Stitching Times

W00t

2012-02-03T11:43:00.000-05:00

Craftsy Patterns has launched and I have already sold two patterns this morning. What a great way to start the day!

Now back to the salt mines of pattern writing. Arrgh. Love to design; like to make up the samples and photograph them; not so thrilled about writing up the patterns. Today I'm working on the pattern for a crocheted set of hand warmers and a matching cowl or neck warmer. The set is all done up with cute post stitch cables and columns. Pay no attention to the model in the picture. We are going to be working on that before we go to print. In the meantime, go have a look at all of the patterns on Craftsy, or just check out my store!

Celebrating the Online Craft Community

2012-01-31T14:12:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about Craftsy? I discovered it a few months ago and it has quickly become my favorite destination on the internet for all things craft. Don't get me wrong. Ravelry is great if you are a knitter or a crocheter, and Sew What's New isn't bad if you like to sew. I love Etsy for selling craft patterns and finding other interesting designers and their products. There are all kinds of online magazines (Crochet! Magazine, and Quilting Arts) and their spin-offs like sew daily. Though some of these last are little more than online storefronts for selling their books, magazines, patterns and tools.

Craftsy is something different. It's an extraordinary online learning platform for all types of craft including needle arts like knitting, crochet and quilting as well as food crafts, gardening, paper crafts, jewelry making and more. They offer very reasonably priced online classes in all of these areas, and after taking a class myself (I tried Machine Quilting with Wendy Butler Berns) I have to say it's a great way to learn something new. You can complete the class at your own pace in your own home - no lugging a sewing machine to the craft store. And you can go back to the class for a refresher as often and for as long as you like. Once you purchase access, it's yours forever.

Members can also post photos and descriptions of projects which is an endless source of inspiration. There are even some free classes, like the Craftsy Block of the Month project being led by Amy Gibson. But enough of the commercial.

Aurora Coffee - Virginia Highland

The best thing Craftsy did was to organize a worldwide Craftsy meetup party. Last Thursday crafters from all over the world met at local destinations and forged new friendships - not online but in person. Eight people signed up for the gathering I set up at a local coffee shop and despite torrential rain and a bad parking situation, all but one made it. What fun. We had knitters, crocheters, sewing enthusiasts and quilters, even a jewelry maker. Several of us were interested in more than one craft which made for a lively "show and tell". We each brought either a current project or something we have made that we are especially proud of. I fully intended to take lots of pictures, but I was so engrossed in our conversation that I completely forgot! You will just have to imagine a big group of women gathered around that farm table. We were having so much fun we even enticed a young women who was in the coffee shop studying for grad school to join us! Hopefully this is just the start of new friendships and craft sharing!

Felted Wool and Fabric Project Bag with Matching Accessories

What could be better? Funny you should ask. Very soon Craftsy will also open an online pattern store where member designers can sell their patterns. And in the spirit of true community, Crafty is not accepting a dime. All sales of patterns go straight to the designer. I can't wait! So check it out and let me know what you think. Have a favorite online craft community you want to share? Post a comment and I will check it out!

What a Busy Month It's Been

2012-01-25T12:27:00.001-05:00

Finally a chance to catch my breath. Yesterday I even found time to have lunch with a girlfriend -- I had the Cubanito at Super Pan and those that live in Atlanta know why Top Chef, Hector Santiago's sandwich shop is worth writing about -- but I digress.
I've also been quite busy with a new undertaking. I've decided to offer private lessons in crochet. I thought initially to just offer a one-on-one "learn to crochet in two hours" class, and set about putting that together. It turned out to be a more challenging task than I expected. How to limit class to just those very fundamental skills the student must master to go away and make a simple dishcloth or scarf is not easy. But I persevered and came up with a lesson plan that I thought would work.
Now to find some students. While hopscotching around the internet one day I stumbled on a new web service called Betterfly. Though the service is still in beta (that means test mode for non-techies), it is already a fantastic tool for people with expertise to connect with students who want to learn. I listed my "learn to crochet" session, made an announcement on Facebook and my neighborhood electronic message board, and within days had two students. One was a true beginner and the second wanted to book a lesson to address specific problems she was having and learn some new stitches. I now have several private session options set up and after teaching my first two classes, I'm sure I am going to really enjoy this new way of sharing with other crafters.

In between prepping, promoting and teaching classes I have found time for a few quilting projects as well. I'm working away at the hand quilting for this zoo themed baby quilt or play mat. It's hard to tell from this photo, but I'm trying lots of tight echo quilting around the animals so that, when it is washed, they will really pop up. I also used some chocolate brown for borders - partly to make it a bit larger, but mostly to give the quilt a nice soft cuddly edge. The fabric is from the Wild Friends collection by Leslie Grainger for Robert Kaufman. Here's a link to a free pattern from Robert Kaufman which uses the same center panel.

And I've pieced this simple "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" throw (fabric also from Robert Kaufman). I'm not sure if I should admit that it is late for 2011, or just pretend I am way ahead for 2012. But since I'm still pondering how I want to quilt this one (machine or hand; all over design or customized for each vignette) I guess I should go with the latter. Would love to hear quilting suggestions from my quilty friends out there.
Now back to the studio. As much as I might try to convince you that spending time in the studio is hard work, I just can't. I love my job!

And The Winner Is...

2011-12-18T11:41:00.001-05:00

What a fun week of blog hopping! But now it's Sunday morning and time to announce the winner of my Quilting Gallery 4th Birthday Blog Hop give-away. Hueisei, all the way from Penang, Malaysia is the winner. As a final stop on this whirlwind tour of the quilting blogosphere, stop by her blog Love it Sew it for even more inspiration. Hueisei said, "Crisscrossed bag is my favorite." so maybe that is the pattern she will choose. But as promised, she can select any of the more than 25 patterns listed at my Etsy.com shop.
Tomorrow it's back to your regularly scheduled holiday activities and perhaps a break from the computer. As for me I'll be doing quite a lot of hand work on the couch for the next week. Our faithful dog, Lady is scheduled for surgery to remove a small skin tumor on Tuesday. That means lots of spoiling to come, and doing whatever we can to keep her calm and not fussing at her stitches until she is healed.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

A New Ornament; A New Technique

2011-12-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

As long time readers know, each year I design and make a new ornament to give away as a party favor for guests at our holiday party. Today I'm going to share my 2011 holiday ornament with you. But first, a word about the inspiration. Back in late October I recieved a copy of American Quilter, the bi-monthly magazine of the American Quilt Society (AQS). In it I found a section on the winners of the 2011 AQS Quilt Show in Knoxville. As I flipped through the pages, I stopped stunned at a photo of Leah Day's Winter Wonderland. Here is a link to her website and better images of the quilt. The snowflakes are made with a technique she calls reverse shadow trapunto. I knew as soon as I saw it I had the idea for this year's ornament. You already saw a quick preview of the finished ornaments in this post.

The best part of this one is that I already had all of the materials I needed on hand - though of course I bought more of everything!

Following the technique Leah outlined in the article, I cut out a variety of snowflakes from paper (I used plain old computer printer paper). Do you remember how to do that from grade school? Well I had to re-learn how to fold the paper, and if you do too, here is a simple tutorial for you.

Once you have your snowflake shapes, cut out squares or rounds of fabric that are big enough to hold your snowflake plus a bit of border. I cut 4 1/2 inch squares of red and green dupioni silk that I had on hand. You will need two squares for each ornament. At the same time cut out two pieces of white cotton batting in the same size for each ornament. I used warm and white because it is snowy white, lightweight, and needled which helps it hold together better. Finally cut a square the same size out of something sparkly and transparent. I had some white sparkle organdy which really added something to the finished ornament.

Using a light touch with a pen, or invisible ink, trace a snowflake pattern onto the back of one of your fabric pieces. Layer that piece with a square of batting with the design showing, and stitch around the edges of the design. As you can see, I fudged a bit on my squares since I was using up scraps I had on hand. Once you have stitched all of the edges, turn the piece batting side up and using a sharp pair of embroidery scissors, clip out the design. This is painstaking, but worth it.

Next, layer a piece of your sheer fabric on top and another layer of batting and finally silk on the back. Now you are ready to quilt your sandwich. For the large quilt Leah used dense free motion quilting around the design to make give the snowflakes dimension. However, due to the size of my project I decided to simply outline stitch around the snowflake.

After all of the quilting was done, I used my circle cutter to trim the edges and make a nice round ornament. Finally I inserted a bit of ribbon for a hanging loop and satin stitched all around the edge to finish.

If I do say so myself, I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. I hope you will enjoy this free pattern and that you enjoy a Happy Handmade Holiday.

And if you love the quilt that Leah made as much as I do, check out her online quilt shop to buy this and other patterns.

And the Beat Goes On...

2011-12-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

The blog hop organized by Michelle at the Quilting Gallery continues all week, so hop on over and check it out.So far it's been pretty amazing. I can't believe how many new folks have visited my blog as a result. But even more fun, I've been working my way through Michelle's list of nearly 250 bloggers that are participating with give-aways. What a treat to find so many talented quilters who blog.
It's a good thing that it does go on all week, because it will probably take me that long to visit every blog, and the blogs of all the new visitors to my blog. One note: I should have mentioned this before, but I need you to provide a way to contact you if you are the winner. If you aren't using you google account (which will automatically provide a link to your profile) leave an e-mail address in your comment.

As for other happenings around my house, this was the weekend to put up the tree (still not finished) and to wrap gifts that have to head off to points North and West (still not wrapped). Sigh.

But we did finally get all of the leaves up from the front yard. We mulched and composted bags and bags and still ended up with 10 paper yard waste bags at the street to go to the city's composting effort.

At some point you really do have to admit that the composting pile is full and the impromptu pile in the middle of the garden has grown beyond reason :-)

On the other hand, living here in the south, the parsley is thriving,

and this silly little rose just won't call it quits even though Winter officially starts next week.Too much news about the garden? Not to worry. Tomorrow I'll share a neat new ornament quilters can make with the stash they have around the house, so check back!

The Joy of Giving

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Part of the real joy of the holidays for me is figuring out just exactly what will make someone's face light up. I try to be a good listener when friends and family are talking throughout the year so that I can surprise them with that one special thing they mentioned back in July. If it is something that I can make myself, so much the better.

I was thinking about this as I pondered a suitable give-away for Michelle Foster's Quilting Gallery Blog Hop giveaway. I wanted something that would appeal to everyone, that was easy to ship, and that didn't require me to start on yet another project during this busy time.

What is the one thing I have that's ready to go and gives you something you would pick for yourself? Why electronic patterns of course. I have over 25 patterns for items I've designed - both quilting projects and others - and they are all written up and ready to deliver because I sell them in my shop on Etsy.com.

Here is how the give away is going to work. Take a look around my blog. Come back to this page and leave a comment about something you saw here. On December 18th I will randomly select one winner from all of the comments made before midnight (EST) on December 17th. I will contact the winner and you can select any pattern from those listed on my shop on etsy.com. Full instructions will be included in the message. Sound fun? I hope so.

When you are done here, head on over to Quilter's Blog Hop headquarters to find the list of other participating blogs. With all these chances to win, this could really be a "Christmas to Remember"!

I Spy With My Little Eye...

2011-12-08T14:33:00.001-05:00

Looking for a last minute children's gift? I found a tutorial for these adorable "I Spy" bags over at Craftiness is not Optional and quickly make them up for all the little people in my life. Similar in concept to the game we played as kids, each fleece bag has a few dozen small items buried in the pellets. As you read the items off the list on the back, the child will push the filling this way and that to make the item they are hunting visible in the see-through vinyl window.

We have a neat little store nearby called Richard's Variety where I found most of the items to fill the bags, but I bet the dollar store and your junk drawer (come on, I know there's a marble rolling around in there somewhere) would yield up quite a few. Best of all, it only took me about an hour to whip up three of these. So up and at 'em crafters. Still plenty of time to make a few of these for the kids, grandchildren, or as in my case, an "odd"son (sorta like a godson, but different), a great niece, and a great nephew. Happy Holidays!

It's a Party

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

December 10th through 17th, Michelle over at Quilting Gallery will be hosting a Blog Hop Party. At every blog you visit there will be a chance to win something wonderful. I'll be posting my Blog Hop give away on December 9th, so be sure to check back. And if you have a quilting blog yourself, hop on over to Blog Hop Party sign up before it's too late!

“Back Soon”, She said.

2011-12-05T16:16:00.001-05:00

Hah! Why are we crafters always such optimists about how much we can accomplish in the run up to the Christmas holiday? I’ve been up to my eyeballs in ornaments, kid’s gifts, gift bags and other assorted holiday themed projects.

And don’t even get me started on the traditional chicken liver biscotti I make for all of Lady’s dog friends.

But today I need to tell you about a project from Christmas past - 2008 to be exact. I recently posted a photo of this ornament on Craftsy.com. Generally I post projects there that have patterns available, but this one didn’t so I’ve decided to make it my holiday gift to you.

Wet Felted Christmas Ornament Pattern

Description:

These wet felted ornaments were crocheted from Peruvian wool and after assembly are decorated with gold and silver metallic or green satin ribbon, and gold, silver, red and green spangles. The color of the wool is "ivy". The three inch hanger allows each to be suspended from a tree branch or package without the use of an additional hanger. The ornament itself is approximately two inches in diameter.

Skill Level: This pattern is intended for those with intermediate crochet. You will learn to crochet in the round.

Finished Dimensions: Each ornament is approximately 2 inches in diameter and includes a three inch hanger

Gauge: x stitches and d rows – 4 x 4 inch square.

17 stitches and 19 rows hdc = 4 x 4 inch square.

Materials and tools:

1 skein of fingering weight wool yarn.

Note: I used Knit Picks Palette Yarn which comes in an amazing array of colors and at $3.39 per 231yd/50 gm ball, is really affordable. One ball will make several ornaments. Unfortunately I was using up left over yarn from another project, so I can’t be more precise. It is important that this be wool that will felt, so no super-wash or sock yarn. If in doubt ask where you purchase the yarn if it is recommended for wet felting. If using yarn from your stash, make a quick sample swatch and test it following the directions below.

Fiberfill stuffing sufficient to fill the number or ornaments you intend to make.

Narrow ribbon in metallic or satin that is between 3/16 and 3/8 of an inch wide

Assorted sequins and straight pins to hold them in place

Fabric glue

Crochet hook – US size D/3 3.25mm

Stitch markers

Abbreviations used in this pattern

ch – chain

hdc – half double crochet

inc – increase

lp(s) – loop(s)

sk – skip

sl sat – slip stitch

sp(s) – space(s)

st(s) – stitch(es)

yo – yarn over

* repeat directions following * as many times as indicated

Special Techniques

Crochet in the Round

Following are my basic instructions for crochet in the round. These instructions should result in a flat circular piece of crocheted “fabric”. If you are already familiar with how to crochet in the round, you can skip this section and go straight to the directions on how to create the bowl shape needed for this ornament.

Even if you have never tried to crochet in the round, with understanding of a few basic stitches, this technique is pretty easy to master. Learn the technique with this simple practice exercise.
ch 3, sl st in first ch to close ring. Draw up tightly.

Row 1: sc eight times in center of ring (total of 8 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 2: sc twice in each sc around (total of 16 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 3: sc in first sc, sc twice in next sc around (total of 24 sc). Sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 4: sc in first 2 sc, sc twice in next sc around (total of 32 sc). Sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Note: most crochet in the round directions will tell you to continue in the manner increasing 8 stitches in every round (i.e. row 5 would direct you to sc in first 3 sc then sc twice in the 4th and so on). However, with this method of increases you always increase in the same place resulting in the hexagonal rather than rounder shape. Also, I found that for the yarn and hook I used and the tension I maintain on the yarn, the increases were too extreme resulting in what my husband laughingly called the sundial rather than a round shape that will lie flat. Instead, I recommend the following.

Row 5: sc in first 7 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 8), sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 13), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 18), sc in next 7 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 27), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 32), sc in next 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 37). (total of 38) sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 6: sc in first 3 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 4), sc in next 9 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 15). Sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 21), sc in first 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 26), sc in next 9 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 37), sc in next 4 sc, sc twice in next sc (stitch 43). (total of 44 sc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1.

Row 7 and following: Continue to add six stitches per round and to shift the location of the increase around the circle so that the shape does not become too regular.

If it helps, you can imagine the circle divided into eight pieces of the pie. In each round, six slices of the pie will receive an increase, and two will not. In order to ensure that the increases are distributed evenly but without creating a distinct pattern, the increase should come in pie slice 1 and 5 in the first round, 2 and 6 in the second, 3 and 7 in the third, and so on. Also, the location of the increase within the pie can be varied.

Continue to add rounds until the desired diameter is reached. Also the use of a stitch marker to indicate the beginning/ending of a round may be helpful.

Note: I have worked these directions with single crochet and half double crochet and it works well for either. I have not worked it with longer stitches such as double or triple crochet, but anticipate that it would work much the same. You may need to play with the increases and decreases to achieve exactly the effect you want for your project.

Felting

Here are my generic instructions for wet felting. In the assembly section of this pattern you will find more specific notes for this project.

If this is your first felting project, you might want to make a trial square before beginning to crochet. Make a 4 x 4 inch square using the same yarn, crochet hook, and stitch you intend to use for the project. Most often I use Half Double Crochet for project to be wet felted. A sample will also allow you to check the gauge as mentioned above.

There are many books on felting techniques as well as articles and tutorials online. They don’t all agree any many factors. Do you need to add soap? Should you allow the piece to go through the spin cycle? Should you felt with other laundry items (jeans or towels)? The following is based on my own experience and machine. Felting a trial square will help you to learn what is going to work for you.

The more wet heat, soap and agitation applied to the fabric the smaller and denser it will become. Also the stitches will become less distinct. In general your fabric will shrink more in width (across the row) than it will in length (number of rows). Your target for this project is to shrink your test piece by 25% in width and 13% in height. If you would prefer a lesser degree of felting, keep in mind that the larger size will require modifications to the lining dimensions as well.

Place crocheted items to be felted in a lingerie bag and toss in the wash with a few similarly colored towels or other items that can be washed in hot water. The reason that I use a lingerie bag is to avoid the items from being excessively twisted out of shape, which can happen if another item gets wrapped around it. Also, the bag prevents lint of other items (such as towels) to deposit on the wool. Set the cycle for hot water and maximum agitation. How to accomplish this will vary by machine. In my case I just set the dial to “whites”. Add a normal amount of laundry detergent for the size of load and start machine.

At the completion of the cycle remove the items. If the body is the size you want, you are ready to go. Otherwise, run it through again. Now lay out the items on a towel covered flat surface out of direct sunlight. Shape pieces to square up corners and allow them to dry completely. For flat items I often place them on a baking rack to allow air flow on both sides. Do not use heat or place in dryer as this will result in additional shrinkage and does not allow you to control the shape.

Half Double Crochet (hdc) Stitch

Yarn over hook and insert hook into the next stitch to be worked. Yarn over hook again and pull yarn through stitch. You will now have three loops on the hook. Yarn over hook again and pull loop through all three loops on the hook. This creates one Half Double Crochet stitch.

Crochet Directions for Ornament

Begin as above for crochet in the round. Unlike the example above, you do not want the circle to lie flat but rather to form a cup shape. To accomplish this you will need to reduce the number of increases in each round. The changes from the example begin in row 2.

ch 3, sl st in first ch to close ring. Draw up tightly.

Row 1: hdc eight times in center of ring (total of 8 hdc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 2: *hdc in next hdc, hdc twice in each hdc* around (total of 12 hdc). sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 3: Repeat row 2 (18 hdc)

Row 4: *hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 24 hdc) sl st to first stitch in previous round. Ch 1

Row 5: Repeat Row 3 (total of 32 hdc)

Row 6: *hdc in next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 40 hdc)

Row 7: repeat row 6 (total of 50)

Row 8: *hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc* around (total of 60 hdc)

Row 9: repeat row 8

Fasten off and weave in ends. Now repeat these instructions to make the second half of the ball.

Note: if you would like to make a larger ornament, just keep adding rounds following the pattern of increases established above until you achieve a ball that is the size you want. Alternatively, you can use a heavier weight wool and larger hook.

Felting and Assembly Instructions for Ornament

When finished with both halves, wet felt following the directions above until you have achieved a ball of a size and density that is pleasing. Now using matching thread, whipstitch around the two halves to join, stuffing with fiberfill as you go. Weave in any loose ends.

The final step is to decorate the felted orbs. Cut a piece of ribbon six inches long and thread it through the tapestry needle. Now decide on the location of the top of the ball and pull the ribbon through the top so that half comes out on either side of the stitch. Knot at the top of the ball and at the ends of the ribbon forming your hanging loop. Take a second piece of ribbon that it the right size to go around the ball and cover the seam. Use a dab of fabric glue to hold the ribbon in place. Now pick out some sequins (I generally used at least eight per ornament) and using a straight pin, affix them to the ribbon. If you like you can use a dab of glue on the back of the sequin as well, but I find that the straight pins stick into the fiberfill and don not fall out.

That’s it. I hope you enjoy making this project, and let me know if you have questions.

The Holidays Are Coming

2011-11-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

And I've been hard at work putting together a holiday shop on Etsy.com. Only a few things posted so far, but stay tuned and there will be lots of new products and patterns. Maybe even a few freebies here on the blog. Back soon!

Ansel Adams Tribute 2

2011-09-20T12:59:00.000-04:00

I’ve been away for a bit and (arrgh) the posts I cued up to post while away didn’t. So it goes. Where was I? Well this might give left coast folks a clue

Yes. That’s part of the view from our hotel room balcony in Hollywood.

We also took in an baseball game between the Anaheim Angels and New York Yankees on September 11^th, with an inspiring pre-game remembrance ceremony.

Now I’m home and back in the studio to finish off the second in my series of Ansel Adams tribute wall hangings. This one was inspired by "Church, Taos Pueblo" by Ansel Adams 1942 (photo from the National Archive).

Unlike Tribute One, which was predominately developed with fabric and paint, this new work uses heavy thread painting over just a few large fabric pieces to provide depth and texture.

It’s a technique my machine and I are still learning. I need to work on basic drawing skills to improve perspective and color (or shades of gray) values, but I don’t hate the result.

As with Tribute One, I began with a photo-shopped cutout, though with less detail this time.

Next time I think I'll try a piece where I draw the basic shapes directly onto one large piece of fabric and start thread painting from there. I also need to experiment with stabilizers so that the areas with heavy thread work don't draw up and distort the overall image so much. But it's all about the adventure for me. I just love trying different techniques - even if I do end up reinventing the wheel on occasion. I learn so much from my mistakes! What new thing did you teach yourself lately?

Fabric Friday - Basic Weaves

2011-09-16T08:00:00.004-04:00

Plain weaves are by far and away the most common of all fabrics used worldwide in all fiber types. In a plain weave the weft yarn passes over and under the warp yarns in the first pass and then under and over in the next. This produces a very strong fabric because it yields the highest number of crossings in warp and weft. While plain weaves tend to wrinkle and show soil, they are also more easily cleaned and one of the most easy fabrics to produce.

Balanced plain weave fabrics have warp and weft yarns that are essentially the same although warp yarns are usually somewhat finer, higher twist and set in more closely than weft for added strength. Examples of balanced plain weave fabrics are batiste, canvas, gingham, madras, organdy, and voile.

Batiste flower girl dress image courtesy of French Knot Couture on Etsy.com

Unbalanced plain weave fabrics use a different number, size, or type of yarn between warp and weft. This type of weave will generally result in a visible rib to the fabric, which can be either very fine or coarse. Examples of fine cloths include broadcloth or taffeta formed when the warp and weft yarns are similar in type and almost the same type, but the ratio of warp to weft yarns is at least two to one. Coarser fabric like poplin is formed when weft yarns are thicker and there are more warp yarns than weft.

Silk Taffeta image courtesy of Sylvia Leinweber (Bandidos on Etsy.com)

Basket Weave is a variation of an unbalanced plain weave that results when two or more yarns are treated as one for either the warp or the weft. Basket Weave is also sometimes called hopsack. Oxford cloth is an example of a basket weave in which fine warp yarns are doubled and single or softer twist weft yarns are as thick as the two warp yarns.

Oxford cloth image courtesy of Theresa Porter (cherrycheckers on Etsy.com)

Other variations can be achieved through using different fibers or tensions, color or allowing occasional loops in the yarn for surface texture. Seersucker is an example of a fabric that uses differing tension on the yarn to create a puckered texture. Gingham and madras fabrics create distinctive patterns in the fabric through the use of color. These fabrics are often described as yarn dyed meaning that color is applied to the yarns before the weaving process rather than applying color to the whole cloth as in printing. End-on-end is a term that refers to cotton shirting fabric having alternating warp yarns resulting in a striped effect. The fabric could be broadcloth, chambray, madras or others.

Fabric Friday - What's In A Name

2011-09-09T08:00:00.006-04:00

What’s in a name? It appears the answer is many things. Fabric names have been passed along from one product to another that is similar so that it is often unclear what the name describes. For example, look at barkcloth. The original barkcloth is a product developed in the South Seas that involves removing actual bark from trees, soaking it and then beating it into a thin strong fabric that can be used for wall hangings or apparel. However, in these regions this product is now called tapa or kapa (Hawaii) or masi (

Fiji

).

This barkcloth was quite popular at one time, but in the 1920s, a product called cretonne began to be imported from

France

. This was a white fabric of hemp and linen that was printed and similar to an unglazed chintz in texture.
American manufacturers renamed cretonne as barkcloth because of its nubbly bark-like texture. Then again, when servicemen began sending back “barkcloth” clothing and other items from Hawaii, the textured fabric inspired the development of a whole array of materials called bark cloth, bark crepe, decorator bark, etc. in a whole host of fibers from cotton to fiberglass.

Today's barkcloths are most often a printed textured cotton product with designs that are either tropical, or retro atomic.

Seriously Challenged

2011-09-06T10:45:00.000-04:00

Some challenges are easy to meet than others. Way back in March I told you about this challenge project and this past week I finally finished up the quilt. The challenge was to get a dozen quilt "sandwiches" ready to go on the road with me. It was a quilt as you go project to work on during our trip to Nashville. Well those blocks went with me to Nashville, Cape San Blas, and Centralia, Illinois, even a local swim meet, and I finally have something to show for all of the hand work.

I think I mentioned that this quilt was intended as a throw for the living room, and especially to save a leather chair from Lady's sharp claws. Every time we go out and forget to close the door to that room, she feels compelled to jump up and look out the window. Sigh.

The quilting on this project was fairly random swirls and flourishes in a design suggested by some of the fabric prints. Once the sandwiches were all quilted, the blocks were joined and then those seams were quilted in-the-ditch.

I kept the binding as unobtrusive as possible. I didn't want a border to detract from the overall flow of the piece.

And I have another new treasure to show the quilt off when it's not on chair protection duty. A friend had no place for this lovely antique quilt rack so I am the beneficiary of her largess! I'm crazy in love with this piece and can't wait to get the brass polished up a bit.

And how did I fair with the Labor Day challenge you may be wondering? Drat! I knew I had forgotten something...

Fabric Friday

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001-04:00

Several years ago I began writing a book about fabric. For a variety of reasons I never completed the project or published, but now I’m feeling an interest to pick it back up – at least the research part of the project.

As an incentive to keep that going, I’ve decided to start a new feature here at Stitching Times. Every Friday I’ll write a short piece about fabric – either something from that half finished book, or something new that I’ve learned in my research.

The following is from the preface for that long ago planned book…

sew [soh] –verb used with object, sewed, sewn or sewed,

sew·ing

1. to join or attach by stitches.

2. to make, repair, etc., (a garment) by such means.

3. to work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.

[origin: before 900; Middle English sewen]

Sew·er [soh-er] –noun

1. a person or thing that sews.

What does it mean to you be a sewer? Whether you aspire to design and sew your own clothes, reupholster a special piece of furniture, or just be able to hem your own pants rather than resorting to that dubious shop with the “alterations” sign in the window, an understanding of some of the basics is necessary.

This book is all about the materials used in home sewing. It answers the questions of how fabric is made and what raw materials are used in these processes. It also explains how to select, prepare, and store fabrics. Most importantly, it demystifies the terms used to describe fabric and notions – terms which are often more confusing than helpful.

Even as experienced sewers we still have questions. Should I be using all cotton thread when I’m working with quilter’s cotton, or is it ok to use cotton wrapped polyester? And, what is the difference between cotton flannel and brushed cotton anyway?

I hope you will follow along and add your own observations and questions about fabric. Together we can learn about fabric new and old.

Shopping

2011-08-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

I've been missing in action a bit lately. A bout of food poisoning will do that to you. But, I haven't been completely idle. I've been stocking up for fun upcoming projects. At Whipstitch Fabrics in Atlanta this weekend I found cute fabric to make a couple of funky bags.

These happy yellow coordinating prints are from Michael Millers Peacock Lane designed by Violet Craft

And these two are from Aneela Hoey's sherbet pips collection for Moda.

I love them both!

I also found 'Holiday Hoot' from Alexander Henry, that I think will make really cute gift bags this Christmas.

Then I hit up my favorite online quilt shop eQuilter.com and bought several of the prints from Alexander Henry's Larkspur collection. Along with some washable linen, these pieces are going to make a new quilt for our bed (soon I hope).

And yes, I know they aren't all ironed yet, but at least they are washed. It's a start.

We Call Them UFOs

2011-08-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

The first time I saw the term UFO applied to quilting, I was a bit perplexed. My quilts don’t generally fly. But when I realized they were talking about Un Finished Objects, it made much more sense. Those I have to excess.

One in particular has been niggling at me. Several years ago I was involved with raising money and support for the first off leash dog park in Atlanta. When I stepped down from my leadership role in the group, the rest of the team chipped in and gave me some parting gifts. One was a quite large gift certificate to one of my favorite online quilt shops eQuilter.com. Frankly, the gift seemed like a bit too much, so I decided I would buy fabric and make a quilt that I could donate to a local canine charity.

I found this adorable fabric called something like “painter mutts”,

and then all of these cute fabrics to coordinate.

I even found some cute buttons and do dads to embellish the quilt.

I put together a design placing one of those painter mutts in each block.

I did the quilt math and calculated materials.

I even cut everything out, organized it and started a test on one square.

And then something happened. Who knows what? Maybe it was time to start prepping for the annual holiday party. Maybe I got the bug to work on a different quilt. Anyway, all of this got packed up in a project bag and that is exactly where it’s been. I can’t even tell you for how long, but it’s been years. Pretty sad for something that was supposed to benefit another. Especially because it was supposed to help dogs!

Well today I’ve decided that is just unacceptable. I have many UFOs that may sit in no-woman’s-land for several more years, but not this one. I’m issuing myself a challenge. This quilt top will be pieced before Labor Day… This year!

How about you? Have an unfinished project you’ve been meaning to get back to? Post a comment and I’ll be happy to cheer you on. And on Monday September 5^th, we can all reveal our results. Send me photos and I’ll post them here on the blog.

Crisscrossed

2011-08-12T14:41:00.000-04:00

If you can stand just one more project with the wonderful Aviary 2 fabric from Joel Dewberry, take a look at the bag I made this week.

I also made it up in a different fabric (this time the Prince Charming collection by Tula Pink for Free Spirit (Westminster Fibers), with a slight variation – I added a base that allows the bag to stand up.

And I made it in a smaller size. Who knows where this fabric came from. It's been in the stash for a long time and back then I didn't pay so much attention to designers.

Want the pattern to make one for yourself? Find it here, or post a comment and I'll send it to you.

Scraps

2011-08-09T11:09:00.000-04:00

Seriously, where did all this come from? Yesterday I was cleaning up the studio and decided it was time to tackle the mound of scraps left over from countless projects I have worked on during the past couple of years. These piles include everything left over that is less than a fat quarter in size. Astounding, don’t you think? No piece is big enough to make anything by itself, and nothing really seems to coordinate with anything else. Still, it’s all too good to just toss, right?

Then I started thinking about that neat old quilt that Mark had when I met him. He thought his grandmother made it, but his Aunt claims to have never seen it before. That is another mystery that will never be solved, but probably beside the point.

The point is, someone made this really neat quilt and except for the large blue blocks and all the white contrasting fabric, you would be hard pressed to find two triangles that are remotely “coordinated”. Of course this old beauty is all hand pieced and quilted, which is much more effort than I'm up for. However it did set me to wondering if I couldn’t get away with a design that is even more scrappy than this. Something that uses up all of my scraps without cutting into any of the “good” stash.

This is the design I came up with.

Every one of those green triangles will be a different print, and the light triangles will be an assortment of whites, ivories and creams. Hopefully I have enough light scraps, but I will probably need to dip into the stash for some larger pieces. And, of course, I’ll need to back it with something – perhaps just good quality but inexpensive muslin. I guess I’m going to be cutting and stitching for awhile. The smallest blocks are 2 x 2 finished and I need to may 854 of those puppies. I’ll keep you posted on my progress as the pile shrinks.

But whatever will I do if I still have scraps left over? Well there is always this doll quilt that the neighbor lady made for me when I was six...

Can I learn Quilting from a Book?

2011-08-05T10:19:00.000-04:00

The other day a friend was visiting with her teen daughter and mentioned that they were making a crazy quilt for the girl’s room. Mom was providing guidance, but the selection of fabrics and the embroidery work was all being done by the teen. We pulled out the crazy quilt I made a few years ago along with the wonderful old quilt I inherited from my mother who had it from her mother. We walked around and looked at the quilts hanging on the walls and I talked a bit about what techniques and materials that went into each.

The next day as we were watching the teen daughter swim at a competition – all of her kids are quite talented and compete at the national level – Mom admitted that she had never taken any quilting classes and was just winging it. Since I had a quilt-as-you-go project in my lap, I used it to explain a few fundamentals and then suggested a couple of books that she could purchase.

This friend is a language teacher, and hasn’t been at it for too many years, so she well remembers the days when she had to stay one lesson ahead of her students. With a few good references, you can teach yourself or your teen to quilt, and even an experienced quilter can benefit from a refresher on the “proper” way to do things, and the shortcuts that really work.

I have quite a selection of books on sewing, quilting, and other assorted needlework. I also devour several magazines each month looking for new techniques and ideas. However I have a few “go to” favorites for specific things. For crazy quilts I love The Crazy Quilt Handbook, Revised 2^nd Edition by Judith Baker Montano. Not only does the author provide everything you need to know to get started with crazy quilting, she also gives lots of practical tips and includes an extensive stitch encyclopedia. The book is as much an embroidery class in a book as it is a guide to crazy quilting.

For traditional quilting Fons & Porter are some of the best teachers and authors. That’s Marianne Fons and Liz Porter. Though they have published more books than I can count, their Quilter’s Complete Guide is a great place to start. The book is a great primer to read start to finish, and that is how it is organized beginning with tools, fabrics and colors for quilts right through binding and finishing your quilt. But it doesn’t stop there. Quilter’s Complete Guide goes on to explain advanced techniques in pactchwork, appliqué and design. The best part is that the book is organized in such a way that you can easily go back later to reference a particular technique or method.

The Quilter’s Ultimate Visual Guide is another solid reference and is organized more like an encyclopedia. Want to learn about curved piecing for example? That comes right after corner squares and before cutting mats. The illustrations really do make this book. Some of us are just visual learners and if you are one, this is the book for you.

I also find Quilter’s World a great magazine for traditional quilt designs, free patterns, and loads of quilting skills and technique lessons.

For more modern quilting and fiber art I always turn to Quilting Arts. I don’t think I have every opened an issue of the magazine without finding inspiration.

All of the books I’ve used have been around forever and have served me well, but I’m sure there are plenty of new titles out there that I’m missing. I’m curious to know what books and magazines you love. Leave me a comment and share your favorites, especially which publications you would recommend for beginning quilters.

Pattern Shmattern

2011-08-01T09:45:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a quilted wall hanging I was working on and this past week I finished it! Don’t you love quick projects? It helps that this project is small – about thirty two inches square. But the real difference is in the process. I thought some of you might find a bit of explanation helpful.

Usually when I design a quilt, I spend quite a lot of time on “quilt math”. I calculate the exact dimensions (with seam allowances) for each square and triangle, and also calculate the most efficient way to cut out those pieces to use the least amount of fabric and time. I end up with cutting directions that look something like this. Of course this is very helpful if I am later going to write up this design as a pattern. But I didn't do that work this time. This time I decided to wing it. You see I’m trying to walk away from the idea that the end result must be 100% what I envisioned in the beginning.

This time I did start with a drawing which I showed you here.

Instead of the laborious effort to calculate every angle, I decided to blow that drawing up to the actual size of my planned project, take just a few measurements (which I scribbled right on the drawing), and start cutting.

Mentally I broke the design down into a few logical components. The top and bottom borders, center block and the four “corners”. This drawing demonstrates the component break-out, but I actually put this together after the fact for demonstration purposes.

I took rough guesstimates at the dimensions I needed for each piece and then cut everything a bit larger than needed. As I assembled each component, I trimmed off excess.

I made all of the curved pieces as appliqué and in some cases used my handy dandy circle cutter. I’ve been wanting a project to use that tool J.

For the points, I cut a long strip, folded it over and cut 2 inch lengths. Then I folded the corners down to form the point and sewed them in place.

Making the off-center triangle border was a bit interesting without calculating all of the angles. I cut out one of the diamonds and taped in on the back side of my ruler. Then I made a border strip consisting of a center white strip with black on the top and bottom, lined up the template and cut away. Once the diamonds strips were sewn back together with a narrow spacer piece in between, I trimmed off the excess black fabric at top and bottom and I had my border strips.

Throughout the process I kept laying out the finished components against the drawing to see where something was off or might need to be re-worked. This might all seem like it makes extra work and wastes fabric, which is true. But the process is much more akin to improvisation without any rehearsal. I found it both challenging and fun.

Did the project turn out exactly like the drawing? No, but I like it all the same, and I think as I perfect the array of techniques used in this type of quilting the results will just look better and better.
Conclusion: Be fearless. It's only fabric and time. Just start cutting and sewing and see what happens!

Roll and Go Baby Changing Pad

2011-07-29T13:07:00.000-04:00

Earlier in the week I shared a quilt with you that I made for a young couple who are having their first baby (a boy) next month. I've also made them another baby item that I've made in the past. This roll and go changing pad has been a real hit.

In fact, based on advice from moms, I've made this couple two to coordinate with the custom quilt I designed to match her nursery colors. The fabric is Aviary 2 by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit (Westminster Fibers) and though it’s not at all babyish, I think the gray, cream, and yellow works for a boy.
Though I found the original pattern in this book, it doesn't really require a pattern. Just cut out two pieces of coordinating fabric 18” by 22” (or square up a couple of fat quarters). Add a piece of thin batting the same size, and a piece of 7/8 inch grosgrain ribbon that is 16 inches long. Fold over one end of the ribbon and sew a small square of hook and loop (such as Velcro) to cover and secure the end. Now flip the ribbon over and sew the other half of the hook and loop 8 inches from the end (about the middle) of the ribbon.

Your next step is to layer one piece of fabric (the one that will be the inside – in this case the solid gray) and the batting with wrong sides together. Stitch three seams from one long side to the other as shown in the diagram.

Layer the piece you just joined with the other piece of fabric (the outside), with right sides together. Batting will be on the outside. Insert the ribbon half way down the long side between the two pieces of fabric. Make sure that the hook and loop piece on the end of the ribbon is facing in the same direction as the outside fabric and that the opposite end will be caught in the seam. Stitch all the way around the four sides of the rectangle leaving an opening to turn the piece right side out. Trim corners and turn right side out, making sure to get corners sharp, and press. Top stitch close to edge on all four sides to secure the opening and finish the edges.

Fold and roll the changing pad as shown in the video and secure it with your ribbon/hook and loop strap. Toss it in the diaper bag or bottom of the stroller and you will always have a clean place to change the baby, no matter where you are.

And about that book, buy it! Even though this simple project doesn’t need a pattern, there are so many other cute baby things in there you will be glad to have it.

Guest Blogging with Intown Quilters

2011-07-26T12:30:00.000-04:00

Wrote a "Tips on Tuesday" guest blog over at Intown Quilters today. It's about the quilt measurement guidelines I wrote about here last week. If you are local to Atlanta or visiting the area, don't miss visiting the shop. Owner, Sarah Phillips makes sure this is one special shop with the most interesting fabric and classes.

Another Baby Boy Quilt

2011-07-25T10:10:00.000-04:00

How is it that a 50+ year old woman with no children of her own is constantly making things for babies? Just lucky I guess.

Here is the baby quilt I designed for a mom who is due in August. It’s probably one of the most ambitious projects I’ve taken on because of all the hand work. The images in the light blocks are all hand appliquéd and embellished with hand embroidery. Also the quilt is completely hand quilted. It’s not that any of those techniques are particularly difficult, but all that close quilting is time consuming. I've been anxious to give it to her, so that I could then share it with all of you, and that finally happened Saturday evening.

The colors are quite unique. Mom and I went shopping for fabric not long after she found out she was pregnant, and she told me she was thinking about gray and cream with just a little bit of yellow. Then she sent me this e-board. Isn't this a clever idea? She has a friend, Christie Chase, who is an talented artist and designer. Christie put this together to provide inspiration for the nursery. The link is to a post on Christie's blog that shows the finished nursery.
It just happened that I stumbled upon another post that day with a couple of these fabrics identified, so I looked them up and ordered a half yard of each pattern in the grey/cream/yellow colorway that Mom favored. You can find the whole line at this link: Aviary 2 by Joel Dewberry for Free Spirit (Westminster Fibers).

As I usually do, I sat around and looked at the fabric for a long time. I had been thinking I would make a quilt of big blocks and embroider cute boy vignettes in several of them. Once I saw the fabric though – especially this wood grained yellow – all I could think about were wooden toys.

I bought cream fabric and dug through the stash to find an assortment of solid grays then set to work on the design.

Those of you that know my work also know I’m not a huge fan of symmetry. So it should come as no surprise that the soldierly rows of blocks are broken up into uneven clumps with shashing. But the real fun came with the images. I pulled many from clip art images on the internet and narrowed it down to these:

A rocking horse

A ball and bat

A wagon

A teddy Bear

A blue tick hound (because these parents have one)

And a pile of blocks that spell out a name.

I loved that I could make some of those traditionally wooden toys out of wood grained fabric.

If nothing else, this quilt is a reminder that whatever you are making, you should be having fun, and that gifts should always reflect the recipient’s interests.

If you would like to make this quilt, or need a guide to make something similar but tailored to the interest of someone you know, find the pattern here.