Finally, my flannel quilt is finished! Since it was a present for ME, I decided to make it a two-sided quilt, so I got 2 for 1... A complete departure from my normal designs, I chose bricks on one side using the Woolies, and plain square blocks with sashing for the back, with a more girly feel to it. It is so warm and cozy! In order to make it even more comfortable, I only quilted straight lines using a decorative stitch and varigated thread. I should probably grab a book and head for the couch … [Read more...] about Two-sided flannel quilt
Self-binding quilt
My flannel quilt is almost done. As I was trying to figure out which fabric to use for the binding, I decided to try something different: self-binding. This is a quick way to finish the quilt, most commonly used when the edge of the quilt has an irregular shape. I prefer the traditional binding, but since I want to finish this quilt quickly, and it is for my own use... Here is how I did it: Baste backing to batting using large stitches. I basted all around the quilt, as well as across the … [Read more...] about Self-binding quilt
The cutest apron ever!
On this cloudy day, my friend Soraya came to visit me with her mother. She came bearing gifts: Brazilian food for dinner (feijoada!), and a gorgeous apron she made for me! Clouds? What clouds? She has no idea how she has brightened my day! The colors are cheerful and the choice of fabrics could not have been better! What would we do without friends and their acts of kindness? … [Read more...] about The cutest apron ever!
Quilt room doubles as wrestling rink
Dear quilters and friends: Ever wondered why I show up to our quilt guild meetings with scratches and bites all over the back of my hands and on my arms? Sapphire, my 3-year-old cat, decided years ago that the most comfortable place for a nap is my quilting chair. When it is time for me to go to my studio, I must be prepared wrestle with her. She moves to the table behind my sewing machine while I am sewing. As soon as I get up to press a seam, she jumps onto my chair. When I am ready to sew … [Read more...] about Quilt room doubles as wrestling rink
Getting hooked on quilting
Christopher, my 12-year-old son, pieced his first quilt when he was 7. Tonight he wanted to be with me in my studio, even though I wasn't planning on quilting. He is finishing a quilt he started a couple of years ago. Isn't this cute? My three sons are great at picking fabrics, choosing patterns for my upcoming projects, and giving me ideas on what is working and what is not during a project. Chris gave his input on my Woolie quilt, and I will show it to you just as soon as it is ready. In the … [Read more...] about Getting hooked on quilting
Pinning a seam
I am working on my flannel quilt (Woolies). Since it is flannel, most of the seams are pressed open as it will reduce the bulk at quilting time. Below is a picture of how I ensure the seams align. Pin diagonally from the left side of the seam to the right, then pin straight on the right side, so the fabric won't move as you sew. Use thin quilting pins which won't break the needle as you sew over them. Remove pins only after you have sewn the seam. It works (almost) every time! Do the same for … [Read more...] about Pinning a seam