together to form a square.

Waaaahhh!

I have no idea what I did to it, I just woke up one morning and I was in pain.  Has this happened to anyone else?  It really made me feel dumb.  And old!

So, I read and re-read my newest quilt magazines, watched a lot of NCIS reruns, played dumb computer games one-handed, and took a lot of pain pills.

Sigh.

It feels better now, enough so I can take the splint off occasionally, and I decided I could work on a project I started last August.  It’s called Economy Block, although I think I’ll name my quilt something else.

I used my Accuquilt Go! Baby to cut more triangles.

Using my Go made short work of all the cutting.  I was making dinner and cut most of these while waiting for stuff to cook.  I can turn the crank on the Go while wearing my brace, so I don’t re-injure my wrist.

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to sew some triangles together!

I’ll change up the label for each family member and add the poem I wrote on each one. I am not putting her date of birth (everyone knows when she was born), or her date of her death (that’s just too damn depressing) on any of the labels. I created it with Bubble Jet Set (just love that stuff!) and some Kona “Natural” fabric. Hopefully I’ll get it on the quilt and add the binding today. Then only 5 more to go!

(click for larger picture)

Aunt Martha is a hoot, and one of the wonkiest people I know. She’s funny, loves bright colors and anything different. So I decided to do some free-motion wonky flowers, and wavy lines in the sashing. It’s nice to be able do some practice quilting on these quilts. I find I don’t do free-motion quilting enough anymore. I tend to try to use rulers to make them look perfect. It was fun not having to do straight lines or perfect circles! The flowers are a bit skewed, but Aunt Martha will love it no matter what. I think I’ll do all these quilts with free-motion, giving myself the freedom to explore different patterns.

It looks quite pretty from the back:

(click for larger picture)

I’ve got many threads to snip, and a couple of errors to frog, but I’m happy with it. I did have a few areas where my tension was too tight (probably from moving a bit too fast) and the blue thread from the front shows on the back. But it will hopefully settle itself into the quilt on the first wash. And, frankly, I don’t care that it did. Aunt Martha will love it anyway!

I did free-hand leaves on the border, which I think turned out pretty darn well.

(click for larger picture)

This was quite fun to do, and for once I relaxed and freed myself from the constant stress of quilting something perfectly. It was amazing how quickly it went, and how rewarding it was!

I LOVE how that quilt turned out!  What a precious quilt – I think the blocks show your mom’s clothing wonderfully, and the quilting you did on it compliments it beautifully.  The quilt has both dignity and playfulness.  You did good, girl!

Yeah, that song is stuck in my head now too.  Thanks, me.

I’ve started a quilt that is really out of my comfort range.  It’s almost all applique.  Here is the first of the two different blocks that make up this quilt:

I’m torn as to how to applique these intricate, curly pieces on.  I don’t want to turn under the seam allowance; that would take me forever and I just don’t have that kind of patience.

So I’m going to fuse these pieces and machine stitch them onto the background.  My question is what kind of stitch would work?  I’ve done buttonhole applique before, but I just don’t think it’s right for this fancy style of block.  I’m tempted to try raw-edge applique like Kelly does (from Don’t Look Now), but I’m scared that it will fray at the edges.  I’m not sure I want to use invisible thread, I’ve used it before and it’s kind of poky and shiny.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Peggi, I love, love, love this applique! You know, I’ve heard that MonoPoly has really changed their thread, and it’s not so “shiny” anymore. You know me – I don’t do applique much (you are the applique queen of the two of us!), but this certainly makes me want to try again!

It’s ridiculous, really, how many thimbles I have, but I kept trying to find one that fit me comfortably.

The round ones didn’t fit very well.  I don’t know about you, but my fingers are not perfectly round, and they don’t taper at the end.  I’m more of a stubby-fingered girl.

That white plastic one was the most comfortable of this bunch, but it was too big and I couldn’t feel anything through it, which made using it difficult.  Also, anything made of plastic ended up kind of sweaty and slimy.  The metal ones were okay, but I wanted something softer.

I never bothered trying to sew with those red things tied with the silly green dental floss.  I put one on and immediately disliked it.  The huge white thimble at the top looked promising, it is soft leather and has elastic over the top, so it is supposedly adjustable.  But the stitching was so tight I couldn’t get my finger inside, and I realized that the seams would end up right where my needle hits my finger.

I ended up using the black leather thimbles for a long time.  They’re soft enough that I can feel what I’m doing, and still protect me from getting stabbed.  They’re leather, so they shrink and expand, which is nice because when it’s hot, I get puffy.  However, the problem I ended up having with them was the same problem I have with most thimbles – they’re designed to push the needle from the tip of the finger, and I push with the side of my finger.

Now, this is the point where the Quilt Police will pipe up and tell me I’m doing it all wrong, and I have three words for them:  I DON’T CARE.  I’m perfectly comfortable with my technique.  Except for the fact that I can’t find a thimble I like, of course.  I hand-sew applique and bindings; I don’t hand quilt.  I’m very happy with my stitches, so I’m changing nuthin’.

The major problem with the black thimbles is that there are seams that run down the side of the thimble, and my needle was always getting stuck in the seam.

Until now, that is.  I finally found the perfect thimble.

I saw this in a magazine and immediately started haunting all of my local quilt shops for it, and finally found it at Fabric Depot (insert the sound of singing angels here).  Fabric Depot in Portland, Oregon is the Mother Lode.  It’s not really a quilt “shop”, it’s more like a fabric warehouse.  If you ever have the chance to go, plan on spending at least 3 hours, lots of money, and wear comfy shoes. If you bring your husband, there is a table, chairs, and tv conveniently located at the front of the store, or he can sit and nap in the car along with half a dozen other husbands out in the parking lot.  Bring a deck of cards, maybe they’ll get a game of poker going!

There’s a sizing hole in the package, but Clover doesn’t staple or glue the packaging, so if no one’s looking, you can actually slip that puppy out and try it on.  I fell in love.

It fits perfectly, the seams are on the TOP of my finger, it’s soft and doesn’t make my finger slimy.

What kind of thimble do you use?  What do you like/dislike about it?  Inquiring minds want to know!

P.S.  This is not a paid review, Clover has no idea who I am.  However, if they would like to pay me in spare thimbles, I’m up for it!

That’s quite the collection you’ve got there, girlfriend! I’ve seen some absolutely beautiful thimbles that are almost too pretty to even think about putting on my finger! I’m in the 1% who don’t use thimbles. I’ve tried several different kinds, the best of which was the same huge white leather thimble you show in your picture of leather thimbles. I just can’t get past that “band-aid” feel of thimbles. My finger feels huge in one!  I do use “Thimble It” self-stick thimble pads, which are flexible, oval plastic dots that sticks to a corner of my finger. They stick like crazy. I can even wash my hands while wearing one, and once found one still stuck to my finger – the next morning! – because they’re so unobtrusive. I forgot I had it on when I went to bed! One sticky pad will normally last long enough to bind two or three quilts.

I have several friends and family who are just beginning to quilt. I want them to start out correctly, and help them avoid a few of the mistakes that ended up in my “learning curve”, so I will be doing a few beginner tutorials for them, and anyone else out there who may need some guidance! (Disclaimer: This is how I do these things. There are many ways out there to quilt. These worked for me.) I will try to spell it out completely – with some general quilting hints along the way – as best I can.

Many quilters now have the option of getting a 1/4″ seam foot for their sewing machines. It’s a great investment, and if you get hooked on quilting,  you may want to get one down the road. It really takes the frustration out of sewing those seams, prevents endless “frogging” (ripping out stitches – rip-it, rip-it….get it?), and many trips to the refrigerator for beer or martini’s to calm one’s frazzled nerves. This tutorial is for those of you just starting to see if you enjoy quilting before making bigger investments!

CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO ENLARGE

First off, you’re going to need an index card, a stack of 6 Post-It© notes, and a few scraps of fabric, each cut exactly 2″ wide. Length doesn’t matter. I suggest 2 x 4″ pieces. Yep, that’s all you need. This isn’t rocket science and we don’t need no stinkin’ calculator or math teacher. An index card has nearly perfectly spaced 1/4″ lines!

Start by counting in two lines up from the bottom of the index card, and cutting directly ON that line, about 2/3 of the way up from the bottom of the card. Cut across, and take out that piece. You’ll end up with a card that looks like this:

Place this card under the needle in your machine. Now here’s where you need to read before you continue. It would seem easy enough – wouldn’t it? – to place that needle right on that 1/4″ mark and be on your way. Nope, probably not gonna work.

Needle on the line - don't do it!!

Here’s what happens if we use that blue line. IT WON’T BE AN EXACT 1/4″ SEAMLINE. Why? Because there are variables. First off, remember that I said these index card lines were nearly perfect? It means just that. There will be a little tweaking. Second, quilters actually use what is called a “scant” 1/4-inch seamline. You see, when you sew your line and open your fabric to press it, the thread and the fold actually take fabric away from the total seamline measurement. So you have to adjust your machine for that missing amount.

Trust me, all of this information IS important. It will make a difference in your quilting. I learned the hard way that it’s much easier to do it right the first time!

So, what we’re going to do instead is put the needle just to the right of that blue line that runs along the cut on the index card. Barely to the right. Use the hash marks on the top of your sewing machine to make sure the card is straight. (You know, where the 1/2″, 5/8″ lines are that you normally follow):

Do this!

We’re going to place the Post-It© notes along the first line of 1/4″ marks, measuring all the way down to make sure it’s an even 1/4″ away from that cut line. Put the sticky side of the Post-It© straight down that first line. Measure the middle and bottom to make sure they’re exactly 1/4″ away from that cut line.

Remove the index card. Now we’re going check for accuracy. Take three of your 2-inch fabric strips. Sew two strips together, butting your fabric against that sticky note line. Do not backstitch at the beginning or the end. Backstitching is not done in quilting (although some do) as it adds to the bulk of the seam.

HELPFUL HINT:  To avoid “bird nests”, or that big, knotted lump of thread that seems to form on the underside of your fabric when you start stitching, do this: Simply hold the top and bottom threads off to side, holding them down with your finger as you begin to sew. This allows you to start sewing right at the edge of the fabric.

Add the third strip to the second strip in the same manner, giving you a three-strip block (as shown in the very first picture).

Take your fabric to the ironing board. This next step is important for all the newbie quilters: PRESS THE SEAM FLAT BEFORE OPENING THE FABRIC. This “sets” the thread into the fabric. It imbeds the thread into the seamline and makes pressing it open much easier. This is also a step many quilters follow (including me) for perfectly flat seams.

Next, finger press the seams open, putting all the fabric to one side. This helps keep the fabric from stretching when you press it, as you’re “creasing” the seamline. The seam fabric is normally pressed towards the side with the darkest fabric.

Press the seams with the iron. Notice I said “press” not “iron”. “Ironing” is moving back and forth in long strokes. “Pressing” is gently laying the iron over the seam, and gently moving it down the seam, lifting the iron up-and-down. If you “iron” that block it’ll warp like a CD in a hot car. Bad. Very bad.

Note to newbies: There are two schools of thought about pressing seams open. Some (like me) always press seams to one side. Others press seams open, as you do when sewing clothing. It is purely a preference thing. For me, seams pressed to one side make it much easier to butt rows of blocks together. It is believed that seams pressed to one side are stronger. Try both and see which you prefer.

Now, measure your block. It should be EXACTLY 5-inches across. The center block should be EXACTLY 1-1/2-inches across.

Perfect! Good job! If, for some reason, you’re off a bit, go back and adjust your line again. But you should be pretty darn close. Of course, “close” only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

You can also use three layers of painters tape to mark your sewing line. This is how I used to do it. This way I was able to easily able change my bobbin and access the storage case in the front of my machine. Plus, it stays put better than the sticky notes.

I hope this helps you find your perfect seam line. If you have any questions, let me know!

Wow. What a freakin’ mess. Took a B-12 vitamin and became Wonder Woman – fabric has been flying around this room! I’ve spent the last 4 hours ironing interfacing on to all the knit and silky fabrics from mom’s tops for the six memorial quilts I’m making. That woman wore a LOT of knit! See that pile in the right corner? That’s leftover shirts in the event I run out of squares from what I’m currently cutting. Although I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Shoot, I’ve got enough fabric just from mom’s jeans to make all six quilts! I’m starting to think mom just didn’t like to do laundry.

Anyways, had a “slap-my-forhead” moment today. I’ve been cutting the shirts into 5.5″ strips, and laying them on the interfacing. I didn’t want to waste a lot of interfacing on areas that couldn’t be cut into squares. This method was incredibly time consuming. About halfway through the shirts I realized, for gawdsake, that I could have been cutting the interfacing to 5.5″ and laying it on the shirts! What. An. Idiot. It is SO much easier to determine where to place the interfacing!! I whipped through those shirts toot-sweet. My Reliable Velocity iron was a workhorse through the entire thing. As long as I kept it filled with water, that thing never stopped steaming, and never once spit water onto the shirts. I love that iron!

This is now my “to be cut into squares pile”:

Not bad. Will probably take me a morning to do. Once I add them to this pile…

…I should have a good assortment to choose from. I’ll get the sashings cut after that, and hope to start on the quilts this weekend!