Back among the Living - so to speak...

It seems like forever since I have visited my blog, but with resting my leg/knee for the better part of the week I really have had nothing to report. So today I thought I would happily report that I am back among the living and ready to start quilting again.

I did work on the hand quilting of the Mary Jane at play quilt and realized with all the years of cross-stitch, hand embroidery, sewing, etc. I have under my belt that hand quilting was not much different. It is very relaxing and I rather enjoyed it. However, me being a type-A personality I have a long way to go with getting my stitches "perfect" where I am satisfied with them. So this prompted me to try the free-motion quilting again using the Q-Snap hoop that my hubby bought me this week. It works great, only problem is that the hoop is too large even for my long-neck quilting machine. I really need a smaller size hoop and this Q-Snap hoop can be made from PVC piping and since I have the elbow joints I will see if hubby will make me a smaller one. Then off to work on quilting the Mary Jane quilt free-motion style. I will report back later when progress is made.

In the mean-time, my oldest Daughter stopped by the house and saw the apple core lap quilt I made and loved it. I mean really, really loved it. You are reading my mind...my next project is going to be another core quilt for her. I know this means yet another road block from my Quilter's Academy study, however, life still continues and I know she will be very surprised once it is finished. As the project progresses I will post some pics.

From rainy North Carolina...keep quilting,
debbie

Quick Update - Mary Jane Quilt

I have not posted for a couple of days because I am down for the count for about a week - WHAT HAPPENED you may ask. Well, I took a fall and now my left knee area is not happy. Long story short I am going to have to rest it for the week which means no sewing - OMG how will I survive. Luckily for me I had the borders on the Mary Jane quilt so I drew in the quilting design with a Mark-B-Gone pen and have it ready to quilt. I have wanted to learn lap quilting as well as machine quilting, so I am going to use this quilt to learn on. I realize it will be slow going but it will give me something to do while resting my leg/knee besides reading and the occasional nap.

I will try to post as I go along and put some pics of the progress. Otherwise, everyone have a great week and weekend and I will be in the recliner with thread in hand.

From beautiful North Carolina,
debbie

Mary Jane at Play Quilt

This quilt is my adaptation of Carrie's Country Lane Table Runner from vol. 1 of the QA series. As previously mentioned in my last post, since I have enough table runners for now, I wanted to use the Mary Jane fabric I had to construct a small quilt. I used the same three blocks as the table runner, just arranged them differently. Here is a visual view of where I am:

After sewing the blocks, you assemble the rows in a diagonal pattern. 

Rotate the topper and the blocks are in a "diamond" shape. The tops of the outer blocks are cut to create a flat edge.

I am pleased with how nicely the seams matched

up. I am learning and surprised at the same time.

Of course, all that spray starch helps everything

to lay flat.

Use your easy angle rule to
cut a nice corner edge.








Nice cutting, however, too late I made a huge error. I cut the blocks too close to the inner blocks and did not leave a 1/4" seam allowance for the border. I could just - oh, *^ bleep, bleep - too late now. Live and learn.






Otherwise, I think the top came together nicely and once the borders are added more pictures will be coming your way. Take care and have a pleasant evening,

From North Carolina,
debbie

Projects Update: Moving forward

(1) Log Cabin Table Runner is complete:

I had someone ask me if I enjoyed making this design and I told them NO. Since my coma a few years ago I have problems with rights and lefts and kept wanting to sew the log strips in the wrong places. However, since this is now complete I know this design is one that I still need to work on. Therefore I am already making plans for a large Log Cabin Quilt after I complete the next couple of projects.

(2) The next project in line is CARRIE’S COUNTRY LANES TABLE RUNNER using both the Rail Fence and 4-Patch blocks along with solid blocks. Since I have made several table runners lately I made the decision to turn this project into a small quilt with children's fun girl designs. I will then donate it to my local Project Linus organization.

In preparation for this quilt I wanted to stay as much as possible with Carrie's design, just altering the size. I used the skills from the drafting section of the QA book and redrew how I wanted the quilt to look. Then I calculated the amount of blocks I would need along with fabric. 

I have cut out all the pieces and am in the process of sewing the 4-Patch blocks together. Keeping my fingers crossed that my calculations are correct.

(3) After this project I will have 6 more and then the final exam. All of these will be completed as quilts with some being made in children's fabrics for Project Linus.

(4) While working on final tops, I am also working on free-motion quilting from Ms. Harriet's book Heirloom Machine Quilting, 4th Edition. 

I am also enjoying the crisp fall weather that is moving into North Carolina and looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. It is just around the corner. Enjoy your day...until next time,

debbie

Core Quilt is Complete...

My very special Core quilt is complete and currently being laundered so it will be ready for TV time tonight or perhaps a little nap time. However, in my last post I said I needed to purchase fabric for the binding, so, yesterday hubby and I went in search to see what we could find:

1. He realized me in a quilt shop is not a good combination since I fell in love with everything I saw.
2. After several shops I could not find anything that jumped out at me and said "I am it - take me home" for the binding. Problem is in the fabrics I used in the quilt - too much to find a good match.
3. Then it hit me - why not use the cheater binder made by Wright's? They have all colors and in the long run it would be a lot easier with all the cutting and sewing of making my own binding. I then thought what would Ms. Harriet say to this, but, sometimes you just have to make the best decision and go with it.
4. So, off to the local fabric shop and 3 packages of quilting tape later I am home with my binding.

I spent today sewing it on, turning it, and hand sewing in the back to hide the stitches. Here is a few pictures to show the final product. Fun huh?

Happy day from North Carolina,
debbie

Log Cabin Table Runner Update - (post #3)

Before I start quilting the Log Cabin Table Runner, I wanted to visually update you with a few pictures.  

Arrangement I selected for the layout. 

Sewn together with borders.

Now, for a fresh cup of coffee...have a beautiful day from North Carolina,

debbie

Log Cabin Update #1

It is amazing how much organization you can accomplish in your fabric closet when you have all your fabric pulled out - which I did looking for the right combo for the Log Cabin Quilt project. Now I can report that all my fabrics are neatly separated by color into their own wire baskets. Before I had them organized by "theme". I like color organization much better.

However, I am happy to say the blocks for my Log Cabin Table Runner are now complete. That is right - while putting these blocks together I thought how cool this would look in my kitchen as a table runner. Therefore, I cut the blocks to 8 each with a size of 10 1/2" x 10 1/2". I am still working on the arrangement, but hopefully pictures and a completed runner will be forthcoming soon.

Have a beautiful evening...from North Carolina,
debbie

Log Cabin Quilt

I spent the better part of last evening going through my stash to find fabrics for the next project, The Log Cabin Quilt. It was after trying several color combinations that I realized I did not have what is needed for this project. Now, as I have said several times, I am trying to use up my stash before going out and purchasing more fabrics - unless just absolutely needed. Most of what I have is fat quarters with a huge variance in colors. My dear friend from the coast decided to get out of sewing and quilting for other interest and gave me all the fabrics she had. I have been using them and figured now was the time to deplete the stash. But, I am getting off course...

So, after some frustration I knew there was a way I could make this top without having to make a fabric purchase and it hit me - I could do a scrap type quilt with a mixture of dark and light fabrics. I then pulled all my scrap pieces and fat quarters and began putting together a game plan.

Today has been spent matching, cutting, and sewing the blocks together.  Hopefully I will finish this process by tonight - but then there is this thing called life that keeps getting in the way. I think I want to take a stay home vacation where I am released from all duties for one week and can do nothing but work on my quilting. Think it will fly? Until next time...

From sunny North Carolina,
debbie

Well......

I am NOT a happy camper. I just spent almost 2 hours working on my binding for the CORE quilt making sure all the strips matched up perfectly so you could not see the seams. Then when I held it up to the quilt for final inspection, I was not happy with the way it looked. For some reason the 3rd time around it struck me funny so back to home plate. However, I do not have any fabric on hand that pops with me....guess a trip to the quilt shop is needed. Oh darn...don't you just hate that. And I so wanted to finish my quilt.

In the meantime I will begin the next project for the QA series.

"Core" Quilt Almost There...

I have finished the quilting process of my "Core" quilt and, so far, I am pleased with the outcome. With my walking foot I stitched in the ditch with nylon, invisible thread on top and black cotton quilting thread in the bobbin. The black matched the background in the backing very nicely.

Then I switched to Antique quilting Essential thread that I purchased from Connecting Thread for the top and bobbin thread. Continuing with the walking foot I stitched a little over 1/4" from the ditch and outlined each core. By using the Antique colored thread in the bobbin the backing also has the same outline.

Next comes the binding - 308" of it. But no worries here - I am using Ms. Harriet's binding instructions from vol.1 of Quilter's Academy instruction book - keeping my fingers crossed. 

Here are some before binding photos:


After quilting there are a few ripples where the fabric stretched due to distortion. This comes from several reasons, however, remember I cut this quilt before starting the QA series. Hopefully, after washing it will fall into place where these are not so noticeable.






Look how nicely the floral, printed backing
brings out all the colors from the front.





There will be one more entry showing the completed project. Then all my attention will be focused on Ms. Harriet's Quilter's Academy series. Until next time....have a great evening. 

From sunny North Carolina,
debbie

Quilting in Process for "Core" Quilt

Quick update: I am in process of quilting the "Core" quilt...

1. Pieced the backing to fit the front with additional inches all around.
2. Pieced the batting as it was not wide enough to fit the quilt.
3. Starched both front and back to allow for ease of sewing.
4. Stretched front and back, with spray baste. I realize this is not the first choice for everyone, but for now it works the best for me on large projects.
5. Stitching in the ditch...

Have a beautiful day...from North Carolina,
debbie

Sharing the Bug: Quilting Bug that is...

As I woke at 6:00 am this morning to the sound of birds singing, the first thought on my mind was - this is going to be a great day for quilting. Then it hit me...I TRULY HAVE THE QUILTING BUG...and I am loving it.

While I am doing the household chores, be it laundry; cooking; dusting; whatever, I am running ideas through my head of what is currently being worked on and what is still to come. When you are so lost in thought that nothing else really seems to matter in your world then admit it - you now have a new vice called Quilter's Bug. However, make sure you go at a steady pace, do not rush, and go at each project knowing you will learn something else to add to your box of treasures allowing us to produce awesome looking quilts. Then we all can say a big thank you to Ms. Harriet for sharing her skills with us in the Quilter's Academy Series books. For without them I (and others) would still be in a daze wondering why things just are not working. These books are a must for your quilting knowledge.

Take care everyone and this little bug is going to hide out in her "little piece of heaven" for a while (OK a long while).

debbie

QUICK UPDATE OF "CORE" QUILT

I now have all the "core" design pieces sewn together and am working on putting the rows together. And then onto ditch quilting with invisible thread as instructed by Harriet Hargrave in Quilter's Academy series, vol. 1. I actually used this on the first quilt I completed in her series and it does make the quilting look much nicer. You do not see the colored quilting thread and it helps to hide when your lines are not straight.

I will then do an overall quilting of curved lines just to give added dimension to the shape of the cores in an antique color cotton quilting thread. Once completed I will share pics of the outcome.

Then back to Quilter's Academy for the next project in line. May we always be learning and growing to follow our dreams.

From North Carolina,
debbie

The Eclectic Core of Life

The Big Apple, Fons & Porter

This quilt, from the Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, July/August 2012 magazine (The Big Apple) is one I started before the Quilter's Academy Series. 

When I picked the fabrics for this I was using from my stash and wanted to base the theme around the print of what touched me as the "Lady living her life" in several ways. I then decided to make the colors vivid, eclectic in choice, and ones whose colors ranked among my favorites. Because of these choices and the "core" shape design, I am calling this quilt The Eclectic Core of Life.

I had previously cut the "core" pieces and started sewing them before beginning my studies with QA. I wish now it had been the other way around - but such is life and I plan to make alterations where needed based upon what I have learned. However, this quilt will reside on my favorite chair and will be used while I am watching TV, reading, or just enjoying a good cup of java.



You use lots of pins when sewing the cores together. No chain sewing here - very time consuming.




The quilt will have 7 rows with 6 cores to each row. The individual rows look like this before putting together. After all the rows are complete I will arrange them for best eye appeal.

Well, in between the household chores for the day I hope to get the rows completed tonight. We shall see...from North Carolina,

Have a great evening,
debbie

Triple Rail Fence Post Top Complete

What a beautiful, sunny morning I have woken to here in North Carolina. I have a fresh cup of coffee in hand - so let's talk about the Triple Rail Fence Post Quilt, Project 4 from the Quilter's Academy Book 1 - Freshman Year. The top is complete and ready for quilting. I am very pleased with how it and the mitered corners on the outside border look. Now, please keep in mind this is the first time for my attempting this type of corner. But it was easier than I thought with such detailed instructions from Ms. Harriet. Finding her series of quilting instruction books was like hitting a gold mind.

Here are a couple of pics of the corners and completed top:




When sewing on the border you stop at
the next sides seam line - 1/4" from the edge.

These two show the completed
corners. Nice - yes?

The completed top - not quilted:

Now, onward to yet another learning experience. I am thinking about pulling out a quilt I started before I happened upon Quilter's Academy. I want to take what I have learned thus far and apply it to this quilt for what I hope to be a favorable outcome.

Have a blessed day from North Carolina,
debbie

Project 4: Triple Rail Fence Post Continues

I have completed the inside blocks of the Triple Rail Fence Post Quilt and have moved onto the borders. I realize the progression of the book is to complete the tops and then add the borders toward the end. However, I love seeing the finished product - therefore, as I complete a top on goes the borders and then the quilting process. It just works that way for me.

I added the inside border cutting it 1" wider than the ending size is suppose to be, as Ms. Harriet suggest in vol. 1 of Quilter's Academy - The Freshman Year. Afterwards you trim the width to the appropriate size. Now, for the fun part - taking measurements of all the corners to check for accuracy and squareness. Here is a picture of the results: 

Notice how the square ruler sits wonderfully inside the corner? Can we say - touchdown! I was doing my happy dance all over the house - oh yea...


Here is a good place to interject a word about rules of all types. Ms. Harriet talks about rulers and the need for various sizes. On this topic we totally are in agreement. I have quite a few and at one time or another am using all of them to check measurement accuracy within the quilt. Trust me, having a good set of rules makes all the difference in the way your outcome looks. Here are just a few from my collection:

Everyone has their own needs for accurate cutting. I would love to hear about yours.




Now, onto the outside border. I am going to be brave and learn something else new. Mitered Borders. My outside border is the floral print and I think this would be a great time to tackle this learning experience. Next post will be the results. Until then...

Have a great, peaceful evening,
debbie

Project 4: HARRIET’S TRIPLE RAIL FENCE QUILT

With project 4, the Triple Rail Fence quilt, I was wondering if my quilt would really turn out with the rail patterns matching up the way Ms. Harriet's do. With all the practicing I have been doing in-between working on the quilts in the book, I was hoping you would be able to see the fence pattern and each line would match accordingly.

While working my way through this project I measured as I went along, used my spray starch when ironing, and made especially sure not to pull the quilt while sewing or ironing. I have learned too much steam when ironing and pulling on the quilt when sewing will cause for major destortation and headaches down the road. The skills I am learning are starting to fall into place and I must say I am pleased with how my triple rail fence top is coming together.

The fabrics I selected for this project are bright with sewing theme words on the birdhouse fabric. I realize some of the fabric colors could have been a little more muted since they do not form a pattern, but I wanted something really bright and happy as I am going to use this as a wall-hanging for my sewing room. Wall is bear and ready...

Here are some in process photos:

 Chain piecing the blocks together into rows.

 

Sewing the rows together. Look how nicely the rails are matching up.

Partial close-up view from top showing more detail of rail pattern. Cool - yes?

Well, back to working on the completion. More to come later. In the meantime - everyone have a blessed and beautiful day,

From North Carolina,
debbie



Project 3: CARRIE’S COWBOY CORRAL QUILT

This project calls for using panel squares and learning how to fussy cut the squares for the size quilt you are making. Here is a picture of Carrie's quilt:

As you can see we are still using the Fence Post blocks to surround the squares with a nice pattern in place.

Well, I made an attempt at this quilt without using printed squares. I used a piece of Christmas fabric I had on hand and I am not happy with the outcome. Let's just say this is one project I will be remaking when I make a decision on a panel square fabric.

In the meantime here is a picture of my first attempt at this project that I made into a table cover. What I can say about this project is I did learn quite a bit and will carry that forward with the remainder of my projects.

Happy Day from North Carolina,
debbie

Project 2: Harriet's Winter Woodland Quilt

I was so excited to be learning how to construct a quilt using the fence post method and blocks. Needless to say I have made quilts before using this method, however, I called it a strip quilt and was not pleased with the outcome. As mentioned in my earlier post this quilt and the next project was completed before I decided to start blogging my way through this journey. I feel that putting everything down in black and white will keep me more disciplined and on track for the ultimate goal - the 6th book in the series. I realize this process is going to take some time - but when you are retired, all your kids are out of the house, and your husband works long hours what else do I have but time.

This quilt consist of:

60 pieced Fence Post blocks

49 blue squares

12 white print squares

Layout was 11 rows with 11 blocks each row.

As you can see there is a pattern to this quilt and I followed it very closely from the diagram in the book. I do not have in-process pictures of this quilt, but let me say that by using Ms. Harriet's chain piecing method, ironing after each add on, using the spray starch, and measuring each row and block as I went allowed this quilt to come together very nicely.

Now, one thing the Quilter's Academy series does not teach is how to quilt. This series is all about teaching you the ins and outs of quilt making and the ergonomics involved in that process. The quilting process is taught in another book by Ms. Harriet titled Heirloom Machine Quilting, edition 4.



I was not able to purchase this book for my Kindel, however, through the publisher (CT Publishing) I could purchase an e-book copy that you read on Adobe Digital. As long as I have it in digital format I am a happy camper. Well, back to my quilt - I am not a free-motion quilter and hope to some day accomplish this skill. So, according to Ms. Harriet's suggestion I quilted my version in a grid pattern on the inside and then just used straight lines on the outside border. I am practicing the free-motion quilting, but so far not so good.

This quilt I was pleased with the outcome - all the hard work payed off:

With all the spray starch and the marking pen lines for the grid pattern this quilt was washed after completion. I really liked the crisp finish it had before. I am having to get use to the drawn up softer look. Since I did not grow-up with handmade quilts I was totally unaware of how they looked after washing.  But, I was told on very good authority of this subject that this is the way a quilt is suppose to look. So bring on the softness and more quilts....I am totally hooked.

Happy Journey,

debbie

Yes, Spray Starch is YOUR Friend

Ms. Harriet has a section in vol. 1 regarding ironing skills and the use of spray starch. I have always been afraid of starch because I was raised to iron using the steam. Trust me when I say, as a child I did my fair share of ironing but never with spray starch. Therefore, as an adult I iron very little unless I am sewing. Now as for quilting - you better learn to love ironing and learn how to use spray starch. I realize there are some women who do not iron their fabrics before aligning them, cutting them, or after sewing the seams. However, with me the proof was in the pudding. I could not believe the difference that spray starch made with all three.

So, I went to the store, purchased my can of spray starch, and took some "scrap" pieces of fabric and learned how to use it. Let me just say - PLEASE, PLEASE practice this before using on your quilt top you are in the process of making. There is a learning curve and the biggest of all is not using the steam after you spray that fabric with starch. Ms. Harriet says so and that is good enough for me.

Here is the before and after pics:

Before ironing

Heavy Starch

After ironing with 3 light sprays of starch

If you have never used spray starch on your fabrics and seams while quilting then you must give this a try. It is like night and day helping the seams lay flatter and making the quilting process go a bit smoother.

Happy Day,
debbie

Measuring, Cutting, and Sewing for Accuracy

I wanted to take a slight detour from show and tell to talk about the accuracy of measuring, cutting, and sewing a "true" 1/4" seam. Ms. Harriet talks in depth about all three in Vol. 1 of the Quilter's Academy series and it truly is worth your time to read and incorporate these sections into your quilting skills.

Some hints:

• Measure once, twice, and again to make sure that strip size is correct before cutting.
• Do not cut more than one thickness of fabric at a time. This is where some people often times run into unconsistant sizes in their cuts.
• Always use a sharp, clean blade when cutting your fabric. This keeps you from having to use so much pressure and keeps the fabric edges clean.
• Just because your sewing foot says it is a 1/4" foot does not always make it so. Ms. Harriet talks about several ways to check this for accuracy. It can involve more than just the foot - for instance: thread and needle size also play a part.  

There is so much I could say about each of these except for lack of time and length it would take. If you have specific questions about any of these areas please e-mail me at pfaffdeb@aol.com and I will share with you what I have learned thus far from vol. 1.


Blessings to everyone,
debbie

Project 1: Harriet's Sampler

After reading some of the nuts and bolts from the first  book of the Quilter's Academy series you begin making your first quilt. This project is fondly called The Sampler because it is a sampler quilt that you construct during practice sessions and will be completed in book 2. This is what we are going for:

Harriet's Sampler

Here is what I am working on:

Fabric Selection

Center Block



You should know I have started this blog after completing several of the projects so please do not think I did all of these in one to two days. Therefore having said that here is what I have now learned and noticed when looking at this block: (1) That chapter on Preparing Fabric and Realigning Fabric Grain truly is VERY important. (2) Get the fabric aligned correctly or you will have uneven looking rows with your design. I did practice this technique, however, in my OCD sort of way I simply did not like the ragged looking edges to the fabric. So, I thought I could just square the fabric and call it a day. NOT SO! LISTEN TO WHAT I AM SAYING. AFTER MAKING TWO COMPLETE PROJECTS - NOT SO. I HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON. (3) I am going to remake this project getting the fabric in alignment and will repost the results. What is that old saying: If it is worth doing then do it correctly.

A little side note: The fabrics being used for most of my projects are coming from a "sewing" stash I had built-up while making other projects. They are not always what I would now choose for my quilt projects, however, while in the learning process I do not mind trying to deplete some of this stock.

Blessings to everyone,
debbie



New Beginnings

As we go through the journey called life there are always new beginnings. And my new beginning is learning to quilt the proper way.

I have been "quilting at it" for almost 3 years now knowing the outcome was not quite what I was looking but unsure of how to get there. My quilts were either out of square some where and this caused confusion when I knew all the cuts were the same. Or what is the ever constant comment - "my quilts do not look like the picture".  I mean "really" - I have been sewing clothes since I was a small child and have a Diploma in Dressmaking and Design. So, I needed someone to help me learn the nuts and bolts of the quilting process. Thus began my journey looking for a way to take online classes while working towards this knowledge. After much research and dead-ends I found places you could take classes for one thing or the other but not the whole package. It was then I happened upon the blog BLOCKHEAD; Quilter Academy where she talks about her journey using Harriet Hargrave's Quilter's Academy Series (Harriet & Carrie's Quilter's Academy Journal) and I was HOOKED.

I went directly to Amazon.com and downloaded the first book, Quilter's Academy, Vol. 1 - Freshman Year onto my Kindle and read the whole book in several days - some parts twice.

Now, I am in the process of working my way through the first book reading (again) and completing each project as I come to it. I am learning things I never thought possible.  My plan is to share each project as I progress and talk about what I have learned, the struggles felt along the way, and the joys of how it feels achieving mini goals. Here is to my new beginning and loving life along the way.

Blessings to everyone,

Debbie