Baskets Galore BOM

This block is called Cactus Basket.  There are lots of variations to this block, and I expect to have another one before I am finished.

It is a very simple block to make, either by hand or machine.  You are given instructions to make both.  When sewing by machine, and making the "flower" part of the block, be sure to stop sewing at the seam line, and do not sew into the seam allowance.  This will help you add the background pieces, as they need to be pivoted at the point.  You get a nice point that way.

The block is now ready to be downloaded on the Legend and Lace website.  Just remember that you have to put it into your shopping cart, and proceed to the checkout, but there is no charge.

As always, please let me know if you have a problem, and I will try and fix it (with my limited computer skills!)

Thanks for stopping by!

making hand quilting easy

When I set myself up at the Toowoomba quilt show last month, I had all my hand quilting gadgets with me.  Obviously not everyone knows about things to make the job easier. 

this is a Clover Domed needle holder.  People have told me that they have seen them in the shops, but had no idea what they were used for.  When I working on a hand quilting project, each night before I got to bed I thread up 10 needles with my YLI quilting thread.  The needles are slotted into the holes around the edge of the holder, you then wind the holder, so that all the threads disappear.  The needles are still threaded, but you only see the tips of them.  Put the lid on, it locks in place, then you can throw it into your sewing bag, and be ready for the next time you need it. 

Pull out the threads as you need them, and they come out without tangles.  I stick the needles back in when I have used up the length of thread, then start all over again.  Better than a pin cushion as they don't disappear.

Run the thread through a block of Thread Heaven. 

Run your thread through this little block of conditioner, and it makes the thread stronger, and helps prevent knotting. 

It is great for hand applique and piecing.  Can't work without it.

Next gadget is the Needle Puller

 This strange looking thing is also known as a Hedgehog.  A friend sent it to me, and I could not work out how or why I would use it.  It sat in the box for a while until I started having problems with my index finger, and it was painful in the winter to pull the needle.

 You have the thimble on the middle finger, and the needle puller on the index finger.

fill your needle up with stitches, slip the end over the point of the needle, clamp down with your thumb and pull through the needle with no pain.

There is also a little Youtude video of how to use it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rbs470emYU

People always ask me about these things when they see me using them, so I thought I would add them to the Notions section of the Legend and Lace website.  I have a few more new things come, so will add them as I get them.