Sunday, February 28, 2016

Are you Tired of Looking?

Are you tired of looking at my free motion quilting practice pieces?  I do get tired while making them but I don't get tired of the process or playing with designs.
I have been a "doodler" for a long time. When I was working, I often sat in meetings and doodled.  I found that it actually helped me to keep my thoughts on the subject being discussed.  My hands and subconscious were occupied with the doodling-which freed my conscious brain to pay attention.  I would have my notes from meetings and classes surrounded by doodles and zentangle designs.  I think that free motion quilting is a lot like doodling.

So, on this piece I did what I frequently did on doodles when a line was "off" - I repeated the line to darken and correct it on the large motifs. That caused the spine of the feather to really show up.

I am showing the back and the front.  The red is really the front, but the design in the fabric (not a solid) doesn't show the quilting as well as the "dark mustard" back fabric.

I quilted this one with a twisted embroidery thread that is blue/red.  It blends visually and appears to be purple. The shine on the thread is a delight. It is a shame that it doesn't show in the photos.  Don't fall for the old saying that you can't use poly thread to quilt with.  It works just fine.

This section of the class is called "Showboats" - The feather is my main showboat with the heart, leaf and triangle-swirl being my secondary showboats.  That small stippling took more time than I had anticipated.  But in the end it really made it look good. (or at least I think so!)

Here is my second one:
Yes, I thik I like the first one better.  Isn't that always how it is?


If you want to check out this class it is the class Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli on Craftsy.  I am truly enjoying her teaching. (Please note that the class link is an affiliate link.  If you click it and purchase, I will receive compensation.)

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Quilted-Again!

One more "practice piece" from the class  Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli.  This is one where I did a "layered" design, similar to the last one.  This time I quilted with a variegated thread.  I think I prefer a solid thread.  I will likely try another one with a shiny polyester thread. 
By the way,  you should know that Connecting Threads is having a winter clearance sale.  They also have good solids at great prices. Many of the solids that I use come from Connecting Threads.  -like the one above.


Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Friday, February 26, 2016

One more quilted piece

The next lesson in Wild Quilting is layered combinations.   There are layers and partial layers and a few "surprise" bits.
I will probably do a second "take" on this lesson, but here is my first take piece.
The Class is this one:


#ad This is an affiliate link to the class.  Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli.

However, if you don't already do free motion quilting, you may want to start with a beginner class such as: (affiliate link also) Free Motion Quilting Essentials

Don't think that you can't learn this.  It is a learnable skill. You can do it. 

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

More Free Motion Quilting Success

Quilting before breakfast - even before my second cup of coffee?  Those that know me well are probably saying "Not Gene!"   But Wednesday morning that is what happened  The fires of inspiration were burning as brightly as the sun. The sun was nowhere to be seen in the sky because the rain and wind were still dancing madly and wildly.  But inspiration can trump weather, easily.
So, the next lesson in the class on Wild Quilting was on grouped designs.  I had watched most of it the previous night. I had started the piece but had to go to bed.  So on Wednesday morning this piece was completed.


You can click on the photos for a larger view
I put three photos because I am trying to show it off to the best advantage.  You know it is hard to get a good photo on a rainy day unless you have a photo studio (and I don't have one.)
This may sound like a brag, but it is more in the category of amazement.  I am impressed.  I am in awe to think that I did that. But I did stitch every stitch (good and bad, to be fair.)

I decided to share the review I wrote for this class.  It is a published review on Craftsy.   I am also including my affiliate link at the bottom of this post.  I appreciate it if you click through my link when you go there to order classes or supplies.


Below is the review I wrote for the class.
This class is great if you want to up your free motion quilting game.  After looking at Christina's samples, and thinking "I really wish I could quilt like that."  I convinced my budget to stretch and afford this class.
WOW!  Christina started it off fairly simple and builds on that foundation. The first piece was as easy as I thought it looked, but I was waiting for my "spectacular fail" on the second one.  Surprise! That firm foundation built by the first piece, along with Christina's insights into why she does it the way she does, really gave me the power to go with it.
The lightbulb in my head cranked up to 150 watts of energy.   I even did some quilting on the second one before my second cup of coffee and before breakfast.  Now that defines an inspiring teacher.


#ad This is an affiliate link to the class.  Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli.


FYI: The solid fabrics I am using for this class are Connecting Threads Quilter's Candy Solids

#ad This is an affiliate link to Connecting Threads Quilter's Candy Solids
 Thanks for stopping by.  Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Getting Wild On a Rainy Night

Yesterday, I posted about a class on Craftsy that I found very intriguing.  It is called Wild Quilting. I was really planning to wait for a month or so as I have a few extra expenses this month (car tags, homeowners insurance, medical copays, etc) But I was so tempted.   Then I remembered a "savings" type account that I hadn't looked at in a bit. I had the funds there, so I did it!

I am writing this the night before but scheduling the post for tomorrow morning, so understand that when I say: It is a rainy night with potential for some storms.  This new class is taking my mind off the "what ifs."  This class is causing me to feel as wild and free as the rain and winds.

I am loving the way Christina teaches this class. I could hardly wait to get to the sewing machine and start quilting.

The first lesson is titled Divide and Conquer.  It wasn't what I wanted to do, but I did want to go in order so I learn the basics first.  So here is my divide and conquer quilting.
I am most proud of the leaves in the second row from the left.  I know they aren't the prettiest part, but they scared me more than the other parts I did.   One of the designs is my own improvisational quilting design, based on pebbles and echoes.
Now I am ready to move on to the next lesson, where she says we will "take off the training wheels!"

I am off to watch the next lesson and quilt even more wildly!


#ad This is an affiliate link to the class.  Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli.
Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Go Wild Quilting

My friend, Christina Cameli, has just started teaching a new class on Craftsy. It is called Wild Quilting.  It looks wonderful.   This picture stole my heart.

I really want to take this class.  I have added it to my wish list.  I mean, just look at the wonderful and wild quilting on this piece.
I just thought I would share it with you in case someone else wants to go wild.
#ad This is an affiliate link to the class.  Wild Quilting by Christina Cameli.

Edited to add:  I couldn't resist.  I am taking this class!
Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Creating for Theatre

One of my "other" loves is working with a theatre group.  In my town, the theatre group is mostly volunteer as many community theatre groups are.   One of the directors contacted me a few weeks ago to assist in a production of  Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.  I am working in the wardrobe/costume area.   Some of the costumes are easy as the actors find them for themselves or even use their personal clothing when it works for the character.  Some are not so easy to find.  One of the pieces we needed was an apron with pockets for the housekeeper.  In this day and age few people use an apron. Those we did find either didn't have pockets are were not suitable for the rest of the costume.  For the sake of a quick change, it should not have to come over the head either.

So I did a little searching and found a few free patterns to work from.  I took ideas from several of them and came up with this apron.
The top is one of my woven works that was already on the mannequin -so just ignore it....although, I think it goes well with the apron.  I made a simple gathered apron with a waistband that ties. I used more of the waistband fabric to trim the tops of the pockets to add a bit more visual punch to the solid apron fabric.  I think for a quick sewing project, it came out nicely.


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Sunday, February 21, 2016

Forget it!

I am done with the "Splendid Sampler" quilt along.  The last block was 46 pieces.  The block released today is 48 pieces.  These are 6 inch finished blocks.  There are lots of bits cut off and tossed in this. (wasted fabric.)
So I am removing the widget from my side bar, unsubscribing from the emails, leaving the facebook group and moving on.  Clearly this was not a quilt along that I should be in.  I don't like fiddly tiny pieces and wasted fabric.

 Instead, I will do things that I enjoy - that is what life should be filled with!
What things do you make  that bring you joy in the process of making them?  Do those things. Life is short, so make it as sweet as you can manage.

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Leftovers - what to do?

You know that each week we have some leftovers when we cook at home.  What do you do with leftovers?  Some folks toss them out. Others make a stew or casserole with some of the leftovers.

When I made the Wing It block, yesterday, I had leftover pieces. So what to do with them?  There were a number of pre-pieced bits and pre-cut squares. There were also some trimming scraps.  And in my "sewing trash bag" I saw a piece of white fabric from another project.  So I rescued that piece of "leftovers" too.

I think I will add this one to the stack for my Sampler quilt. Here are both blocks.
The bottom one I am calling "Wing and a Prayer."  It is 6 1/2" square just like the top "Wing It" block.  I had a fun time playing with the "leftovers" and I got a perfectly good improv block out of it.
I think I added a bit of reimagining to my version and I think I like it.
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Thursday, February 18, 2016

Wings - Block 2

Today block two of the Splendid Sampler was published.  I made it, but I confess that I did not enjoy this one at all.  It is basically all piecing with a touch of embroidery.  I haven't done the embroidery just yet, but the block is pieced.  Remember that these are 6 1/2 inch blocks.
Each little square or half square triangle is 1 1/2 inch square. Those  are tiny pieces.  But they time I had all the subsections made I was tired of it.  My butterflies are not all facing the "correct" direction but I don't care.  The only way I would make this block again is to make each piece at least 2 inches square before sewing.  It was way too fiddly  and time consuming for a block of this size.  It will also make a lot of bulky seams to quilt over.  There are 46 pieces in this block.
If there are any more blocks that have this many pieces, I will be replacing them with something else.

That said, I did it!  So it was a learning experience. I think this would be a great design to make with a 5" square charm pack and yardage for the HSTs.  Then it could be the center of a medallion quilt.

You can see what it is supposed to look like here.

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Monday, February 15, 2016

More Love - Applique

Truthfully,  I have never really liked doing applique. There, I said it. But, surprise!  With the first Splendid Sampler block, I found that it isn't so bad.  And there are lots of ways to do applique.  If I do it, I generally prefer fusible.  This time I really didn't do fusible on either of them -except the glue to baste the one yesterday.

Today I tried again.  I had looked at a method using a fusible web product but it had no backing. All I have has backing except MistyFuse which was too thin for this.  So I improvised!
The method I saw had you sew the fusible web around the outline of the applique piece, cut a slit and turn on the sewn line.  Then you fuse it down and sew around it again.
Lacking the fusible web for this, I said "What else might work?"  There was a roll off tulle (6" I think) sitting in the cabinet.  (((Lightbulb!!!)))
I sewed the tulle around the shape onto the face of the fabric. Cut a slit and pulled out the paper. It turned pretty easily.  And then I ironed it. ---Would the tulle melt and make a horrid mess? - Whew, it didn't melt at all.
So I made a second Hearts Aflutter block:
I also changed the piecing a bit.  I made the corner cover squares larger - 2 inches instead of one and a half inches. 
I think I am having fun!
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Sunday, February 14, 2016

A Splendid Day to say I love you.

Happy Valentine's Day.  I love my readers.
As for the splendid part, today is the kickoff of the Splendid Sampler Quilt Along.  The first block is by Pat Sloan.  It is titled "Hearts Aflutter"  and mine looks like this:
The pattern had the heart upright and centered on the center line.  But I saw someone's block that had the heart tilted and I liked mine tilted also.  So I did it "my" way.   I did the applique differently than I originally planned.  I used Elmer's glue to  hold it in place before I stitched it.  I put a thin line of glue around the back edges, put the heart in place and pressed it until the glue was dry.   Then I took it to the sewing machine and sewed it in place with a type of blanket stitch.

The Splendid Sampler will have 100 blocks that are 6 1/2" inches square. There will be many techniques used.  I am sure I will take a pass on some of them.  And there will be two blocks released each week except for Christmas and New Year's Day. The blocks will come out on Sundays and Thursdays.

How long will I keep going at it?  Only time will tell.  But two small blocks a week isn't bad at all. As for fabrics, mine will be totally scrappy.  I will use whatever strikes my mood on the day I make the block.  For me, that makes it far easier to keep going.

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Flannel and Piecing ?

One of my friends online is a teacher and artist from Illinois.  Wanda's blog is Exuberant Color.  I read it every day. Although more days than not, I don't comment.
When Wanda posted recently about a Stack and Slash quilt she was making I decided to make use of her labels list.  I saw "Stack and Slash," so I clicked it.   I saw one in flannel and thought,  that would be a good use for the flannel fat quarter pack that has been in my stash for quite a while.  So I found the tutorial and also told Wanda that I wanted to make that quilt.  She send me her changes to the pattern.  Today I started on it.

One of the first things I learned is that if you are going to stack fat quarters for cutting pieces - trim them to the same size first.  (I cut some pieces short on the first go because the shorter fabric was underneath and I wasn't paying attention!)

Second - when the instructions say (in bold) Press to the dark side.  Do it - there is probably a very good reason. (sigh)

Anyway,  I got eight of the bordered square blocks made and I stacked and slashed four of them.  then I sewed them together.
This is not the proper layout because you need more blocks and more fabrics included to make it work out.

Lesson 3 - when using a FQ bundle be aware that the darks and lights are rarely even in number.  You may need to pull in another line of fabric to make it work out. When will fabric companies and designers learn that contrast does all the work?

 Lesson 4 - this is personal  - I don't love piecing with flannel. First it sticks together--but look out- it may crawl also.

So, I may finish this as a small quilt - or I may use the flannel (and these squares) for something else.
Those of you who piece with flannel let me ask "Do you starch it first?"  "Do you have any great tips for piecing  it without going crazy?"

Meanwhile on the crochet hook -the shawl is coming along nicely.

And on the knitting needles this shawl is coming along much more slowly.

And the socks?  Well that rabbit is one I quit chasing for a while.  I got tired of pulling out stitches to fix boo boos. And the fine yarn was making my eyes cross.
But I did find a pattern for crocheted socks.......


Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Dyeing to Warp

Several weeks ago, I decided to make two wool warps for my loom.  They will be used on the loom at the same time and woven as a single piece of cloth.  So why didn't I just make one warp?

Reason one is that I had plans to dye these warps. That is also why I used wool. I find wool much easier for me to dye.

So the two warps are now dyed and look amazing!   Here is a photo but I am not sure it does justice to the colors and intensity.

In the top warp you can see that there were parts that didn't dye completely. The blue end had come un-chained.  When I rechained it,  the part that was inside showed more.   I suspect this will happen randomly throughout the warp.  The truth is that this makes me very happy.  It will add more color and "sparkle" in the finished cloth.  This should be very fun to weave once I get it on the loom.

I have recently used a skein of hand dyed cotton yarn that I got from Blazing Shuttles website  to make a warp.  That warp is on my loom right now.

This is the warp rolled onto the warp beam at the back of the loom.

This is some of the fabric when I started weaving on the warp. Those bits of "white sparkle" are where the dye didn't penetrate the skein and left lovely variations in the threads.  This warp is a warm gray and violet/purple combination.  It is so much prettier in person than I am able to photograph it. I have about six yards of weaving to go yet.

I have more projects going than I have time to do...that is why my posting has been rather sporadic lately.  I am thankful for those of you that still drop in to see what is happening AND for those who comment.


Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Monday, February 08, 2016

I Strayed a Little (am I a Hooker now?)

When I went down the knitting rabbit hole, I was tempted by a squirrel and strayed a bit.
My Nana mentioned that she wanted a triangle prayer shawl.   I said, "I don't have a clue how to knit one of those."  She said "If I knew someone who crochets they could make me one."

Did I mention that I learned to crochet as a pre-adolescent?   I do indeed know how to crochet.  Hmmm...

So I found a pattern that even had a youtube video. (Video is an awesome learning tool - more on that later.)   I got some yarn and a hook and started.

I will be adding some light blue and white rows in here eventually.  It is amazing how old skills are remembered by your hands.

This post has ad links
Now about video as a learning tool - One of my favorite places to go for video classes is Craftsy. You have lifetime access to the classes and you can watch them over and over until you "get it."  Did you know that they now have 1000 classes?  Wow!  To celebrate, Craftsy has put the most commonly wishlisted classes on sale at 50% off.  That is a nice bargain.
How about this one:
 Free-Motion Quilting Essentials with Christina Cameli

Or perhaps maybe you want to try a crochet class where you learn to crochet cable designs?
Quick & Easy Crochet Cables with Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby

Or even a quilt as you go class

Or perhaps look and find one of your own choosing.  There are lots of classes on sale right now. So, go learn something new to try!

Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Down the Rabbit Hole

Just in case you wonder where I am--- I have fallen down a rabbit hole.  I think it is safe here, but it is a bit scary.

I pulled out the sock that I started knitting (how long ago was  that?) and started back on it.
As you can see, I have a bit of the cuff started. What I have discovered is that I have gotten better at knitting.  I think the class on Craftsy Improve your Knitting with Patty Lyons really helped me.  I gave this to myself as a birthday present.  Ms. Lyons is a very good instructor.

But the inspiration to start back on the sock came from signing up for  the Free Sock Knit Along Class (also on Craftsy.)  That gave me a jump start to work on this project again.  However, I am sticking with the pattern that I started with.  I saw that this class recommends that you already have made a basic sock.  So, I will finish this pair (say a prayer!) and then make one of the patterns from this class.


This post contains ad links.





Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated. Of course if you are a "No Reply Blogger" - I can not reply.