13 Woodhouse Road

ABC of Quilting Post # 16

2012-01-30T04:59:00.000+05:30

The second topic for today is

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Piece by hand : English Paper piecing

We have a guest blogger today to tell you more about hand piecing. Please welcome Doris

from Threads of Conversation. Just a look at her blog and you will know she is a pro! I loved her creations... Head over to get inspired!

Hi--I'm Doris, and I live in Des Moines, Iowa. I've have blogged for nearly four years now at Threads of Conversation--sharing my sewing endeavors, occasional travels and family fun times, and the ups and downs of a busy life. I come from a maternal line of quilters and seamstresses (mother, grandmother, great-aunts...) some of whom were hand-piecers--their (now) vintage quilts greatly admired even by my very young child's eyes.

I taught myself to hand piece in 2010, after falling head over heels for Janet's quilt, tracking the pattern source down it's origins, being given the issue of the magazine with the pattern in it by an Australian blog friend, and vowing to make it, now matter how long it took!!!!

I started my Candied Hexagon quilt in early 2010. I've posted updates occasionally here and on flickr, but never quite got around to posting a tutorial on my method of hand-piecing this quilt. So, when Shruti asked for contributors to her ABC's of quilting series, I jumped at the chance to tell her readers AND mine how I do hand-piecing. Today I'm going to show you how I made this hexagon star block:

Basic tools you will need for hand-piecing:

a lightweight, durable thread (I use Aurifil 50 wt in Ecru for all my hand-piecing)
a few pins
a good thimble (my favorite)
and size 11 straw needles (my recommendation!)
templates

There are MANY options available for templates for paper piecing; including hand-drawn/traced or PDF paper templates, hand made freezer paper or plastic templates, add-a-quarter and add-an-eighth rulers for adding your seam allowance to a template, pre-cut paper shapes for English paper piecing, like those tiny hexagons pictured above by Paper Pieces, or plexi-glas templates such as the Marti Michell set I am using to cut out and hand-piece my Candied Hexagon quilt:

The great feature of these templates are the holes for marking your seam stop/start points on the reverse side of your fabric. I use a 28mm rotary cutter (the "tiny" blade) to cut my fabric around the edge of the plexi template, having marked my pencil dots through the holes first. Then I set the template aside, and trace my seam line from dot-to-dot.

Cut and prepare each piece for your block and lay them out as they will be sewn together:

I start with the center hexagon and one of the pink triangles; DO NOT knot your thread, instead make a few stitches going towards the start point on your pink triangle, bringing the needle up exactly at the start point.

Then insert the needle back in to the start point, stitch back over the few stitches you just made and continue to sew your seam along the line. This small backstitch will secure the end of each seam.

Continue stitching along the pencil seam line, bringing your needle up and out at the stop point.

Just as you did at the start point, insert the needle back down at the stop point and backstitch 2-3 stitches to secure the end of your seam; trim thread.

Repeat this process to attach three of the pink triangles to the hexagon as shown:

Then attach a blue diamond to each side of the remaining three pink triangles; so you have four segments sewn like this:

To attach an outer Triangle/Diamond segment to the center Hexagon/Triangle segment, place them right sides together with trimmed corners and edges lined up:

Pin through ALL fabric layers AT the start/stop points on the pink triangle, with back and front segments lined up where star points are to meet up. (See above). On the reverse, your pins should be in nice and straight, and lined up with the start/stop points on the hexagon piece as well.

Stitch from Start point at one end (including backstitch to secure the end of your seam) to the first stop point, at seam allowance. Carefully insert your needle at stop point, through bothe seam allowances (really diagonally between the two seam allowances) coming out the other side at the start point marked on the hexagon piece:

Repeat to attach all three Triangle/Diamond segments to complete your hexagon star block; seams should be pressed flat towards outer edge on reverse side:

This is MY method of hand-piecing, which is just one way of doing it. This same block could be made using an English Paper Piecing method, using the technique shown in this great tutorial on Clare's blog, Self Sewn. She has made several beautifully hand pieced quilts, and is currently hosting a Block Party for her hand-pieced Rose Star block:

Another very well written English Paper Piecing tutorial for hexagons (a la Grandmother's Flower Garden) can be found here at Sunshine Creations.

And, of course, there is a wealth of information on my style of hand-piecing on Hand Piecing With Crispy.

Please stop by my blog, Threads of Conversation, and say hello--I'm always interested in "meeting" new internet friends!

ABC of Quilting Post # 15

2012-01-30T04:42:00.000+05:30

Sorry for the delay with the ABC posts too... So here you go, you'll get 2 posts a day from now on!!!

Today's first topic is O

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Organized Sewing - Machine Piecing

The first and foremost thing to do before you start actually sewing blocks is marking the seam allowance on your sewing machine plate.

Take 3 pieces of fabric 2" squares.

Keeping the edge of the fabric carefully aligned with the edge of the presser foot you normally use, sew them together.

Measure the one in the center. The finished size will determine the seam allowance. If you want it to be an exact 1/4", do what I did to my machine.

Remove your presser foot. Turn the handle so that the needle is in a down position. (Make sure the stitch width is set to "0")

Using a ruler, mark 1/4" to the right side of the needle with a permanent marker.

Draw a line from this mark right upto the edge of the plate.

If you align your fabric to this line, you will have perfect 1/4" seams!

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I find it easier to sew without pins by taking the fabric right side together and pressing it with a good blast of steam from my iron!

But I always use pins if I have differently cut pieces (especially those cut on the bias) or curved pieces.

Sewing Squares Together

Place the two pieces with right sides together and position under the presser foot. Turn the wheel to take the needle into the fabric a seam allowance width from the raw edges and then machine stitch the seam. There is no need to backstitch, since you are making a quilt, most of your seams will run perpendicular to one another preventing the stitches from coming out. (Dont forget, even those on the edges of the blocks or quilt are going to have the binding stitches to arrest them!)

Chain Piecing

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Block pieces can be chain stitched. Stitch two pieces together like you normally would and when you come to the end, just raise the presser foot and lace the next two under it and continue stitching without cutting the thread. It does save a lot of time (and thread too!) Leave small gaps between pieces and cut them after all of them are done.

Strip Piecing

In strip piecing, you sew two or more strips of fabric together and then cut them into smaller units.

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This method is especially useful when you have to sew multiple tiny pieces together in the same order repeatedly.

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Pressing Seams

I am a thorough follower of Elizabeth and always press my seam open. But some people advocate pressing them to one side. Choose whichever option you want but do press your seams. It is one of those little things that adds up to make your blocks look perfect.

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Seams that are pressed open lie flatter and will be easier to machine quilt.

Press your seams using your index finger by laying the seam right side down on a firm surface and pressing it open. Follow by running the pointed edge of your iron along the seam and then press firmly with the entire iron on top of the seam. Turn the block right side up and press again for a more crisp look.

Seams that are pressed to the side are easier to center when sewing two of them together.

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Cheers!!!

Testing my Live Writer

2012-01-26T13:00:00.002+05:30

A lot of you have suggested that I use Live Writer for my blog and I have decided to do just that…

So here’s a test post to see how it all works…

Happy Republic Day to all my fellow Indians

and Happy Australia Day to all my Aussie friends!!!

Will be back on Monday with loads of info!

Cheers!!!

A break...

2012-01-25T21:21:00.000+05:30

I'm sorry guys, but I need a break...

Last week was full of sicknesses... First kiddo and then me...

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I have such a sore throat that I cannot speak...

DH and Kiddo are enjoying it all!!!

Plus there are a few things that have kept me worried for the past 24 hours...

I am just hoping that like even worse things, these things will tide over...

But I am absolutely stressed out at the moment...

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Looking at that picture for a few seconds will give you an idea what my head is feeling like at this moment!

I wanted to continue with the ABC posts, but blogger issues and then my own health has made it look like a task, rather than something I enjoy...

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will just take a short break over the weekend and be back, refreshed, with loads of stuff next week!!!

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Have fun!

Cheers!!!

Finish # 4 of 2012 : Large Pinwheel - Quilt in a day!

2012-01-21T16:28:00.000+05:30

After making two quilts, writing one tutorial and working on the ABC posts, I had got thinking that this week has been really productive...

But I just surpassed my own expectations!

I finished another quilt! In just one day!

Okay, I admit the design is easy peasy... But still, its a quilt... And I made it in just ONE day!!!

Here's my finish # 4 of 2012 - Large Pinwheel

I have always loved this fabric from Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms! And I feel that this design does justice to the fabric...

I used my lovely Pink gingham for the backing... It is linen, but a soft variety of it...

I also like how the front, baking and the binding (from my Urbanista bundle) go together...

This one's ready and packed now...

Dont you guys wonder, sometimes, what I do with all these baby quilts I make? No, I'm not having another baby. I know thats what came to your mind first.

I am having an exhibition in Mumbai at Juhu sometime in April. Have not decided on the dates. But the theme for the exhibition is Baby! Thats the reason I'm making all these quilts! Finally will be making some money from what I do!

Finish # 3 of 2012 : Hand quilted Denim Quilt

2012-01-21T10:53:00.000+05:30

This is the second post of today! Thats because I finished 2 quilts this week. I'll be posting 4 of the ABC pending posts tomorrow... Here is a link to the other quilt I made this week...

Hand Quilted Denim Quilt...

I have always loved the pairing of denim and red. So when I though of making a whole cloth quilt... Denim and Red were my first choices.

This quilt had me do a lot of "firsts"

It is my FIRST hand quilted quilt.

This is the first time I have tried to make a two sided binding. And I am making it again for sure...

It is also the first time I attached my binding strips on bias. I always did them straight, but I knew the denim would bulk up the edges too much. So HAD TO sew them together on the bias.

Here's my beauty...

The denim side...

Here's a look at both the sides together...

I just love the way these two fabrics work with each other!

Do you like the red side...

Or the Denim side?

Did you see that awesome binding???

Want to know how I made it?

I'll write a tute someday...

Cheers!!!

Finished Quilt # 2 of 2012 : Echino Scrap Quilt

2012-01-21T10:40:00.001+05:30

It has been a whirlwind busy week for me. Worked on two quilts (posting them in two different posts) Here is the link to the other quilt...

This one is made from the scraps left over after making my Echino Pillows...

It all began with this quilt I saw on Rita (Red Pepper Quilts) blog. It was awesome, simple and dramatic.

image from RPQ blog

I wanted to make one too... So I took a few of my Bella Solids and cut the strips...

Now, when I looked at my Echino scraps... I had this idea...

So I combined the two...

And here it is

Echino Scrap Quilt

Here's some pretty fussy cutting...

I have included some selvedges... Here's some Echino...

And some Etsuko Furuya (Reminds me of Funsuk Wangdoo in 3 idiots - a rofl Hindi movie)

I used one of my Kalamkari fabric that went well with these colors for the backing...

I used a solid lemon yellow binding. It really brought the quilt together...

Do you like it?

Cheers!!!

Cathedral Windows Block for the Desperate Housewife's Quilt...

2012-01-20T19:41:00.001+05:30

Herllo to all those who have come over from Jane's blog. I was having blogger issues yesterday and could not publish this post... Sorry for the delay...

I'll be telling you all how to make a Cathedral Window block - the way I do it...

There are numerous methods around the world wide web about how to make cathedral window blocks... I am not accurate with my sewing and so I chose a method I feel I am comfortable with...

Here's how you do it...

To make a 8" square block, you'll need 4 - 4" square blocks.

I am thinking of making a pillow and so I will be needing 4 - 8" square blocks...

Supplies

For every block you will need a square of neutral fabric of a size 1" + 2 times the side of finished block.

e.g. For my 4" blocks, I'll need (4 x 2) + 1 = 9 inch squares of neutral fabric.

I also made a template from a newspaper of the size of 2 times my finished block. i.e. 8" square.

Make this template from PAPER and NOT plastic.

Step 1

Place your paper template over your fabric square. Center it roughly.

Fold over one corner as shown and press it.

Repeat with all four corners.

Now fold over one edge along the template and press it.

Again repeat with all four sides.

Remove the template. Now turn the block over and fold the block in half and press it.

Now fold it to a quarter and press again.

Now you have the center of the square marked with the creases.

Take one corner and fold it over such that the corner is aligned with the center as shown. Press.

Repeat with all four corners.

Once again repeat the above drill. Pressing as you go.

Here's how your block will look like.

Make all your blocks in this way.

Now take your blocks, two a time. Pin two of the sides together as shown (using the yellow pin) making sure that the creases are aligned and pin down the others so that they stay safe as shown (using the purple pins).

Sew along the pinned crease.

Repeat with other blocks, sewing them in pairs. Now take two such pairs and sew them together the same way.

Now sew down the loose corners at the center of each block using a few stitches.

Measure the "window" size. In my case, the blocks are 4" x 4" and the windows are about 2 5/8 " square.

Cut fabric of a size slightly smaller than the measured size. I have used 2.5" squares. Pin fabrics in the center of the windows.

Now carefully pin down one side as shown.

Starting from one corner stitch along the curve using a small stitch length.

There you have your first window!

Repeat with all the sides of all the windows and you will have your 8" x 8" block!!!

Add more blocks in the same manner...

Here's my 4 - 8" blocks sewn together...

You could make many more such blocks and make them into a quilt (if you have got that kind of patience). Or make it into a pillow!

Whatever you make, please email me a photo of it so that I can write about it on my blog. :)

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 14

2012-01-17T11:02:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is

Never skip a stitch : Sewing Machine Basics and Machine Maintenance.

And today's guest is none other than the company that is known worldwide as the best in sewing machines... Buying their machines is the ultimate pleasure for any quilter...

I have a Bernette E56... Compared the the range of sewing machines available at Bernina its a puppy... But when I contacted them their contact person, Mr Gupta, has been a tremendous help... I have received excellent before sales and after sales service... And I am going to be a loyal Berninian for ever!!!

When I requested him to contribute to our series of posts, he immediately sent over the required material for me to be able to write this post for you guys...

So, you are just heading out to start quilting but do not have a sewing machine yet. Or you have a faithful one and need to buy a new one...

A sewing machine is the largest investment you are going to put into for quilting. So think a hundred times before you buy one...

Have a budget

Even if you have a lot of money to spare, I'd suggest you consider how much are you willing to spend on your sewing machine. To give you a rough idea, I'd just like to tell you that range of prices is from about 80 USD (approximately 4,000 INR) to 8,000 USD (about 4,00,000 INR)

Know your Dealer

Once you have a budget in mind, know as much as you can about your dealer and the kind of service he provides. Talk to old customers. Talk to the company people. Talk. Talk. and Talk.

When you buy a machine

Take along a list of what are the things that you are planning to sew. It would also be advisable to take along a scrap of fabric to test if you sew with extra thick material like denim.

Test the machine! Always test the machine if you can. (In my case it was not possible, but I trusted the Bernina guys and went ahead with it anyway)

Here is a document that will brief you with the features of most of the Bernina Sewing Machine models...

Bernina Product List

Machine Maintenance & Cleaning

Now that you have bought your sewing machine, what should you do for its maintenance?

I even know some people who apart from their yearly (in the first year), or quarterly (in the second year) or monthly (in the next year) or weekly (by the end of the machine) visit to the repair shop do not even clean lint from their machine! Ideally you should clean the machine after 4-6 hours of sewing... I clean my bobbin area every time I change the bobbin, the feed dogs every time I change the needle / the presser foot... Apart from this I lubricate my machine every 4 days (I do it twice a week)

Here are tips from Bernina. Please use whichever is applicable to your machine.

Cleaning the screen and the sewing computer

Wipe with a damp cloth.

Feed-dog area

Clean the sewing computer after every use - remove any lint from under the stitch plate and in the hook area.

Power switch to «0» (off). Pull out plug from electrical outlet. Remove presser foot and needle. Open the free arm cover. Press the stitch plate down at the back right corner, lift and remove. Clean the area with the lint brush and replace the stitch plate.

Cleaning the hook

Power switch to «0» (off). Pull out plug from electrical outlet. Remove the bobbin case. Push the release lever to the left. Let down the locking lever and the black hook race cover. Remove the hook. Clean the hook race with a cloth or brush, never use a sharp instrument. Replace the hook, turning the handwheel if necessary until the hook driver is on the left. Close the hook race cover and secure with the locking lever, the locking pin must engage. Check by turning the handwheel. Insert the bobbin case.

Lubricating

Power switch to «0» (off). Pull out plug from electrical outlet. Squeeze 1 or 2 drops of oil into the hook race. Run the sewing computer for a short time without thread to prevent oil soiling your work.

Important

Disconnect plug from the socket before cleaning or lubricating!

Never use alcohol, petrol, white spirit or any type of solvent to clean the sewing computer!

Trouble Shooting

In most cases you will be able to identify and remedy faults by checking the following.

Check whether:

The upper and lower threads are threaded correctly

The needle is inserted correctly with the flat side to the back

The needle size is correct - check the needle/thread table page 22

The needle tip and shaft are undamaged

The sewing computer is clean - brush out any thread lint

The hook race is clean

Any threads are trapped between the tension discs or under the bobbin case spring

Specific Trouble Shooting

Hope this post was helpful...

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 13

2012-01-16T07:26:00.001+05:30

Before I begin today's topic, I'd like to say sorry for forgetting to create a linky on yesterday's post... Please go back to yesterday's post and link up your tutorials, patterns or books that you have loved!

:)

Today's topic is

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Make the cut : Cutting basics - Rotary and with scissors

Did you realize that after 2 full weeks of pondering over things, we actually begin making the quilt today!

So what first - Cutting, of course!

Tools

1. A Cutting Mat

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Made from self healing vinyl or rubber. They not just protect the surface you are working on, but also increase the life of that blade! They are available in a variety of sizes and usually have a grid on one or both sides.

I used a 24" x 36" mat on my table for cutting fabric and another 12" x 18" to trim my blocks when I had different sewing and cutting tables... But now that my sewing machine sits right on the side of my mat I dont need to have two mats!

Depending on the size of your workspace, I would recommend using at least a 18" x 24" mat...

2. Rotary Cutter

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These are available in various sizes and two designs. The blade diameter (18mm, 45mm and 60mm) defines how many layers can it cut through. The 60 mm blade can cut through a larger number of layers, but the 18mm blade will be easy to maneuver around tricky shapes!

I use the ergonomic 45 mm cutter for most of my work.

Keep your rotary cutter blade retreated at all times when its not actually cutting fabric.

You do not want to suffer and injury and postpone making that quilt, do you?

3. Quilting Ruler

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With grid markings on it, the quilting ruler is an essential tool for accurate fabric cutting... Available in too many sizes, I feel that you basically will require a longer one (preferably the 6" x 24") for cutting largers fabric pieces and a smaller square one (say 9.5" x 9.5") for block trimming!

I have a set of 4.5" sq, 6.5" sq, 9.5" sq, 12.5" sq and 6" x 24", but I have used the 6 x 24 more than anything... On a typical day, you will always find that one on my cutting mat and not in its holder!

Now that you have gathered your tools, you'll need some fabric... Aha! Divine!

Iron your fabric with a steam iron. Dont fret about not having a steam iron... Go ahead use your regular iron, just spray some water before you use the iron...

Understanding Grain

First you will need to check the grain of the fabric... Just like wood, even fabric has grain... And the alignment of the grain can have an effect on the appearance of the finished product!

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The lengthwise grain has warp threads. Pieces of fabric cut along this grain have most strength and stability.

The crosswise grain has weft threads...This grain can sometimes have a little stretch to it and is stable, though not as much as the lengthwise grain.

Both the lengthwise and crosswise grains are referred to as straight grains.

The bias grain is at a 45 deg angle to the lengthwise and crosswise grain (it is the diagonal of the fabric). This is the least stable of all. A piece of fabric cut along thins grain, will stretch. That is the reason we use bias strips to bind along curves.

Truing up Fabric

You need a straight edge (parallel to the straight grain also) to your fabric for reference when you cut. Making this straight edge is called truing up of fabric.

First fold the fabric along the length laying the selvedges on top of one another.

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Place the ruler (the 6" x 24" one, I would recommend) along the edge and open and glide your rotary cutter in a swift (not fast) movement along the edge of the ruler to make a cut.

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Now this edge will be the reference for further cutting your fabric.

Cutting Strips

Align the true edge of your fabric with the corresponding marking on your ruler to cut strips of fabric. Always keep the fabric that you will be using under the ruler.

If the width that you need to cut is more than the width of your ruler, use another ruler (The square one that you have will do) as an extension or you can use the grid on the mat as a guideline.

If you need to trim the strips, just rotate them and align them with the markings on the mat and cut at desired length!

Cutting Bias Strips

Your quilting ruler usually comes with markings for 45 deg for cutting bias strips.

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Keep your fabric aligned with the grid on the cutting mat. Use the markings on the ruler to align the true edge of the fabric with the 45 deg marking and cut. This edge will now be your reference to cut further strips.

Cutting with Scissors

If you do not have a rotary cutting set, do not worry. You still can make all those fabulous quilts... I did that for the first almost 6 months!

Invest in a good quality fabric shears. It will pay off, trust me.

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First mark your fabric with a ruler. Be sure that you have aligned the edge of the ruler to the grain of the fabric.

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Cut along the exact lines using your fabric shears. Cut only one layer at a time for best results.

It is time consuming and it hurts your fingers, but do not be tempted to cut multiple layers.

If you find using a regular pair if shears too daunting, you can invest in one of these spring assisted scissors. They will not hurt your hand like the regular ones!

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So now that you know all about planning a quilt and cutting fabric, go ahead, cut it all up and keep it ready for making that quilt...

Tomorrow, Bernina will tell you all about sewing machines!!!

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 12

2012-01-15T09:47:00.001+05:30

Today's topic is

Lots more : Extensive resource of Quilting books, magazines, online tutorials and patterns

Here I'll list 5 each of my favorite Quilting Books, Magazines and Patterns,and 10 of my favorite online Quilt Tutorials.

Also there's something special that will make quilting easier and beautiful for you at the end of the post...

My Top 5 favorite Books

#1 : A Practical Guide to Patchwork

Quilting Basics with Modern Flair

12 quilt projects for beginners, confident beginners, and intermediates

Explore different options for each project-make it with just two colors or scrappy, make it vintage or mod, make it soft or playful.

Alternate colorways included with each project show you how swapping out fabrics can change the look of the same block.

Learn how to cut, piece, appliqué, machine quilt, bind, and finish.

Pick up helpful tips and tricks to stay organized and master the methods.

Try a fresh, relaxed approach to making quilts with this new "go-to" book. The bright aesthetic and clear, simple instructions guide beginners and intermediates alike through the entire process of creating fun and useful quilts that they'll be proud to call their own.

#2 : Block Party - The Modern Quilting Bee

The quilting bee gets a modern makeover

* From the creators of popular blog, blockpartyquilting.com
* Let go of "the rules" with 12 fun, funky, and improvisational projects
* The fundamental techniques are outlined-from fabric selection to quilt tops to binding
* Projects are perfect for both beginner and experienced quilters

In this inspiring book, quilting mavericks Alissa and Kristen chronicle their year-long "virtual" quilting bee. Twelve chapters (one for each month) showcase the designs of today's leading modern quilters along with easy-to-follow guidelines, so you can reinvent their work in your own signature style. Best of all, with this book in hand, you'll have everything you need to start your own online quilting bee and enjoy collaborating with other fabric lovers around the world.

#3 : Fresh Quilting: Fearless Color, Design, and Inspiration

Brighten up any room with fun, contemporary, and functional projects exploding with sensational color! Fresh Quilting presents 21 brilliant designs featuring quilt artist Malka Dubrawsky’s intoxicating colors and unexpected palettes.
Learn to create beautiful and lively pieces for you and your home—from modern quilts and fun pillows to flirty bags and scarves. In addition to clear directions and step-by-step illustrations for machine-sewn patchwork and quilted projects, Fresh Quilting includes a detailed section of techniques from basic piecing, cutting, and measuring methods to more advanced techniques such as inserting zippers into pillow backs and using bias binding to finish a quilt. Throughout Fresh Quilting, Malka will teach you how to adventurously and confidently mix colors and prints. You’ll be inspired to infuse your own brilliant palettes into each project and discover just how irresistible and beautiful contemporary quilting can be!

#4 : Modern Mix

A printed fabric is eye-catching, but when it's paired with the right solid, the result can be truly brilliant. This how-to book features 16 projects with a contemporary style that exemplify the dynamic partnership of large-scale prints and bright solids. With pages of fabulous ideas, all the information needed on integrating fabrics and even a chapter on quilt making basics, The Modern Mix is a must-have addition to your sewing library.

#5 : Modern Log Cabin Quilting

If you think quilting is too difficult or too complicated, you’re not alone. Cutting hundreds of pieces and joining angled seams can be tough work! But log cabin quilting—an artful and simple way to piece strips of fabric around a central square—is different. From the intuitive construction through the straight-line stitching, this style of quilting is simple as can be.

In Modern Log Cabin Quilting, Susan Beal outlines the entire process from start to finish, including basic quilting how-to as well as extensive design, fabric, and embellishment information. Since all log cabin designs follow the same formula, once you master straight lines and right angles, any of the 25 projects in this book are possible. From stash-friendly designs like the Charming Camera Case to more ambitious undertakings like the Vintage Linens Quilt, there’s sure to be a project that will get you into (or bring you back to) quilting!

My Top 5 Favorite Quilting Magazines

#1 : Fat Quarterly

#2 : Quilt Maker's 100 blocks

#3 : Quilter's Home

#4 : Stitch

#5 : American Patchwork and Quilting

My Top 5 Favorite Patterns

#1 : Mixtape Quilts by Elizabeth Hartman

#2 : Brick and Stones by Red Pepper Quilts

#3 : April Fresh and Fancy Table Runner by Cotton Way

#4 : Jacks Blocks by A Bright Corner

#5 : Chain Reaction by Cluck Cluck Sew

Top 10 Favorite Online Tutorials

#1 : 12 + 2 = Q by Elizabeth Hartman

#2 : Kaleidoscope Kites by Fresh Lemon Quilts

#3 : Paint Box Quilt by Elizabeth Hartman

#4 : Fish Baby Log Cabin by Malka Dubrawsky

# 5 : Crayon Box Quilt by Rae

#6 : Circle Quilt by Bijou Lovely Part 1 & Part 2

#7 : Chevron Baby Blanket by Aesthetic Nest

#8 : Modern Halves Quilt by Elizabeth Dackson

#9 : Monogram Baby Quilt by Sarah

#10 : Crossroads Quilt by Tacha Bruecher

I love all these Books, Magazines and Patterns and I hope you love them too...

There's something else that can help you make quilt with little effort...

A Mystery Block of the Month Program! You can get a Mystery BOM kit from Fat Quarter Shop... (Their new BOM is going to be really pretty... I am thinking of signing up and making a quilt for myself... The fabric is so beautiful! Its Bonnie and Camille's Vintage Modern Collection)

and here's a look at the beautiful irresistible fabric!

Fallen in love? I have... Go book your finishing kit right now...

Cheers!!!

Please link up your tutorials, books and patterns in the linky here...

ABC of Quilting Post # 11

2012-01-14T11:16:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is

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Know thy Quilt : patterns and templates: how to use them or modify them to suit you.

Patterns

We all have a different style of quilting... We love to experiment. But not everyone loves to do all the calculations required to design a quilt... Come on, deciding how much of each color fabric I'll require to make 264 HSTs might sound so overwhelming that I'd give it up before I start it!

So what do you do?

There are wonderful people out there who make work simpler for you...

They design the patterns along with the fabric calculations! They usually sell their patterns in print or pdf format. People like me who stay on the other side of the world, are glad for the pdf patterns! You get them within minutes of buying them!

You have searched the wonderful array of patterns, bought one and now how do you go about actually using a pattern?

First, check if the size of the quilt (not just the rough size - the exact size in inches) is what you are looking forward to make... If it is then congratulations, go buy the fabric (I'd suggest you buy a little more than stated - just in case you make some mistake while making it!) and start off...

But let us say, your pattern makes a quilt of 36" x 36" and you want to make one of 48" x 48"! How can you do that??

Here are a few tips to help you...

If the quilt is made up of blocks - just increase the number of blocks to give you your desired size.
Eg. If there are 9 blocks of 12" x 12" that make up the 36" x 36" quilt, making the larger one will just be making 16 blocks instead!

But its not always that easy....

Sometimes quilt patterns have sashing... In that case, you might think of changing the width of the sashing to make minor size changes. If not, you can increase or decrease the number of blocks and make necessary adjustments...

But sometimes, you will have to rework the entire block size! But remember that this will involve a huge change in the calculation of the fabric required too!

I once had to face that and instead of making all those changes in the pattern, I just changed the size of the quilt I was making!

Or you could choose another pattern too!

But do not forget to give proper credit to the pattern maker and never say you "designed" it. They have put a lot of hard work into it and you should respect that. If you have bought a pattern - it is meant for personal use... You cannot sell stuff made from pattern. Yes you can make commission quilts, but please dont mass produce stuff with other people's patterns without first asking them if it will be okay.

The same goes for tutorials. Do not think that just because it is free you can misuse it. There are no less efforts put in the free tutorials available on the internet. So give proper credit to those who do the hard work and be nice to them! They deserve it.

Templates

Different types of templates are used for quilting. Templates for handpiecing and applique are cut to the exact size of the finished shape while for machine piecing a 1/4" seam allowance is kept.

By using a template you can reproduce an exact shape or pattern as many times as you need.

The material used for making the templates should be such that it will withstand a lot of repetitive use. You could use plastic, cardboard, card paper or metal!

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Plastic has several advantages over the others. It is transparent allowing you to trace directly and it is hard wearing which means that templates can be reused.

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If you are using card board or card paper (recycled envelopes or cereal boxes work too) give the edges a coat of varnish (have a shade of nalpaint that you dont really like? - use it here!) to increase its life!

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How to make a plastic template?

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Step 1 : Trace the shape through the plastic with a sharp soft pencil. Measure and mark a 1/4" seam allowance if required. (In case you are using card paper - using a carbon would be a great idea.)

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Step 2 : Use a metal edge ruler and a craft knife to cut your template. Hold the ruler very firmly to prevent it from slipping. In case of curves, use short firm strokes to cut.

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Step 3 (Only for window templates) : Score very carefully along the inside lines of the template. You may have to score along each line several times to cut right through.

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Tomorrow, I'll give you a whole list of places where you can find patterns and tutorials!

Till then, have fun!!

Cheers!!!

FQS! Oh, Fransson!! Friday!!!

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000+05:30

Finally here it is... My January post for FQS! Oh, Fransson!! Friday!!!

So what did I play with this month?

Well, I have been smitten by Elizabeth's Echino Improv Quilt for a while... It all started here... While she was thinking about what to do with the Fall 2010 Echino Bundle... (The easiest thing would have been to send it to me, though! But then I'd never have had this wonderful inspiration)

image from Oh, Fransson

One thing

led to another

and a beautiful set of blocks was born!

which then, promptly multiplied to make this beautiful quilt top!

And the scraps

lent themselves into this beautiful back!

It was then, lovingly quilted

and bound to make Elizabeth cozy...

Oh, how I love this quilt!!!

Wishing I could make one for myself... But the cost of Echino Fabric (dont forget the shipping!) daunted me and scared me off... I felt like a sparrow who flew in to eat a few grains from a field but was scared of a crow being there...

But then I dared...

And I ordered, not one, but four bundles of these scrap packs from Imagine Fabrics...

The owner, Jo was a generous lady and she also sent me some "extra" scraps!!! Wow!!!

I didn't have enough fabric for the quilt, so I decided to make pillows...

It was a daunting task...

Required a lot of pulling out fabric and dropping the idea of using it...

Then there was a awful long time I poured over the color combination of each pillow...

It took me 3 days just to design the blocks...

But in the end, these beauties were born...

Aren't they gorgeous?

Here are the individual ones...

First up is my Green Giraffe

Then, my Brown Birdie

The Purple Pigeon

The Pink Panther

And the Lime Little One (Could not think of a bird name from L ;))

Don't they look just gorgeous ??

And even better, all stacked up!

What did you make?

Link it up...

ABC of Quilting Post # 10

2012-01-12T06:23:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is

Jigsaw : Planning your quilt

And we have another guest today... Jacquie Gering from Tallgrass Prairie Studio. She is an amazing quilter, with a book ready to go onto the shelves... Her projects are large and precise. One look and you know they have been made by an expert... :)

So here's about planning your quilt from the expert herself...

Jacquie Gering

So you want to make a quilt. Congratulations! You have a few decisions to make before you begin.

What size quilt do I need? Of course that depends how you plan to use your quilt. You can make a quilt any size you like. Even a small 24" x 24 " quilt can be a snuggly stroller blanket for a baby. Quilts about 60" by 70" are a perfect size for snuggling alone or even with a friend. It's beneficial to know some general information about mattress and standard quilt sizes so you can plan your quilt. The following chart gives standard mattress and quilt sizes. These can be adjusted depending on your personal preferences.

If you're making a quilt from a pattern, the pattern will specify the quilt size(s) that is available in the pattern. Look for patterns that include a variety of quilt sizes. What if the available size isn't the size quilt you need? There are a few simple ways to adapt a quilt pattern to a new size. If the pattern is a set of the same or
similar blocks that repeat across the quilt, you may simply need to add or take away blocks to change the size of a quilt. Be sure to purchase additional fabrics if you plan to make more blocks. With some quilts you may also be able to add or remove borders to change the size of a quilt.

Borders are not difficult to add to a quilt. It is important to measure for borders rather than sewing on strips and cutting off the excess at the ends. This is a recipe for wavy borders that won't lay flat when you quilt your quilt.

Measure your quilt through the middle horizontally. Cut and if necessary, piece two strips to this length and sew them to the top and bottom of the quilt, matching the center of the quilt top with the center of the border strip and the ends of the border strip to the edges of the quilt top.

Measure again through the center of the quilt vertically including the top and bottom borders. Cut or if necessary, piece two additional strips using this measurement. Sew these strips to the sides of the quilt again matching the center of the quilt side to the center of the border strip and the ends of the border
strip to the edges of the quilt top.

Creamsicle whirlygiggles are repeating blocks. I added borders to make this quilt larger, but I also could have added more of the whirlygiggle blocks.

Multiple borders can be added by repeating the process. Borders can be added to the sides first by reversing the measuring process. You can even add borders to just the top and one side of a quilt if that's your preference.

Perhaps you've found a block that you love and you want to use that block to design your own quilt. You've chosen your fabrics and even made your blocks. Now what? It's time to choose a setting for your blocks. The setting you choose can change the look of your quilt dramatically. The simplest setting for a quilt is a
straight set. Blocks are placed side by side in rows and columns like the squares in a checkerboard.

Grouping a cluster of blocks in the center of a quilt creates a medallion-based design. The center cluster of blocks is the focal point of the quilt and is surrounded by background fabric or multiple borders.

The He's a Star quilt is an example of using a few blocks to create a center medallion and then adding borders.

What if you make a stack of blocks and they are all different sizes? No problem. Each block can be sashed and trimmed to the same size so they can be sewn together in a straight set.

Sashing are strips of fabric that are used to separate quilt blocks. To sash an individual quilt block sew a strip of fabric to each side of a quilt block. Sew strips to the top and bottom first and then to each side. This frames each block and helps it to stand on its own.

Sashing adds another design element to your quilt. To sash blocks that are the same size, add short sashing strips to the bottoms of the blocks in rows 1, 2 3 and 4. Sew those blocks together to create 4 columns. Then sew long sashing strips between each column of blocks.

The Scrappy Cabins quilt is an example of using sashing to make blocks of all different sizes fit together in the straight set.

The Pocket Change quilt uses vertical strips of sashing between the rows of coins.

The Seeing Stars quilt has traditional vertical and horizontal sashing to separate the star blocks.

Quilts can be made in countless ways and you are only limited by the scope of your imagination.

The Connections quilt is an example of going your own way....making blocks and then fitting in background fabric to make them all fit together. I call this paneling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

That was a beautiful post, Jacquie! Thank you for all that information...

ABC of Quilting Post # 9

2012-01-11T11:36:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is

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Inside you Quilt : Batting, Batting alternatives

What you put inside your quilt - the batting or wadding as it is commonly known - is responsible for giving the quilt its final feel.Polyester batting tends to be quite bouncy while cotton or wool gives a flatter effect that drapes well...

In the good old days, people used whatever they could find to go inside the quilts... But today they are made in a range of fibers to suit your purpose.

Here's a rough list of what you can find in the market

1. 50g/2oz Polyester : A thin batting (90 cm or 36" wide) for quilt making and padding. It is useful for making padded frames and for backing embroideries to throw the design into relief.

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2. 115g/4oz Polyester : The basic batting for quilts. It is inexpensive and fairly easy to quilt, but does not drape very well. It is sold off the roll or in quilt sizes.

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3. 170g/6oz Polyester : A bulky batting that is too thick to sew and is used for tie quilting.

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4. Firm Needle Batting : A 100% polyester batting suitable for making wall hangings and bags. It holds its shape well once quilted.

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5. Polydown : A low loft, soft 100% resin-bonded, polyester batting that is very easy to stitch.

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6. Thermore : A very thin 100% polyester batting that drapes well and is guaranteed not to beard.

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7. Wool : This is wonderfully soft and easy to quilt, plus it drapes beautifully. Leave no more than 3" between your lines when using it. A quilt made with wood batting provides particularly good insulation, but needs hand washing or dry cleaning!

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8. Poly-Cotton : Made from 80% Cotton and 20% Polyester, this batting has slight bounce from the polyester but the cotton shrinks by about 5% which gives the quilt an antique look.

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9. Cotton Batting : Made from 100% cotton, is very easy to quilt and drapes beautifully. The quilts can be machine washed! The cotton shrinks by 5% giving the quilt a wonderful crinkly look.

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10. Organic Cotton Batting : This environment friendly and hypo-allergic batting is best for baby quilts!

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11. Bamboo Batting : This is again, an environment friendly batting that lends a beautiful drape to the quilt and provides loads of warmth!

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12. Green Batting : A recent development, this batting is made from recycled plastic bottles!!! What an innovative way to help make the world greener!

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But what do you use when you do not have these options available to you? I have been experimenting for a long time now. And have found some wonderful stuff to use inside my quilts to make them beautiful and warm too!

1. Flannel : The soft cotton flannel that we get in India works fine as a batting! Find the diaper ones if you can, they work the best.

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2. Shawls : The woolen shawls that we get in plenty can also be a good warm batting...

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3. Felted Woolen Blankets : These are also available in plenty in India. Got for it!!! Use the colors available to the best advantage.

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4. No batting!!! : Some quilts do well without any batting too... Use a soft flannel for the backing, baste a top and go ahead!!! We can use these quilts round the year when its not super cold like it is now a days...

What you choose will depend on 1. How you intend to use the quilt? 2. How will you quilt it? 3. Other practical purposes.

1. How do you intend to use the quilt?

If the quilt is for babies, I'd suggest you go for the fire retardant version. If you are using it as a wall quilt or a floor quilt, go for Polyester... If the quilt is going to be used on the bed, you could go for a poly-cotton mix and if you are planning to snuggle under it I'd suggest you go for the woolen or Cotton Batting!

2. How will you quilt it?

If you are planning to machine quilt it, I dont think you need to worry about which one to choose. But if you are hand-quilting, you need to make sure that the batting is soft enough to hand quilt.

3. Other Practical Purposes

If you are planning machine quilt a king size quilt on your home machine, you need to roll it up and the roll will have to fit through the machine and you should be able to move it... So thats makes it plain that you need to use a low loft batting!

Whichever batting you use, it always adds warmth to the quilt, making it a memorable for someone!

Once again I quote, when you gift a quilt, you gift a hug!!!

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 8

2012-01-10T06:32:00.000+05:30

Todays Topic is

Hang On : Getting Quilting Supplies Online

(I could not think of any other name starting from H - well, does it really matter?)

And without wasting any time, let me give you 10 of my favorite online places where I have bought or plan to buy quilting tools!

1. The Fat Quarter Shop

They have a whole collection of Notions. Go check them out... Not to forget the ribbons and buttons too!

2. Pink Chalk Fabrics

They also have a good collection of Notions, Ribbon and Thread...

3. Nancy's Notions

This is perhaps the most extensive collection of quilting notions I have come across online! They have a huge range of stuff that I think I have never ever seen before in my life!

The shipping is superfast and the items are really packed well!

4. Keepsake Quilting

They too have a huge variety of notions available! And I must say, the customer service is just awesome!!!

Here's why...

5. Midnight Crafts

Though this is one small store.. The lady who runs it is just wonderful... If you love personalized business, Midnight Crafts is the store to go to... Yvette is one wonderful lady to get to know! She mostly sells Olfa cutters and is based in Singapore...

6. Fabric Depot

Though the name suggest otherwise, they do have a large collection of notions. I ordered my set of rulers from them and they arrived UNDAMAGED travelling 7485 miles!

7. My Notions

I have never ordered from them, but I have found a variety of notions in this one too... Anybody who has bought from them, please tell us about your experience...

8. Just Notions

Again, I have never made a purchase, but I found the site interesting! :) Go have a peep...

9. Etsy

A search with "Quilting Tools" will lead you to 559 links here. If you search for specific tools, I think you'll find them better. Sometimes you get the best deals from these small shops!

10. Amazon

This too, is a good place to shop! If you have the patience of going through millions of products to find the one for you - go ahead!!! You will get a good deal here too!

Have fun!!!

Dont forget to link up if you have a shop that sells quilting tools... We always love to shop at new places!!!

Don't we?

Cheers!!!

Oh Fransson Fridays - A sneak peek

2012-01-09T17:56:00.000+05:30

Here's a peep at what I have made for this month's FQS! Oh, Fransson!! Friday!!! - Yes, The Fat Quarter Shop is helping me procure wonderful fabric for my OFF stuff every month and so
Oh, Fransson! Friday!!

is now

FQS! Oh, Fransson!! Friday!!!

Any guesses??? Go check out the many ideas on Elizabeth's blog and tell me what you think this is...

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 7

2012-01-09T10:09:00.000+05:30

Today's Topic is

Get, Set, Go!!! : Quilting Tools

So what are the basic tools that you'll need to start quilting?

I must say, when I started, I had none of these, but I survived! Today, I have most of these and I love it... It saves a lot of time... And brings precision to my work...

Let us start with

Marking Tools.

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You will need temporary marking tools like the Collins Vanishing Fabric Marker for the regular marking. You might want to choose The Clover White Markign Pen for darker fabrics. These markings will dissapear when ironed or when washed. These are ideal for making temporary marks, like sewing lines or applique outlines or even marking the fabric for fussy cutting!

You might want to think about using a Pentel Roller Gel Pen or Pigma Micron Marker for making permanent marks like siggy blocks or Labels!

Of course there are loads of other suggestions, but these are the ones I have used and loved!

Sewline also offers Mechanical pencils with Lead refills in different colors. (Click each word for a different color).

Cutting Tools

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Scissors : Always keep a separate pair of scissors for fabric & paper because paper dulls the blade. Jenn Eskridge of Reanna Lily Designs has this wonderful idea of tying a piece of fabric to the scissor handle to remember not to use it for paper! She recently shared the idea on Pink Chalk Fabrics. Use dressmaking shears to cut fabric and sharp, pointed embroidery scissors for close work and for snipping threads...

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Always use a metal edged ruler when cutting templates with a craft knife.

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For cutting fabric, I will highly recommend a Rotary Cutting Set. The basic set comprises of a Self Healing Cutting Mat, a Rotary Cutter and A Quilters Ruler.

Cutting Mats are made of thick self-healing material and help keep your blade sharp. They are available in a variety of sizes and I prefer using the 24" x 36" Cutting Edge Mat that I bought from Keepsake Quilting!

Rotary cutters are one sharp things, mind you and you do not want to hurt yourself while using them. Always keep the blade retracted when you have finished cutting!

Quilting Rulers, again are available in a variety of sizes... I have a set of 4.5" sq, 6.5" sq, 9.5" sq, 12.5" sq and 6" x 24". But I find that the one that gets used mostly is the 6" x 24" one followed by the 9.5" sq.

Apart from this there are a lot of tools you might think of to make fabric cutting easier.

You could use the True Grips or the Invisi Grip to prevent your ruler from sliding on the fabric.

And you could also use a Gypsy Gripper to hold your ruler more comfortably.

Needles and Pins!

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You will need pins to hold your fabric together as you sew and needles for, obviously, sewing! You will need both Machine and Hand Sewing Needles.

Apart from these, you will also need Curved Safety Pins for basting your quilt.

Thread

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Thread is as important to sewing as Fabric! After all, its what holds the fabric together.

You get a variety of thread in the market, the choice of the thread will depend on what you are using it for. I do recomment 100% cotton or 100% polyester thread for piecing and quilting. If you go for cheap thread, it will show in your quilts!

While choosing the color, go for a neutral color thread for piecing and quilting... And use the same color in the bobbin (wherever possible)...

If you buy quilting thread, make sure it is not wax coated (thats for hand quilting and not machine quilting!)

Ironing, or rather, Pressing

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You will need to press your fabric often, and I mean PRESS not IRON! You will need to do it before you cut the fabric, after you sew it, before you baste it and after you finish the product! Your regular iron and ironing board will work wonderfully. If you want you can invest in a small table top ironing board or a Quilters Cut 'n' Press.

Other Sewing Notions

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There are a whole lot of other tools that you might consider investing in. They will save a lot of time and give you a lot of comfort!

Here's a quick list of the ones I think you might find useful

Beeswax : Running thread over beeswax smooths it and helps prevent knots forming while hand sewing.

Freezer Paper : This is used for accurate hand piecing or appliqué. It has non-wax coating on one side that can be temporarily ironed onto fabric.

Fusible Bonding Web : is a mesh of glue used to adhere pieces of appliqué to a background with heat.

Graph Paper : Used for designing quilts and blocks. Makes calculations easier.

Seam Ripper : Use this to undo your stitches. Unpick every third stitch and pull thread from the other side to undo seams.

Tape Measure : Useful for roughly measuring fabric. Not for precision measurements.

Template Plastic : To cut reusable templates.

There are loads more... Link them up if you find any!

ABC of Quilting Post # 6

2012-01-07T00:46:00.000+05:30

Today's post is

Fun with Color : Fabric Selection for Quilts

And this, once again is brought to you by, yours truly...

Shruti

Selecting fabric for a quilt is one of the most crucial decision you'll have to make... It is sometimes as easy as pulling out a bundle and starting work or sometimes it takes days (even weeks... hear more about it next week) to decide what you'll be using!!!

If you are so lazy that you dont want to select any fabric... Go buy a bundle! Let someone else do the thinking!

Pre-cut bundles are a great way to start when you are unsure about your skills... These bundles are usually color-co-ordinated and take the stress out of making a quilt! You can get them in a variety of sizes... Commonly sold in FQs, some shops offer larger cuts too! Just check with your shop before you order!

But there are other "interesting" ways of selecting fabric... Some might find them tedious, but I love this process...

Most quilt patterns are created by the contrast between light, medium and dark fabrics. The colors or patterns that you select will affect the overall quilt design.

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Not only will you have to think about the color but the shade, tone and tint of it!

Confused?

Let me guide you to a color wheel... I found one that is simple to understand... Its highly self-explanatory...

It is not difficult to grade one fabric from light to dark,

but the value will change when you look at it against other colors.

Fabrics appear lighter when surrounded by darker or deeper shades and darker when surrounded by lighter ones!

You can also use the color wheel to decide on the color scheme of your quilt!

You could select a few adjacent colors to create a harmonious effect.

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Or you could go for colors opposite one another for contrast.

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Some of the most effective color schemes use three adjacent colors from one side and another from directly opposite for contrast.

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The Primary colors create the most vibrant color schemes.

Three or four tertiary colors produce a more subtle effect...

When using printed fabrics, you have to think about the scale of the print along with the shade and value of the fabric!

Small scale prints tend to look solid from a distance but add interest and create a textured effect when viewed at a close hand.

Medium prints are perhaps the most popular ones. But be careful when you use two of them together. Sometimes the pattern line is blurred and the desired pieced effect is gone!

Large scale prints generally become abstract patterns when the shape is cut.

Or you can also fussy cut them to suit your purpose.

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It is fun to combine large and small scale fabric for your quilt!

Wow! That was quite a post!!! Now let me leave you with some food for thought!

9 things to remember while choosing fabric!

1. Quilts are a good way to use scraps. So shop fabric from your scrap bins before you head out of the door (or to your PC)

2. The wonderful and yummy Fat Quarters are tempting, but it would be foolish to buy them before you have planned your quilt! You do not want to run out on a cold day just 'coz you were a 2" short of fabric for your quilt! Trust me, if that happens, no quilt shop in at least 10 miles radius will have that one in stock and you'll end up paying 10 times to buy it on etsy!

3. Even if you only need a small quantity, it is always better to buy a little bit more than you think you'll need. (If you feel you can do with a Fat Eight - go buy a Fat Quarter!

4. Think about using fabric from other sources - clothing for example!

5. Always use good quality fabrics with a similar fiber content for making a quilt!

6. Thin or worn fabrics will not last and batting will work through a loosely woven fabric to produce surface haze.

7. Choose closely woven fabrics, but not so tight a weave that they will be difficult to sew.

8. Visualize and plan the quilt on paper, then try out a single block to make sure the colors work well together (if you have doubts).

9. Have fun! Quilting is all about not just snuggling under the warmth. but enjoying the entire process.. So feel free to leave your inhibitions and my rules behind and just follow your heart!

Remember, wrapping a quilt around someone is like giving them a hug!

Cheers!!!

First Finish of 2012!!!

2012-01-06T22:56:00.000+05:30

Yup, here it is... My first finish of 2012... Actually I finished the top in 2011... Btu it took me an year to complete the quilt...

;)

I was browsing through some blogs, hopping from one blog to another... And I cam across this quilt... It was on the Portland Modern Quilt Guild's blog... I wrote to them and they told me that it was made by Cherri Langley of Sew On...

Isn't it gorgeous?

Now here's my version of the same... I'm calling this one "A Little Lacey!"

I made it using 6" squares... The finished size is about 37.5" square...

I used grey and orange scraps for the binding...

I loved how the printed fabric looks as if I have put a net over the center of the quilt...

For the backing I used a graphic print that I bought from Pune...

Here's the detail of the print!

I loved the color combination...

And I quilted it with straight lines just outside the orange squares... I didn't want any quilting lines to cross the orange squares...

I loved how the quilt turned out in the end... And I'm going to find it tough to let go of this one... :)

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 5

2012-01-06T07:03:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is

Endless Resources : Online Fabric Resources

And today's post is written by someone who is an okay quilter and loves to ramble on about a lot of things around her... She is totally self taught (nobody even taught her to thread a sewing machine!) and has been quilting (attempting to quilt) for 2 years now...

Who is she?

Your's truly!!!

Shruti!!!

Staying in India I was not introduced to designer fabric (I didn't even know such a thing exists!) untill I participated in a fabric swap by Sew Mama Sew...

I do not remember when I started actually buying fabric online... But I did, and I'm glad for it... Today my stash is growing more rapidly than my son!!!

So where do I buy fabric online???

Here's my list of top 10... If you have a shop, small or big, just add to the linky so that people will know!

#1 : The Fat Quarter Shop

The Fat Quarter Shop was founded in 2003 by Kimberly Jolly. The Fat Quarter Shop continues to branch out with the best fabrics, exclusive kits, quilt clubs, BOMs, and more. Visit The Fat Quarter Shop and drop by their blog The Jolly Jabber

I have bought from them often and I love shopping with them... :) Super fast shipping and generous cuts!

#2 : Fabricworm

Fabricworm has modern cotton fabric for quilting and many other craft items. Cynthia is the founder of the store and carries one of the largest selections of Japanese imported fabrics online.

She has a great collection of my favorite Echino prints.

Here's a link to her blog

#3 : Stitches and Giggles

Stitches N' Giggles was born as an online fabric store that sells designer fabric worldwide from Michael Miller and Moda at very reasonable prices.

#4 : Pink Chalk Fabrics

Pink Chalk Fabrics features quality natural fibers for quilting, sewing, craft projects, handbags, aprons, and more! You'll find colorful fabrics from the big names, Japanese imports, and small, boutique finds.

#5 : Canton Village Quilt Works

Here you can find a HUGE Selection of Kaffe Fassett Collective fabrics, as well as Batiks, Kona Cotton

solids, Australian Aboriginal, Art Gallery and 1930s reproductions at wonderful prices.

#6 : Burgundy Buttons

Burgundy Buttonsstocks a wonderful range of pre-cuts along with a growing range of fabrics by the yard.

#7 : Fabric Shoppee

Absolutely wonderful selection of fabric!!! I love this shop...

#8 : Imagine Fabric

I bought my latest fabric for the Oh, Fransson! Friday!! (Coming up next friday) from them... Gorgeous selection and fast shipping...

#9 : Retro Nana

Lovely collection of Japanese and Kawaii fabric... Lots of fabric, laces and other stuff to select from... Yuo'll get lost here...

#10 : Kalla

Beautiful hand screen printed fabric!!! Go and have a look...

Do you really think I could stop at 10???

Here are a few more that are dear to my heart...

#11 : Want it, Need it, Quilt!

Run my the hexy-woman Jane, this is fabulous shop where you will find most of the new Moda precuts before they are available in the US!!!

#12 : Saffron Craig Fabric

Unique and beautiful designs... Expensive, but if you have got the buck, go for it...

#13 : Scarlet Fig

The woman behind the beautiful colorful fabric!!! Laurie Wisbrun... Lovely collection...

#14 : Spoonflower

Lovely collection of custom designs by people around the world! You can upload your own design here too...
WARNING : You'll get lost here...

#15 : Sew Deerly Loved.

Run by Kerri, Sew Deerly Loved is a unique fabric boutique that carries a collection of designer and Japanese fabrics.

Had fun??? Hop on the other stores linked in the linky (if there are any... LOL)... Go buy your heart out...

Cheers!!!

ABC of Quilting Post # 4

2012-01-05T06:57:00.000+05:30

Today's topic is Designer Fabric... And our guest for today is none other than our favorite shop that deals with loads of designer fabric - The Fat Quarter Shop

Kate Spain, Me & My Sister Designs, Jo Morton, The Quilted Fish, McKenna Ryan…

I see all of these names, but what do they mean?

Fabric Designers in the quilting industry are similar to the fashion industry. We have our own designer brands and names. Some of the designers even print their designs on stationary, plates and cell phone cases. Each designer has their own specific style. So if you like one of their collections, there is a good chance you will like their next one! Of course every once in a while each designer might go out of their comfort zone and design something completely different.

Another fun thing about quilting fabric designers is that they each have completely different roots. Some started because they quilt or sew, others started off being painters, stationary designers, and one even started from his hit TV show Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

Fat quarters, charm packs, jelly rolls, layer cakes…they all sound so delicious, but just what are they?

Whether you’re a newbie or oldie at quilting you might start scratching your head and repeat the statement above. Well, scratch no more, my friends. All of these scrumptious terms simply refer to pre-cut sizes of fabrics that quilters adore. They will shorten your cutting time and give you an affordable way to purchase an entire collection of fabric without breaking the bank, saving time and money!

Here is an unofficial guide to the wonderful world of fabric precuts that will hopefully clear up confusion:

Fat Quarters

Fat Quarters are cut that measure 18” x 21”. They were the first specialty cut on the market, and now the most common.

What makes it fat? A traditional ¼ yard of fabric is cut from selvedge to selvedge (bolt end to bolt end), which gives you a piece measuring 9” x 42”. The traditional cut is less flexible in terms of cutting options. An 18” x 21” piece gives you a squarer cut with the same amount of fabric and allows you to achieve more cut sizes.

Click to view the selection of Fat Quarter Bundles (http://www.fatquartershop.com/Fat-Quarter-Bundles.asp) available at Fat Quarter Shop

Click to view Fat Quarter example quilts in our patterns section.

(http://www.fatquartershop.com/Fat-Quarter-Quilt-Patterns.asp)

Charm Pack

In the quilting world, a charm is a 5” x 5” square of fabric. These are the smallest of the precuts, and depending on the fabric company, each charm pack usually contains at least one of each print in the line. These charm squares are great for easy patchwork quilts. You can sew these up without slicing and dicing and – voila, quilt top done! Next to Fat Quarter Bundles, charm packs are the most standard precut on the market and the least expensive.

Click to view the selection of Charm Packs (http://www.fatquartershop.com/modacharmpacksquiltingcharmfabrics.asp) available at Fat Quarter Shop

Click to view Charm Pack example quilts in our patterns section.

(http://www.fatquartershop.com/Charm-Pack-Quilt-Patterns.asp)

Jelly Roll

Moda coined the term Jelly Roll for their cute, round fabric treats. A Jelly Roll has 2 ½” x 44” strips of fabric (cut from selvedge to selvedge), rolled up and tied. These strips can be used to achieve many fun, scrappy effects. Try sewing several strips together along the length, slicing them into 2” sections, and mixing up the subcuts as an easy patchwork method. Or start with a 2” square cut and keep adding strips along the sides for a log cabin effect. The possibilities are plentiful! A few other fabric companies have followed suit, offering 2 ½” strips under other names.

Click to view the selection of Jelly Rolls (http://www.fatquartershop.com/Moda_Jelly_Rolls_Moda_Strips_Moda_Strip_Club_Moda_Jelly_Rolls.asp ) available at Fat Quarter Shop

Click to view Jelly Roll example quilts in our patterns section.

(http://www.fatquartershop.com/Jelly-Roll-Patterns-Quilt-Pattern.asp)

Layer Cake

A Layer Cake is like a giant, super-sized charm pack! Whereas a charm square is 5” x 5”, a Layer Cake (also dreamed up by Moda) is made up of 10” x 10” cuts of fabric. This gives you a lot to play with, especially for larger-scaled prints. If you need to cut shapes for appliqué or squares of different sizes, Layer Cakes are your best bet. Other fabric companies are now offering 10” x 10” squares as well under other names.

Click to view the selection of Layer Cakes (http://www.fatquartershop.com/Layer-Cakes-Moda-Fabrics-Quilting-Fabric.asp) available at Fat Quarter Shop

Click to view Jelly Roll example quilts in our patterns section.

(http://www.fatquartershop.com/Layer-Cake-Patterns-Quilt-Pattern.asp)

That’s just a quick overview of the most popular precuts on the market. For more precuts, details & information, check out Fat Quarter Shop’s Guide to Specialty Cuts (http://www.fatquartershop.com/guide-and-glossary.asp). Thanks to 13 Woodhouse Road for letting us ramble on about these awesome products!

Fat Quarter Shop (http://www.fatquartershop.com)

Twitter, Facebook & blog

www.twitter.com/fatquartershop

www.facebook.com/FatQuarterShop

www.fatquartershop.blogspot.com

ABC of Quilting Post # 3

2012-01-05T06:37:00.002+05:30

Note : Thanks to the Auto schedule, this post never appeared on the 4th Jan... So here it is, though a little bit late... :)

Today's topic is

Cut them up!!! And today's guest is a lady who I have been looking up to ever since I started quilting.... A lot of you must be "hearing" her or watching her... She's here to share her wisdom about fabric and its preparation for sewing!

Pat Sloan!!!

I'm so pleased Shruti asked me to join her in this month of quilt learning! I learned to quilt about 20 yrs ago. You can see my "first first" quilt HERE.. but that didn't inspire me to quilt (wonder why?). Back in 1979 when I made my "first first" quilt there were not many fabric options and not much to learn. You just went to the only store with fabric and bought what they had!

So lets talk fabric. I broke this into four topics. This will give you the basics.

You can make quilts from any kind of fabric you like. And people do. can you say bottle tops and tulle?

When you start, most people will recommend using 100% cotton fabric designed for quilting. The reason you want to stick with 100% cotton quilt fabric is that it gives you an even playing field. All the fabric will behave the same and the weaves will be consistent. Then you can focus on learning techniques and not worry what the fabric is doing.

Once you are confident of the techniques, then branch out into other fabrics and have some fun!

Fabric is sold in many units. The most common is off the bolt. The bolt will have between 10 to 15 continuous yards on it. The width of usable fabric is between 38" and 41". When you go into a store, or order online, you will order by yards. (some countries may do metrics, Shruti maybe able to expand on metrics for non American stores).

The fabric is sold in either increments of 1/4yard or increments of 1/3yard. You may order 1 and 2/3yard of fabric. Or 3/4yard of fabric.

Many stores sell cut yardage called "Fat Quarters". This is a 18" x 20" piece. The "Fat Quarter" is the same amount of fabric as if you ordered 1/4yard, but it is wider, which many quilters find more useful.

Another interesting way to buy fabric is 'precuts'. Moda first came out with these precut fabric bundles. Then many other companies did. There are "Charm Packs" of 5" squares, Jelly rolls of precut 2.5" strips, and Layer cakes of 10" squares. Lots of books and patterns out with wonderful ways to use these. I did a book called "Fast Forward Quilts" with precuts + some fabric.

You can find a full list of the common Pre cut sizes at this Moda Links.

So how do you prepare this great fabric you now have? Conventional wisdom is to prewash in cool water and dry. The reality? Many of us do not prewash fabric for several reasons...one being time! I could bring in a lot of fabric over a few days and it's time consuming to wash, dry (maybe iron) before putting it way. Some people like the slightly firmer feel of unwashed fabric, it gives the fabric more body to still have the sizings in it.

Biggest reason to prewash is to be sure the fabric does not bleed or run. If it does, then you'll need to treat it with chemicals or try a die catcher in the wash.

The other step some people like for piecing is to use a Best Press or Starch on the fabric. It makes the fabric firmer and then it won't stretch as you cut and sew!

I hope you enjoyed my lesson on fabric. I'm hosting a giveaway at my blog starting today and open until Jan 12... come on over and win this bundle of fabric and Aurifil thread!

pstt....

Don't let this list scare you, you can get to all her things from the link above. All you have to do is remember her name!

... listen to her weekly Radio Show!

... Read her Daily Blog

... Free Pattern Page (several pages)

... Join her super nice Quilt Forum where you can meet lots of great quilt friends

... Join her Quilt page at Facebook for some fun!

... And come twitter with Pat!

ABC of Quilting Post # 2

2012-01-03T06:56:00.001+05:30

Today's topic is

B : Blogland Tour : A Tour of Some of Your Favorite Quilting Blogs that could be Motivating

Who could be a more appropriate person but the one who has a listing of over 5,700 blogs from 79 countries!!! Please welcome, Michele aka Mishka of Quilting Gallery.

And all those who have a blog please add your blogs to the linky below so that people can come and visit your blog!

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much Shruti for having me as today’s guest. I’m thrilled to take your readers on a blogland tour of some of my favourite “modern” bloggers. I’m Michele Foster creator of the Quilting Gallery web site.

On my site, you’ll find the Quilting Bloggers Directory which contains more than 5,700 quilting-related blogs from 79 countries. I started the Directory in May 2008 as a way to bring quilters together from all over the world. You can find quilters by country and US state or Canadian province/territory. There are 8 bloggers from India .

Quilting bloggers are the most generous and creative souls you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting. Personally, I follow close to 500 blogs on a regular basis. No, I can’t possibly read them all, but I do skim them to see what’s new in their little corner of the world. I work from home, so this is usually how I spend my lunch time… visiting with quilting friends.

Around the quilting blogosphere you’ll find all sorts of fun events and projects that you can participate in. Many are free and some charge a small fee. These include: Swaps, Challenges, Blog Hops/Tours, Quilt-Alongs, Block of the Months/Weeks, and more. I host various events on my site too; I invite you to subscribe to my newsletter to find out the latest FUN.

January always marks the start of many new fun quilting projects. Some lasting the entire year, and others are shorter. I’ll be compiling a master list of these events and posting it on my site later this month.

I hope you’ll spend some time making new friends in the quilting world through their blogs. I promise you’ll be amazed and inspired by the wonderful creativity out there. To help you get started, I’m sharing 10 of my favourite “Modern” bloggers with you below. All photos used with permission from each blogger. Enjoy!

Melissa – Sew Bitter Sweet Designs
Flying Geese with Easy Star : Geese Ruler

Heather – Olive Ollie
Sewing Machine Cover

Lee – Freshly Pieced
Hexing Around Block

Melissa - Lilac Lane
Basics of Quilting Series(this is a must-read for all quilters!)

Ashley – Film in the Fridge
Rectangle Squared(the tutorial is Ashley’s but the photo is of my Happy Memories quilt that I made in memory of my three cats.

Faith – Fresh Lemon
Kaleidoscopic Kites

Julie - JayBird Quilts

Binding Basics – an excellent series on binding your quilts

Jenna – Sew Happy Geek
Cheating Zig Zag Mug Rug

Erin Russek – One Piece at a Time
My Tweets BOM – while some might argue that appliqué isn’t a “modern” technique, I love Erin’s fresh and modern approach to the technique. Her free BOMs are fantastic.

Samelia’s Mum
Mug Rug Tutorial

Thanks again Shruti. Happy blog hopping!

Michele (aka Mishka)
Quilting Gallery
Join the FUN on Facebook

ABC of Quilting Post # 1

2012-01-02T06:39:00.001+05:30

It is the 2nd of January today! A new year to begin, look forward to and triumph... It also happens to be my 34th Birthday! (I am always confused about this one - do you call it 33rd or 34th if you're completing 33 years?)

image source

How do I plan to spend it? No idea... I have no plans for today except that its a routinely normal day... I dont think DH even remembers its my birthday!

And for once I'm not going to remind him... The more guilty he feels, the better my evening will be when he realizes...

So moving on to the ABC of Quilting. Today is our first post in the series.

image source

A Beginning of a New Journey : Introduction to Quilting, History and Contemporary Scene

The first post in this series is by Alissa Carlton. She lives in Los Angeles and is one of the founders of The Modern Quilt Guild. Her work has been published in Stitch Magazine, Quilters Home and Quilting Arts' Quilt Scene. When not quilting, she casts reality shows including seasons 7, 8 & 9 of Project Runway. She blogs at Handmade by Alissa

Image Courtesy : Alissa Harlton

Through out the ABC’s of quilting you learn the ins and outs of each step of making a quilt, but to give you a brief introduction, quilting the is process of making a blanket out of smaller pieces of fabric that you sew together into a larger piece.

First the quilt top is sewn by assembling fabric into the design of your choice. Then the quilt top is layered with batting (or wadding), and the quilt back. The three layers are sewn through (this is what makes a quilt a quilt!) and the edges are bound. Through out all of the posts in the coming weeks, you’ll learn the details of each step so hopefully you’ll learn to love quilting as much as I do!

Photo Courtesy : Alissa Carlton

Quilting has been common in the US for decades (you can read a more complete history of quilting here (link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quilting) on Wikipedia). While quilters have a variety of styles, until recently, there have been two prevalent quilting styles. Traditional quilting and art quilting. Traditional quilting focuses on making functional quilts based on traditional quilt block patterns. Art quilting focuses on making quilts that are wall hangings and feature a wide variety of design styles. Some have abstract piecing, some feature landscapes or images of any thing else the quilter might want to show. Pretty much anything goes with art quilting, but the connecting thread of all art quilts is that they are not meant to be used on a bed. They are meant to be hung as decorative art.

Recently, over the past five years or so, a new aesthetic movement has been developing in the quilting world. This new movement is The Modern Quilting Movement. Modern quilting has developed out of a desire to use the techniques of the traditional craft to reflect the tastes and aesthetic of our time.

Photo Courtesy : Alissa Carlton

The Modern Quilt Guild (www.themodernquiltguild.com) has a great list on their site of the traits one finds in modern quilts.

Modern quilters and quilts:

Make primarily functional rather than decorative quilts
Use asymmetry in quilt design
Rely less on repetition and on the interaction of quilt block motifs
Contain reinterpreted traditional blocks
Embrace simplicity and minimalism
Utilize alternative block structures or lack of visible block structure
Incorporate increased use of negative space
Are inspired by modern art and architecture
Frequently use improvisational piecing
Contain bold colors, on trend color combinations and graphic prints
Often use gray and white as neutrals
Reflect an increased use of solid fabrics
Focus on finishing quilts on home sewing machines

These traits give a concrete answer to what modern quilts looks like, but one also needs to consider how the Modern Quilting Movement came to be. The simple answer is the Internet. Through blogs, flickr and twitter modern quilters have found each other, providing inspiration and community. The Internet has also allowed for the movement to grow at an incredibly quick pace. Constant quick and easy access to inspiration from modern quilt blogs has created a huge number of new quilters diving into the craft when the see quilts that appeal to their tastes.

Photo Courtesy : Alissa Carlton

This thriving online community of modern quilters grew to want to meet in person and The Modern Quilt Guild was born! In October of 2009 the first meeting of the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild was held. In no time word spread of the fun they were having and now there are more than 100 Modern Quilt Guild all over the world.

Hopefully you’ll like what you see over this series of posts and you’ll want to make a modern quilt of your own!

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