I am entering the home stretch.  The Gator quilt is finally ready to quilt.

This quilt is being made without batting; just the quilt top and the fleece backing.  Sandwiching it was not fun and very hard to get flat.  When I am doing this, I generally use my hands and do a lot of flattening and smoothing out.  I do this with spray baste.  However, with the Gator quilt, I was afraid that if I ran my hands of the quilt top too much, my chalked quilt markings would be rubbed out.  So then I tried to do this with the quilt top on the bottom and laid the fleece on top – DISASTER!  Everything was wrinkly.

The problems didn’t end there.  The backing is tight on size.  I only have about 2″ on the top and bottom to spare.  Twice I sandwiched it and couldn’t get the fabric centered and ran out at the ends.  About 1 1/2 hours later (did I say I was doing this in the garage in the heat), I got it together, but it wasn’t perfect.  The top was smooth and flat – the quilt marks stayed perfectly – but this is what the back looked like:

I think the fleece got stretched out at some point.  So what I did was move this wrinkle slowly – remember is was spray basted – and little by little it moved to the edges.  It was kind of like moving an air bubble when you put on a screen protector.  In the end all turned out well.

I have decided that Little Brown Bird by Margart Docherty will be my next applique project.

After my magazine review podcast I heard from Errin telling me all about this pattern and where I can buy the CD.  I immediately ordered it, but when it came it, I knew that I would need more than just the printout of the pattern to complete such a difficult quilt.

The book is currently out of print – but a used copy was finally affordable on amazon.  Look what came in this week!

I am super excited to get started.  But you know me – I don’t stash – I am I going to need about 50 fat quarters to complete this one.  Plus background and border fabrics.  For now, I am slowly collecting everything that I need.  I guess in the meantime I will try to finish all my other hand projects I started that are sitting around.

I never really name my quilts, but when I was entering this project into my sewing room on SeamedUP.com I came up with “Wee are Twisted”. Because it is made with the Wee Play collection by American Jane and it is the Strip Twist pattern.

Here is the progress so far:

I really like it – I just thought it needed a border. Something that was not too busy. So I did some searching and found a great pieced border that looks like a curling ribbon. The idea is to surround this border with the red fabric used in the background of the ribbon. I think it will anchor the busy look of the pattern.

Of course – this one has to sit aside until the Gator Quilt is done.

I have finally started working on the Gator quilt again. I have been really nervous about messing it up in the quilting stage. But now that football season is starting in a matter of weeks I have renewed energy to finish it.

Here is sits on my sewing table turned into a lightbox. I am marking the quilting using a lightbox because the pattern I am using is from computer printouts. Once it is all marked, I will sandwich it.

I found several Gator logos on the internet. I saved the images, converted them to black and white, enlarged them and printed them out. After doing some sample quilting – see below – I decided it would be better if the words were legible on the back of the quilt. I figure you won’t see them too clearly on the front with all the busy fabric. So, I turned the printout over and traced the outline on the back. This is what I am copying onto the front of the quilt.

I will not use batting when I sandwich the quilt. I did two samples, one with and one without; Rick liked the one without better.

I have 6 of the strip twist blocks finished.  This is what they will look like next to each other.  I was worried about the fabric choice, but now I think it will look pretty good.  I will probably use this as a throw for me.

A few weeks ago, in a tiny bit of a fit, I started a new miniature quilt.  I was working to finish Rick’s gator quilt, and then Rick pulled out the gator blanket he bought at Wal-Mart and that did it.  He didn’t deserve for me to finish his quilt so I started something new.  I know, it is a bit toddler-ish, but I don’t care.

I had a paper piecing pattern for a feathered star surrounded by flying geese.  Today, I finished the flying geese strips.  It wasn’t hard because it was paper pieced, but it was tedious.  Most days it wore on me and I would only do a few seams.  But it was all cut out and was basically taking over my sewing table.

to give you some prospective, here is a pic with a quarter.  They are about 1 1/2″ wide.

I just need to sew on these strips and the outside borders and I will be done.

Sorry I have been so silent for a while.  I am doing fine and feeling well.  This is the first year that Morgan is home for the Summer.  Every other year was just like any other day because she was never in school; but now it is a true summer break.  I think I am having a hard time adjusting.  You know she is a non-stop jabber mouth; making the nights and weekends a flurry of activity and conversations.  I can’t seem to get a free moment to myself.

Anyway, this is the quilt top I made from 2 charm packs.  Nonnie tells me the pattern is called a “disappearing nine patch”.  I got the idea from Snippets of a Quilter.

One charm pack was a gift from Dawn; it was Moda’s  – a day in the country.  The other was just a pack I picked up on clearance at JoAnn’s.

Here is the picture of my completed miniature quilt top.  I have this one all ready to quilt.  I plan on quilting it by hand.

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

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

• What type of binding do you use?
• 28 votes
• 68% said double fold non-bias

Topic of the Week – Fabric Postcards

Items needed:

• Fabric for front and back
• I like the idea of white muslin for the back
• Fusable webbing
• Stablizer – Timtex, peltex, Fast2Fuse
• Thread
• PIGMA Pen

Design

• Can be pieces
• Can be fused pieces on top of background
• Can be embelished
• Can be a combination of all and any

Basics

1. Create your design on the fabric front
2. Fuse to the stablizier
3. Quilt as desired
4. Embellish as desired.
5. Fuse to the backing muslin
6. Finish the edges – I like a nice satin stich in a varigated thread.

Use a PIGMA Pen to write your message, address and return address

Adhere a self-adhesive stamp and mail!

Links to more info

• SewFunPatterns
• DollMakersJourney
• DebRichardson
• QuilterbyDesign

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

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:

• What do you consider yourself?
• 56% – Quilter
• 19% – Crafter

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.

• CanadianQuilter.com
• QuiltGuilds.com

First, thank you to everyone who has been leaving comments and sending pictures!!!  This week, I shared Corrine’s recent project.  Check it out – don’t you love the fabric?!?!  Until I posted this picture, I did not realize she embroidered a “K” in the center.  Leave a comment for Corrine – let her know what you think.

Question of the Week – Bernina won out! – I still want one.  I am trying to come up with creative ways to save up the money for one.

On to the Applique! – Please listen to the podcast while browsing these pictures.  Hopefully, I posted them all in the same order I talked about them.

Freezer Paper - find it in your grocery store near the foil

Trace your pattern onto the freezer paper - separate the pieces and account for the overlap of the design

Trace the design onto the background fabric using a water soluble marker

Close up picture of the design on the background

Cut out the freezer paper pieces and place them on the corresponding fabrics

Make sure all the pieces are numbered

Iron them onto the fabric, leaving a 1/2" space in between each. Don't cut them out until you are ready to sew

Cut out the piece with a scant 1/4 seam allowance, pin into place on background. I use small applique pins.

When pinning in place, line the freezer paper up with the outline on the background.

Fold under the edge of the fabric so it is even with the freezer paper. Slide your needle, with a knot on the end, under the fold and begin stitching.

Only grab a few threads of background fabric and a few threads of applique fabric for each stitch.

About 1/2" before the corner, fold the top of the corner under bluntly.

Use your needle the fold the fabric under, even with the freezer paper. For curves, sweep the needle in both directions until the curve is smooth.

Stitch to the point of the corner, adding an extra stitch on the point.Use your needle to fold the fabric under on the left side of the corner. Push tightly to the stitches on the point.Fold down the rest of the side past the corner and continue to stitch.Leave the freezer paper on until all the stitching is done.

The finished piece - front view

The back after stitching around the applique piece.

Pinch the backing fabric away from the applique fabric.Use small scissors to snip away the backing fabric, leaving a scant 1/4" seam allowance.Backing fabric cut away from applique piece.

Back after several pieces are sewn on and backing is cut away.

Today we talked about how to draw out a pattern.

Check out how many pieces are in the next applique block I am starting – it is going to take forever!!  There must be 500 points!  This is it drawn out on freezer paper.  I still have to cut it out and iron to fabric.

Here is the lastes block I finished on my Frolic quilt.

Goodies picked up at the last Quilt shop visit – Do you think an apron will make me a better cook?

Blocks finsihed for my basket block swap.  I just have to add the felted flowers.  The handle was the most difficult to come up with.  I kept cutting the strips too skinny to fold into a handle.

The first time you ever see a whitework quilt, you may be amazed at the intricacy and detail.  Although they may look like a project only an experienced, expert level quilter should attempt, they are really not that difficult.

Let’s break it down into the basic steps.

1. A white work quilt is essentially a whole cloth quilt.  So the first step is to pick out your fabric.  Choose a good quality quilting fabric in a wide width; a few inches wider than you want your finished project to be.  The top fabric can be the same as the backing.
2. Choose your patten or patterns.  Most whitework quilts have large motif designs in the center; like a medallian quilt.  You may also choose to put several motifs in place.  Also choose a pattern for the areas between the motifs.  Whitework quilts are quilting heavily, usually a maximum of 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.  A grid or feather pattern inbetween the motifs is very common.
3. Transfer you pattern onto the quilt top.  Do this the same as you would for any quilt using your most preferred method.
4. Baste your quilt, just like you alway would; with safety pins or large basting stitches.
5. Quilt, hand stitch, hand quilt, or embroider following the pattern you transferred on earlier.
6. Bind and you are done.

As you see, a Whitework quilt is not much different than any other quilt.  This type of quilting can be a nice change from piecing or applique.

I encourage everyone to give it a try.  Start off with a small piece to see if you like it.

Sorry, Guys.  I could not post a podcast this week.  Don’t worry, I am not a podfader.  I can list a ton of excuses, but I will explain fully during next week’s podcast.

In the meantime……

I finished another applique block for my Frolic quilt.  They are supposed to be snowshoes, but I think they look like maracas.  lol.  It is not my fault, it is the pattern.  When you look at them out of context, they just don’t look like snowshoes, but next to the other snow people, snow flakes, and holly branches they look more in place.

Things I learned during this block:

• Layering is great and it does save time – I didn’t stitch the parts that would have other pieces placed on top of it.
• Pinning helps keep everything in place when you insist on not using fusable or glue.
• Especially pin the larger pieces
• Cotton thread is great, but shreads after a while – only use 12-18 inch pieces and watch out for the shreading of the thread.  Tie off before the thread breaks.

I think my daughter’s favorite medium is Paper – she loves paper crafts and is always raiding my scapbooking supply.  Look what she made for Easter.  We don’t decorate eggs at my house, but she wanted to and figured out a way how.  During Easter Linner (lunch/dinner) she gave everyone an Easter egg.

There are several types of stitches that the whitework artist can use. The most common is the traditional quilting stitch. Others include:

• Cording – technique that involves stitching two parrallel lines and inserting a cord between them. Cording not only gives a raised sculpture look, it also adds stiffness to the area.
• Trapunto – also known as stuffed quilting, is when a design is stitched and then stuffed from the back. Trapunto adds a raised effect to the design; the amount the area is stuffed will determine the amount of the raised effect or the stiffness of the area.  Trapunto is accomplished using a backing or lining fabric.
• Candlewicking - this style gets it name from the type of thread used.  To candlewick you need to use a thicker thread, about the size of a candle wick.  Embroidery and quilting done with this thick thread creates texture to the design.  Most candlewicked designs use knotting or stem stiches.
• Drawn Work – also referred to as pulled fabric or hardanger embroidery; this is when some of the threads of the fabric are cut and pulled out after a section has been stitched.  This creates a see-through area, resembling lace.
• Stumpwork - a typle of stitching and embroidery where figures are 3 dimentional; raised from the surface.  For example, a design using a flower that has the petals 3-D; of raised off the surface: stumpworked.

Today we talked about practicing and the patterns all beginners should learn – plus the order they should learn them.

Thank you for all the great comments:

• Regular Contributors – Corrine, Colleen, Terri and Kelley
• Rona – another mother, career women, and quilter
• Kaye – my first follower on Twitter
• Michelle in Australia

Reviewed my busy week at work, house hunting and meeting my goals of completing one Hardanger coaster, one Applique block and visiting one quilt shop.

Question of the week results:

• 14 votes
• 64% only have one BOM

Beginner Patterns:

1. Use big pieces
2. All squares
3. 4-patch
4. 9-patch
5. 9 & 4-patch variations, rectangles
6. Irish Chain
7. Rail Fence
8. Log Cabin
9. Triangles, Diamonds & Curves

Tips for Success:

• Practice! – smaller projects may make it more fun.
• Experiment with fabrics, threads, needles, stitch length, batting. binding
• Rip it out!! – if the seams don’t match, fix it
• Learn one skill and build on it.
• Challenge yourself

Call to Action: (leave comments!)

• Would you be interested in a members only site with training materials and videos?
• Do you belong to an online quilt guild?
• Do you know any easy appliques patterns?
• Answer the question of the week.

Book where I got my info from:

The Ultimate Quilting Book by Maggi McCormick Gordon – sorry, couldn’t find it on Amazon

Music:

PodShow PodSafe Music Network

All Jazzed Up – By Brandon Sollins

Sorry, folks.  I recorded my podcast this morning and all was going well.  I finished and click stop on the recorded and BOOM!!  The computer shut the program down and nothing was saved.  I searched for a recovery for 30 minutes; by that time it was too late to re-record because the baby girl would be awake soon.

I am working from home tomorrow – so I will try again.  Luckily I use notes and can remember most of what I talked about.  If all goes well, I will have a new show for you tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, I finished another block of my hand appliques project “Frolic” and I started on the forth block.

How did the piano player get to Carnegie Hall?

Practice!

Practice is something that we cannot get away from.  Yes, it would be wonderful if we could sit down at our machines and automatically create the most beautiful, perfect pieces of work we have ever seen.  Wouldn’t it be great for the creative ideas to just spill out freely?  As much as we would like to be the creative expert, the only way to get there is by practicing. 

Learning to sew, to quilt, or to craft is a process.  We begin with learning the basics and build on that foundation.  Skipping steps is like putting the roof on before constructing the walls.  In today’s face paced, want it today~ want it now society, it is easy for the beginner to drop out before they the get to the good stuff.  Many of the most beautiful patterns are considered an expert level.  It could years of practice to gain the experience in order to do the project that drew you into the craft.

So, what is the quickest way to practice and gain the level of expertise you are looking for?  Truthfully, there is no real answer to this question; each person learns at a different rate and their personality effects how well they learn a skill.  That being said, the following projects are a great way to get started:

• Pot-holder
• Place mats
• Table runners
• Dresser Doilies
• Christmas Ornaments
• Christmas Tree Skirts
• Flag

These projects can be completed using just a few quilt blocks.  Many of them may only take one to four blocks and most of these projects can be completed quickly, giving you the satisfaction of finishing a project.  If you want to master a technique, make a few placemats; you will be able to learn a basic quilt block, quilting and binding.  Not to mention, applique; this is a wonderful way to try it out.  Instead of spending weeks working on the same blocks, as you would a full quilt, doing smaller projects will give you more variety and you may find it more enjoyable; plus the smaller scale is easier to work with when you are just starting out.

Remember to respect the creative process.  Everyone has to pay their dues to become great.  Start with the basics and add  new techniques as you go along.  Find what works for you and don’t give up.

If you are like me – you work, have kids, and have very little time to get to a class or guild – an online quilt class may be just what you are looking for.  I have been web surfing tonight and found several sites that offer online classes and online guilds.  Check them out!

Qult Campus - Classes, library, guild workshops, live chats

Quilt University - classes – first class is free!  Each class consists of written lessons, discussion forums, and photo galleries

The Quilting School – classes, free videos, forum, newsletter

Arbee Designs Ltd – Classes, patterns, books, articles

Victoriana Quilters – free classes to members; membership is only $19.50

The Academy of Quilting – affordable online classes with forums and photo galleries