New Years Trip Prep!

Its New Year Eve, I hope you are all getting ready to bring in the New Year in style. 

Yesterday, I spent most the day with my longarm, working on learning the pantograph I have on the table.  I worked it all the way to the bottom of the fabric just like if it was a real quilt.  Then I backed it up and changed to a different color of thread to see where my mistakes were and how different the pattern looked on that pass through.  I am getting more comfortable using the longarm and the pantograph I have on the table.  Tonight, If time permits, I will put a new quilt top and bottom on the longarm  and switch to a new pantograph.

Today, I'm working on finishing Part 6, and then start Part 7 of Easy Street,  but first I need to go Joannes for more Green Fabric.  Then I need to stop at the Store to get a few travel items.  My husband and I, and close friends are traveling to San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday.  My youngest son, will be graduating from Air Force Basic Training this week.  Once I get my errands done, I will get us packed for the trip.

I hope you all have a safe New Year Eve!


Tina

New Years Trip Prep!

Its New Year Eve, I hope you are all getting ready to bring in the New Year in style. 

Yesterday, I spent most the day with my longarm, working on learning the pantograph I have on the table.  I worked it all the way to the bottom of the fabric just like if it was a real quilt.  Then I backed it up and changed to a different color of thread to see where my mistakes were and how different the pattern looked on that pass through.  I am getting more comfortable using the longarm and the pantograph I have on the table.  Tonight, If time permits, I will put a new quilt top and bottom on the longarm  and switch to a new pantograph.

Today, I'm working on finishing Part 6, and then start Part 7 of Easy Street,  but first I need to go Joannes for more Green Fabric.  Then I need to stop at the Store to get a few travel items.  My husband and I, and close friends are traveling to San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday.  My youngest son, will be graduating from Air Force Basic Training this week.  Once I get my errands done, I will get us packed for the trip.

I hope you all have a safe New Year Eve!


Tina

Quilt Problems!

Yesterday, I spent the day putting together the rest of the Nancy's Fancy quilt top, that I have been working on the last couple days.  I started by putting together units 5, 6, and 7. 

Unit 5, combines the last of the 4 log cabin blocks into one row with one set of 2 pinwheels plus sashing in between and below to make into one unit. 

Unit 6, is putting sashing on the left and right sides of Nancy's Fancy block.  Finally Unit 7, is sewing sashing on the top, left and right sides of flying Swallows block and then on the right side adding the last of the Pinwheel blocks.

After all of that, I had the long process of sewing the units together. I started with sewing 6 and 7 together with unit 6 on top of 7, so Nancy's Fancy will be on the top of Flying Swallows.  Then on the right side I added unit 4 of the Snail Trail blocks. Followed by Unit 5 on top of those in addition to the 4 Log Cabins and set of Pinwheels together. So far so good.  

Unit 1, which has more Log Cabins, to the left side of these blocks,  I had a slight problem there with getting the Log Cabins to match up with the ones in Unit 5.  Just had to remove and re-sew the seams only once on those blocks. 

I was starting to lay out the Unit 2 and realized that for some reason one side was longer than the other.  I forgot to put unit 3 on the bottom of Unit 7, the Flying Swallows block. So I sewed that block on before I added the last block of Unit 2.  Then I thought I was finished. NOT!

Once I started Square the top; I found the problems.  The bottom of unit 3 was causing all sorts of issues with squaring the top. The Bouquet Basket was not square at all, so I had to take that unit off, take the block out of the unit and square it up. Then put the unit back together. After that, another problem was found, some how the unit was now 1/4" short.  So I took the sashing out of in between the pinwheels and the Bouquet Basket and added a new one that was 1/4" wider, and that fixed the problem.  Finally sewed it the unit back on and the bottom was much better.  

Now the Top was finished, it just need get more fabric to finish the borders. then I can quilt it up.

 

Today, I plan to clean up my sewing room and practice on my longarm.  Need to get practicing so I can start actually working on real quilts.  Just practicing on Muslin right now, which is a great way to get use to the machine.  

Have a great Day and Happy Quilting Everyone!

Tina

Quilt Problems!

Yesterday, I spent the day putting together the rest of the Nancy's Fancy quilt top, that I have been working on the last couple days.  I started by putting together units 5, 6, and 7. 

Unit 5, combines the last of the 4 log cabin blocks into one row with one set of 2 pinwheels plus sashing in between and below to make into one unit. 

Unit 6, is putting sashing on the left and right sides of Nancy's Fancy block.  Finally Unit 7, is sewing sashing on the top, left and right sides of flying Swallows block and then on the right side adding the last of the Pinwheel blocks.

After all of that, I had the long process of sewing the units together. I started with sewing 6 and 7 together with unit 6 on top of 7, so Nancy's Fancy will be on the top of Flying Swallows.  Then on the right side I added unit 4 of the Snail Trail blocks. Followed by Unit 5 on top of those in addition to the 4 Log Cabins and set of Pinwheels together. So far so good.  

Unit 1, which has more Log Cabins, to the left side of these blocks,  I had a slight problem there with getting the Log Cabins to match up with the ones in Unit 5.  Just had to remove and re-sew the seams only once on those blocks. 

I was starting to lay out the Unit 2 and realized that for some reason one side was longer than the other.  I forgot to put unit 3 on the bottom of Unit 7, the Flying Swallows block. So I sewed that block on before I added the last block of Unit 2.  Then I thought I was finished. NOT!

Once I started Square the top; I found the problems.  The bottom of unit 3 was causing all sorts of issues with squaring the top. The Bouquet Basket was not square at all, so I had to take that unit off, take the block out of the unit and square it up. Then put the unit back together. After that, another problem was found, some how the unit was now 1/4" short.  So I took the sashing out of in between the pinwheels and the Bouquet Basket and added a new one that was 1/4" wider, and that fixed the problem.  Finally sewed it the unit back on and the bottom was much better.  

Now the Top was finished, it just need get more fabric to finish the borders. then I can quilt it up.

 

Today, I plan to clean up my sewing room and practice on my longarm.  Need to get practicing so I can start actually working on real quilts.  Just practicing on Muslin right now, which is a great way to get use to the machine.  

Have a great Day and Happy Quilting Everyone!

Tina

Coming Together!

Nancy Fancy

Progress was made yesterday on the WebFabric's Block of Month Quilt.  I finished the last block "Nancy Fancy", after working on Part 6 of Easy Street, which was very easy this week.  Although I have to run to Joanne's again today or tomorrow to get more green fabrics to finish the Extra Credit of this weeks piece.

Nancy Fancy was an interesting block to put together, You build the center block then work on the inner border and then the outer borders on the block.  Everything lined up very nicely, no problems with the whole block.

Once the block was finished I started working on putting the quilt top together.  They divided the top into 7 units.  Unit 1, sewing up 5 log cabin blocks into a column. Then combining Noon Light, Card Trick and Nosegay into rows. Finally sewing the to column together into one big unit.

Unit 1

Unit 2, combines Chinese Puzzle blocks  and Storm at Sea blocks.  The Chinese puzzle blocks are little bit trickery to put together, I had to take one of the three block apart several times, but I finally got it to line up.

Unit 2

Unit 3- Combines a set of 3 pinwheels, bouquet Basket and Morning Star. 

Unit 3

Unit 4, combines the 4 snail trails into one long column.

Unit 4

Today, I hope to finish Units 5, 6, and 7 and then to combine them all together.  I may also start working on the borders of the quilt top.  So far, It is looking good. We will have to see how the rest goes today.

Tina

Coming Together!

Nancy Fancy

Progress was made yesterday on the WebFabric's Block of Month Quilt.  I finished the last block "Nancy Fancy", after working on Part 6 of Easy Street, which was very easy this week.  Although I have to run to Joanne's again today or tomorrow to get more green fabrics to finish the Extra Credit of this weeks piece.

Nancy Fancy was an interesting block to put together, You build the center block then work on the inner border and then the outer borders on the block.  Everything lined up very nicely, no problems with the whole block.

Once the block was finished I started working on putting the quilt top together.  They divided the top into 7 units.  Unit 1, sewing up 5 log cabin blocks into a column. Then combining Noon Light, Card Trick and Nosegay into rows. Finally sewing the to column together into one big unit.

Unit 1

Unit 2, combines Chinese Puzzle blocks  and Storm at Sea blocks.  The Chinese puzzle blocks are little bit trickery to put together, I had to take one of the three block apart several times, but I finally got it to line up.

Unit 2

Unit 3- Combines a set of 3 pinwheels, bouquet Basket and Morning Star. 

Unit 3

Unit 4, combines the 4 snail trails into one long column.

Unit 4

Today, I hope to finish Units 5, 6, and 7 and then to combine them all together.  I may also start working on the borders of the quilt top.  So far, It is looking good. We will have to see how the rest goes today.

Tina

More Progress

Nosegay

Monday and Tuesday, I had made a lot of progress in the sewing room on all of my unfinished block of Months.  I completed Block 7 from the Designer of Month Block. (To see the latest block click here.) Now I am caught up on that Block of month.  

With those done, I decided to started on the Webfabric's Block of Months quilt. When I stopped I had only 4 blocks to finish. 

Monday, I completed  Month 9 - Nosegay and Month 10 - Storm At Sea. Nosegay was a fun block to put together. I thought it was going to be a a hard block, but it was just the opposite it was fairly easy.  The harder one to put together was the Storm at Sea due to the side borders of the block were tricky to line up the points

Storm at Sea

Monday, I start the last of the blocks,  Month 11 - Nancy Fancy.  I had the center of the block complete, now just to finish the outer borders of the block.

So, my goal today is to finish the block and work on Part 6 of Easy Street.  So, I can start this weekend putting the units of the Block of Month together.  I'm looking forward to seeing this all completed.  Plus, this means another quilt top to add to my list of projects to put on my longarm when I feel I'm ready.  Soon, I hope!

Tina

More Progress

Nosegay

Monday and Tuesday, I had made a lot of progress in the sewing room on all of my unfinished block of Months.  I completed Block 7 from the Designer of Month Block. (To see the latest block click here.) Now I am caught up on that Block of month.  

With those done, I decided to started on the Webfabric's Block of Months quilt. When I stopped I had only 4 blocks to finish. 

Monday, I completed  Month 9 - Nosegay and Month 10 - Storm At Sea. Nosegay was a fun block to put together. I thought it was going to be a a hard block, but it was just the opposite it was fairly easy.  The harder one to put together was the Storm at Sea due to the side borders of the block were tricky to line up the points

Storm at Sea

Monday, I start the last of the blocks,  Month 11 - Nancy Fancy.  I had the center of the block complete, now just to finish the outer borders of the block.

So, my goal today is to finish the block and work on Part 6 of Easy Street.  So, I can start this weekend putting the units of the Block of Month together.  I'm looking forward to seeing this all completed.  Plus, this means another quilt top to add to my list of projects to put on my longarm when I feel I'm ready.  Soon, I hope!

Tina

My Favorite Shop - Fat Quarter Shop

I can’t believe it is Thursday already, time for another one of my series on My Favorite shops.  This week I like to highlight Fat Quarter Shop.  

Fat Quarter Shop is very nice online quilting store that has a large selection of fabrics from all the major fabric manufacturers, from Moda to Windham.  They make is easy to search for fabrics you need by letting you search by theme, designer, collection and Manufacturer.  You can even buy fabrics in specialty cuts, jelly rolls, layer cakes, desert rolls, and much more.  They even have the Moda Pre-cuts in their own page.

 

Not only do they carry a large selection of fabrics, but they also carry a nice selection of patterns, books, quilting kits, notions & thread. They also have quilt clubs, which are similar to Block of Month, but you also receive fabric.  You can choose from fat quarters, jelly rolls, charm packs, and for a set price you will receive 12 print bundle plus 3 solids, depending on the club on which you choose.  

Fat Quarter Shop has a nice selection of Block of Month programs, including Fat Quarter Shop exclusive Designer Block of Month Program.  I’m at the half way point on a block of the month and is turning out very nicely, their patterns are easy to read.  They don't skimp on the fabric you receive each month. I really look forward to see the end product.  I also have been receiving the Women of Courage Block of Month quilt pattern; the patterns are mailed right on time. I have never had a problem with them.

 

They have a whole selection on Christmas fabric called the Christmas Cloth Store. The Store is set up like the Fat Quarter Shop’s main page only has Christmas Fabrics and patterns.

 

Fat Quarter Shop also has a great selection of free patterns, and other helpful links.  In addition they have a selection on fabrics, patterns and kits that are coming soon.  Great way to look and see what fabrics will be coming out in 2013.

 

I really like going to Fat Quarter Shop to find Fabric I need.

Tina

My Favorite Shop - Fat Quarter Shop

I can’t believe it is Thursday already, time for another one of my series on My Favorite shops.  This week I like to highlight Fat Quarter Shop.  

Fat Quarter Shop is very nice online quilting store that has a large selection of fabrics from all the major fabric manufacturers, from Moda to Windham.  They make is easy to search for fabrics you need by letting you search by theme, designer, collection and Manufacturer.  You can even buy fabrics in specialty cuts, jelly rolls, layer cakes, desert rolls, and much more.  They even have the Moda Pre-cuts in their own page.

 

Not only do they carry a large selection of fabrics, but they also carry a nice selection of patterns, books, quilting kits, notions & thread. They also have quilt clubs, which are similar to Block of Month, but you also receive fabric.  You can choose from fat quarters, jelly rolls, charm packs, and for a set price you will receive 12 print bundle plus 3 solids, depending on the club on which you choose.  

Fat Quarter Shop has a nice selection of Block of Month programs, including Fat Quarter Shop exclusive Designer Block of Month Program.  I’m at the half way point on a block of the month and is turning out very nicely, their patterns are easy to read.  They don't skimp on the fabric you receive each month. I really look forward to see the end product.  I also have been receiving the Women of Courage Block of Month quilt pattern; the patterns are mailed right on time. I have never had a problem with them.

 

They have a whole selection on Christmas fabric called the Christmas Cloth Store. The Store is set up like the Fat Quarter Shop’s main page only has Christmas Fabrics and patterns.

 

Fat Quarter Shop also has a great selection of free patterns, and other helpful links.  In addition they have a selection on fabrics, patterns and kits that are coming soon.  Great way to look and see what fabrics will be coming out in 2013.

 

I really like going to Fat Quarter Shop to find Fabric I need.

Tina

My Inspiration

My mom, sister and me summer 2012

My mom is my biggest inspiration for my sewing. She would make my sister and I clothes and my dads shirts. I can remember watching her lay out patterns out of fabric, and then sew them into nice clothes. Also I remember going with her to the sew and vac store in downtown Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and watching test drive sewing machines. She still is using that New Home sewing machine that she purchased to this day. My mom first taught me to sew on a Holly Hobie sewing machine, that I received one Christmas as a gift. When I was in middle and high schools and I took several home economics classes and we always had a semester or two in learning to sew. I was always ahead of the class due what my mom had shown me before I even had the class. I remember making pair of sweatpants with her supervision for high school home economics class project. The teacher was so pleased with how fast and nicely I did the work. I own it all my to my fantastic mom. 

Also while I was little, I remember my mom going to a quilt class in Spokane, Washington and watching her put the log cabin blocks together for a quilt. It was very scrappy, and I still have that quilt. I think that was when I fell in love with quilts now I think about it. I have a lot of her quilts that she made over the years and have used them for our bed and throught out our house. That what I love about quilts they will last forever, due to the loved that is put into them.

Another inspiration in my sewing is my aunt. She is a gifted seamstress, she would make clothes for people in her sewing room in her house. She would make prom, and wedding dresses also for people. In fact she made my prom dresses for two different years, and then she made my beautiful wedding gown.

This summer, when I was home on vacation my mom gave me a box of quilting patterns. These patterns belonged to my great-grandma Evers. These patterns came by mail from Farmers Magazine. Some of the patterns templates were cut from old cereal boxes. Also  in the box was an old quilt block she had sewn together. You turn it over you can see the her hand stitching. I will be sharing more about these patterns in a later blog.

As you can tell, sewing and quilting runs in the family. But my biggest inspiration in my life, sewing and quilting is my mom. Plus, she along with my dad have always been my number one fans. I thank them for always being there for me and my sister. I love you!

Tina

My Inspiration

My mom, sister and me summer 2012

My mom is my biggest inspiration for my sewing. She would make my sister and I clothes and my dads shirts. I can remember watching her lay out patterns out of fabric, and then sew them into nice clothes. Also I remember going with her to the sew and vac store in downtown Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and watching test drive sewing machines. She still is using that New Home sewing machine that she purchased to this day. My mom first taught me to sew on a Holly Hobie sewing machine, that I received one Christmas as a gift. When I was in middle and high schools and I took several home economics classes and we always had a semester or two in learning to sew. I was always ahead of the class due what my mom had shown me before I even had the class. I remember making pair of sweatpants with her supervision for high school home economics class project. The teacher was so pleased with how fast and nicely I did the work. I own it all my to my fantastic mom. 

Also while I was little, I remember my mom going to a quilt class in Spokane, Washington and watching her put the log cabin blocks together for a quilt. It was very scrappy, and I still have that quilt. I think that was when I fell in love with quilts now I think about it. I have a lot of her quilts that she made over the years and have used them for our bed and throught out our house. That what I love about quilts they will last forever, due to the loved that is put into them.

Another inspiration in my sewing is my aunt. She is a gifted seamstress, she would make clothes for people in her sewing room in her house. She would make prom, and wedding dresses also for people. In fact she made my prom dresses for two different years, and then she made my beautiful wedding gown.

This summer, when I was home on vacation my mom gave me a box of quilting patterns. These patterns belonged to my great-grandma Evers. These patterns came by mail from Farmers Magazine. Some of the patterns templates were cut from old cereal boxes. Also  in the box was an old quilt block she had sewn together. You turn it over you can see the her hand stitching. I will be sharing more about these patterns in a later blog.

As you can tell, sewing and quilting runs in the family. But my biggest inspiration in my life, sewing and quilting is my mom. Plus, she along with my dad have always been my number one fans. I thank them for always being there for me and my sister. I love you!

Tina

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Hope you are enjoying your friends and family on this day.  
Today, I will be spending my time with my family and friends. Although we will be one family member short this year due my youngest son will be spending Christmas in his final week of Air Force Basic training, in San Antonio, Texas.   I know I will be thinking about him all day long, I miss him a lot. Since this is his first Christmas away from his family, I know in my heart he misses us also.  I will be also thinking about my parents in Northern Idaho and Sister and Nephews in Washington State.

Today, I wish you to remember to send out prayers for all the military that can not be home with there families on this special day. Also Please remember to send prayers to the families in mourning in Connecticut.

Have a great day, and see you in tomorrow blog on Quilting Affections.


Tina  

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Hope you are enjoying your friends and family on this day.  
Today, I will be spending my time with my family and friends. Although we will be one family member short this year due my youngest son will be spending Christmas in his final week of Air Force Basic training, in San Antonio, Texas.   I know I will be thinking about him all day long, I miss him a lot. Since this is his first Christmas away from his family, I know in my heart he misses us also.  I will be also thinking about my parents in Northern Idaho and Sister and Nephews in Washington State.

Today, I wish you to remember to send out prayers for all the military that can not be home with there families on this special day. Also Please remember to send prayers to the families in mourning in Connecticut.

Have a great day, and see you in tomorrow blog on Quilting Affections.


Tina  

Caught Up "Women Of Courage" BOM

In June of this year, I received my first block and backing for  "Women of Courage" Block of the Month quilt, through the Fat Quarter Shop.  I liked the idea of blocks and a quilt that represent the strong women and courage of women in our history.

Month 3

Each block when complete will measure 9-1/2 inches unfinished. The total of 12 months will measure out with finished quilt size of 98" x 98". Month One block was Nancy Wake and Month two was Sojourner Truth, which I finished several months ago and then got involved in other projects.  So, I decide this weekend would be a good time to catch up on my blocks.

Month 4

So the last couple of days, I have been having a little fun catching up. Saturday, I finish Month 3 - Christi McAuliffe block.  

Sunday, I completed Months 4, 5, and 6, which caught me up to the current month.  Month 4 was decade to Bessie Coleman, you had to make two of the same blocks you did in Months 1 through 3. 

Month 5

With Month 5, they combined two women Maud Fitch & Susan B. Anthony, so you are making one block for each of them. They are nice blocks, with the backings different from the others.

Month 6

Month 6, also combines two women Helen Keller & Mary Edwards Walker. These two blocks were a little easier than the others I completed earlier in the day.  

Only 6 more months left to go as this will end in May 2013. I'm looking forward to seeing the other blocks as they come in the mail.  Overall it was a great weekend for catching up on a project that I was behind on.  Hoping everyone had a productive weekend like I did!

Caught Up "Women Of Courage" BOM

In June of this year, I received my first block and backing for  "Women of Courage" Block of the Month quilt, through the Fat Quarter Shop.  I liked the idea of blocks and a quilt that represent the strong women and courage of women in our history.

Month 3

Each block when complete will measure 9-1/2 inches unfinished. The total of 12 months will measure out with finished quilt size of 98" x 98". Month One block was Nancy Wake and Month two was Sojourner Truth, which I finished several months ago and then got involved in other projects.  So, I decide this weekend would be a good time to catch up on my blocks.

Month 4

So the last couple of days, I have been having a little fun catching up. Saturday, I finish Month 3 - Christi McAuliffe block.  

Sunday, I completed Months 4, 5, and 6, which caught me up to the current month.  Month 4 was decade to Bessie Coleman, you had to make two of the same blocks you did in Months 1 through 3. 

Month 5

With Month 5, they combined two women Maud Fitch & Susan B. Anthony, so you are making one block for each of them. They are nice blocks, with the backings different from the others.

Month 6

Month 6, also combines two women Helen Keller & Mary Edwards Walker. These two blocks were a little easier than the others I completed earlier in the day.  

Only 6 more months left to go as this will end in May 2013. I'm looking forward to seeing the other blocks as they come in the mail.  Overall it was a great weekend for catching up on a project that I was behind on.  Hoping everyone had a productive weekend like I did!

Easy Street Mystery - Part 5

Saturday, was a busy day of Sewing for me in my studio.  I started off with Part 5 of Easy Street Mystery.

Part 5 was very easy, this week with no flying geese, Yeah.  You need to make 64 3-1/2" house blocks, which is the nick name I gave this block.  Start by cutting 64 3-1/2" turquoise squares and from the purple cut 128 2-1/2" squares.

Then draw diagonal lines across the back of the purple squares.  Yeah, that is a lot of marking but it is worth it to ensure a straight line diagonally. 

After you get them all marked, place one of the purple squares on one of the corners of the turquoise and sew across the diagonal line. Sew all the 64 blocks this way.

Once you are done sewing all 64, then take them back to cutting table. From the thread line measure out 1/4" with your easy angle ruler and cut off the rest or the triangle and then press open.

Next take the rest of the purple squares and sew them to the opposite side, like you would do for flying geese. And repeat the process of cutting the triangles and pressing just like before on the opposite side.

  It is still a mystery to me on how this will all work together, but it has been fun.  I'm hoping you are all having fun with it also.

While working on the blocks for Easy Street, I also made a leader/ender project out of my Women of Courage Block of Month part 3.  I sewed the first parts of the block while sewing the purple corners, on the turquoise. It was fun to do it that way, plus I got the blocks done.

Tina

Easy Street Mystery - Part 5

Saturday, was a busy day of Sewing for me in my studio.  I started off with Part 5 of Easy Street Mystery.

Part 5 was very easy, this week with no flying geese, Yeah.  You need to make 64 3-1/2" house blocks, which is the nick name I gave this block.  Start by cutting 64 3-1/2" turquoise squares and from the purple cut 128 2-1/2" squares.

Then draw diagonal lines across the back of the purple squares.  Yeah, that is a lot of marking but it is worth it to ensure a straight line diagonally. 

After you get them all marked, place one of the purple squares on one of the corners of the turquoise and sew across the diagonal line. Sew all the 64 blocks this way.

Once you are done sewing all 64, then take them back to cutting table. From the thread line measure out 1/4" with your easy angle ruler and cut off the rest or the triangle and then press open.

Next take the rest of the purple squares and sew them to the opposite side, like you would do for flying geese. And repeat the process of cutting the triangles and pressing just like before on the opposite side.

  It is still a mystery to me on how this will all work together, but it has been fun.  I'm hoping you are all having fun with it also.

While working on the blocks for Easy Street, I also made a leader/ender project out of my Women of Courage Block of Month part 3.  I sewed the first parts of the block while sewing the purple corners, on the turquoise. It was fun to do it that way, plus I got the blocks done.

Tina