Quilt-A-Palooza!

Wordle

2011-09-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

A step in the right direction

2009-11-14T13:31:00.001-05:00

Ok, progress thus far: I needed a pattern for the Hoffman Challenge quilt. I found one and fell head over heels. PROBLEM.

Rules state you must get permission to use another’s pattern. I’m just a podunk quilter from nowhere, but hey, the worst they could say is no. I’d have to redraft the pattern anyway to make it smaller so I could easily find a common use block and run with it.

So I emailed the company.

Yesterday there was a letter. YES doof that I am, my hands were shaking. I got permission!!! YEAHHHHHHH!

Talk about a boost of confidence! So now I can begin drafting my pattern. Next week I will order the last of the fabrics. And soon, cutting and sewing! I may have to wait until after the holidays, since I have other sewing to do. But with the deadline not until July 2010, I feel confident :)

The Hoffman Challenge 2010

2009-11-07T03:54:00.004-05:00

After SIX years of saying "I'd like to..." this year (and next) I am going to be working on a quilt entry for the Hoffman Challenge 2010!

Here is a link to the Hoffman Challenge Fabrics I will be using in my quilt. The only required fabric is this one, from the "Treasures of the East" collection:

I've had quilt designs dancing in my head since this fabric was picked, and realized they were far too advanced for my skills. I dream big ;) But after going through some quilt books, I've narrowed it down to about 5 or so patterns.

The rules state you do not have to use Hoffman fabrics for your quilt (aside from the challenge fabric), but when seeing the range, I've decided to base my quilt on the entire collection, plus a few recommended coordinates. I even picked up some Hoffman Bali Batiks for good luck ;)

So I'm waiting anxiously for the rest to arrive, any day now, and I can't wait to see the challenge fabric IRL.

I'm thinking of doing a few videos while I make this, instead of just photographs, because, well, this competitor would like to keep her entry under wraps until I'm done. My secret project :D

I can't believe how excited I am...though I'm sure some nerves will show up here and there. I hope to start drafting my design this week, since you are limited to a 40"x40" quilt maximum, and the designs I'm looking at will have to be resized. But this is good, since working on larger quilts can wreak havok on my neck and back. And the competition closes in July, plenty of time to work and perfect my entry.

Here is the link to the Hoffman Challenge website.

Until next time, keep quilting!

Work in Progress--La Vie en Rose

2009-08-23T06:17:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was a happy day--the ordering of FABRIC! Yes, eQuilter.com *loves* me LOL

Now I must patiently (ha!) wait for my "quilt in a box" to come. SO much easier to get it all at once so I don't have to run out for something in the middle of it.

I'm going to be trying a "new" quilting method (well, new to me) called "Quilt as you go". After you finish a block, you layer it with a same-sized piece of batting and quilt that, sewing each block together after quilting. The blocks alone are 16" for this quilt, and it will be my largest I think (Bridal Path comes close). Trying to get all that under my Bernina is HARD.

Here are thumbnails of what's going into my quilt (pix courtesy of eQuilter.com):

Yes, I like pink LOL Even the thread is called Parisian Rose. My little piece of Paris until I can go there myself :)

GRAND OPENING!!

2009-08-18T04:17:00.003-04:00

I am proud to announce my GRAND OPENING of The Crafty Angel on Etsy!!!

You will find 8 custom quilts listed for sale--each pattern is different, so take a look at them all! These are truly custom quilts--while I do have artistic licence, my customers will have the choice of various fabrics (stated in each listing). No two quilts are alike, and not just because they are hand-made. I strive for a unique look to each one.

Who knew when I made that vent earlier last month that I would wind up here? I'm so grateful to all who have supported me, given me great feedback, and encouraged me to find an outlet for my quilts.

I get to do something I LOVE and get paid for it. How cool is that? :)

My Portfolio

2009-08-17T05:21:00.008-04:00

All my Quilts, from 2003-2009. Many of these will be available for CUSTOM ORDERS on my Etsy shop--TheCraftyAngel.Etsy.com. I am still building my shop, but if you see something you're interested in, please hop over there or email me headacheslayer @ gmail dot com (leave out spaces, add the dot).

Quilt consultations can take up to 1 week. Allow 1 week for ordering any fabric. Constructing a quilt start to finish can take up to 3 weeks, and then the quilt will be shipped to you! These will TRULY be custom--not just a name stitched on somewhere. You will choose *some* of the fabrics, the pattern (prices differ), and state likes/dislikes. So some will be a surprise--that's the fun part for me! But my goal is to give you a useable piece of art that will bring you joy for years to come. I am so grateful for all the amazing comments I got on the Menagerie Quilt which inspired me to find Etsy. I hope that everyone finds a passion like quilting is for me, that brings them exquisite bliss!

And now, for the quilts!

This was my very first quilt, "Railfence Toss", from my first quilting class. I was fortunate to be taught by Eva Larkin, Quilter and Author. I try to remember all she taught me. But mostly about having fun with my quilts and not overstressing about perfection.

*This quilt will be available for custom orders*

Two School Auction Quilts: The first, "Going to a Go-Go" in a 70's theme with photographs, the second "Lights, Camera, Action" in a movie theme.

*Both will be available for Custom Orders (the second will have prints in place of movie photos)*

I created this quilt "Photo Quilting Class" for the first class that I taught in 2004. While there are many ways to reproduce photographs onto fabric, I prefer the ready-to-print sheets, which I will be using on my quilts in the future. I was stressed about this quilt--my machine was acting up, and we were in the midst of the 3 Hurricanes that eventually crossed Florida. But the class went on as planned :)

*Available as a custom Photo quilt*

"Grandma's Sweethearts", "Rhapsody in Blue", "More Precious Than Gold"--all 3 made for Grandmothers and Great-Grandmother.

*Available for custom Photo Quilt*

"WaterBirth FantaSea"--made for a dear friend's baby.

*Available for custom Quilt*

"Wedding Path" for my Sister. The hardest quilt I've done to date!

*Not available for custom purchase*

"Vollyballs" and "Pirates" Sudoku quilts--based on the number puzzle game. Made for my kids.

*Available for Custom Quilt*

"The Menagerie" for my future Nephew! This is, by far, hands-down, my favorite of all! There are 70 fabrics in this quilt. I can't wait to see him on it!

*Avalable for custom quilts--Custom order will have fewer fabrics*

Keep in mind, that I don't make the same quilt twice. Same pattern yes, maybe even a few of the same fabrics (I'm working on a good stash here!). But I like that each is a one-of-a-kind Quilt. My artistic soul will never get bored!

If you like what you see, keep an eye on TheCraftyAngel.Etsy.com! If you can't wait, give me a nudge and I'll set up a listing just for you! I'll make an announcement when my shop is officially open!

The Menagerie Quilt! UPDATED

2009-07-31T04:50:00.005-04:00

For my future Nephew, due in September. I finished it with about 16 hrs to spare for the baby shower. My sister loved it! I have to say, it is my favorite so far.

Some CloseUps of some of the blocks....

Once I add the quilt label, there will be a total of 70 fabrics in this quilt (not counting the batting). Yeah I loooooove coordinating fabrics ;) I have outdone myself this time!

Here's the back....normally I go for extra wide backing, so you don't have to piece it for a large quilt, but I could not resist the bright, kid-friendly colors on this print! Piecing was a cinch, you can see a few of the ties (multi-colored yarn).

And there you have it! My Nephew is due any day now :)

Update on the Quilt

2009-07-23T06:34:00.002-04:00

But first: A vent.

It drives me nuts when I see Quilters who sell cheap quilts. Either they are using inferior materials, are using cheap labor, or don't value their time. It makes it so hard for those of us who value our art and yet can't find buyers because "they can get one cheaper".

The baby quilt I'm making has cost about $150 or so, just in materials. Add 2 weeks' time, and people cringe when I quote them the price of a custom made quilt? I use top of the line fabrics, quality batting and thread, and do part of the stitching by hand. The pain I go through making a quilt is worth it to do something I passionately love.

And my quilts are made to last. I want them to become heirlooms that will be passed down to future generations. Not something that falls apart or fades after a few washings. While art, they are meant to be used, to be loved and treasured. I cannot describe the thrill I got seeing a quilt my Great-Grandmother had made. It was used and worn to the point it needs repair, but a work of art. Love that has been passed down. A part of her that will always be.

THAT is why I don't buy my materials from the local superstore.

OK. Now that's out of my system. Back to the baby quilt!

The front is done, the back pieced and sewn, and my loving husband JudoMan pinned the quilt together. A man who quilts? Heck YES! My pain is just too great to pin the quilt, so while it was fun to do it with him, now I let him go at it. And I am very grateful :)

So next step, sewing on the binding, and then I will be tying the quilt. I'm debating between a vibrant rainbow colored yarn, or a more subtle one that matches the quilt AND the baby's room. It's the yarn I'm using to knit a blanket for him. I bought um, alot. LOL I didn't know how much I would need. I'm a Newbie Knitter.

Anyway I hope to stitch on the binding today. Since the shower is Sunday, I'm going to start tying today. Hopefully finish it by tonight. My daughter, JudoQueen is competing in the Judo Jr. Olympics tomorrow, and there is looooots of time between her matches. So I'm thinking of handstitching the binding there (maybe hand out some business cards? ::perk::). That leaves Saturday to finish, as the shower is Sunday morning. I REALLY want to have it all done by then.

The only thing that will remain is the quilt label. I will wait until he's born, get a photo, and put that and his birth stats on the label. I did that for a friend and it came out so sweet.

And then I'll shed a few tears when it's done. I always getting a stirring in my heart when it's over, a labor of love.

But I've started designing/collecting fabric for my next quilt....so I won't be too lonesome for long! ;)

Sorry no new photos...they are on JM's computer. Hope to have them up by next week at the latest.

Menagerie of Quilt Blocks

2009-07-15T08:31:00.008-04:00

Photographed unsewn, I am more than halfway done sewing the blocks (which are all the same size). Enjoy the critters!

Yummy Bali Pops! (These were strips I didn't even use)

Backing--I chose a regular print instead of extra-wide backing, so the red is to piece the back

(L-R) Binding, Outer Focus fabric (to frame blocks), Sashing

Fabric Euphoria!

2009-07-11T03:39:00.003-04:00

My "Quilt in a Box" from eQuilter.com came today--all TEN POUNDS of it LOL. That's a heckuva lot of fabric, eh? Well, I did get batting, a ruler, and thread as well, plus some extra fabrics that I'm not using in the baby quilt. So there :P

I am in Seventh Heaven. Seriously. It's been 1 1/2 yrs since I made the kids their quilts. Man I forgot what a rush it is to go through my stash plus new fabric and start matching them all together. That was one of my favorite things about buying from my local quilt store, dragging out bolts and then coordinating 10-15 fabrics (at least). It's a way better high than I get from my pain meds ;)

It really pays to keep all those scraps, since I'm doing 25 blocks and don't want any fabric repeats (aside from the animal prints themselves). And WOW oh WOW I have to gush over the Hoffman Bali Pops (I got the Strawberry Fields colorway.....ironic since that is my daughter's favorite Beatles' song). For about $32, you get 40 different strips of gorgeous Hoffman batiks, about 44" x 2 1/2". You get everything from "solids" to "prints" and the colors in my batch have cream, tans, greens, purples, reds, orange, and yellows, plus a few mixed. Tons of variety, and really versatile. I am hooked for good, even though I've been a Hoffman Batik fan for a long time.

I have about a third of the blocks/frames cut. 11 of the animal blocks are repeated, with 3 singles. The sides of the block are one color, the top/bottom are another. So, 3 fabrics per block. Super easy cutting right now (helps that I got a 5 1/2" square ruler for my 5" blocks). I should get the rest cut by tomorrow and then start sewing.

The baby shower is in 2 weeks, so I have to get cracking ;) I think this is going to be my favorite quilt so far. It will definitely be bright!!! My Nephew will have plenty to look at :)

Future Nephew Quilt

2009-07-02T04:49:00.007-04:00

I'm going to be an Aunt, sometime in September! And I just can't let such a grand ocassion go by without a quilt of course :) I've been going through my stash but obviously I need to shop for fabric at my favorite online store, EQuilter.com.

Here's a sampling of the fabrics I'll be using:

Obviously, there is a critter theme ;) I absolutely adore planning out a quilt in my head, though I still miss my old quilting shop so much. Nothing like playing with fabrics before you buy them ;) My computer is too old/slow to install EQ (no connection with the fabric website), so I just doodle it out in a notebook with all my quilt ideas.

The blocks will be simple--a 5x5 cut of the animal block, with 2 different color strips for a frame (like the Hoffman Bali Pops--a cool idea for a great price!). There will be 25 blocks with the lime green for sashing, the really crazy stripes for a border, and the ocean blue for binding. The back will be the "less crazy" stripes (the more symmetrical of the two fabrics).

Here at home, I have tons of strips leftover from other quilts, so my goal is that no two blocks will have the same frame. Yeah, I know, good luck with that ;) I also have clownfish, turtles, and frog fabrics. The finished size will be about 47" square. EQuilter has a great bamboo/organic cotton batting, so when my humongous box arrives, I will be ALL SET.

I never do the same quilt pattern twice, and I love to "name" them. All the quilts I've ever done have a label with the Title, my name, date, and location. Maybe someday I'll be a famous quilter LOL.

Heh, now if only I could buy everything on my wishlist there. I have fabrics saved for a Japanese theme quilt (in honor of my family's love of Judo) and a French quilt. Plus a few really neat fabrics just for fun. Too many fabrics, not enough money ::Sigh::

My New Amazon Shop!

2009-06-06T06:32:00.001-04:00

Right now, I have a Cross Stitch book and a scrumptious cookbook listed, but hope to have more soon. Stop by and say hello :)

Kneedled!

2009-05-26T04:58:00.006-04:00

Oh dear blog, how I have missed you! 2008 was not a good year, and I got very little, if any, crafting done.

While I will be working on a quilt later this summer, my current project is a baby blanket--I'm going to be an Aunt! I have not been knitting in a long time. My dear Mother-in-Law, who taught me to knit, passed away last year due to cancer. And I just couldn't bear to knit anything, because before she died, we were going to work on gloves, fingerless, since my hands often get cold.

I wasn't sure I'd even remember what to do, so I found my knitting book. I'd bought the yarn today, a lovely variegated yarn in blues and greens (this photo does not do the yarn justice):

It's called Country Stripe by Lily Sugar 'n Cream, 100% cotton. There are softer baby yarns out there, but I loved the colors and really wanted a natural fiber.

Before I could knit my first stitch, I cried, missing my MIL so very much. I hadn't moved beyond basic knitting and trying to read instructions on harder stuff is like trying to read another language. I learn best by someone showing me. And she's not here.

So this will be a basic garter stitch, and I think the color of the yarn (which matches the baby's room) will make the simple knitting look lovely. I can't wait to wrap him up in it (he's due in September)!

More photos as I make some progress....

I'm a KnitWit!

2007-10-25T06:28:00.000-04:00

My MIL taught me and DQ how to knit this summer. I am now completely nuts over it, looking for different needles, different gorgeous yarn, and even "Torn Fabric String".

My first project--a case for my PDA!

It's basic yarn, with a stockingette stitch, and I'm pretty darned proud.

My next, a case for my beloved MP3 player:

It's Chenille yarn and GAVE ME FITS trying to do the stockingette stitch, so after undoing it like 10 times (and the yarn falls apart doing that) I gave up and just stuck with the "knit stitch/garter stitch". MUCH better. I love the softness of this, the plush colors and the celtic button I found.

My current project is a tote bag using "Torn Fabric String" made from strips of batik fabric. OHHHHHH how I love this! So up my alley since I tend to use batiks in my quilts. It's going to be so very neat as soon as I can track down more to finish it.

I'd like my next project to be fingerless gloves; my hands get cold at the computer and other activities where I need the dexterity of my fingers. I'm going to hunt down some yummy natural yarn, perhaps cashmere or even silk or bamboo yarn. But I need more lessons first!

I'll be taking a few custom orders at The Crafty Angel. Hope to see you there!

Memo Boards

2007-10-25T05:35:00.000-04:00

One of my latest endeavors has been making "French Memo Boards"--Canvas covered with fabric and sewn with ribbons and buttons. Here are the first 3 I've made:

This was my very first, for my daughter's room. We fell in love with the realistic dolphin print and irridescent ribbons. This hangs directly on the wall with a picture hanger. You can insert items between the ribbon, or clip them to the ribbon (my daughter uses small slip barrettes). You can even loop award ribbons over the buttons themselves.

I wanted a place to show off my piano students and their progress (they earn points for practicing, which they redeem for prizes).

This is for our room, which will eventually be a whole Klimt theme. I got lucky, purchasing the last 1/2 yard of this European Klimt print from eQuilter. I think this is my favorite one, loved the sheer ribbon and antique-looking buttons, plus the variegated ribbon it hangs from. I had to put up pictures of our recently departed dog, Max, as well as our new puppy Willow, and her object of torment, Cassie the cat. I'll also put up some inspirational quotes and other things that strike my fancy.

If you are interested in one, please visit my newly opened BlogStore, The Crafty Angel! I will have custom orders available (just in time for the holidays) as well as a few other items.

Curtain-Palooza!

2007-07-20T17:06:00.000-04:00

I have been away far too long! I don't have any new quilts to show you yet; hopefully that will change in the next few months as my husband works on The Crafty Angel studio--my own room where I teach piano and work on crafts. I do share a bit of it with the kids, but it's like 75% MINE ALL MINE.

My headaches keep me from working very long on any sewing craft, but in recent months I have made curtains for the kids, the bathroom, and my new studio. Using Curtain rings with clips is SO very easy

Yes, I painted my bathroom orange. It's so bright and cheery! I don't usually buy Walmart fabric, but it matched my shower curtain (also from walmart).

A view of my Studio, I used a Hoffman Batik (big surprise).

Drama Queen's room--the fabric has words all over it, like Love, Hope, & Dream.

I couldn't resist using Cars for Superboy's room, since his room has a transportation theme.

This is part of the shelf my husband made for an old electric train, I added a little fiberfill for the "smoke".

I will be listing a Serger for Sale very soon, details to come on The Crafty Angel blog!

Dry Spell

2005-08-22T00:57:00.000-04:00

I took the plunge today and stitched together the backing for the quilt--and even then, the 20 minutes took a toll. I didn't dare do more since I had choir practice later. This is why God invented extra-wide backing fabric LOL.

In the next few days, we'll pin the quilt. We meaning me & GoalieMan. And there's a good chance the majority of it will be pinned by my husband. Hopefully the neurologist will figure out how to fix me so that I can quilt at a faster pace than say, a quilt a year @@. As it is, I won't touch the quilting on it until after we're back from our trip. The last time I spent any decent time on the quilt, I was in severe pain for three days, took me well over a week to feel "better".

So, what is left to do:
laying out quilt to be pinned, with backing, batting and quilt top;
pinning quilt;
machine quilting (I'm keeping it simple so it shouldn't take too long, maybe a couple of days);
machine stitching one edge of the binding;
hand stitching the other edge of the binding;
printing out the quilt label;
stitching label on.

Is it Spam if No one is Looking?

2005-08-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

I have to put up a banner for my ebay selling. I SO need to get my own webspace to host my own photos LOL.

Sign me up!

2005-07-23T02:40:00.000-04:00

My quilting has come to a near standstill with my headaches/neckpain. So it was with great interest that I came across this incredible fundraiser:

Jennifer Chiaverini's Authors' Album Quilt

Chiaverini, the author of the Elm Creek Quilts series, created this quilt as a fundraiser to help cure pediatric cancer. It is signed by 61 notable authors such as Judy Blume, Eric Carle, Beverly Cleary, and quilter Alex Anderson.

You betcha I'm going to buy some tickets!

Quilt in Pink

2005-06-14T03:50:00.000-04:00

I finished the quilt top for Quilt #10. I used 2 Moda marbled fabrics (the dark green and the medium pink in the block); a gorgeous pink/gold fabric; a batik (what did you expect?); and white Fairy Frost by Michael Miller in the center (plus a few other fabrics).

2005-06-14T03:48:00.000-04:00

Closeup of block

2005-06-14T03:47:00.001-04:00

The border

2005-06-14T03:47:00.000-04:00

Closeup 1

Closed

2005-05-26T14:14:00.000-04:00

My favorite quilt shop closed this month. I rarely get emotional over a business that ends--though there was the restaurant where I had my first date, and rehearsal dinner, with my husband. But the quilt shop wasn't just a "store".

People who love fabric know what I mean when I say how warm and luscious it is to be surrounded by walls of beautiful material. How you can walk among the rows of batiks, solids, whimsical prints, and how you just can't help but reach your fingertips out and touch it.

And then there are the friendships you strike up in a place like this. My first quilt teacher, a vibrant, charismatic woman who loves bright bold prints like I do. The employees who got as excited as I did when I had to coordinate 12 fabrics for a quilt, and it became a team effort. They loved seeing the finished products, and shushed my protestations when I didn't have something just quite right. And the owner, who was quick to order special items for me, and who wore me down into buying a *real* sewing machine (and do I owe her a debt of gratitude for that!)

Then there's the fact I taught my first quilt class there......that it was a haven when I was feeling a little stressed, a short little trip to a much-needed dose of fabric therapy. Even if I didn't purchase anything, just being in that room of color soothed me.

When I got the announcement they were closing, I literally had tears in my eyes. It went beyond knowing that I'd have to drive quite some distance to get quality fabric and quilting tools (the cheapo low-thread count fabrics just don't do it for me). It was losing a small community of like-minded people (mostly women) who share the same passion I do about quilting. Thankfully we'll all still be able to get together. And I can only hope that someone will see the same promise, the same charm in that shop, and it won't be long before I'll be seeing "Opening Soon".

Giving Away the Bride('s Quilt)

2005-05-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

My sister and new brother-in-law loved their quilt. It came out much better than I had hoped, and I got lots of lovely compliments. This is the first quilt that wasn't hard to give away (maybe because it was so darned hard??? LOL)

I wrote an entry about this quilt over at Give Me Something To Sing About, go take a peek ;)

Quilt #9

2005-05-05T15:30:00.000-04:00

Bridal Path--for my sister's Wedding

2005-05-05T15:24:00.000-04:00

Closer detail of Bridal Path

2005-05-05T15:23:00.000-04:00

Closeup of Bridal Path

The first quilt of 2005

2005-02-11T21:20:00.000-05:00

A new year, a new quilt :)

Bridal Path

I'm making this for my sister, she's getting married at the end of April. If you look at the "finished quilt" pattern, I'm not doing the fancy borders, but will be doing the "spacer blocks". I've picked out shades of sage, and a cream Fairy Frost (I love Michael Miller fabrics, and try to use FF in every quilt). This is my first quilt with triangles, so I'm branching out ;)

Blocks from Quilt #8--The Movie Quilt

2004-10-31T18:22:00.000-05:00

Finding Nemo

2004-10-31T18:21:00.001-05:00

Closeup

The Movie Quilt

2004-10-31T18:21:00.000-05:00

The Movie Quilt

2004-10-31T18:20:00.001-05:00

Shrek

2004-10-31T18:20:00.000-05:00

Pirates of the Caribbean

Another Auction

2004-10-13T18:10:00.000-04:00

Boy it's been way too long since I've updated! I've been busy sewing quilts of course ;)

I'm busy finishing another quilt for my daughter's school auction. Last years quilt sold for $275, and I hope this year's will do just as well, if not better!

Since the Christmas quilts, I've made a baby quilt for a friend, and another photo quilt. This photo quilt was for my first teaching gig at the quilt store! I used the Printed Treasures and self-treated fabric. Overall, I really love the Printed Treasures, but it's about double the cost.

My current quilt (#8...not bad for 15 mos of quilting, eh?) is movie-themed and I really think it's my best. And I'm already a bit misty-eyed at the idea of giving it away. I know it's for a great cause--past auctions helped fund things like the rock wall at the school. My daughter absolutely loves climbing it in her afterschool club. But still, you put so much time and effort and heart into a quilt, it's a bit hard to say goodbye.

Pictures later....I have to go pin the quilt!

From Photos to Fabric--Quilt #7

2004-09-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

Photo Class Quilt

Waterbirth FantaSea, Quilt #6

2004-08-19T18:12:00.000-04:00

A baby quilt for a friend

Grandma's Sweethearts

2003-12-25T18:06:00.000-05:00

Quilt 5

Christmas Quilts (Quilts 3 & 4)

2003-12-25T17:43:00.000-05:00

More Precious Than Gold

2003-12-25T17:42:00.000-05:00

Rhapsody In Blue

Quilts 3, 4, & 5

2003-10-20T17:40:00.000-04:00

The auction for the school quilt is this week!!

I've designed my next 3 quilts (Christmas gifts) on Paint Shop Pro (REALLY wishing I had EQ5 lol). The fabrics are so much more beautiful in real life!

I've cut out some of the fabrics for one quilt, hope to get sewing tonight!

Have a great week! :)

2003-10-09T17:39:00.000-04:00

Virtual quilt created with Paint Shop Pro.

My First Quilt--A Modified Rail Fence, using my favorite fabrics, Hoffman Batiks.

Empty Sewing Table

2003-10-09T17:37:00.000-04:00

I delivered the quilt to school on Wednesday. It got lots of oohs and ahhs, and I took pictures with the class. But I felt so sad leaving it there!!

The auction is in two weeks, and I'm really excited. Come to think of it, this will be the first craft I've ever sold (per se). I hope it sells high--not just for the school, but think of my reputation after that LOL ; )

I bought more fabric for more quilts--WHY do they use such nasty stuff on fabric??? It took 3 washings to get the gasoline smell out of one (and it's not completely gone ugh).

In any case I did another design on Paint Shop. The colors are darker and more plain than they are IRL, but you'll get the idea. I'm *really* looking forward to getting EQ5 lol.
And my DH finally hung my 1st quilt in our room, it looks pretty cool :)

Happy Sewing!

2003-10-05T17:34:00.000-04:00

Hippy Quilt

Sewing the Labels

2003-10-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

The kids have signed the labels, and I'm nearly done sewing them on. I'll be turning the quilt over to the school later this week ::::sniffle::::::

I've finally taken some pictures, enjoy! :)

The Home Stretch!

2003-09-27T17:27:00.000-04:00

I'm very nearly done hand-stitching the binding on. Can I just say how I HATE mitered corners??????? My corners don't look perfect, that's for sure :::sigh:::: I take it all back, the corners are the hardest part about this quilt!!

There are two weeks until the quilt is due for display. Another mom is going to be making the signature labels--I've designed them to be 60's symbols (the theme of the auction and thus, the quilt)--there will be a smiley face, a VW bug, a peace symbol, a "groovy" flower, and a go-go boot LOL. The kids will get to sign their names to them and I'll stitch them on. I'm thinking on the back, but we'll see how it looks. Anyway I didn't want to hog the whole quilt making process, and it will give me a little break.

Tonight, I started to get the pangs of "wow, I'm really going to give this away". I knew I'd feel sad in a way, after working so hard on it. Seems silly, I know, and it's not like it's the last quilt I'll ever do. Someone out there tell me I'm not alone in this??

I'm also nervous at the prospect of showing this off. My husband and child love it, but I think they are biased ;)

Ok, back to sewing!

Problem Solved--AHHH!

2003-09-22T17:26:00.000-04:00

The problem has been solved! Solution--I switched to a Singer brand needle from the Shmetz quilting needle. No more skipped stitches :)

I'm puzzled why the Shmetz worked for my other quilt, but at least the quilting is done and the edges trimmed.

On to the binding :)

Skipped Stitches---GRRRR

2003-09-21T17:24:00.000-04:00

Well, I'll get to the subject in a minute....

I finished sewing on all the sashing this week, and my husband helped me lay out and pin the quilt yesterday (he's quite secure in his masculinity LOL).

For my dear friend Ldyblunh, if you check my photo album there is a revised photo of the design ; ) Also, I tend to sew in little bursts when my youngest is happy watching (gulp) Barney or some other children's programming, or late in the evening. TV has its silver lining LOL

So I started the quilting today, and I'm getting skipped stitches?!?!?!?! Changed needles. Fine for awhile, then more skipping. OH TOS. I'm on new needle number 2, that seems better. I'm really at a loss, despite a Google search. That's pretty bad when I can't find help with Google!

I'm going to check with the place that serviced my machine and the quilt store, see if they have any ideas. I'm close enough to being done that I'll just make do with fixing problems, but I have to figure this out before I go on to other quilts.

I need Godiva :::whimper:::::

Block Sandwich....Yummy, Yummy

2003-09-15T17:23:00.000-04:00

All the sashing is done around the pictures, and the blocks have been (all together now) IRONED and trimmed.

My quilt instructor told us the next part was making "block sandwiches"--laying out the blocks the way I want them, then folding over column one onto column two, then stacking them top to bottom. By the time you get done, it's really easy to chain piece each row. (The "Yummy yummy" reference in the title is because my youngest child is a Wiggles fan. If you don't know who The Wiggles are, consider yourself blessed LOL).

I'm stunned, and GRATEFUL, that this quilt is going together so quickly! With 4 weeks until the quilt is due for display, I feel really good about finishing with time to spare. Which is a good thing, since I need to think about Halloween costumes next ROFL.

Off to butt those seams together and get sewing--Thanks for stopping by :)

The Sewing Has Started!

2003-09-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

The sewing has started :) And the ironing of course LOL. The photo blocks have the side sashing on them now, just waiting to iron them (again) and sew the top/bottom sashing on. The end result is supposed to look like a picture frame around each child's photo.

I think one of the tricky things about this stage is getting the 1/4" seam allowance just right so none of the muslin shows (side note: muslin WRINKLES. BADLY. Good thing I invested in a new Rowenta iron LOL).

I think I'll get all the sashing sewn on by tonight (more ironing.....they really need to invent self-pressing fabric LOL). So tomorrow I can start sewing the front of the quilt together........this is going faster than I anticipated :) What a relief! There are FOUR weeks left.......I'm finally feeling like this is doable ; ) Off to trim some seam allowances and back to sewing!

I'm known for diving in head-first into large projects. I love challenges, and I sure did get one this time :) Thanks for reading

Printing on the Fabric

2003-09-12T17:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, we were supposed to get the pictures for the quilt on CD in the morning, but there was a problem. So I wasn't able to start cropping the pictures until last night. Then we started ironing the fabric to the special freezer paper and began printing.

It wasn't coming out very dark (the fabric soaks up a lot of ink) so we had to reset the printer settings. Then some fabric jammed ::::groan::::: We were able to salvage half of it, but needed to treat another fabric sheet today. This part took longer than I thought, I was up until 3:45 a.m. ; )

We have to wash the pretreatment out of the fabric with Synthrapol (it's a textile detergent) and let that dry. Then I can start cropping the fabric and START SEWING :) Looks like another late night ahead LOL So I probably won't get to update until tomorrow night or Sunday. I've changed the quilt design just slightly so I'll try to remember to add an updated photo. Toodles, and thanks for reading!

Just Getting Started

2003-09-10T17:11:00.000-04:00

The design has been planned--a 60's themed quilt with photos from my child's class. One of the hardest parts is picking the fabric. It took 2 hours to pick the 7 fabrics (not including the muslin--the photos will be printed on that) that will make up this 25 block quilt.

This came after hours of calculating the amount of fabric I'd need. There is a lot of math in creating a quilt design (and I must admit, I am planning on getting a software program called Electronic Quilter for future designs). Then of course there is washing and ironing (almost more ironing than sewing in making a quilt LOL.)

Ahh the cutting of the fabric.......I think that is the hardest part. But I finished cutting 4 fabrics last night, until 2 a.m. (I do some of my best creative work late at night).

The muslin has been treated with Bubble Jet Set 2000 (fromDharmatrading.com) so that we can print the pictures right onto the fabric.

I'll get the photos on CD tomorrow, so the photo cropping (on Paint Shop Pro) and printing can begin. Thanks for reading :)