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
The art of having fun
When I started quilting, I used to go to the local quilt store, Patches Quilting in Mount Airy, Maryland, and show my work. As they were looking at my quilt I would say: "I messed up here, the corners there did not match, I made another mistake there..." Jackie, the owner, told me she did not like when customers came in and showed their beautiful work, and then proceeded to point out all that went wrong. It makes sense... Quilting is another form of art, and have you ever stood in front of a … [Read more...] about The art of having fun
Pieced Borders
At my quilt guild this year we are working on a round robin with a medallion block. We were encouraged to research pieced borders, since we will be adding borders to each other's medallion, or center, block. The organizer of the round robin suggested a few books we might look at, with one recommendation in particular: Pieced Borders, by Judy Martin & Marsha McCloskey. It is out of print but I found it here. It is a wonderful book! It explains, in minute detail, all you need to do in order to … [Read more...] about Pieced Borders
My secret to perfect machine applique stitches
Over the years I have made many quilts using machine applique. I like the look of the machine blanket stitch, particularly because it is neater than what I can do by hand, although I have done it by hand when working with wool. The first time I used machine applique I noticed that the foot was in the way of my seeing where the needle was touching the fabric, on the edge of the piece as well as inside the applique piece. So, I ran to the quilt store and ordered a presser foot with a clear sole … [Read more...] about My secret to perfect machine applique stitches