Pattern: Modern Blocks: 99 blocks from your favorite designers Purpose: who knows Size: Dates: December 2010 This project started out as a quilt along on SeamedUP. I don’t stash and really only had scraps to start with. I ended up being able to make 33 large blocks and 20 small ones all out of my [...]
April 26, 2009 ~ Today we talking about keeping and organizing a Fabric Stash. Thank you to everyone who left reviews on iTunes and comments this week. Kelley from Pioneer Quilter, Corrine, Claire, and Shelly Beth from Fibermoon.com What did I do this week: Completed my first paperpieced block. Picked up stuff to make baby [...]
The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt by: Brenda Manges Papadakis Published by: Wrights Year Released: 1996 Construction: soft cover Pages: 160 Rating: 7 out of 10 This is a well known book that I only recently picked up. So this review my be late in the game, but I am trying to put all [...]
I found the neatest Etsy shop today – I just had to share. Customplastic makes custom plastic quilt block templates! Each template is made from 1/8″ clear plastic and is made with laser cutting equipment to ensure the templates are accurate. They even engrave the name of the template on it and some have the [...]
July 31, 2009 in Knitting
Today, I started to teach myself how to knit. I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and JoAnn’s. I picked up the “Taught Myself to Knit” kit – the same kind I got when I taught myself to Crochet. I also picked up a few free sock patterns and 4 skeins of yarn. The yarn is super soft.
Right now I am working on learning how to cast on….wish me luck!
July 30, 2009 in Embroidery & Needlework
I love hand-dyed embroidery floss. Truthfully, the first time I bought it, I bought it because I thought it would be “better” then the DMC I grew up with. This may be true and I haven’t taken the time to research why it may be “better”. What I did realize after using it was that it felt more like the fabric I was stitching it into.
IThe traditional DMC floss I used to use “way back when” was always very silky and shiney. It slides through the fabric and really stands out. This is great when you are creating an all embroidered project, but my current project is a quilt. The hand dyed threads I have purchased are 100% cotton, just like my fabric. They may not slip through my fabric as easily as DMC, but they blend so well.
My quilt shop carries the Crescent Colours brand and my cross stiching store carries Simply Shaker. The cost is about $2.75 for about 5 yards; as compared to DMC where you get 8.75 yards for about a $1. The neatest thing I have noticed is the wonderful colors hand-dyed threads come in. The hand dying creates a slightly verigated look, but the transitions are so smooth you barely notice. It makes your stitching look very natural. The colors are very vibrant and diverse.
Try it for your next project. Spend the extra at least one time to see the difference.
July 27, 2009 in Quilting
As usual, I forgot to add the links to my show notes yesterday. I have fixed it, but here you go.
Here are some great links to find more information on Fabric Postcards.
For Movie Monday, I thought I would share the video that the sewing machine store showed me about the Circular Attachment from Janome and one on free motion quilting. Enjoy.
Fast Tube by Casper
Fast Tube by Casper
July 26, 2009 in Quilting
July 26, 2009 ~ Today we talked about how to make a fabric postcard – Can you REALLY send them through the mail?!
Thank you to everyone who left comments this week. Shout out to Shelbe, Cherry, and Darla! Loved hearing from you.
Debby shared her latest project with us. A CRAZY quilt block. Don’t you love the texture?! I like how she used decorative stitches and the ribbon embroidered boquet. Please leave a comment and let Debby know what you think.
I saw a demo of the Janome Memory Craft 11000 Special Edition. This machine does everything you could imagine. I want one. My first choice would be a Bernina, but the Janome is thousands cheaper and more than meets my needs. Check out the sample they made for Morgan – the machine did everything, I just put it in the hoop, made my choices and hit “start”.
I practiced my free motion quilting this weekend. Here is my practice cloth. By the end I was getting it, but my tension was off – I need the Janome with the automatice tension. lol
I picked up this book at the Flea Market for $3 (original price was $20). It is in new condition with all the pieces. Morgan and I will be working on these projects over the next few weeks.
Question of the Week Results
Topic of the Week – Fabric Postcards
Items needed:
Design
Basics
Use a PIGMA Pen to write your message, address and return address
Adhere a self-adhesive stamp and mail!
Links to more info
July 20, 2009 in This n' That
Sorry, podcast listeners. So many times I record the podcast, but don’t post it until hours later. I forget what I have spoken about and to include all the information.
This week I highlighted Lisa’s blog. www.astitchoffaith.blogspot.com. Be sure to check out her blog – she does some great things with coupons and she is working on a Contrary Wife Quilt. Here is a picture of her block.
Here are the Clover Puff Quilting Clips – http://www.clover-usa.com/product.html
July 19, 2009 in Podcasts
July 19, 2009 ~ Today we talked about how to start a quilt guild.
Thank you to everyone who left comments this week. I really appreciate it. I had an email mishap this week with my new phone and accidently deleted a bunch of emails. Sorry, if I didn’t reply to yours.
I picked up two magazines this week – I would recommend them. They are not solely about quilting, but sewing in general. I am really enjoying them.
We got a new puppy! Meet “Reesee”. She looks just like a peanut butter cup. She is a 10 week only Chihuahua. She is miniature and probably won’t grow much bigger than 5lbs.
Question of the Week results:
I finished another block in my Frolic quilt – only 11 more to go!!!
Here are some great links on how to start a quilt guild.
July 12, 2009 in Podcasts
July 12, 2009 ~ This week I just caught you up on what I have been doing and how my projects are going. No topic, but plenty of craftiness.
My traveling with my stitching went very well. Here are some pictures of how I organized everything.
I wound my thread onto bobbins and they all fit into a pin case. I left the ends hanging out so that I could get thread without opening up the case.
I used a small piece of material to organize some pins and needles.
I kept my scissors on lanyards.
Everything fit into a gallon size zip-lock bag.
Here is my lastest block finished or the Frolic Quilt. I did this while on the road to DC.
Here are the blocks I received from the Facebook Quilt Block Swap.
Check out my daughter’s “Flower Party”!
Don’t forget to answer our question of the week.
Email me pictures of your projects and your ideas of what you would like to see in an iPhone App.
July 8, 2009 in This n' That
I am back from vacation. we had a wonderful time in our nation’s capitol. It is a great vacation spot – especially if you are interested in our history.
My family is not very fond of waiting while I go into quilt shops, so unfortunately, I did not get to go fabric shopping.
I did find one quilt in the museum of American History. But my husband quickly dragged me away. I did snap these few pictures. I didn’t get to read too much about it, but I do know that it was from the World Fair (I just don’t know what year). I don’t think you can see it in the picture, but it is all hand stitched.
I spent Independance Day on the lawn of the Washington Monument, waiting for the fireworks to begin. My five year old took this picture of me with my stitching. What a perfect day – sewing with the White House and monuments all within view.
July 3, 2009 in This n' That
I am on Vacation in Washington, DC. Sorry that I can’t post a podcast until well after July 7th. You can view pictures from my travels at www.flickr.com my profile is under “BryeLynn”.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and for those in the state – have a great independance day!! We will be watching the fireworks in our nation’s capital – Awesome!
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