Working On The Chain Gang

     

     Now that the Abby's Treasures blocks are complete it is time to put them together with some scrappy sashing.  I had the idea for a scrappy sashing from the very beginning so as I pressed and cut the fat quarters of fabric I went ahead and cut strips into 2 1/2" squares.  Piles and piles of squares.

     I spent a good part of my weekend chain piecing squares into random groups of six so that each strip would fit the 12" blocks.  The plan was to add a random fabric square as the cornerstone as I  stitched the sashing strips together with the blocks.

       Ta-da!  All cut, sewn and pressed.  One small problem.... I didn't like the single row of sashing.  Too many 2" squares in the sashing and in the block.  Not enough interest. I also thought a single row of sashing looked.... wimpy.  So I doubled it.  Two rows of sashing blocks gave the quilt the random scrappy look that I was after, but 4 inches of sashing was just too wide.  So I cut them down!  I used the 3 1/2" by 12 1/2" Quick Trim & Circle Ruler.  I placed the center line on the ruler on the center seam of the strip set and cut 1/2" off each side.  Instant 3" sashing made with rectangles!  Well "instant" in the same way that someone becomes an "overnight" success.  I had to make twice as many of the sashing strips and then cut them down.

     

     I also decided on a random square of background fabric for the cornerstones in the sashing, adding more light fabric to the quilt.  I am pleased with the secondary pattern, the square around the cornerstone, that the sashing forms.  Looking good!

     Now the top is hanging on my design wall while I contemplate borders.  I could call it a day and simply quilt and bind the top at this stage, but right now, at this very minute, I really feel that this quilt deserves a nice border.  I may change my mind after living with it for a few days.  "Done" is a pretty good feeling.  

     So far I have followed the Jaftex Brand Ambassador "rules" and used the fabrics they provided.  Adding a border might make me go rogue.  One thing I do know, if it gets a border the first thing I will add is a narrow black border to really make those fabrics pop.  After that.... who knows?  Stay tuned!

 

FILL IN THE BLANK

 Abby's Treasures, Part 2.

     My block frames are ready!  The next step is to decide how to fill the center of the blocks.  Another Flying Geese unit fits perfectly between the corner squares.  That is a very easy decision, but it does leave two options.  The geese can point out toward the edge or in toward the center.  One arrangement gives the block a square-in-a-square look.  The other creates a star in the center.  Who doesn't love a star block?  The problem is, you can't see the star if the fabrics don't provide enough contrast.  Time to rethink the plan.

     To make this quilt really scrappy, the sashing between the blocks is going to include all of the main fabrics.  I have set one fabric aside, a diagonal green stripe, for binding. Three of the 24 prints are being used in the background along with the piece from Denim & Dirt.  That leaves 20 prints, most of which are on the darker side to be used in the blocks and sashing.  That's a pretty dark color pallet.  I need to work more light background into the design to lighten this quilt up and show off the pretty prints.

     Clipping the corners with a background print should do the trick.  It lightens up the block and allows the fabrics to shine.  It also means that the best position for the geese is pointing toward the outer edge.  Turning them around would make the background fabric the star points and after adding a darker center, it wouldn't look like a star.  Sometimes decisions are made for you in the design process.  One thing I do know, those clipped corners are accumulating!

     I sew these tiny triangles together along the longest side to create small half square triangles.  I'm not sure if I will use them in a project, but they make great thread bunnies as I am piecing.  I have been known to square them up and turn them into something useful.  Scroll down to the Saturday, April 11th post on this blog to see my Carpenters Star pillow made from corner clips.  Meanwhile I still have a 4" hole in the center of my block to fill....

     Decisions, decisions, decisions.  The original block design had a Four Patch in the center.  I wasn't happy with that because it looked like too many of the same size squares to me.  The scrappy fabric choice also presented a contrast problem.  I felt that I needed a more balanced design for the center unit.

     All of my units so far were based on a strip cut 2 1/2".  When I started I had cut several 2 1/2" strips from each of the 23 fat quarters (remember, one fabric was set aside for binding).  Assuming I would pair 2" finished squares with the 12" finished blocks as the sashing, I knew I would need LOTS of them.  For my second attempt at creating an interesting center unit, I made a simple Nine Patch block and used my 4 1/2" ruler to trim it on point.  Now we are getting somewhere!  That is definitely more interesting than a simple 4 Patch block.  But... all of the edges in that center square are on the bias.  

     A little bias, especially in the center of the block, never scared me.  However, I may be writing instructions for this project sometime in the future.  Consumers - meaning those of you reading this blog - tend to have an unrealistic fear of bias edges.  I could write the instructions to cut the pieces so that the edges of this unit were on the straight of grain, but that would wreak havoc with the direction of my stripe fabric.  Not to mention that the tiny side triangles measure about 1/2".  I'm not sure the design is worth the effort of cutting and piecing 1/2" triangles.  On to option #3.

     I constructed a second Nine Patch using my stacks of 2 1/2" squares.  To balance the color I repeated the triangle fabric in the center square.  The four corners match and the four side squares match, allowing me to use a stripe that would radiate or parallel the center square.  I trimmed that down using my 4 1/2" square ruler.  Future instructions will be easy to write using the actual measurements. 

     To be honest, there were several variations in all three of the options before I settled on the photos you see here.  Next to every new quilt pattern is a huge pile of fabric scraps that didn't work out, looked wrong, were the wrong size or scale, didn't match.... That explains why my trash bin looks like this:

    

      My blocks are almost complete!  I'm happy with the "light" areas that will soon be surrounded by dark.  The block centers are interesting without being difficult to piece.  There is enough organization of color to keep the quilt from looking scrambled.  I considered using the same fabric for all four of the outside corners, but the blocks have enough repetition.  Why not go scrap crazy with the sashing?  Stay tuned to see the sashing next week!

FOR MY NEXT TRICK...

      I have the pleasure of working with several fabric companies.  One of my favorites is the Jaftex corporation.  You may not know the corporate name, but you certainly know their brands, FreeSpirit, Henry Glass, Studio e, A.E. Nathan, 3 Wishes and Blank Textiles are all under the Jaftex umbrella.  As a designer, I like variety in my fabric selection and those labels offer everything from reproduction to ultra-modern prints.  When I was offered the opportunity to become a Brand Ambassador, my first reaction was to jump at the opportunity.  The downside was that you were required to work with only ONE of those companies for an entire year.  That posed a problem, as I said, I like variety.  I ended up agreeing to give it a try if I could work across their brands and mix things up a bit.  Shortly thereafter, my first package arrived.

     In the next 30 days I have to produce either one “large” or three “small” projects using the fabrics included in the package.  This is a little like being on the Food Channel program Chopped where you must use the ingredients in the basket.  The good news is, I am the only contestant and I have an entire month to finish the task.  I filmed an “unboxing” video and shared it in the Nine Patch A Day Group on Facebook  You are welcome to join that private group and watch it there.  

     Here is a photo of some of the fabrics I found in the package.  Half yard cuts of 24 pieces of the Abby’s Treasures fabric line by Missie Carpenter for Blank Quilting.  (You can read more about Missie by clicking the link) WHOO HOO!  I can work with this!  The package also included some light pieces not shown here and a huge piece of a what looks like aged muslin by Tana Mueller of Western Denim & Dirt to be used as background or backing.

     I thought it might be fun for you to follow the design process.  So here goes!

     The first thing I did was cut the fabrics in half on the fold to create fat quarters.  I may write instructions for this project in the future and I find it easier to track yardage by the fat quarter.   Next I sprayed all of the fabrics with sizing and iron them dry.  That is my method of pre-shrinking.  Working with the prints I realized that I had 6 different colors, blue, brown, green, red, orange and purple.  Twelve blocks, two from each color family is a sensible place to start.  The fabrics are also ALL blenders.  There is no feature print, like a larger scale floral, in the group.  This fabric line is perfect for a scrap quilt!  I chose these prints to be my main block borders.

     Next step, choose a block pattern.  It is always a good idea to start with a favorite.  Something not too simple, not too difficult.  For this project it must be interesting enough to include a variety of fabrics.  After all I have 24 different prints to work with.  I also have to choose carefully because SEVEN of the prints are stripes, both straight and diagonal.  One of the background fabrics is a diagonal stripe.  Time to cut that one up and find a pattern to make it work...  Wow!  That wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  Adding a cornerstone to this block keeps the diagonal stripe contained in a specific area.  Block pattern chosen!

     You probably wouldn't start making a block by making the outer edge first, but in the design process I approach the pattern in a different way.  When making a scrappy quilt I like to provide some consistency,  I feel you need a place for your eye to "rest" and appreciate the design.  By cutting these geese units and the squares from the same fabric they will form a frame around the center of the block where a variety of fabrics will be used.  What the center of the block will look like is yet to be determined.  Right now I have to get twelve frames made using 4 different background fabrics.

   BTW, did you notice that the "goose" is inserted between two rectangles and not made with clipped corners?  There is no center seam in those dark triangles, courtesy of the magic of the Quick Trim & Circle Ruler.  The triangles were cut from a 2 1/2" strip using a Quarter Square Triangle Ruler.  The rectangles were cut and the corners clipped with the Quick Trim & Circle Ruler.  Neat trick to cut down on seams!

#BlankQuilting, #Jaftex, #The Quilt Company

Is it me? Maybe it's me?

      It is possible that the person in charge of OLFA's social media may have lost their mind during quarantine. My first clue was that their Facebook post of September 29th, suggest using OLFA tools to cut a square diagonally twice to create perfect "half square triangles".  All Quilters know that cutting a square diagonally twice will yield 4 perfect QUARTER square triangles.  Ok, ok, maybe it was a typo? OLFA makes quality products, cutters, mats and rulers.  I know that from experience.  This assortment of their rotary cutters are waiting for me on my well used OLFA cutting mat at this very moment.  I'm a fan of their rotary cutters and mats.  It is their social media that seems to have gone off the rails.

     Earlier today the offer at the top of this post popped up in my Facebook news feed with the following text:

 "To celebrate the role that teachers play in our lives, now more than ever, we are celebrating the best way we know how: with a GIVEAWAY!".  

Excellent!  As the mother of a fifth grade teacher, I know that they can use all the help they can get right now in the actual classroom or the virtual classroom.

     What exactly is OLFA giving away to five lucky teachers?  Twenty-five KNIVES.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, a company that makes rulers, mats and cutting tools is offering to arm up to 25 students in 5 classrooms across our country.  In this day and age of clear backpacks, school security and school metal detectors, who in their right mind thought providing school kids with "beginner" knives was a good idea?  

Try to imagine a group of executives sitting around a conference table hashing out this promotion.

Exec #1: "October promo? Let's give something away to teachers."

Exec #2: "Great idea! How about a ruler? Our 1.5 by 12.5 ruler would be helpful in any classroom".

Exec #1: "No, make it something they probably don't have. Beginner Craft Knives will be fun for the kids".

     The funny thing is the 1.5 by 12.5 inch ruler they make is less expensive than the craft knife.  It would seem that they could give away many more rulers for the same cost. I would much prefer that kids learn to measure correctly and leave the cutting to scissors while in class.  

     To win the contest you have to answer the question "My classroom needs these because....".  I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see the answers from stressed out teachers everywhere.

Meanwhile, YOU should keep sewing!

Karen

Fun & Games Online

 I hope you enjoyed August!  It flew by here in a blink of an eye.  

     Sometime in mid July I had the idea to host a Facebook Virtual Hop called Our Favorite Things to showcase the quilt shops that attend Sewposium, (that's the event that I organize for shop owners).  The virtual hop went very well, although it was a full time job on my end, organizing the shops, posting the daily links, answering questions, answering questions, and then answering more questions. It is amazing how many people don't realize that words in blue are a clickable link.  I can't complain, you could fill a fleet of trucks with what I don't know about technology!  

     The success of that hop has lead to other, potentially brilliant ideas that will probably be even MORE time consuming, but what the heck - I enjoy sewing and I enjoy seeing you enjoy sewing, so why not give it a try?  You can join the fun in a few different ways and I would love to have all of you along for the ride.

     September 16th at 7:00pm eastern I will be LIVE on the We All Quilt Facebook page for a Sew-Along.  The September 16th LIVE is specifically dedicated to working on an unfinished project.

     There is nothing to buy, no need to register, just log on to Facebook on the 16th at 7pm and search for the We All Quilt page.  You can do that now and "follow" the page to get a reminder when we go live.  I will be "live" in my sewing room, working on a UFO.  My hope is that you will be watching from your sewing space and working on your very own UFO.  I like the idea that you will be able to comment with photos of what you are doing, ask questions, etc to keep the conversation going.  I will be LIVE for at least an hour, maybe more.  If you can't join us LIVE, then you can watch the recorded version on that same Facebook page anytime after the 16th.  This isn't a professional "hair and make-up" event, it will be just me doing what I normally do, and hopefully making some UFO progress.  You can probably expect some technical difficulty as I figure out how to work lights, camera and computer in unison!  If it goes well, I will consider making it a regular event.

     I have also been challenged by a fabric company Exec to find a way to encourage mask-makers to become quilters.  Tons of people have pulled a sewing machine out of the back of a closet to make masks for friends and family.  They are re-discovering the joy of sewing and creating fabric scraps in the process.  Let's find a way to put those scraps to work and share our love of quilting.  The plan for October is to host a Nine Patch a Day Project.  Commit to making one simple block each day for 31 days + a practice block and you will have all the pieced blocks you need for a throw sized quilt by the end of the month.  You might want to add setting squares or a border, but the idea is to sew a little (or a lot) each day and turn those scraps into something amazing.  

                                                             I need your help with this!

     The Nine Patch A Day page is live on Facebook.  Log on to Facebook and post a photo of your favorite Nine Patch quilt, a stack of fabrics you might use for the project or even a block or two.  Help those new quilters see the possibilities this one simple block can have!  More importantly, if you know someone that sews, but doesn't quilt, hook them up!  Tell them about the page and how they can join in the fun!  Mid September there will be official instructions posted, video lessons and if you post and comment, random fabric prizes will be awarded too!  Mark your calendar and join the FUN!

     This Covid thing can't last forever.  While it does, let's make the best of things an make plans to meet online.  See you soon on a screen near you!

Happy H Day!

     

     Most of you already know that although I now live in Florida, I'm a Pittsburgh girl at heart.  Today, July 19th 2020 I'm celebrating the 109th anniversary of the Pittsburgh "H".  Way, way, way back when the city was named, "Pittsburgh" was chosen to honor William Pitt.  However, the actual selection of the name was made by a Scotsman, General Forbes.  To his way of thinking it made sense to add the "h" to the end, as in Edinburgh.  

     The story doesn't end there.  In 1891, due to a paperwork snafus' official documents were recorded without the "h" at the end and Pittsburgh became Pittsburg.  From 1891 until 1911 the US government spelled the cities name one way and the city government spelled it another.  Finally 109 years ago on July 19th 1911 the US Geographic Board voted to reinstate the "h" and Pittsburgh got it's "h" back.  Let's party!

For this project you are going to need:

24 strips 2 1/2" by the width of the fabric, you can cut these yourself or use part of a jelly roll.

1/2 yard of background fabric or 6 strips 2 1/2".

3/4 yard of fabric for the inner border and binding.

2 1/4 yards of border fabric if you want a larger quilt."

     Begin by cutting all 24 of your strips into the segments shown below.  Keep the strips folded.  Working from left to right, remove the selvedge edge.  Cut 2 segments 6 1/2" long.  Cut the remainder of the strip into 2 1/2" squares.  Normally I would never ask you to cut across the fold, but for this project if you get just one more square from the strip you will have exactly what you need for the project.  If your strips were cut wonky, you might need to grab some fabric from your stash to make up the extra blocks for the pieced border.

     Now cut the 6 strips of background fabric into 96 background squares measuring 2 1/2".  There are 48 blocks in this quilt and you are going to need 2 background squares for each block.

     Each H block has 2 rectangles and 1 square cut from the same fabric.  By following the cutting diagram above you will be making 2 identical blocks from each strip.  The remaining 2 1/2" squares make the pieced border, set these aside.  Select 2 squares from each strip and stitch a background square to opposite sides.  Use a 1/4" seam allowance.  Don't make the mistake of sewing a background square to ALL of the 2 1/2" squares. 

     Now sew a 2 1/2" by 6 1/2" rectangle to each side of your pieced unit.  One H block complete!  Press the seams toward the darker fabric in the center section and toward the rectangles on the outer edge.  These blocks will measure 6 1/2" including seam allowance.  Make a total of 48.

     Once your blocks are complete, arrange them in 8 rows of 6 blocks each, alternating the direction of the H.  I prefer to sew 6 vertical columns of 8 blocks each.  That results in fewer long seams.  Standard instructions are usually written in horizontal rows, but I prefer columns.  Try it!  You might like it too.

     From the inner border and binding fabric cut 5 strips 1 1/2" for the inner border.  Stitch these together end-to-end to form one long strip.  My preference is to seam on a 45 degree angle, but these are very narrow strips so if you are more comfortable with straight cuts, those are fine too. 

     Now, measure the length of your quilt top and cut 2 strips to that size.  I'm not going to tell you how long to cut this strip.  You have to measure.  It's not because I don't know the answer, it's because your seam allowance may be slightly larger or smaller than mine so your strip length will differ.  ALWAYS cut your borders to fit YOUR quilt top.  Stitch these to the right and left side.  Press the seams toward the border strip.  Now measure the width, including the borders you just added.  Cut two more strips to that length and add them to the top and bottom.

     At this point you can simply add nice wide borders and be finished with this top.  BUT if you want you can use the remaining pieces from the 2 1/2" strips to piece another border.  Cut a strip or two from the inner border and binding fabric to add to the corners for interest.  Stitch the number of squares together needed for side borders, adding the left and right and then add the top and bottom.  You will need 25 squares for the left and right and 21 squares for the top and bottom.

Approximately 42" by 54"

          Now it's time for the big finish!  Adding a nice wide border not only enlarges your quilt it acts as a frame for your work.  I cut my border strips 8 1/2" wide.  That will make your finished quilt approximately 58" by 70".  The reason I cut them 8 1/2" wide is that my favorite long ruler from Creative Grids is 8 1/2" by 24 1/2".  You can cut yours any width you like.  

     There you have it, a little history on the Pittsburgh H and a free pattern to boot!  Although I illustrated this in 'burgh black and gold, it looks great in any color.  It is also a great pattern to use with scraps by making each piece a different fabric, you won't see the H.  Enjoy!

      

Clean Your Iron Day!

     It's Official.  

     Today has been dedicated to clean irons everywhere.  It doesn't matter what day you are reading this.  Take a few minutes to appreciate your iron and give it a good cleaning.  I have a wonderful Rowenta Steam system.  Yesterday I looked at it, I mean really looked at it, instead of just looking at the fabric I was ironing.  The poor thing should have sued me for neglect.  Not only did it need to be emptied, rinsed and have the sole plate cleaned, it needed a bath!  

     I use lots of spray sizing and the side and top of the iron were covered in overspray.  It was time to give one of my favorite tools a little tender loving care.  This particular iron has a huge water tank as well as a plug to clean out those scale flakes that accumulate.  It really is a fabulous iron.  If you are in the market for a new one, I suggest that you consider making an investment in this one.

     You will rarely hear me suggest a shopping trip to JoAnn Fabrics, but in the case of this iron, that is exactly where I purchase it.  But not until it was on sale.  Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas this model is deeply discounted, but they don't included it in the sale flier.  As a designer, I have wholesale accounts and can order items at cost.  This iron was cheaper on sale.  The regular price is $299.  I got mine for around $189 and it has been worth every penny.  This exact model is on sale at Sur LaTable.com right now for $199. 

     You will see some negative reviews for this model because the name of this iron is the "compact" steam system.  It is definitely not compact.  The water tank is large enough to hold 1.2L of water.  That's a lot of steam when you are pressing seams or preshrinking fabric.  The white button on the side allows you to empty the tank of any "gunk" that accumulates.  No extra filters are needed. 

     Over the last 18 months this iron has grown to be one of the notions in my sewing room that I don't want to live without.  It falls into the same category as my Koala Sewing Chair and my Stella Lights.  These are big budget items (Koala Chair, retail $399, Stella Light $189) that make working in my sewing room so enjoyable.  I've always believed that you can do anything if you have the right tools.  Although I could certainly make a quilt while sitting on a kitchen chair and pressing with a $19 iron, I'm worth the investment - and so are you! 

     Obviously I love my sewing machines and my longarm, but these three items make my sewing life more fun, so that I want to sew even more.  I invested in them after lots of research and chose wisely.  Now I'm letting all of you know how happy I am with them to hopefully take some of the risk out of your buying decisions.

     What are the items in your sewing room that you wouldn't want to live without?  Are there products that you would like to highly recommend to others?  Leave a comment here or post one on the Friends of The Quilt Company Facebook page.  If you aren't a member of our private page, send a friend request and I will be happy to approve you ASAP!  Happy Sewing!

Public Service Annoucement

     I've had a fabric bag for microwaving potatoes for years.   At first I was skeptical of the whole thing, but at the shop we sold thousands of kits to make them so I gave one a try.  Those bags work!  I've made several for family and friends and everyone loves them.  It really makes a difference in the texture of a baked potato that is cooked in a microwave.

     The bag is a bit damp after use, so I usually just let it dry out and pop it back in the drawer.  The next-to-the-last time I used it, dinner also included barbeque sauce.  Evidently some sauce ended up on the fabric potato bag that I didn't notice. The LAST time I used it that sauce got hot - really hot and caught the bag on fire!  I started those potatoes and walked back to my sewing room where I left my phone.  Luckily I didn't get distracted and returned to the kitchen to see my potatoes and bag in flames.

     I know there are stories about bags catching fire because metallic fabric was used or the wrong kind of batting was inside.  This was a well used bag.  It had zapped dozens and dozens of potatoes.  I can only assume that the sweet barbeque sauce was the culprit.  So this is my helpful hint in the form of a public service announcement:

WASH YOUR POTATO BAG

  If you don't have a potato bag, you should.  Below is a link to a video and printable instructions.  Just be sure to use cotton fabric (no metalic, cotton thread and cotton batting) and remember to wash the bag after use.  Guess what I am sewing today?

http://www.aqsblog.com/free-pattern-potato-bag-for-the-microwave

Adding Spice to your Kitchen

     My apologies for those of you that have remodeled your kitchens during the white cabinet craze.  Your kitchen is about to be officially out of style.  I know this because the countertops in MY white kitchen were installed yesterday.  Our pandemic delayed kitchen remodel is finally nearing the end.  Only details like baseboards and decorating are left to finish. Very shortly, and I can only assume it will be mere hours, HGTV will declare white cabinets "dated".  Brushed nickel fixtures will become woefully out of style and simply have to be replaced before a house can be sold.  The color grey will be out, out, out.  I'm confident in this prediction because I'm an HGTV junkie.  Every single time I have seen something I own appear on one of their programs, it simply HAS to GO.  Sorry HGTV, I'm loving my new space no matter what the pros profess to be in style.

    This is a photo of my almost complete kitchen.  What I like best about it, besides the fact that it is spotless is that it is the perfect backdrop for pops of color. (The truth is the faucet wasn't installed and the cooktop wasn't wired in yet in this photo, so I couldn't mess it up)  I can change the look by changing the placemats and wall hangings.  That blank wall by the door is screaming for a quilted wall hanging.  The island is going to look marvelous with an 7' runner for a holiday buffet.  The coffee nook that doesn't show in this photo has no upper cabinets offering even more space for quilted artwork.  

      I think I will start my decorating with this Easy Striped Runner. This one is made from a fabric from Timeless Treasures and it features jars of seashells.  The beach theme is perfect until I stitch up something special in red, white and blue for the 4th of July.  

     If you follow the Friends of The Quilt Company on Facebook, you already know I have LOTS of Easy Striped Runners to choose from.  (If you aren't in our private Facebook group, send a friend request to Friends of The Quilt Company and I will friend you right back.)

A few weeks ago in that Facebook group I asked for opinions on the cover for the new Anniversary Edition of the Easy Striped Table Runner pattern.  These were the choices, 1, 2 and 3:

     After over 100 votes, the favorite was split almost equally between #1 and #3.  Guess what?  We are printing #2.  The powers that be (my distributors and other shop owners) feel #2 stands out, shows the entire runner and is the most different from the original.  Different is important, because even if you own the original pattern, you might want the Anniversary Edition too.  The new version includes how to use the larger stripes, how to create placemats, how to use only triangles and tips for selecting fabrics for specific designs.  All of these options are included in the new pattern:

     You should be able to find the Anniversary Edition of the pattern in a quilt shop near you.  If you can't find it locally, you can order a copy from my Etsy shop by clicking HERE. The price is $9 and the shipping is FREE!

CHECK YOUR DNA

                     I have never taken one of those DNA tests like 23 and Me, but I am fairly confident that if I did it would come back saying that I am part squirrel.  I feel that must be true because the synonyms for squirrel are store, hoard, and collector.  I don't think I am in danger of being featured on an A&E program like Hoarders, but I do have a large "collection".  If you asked me what I collect, I would have to say the answer is fabric scraps.

               To be considered a “collector” you must gather from a variety of sources.  I certainly generate scraps from my own assortment of projects, and I curate them from friends.  I have also stood in a 10,000 sq. ft. quilt shop that is owned by a good friend and been offered anything off the shelf.  I turn down that offer in exchange for a garbage bag of scraps.  It is those odd pieces that hold so much promise.  Scrap quilts fascinate me.  To make them the way I like to see them made, with coordinated scraps, you absolutely must become a collector.  Justification for my obsession.

Hoard seems like a severe term in reference to my fabric collection.  After all I do USE those pieces to earn a living.  To be truthful I also must admit that I hold on to some of those pieces, refusing to use them.  Because if I did, they would be gone.  I once owned a shoebox clearly marked “Scraps – Too Small to Use”.  If that means I have a problem, I can live with that. 

Something had to be done to get my scraps in order.  Quick reality check: If this is your sewing space, we probably can't be friends.  Too much organization stifles my creativity.

This week I tackled the storage part of my squirrel issues.  I don't know how you store your collection.  I have always enjoyed wallowing in mine.  Previously I owned a huge basket into which all fabric pieces were tossed.  When starting a scrap project, I would dump a mound of fabric on the floor, surround myself and start sorting until the piles inspired me.  It is wonderfully creative, but not very efficient.  Especially for an easily distracted squirrel.  Ohh, look at that…..

With every nook and cranny exploding with pieces of fabric, I decided to tackle the batiks first.  After a few hours of sorting and a hefty investment in small laundry baskets, these gems now live under my Amara.  Aren’t they beautiful?  Before you start questioning my definition of “scrap” any fat quarter with a piece cut from it constitutes a scrap in my book.  Really small pieces are in a mixed basket under my sewing table.  I also chose to use baskets instead of bins with lids because I work with fabric every single day.  I did not want them stored, I wanted them accessible. 

The blue quilt in the photo that is ready to be loaded into my Amara is made with my Crazier Eights templates using Debbie Maddy’s Shibori fabric line from Moda.  It could have been made from 10” squares, but it really was made from scraps.  I actually bought the scraps from Debbie instead of buying a layer cake to make the quilt! 

The plan is to add another row of baskets behind the batiks and duplicate the sorting of regular cotton fabrics.  I will add additional baskets for Christmas scraps and novelty prints at some point.  Right now I can’t wait to play with those batiks!

A Series of Unfortunate Events

     We move last summer.  We now live in a different house in a different state, but what I mean by "moved" is that WE literally transported everything we own.  My husband is a do-it-yourself kind of guy.  He is also considered crazy by many.  That doesn't bother him, nor stop him from doing things the way he sees fit.  Today his can-do attitude came in very handy.

     The story begins with the moving of my sewing room.  Because the move was made over several months, almost everything was transported in our mini van.  Including my BERNINA 880.  The top of the line BERNINA machine with a retail price of $14,999.  THAT machine.  I placed my mega machine on the garage floor, without a case, ready to be packed in the van. (It has a soft cover, but I have never actually put the machine away, so I have never even opened the cover.)  I sew every single day if possible.  My thought was, who needs a cover?

     That's when "it" happened.  I won't mention who was carrying the ladder through the garage and turned to tell me something when WHAM.  Right into the screen.  See those cracks?  That's bad, very, very bad.  I loaded the machine for moving and wasn't overly concerned because I know enough about BERNINA to know it could be fixed.  I would just take it to the nearest dealer.  Except I no longer live anywhere near a BERNINA dealer.

     No problem. When we had The Quilt Company, I was a dealer.  Our son was our Machine Tech.  I just needed to order the part.  

    Our son came to visit and left - without fixing the machine because I kept forgetting to ask my dealer friend, several states away, to order the part for me. I finally remembered and the new screen arrived in February.  Just in time for the stay at home order.  Our son lives in Pennsylvania.  We live in Florida.

     I thought I could wait.  What's a few more weeks?  No problem..... really..... I don't mind..... except that I really do.  I miss my embroidery machine.  Especially now that this shelter in place order is lingering on, and on, and on.  So today, my husband decided to fix it for me.  

This is important:

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

     Have you ever seen the inside of your sewing machine?  It's a scary place in there!

That photo isn't even as complicated as the 880!

     Armed with the new screen, assorted screw drivers (actual BERNINA tools) and our son on a video chat.  We carefully removed the case..... It was like one of those movies where a doctor talks someone through a complex operation so that the patient can live.  I know I was holding MY breath!

     Brandon, who has the patients of a saint, carefully explained the step-by-step process while watching his Dad's fingers do the work via my phone.  (Full disclosure: My husband did attend a BERNINA Tech training when we became dealers, but that pre-dates the 880).  I feel it is important to repeat:

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!

     It was touch and go for a few minutes, but

She is BACK!  

The operation was a success! I am a happy, happy girl.

The moral of this story is:  Respect both your machine and your dealer.  Treat them both with care.  You might not have a can-do husband with enough professional training to understand the instructions provided by a certified technician.  You might not be lucky enough to have given birth to a certified technician that is willing to stay on the phone for 2+ hours for free, because he wants his Mom to be happy. If that isn't your situation, rest assured that not protecting your machine will cost you a pretty penny and the tech doing your work, will earn every bit of that fee.

SOMETHING FROM NOTHING

Admit it.  

You have a pile of small triangles stacked somewhere in your sewing space that were the result of a clipped corner project.  There is something about those little triangles that keeps you from tossing them in the trash.  They are already paired together.  You have an entire stack of them.... 

they could BE something.

Today is their day!

Let's turn those clipped corners

into

THIS!

14" Carpenter's Star pillow

The half square triangle are going to be made from those corner clips that were considered trash.

Sew them together and press the seam open.

Now square them up to measure 1 1/2"
to make a finished block that will measure 8".

Make 32 of these.

Arrange the solid squares with the half square triangles to form the Carpenter's Star pattern.

You can work from this diagram or email me at Karen@thequiltcompany.com and put 

CStar in the subject line and I will email you this as a .pdf that you can print.

I placed my pieces on a 12 1/2" square ruler so that I could keep them in order as 

I moved from my sewing machine to my ironing board.

 (My iron is across the room so that I get SOME exercise!)

I chose to use the "web" method to keep this block in order as I assembled it.

I'm not normally a fan of that method, but for this 8" finished block it worked well.

To web the block, chain stitch the squares together in four vertical columns.

The web is created because you don't snip the threads between the pieces before adding the next column of squares.  I chose to make 4 columns of 2 squares.  Then stitch those together in pairs.  Then stitch the two halves together to complete the vertical web.

See how all of the units stay connected with a few stitches 

in-between each pair.

 

Then sew the pairs together, then the halves, 

with out snipping the joining threads.

Press all of the seams open.

These squares finish at 1".  

Open seams will distribute the bulk and allow the block to lay flat.

Repeat the web process to stitch the horizontal rows without snipping the original web.

Press the seams open.

The back of your block should look something like this.

To finish the block into a 14" pillow you will need:

1/2 yard of fabric for the outer border and backing.

1/8 yard or scraps for the inner border.

15" square of batting

14" pillow form

18" zipper (optional)

From the 1/2 yard of backing and border fabric cut 1 strip 3" by the width of the fabric.

From the remaining section of backing fabric cut 2 strips 3" by the narrow width of the fabric. 

(The short way).

From the inner border fabric cut 2 strips 8 1/2" by 1 1/2" and 

two strips 10 1/2" by 1 1/2"

Add the borders to the completed block.

(You know how to do this.)

Repeat the process 

using the 3" strips cut from the backing fabric.

Now layer the pillow top with the batting and perform the ever popular,

 "quilt as desired" portion of the instructions.

I outlined the inner and outer star about 1/8" from the edge.

I added a straight line in the inner border and a few more in the outer border using matching thread.

Rather than a fold over, sham type backing, I prefer a zipper in my pillows for several reasons.

1. Zippers stay closed.

2. You never have that gap that happens when the sham pulls apart.

I always think that looks like your slip is showing.

3. Zippers allow you to over stuff your pillow so that it doesn't look sad.

4. Pillows flatten with use, so if they don't start out full, things will only get worse.

(Here's a tip: Cut your pillow top the SIZE of your pillowform.  

Once the seam allowance is taken up, it's a bit smaller and you can stuff the pillow form inside.  

That will help fill the corners and make the pillow look better.)

However you have decided to make your backing, place the top and 

backing right sides together and trim to size. 

Stitch completely around the outside edge, backstitching at the corners and stress points.

Clip the corners to remove the bulk.

Turn the pillow right side out through the opening in the backing.

Insert the pillow form and ENJOY!

Now you have a Trash to Treasure!