View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Julia in MN on Sat Jul 08, 2006 4:37 PM Post subject: Re: newbie
It is possible to make a quilt without any handwork; everything can be done on the sewing machine. Piecing and applique
are, of course, done a block at a time. For your first quilt, start with something small and simple. Some of the Quilt
in a Day books are good for beginners, because the instructions are very detailed. Their Log Cabin, Irish Chain, Trip
Around the World, Rail Fence are all especially good for beginners. You can quilt on your regular home machine, but
large quilts do get bulky and hard to handle. There are a number of techniques for reducing the bulk. Besides the
books & websites others have mentioned, you might want to take a look at "Machine Quilting in Sections"
by Marti Mitchell. She's gives several techniques for reducing the bulk of a large quilt; most of the ideas are
documented in other places, but I haven't seen anything else that describes all of them in one place. I've used a
couple of her techniques -- before I bought the book. I've documented one such project at
<http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/Quilting_in_Sections.html> Julia in MN Sharon & Jack wrote:
[quote:b51b6b6911]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a BOM,
with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well, by the
time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended our
attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures, but
never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I saw
an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest) Sharon
[/quote:b51b6b6911] -- This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus
http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/
back to top
View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Sandy Foster on Sat Jul 08, 2006 3:02 PM Post subject: Re: newbie
In article <zuGrg.4792$ye3.153@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>, "Sharon & Jack"
<rottnkids@earthlink.net> wrote: [quote:f6803aa77b]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL
and I tried, several years ago - a BOM, with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined
everything with a blanket stitch. Well, by the time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a
needle through the fused layers. That ended our attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over
the years, and always drool over the pictures, but never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't
do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I saw an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right
through the backing, and then assembling the quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have
any idea where I saw it. Now the big question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not
usually this ditzy, honest) Sharon [/quote:f6803aa77b] Welcome, Sharon! :) Once you start, you won't be able to stop,
as most of us have happily discovered. <G> As for the technique you describe, that's how I learned to quilt, too
(though I've branched out a bit since then <G>). I used Georgia Bonesteel's books (she has at least four or
five) on lap quilting to teach myself to quilt, and I loved it. :) See if you can find one of her earlier books, either
at the library or online or at a bookstore; they're very easy to understand. HTH. :) -- Sandy in Henderson, near Las
Vegas my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1 AKA Dame Sandy, Minister
of Education
back to top
View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Anonymous on Sat Jul 08, 2006 1:59 PM Post subject: Re: newbie
There are several methods of quilting as you go. Here are links that have descriptions of several methods. Please note
that while I reseached this a while back, I have not tried all of them, nor do I have any of these books on the subject.
* With this method, individual blocks or sections of a quilt can be done. It does require some hand work on the back.
Georgia Bonesteel's series of books, already mentiioned by Patti. http://www.secretsof.com/content/624
http://www.acornhillquilts.com/quiltasyougo.pdf * A method that requires no hand sewing. The batting in one section is
separate from the batting in another section. In the shown example, the quilting was done across strips of blocks that
were sewn together. http://community.webshots.com/album/547387259nozWsW * There is a variation on the previous one, but
for some reason I cannot find the link for it this morning. First the blocks are sewn together in strips (width or
length of the quilt). A single section is quilted, but not to the edges. The batting for the next section is sewn to
the batting in the already quilted section. The top strip for the next section is sewn to the top of the already
quilted section. The backing strip for the next section is sewn to the bottom of the already quilted section. The next
section is smoothed, basted and quilted (if it is not the outer edge of the quilt, do not quilt to the edges). Repeat
as needed. * A sashing on the back covers the seams. This sashing is machine sewn and shows on the front.
http://www.treadleon.net/quiltshop/joiningblocks/joining.html * Betty Cotton developed a different method, as shown on
her web site. The result is a reversible quilt, that has some three dimensional ridges. Betty appeared on "Sewing
with Nancy". I think there were three episodes on her "Pinetree" quilt. http://www.quiltyard.com/ *
Julie Olson has a method that uses Steam-a-Seam 2 and a bias tape maker that is described in her book.
http://tinyurl.com/ecw6p I'm sure there are others, as quilters tend to be so innovative. Bev in TX Sharon & Jack
wrote: [quote:6fdb41d172]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a
BOM, with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well,
by the time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended
our attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures,
but never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I
saw an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest)
Sharon[/quote:6fdb41d172]
back to top
View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by gyrlcentric on Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:34 AM Post subject: Re: newbie
one of the quilting magazines i have, has an article about creating a reversible, block by block, complete as you go
type of quilt. my DH is asleep so i cannot search for it now but i can in the morning and send you copies if you'd
like. Sharon & Jack wrote: [quote:e98d6c5182]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I
tried, several years ago - a BOM, with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything
with a blanket stitch. Well, by the time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through
the fused layers. That ended our attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and
always drool over the pictures, but never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of
hand work. But, the other day I saw an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the
backing, and then assembling the quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea
where I saw it. Now the big question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this
ditzy, honest) Sharon[/quote:e98d6c5182]
back to top
View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Patti on Sat Jul 08, 2006 8:15 AM Post subject: Re: newbie
Welcome to you Sharon Yes, the method of completing individual blocks and sewing them together is quite a well-known
one. There are several books on the subject. The ones I know of (without hunting too far in my pieces of paper with
notes on!) are by Georgia Bonesteel. The one I have is called 'Lap Quilting Lives'; but I'm sure there is an earlier
one. There are several methods of joining the blocks - there is no single correct way. I hope you'll get lots of help
with online sites, from folk here, and have a great time making your first quilt. Start simple and small, and you have
far less chance of getting frustrated. Have fun. .. In message
<zuGrg.4792$ye3.153@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net>, Sharon & Jack <rottnkids@earthlink.net> writes
[quote:cbc3611d3c]Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a BOM,
with no sewing. Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well, by the
time we got the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended our
attempt at quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures, but
never go any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I saw
an article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest) Sharon
[/quote:cbc3611d3c] -- Best Regards pat on the hill
back to top
View entire thread: Newbie
Posted by Sharon & Jack on Sat Jul 08, 2006 5:27 AM Post subject: newbie
Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've never made a quilt. My SIL and I tried, several years ago - a BOM, with no sewing.
Instead, you fused a "picture", then outlined everything with a blanket stitch. Well, by the time we got
the thing fused, I needed a hammer and pliers to get a needle through the fused layers. That ended our attempt at
quilting. I've acquired a several books on quilting over the years, and always drool over the pictures, but never go
any further, for several reasons, primarily health - I can't do a lot of hand work. But, the other day I saw an
article about making blocks and completing them individually - right through the backing, and then assembling the
quilt. Unfortunately, I was in a hurry or something, because I don't have any idea where I saw it. Now the big
question - does anyone recall seeing anything like this? Thanks (and I'm not usually this ditzy, honest) Sharon
back to top
View entire thread: cross stitch help!!!!
Posted by joanne boyes on Thu Sep 28, 2006 4:44 PM Post subject: cross stitch help!!!!
Hi everyone, wondered if anyone could help. I've been a cross stitch fanatic for 11 years now and have done many large
project, i'm now working on a baby afghan blanket and really struggling with it. It's to be stitched over 2 squares
of material ie double x-stitch, but i seem to be spending more time unpicking than stitching. I keep forgetting its
double xstitch and struggle with the shaping stitches. I wondered if any one out there had done one of these before
and if so had any tips or advice they could give me to make it an easier and more enjoyable project. I would
appreciate any help or advice i'm given. Thanks Jo
back to top
View entire thread: Latest completed project
Posted by Sandy Foster on Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:54 PM Post subject: Re: Latest completed project
In article <uMzog.41$Ag3.32@fe06.lga>, Julia in MN <jaccola-AT-chartermi-DOT-net@aaaaa.aaa> wrote:
[quote:5f15b33b44]A few weeks ago, I was approached by someone at the local "Y" about making a "Captain
Values" costume for them to be used at parades and other functions. They wanted Captain Values to be a superhero-
type character espousing the Y's core values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. The cape was to have the Y
logo on the back, along with the four values. Here's the result: http://www.rochfamy.org/adults/images/dsc00117.jpg>
I fused the black and red in the logo to the white; I never quite trust fusing to hold alone, so I straight stitched
around the edges with matching thread. I used Eleanor Burns' fusible interfacing technique for appliqueing the white
circle with the logo to the red cape; then I sewed that down with a black machine blanket stitch. I fused the
interfacing to the back of the white fabric for the letters to reduce show-through from the red and then used
Steam-a-seam 2 to fuse the letters to the cape; I dropped the feed dogs and free-motion stitched the letters down to
make sure they were secure. The cape itself is basically a big circle; I took the hood pattern from one of my jackets. I
was pretty happy with the results and the Y was pleased. Julia in MN [/quote:5f15b33b44] Really nice, Julia! -- Sandy
in Henderson, near Las Vegas my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at) in front http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1
AKA Dame Sandy, Minister of Education
back to top
View entire thread: Latest completed project
Posted by Kate G. on Thu Jun 29, 2006 3:47 AM Post subject: Re: Latest completed project
WOOHOO!!! "Y"... to go!!! Kate in MI "Julia in MN" <jaccola-AT-chartermi-DOT-
net@aaaaa.aaa> wrote in message news:uMzog.41$Ag3.32@fe06.lga... [quote:cfa1a6452e]A few weeks ago, I was approached
by someone at the local "Y" about making a "Captain Values" costume for them to be used at parades
and other functions. They wanted Captain Values to be a superhero-type character espousing the Y's core values: honesty,
caring, respect, and responsibility. The cape was to have the Y logo on the back, along with the four values. Here's the
result: <http://www.rochfamy.org/adults/images/dsc00117.jpg> I fused the black and red in the logo to the white; I
never quite trust fusing to hold alone, so I straight stitched around the edges with matching thread. I used Eleanor
Burns' fusible interfacing technique for appliqueing the white circle with the logo to the red cape; then I sewed that
down with a black machine blanket stitch. I fused the interfacing to the back of the white fabric for the letters to
reduce show-through from the red and then used Steam-a-seam 2 to fuse the letters to the cape; I dropped the feed dogs
and free-motion stitched the letters down to make sure they were secure. The cape itself is basically a big circle; I
took the hood pattern from one of my jackets. I was pretty happy with the results and the Y was pleased. Julia in MN --
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/ [/quote:cfa1a6452e]
back to top
View entire thread: Latest completed project
Posted by Kate Dicey on Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:43 PM Post subject: Re: Latest completed project
Julia in MN wrote: [quote:ea1c002563]A few weeks ago, I was approached by someone at the local "Y" about
making a "Captain Values" costume for them to be used at parades and other functions. They wanted Captain
Values to be a superhero-type character espousing the Y's core values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. The
cape was to have the Y logo on the back, along with the four values. Here's the result:
http://www.rochfamy.org/adults/images/dsc00117.jpg> I fused the black and red in the logo to the white; I never quite
trust fusing to hold alone, so I straight stitched around the edges with matching thread. I used Eleanor Burns' fusible
interfacing technique for appliqueing the white circle with the logo to the red cape; then I sewed that down with a
black machine blanket stitch. I fused the interfacing to the back of the white fabric for the letters to reduce show-
through from the red and then used Steam-a-seam 2 to fuse the letters to the cape; I dropped the feed dogs and free-
motion stitched the letters down to make sure they were secure. The cape itself is basically a big circle; I took the
hood pattern from one of my jackets. I was pretty happy with the results and the Y was pleased. Julia in MN
[/quote:ea1c002563] It looks great, Julia. Well done! :) -- Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady
Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.katedicey.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
back to top
View entire thread: Latest completed project
Posted by Julia in MN on Wed Jun 28, 2006 7:20 PM Post subject: Latest completed project
A few weeks ago, I was approached by someone at the local "Y" about making a "Captain Values"
costume for them to be used at parades and other functions. They wanted Captain Values to be a superhero-type
character espousing the Y's core values: honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility. The cape was to have the Y logo
on the back, along with the four values. Here's the result: <http://www.rochfamy.org/adults/images/dsc00117.jpg>
I fused the black and red in the logo to the white; I never quite trust fusing to hold alone, so I straight stitched
around the edges with matching thread. I used Eleanor Burns' fusible interfacing technique for appliqueing the white
circle with the logo to the red cape; then I sewed that down with a black machine blanket stitch. I fused the
interfacing to the back of the white fabric for the letters to reduce show-through from the red and then used
Steam-a-seam 2 to fuse the letters to the cape; I dropped the feed dogs and free-motion stitched the letters down to
make sure they were secure. The cape itself is basically a big circle; I took the hood pattern from one of my jackets.
I was pretty happy with the results and the Y was pleased. Julia in MN -- This message has been scanned for viruses
by Norton Anti-Virus http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/
back to top
View entire thread: apologies...
Posted by Liz from Humbug on Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:19 AM Post subject: Re: apologies...
Joan E. wrote: [quote:7f13888163]Jere Williams wrote: Now I need a stitching project that inspires me.....is anyone
working on something really fun? Well, I just finished stitching classic Pooh and Piglet walking off into the sunset on
a pillow case for a baby. I'm now doing small Pooh characters on the binding of a blanket to go with the pillow. Does
that sound like fun? :) Wishing you a speedy recovery! Joan [/quote:7f13888163] I just finished one that was lots of
fun to work on in spite of the reason I chose to stitch it. I did one called "My Son" by Indigo Rose. It's a
sampler with: "When the day is done and I stand before God and He asks me what good I have done, I believe He will
understand and smile when I tell Him, "I had a son". I did it in memory of an 18 year old boy who was killed
in an auto accident back in June. I'm also doing it in honor of his family so I put down all four sons' names above the
hardanger section on the very bottom. The family used to live locally and were regular visitors to our library until
they moved into town (23 miles away) when the second one entered high school four years ago. The directions were VERY
CLEAR and the diagrams were easy to read. I just dropped it off at the framer on Tuesday & can't wait to pick it up
& call her to set up a meeting so I can give it to her. I also am considering looking up other things that Indigo
Rose (Catherine Strickler) has done - not that I "need" anything else to work on, but when has need ever
entered the picture??? :-))) Liz from Humbug
back to top
View entire thread: Sweatshirts - kinda OT
Posted by Val on Sat Sep 30, 2006 8:05 PM Post subject: Re: Sweatshirts - kinda OT
"Sherry Starr" <snstarr@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:1emdnYgilfiJIIPYnZ2dnUVZ_uidnZ2d@comcast.com... [quote:ff4deb07f7]She just wears these if she is taking the dog
out, or around the house. She hates to pull stuff over head. She said she isn't interested in what it looks like.
[/quote:ff4deb07f7] How about you get some wide, double fold seam binding, cut the neck band off when you slice the
shirt up the front and then sew the binding up one side, around the neck and down the other side. Quick and dirty but
would look half ways decent and it wouldn't start to unravel after a few washes. If you want a real fashion statement
you could hack off the cuffs and finish the sleeve edges with the same binding. You could sew the binding down on the
right side of the fabric with a blanket or zig zag stitch, maybe in a contrasting thread of you really want to blow
her socks off and perpetuate your legend ;) Val
back to top
View entire thread: Applique Question
Posted by Phaedrine on Sun Sep 17, 2006 3:59 PM Post subject: Re: Applique Question
In article <eehrk7$jlg$1@lust.ihug.co.nz>, "nzlstar*" <fancyfroggin@unpickit.com> wrote:
[quote:1dd76d2164]how tiny? [/quote:1dd76d2164] I'm talking about very small pieces--- 1/2" or even less in places,
where I'm turning under only an eighth of an inch or so. Actually I do 1/8" on needleturn and that's pretty much
standard on intricate designs. I've done larger pieces with your method using machine stitching with sheer
interfacing and then turning it thru a small hole in the interfacing. That works OK for certain kinds of things but
for intricate designs, especially those that may already be layered, I find that needleturn is far preferable for me
and does not present problems with multiple layers or bearding. I am also working on some machine applique bunny crib
quilts. And for those, I use cereal boxes and the like for the templates like you. For that I press the edges over
onto the tag board using a bit of liquid starch I apply with a brush. These particular bunnies are edgestitched in
place though I often use a machine blanket stitch as well. And sometimes I use satin stitch too. I do like to try and
use a variety of methods because no single method works for all applications. [quote:1dd76d2164]got pix?
[/quote:1dd76d2164] No, sorry. Thanks for the suggestions. Phae -- I fear me you but warm the starved snake Who,
cherished in your breasts, will sting your hearts. (Henry VI,Shakespeare)
back to top
View entire thread: Advice on a minky (minkee) blanket/throw
Posted by Roberta Zollner on Thu Aug 24, 2006 5:14 PM Post subject: Re: Advice on a minky (minkee) blanket/throw
Before you delve into flat-felled seams, try a little experiment with 2 scraps of Minkee. Make sure the edges are nice
and straight and butt them together so they touch firmly but don't overlap. With matching thread top and bottom, sew
together using your machine's feather stitch (if you have one) or 3-stitch zigzag. After sewing, take the piece and
give it a good tug. If the results please you, this is by far the simplest joining method. I once pieced several baby
blankets out of fleece scraps using this method and the feather stitch. The stitches sank into the fleece and were
almost invisible, and the seam was tight and stable with no gaps. I second the recommendation to do it in 3 panels:
the center of the blanlet will probably take the most stress, and you don't want a seam in that spot. But what I would
actually do is go out and buy some 60" wide fabric and use the other for something smaller! Roberta in D
"Dee5" <tdeingenis@gmail.com> schrieb im Newsbeitrag
news:1156350743.622468.222600@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com... [quote:fd3c4ff88a]Hello Everyone, I am looking to make an
adult sized minky blanket. The minky I have is double-sided and extremely soft on both sides, however it is only
36" wide. I obviously want to make it wider, but how would I do this? Considering it is double sided it is
already thick enough and I do not want to add backing to hide the seam that would connect multiple 36" pieces
together as it would become quite bulky (not to mention waste the perfectly soft backside of the minky). Basically I
don't want the ugly seam to show....what are my options? I know this is probably a shot in the dark, but I figure there
are probably a few creative minds out there who might have some stitching techniques or other ideas to help me out.
Thank you for any ideas or suggestions! Dee [/quote:fd3c4ff88a]
back to top
View entire thread: Applique beginner
Posted by Kate Dicey on Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:19 PM Post subject: Re: Applique beginner
veripwolf wrote: [quote:194f23890d]Has anyone used vinyl/pvc when appliqueing? I was thinking of appliqueing pvc shapes
onto a stretch pvc skirt. Is that possible? Seeing as I can't go anywhere near the pvc with an iron. Do I just tape the
shapes onto the skirt and sew? I wasn't going to use a satin stich but just a zigzag instead. Any tips, do's or don'ts
would be very much appreciated. Cheers! Yes, lots - with kids on bags rather than on quilts. Glue stick
works[/quote:194f23890d] fine, but leave it to dry before sewing... And I've ironed PVC coated denim successfully: you
want to do it from the back, and it can kinda stick - a bit like freezer paper! :) Lots of stitches work: straight
stitch is OK, as is zigzag and 3-step zigzag... Mock blanket stitches also work. Best to use either a Teflon presser
foot or (even better!) a roller foot - one of those that runs on little rollers or wheels. :) If you have a look at
the Bag Lady page on my site, the Easter bag has a clear egg shaped appliqué with confetti in it! :) -- Kate XXXXXX
R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!
back to top
View entire thread: Preventing linen from fraying
Posted by mickey on Sun Sep 10, 2006 8:10 PM Post subject: Re: Preventing linen from fraying
Dianne Lewandowski wrote: [quote:c07f760fb3]mickey wrote: Hi Everyone- After finishing up 3(!) WIPs this summer, I'm
about to start a NEW project! <Happy dance!> I do not currently have access to my sewing machine, so I'm
wondering what y'all think is the best way to secure the edges of linen to prevent its fraying while being stitched.
With Aida, I just overcast the edges, but I'm not sure that's the best for linen. It will depend upon the type of linen
you are using. If it is a loose weave, prone to extensive raveling, then blanket stitching the edge would be advisable.
If it's sturdier, then simple overcasting should be sufficient provided the stitches aren't space too far apart. Sewing
thread should do it. This is one of those "things" we do that sewing machines make light work! I'm sorry you
don't have yours at hand. Dianne Thanks, Dianne. I think I'll try the blanket stitch. Of course,
my[/quote:c07f760fb3] sewing thread is packed with the machine, so I think I'll use some embroidery thread. Not
necessarily my first choice, but I think it will work in this case. --Mickey Edmonton, AB to reply: mickey18385 at
yahoo dot com
back to top
View entire thread: Fabric for Baby Quilt
Posted by Susan Laity Price on Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:50 PM Post subject: Re: Fabric for Baby Quilt
For a quick baby gift I sometimes take a preprinted panel or bright print fabric and add flannel backing using the
"pillow case" method. Pre-wash everything. Lay the two pieces of fabric right sides together pinning around
the edges. Following the top fabric outline, sew around the entire piece leaving an opening large enough to put your
hand through. Trim the seam allowances on all four corners diagonally to reduce the bulk. Turn the sewn pieces to the
right side. Make sure the corners are as nice as possible. Finger press the sewn edge so the back fabric doesn't show on
the front. Pin around the edges to hold the fabrics in place and top stitch 1/4" from the edge. Now by hand add
ties about every four inches all over the top or follow the pattern of the fabric to decide where to make ties. I use
pearl cotton and square knots for the ties. The result is a warm, snuggly blanket that has lots of love. One tradition
that I enjoy is saying a prayer for the mother and baby with each knot. I add a label to the back which gives the baby's
name and date of birth (if given after the birth) but always says something about the quilt being made with love and
prayers for this special little child. If the quilt is going to someone I know I will add my name. If it is going to
charity I only add innitials. I have used this technique to help friends who don't quilt or physically can no longer
quilt make presents or donations. I do the machine work and then take it to them to add the ties. If the person is
handicapped I usually add the pearl cotton but leave the tying to the handicapped person. They have a real feeling of
accomplishment and pride in having made the gift. Susan On Mon, 30 Oct 2006 02:41:24 -0500, Jacqueline from KY
wrote: [quote:c85de72dd6]There is a child in our community that is pregnant and the ladies of our church have kind of
taken her on as their own, but remember I am from a small town and when I saw the ladies of our church I mean less than
10, now there are a few more than that at church but I mean folks that will help her with it. This child is only in the
8th grade and her family will not have anything to do with her now. I am not sure I can do it but I would like to try
and make a baby quilt out of flannel for her, for the shower we are going to give her. We do not know who this person
is, I am sure if I asked around I could find out but I don't really care, I am just sorry this has happened to her.
Anyway, last week someone posted links to fabric for youngsters, well I didn't bookmark it because I didn't know about
this child having a baby. Now I need those links. Also, I am just going to do plain ole squares of some sort, because
as you know I haven't done anything yet except buy and wash fabric and tried to make a 4 piece square out of squares and
they sucked badly. This is going to be my project that I am considering trying to do by hand since I am not going to be
able to be at the sewing machine. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anyone want to do it for me, ROFL, I am sure
everyone will jump at that one. Do you all think that it is too much for me to take on? OK while I am at it I am going
to post a list of things I want to do next year and then you all can laugh at me or with me if I don't get them all done
or you can rejoice with me when I do. 1. I want a quilt for my bedroom done in blues and yellows I guess since I can't
find the pink I want and I did break down and buy blue drapes so I could get rid of my rose ones. Have fabric for this
one 2. A lap quilt for my father in a hunting, outdoor theme have fabric or most of the fabric for this one 3. A cat
quilt for my sister have the fabric for this one 4. A quilt out of the Moda 3 sister's chocolat fabric for my guest
bedroom. Already bought new drapes for it, too. have the fabric for this one 5. A NC Tarheels quilt for my nephew,
even though we live in KY and he is going to a branch of UK now, but will soon be going to pharmacy school in Virginia,
or at least we hope he is accepted there. And if I can find the fabric for it. have no idea where to find the fabric
for this one 6. I want to make a couple of quilts for the Methodist children's home for Christmas next year. Can use
anything for these, so I am sure I have fabric for them also. 7. I still have another sister. LOL Gotta figure a
theme or something for this one. 8. A quilt done in musical notes, etc. for our choir director at church, which happens
to be my best friend's husband. got the fabric for this 9. One done in cats or musical stuff for our piano/organist,
which happens to be my best friend. Might have enough fabric for this one 10. This baby quilt gotta buy the fabric
for this one. 11. Those place mats. You all know I have the fabric for this one. Now is that too much for me to plan
on doing? I figure on one project a month and they will all be done by machine except maybe the baby one and if able it
may be quilted by machine, also. Oh, and you all have me ruined, I love fabric even if I have no idea what to do with
it yet. Jacqueline, who is crazy in KY[/quote:c85de72dd6]
back to top
View entire thread: Fabric for Baby Quilt
Posted by Ceridwen on Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:14 AM Post subject: Re: Fabric for Baby Quilt
The prayer technique is very thoughtful of you. I wouldn't have thought of a pre-printed panel. That is a good idea.
For a quick quilt, I tend to make the rail fence pattern. Lately I have been tailoring the quilt to the size of the
backing I have or the batting. It's a great way to use left over pieces (Since I tend to work in queen or twin, I have
so many odd size pieces). DD attended a summer bible camp and they requested clothing or blankets for children to
place in the holiday baskets. I made two quilts, one for a boy and one for a girl. I also do not reveal my full name.
I also do not make a label. However, I will sign the back - first name only. -- Carole Champlain, NY
http://photos.yahoo.com/ceridwen_rhea http://360.yahoo.com/profile-Pp9n.fIyfrQ6NDNCfp9E0UU6hGPI "Susan Laity
Price" <slpdesigns@speakeasy.net> wrote in message news:qhack299seq2fppajhe2pf3adeubt8f4lg@4ax.com...
[quote:86250b60f0]For a quick baby gift I sometimes take a preprinted panel or bright print fabric and add flannel
backing using the "pillow case" method. Pre-wash everything. Lay the two pieces of fabric right sides together
pinning around the edges. Following the top fabric outline, sew around the entire piece leaving an opening large enough
to put your hand through. Trim the seam allowances on all four corners diagonally to reduce the bulk. Turn the sewn
pieces to the right side. Make sure the corners are as nice as possible. Finger press the sewn edge so the back fabric
doesn't show on the front. Pin around the edges to hold the fabrics in place and top stitch 1/4" from the edge. Now
by hand add ties about every four inches all over the top or follow the pattern of the fabric to decide where to make
ties. I use pearl cotton and square knots for the ties. The result is a warm, snuggly blanket that has lots of love. One
tradition that I enjoy is saying a prayer for the mother and baby with each knot. I add a label to the back which gives
the baby's name and date of birth (if given after the birth) but always says something about the quilt being made with
love and prayers for this special little child. If the quilt is going to someone I know I will add my name. If it is
going to charity I only add innitials. I have used this technique to help friends who don't quilt or physically can no
longer quilt make presents or donations. I do the machine work and then take it to them to add the ties. If the person
is handicapped I usually add the pearl cotton but leave the tying to the handicapped person. They have a real feeling of
accomplishment and pride in having made the gift. Susan[/quote:86250b60f0]
back to top
View entire thread: applique progress
Posted by TwinMom on Mon Oct 23, 2006 9:19 PM Post subject: Re: applique progress
Ann, we had a real "pro" in my guild in CA. She has since gone to the heavenly quilt frame, but her style
left an everlasting impression. She loved the machine blanket and also satin stitch applique methods. She used to take
a little scrap of the steam-a-seam prepared fabric and use it to iron down/trap the starting and ending threads. The
back of her work (before sandwiching) had all these little tell-tale starts & stops over the patches (not in the
background areas). She said in all of her experiences, it gave her the most secure & time saving trap for those
threads. Looks great!!!
back to top
View entire thread: applique progress
Posted by Ann on Mon Oct 23, 2006 10:29 PM Post subject: Re: applique progress
Oh that's a neat trick. One to remember. Leaving long thread tails and you would only need a couple of patches. But
actually I don't mind pulling to the back and tying off. I save that to do while I watch a bit of tv. Ann
http://community.webshots.com/user/mrs_ducky "TwinMom" <twinmom@techie.com> wrote in message
news:%s9%g.7692$5i7.2015@newsreading01.news.tds.net... [quote:05d95c8f59]Ann, we had a real "pro" in my guild
in CA. She has since gone to the heavenly quilt frame, but her style left an everlasting impression. She loved the
machine blanket and also satin stitch applique methods. She used to take a little scrap of the steam-a-seam prepared
fabric and use it to iron down/trap the starting and ending threads. The back of her work (before sandwiching) had all
these little tell-tale starts & stops over the patches (not in the background areas). She said in all of her
experiences, it gave her the most secure & time saving trap for those threads. Looks great!!! [/quote:05d95c8f59]
back to top
View entire thread: Focus on Applique--Style
Posted by Pat in Virginia on Sat Oct 14, 2006 2:10 PM Post subject: Re: Focus on Applique--Style
Debra: Since I like a variety of quilt types, my interest in Appliqué Style varies too. I have a Hawaiian block that
is a VERY long term take along hand sewing project. (I lose it and find it every few months or years. Last night I
found it after it was AWOL for the summer!) I do like to do some quick and easy appliqué for holiday or such. I guess
those are traditional or folk style. For those I like to use SM with satin stitch or blanket stitch. PAT Debra wrote:
[quote:308c72a523]What style of applique do you like to do the most: realistic scenes, Baltimore album style, cartoon-
like, folk style, Hawaiian, Celtic knotwork, abstract/geometric, or something I forgot to mention? What makes you like
that particular style better than other styles? Do you like to plan your own designs for a style that is totally yours,
or follow an excising pattern? Debra in VA See my quilts at
http://community.webshots.com/user/debplayshere[/quote:308c72a523]
back to top
View entire thread: Focus on Applique--Style
Posted by Debra on Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:00 AM Post subject: Re: Focus on Applique--Style
On Sat, 14 Oct 2006 08:07:51 -0700, Room2Move@webtv.net (Patti S) wrote: [quote:babd15b4be]I like all kinds of
applique. I've done 2 reverse applique pieces and 1, very large stained glass piece with an african animal theme. I have
a couple of celtic knots sketched out, but haven't attempted them yet. My fav's to do are fusible and then hand blanket-
stitch the edges or machine satin stitch. There's a book called "Appliquilt" and my all-time, favorite piece
came out of there. Kind of primitive - folksy. It's 3 little children in bed, the night before Christmas, dreaming about
what Santa will bring, and it has a patchwork quilt covering them up, and a little stocking hanging off the bed post. My
mom has it and has proudly displayed it every Christmas for about 6 or 7 years. Patti in Seattle [/quote:babd15b4be] It
sounds really cute. Debra in VA See my quilts at http://community.webshots.com/user/debplayshere
back to top
View entire thread: Focus on Applique--Style
Posted by Patti S on Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:07 PM Post subject: Re: Focus on Applique--Style
I like all kinds of applique. I've done 2 reverse applique pieces and 1, very large stained glass piece with an african
animal theme. I have a couple of celtic knots sketched out, but haven't attempted them yet. My fav's to do are fusible
and then hand blanket-stitch the edges or machine satin stitch. There's a book called "Appliquilt" and my all-
time, favorite piece came out of there. Kind of primitive - folksy. It's 3 little children in bed, the night before
Christmas, dreaming about what Santa will bring, and it has a patchwork quilt covering them up, and a little stocking
hanging off the bed post. My mom has it and has proudly displayed it every Christmas for about 6 or 7 years. Patti in
Seattle
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by win on Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:04 PM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Check www.uanama.com. This agency can arrange a spanish course in costa rica a volunteering experience. So, you learn
spanish, you speak spanish ! The best of all was to work as volunteer, so when I got back I felt a better person and I
could say that in spanish too ! Prices you find on Uanama includes also the flight from europe, so if you move from US
you should get a better price. Regards Vin Susan Laity Price wrote: [quote:a18a44705d]I am always looking for a
place to hold retreats. Your location was amazing! Were the classes conducted in Spanish? I wouldn't starve with my high
school Spanish but taking classes in Spanish is a little above my head. Thanks for sharing your lovely retreat with us.
We can only dream. Susan On Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:43:45 GMT, Suzie B weaselwise@blueNOSPAMyonder.co.uk> wrote: I
meant to post this a couple of weeks back, but life (and ill parents) kinda got in the way... May 14-21 saw me fly out
to Valencia for a week long quilting retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the "Quilting with a
Difference" technique. Basically, you use hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt, rather than just a
quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the stitches really
stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese Knotted, Chain Stitch,
Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler piece before working
on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had great handouts for us explaining the more complicated stitches (I can just
about remember how to do blanket stitch to go around the edge of applique!) which was a great help. We also played with
large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had never thought of using before, but actually found quite interesting. There
were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor, staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in the mountains. There
was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a cordon-bleu-class cook - so
the food was absolutely fabulous! We got to go to a local market for one morning, and on the day before we flew home we
took a train into Valencia itself past all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that paella was the staple food of
Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice there themselves... the architecture of Valencia is wonderful and its a shame
we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt project? I was rather ambitious and took a metre of plain black as a
wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather and cable" design in one corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in
the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my classmates) as well as photos from the villa in my Webshots
directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho I have done some more of the feathers since I got back, it
will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used, and that is proving rather difficult at the moment! Would
I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished a course, Dorothy Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-
Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with any luck all these wonderful tutors will be going out
again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are interested - Sally who runs the courses is waiting for
confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the dates up for 2007 - but I definately intend going - the
food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the internet connection under the (undamaged end of the)
pier!" Southend, UK[/quote:a18a44705d]
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by Susan Laity Price on Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:52 PM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
I am always looking for a place to hold retreats. Your location was amazing! Were the classes conducted in Spanish? I
wouldn't starve with my high school Spanish but taking classes in Spanish is a little above my head. Thanks for sharing
your lovely retreat with us. We can only dream. Susan On Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:43:45 GMT, Suzie B
<weaselwise@blueNOSPAMyonder.co.uk> wrote: [quote:58963982b0]I meant to post this a couple of weeks back, but
life (and ill parents) kinda got in the way... May 14-21 saw me fly out to Valencia for a week long quilting retreat
with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the "Quilting with a Difference" technique. Basically, you use hand
embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt, rather than just a quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff Francis
variegated fine silk threads, so that the stitches really stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern stitch, Van
Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese Knotted, Chain Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots more were duly
explained and stitched onto a sampler piece before working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had great handouts
for us explaining the more complicated stitches (I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go around the
edge of applique!) which was a great help. We also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had never thought
of using before, but actually found quite interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor, staying in 2
villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the husband of
the couple who owned the villa's was a cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got to go to a
local market for one morning, and on the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past all the rice
paddyfields - although I knew that paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice there
themselves... the architecture of Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt
project? I was rather ambitious and took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather
and cable" design in one corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my
classmates) as well as photos from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho
I have done some more of the feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used,
and that is proving rather difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished
a course, Dorothy Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with
any luck all these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are
interested - Sally who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the
dates up for 2007 - but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the
internet connection under the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK[/quote:58963982b0]
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by TerriLee in WA on Mon Jun 19, 2006 8:17 PM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Wow. That sounds like fun. Now, what am I going to sell to pay for a trip to Spain for a quilting retreat? Hmmmm,
thinking hard. -- TerriLee in WA (state) "Suzie B" <weaselwise@blueNOSPAMyonder.co.uk> wrote in
message news:BGklg.454003$xt.235356@fe3.news.blueyonder.co.uk... [quote:0507b997c0]I meant to post this a couple of
weeks back, but life (and ill parents) kinda got in the way... May 14-21 saw me fly out to Valencia for a week long
quilting retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the "Quilting with a Difference" technique. Basically,
you use hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt, rather than just a quilting/running stitch... also she favours
Steff Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the stitches really stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern
stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese Knotted, Chain Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots
more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler piece before working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had
great handouts for us explaining the more complicated stitches (I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go
around the edge of applique!) which was a great help. We also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had
never thought of using before, but actually found quite interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor,
staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the
husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got
to go to a local market for one morning, and on the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past
all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice
there themselves... the architecture of Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt
project? I was rather ambitious and took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather
and cable" design in one corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my
classmates) as well as photos from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho
I have done some more of the feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used,
and that is proving rather difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished
a course, Dorothy Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with
any luck all these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are
interested - Sally who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the
dates up for 2007 - but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the
internet connection under the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK -- Please remove NOSPAM when emailing me!
http://community.webshots.com/user/suziekga[/quote:0507b997c0]
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by Sandy Foster on Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:56 AM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
In article <BGklg.454003$xt.235356@fe3.news.blueyonder.co.uk>, Suzie B <weaselwise@blueNOSPAMyonder.co.uk>
wrote: [quote:1a043aca9e]I meant to post this a couple of weeks back, but life (and ill parents) kinda got in the
way... May 14-21 saw me fly out to Valencia for a week long quilting retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the
"Quilting with a Difference" technique. Basically, you use hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt,
rather than just a quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the
stitches really stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese
Knotted, Chain Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler
piece before working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had great handouts for us explaining the more complicated
stitches (I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go around the edge of applique!) which was a great help.
We also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had never thought of using before, but actually found quite
interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor, staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in
the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a
cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got to go to a local market for one morning, and on
the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that
paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice there themselves... the architecture of
Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt project? I was rather ambitious and
took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather and cable" design in one
corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my classmates) as well as photos
from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho I have done some more of the
feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used, and that is proving rather
difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished a course, Dorothy
Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with any luck all
these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are interested - Sally
who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the dates up for 2007 -
but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the internet connection under
the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK [/quote:1a043aca9e] Omigosh, Suzie! What a mouth-watering, gorgeous
spot for a retreat! And your quilt is equally gorgeous. :) I was in Valencia years ago, but I didn't get to stay more
than a few hours -- southern Spain is *so* nice. :) -- Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas my ISP is earthlink.net --
put sfoster1(at) in front http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1 AKA Dame Sandy, Minister of Education
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by pajaritaflora on Mon Jun 19, 2006 1:13 AM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Suzie B wrote: [quote:86101bb2c7]I meant to post this a couple of weeks back, but life (and ill parents) kinda got in
the way... May 14-21 saw me fly out to Valencia for a week long quilting retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed
the "Quilting with a Difference" technique. Basically, you use hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt,
rather than just a quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the
stitches really stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese
Knotted, Chain Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler
piece before working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had great handouts for us explaining the more complicated
stitches (I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go around the edge of applique!) which was a great help.
We also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had never thought of using before, but actually found quite
interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor, staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in
the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a
cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got to go to a local market for one morning, and on
the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that
paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice there themselves... the architecture of
Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt project? I was rather ambitious and
took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather and cable" design in one
corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my classmates) as well as photos
from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho I have done some more of the
feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used, and that is proving rather
difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished a course, Dorothy
Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with any luck all
these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are interested - Sally
who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the dates up for 2007 -
but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the internet connection under
the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK -- Please remove NOSPAM when emailing me!
http://community.webshots.com/user/suziekga [/quote:86101bb2c7] WOW! that looks wonderful. Good for you , you must have
been reeling in it all. Mary Ann
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by Sharon Harper on Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:40 AM Post subject: Re: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
OMG! I can fully understand why you would want to go back. It looks just divine - I get the feel that it was quite
informal and loads of fun - some of those quilts will turn out stunning! And Sally's quilt - knock me over with a
feather that is amazing. Oh I wish I could go..... -- Sharon from Melbourne Australia (Queen of Down Under)
http://www.geocities.com/shazrules/craft.html (takes a while to load) http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shazrules/my_photos
(same as website but quicker) "Suzie B" <weaselwise@blueNOSPAMyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
news:BGklg.454003$xt.235356@fe3.news.blueyonder.co.uk... [quote:70f72405c5]I meant to post this a couple of weeks back,
but life (and ill parents) kinda got in the way... May 14-21 saw me fly out to Valencia for a week long quilting
retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the "Quilting with a Difference" technique. Basically, you use
hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt, rather than just a quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff
Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the stitches really stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern
stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese Knotted, Chain Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots
more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler piece before working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had
great handouts for us explaining the more complicated stitches (I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go
around the edge of applique!) which was a great help. We also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had
never thought of using before, but actually found quite interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor,
staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the
husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got
to go to a local market for one morning, and on the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past
all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice
there themselves... the architecture of Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt
project? I was rather ambitious and took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather
and cable" design in one corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my
classmates) as well as photos from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho
I have done some more of the feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used,
and that is proving rather difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished
a course, Dorothy Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with
any luck all these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are
interested - Sally who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the
dates up for 2007 - but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the
internet connection under the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK -- Please remove NOSPAM when emailing me!
http://community.webshots.com/user/suziekga[/quote:70f72405c5]
back to top
View entire thread: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
Posted by Suzie B on Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:43 PM Post subject: Spanish Quilting Retreat (longish)
I meant to post this a couple of weeks back, but life (and ill parents) kinda got in the way... May 14-21 saw me fly
out to Valencia for a week long quilting retreat with Nikki Tinkler, who has developed the "Quilting with a
Difference" technique. Basically, you use hand embroidery stitches to quilt your quilt, rather than just a
quilting/running stitch... also she favours Steff Francis variegated fine silk threads, so that the stitches really
stick out on top and underneat your quilt. Fern stitch, Van Dyke stitch, Mountmellick, Portugese Knotted, Chain
Stitch, Whipped and Threaded Running stitch and lots more were duly explained and stitched onto a sampler piece before
working on our chosen project for the week. Nikki had great handouts for us explaining the more complicated stitches
(I can just about remember how to do blanket stitch to go around the edge of applique!) which was a great help. We
also played with large and small Shisha mirrors, which I had never thought of using before, but actually found quite
interesting. There were 9 of us students and Nikki the tutor, staying in 2 villa's an hours drive south of Valencia in
the mountains. There was an un-overlooked swimming pool and the husband of the couple who owned the villa's was a
cordon-bleu-class cook - so the food was absolutely fabulous! We got to go to a local market for one morning, and on
the day before we flew home we took a train into Valencia itself past all the rice paddyfields - although I knew that
paella was the staple food of Spain I hadn't realised they grew the rice there themselves... the architecture of
Valencia is wonderful and its a shame we only had about 4 hours there. My quilt project? I was rather ambitious and
took a metre of plain black as a wholecloth quilt, and traced a large "feather and cable" design in one
corner, with a fleur-de-lys pattern in the middle. You can see my efforts (and those of my classmates) as well as
photos from the villa in my Webshots directory. Finish it? Not whilst I was out there - and altho I have done some
more of the feathers since I got back, it will be a while. Besides, I need to find the stencils I used, and that is
proving rather difficult at the moment! Would I go again? In a heartbeat... Gail Lawther has just finished a course,
Dorothy Stapleton, Lynne Edwards, Dawn Cameron-Dick and Angela Madden are all confirmed for this year and with any luck
all these wonderful tutors will be going out again in 2007. http://www.quiltingholidays.com if you are interested -
Sally who runs the courses is waiting for confirmation from some of next years tutors before she puts the dates up for
2007 - but I definately intend going - the food alone was worth the money! Suzie B -- "From the internet
connection under the (undamaged end of the) pier!" Southend, UK -- Please remove NOSPAM when emailing me!
http://community.webshots.com/user/suziekga
back to top
View entire thread: G'day! I am a newbie... long post
Posted by Trish Brown on Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:04 AM Post subject: Re: G'day! I am a newbie... long post
Sandy Foster wrote: [quote:5161d340c5]Somehow, I think we'd guessed where you lived when you started out with
"g'day"! <g> Welcome, Trish! [/quote:5161d340c5] Thanks, Sandy! :-D [quote:5161d340c5] I'm so glad
you're no longer scared of it. Isn't it a wonderful obsession? :) [/quote:5161d340c5] YES!!! And to think I once
described it as 'cutting up perfectly useful fabric into tiny little bits, only to sew them back together again'.
Bleagh! I know better now! [quote:5161d340c5]It's lovely! When you say you're now really good at blanket stitch, you
aren't kidding! The stitches look *so* nice and even. :) [/quote:5161d340c5] Thanks! They weren't nice and even to start
with, though... <snip> [quote:5161d340c5]Who says you have to finish one before starting another???
[/quote:5161d340c5] Dreadful woman!!! I was taught the 'rotation' idea with needlework and all that did for me was earn
me a pile of UFOs in the bottom of my cupboard. No. I shall exercise Iron Restraint with quilting. 'One at a time' is
my motto! You temptress, you!!! [quote:5161d340c5] How soon before I can ask more questions??? ;- Ten minutes? ;)
Hee. Thanks again. As you can see, I type fast and have lots to ask[/quote:5161d340c5] about. I'll be back! ;-> --
Trish {|:-} Newcastle, NSW, Australia
back to top
View entire thread: G'day! I am a newbie... long post
Posted by Sandy Foster on Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:50 PM Post subject: Re: G'day! I am a newbie... long post
In article <448d7949$0$7233$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au>, Trish Brown
<kawbrown@ozemail.com.au> wrote: [quote:e77b32ae43]G'day everyone. My name's Trish and I live in Newcastle,
Australia. [/quote:e77b32ae43] Somehow, I think we'd guessed where you lived when you started out with
"g'day"! <g> Welcome, Trish! [quote:e77b32ae43]I have a serious addiction to sewing of all descriptions
and have looked in here occasionally over the years, waiting for the day when I finally scrounged up the confidence to
start quilting. I've done many other crafts in my lifetime, but quilting has always been Very Scary to me!.
[/quote:e77b32ae43] I'm so glad you're no longer scared of it. Isn't it a wonderful obsession? :) [quote:e77b32ae43]
Well, I finally did it and have not long ago finished my first quilt. It's a small one for my daughter with nine-patches
and appliqued motifs. There's a pic of the unfinished top here: http://community.webshots.com/user/betrisher
[/quote:e77b32ae43] It's lovely! When you say you're now really good at blanket stitch, you aren't kidding! The
stitches look *so* nice and even. :) [quote:e77b32ae43] I felt much, much safer hand quilting (I just love hand sewing)
and so I hand quilted this onet. It was easy enough: just stitching in the ditch and then outlining all the motifs. My
stitches aren't perfect, but I think it's OK for a first attempt. I'm looking forward to getting better!
[/quote:e77b32ae43] I like your attitude, Trish. :) [quote:e77b32ae43] I've just finished my second quilt top and it's
much larger (76" square). I have a few questions, but before I ask them I have to describe the quilt.
[/quote:e77b32ae43] <snip description of gorgeous quilt> [quote:e77b32ae43]Now, here's my burning questions!
LOL! And I *do* mean 'burning'... i) Is it possible to hand-quilt foundation pieced blocks? The large MC is pretty
daunting and the points are - well - really pointy. I'm thinking it would want quilting in the ditches, but what if the
machine runs away from me??? [/quote:e77b32ae43] It's possible, but I don't think you'll enjoy quilting through the
foundations. :S Does your machine have some sort of speed control that you could use to slow it down a bit?
[quote:e77b32ae43] ii) *If* I machine-quilted, is it absolutely necessary to use a walking foot (don't have one) and if
not, how do I manage without squooshing all the fabric ahead of the presser foot? [/quote:e77b32ae43] If you're going to
do SITD or other straight lines, a walking foot is just about essential. You should be able to find a generic one, if
you can't find one specifically made for your machine; try any sewing machine store or online. [quote:e77b32ae43]
iii) How on *earth* do I fit All That Quilt under the sewing machine and not stitch myself to it? [/quote:e77b32ae43]
You sort of "puddle" the area of the quilt you're working on, leaving the rest to be supported by your sewing
table and/or card tables and/or ironing boards set up in strategic spots to catch the weight. I've quilted one or two
larger than that, and it can be done. You might also want to try putting batting only on the center 1/3 of the quilt,
quilting that section and then adding another 1/3 on each side of that to quilt (one 1/3 section at a time). That will
cut the bulk considerably. [quote:e77b32ae43]Do I have to drop the feed dogs? [/quote:e77b32ae43] Not if you're doing
straight lines (with a walking foot, if possible). Dropping the feed dogs is only for free-motion (FM) work.
[quote:e77b32ae43]Do I start quilting in the middle or at the upper left-hand corner? Have I bitten off more than I can
chew? [/quote:e77b32ae43] Your quilt should be securely-enough pin basted that you can start anywhere you like! I
generally start at the center of one edge and work out, but it's up to you. :) [quote:e77b32ae43] iv) The LQS lady
told me I should quilt in monofilament, but I really dislike that. I'd much rather quilt in cotton. If I do that, how do
I decide which colour to choose? Do you put a different colour on the bobbin to match the backing? [/quote:e77b32ae43]
All of that will depend on the "look" you want. You could choose to match the top thread(s) to your blocks,
or you could choose to use a contrasting or blending or variegated thread instead. As for the bobbin, you have choices
there, too (remember that there are no quilt police!). If you have very good tension adjustment, you can use whatever
bobbin color will look best on the back. If you have a few "pokies" coming to one side or the other as you
test, go ahead and match the bobbin to the top thread. [quote:e77b32ae43] I have squillions more questions, but
wouldn't want to wear out my welcome here. Thanks for reading this far! I'm so excited: I already have another quilt
floating around in my head and simply *must* get this one finished so I can start another. [/quote:e77b32ae43] Who says
you have to finish one before starting another??? [quote:e77b32ae43]How soon before I can ask more questions??? ;-
[/quote:e77b32ae43] Ten minutes? ;) -- Sandy in Henderson, near Las Vegas my ISP is earthlink.net -- put sfoster1(at)
in front http://home.earthlink.net/~sfoster1 AKA Dame Sandy, Minister of Education
back to top
View entire thread: Bargello Class
Posted by ellice on Sun Oct 01, 2006 3:02 PM Post subject: Re: Bargello Class
On 9/30/06 7:28 PM, "Magic Mood Jeep©" <nobody@nowhere.net> wrote: [quote:4b61dd7e10]In
news:4o8c59Fda976U1@individual.net, Dianne Lewandowski purred: On 9/29/06 8:52 PM, "Magic Mood Jeep©"
<nobody@nowhere.net> wrote: I have take yet another stitching class! This one is over two different days a week
apart. Called Basic Bargello. This is a picture from the chart packet http://home-and-
garden.webshots.com/photo/2356905740047371020wxvuVx, and I so wanted to learn this! So on 9/11 (!!!!) I headed off to
the needlework shop to learn this. What a beautiful project that looks like it took a lot of hard work to come to
fruition. Kudos to you for taking this on. Lovely! blush Thanks - but it wasn't that hard! Hard was learning to turn
corners with the blanket/buttonhole stitch for the hardanger I did earlier!!!! Tell us: what size canvas and what type
threads? Dianne Canvas recommended is 18 count sage green needlepoint canvas, 12"x12" to give framing and
centering leeway. Finished size is about 7"x7", give or take. Majority is regular floss, supposed to be
using 4 strands, but I thought 6 filled it in better. I also learned how to use a laying tool (that giant, humongous
needle seen in some of the pics stuck to my kitty-magnet) to keep the floss straight and not all twisty over the longer
stitches. [/quote:4b61dd7e10] Looks very nice. From the shots I wasn't sure how big. On 18 ct canvas you can use Perle
5 and it'll lay really well. The more NP you do - at least for me, I find that you really have to use a laying tool for
many of the stitches - like the bargello, satin, rhodes, etc. [quote:4b61dd7e10] The pattern is called Basic Bargello,
by Harbour Light Designs, if you want to investigate for the floss list & whatnot (I won't go into listing it all
here as I don't want anyone to try & copy it and have them screaming over the copyright). If you really like
Bargello patterns, I think there's a book out - although[/quote:4b61dd7e10] my mind has gone blank on the who - called
mostly bargello. And in one of the Stitches for Effect books there is a section of bargello patterns that you could use
to just make your own! Very nice work - really. ellice
back to top
View entire thread: Bargello Class
Posted by Magic Mood Jeep© on Sun Oct 01, 2006 12:28 AM Post subject: Re: Bargello Class
In news:4o8c59Fda976U1@individual.net, Dianne Lewandowski purred: [quote:1195d4fadf]On 9/29/06 8:52 PM, "Magic
Mood Jeep©" <nobody@nowhere.net> wrote: I have take yet another stitching class! This one is over two
different days a week apart. Called Basic Bargello. This is a picture from the chart packet http://home-and-
garden.webshots.com/photo/2356905740047371020wxvuVx, and I so wanted to learn this! So on 9/11 (!!!!) I headed off to
the needlework shop to learn this. What a beautiful project that looks like it took a lot of hard work to come to
fruition. Kudos to you for taking this on. Lovely! [/quote:1195d4fadf] <blush> Thanks - but it wasn't that hard!
Hard was learning to turn corners with the blanket/buttonhole stitch for the hardanger I did earlier!!!!
[quote:1195d4fadf]Tell us: what size canvas and what type threads? Dianne [/quote:1195d4fadf] Canvas recommended is 18
count sage green needlepoint canvas, 12"x12" to give framing and centering leeway. Finished size is about
7"x7", give or take. Majority is regular floss, supposed to be using 4 strands, but I thought 6 filled it
in better. I also learned how to use a laying tool (that giant, humongous needle seen in some of the pics stuck to my
kitty-magnet) to keep the floss straight and not all twisty over the longer stitches. The pattern is called Basic
Bargello, by Harbour Light Designs, if you want to investigate for the floss list & whatnot (I won't go into
listing it all here as I don't want anyone to try & copy it and have them screaming over the copyright).
back to top