Sunday, December 22, 2024

Sew & Tell ~ 12/23/2024


Hey there my quilty friends!  It is Christmas week, and I know that many of you are busy... maybe with last minute gifts or maybe simply celebrating the season so this will be very short.

I finished up the last of my small "multiples" gifts that I wrote about last week... I decided to make fabric corner bookmarks.  I had fun pulling coordinating fabrics from the scrap bin.  

I have a special Christmas gift FOR YOU that will be revealed in a story published on Christmas Eve.  

Let's get the party started. :)

Merry Christmas and Keep Piecing,

Melva




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Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Last Minute Gifts & Tutorials

I am a planner and like to get any big Christmas gifts done well in advance of the holidays and all the hubbub that goes along with them.  But I have noticed over the years that I am drawn to small projects that are quick and easy.  Many of them can be something to have on hand if a last-minute gift is needed or just a bonus "stocking stuffer."  And if they don't get finished???  No sweat!

At the top of the quick and easy project list are pillowcases. 


As I mentioned a few stories ago, I made several for a nephew to go with the alarm clock that he requested.  At the same time, I cut the fabric and printed instructions to make pillowcases including thread to create a DIY pillowcase kit that will be for our oldest granddaughter.


The next project was making a few hair scrunchies.  The tutorial for these can be found on Marie Bostwick's blog... HERE.  I may continue making a few more to keep on hand for when the granddaughters come for a visit.  It seems that one of them is always in need of a hair tie.


As I sewed these up, I recalled helping my daughters make a different style of hair ties when they were in middle school... I decided to create another DIY kit for the middle GD.  Items needed:

9" piece of round elastic
18-24 fabric strips - 3/4" x 6-1/2" (I used a wavy or pinking rotary cutter to cut down on fraying)

Tie a knot in the elastic to create a circle.
Attach the strips to the elastic by folding strips in 1/2.  Pass the loose ends through the folded end and draw up until snug.  Add strips until the elastic is covered.  Easy Peasy!


I had a recent request for a few therapeutic rice bags.  These are another quick and useful gift, and it is easy to make in multiples.  You can find the link to make them HERE.  They include a pattern to make a "monster cover."  But I make a cover from two pieces of flannel (10"x13").  The cover helps to keep the rice bag a little cleaner and a little more sanitary if used by multiple people.  I have made them in a variety of sizes, including a long one that easily drapes across the shoulders.  My mom used them throughout her knee replacement recovery, both as ice packs and hot packs.  


One last item... the knit stocking caps that I embellished with a fur pompom. Since a tutorial had been requested... Here you go!

I purchased these hats from a clearance bin at our wally-world months ago (as they were bringing out spring clothing) for just 50-cents.

The two hats on the far right are from mink.  My original 6 hats are from beaver.  The size difference is noticeable because the length of the fur.  The beaver poms appear larger and much fluffier than the mink.


The first step is to trace a 3-1/2" circle from a template onto the back of the fur.  Mark said to always work from the back of the fur.  Cut the circle from the fur using small snips (basically, just the tips of the scissors).  Using a large needle and some heavy thread (I used upholstery thread) make a running stitch along the edge of the circle.  Gently tug the thread to create the pom.  Stuff with some poly-fil. Finish gathering the circle in tight and knot, leaving a long tail on both ends.


Using the long tails, attach to the top of the cap.  Make several stitches to secure the pom.  Knot your tails together and clip.  I left the tails one inch long.  If you ever need to wash the hat, make sure you remove the pompom.

If you don't happen to have a fur laying around to use, you can use this same process with faux fur.

Ok... one more that I have on my list but haven't made yet... Corner Bookmarks.  I am not sure if I want to make them of fabric or if I will be using scrapbooking paper.

So many ideas!  So little time!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Sunday, December 15, 2024

Camping Journal Quilt ~ Sew & Tell - 12/16/2024

It's D.O.N.E!  The Camping Journal Quilt (top) is done.  As I shared on fb and instagram...


This quilt has been a labor of love for years and documents each and every camping adventure we have been on.

It tells the stories with one block for each night's stay at a location.  It includes small things and big things... when we saw a bear or deer or bighorn sheep or a tarantula...our transition from our truck camper to the 5th wheel camper... as well as the loss of an awning and our beloved Shelby.

I will be finishing it soon and look forward to more camping adventures... while sleeping under these memories.

Thank you, Fiona Sandwich, for the patterns and inspiration. 😘


Many of the signs give some
indication to the weather/season

The various encounters with wildlife
or fishing excursions are included

The transition from the truck camper to our 5th wheel is recorded


It tells stories of each campsite since we started in 2017 - 103 campsites, in all...   
Surf & Sand, mountains, dinosaur tracks,
campfires and weddings
Now for the quilting!  Stay tuned... 
And a book! I NEED a book to document each of the stories.  I already have the stories recorded here on MLS and I recently read of a way to turn my blog to book.  I will be investigating further.

Have you ever done a blog-to-book?  

Leave a comment... I want to hear your thoughts!


A few weeks ago, as I was texting with my fashion designer friend, he thought he overused the exclamation mark.  

Perhaps I should too.  LOL! ;)

With the camping journal quilt top complete I thought I would turn my attention back to the furs.

I cut into the full-length mink.  last week and slowly (because it is all hand-stitched) got the edges turned, "finished" and stitched down.  It is so slow... It requires a larger needle and upholstery thread, and that mink hide is not easy to get through.  

I removed the pockets and tacked the openings closed.  The backing fabric is also hand stitched.  Another slow step since you are again attaching it to the hide of the mink.  My fingers get pretty sore (and weak) after several hours.  Steady as she goes, though!  The fabric from South Africa is perfect and I love that I included Angie's name and the labels as part of the back.  

I will be making a few more poms for hats this week and Vicki has asked for a tutorial.  You can count on a tutorial for these simple things coming soon. :)  I may include tutorials (or at least links to some tutorials that already exist for a few more quick and simple gifts...) Therapeutic Rice bags and Scrunchies.


I will now move on to our weekly feature... Sylvia at Treadle Stitches joined the party with two finishes using the "Happy Block", creating variations of an I Spy Quilt.  Follow the link above to learn of the similarities and the differences.

These are perfect for littles... from infant to toddler.  Well done Sylvia. :)  Welcome to Sew & Tell!

It is time to get this week's party started!  Tell me what you have been working on.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Sunday, December 8, 2024

Furs & Pillowcases ~ Sew & Tell - 12/92024


I started off last week with a few ideas of how the week would look... and then it all changed. I switched out the quilt on the guest bed to be a little festive with the Christmas season.  This classic quilt was pieced by my Great-Grandma Myrtle Werden before she passed away.  My mom quilted it and used it on their bed for several years.  It has a few stains and some wear on it, but it deserves to be shown off for a bit.

That was as far as I got... the phone call telling me that my sewing machine was back in working order and ready to be picked up was the thing that changed everything.

The cleaning and purging didn't happen... instead we got Christmas shopping done when we discovered that Hobby Lobby had all fabric on sale for 40% off.  Along with that, we found crafting kits also 40% off.  Since the older granddaughters requested some things along that line... we felt the timing, opportunity and prices were just right.

One grand requested a bracelet making kit and a "quilt" kit.  Since her sewing skills are still limited and the time required by Mom is also very limited, we settled for a pillowcase making kit. I have printed out the instructions for making a set of two, contrasting pillowcases. Since she is on a softball team, I selected some novelty fabric to pair with her team color.

While I was there, I started thinking about who else I could make pillowcases for...


Dave's family is large and there is a family Christmas draw for the younger folks.  We were assigned a 10-year old nephew who asked for an alarm clock for his room.  That was pretty simple (and "not all that fun" according to Dave).  Since he is a fan of baseball, hockey, golf and the Green Bay Packers I selected fabrics to reflect most of his favorites.  That golf fabric came from a stash that had been acquired several years ago... and hockey fabric was not available in store... GB Packers licensed fabric or jerseys don't exist in Colorado. ;)  Green & yellow it is!


While driving to get my machine, I hand-sewed a block for our Camping Journal Quilt.  This one is Lincoln's (boyhood) home and I am nearly done!  I'll be finishing it and one last one this week.  

I can then start the embroidery on the sign blocks.  The repairman said there had been a problem with the feed dogs.  He made some adjustments and tested it out.  His test samples looked good.  My fingers are crossed that I can get the signs done this week and move on to getting it quilted. 


The other project that grabbed my attention was repurposing the full-length mink coat to a bed runner.  That first cut was scary to take and there was no going back once it was made.  I really like it.  Dave thinks I need to cut it narrower to eliminate the pockets.  I explained that either way I cut it to remove pockets, it would be too small.  I can remove the pockets (reducing bulk) and sew the openings shut.  They may not be so noticeable.

Since we made the drive to get my machine, we made a few stops to a few of our favorite stores.  One was a thrift shop where I found a 3/4-length black mink coat... for only $29.99!  Dave wouldn't let me get it since I have several more furs to repurpose.  Do I wish I had made the purchase anyway???  Yes!

I probably could have argued that I don't have a black one... LOL!


I need to get the backing on it.  I am using a 2-yard cut of fabric that was gifted to me by the same person that gave me the furs.  It came directly from South Africa.  

But I have to say it is dreamy to curl up on as it is!  Since the fabric is just a little short, I am using a section of the coat's lining that has the name of the sweet lady that gave it to me.  I'll include the two labels too.  

After all, I've never had anything from Saks-Fifth Avenue... and probably never will. ;)

I ran into squirrels galore.  🙈 Oh well!

Time for the Sew & Tell feature!  Maggie over at Making A Lather has been working diligently in finishing quilts from her UFO closet and then moving them to her "to be quilted" closet.  She was successful this year in emptying her "To Be Quilted" closet and continues with her UFOs.  In all, 34 quilts were quilted this year!  These are the four she completed in November.  Way to go, Maggie!  Let's get this week's party kicked off!
Are you making Christmas gifts?  
Are you done with shopping?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Pieces of My Life ~ Section IV & "Finishing School"

 


Congratulations! ðŸŽ‰ You have completed all 24 blocks of a quilt that tells the story of your life.  We recently watched the movie Mona Lisa Smile, and that prompted the title of this story.  I'll not go into the emotions that surface when I watch it.  Rather, I'll jump right into the final instructions for finishing your quilt.


The final section (IV) of the Quilt-as-you-go layout uses the same layout as Section II.  




Cutting instructions:

2 - 2-1/2" x 12-1/2" strips
2 - 2-1/2" x 18-1/2" strips
2 - 3-1/2" x 12-1/2" strips

Layout your blocks and strips as shown in the photos.  You can join units together as you desire but I used the following order so that I could chain piece until the final seam.  

Join your 6-1/2" blocks together.  
Add one 3-1/2" strip to the block intended for the upper right unit.  
Join your 6-1/2" blocks to the lower left block.
Add the second 3-1/2" strip to the upper right block.  
Sew a 2-1/2"x12-1/2" strip to each of the remaining blocks. 
Join the 18-1/2" long strips to the remaining units. 
Join the 18-1/2" long units to the 12"+2-1/2" strips units. 
Join the two units together to complete the section.  
Each section should measure 28-1/2" wide by 30-1/2" tall.

NOTE:  I used a variety of fabrics for the sashing strips within the section.  My original plan was to use the same fabric throughout.  I was not fully pleased after auditioning my idea on the design wall, so I started reaching for the scraps and discovered I was much happier with it.  


Prepare a backing piece a few inches larger, approximately 30" x 32", as well as a piece of batting.  Prepare to sandwich section 1 as you would any quilt.  

I use the fusible batting from Hobbs on a regular basis.  (It not only eliminates the sticky mess but also the smell from spray basting.)  For this QAYG process, especially when joining the four sections together and eventually the border, I highly recommend using a fusible batting.  I have no affiliation with Hobbs, just a big fan of this product.

There are multiple videos out in cyber-land but I follow the process as shared by Pauline from Pauline's Quilters World. I considered making my own short video (for about 10 5 seconds), but quickly talked myself out of it since Pauline demonstrates the process so well. She says that there is no need to pin.  I choose to use some pins... a few all over but mostly along the edges.  I find that this helps to keep the top from shifting or moving if not fully fused or if it pulls loose in the handling of the fused piece.  

Quilt as desired... don't you just hate when a pattern says that??? I felt that each block deserved some special quilting to enhance the pattern or design, so I used a variety of straight lines and soft curves.   I quilted the strips with FMQ of vines and leaves first.  Not up for vines and leaves?  Try a stitch-in-the-ditch paired with a 1/4" "echo" line.  Or stitch a continuous soft curve to create a single wavy line... or return back over that line with stitching in the opposite direction making a single serpentine line or chain.

Still unsure or not up to custom block quilting?  You could certainly do an all over stippling, lattice or grid or a hanging diamond design.  Here's a site that offers some simple beginner quilting ideas...

There are sashing strips between each section.  You will not need to be overly concerned with making certain that the stitching from section to section align perfectly.  Whatever you do... have fun with the quilting! 

My method of QAYG is as follows:

Trim/square your quilted piece to the precise size that you need, 1/4" seam allowances included.  Each section should measure 30-1/2" x 28-1/2".  

Cutting instructions for sashing strips:  Cut 2 - 2" x 30-1/2" (back sashing) and 2 - 2-1/2" x 30-1/2" (top sashing).

Layer the 2" strip (right side up), the quilted piece (top up) and then the 2-1/2" strip (right side down) on Section I.

I am not generally a pinner... but, since it is important to have the sashing strips cut to the exact length of the quilted piece, I did use pins.


Sew your 1/4" seam through all layers.  Flip and press the strip on the back.  Pin back the wider strip to keep it from getting in the way as you add the next quilted section.  Again, pin into place on Section II and sew your 1/4" seam.




Press seams to the center of the back sashing strip, forming a channel.  Cut a piece of batting the size of the channel.  Mine was 1" wide.

I use fusible batting so I don't have a worry that it will shift or slip as I move the piece from the ironing board to the machine.




You will then press the front strip over that "channel" while folding under the excess, being careful to just cover the 1/4" seam line and not cut off any points that you may have.

Pin into place and topstitch into place.  Topstitch the opposite side as well.

I am now ready to add the FMQ twisted ribbon in the sashing strip to prevent the batting from pulling away or bunching up in the channel.

You can see that I top stitched both sides of the sashing strip, making them match

Repeat this step of sashing to join Sections III and IV together.  To join the upper and lower sections, cut/make a 2" wide strip that measures 57-1/2" for the back sashing.  Make a second strip of the top sashing fabric to 2-1/2" x 57-1/2".  Pin into place on the lower edge of Sections I & II.  Join with Sections III & IV.

For the top and bottom outer borders cut/make:
2 - 2" x 57-1/2" from sashing strip fabric
2 - 4-1/2" x 57-1/2" from outer border fabric
2 - 6-1/2" x 57-1/2" from backing fabric*

Using 1/4" seam allowance, join together along the long edge of the sashing strip and border fabric to make units ready to join to the top and bottom of the quilt.  Join to the quilt in the same manner as you joined your sections together.  Insert a piece of batting that measures 6"x 57-1/2".  Fuse batting into place (and pin, as an extra measure) to secure while you add the side borders of the quilt.

For the side borders cut/make:
4 - 5-1/2" squares (cornerstones of the quilt border)
2 - 2" x 65" from sashing strip fabric
2 - 4-1/2" x 65" from outer border fabric
2 - 6-1/2 x 65" from backing fabric*

*NOTE:  The backing pieces are oversized and should be trimmed down before binding.  

Using 1/4" seam allowance, join together along the long edge of the sashing strip and border fabric. Add a cornerstone unit to each end of these border units.  Join to the sides of the quilt using the same steps as you did to join the upper and lower borders.  Fuse batting into place and secure to avoid shifting as you quilt.

You are now ready to add quilting to your borders.  

Binding (1/2 yard):  Cut 7 - 2-1/2" strips.  Join together and press in half.  I you are a beginning quilter you can find details about binding techniques here.


For the traditional layout you will need to cut the following:


Cut 9- 2" squares for cornerstones

Cut 8 - 2" strips - sub-cut into 24 -12-1/2" sashing strips

Cut 6 - 2" strips for the outer sashing/border.  Make four 2" x 52-1/2" strips.

Cut 6 - 1-1/2" strips of a contrasting color for the narrow border.  make four 1-1/2" x 52-1/2" strips.

Cut 6 - 4" strips of the outer border fabric.  Make four 4" x 52-1/2" strips.

Layout 4 rows with 4 blocks each.  Join sashing strips and cornerstones between blocks and rows.

Make your border units.  The first border should be the same fabric as the sashing strips.  Join three strips together to make the four 6-1/2" wide border units.

Add a border unit to the top and bottom of the quilt top.  Add a 6-1/2" block of your choice to each end of the remaining two border units.  Sew to the sides of quilt.  Your quilt is ready for sandwiching, quilting and binding.

Good job!  I'll have a linky party open here for you to share your completed tops/quilts.  I would love to see the quilt that tells YOUR life story.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for joining me in this sew along. Taking the time to reflect on your life can be fun... but it can be difficult as well.  As I have stated before, life is not only made up of the warm and fuzzy moments.  If not for the hard times and challenges in life, we cannot truly appreciate those good times.  

Did you learn anything new in this sew along event?
It may have been a new technique...
or something new about you!
Did you have a favorite block?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you!

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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Tips are always welcome :)





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Sunday, December 1, 2024

Sticks & Stones II Finish - Sew & Tell ~ 12/2/2024

Time flies when you're having fun!  Apparently, I am having a blast!  LOL.  We have turned the calendar page to the final month of 2024.  December is a month that is filled with preparation for festive celebrations and, for me, a time of reflection. 

I'll share thoughts of my reflections over the past year later in the month.  For now... I'm celebrating the finish of my Sticks & Stones II.  One week ago, I had it ready for quilting.  GREAT!  Except that then I was stuck with how to quilt it.  I had considered feathered wreaths (like my first one), but it just didn't seem to want that.  I liked the diagonal "chains" in the stones I had done in #1, so I started there.

And then it just sat.  I searched my quilting books for ideas... the feathered wreaths continued to nag at me.  I sat down at my machine and did a practice.  I looked at the quilt and it defiantly spoke NO to me.

I set it aside until it decided to tell me how it wanted to be quilted.  I prepared the story and newsletter for the final blocks of the Pieces of My Life quilt and headed to the kitchen in preparation for Thursday's Thanksgiving meal.  The final blocks are 6" in size.  The final assembly instructions will be coming soon.

It was an enjoyable day with all of our children, their spouses, my Mom and a neighboring family.  We numbered 14 in all.  There are no pictures to prove of the fun had by all.  Rebecca had some simple craft projects for the kiddos and kept them entertained while I cleaned up the kitchen.  Football was on in the background as conversations took place.  By sunset, it was only me and Dave again.  Ahhhh... the sweet sound of silence. 

On Friday, Sticks & Stones finally spoke to me... though only in small spurts.  I added chains to shrink the open spaces, but the open spaces were still too large for the batting "recommended" spacing.  It then shared that it wanted to have a larger chain (encompassing three smaller chains).  It resulted in a sort of an orange peel design.  This was good!  

I needed to quilt the border... the quilt was reluctant to share what it wanted.  As I played with ideas reflecting the arcs in the body of the quilt.  I finally got a small nod and smile as I placed a large arc that connected to the intersections of the orange peel designs and overflowed into the border.  Ahhhh, yes!  The final stitches of quilting were the same large arcs, but off-set in the opposite direction.

The binding is a two-color, flanged binding using a red (leftover from a commissioned quilt earlier in the year) and the same powdered blue as the stones/border.  I snuck in a small label that was included in the Advent calendar I purchased myself last year. XO

Here she is in her full glory. 💗💙💚

Since we are on the cusp of Advent and the Christmas season (and I don't have any deadlines or projects on the cutting table or design wall) I am planning on doing some organizing and cleaning.  Part of the organizing will be listing the final items I held onto after the down-sizing sale at Mom's in July.  There were items that were bigger ticket items and were just too nice to let go to a thrift store, but it is time to get them out of the basement and garage.  I just have to find the right person to be Christmas Shopping!


It's time for the randomly selected Sew & Tell feature... Nann at With Strings Attached showed off placemats she made with assorted 9-patch blocks.  She had stated... "I had no plan for them.  Well, they had plans for me."  

I love that I am not the only one that has quilting projects and fabrics talk to me. ;)

What's happening in your studio?

Leave a comment... I'd love to hear for you.

Keep Piecing,

Melva

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