Gone to the Dark Side?

or have I simply seen the light?  I have always done hand applique.  Hand work, for many reasons,  appeals to me.  It is portable, sociable and I like the way it looks are amongst some of the reasons.  However, just lately I have had a hankering to learn machine applique.  For about the last year I kept thinking about joining a class or something to learn.  When I started talking to people about it I decided to teach myself.  Everything else I have ever done (in the craft line) I have taught myself, so I figured I could do this as well.

This is what made me hasten things along.

 It is Kim McLean's Flower Pot quilt.  There was discussion on my Yahoo group Repro Fabric Lovers, that Cabbage Rose quilt shop in Texas was offering this as a Block of the Month, with fabrics already lazer cut with vlisofix applied - all ready to just stick and stitch.  How easy is that?  Must be the ultimate lazy BOM!  Of course, you have to know how to do machine applique, or at least be ready to do hand buttonhole, in order to do it.  I could not work out how else to do it, so I paid my money and off I am going with something new to learn.  The first block arrived last week, and I really was torn between doing buttonhole by hand and risking making a mess with it on the machine.

The first bit I did by hand, and I did not like how it looked, and it was a bit tedious.  I have not taken these stitches out yet, but I will

The rest I did by machine and it was done in a flash!  No wonder people love doing applique this way.

Even the circles turned out well.  The next challenge is the threads.  All the people I asked gave me lots of different tips on threads, and stitch size, and bobbins etc.  I listened to it all, and just played about with threads.  I used Bobbin fill underneath, and on top just any thread that looked about the right colour.  See with these circles the one on the RHS the thread is a little darker, that was the first one I did, and then changed threads to something lighter.  I think it looks better.  The stitch size I varied (in the Bernina) between 1.5 and 2 wide and long, depending on how little the piece was.

My thread box got a going over.  There are cottons, and poly threads there, and some silks - I used them all to get the right colour.  However, I must tell you that my favourite is DMC machine embroidery thread.  I use it for hand piecing and applique, and I think it was pretty good for this job as well.  As yet, I have not found a place in Australia where I can buy it.  I did buy some when I was visiting the USA, then purchased online at Soft Expressions.

In no way am I attempting to tell you how to do machine applique like the experts, but I am telling you to have a go and experiment if you are in doubt.  Play about with the threads, and the stitches and see what you can come up with.  I love this project, and the fact that you can get a block done in less than a day has me hooked good and proper.

Just to prove that I have not totally "gone to the other side" I have got one whole border done on the Little Sisters quilt, and another one ready to do.

Family matters

I have been away.  Did you miss me?

I went to Sydney for a week to visit my family and attend my Uncle Ted's 90th birthday celebrations.

These are some of my lovely cousins - L to R - Sandra, Pam, me, Yvonne (the baby) and Rhonda.  It has been years since we were all together at one time.  The opportunities are rare now.

This is the "birthday boy" Edward J (Ted) Bennett.  Still looks handsome and has a smooth tongue.  Always ready with a compliment.

This is my Aunty Val - my mother's youngest sister.  Is there a family resemblance?  Yes indeed!

We had the luncheon at the Mosman RSL club, on the lower north shore of Sydney.  There are views right to the harbour from this roof top dining area.

I stayed with my cousin Pam for the first few days, then went to Newcastle for a visit.  Back to Sydney and to Rhonda's house are Killara.  I was lucky enough to meet up with my quilting buddies Sharon one day and with Maureen another day.  Went to a few quilt shops including Material Obsession which I have wanted to visit for years.  I have both their books, and really wanted to see the shop.  I also went to a new shop in Balmain - Calico and Ivy.  Very pretty shop with lots of Liberty fabrics, and lovely yarns as well.

Now back to the real world and work.........need to get into that sewing room. 

Nagging does work

It seems I have run out of excuses for not finishing my Little Sisters quilt.  It has been resting for 18 months.  Just lately I had Cheri give me a "hurry up" on it.  Penny has been at me too, as well as the very patient Dawn.

 It looked like this last time I posted on it.  It sat about since then.  this week I ran out of excuses, and started on the final border.  I had the drawing for the leaf/feather in my box for about 2 years, so that was not the problem, it was just working out how to get it to all fit around the edge.  That is worked out, and I will show you when it is all done.

I went to the cupboard to get out the red fabric, and could only find about 1 1/2metres left.  I am so sure I had more, and guess I have nibbled at it, or it is stashed some place else.  First thing in the next morning I jumped online and ordered another 2 yards just in case.  Really, I was surprised to find it, but will wait and see if I it arrives.  It is a very old Judie Rothermel Lancaster County 111.  Fingers crossed.  I am not even sure I like it any more, but it does give out that lovely warm red glow, as it has the little bit of yellow in the print.  The green is the same range.

 I use lunch wrap tissue on a roll to trace my drawing.  I can play with it a fair bit, rub out, copy etc, and it is pretty tough really.  Great for borders.

I do back-basting applique, so once the drawing is done, I can then just trace it onto the back of the fabric.  No need to worry about making templates.  Even the fine is done that way.

All the leaves are tacked in place, ready to applique.  Once they are done, then I can do the vine.  It is now portable, and I can take it anywhere with me.

 The first leaf is done.  Not so keen on all those curvy bits, but it will look fine in the end.

I added the in between border.  That bit hanging below is the centre of the quilt which I have not trimmed back yet.  Will leave it until I am really sure I have the measurements correct.

So girls, thanks for nagging, it is in the way again.

If you want to see any other posts on this quilt you can use the search facility near the top, on the RHS

New Tricks

I am attempting to teach myself how to do machine applique.  Yes, I know, everyone can do it!  I have never learned, and I thought I would teach myself as it could come in handy some day.  I asked friends and got all their suggestions together.  this is what I have come up with.  It is not intended to be a tutorial, just my clumsy attempt.

First thing is the list of things you need - design, fabric, vlisofix, pen, iron, tear-away, bobbin-fill, top thread, sewing machine, scissors.

 First thing is to draw your design shapes on the back of the Vlisofix - that is the paper side, not the sticky side, then cut out leaving a little space around the shapes.

Iron the shapes sticky side down onto the back of your fabrics.  Cut out on the line that you have drawn, through all layers.

Peel the paper off the back of the pieces, and place them where you want them to go.  I put them onto the drawing first, and them lifted them over onto the background fabric.  I used a block from the Maltaville Album Quilt for my drawing.

You still have to allow for the parts that go under and over, so leave a little extra fabric if you have to do this.  the top of the stem here goes under the flower.  I put the bits where I wanted and ironed them in place.  Behind the background fabric I used something called "tearaway".  I bought the iron on one, as I thought it would be easier for me as a beginner.  Not even sure if I actually need this, so will try some more without it.  Ready to go!

Get out the little book that goes with the machine, and find out what stitches you can use.  Some people recommended zig zag, others satin stitch, all kinds of ideas.  I settled on buttonhole/blanket stitch.  And, wouldn't you know it, my machine, has two varieties of these.  One goes back and forward and makes a fat looking stitch, the other is just single.  I tried the fat stitch for the bottom of the flower, and it just took ages to do.  Impatient as I am, I flicked the switch on that, and used the single stitch.  Just have to be a bit careful where the needle falls - inside or outside the line - when you start to go around corners.  Also, use the "needle down" position if your machine has that.  It helps with the corners.

Got the whole thing done in under an hour - drawing, cutting, ironing, sewing.  I could be going over to the "dark side" here....

On the back, with the tearaway still there, it looks like this.  Can you see the part at the bottom of the flower where I started with with double stitch?  Rip that paper away, and press it again.

All done!  I used only one thread on this sample - a caramel coloured Rasant thead.  I have been given lots advice on threads, and I think I just have to experiment with it and see what i like.

So, my advice here today, is if you want to try something new, just give it a go.  Talk to other people, read books, get all the ideas together, and give it a whirl.

Star quilts

After I posted the other day about the books I received, and in particular the Star book, I received an email from Marge.  Marge is the maker of the little crib quilt I showed the picture of, and was quite excited that I had chosen this one to display for you.  I love that little quilt, and if given permission, will re-print here  Marge's comments about how she made the quilt.  The inspiration for the quilt was the book "Small Endearments" by Sandi Fox.

I have made a few little quilts out of this book, but must admit that I missed this little beauty.  I am now going to correct that oversight, and make one for myself.  It will not be identical, and I usually adjust the measurements to make it easier.  Marge tells me she went to great lengths to authentically recreate the quilt.

Another of my favourite books for inspiration is "Crib Quilts and other small wonders" by Woodard and Greenstein.  I have spent many hours pouring over the pages of this book, and have made (I think) 5 quilts from this book.  The very first quilt I made from this book is this dear little medallion.

 at the top of the page.  If you look very closely you can see where the maker chopped off bits of fabric and blocks to make the rows fit.  Love that!  I made mine very similar, but used more colours.

 When ever I show this quilt I point out where I made the rows fit by adding bits of fabric.  We all get so hung up these days on perfection, and this little quilts shows that we do not have to have it perfect to be captivating.

I think I might take these two books to bed with me tonight.  It has been ages since I had a good look.

Bird of Paradise

For fans of the Bird of Paradise quilt,  also known as The Civil War Brides quilt, there is now a book!  I received a supply of these today.  They are by Karen Mowery, and contain beautiful photos and full size patterns.  I will have them on my website a little later today, but I am keeping one for myself!

There is a whole blog devoted to this quilt, and a great following.  I plan not to get caught up in it, but it is almost irresistible.

There were a few other books in the box that I am a bit excited about. "History Repeated" by Betsy Chutchian and Carol Staehle, of the 19th Century Patchwork Divas, in Texas; "Confederates in the Cornfield", by Edie McGinnis;  and finally a favourite topic - "Stars!A Study of 19th Century Star Quilts"

this one I LOVE!  There is no pattern for this one, but I think I could work it out myself.  There are patterns for many other star quilts.  I think it is the colour first that attracted me, and the simplicity of it.   I will have to get some more of these books, so I get to keep one for myself!

Big Shirt

All finished!  I got to use the button hole gadget on the Bernina for the first time in 5 years, and also there is a stitch for sewing the buttons on.  Very clever!

 I have already chosen the fabrics for the next shirt.  More golds/browns/teals.  Might have to leave it for a while and get some of my hand quilting out of the way.

There are two quilts I have to have finished by early March - one machine quilted for a magazine, and one hand quilted for a retreat at which I am teaching.

5 year project

I had a visit from my friend Marilyn today.  She is starting work on her UFO's and brought along the most pressing of these so we could baste it.

this quilt was started at the Quilt Encounter camp about 5 years ago.  We can not actually remember how many years it was or who the tutor was.  The design is called (I think) Grecian Keys.  If anyone can remember who the tutor was can you please let me know so i can acknowledge her. 

This top is about to be machine quilted, and needs to be completed in 10 days as a gift.  Don't you think it looks stunning!  It is So Marilyn!

I am a quilter

but a dressmaker as well.  I use to make every scrap of clothes for my family, including undies!  Since I started serious quilting, I have hardly made a scrap of clothing, and almost forgot some of the basics.

I had an idea about making a shirt of patchwork fabrics, and teamed up 5 different prints from Moda.  The fabric is beautiful to work with, and it drapes really nicely.

Do you think I like paisley?

It is not totally finished yet.  I need to sew down the collar stand, and work on the button holes.  In the past I have made button holes manually on my old Bernina machine.  I have not done any serious dressmaking since I have had the new Bernina 230.  According to the instruction book there are about 3 different ways to do them, and there is a fancy attachment as well.  I will have to do lots of practice I think to see how it all works.

Bright, isn't it?  You will see me coming in it.  I just chose fabrics I liked, not bothering about where they would be placed.  Nearly forgot - there is a pocket to go on LHS as well, so that might break it up a bit.

I am half way there

with these little Hexagon blocks, for the BOM, This Goes with That.  There are 8 months to the programme, with 2 different patterns each month.  As a sample, I have decided to make 3 of each block.

As you can see, I am having fun with the prints, and I LOVE big colours.  There are lots of different ways to set the blocks.  That is an entirely personal choice, but I plan to scatter amongst the pieced blocks, just some single hexagons with interesting prints

 I bet we all have a few of these types of prints, that you had stashed away, and knew that one day they would be useful.  This is the day!

In the packs each month you get these nifty perspex templates.  You can place these over your fabrics to see what they will look like once cut.  I either draw around them if I am sitting watching TV, and cut out by hand, or if you are in your sewing room, then you can use the rotary cutter.

Ok, this is the "advertisement" part.  The programme starts mid-February, so if you are kind of thinking you might want to join in, you have a couple of weeks (to the end of January) to register, after than there will be no extra names taken.  The cost is $38 per month, plus postage, which is about $3 in Australia, and $10 for the USA and Europe.  Other countries, please email me for a quote.

Back to playing with fabrics......

My New Job

For the past few years I have been a great fan of Karen Kay Buckley products, since discovering her Perfect Circles.  Then last year she brought out the Perfect Scissor, which are fabulous.  Now I have a new job - I am the Australian and New Zealand Distributor for KKB products!

In addition to the Perfect Circles, large and small, there are also Perfect Stems.  These are a bit of a treat, they help you make stems as thin as 1/8th" wide.

The scissors come in large and small - 7 1/2" and 4 1/2" .  The small ones I use for applique as they have  a slightly serrated cutting edge, so that it helps prevent fraying, and they cut right to the very point.   The large scissors also have the serrated edge, and you can cut up to 5 layers at a time.  Handy if you are cutting multiple shapes for applique.

All items are still available for retail customers on my website.  If you are a shop owner in Australia, or New Zealand , or have an online shop, you can now buy wholesale from me. 

Over the next couple of months there will be promotions in some Australian patchwork and craft magazines. I am a bit excited about it all.  When I "retired" from work last year, I never thought something like this would come my way.

Sometimes they find us

When you are thinking about what next to make, don't you think that sometimes they just find us, instead of us finding them?

I was out at my local op shop yesterday with the DH.  He looks for books, and I look for other treasures.  He called me to show me a heap of quilting magazines he had just found in a box.  I stopped him in time as he was loading his arms up, as they were mostly recent Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazines, most of which I already have.  However, there were a few treasures near the bottom of the box.  I always look out for old Lady's Circles and Quilt magazines.  They have old quilts often shown in historic homes.  I flipped through the pages and found something that took my eye!

this is dated 1988

I know the quilt shown is not exactly what I made but it gave me the idea.  Guess this is where "inspired by" comes in :-)

Last night I traced off the templates, and went through the scrap boxes - yes "boxes" - I have several and bags.

Before I went to bed I had the circle made, and settled on the cheddar background.  This was in the bottom of the cupboard.  I bought it for another project on the "to do" list, but that can wait a bit longer.  It is Moda Bella and the colour is Cheddar.

Today I dug out the collection of solids I had stashed for an Amish kind of project that never happened, and cut out the circles around the edge

The two circles are hand pieced together, then the outer circle appliqued in place.

I used my Larger Perfect Circles to make the centre ring from the background fabric.

Then I removed the circle template, pressed the circle, and appliqued that in place

Finally I could make the centre circle with one of the small Perfect Circles, and applique that in place.

Don;t you just love starting something new?  I do, and it inspires me to use up some of these treasured old fabrics I have laying about.  I plan to make each of the 20 blocks from a different set of fabrics, and the featured outer and inner rings will be a mixture of darker solids