IN THE GROOVE

So how are you going to quilt that? Easy answer, let the quilt do the talking. What is it made of? Circles mainly.So one big spiral will do. What about that irregular border?  When in doubt, replicate the shape....somewhat. I think I'm in the groove with the quilting. Now onto the binding. I am really trying hard not to bond with this piece as I had deiced to sell it. Too many class samples are living on my couch.

 

 

CAREFUL WHERE THE PATH MAY LEAD YOU

Really, I was going to do just six  3 1/2 inch drunkards path blocks to discuss at class this week. Six turned into nine and nine turned into a project. A project that needed borders. Borders with bias strips. Bias strips that needed dots. Really....it was just supposed to be six blocks.

ONE OR TWO ?

This is a technique I learned a long time ago and deiced to try again. If you have a zig zag throat plate on your machine, you can use a twin needle  to sew. We use to use them to sew the decorative double hem on knit clothing. Wow I am really dating myself. I also learned to use it in FMQ. They come in different widths and size combinations as well as needle type. I happened to have a 2.0/80 universal and a 4.0/100 denim. There are smaller...1.5 and larger..6.0 which is the widest distance between the two needles. The first number refers to the distance between needles and the second number refers to the needle size. In terms of threading, I have two spindles, but the spools were too big so I used a bobbin for one thread. I threaded the machine as though I had one thread until I reached the needle. Be careful not to get threads twisted. You might want to consult your manual. I did slow down until I felt things were going well. These needles are not strong and I could see them flex as I sewed.Tension was an issue and I just adjusted my upper tension until I was happy. Below is the result of my experiment. I really like the more open stitches as they have a ribbon like appearance without having to repeat stitching. I think using a twin needle to FMQ has a place. Try it and let me know what you think.

 

looks like regular FMQ

 

until you get closer.....2.5mm needle

 

4.0 mm needle

 

use bobbin if spools too big to fit

 

size difference.

MAY RETREAT

We just returned from our May retreat and it was wonderful. Lots of sewing.

Finished quilts, beading, bags and Christmas projects.

It was fun, fun, fun !!!

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

I was looking around for an empty bag to put tomorrow's class lesson in and behold...a clear plastic bag with a zipper even. It held our new sheets at one time. Knowing a "to good to throw away " item when I see one, I held on to it. Wow , I thought, it would be great if it had handles.

 

I just happened to have some heavy duty twill tape.

 

Add a couple of buttons and it's good to go.

GOING GREEN

 

This is a customer quilt for her sister who wanted a green quilt.

 

Fortunately, I also love green.

 

This quilt is very big and very green.

DESIGN WALL

 

I am having posting problems....I admire Robin at Robin Quilts etc. for posting regularly on Mondays. This is currently on my wall. Not sure where this is going but I am really enjoying making the blocks. I have seen similar blocks on Exuberant Colors. I'll let you know how this proceeds.

A FORTIFIED IRON

BEFORE

 

I went away with my mini group last weekend, and in my haste left a few things behind. One was a bottle of vitamin fortified bubbly water...a big bottle.

When I returned, I noticed not only was it empty, but it was sitting on the ironing board...very close to the iron. " Honey, did you drink the water I had in the sewing room?" " Of course not. That's the water you use for the iron. By the way, be careful. That steam is deadly."

 

AFTER