Category: quilting

What not to do. Another lesson learned.

OK, I feel like a total idiot.  So, my one monthly goal project was to trim and bind a quilt. Here is the problem.  This was a UFO quilt that had been around for quite some time, so I decided to wash it before I quilted it.  So far, not to dumb, but wait…  At the lat minute, I got the crazy idea to wash the piece of batting that I was going to use also.  So far, not a problem, except for the fact that I washed them together and the pieced top was mostly black. Needless to say my quilt top came out with a ridiculous amount of lint all over it.  OK, so I deserve that for not thinking.  But wait there’s more.  I thought OK, so I will have to spend more than the usual amount of time removing lint and dog hair.  I proceeded to quilt it with all the lint all over it, like an idiot.  Then this morning as I was attempting to de-lint it and most of the lint was quilted into the quilt and would not easily come off with a lint roller.  I worked on if for …way to long and all the lint is still not gone.  I have to brush it with a toothbrush and then use the list roller before it even thinks about coming off.  I am so mad at myself.  It was like a parade of dumb mistakes.  In case it isn’t obvious, the photo are sheets from my lint roller.  Ahhhhh.  Stuff happens.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Not Exactly what I had Envisioned…

So, this is not what I had in my head.  I believe this is referred to as a Zipper Quilt.  I was laying out my colors in a way I thought would complement the design of the “Zipper quilt”.  I mean, it is OK, but somehow I had something else pictured.  Not sure why.  I laid it all out first, but then when it is all together I am surprised.  Usually, I don’t things things on my design board and like them better when they are sewn together.

The positive about this quilt, is that the blocks sew together really fast.  I chain pieced them, but in a sort of odd way.  I had 2 charm packs that I cut in half.  Then I cut 2.5 inch strips and sewed each of my 2.5 by 5.5 charm pieces to each 2.5 inch strip.  I had a 42″ strip with a bunch of my charms sewed to it and then just cut it apart.  Can’t remember how many strips I used, maybe 5.  Then it was just a matter of arranging and sewing them all together.

I do plan on quilting this in the near future.  May get brave and do something new (at least for me).  I will have to do some practicing first though.

 

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

An Interesting Quilting Hack

In my challenge to get better at the actual quilting, I am constantly reading advice etc, on how to do it better.  The truth is, practice makes you better.  However, I am always looking for products that might help me get better.  So, quilting gloves helped a bit, but it was only a $10 investment.  One of the things that I had been looking at was a Supreme Slider.  This is supposed to make the quilt slide more easily as you quilt along.  I had asked people and got mixed reviews as to whether it was a help or not, but I was still curious, however, not willing to spend $60.00 to see if it worked.

I had purchased 2 grill liners for the grilling season for $4.99 each.  After one use, I found it to be the pain in the but and the unopened grill liner sat on the counter, til today.  As I was making dinner a light bulb went off in my head.  The grill liner was silicone and super slippery.  So, after dinner I took it downstairs and cut a tiny hole in where the 20170709_181527_resizedneedle came down.  I took some masking tape and taped it down to my machine table (the original one sticks on it’s own).  Well, it worked like a charm.  It did make things slide easier and cost less20170709_182135_resized than $5.00.  I know we don’t all have an unlimited money supply, so every little bit helps.  If you don’t have a supreme slider, give it a try.

 

20170530_194122_resizedWe also had a sad weekend.  We had to say goodbye to our beautiful Clover Puppy.  Clover was a dog we were supposed to be fostering.  I knew the minute she walked into our house, she would never leave.  That was more than 10 years ago.  She was the kindest, sweetest dog that did not have a mean bone in her body.  She never let the fact that she was missing a front leg slow her down.  I know now that she is pain free and running with My Koko on all four legs.  We will as miss her dearly.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family, including the furry ones

Rescue, whenever possible

Interesting Surprise Quilt…

What is a Surprise Quilt?  Well, I would say it was a mystery quilt, but that is already taken.  I found these blocks in a box I was going through.   I was going to lay them all out and see what it looked like, however, they were all numbered, so I decided what the heck.  I had already laid them out at one point in time.  So, just sew them and see what happens.  The colors in the photo are not nearly as pretty as they are in person.

I have a vague recollection that these were left over jelly row strips from another baby quilt I made.  I just don’t remember laying them out and numbering them.  It was also extremely neatly written, which is very odd for me.  I am starting to think I have multiple personalities and one of them is the neat Quilter that lays thing out and meticulously numbers them.  Not sure if I like this person or I am scared of her.

Anyway, I will put a back on this and I will have a baby quilt to donate or give away, which ever opportunity presents itself first.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family

Holy Cow, I can’t believe I made it -One Monthly Goal

I did not think I could get it done.  My QADD (quilting Attention deficit disorder) took over, as expected.

Funny thing, I found this task less daunting if I just did 20 minutes here and there, which is what I did.  It worked, got it done.

Weird colors (leftovers) and super simple design.  These were leftovers from the second quilt I ever made.  I obliviously had no idea how much fabric it took to make a quilt because I actually bought enough to make 2.  Pretty sure it qualifies as a UFO.

I will show some up close evidence of my quilting once I get it trimmed and bound.

My daughter is holding it sideways though, it was to long for her.  So next quilting job I will have to use some of my new skills , from last weekends workshop.  Now it is just trimming and binding.  Not sure I will make that my next goal. I will have to see.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure your Family

 

 

I am not alone…

Spent Saturday at the local quilt guild’s Quilt-In.  They had a guest speaker teaching free20170624_114256_resized motion quilting.  I learned quite a few things, many techniques I was not familiar with.  I actually made quite  fantastic feather.  However, somehow I do not have a photo of it.  I think the biggest thing I got out of it was how not to be too critical and be adventuresome with new designs.  I actually feel like I my be able to venture out.  First I will have to finish my “One Monthly Goal” for June, then I can move onto another top where maybe I can try a new technique.  It was also interesting to see that many others struggled with the actual quilting part the way I do.  I am not alone.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family

A Sentimental Blast from the Past

In July, the quilt guild is having a garage sale for quilting fabric/items.  I was going through some boxes looking for things I could part with (more like make room for more) and came across this embroidered item.

Right away it brought tears to my eyes.  I made this from a kit that Oma sent me from Germany.  She knew I was crafty and often sent me something she knew I would like to do.  She also sent me a piece of silverware for my collection.  I so remember looking at that silver fork and looking at my mother wondering why I always got silverware from her on my birthday and at the holidays (along with the crafty items).  My mother would always tell me that I will appreciate it later.  While I hated getting utensils as a present when I was a kid, Mom was right.  I certainly do appreciate it now.  I have an entire set of silver for 12.  It is something I truly cherish.  Every holiday I think of her and my mother when I get it out.

Since Oma died when I was in my late teens, I imagine this piece is pretty old.  Maybe 40 years or close to it.  Once I ironed it, it was perfect.  Originally I think it was made to hang on your front door.  I may still do that, but not until I add something quilty.    I am thinking it needs to be colorful, hot pinks, oranges, lime greens.  Not sure of design yet, but I may keep it simple so not to take away from the embroidery and Oma’s memory.

Tomorrow I am going to a quilt in.  Yeah.  Can’t wait to spend the day with my friend Lynn doing what we love.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family

Just have to say…..More quilting money

So, a while back I had a blog post about more money for quilting.  It was using a couple of grocery store apps called Ibotta and Checkout51.  They let you earn money back on everyday things you buy at the grocery store. It really is stuff you already buy.  Bread, bacon, potatoes etc…

I am not usually a big proponent of apps or shopping apps.  However, when I saw this on the nightly news I had to look.  I decided I would give it a try.  Just my nature to try something at least once.

This brings me to my point.  I needed some fusible web, and a couple of pieces of Kona, and a couple of other miscellaneous items.  I spent about 90$, then with my coupons got it down to $61.00.  I used 3-$20.00 gift cards I got instantly form the Ibotta  shopping app (because I had been using it at the grocery store) when I cashed in and paid $1.01 for my bag of goodies.  Then scanned my Joann’s receipt into the same Ibotta app and earned an additional $6.00 back for next time.  I love a great deal, especially when it involves my favorite stuff.

I try not to take money out of the regular budget to feed my quilting addiction, so it makes me really happy when I can get a bag of goodies and pay nothing for it (or at least very little) and no one is the wiser.  Just thought I would mention it for those who have to eat and quilt and sometimes hide their quilting purchases.  Sort of free money.  I would love to send you a link as I can earn points, but that is not why I am telling you.  It is just so us quilters/crafters can feed our habit without feeling too guilty.  If you are interested, please email me at labrewer@gmail.com and I will send you a link.

Even if you don’t like to buy fabrics @ Joanns, they sell plenty of other supplies we all need.  In the words of my daughter, “just sayin”.  Have a great Day.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure your family

Test Block and more dog bones….

So, I decided to make a test block.  Wanted to see if I would like it and how big a pain in the butt it would be.  Not difficult at all, so we are OK there.  I think I may need to make a few additional blocks to see if I will like it and how it will work out.  I don’t want to use the same colors throughout.  Sort of want it scrappy, while retaining the light/dark effect.  Not sure how that will be, so I will make a couple more blocks.

20170607_205511_resizedThen, I finished English Paper Piecing my Dog Bone dresser scarf.  Only one more piece left to do, Kev’s dresser.  He really needs one because he has a habit of throwing change and screwdrivers, whatever is in his pocket, on our expensive bedroom furniture.  I had never bought bedroom furniture.  Always had second hand stuff.  Finally, in my fifties, I get my own, brand new bedroom furniture and I really like it.  So, I need to protect it with my dog bone dresser scarves.

 

It is also my crazy dog, Moka’s, second birthday and I am the 20170428_200049_resizedcrazy dog lady, so I will stop and get her something delicious on my way home or take her for ice cream.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family

Quilt Guild Blocks—not my style

So the local quilt that I participate is making string blocks for quilts that they will sell at a fund raiser for the group.  They pass out block kits to members.  I made mine, but have a hard time imagining that I will like this quilt.  It is a great way to use scraps for sure, but I am not sure I will like the end product.  But, I guess I don’t have to like it, it is not for me.  They used foundation paper from Missouri Star Quilt, which did make it simple and fast.  They are wonky looking because they have not been trimmed.

Epic Fail on my one monthly goal this past weekend.  I sat down and started to sew.  I got about 12 inches and realized that something did not sound right.  Yep. 5 trillion loops on the back side.  Somehow my machine was suddenly threaded incorrectly.  Of course i started pulling it out, but it is just not possible because I can’t really get to the underside of the quilt when it is on the frame.  I think I will just have to go on and pull all of it out  after I am finished and have taken the quilt out of the frame. Now I am mad at it (more myself) and don’t want to work on it. Ugh….

I went o my second quilt Guild meeting and I still like it.  They are having a quilt supply only garage sale next month.  Looking forward to getting rid of a few items i will never use.  They are also have a Saturday all day machine quilting thingy.  They have someone teaching free motion quilting or you can just sew whatever you like.  Looking forward to a day not doing the usual Saturday activities.  Fortunately, Kev is very supportive of these things.  Always encourages me to get out of the house.

Happy Sewing

Happy Quilting

Treasure Your Family