A Sewing Week

This is a follow-up to last Sunday's post in regards to attending the Quilters Winterfest Quilt Show. It was a lovely show presented in an inviting and cozy venue.

Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI

In the afternoon, I attended a kaleidoscope workshop taught by Paula Nadelstern. It was excellent and fun. Paula generously shared her knowledge with tips and tricks. If you get the chance to attend a class taught by Paula, I highly recommend it.

Earlier in the month, I posted about my 16-year old sewing machine going in for service and tune up prior to the machine quilting process of some sections of the dolly dress quilt.

Unfortunately, the service tech ran into difficulties as two metal parts had fused together over time. Over the phone I was told, "Sews great, however, it makes a noise." Gasp. The store offered to put the service bill towards a new machine. Hmmm. After testing driving several machines by different makers, I soon learned why many of the "quilt stars" (including Paula) sew with a Swiss machine. Loyalty to my previous brand was gone. This is what came home with me. :-)

Aurora 430

A two or three-year old Bernina was recently brought in for a trade-in. I still had to add $$$, but how many times does a gently-used Bernina come along. ;-)  The machine was serviced and was ready for a new owner.  It's been a swell honeymoon as we get to know one another.

On Sunday, I plan on joining Kathy and other slow stitchers while I continue to hand quilt the outline of this dress.

In closing here are a few photos from the quilt show.  Some traditional and some modern. ALL the quilts were pretty. Please note none were labeled with the maker's name.  Jill

 

A Sewing Week

This is a follow-up to last Sunday's post in regards to attending the Quilters Winterfest Quilt Show. It was a lovely show presented in an inviting and cozy venue.

Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI

In the afternoon, I attended a kaleidoscope workshop taught by Paula Nadelstern. It was excellent and fun. Paula generously shared her knowledge with tips and tricks. If you get the chance to attend a class taught by Paula, I highly recommend it.

Earlier in the month, I posted about my 16-year old sewing machine going in for service and tune up prior to the machine quilting process of some sections of the dolly dress quilt.

Unfortunately, the service tech ran into difficulties as two metal parts had fused together over time. Over the phone I was told, "Sews great, however, it makes a noise." Gasp. The store offered to put the service bill towards a new machine. Hmmm. After testing driving several machines by different makers, I soon learned why many of the "quilt stars" (including Paula) sew with a Swiss machine. Loyalty to my previous brand was gone. This is what came home with me. :-)

Aurora 430

A two or three-year old Bernina was recently brought in for a trade-in. I still had to add $$$, but how many times does a gently-used Bernina come along. ;-)  The machine was serviced and was ready for a new owner.  It's been a swell honeymoon as we get to know one another.

On Sunday, I plan on joining Kathy and other slow stitchers while I continue to hand quilt the outline of this dress.

In closing here are a few photos from the quilt show.  Some traditional and some modern. ALL the quilts were pretty. Please note none were labeled with the maker's name.  Jill

 

Little Bit of Slow Stitching

Today, only a small amount of hand sewing will be accomplished. Why? There is a quilt show in Frankenmuth, Michigan approximately 1-1/2 hours from my home.  I love quilt shows, and I am more than ready to attend one. Paula Nadelstern (famous for her kaleidoscope quilts) will be teaching several workshops. The opportunity arose that I was able to enroll in her Sunday afternoon class.

This evening, I will join the other Slow Sunday Stitches faithfully hosted by Kathy. I will hand quilt the outline of this dress as it is extra basted in order to be able to quilt without a hoop. The blue and white dot fabric reminds me of Mrs. Beasley the doll from Family Affair the cute TV Show from the late 60s-early 70s. Lol.

If you have time this week to return for a visit, I will have photos from the quilt show posted. :-)

Jill

Little Bit of Slow Stitching

Today, only a small amount of hand sewing will be accomplished. Why? There is a quilt show in Frankenmuth, Michigan approximately 1-1/2 hours from my home.  I love quilt shows, and I am more than ready to attend one. Paula Nadelstern (famous for her kaleidoscope quilts) will be teaching several workshops. The opportunity arose that I was able to enroll in her Sunday afternoon class.

This evening, I will join the other Slow Sunday Stitches faithfully hosted by Kathy. I will hand quilt the outline of this dress as it is extra basted in order to be able to quilt without a hoop. The blue and white dot fabric reminds me of Mrs. Beasley the doll from Family Affair the cute TV Show from the late 60s-early 70s. Lol.

If you have time this week to return for a visit, I will have photos from the quilt show posted. :-)

Jill

Quilted Dress Outline

The Dolly Dress quilt is thoroughly hand basted and ready for quilting.  DMC #12 ivory perle cotton are the basting threads.

Today I will begin hand quilting the outline of the dresses. The timing for that is perfect as I join others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. I do not know whether to try hoopless quilting or use a frame. Stay tuned for the outcome next Sunday. 

Some may think the dress is applique, however, the quilt is made from a pre-printed panel. The collar, cuffs, button, rick rack and crossbody purse have been hand embellished.

Every February the Pebble Beach PGA golf tournament is held and televised from the Monterey Peninsula. The scenery is awesome and it lifts my winter spirits to see green grass with the California coastline as the background. My stitching will be extra slow while viewing the final round. 

Speaking of February ~ Happy Valentines Day kindred stitchers!

Jill

Quilted Dress Outline

The Dolly Dress quilt is thoroughly hand basted and ready for quilting.  DMC #12 ivory perle cotton are the basting threads.

Today I will begin hand quilting the outline of the dresses. The timing for that is perfect as I join others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. I do not know whether to try hoopless quilting or use a frame. Stay tuned for the outcome next Sunday. 

Some may think the dress is applique, however, the quilt is made from a pre-printed panel. The collar, cuffs, button, rick rack and crossbody purse have been hand embellished.

Every February the Pebble Beach PGA golf tournament is held and televised from the Monterey Peninsula. The scenery is awesome and it lifts my winter spirits to see green grass with the California coastline as the background. My stitching will be extra slow while viewing the final round. 

Speaking of February ~ Happy Valentines Day kindred stitchers!

Jill

Super Re-Baste

Today on Super Bowl Sunday, I will be doing more hand basting using the board-basting method.

During this past week, I ran into some issues on the dolly dress quilt. The basting process was completed and I started to machine quilt yet things were not quite right. The batting felt stiff and cumbersome although I told myself that it would be alright (it wasn't). The straight line machine quilting was inconsistent and more of a chore than a hobby.

I took a break and rethought it all. The all-cotton batting (cut from a roll) that was purchased at a big box fabric store wasn't producing the effect I desired. My sewing machine needed a professional tune-up and cleaning.  The backing (a small pink floral pattern) gave a pink shadow to the white sections of the top.  I was becoming cranky and it would only get worse if I pushed forward; yet all the while, I kept telling myself it would get better.

After a good night's sleep, I decided I would not be happy nor would things be alright during the quilting process and final result. Therefore, I removed one row of machine quilting and all the basting stitches. Tone-on-tone white fabric for the backing was purchased, a better quality batting was found and my faithful (but neglected) sewing machine was taken in for an overall cleaning and tuneup.

While waiting service on the machine, I replaced the batting and backing and am doing a better job of board basting. Yesterday, I got a got good start on it and will work on it today while I join many others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. There are some awesome projects out there being stitched by hand.

This photo shows how the basted stitches look from the back when everything is done following Sharon Schamber's method on Youtube.

I am using No. 12 perle cotton, Tulip Basting Needle, my trusty needle threader. Fortunately, the eye of the needle is large enough to accommodate the perle cotton. The perle cotton snuggles amongst the three layers of the quilt sandwich and the basting process is smoother than when I used thread to baste. The Tulip basting needle is long and sharp as it pierces the fabric without leaving a hole like a chenille needle may do.

May you have smoother stitches than I recently experienced.  

Jill

Super Re-Baste

Today on Super Bowl Sunday, I will be doing more hand basting using the board-basting method.

During this past week, I ran into some issues on the dolly dress quilt. The basting process was completed and I started to machine quilt yet things were not quite right. The batting felt stiff and cumbersome although I told myself that it would be alright (it wasn't). The straight line machine quilting was inconsistent and more of a chore than a hobby.

I took a break and rethought it all. The all-cotton batting (cut from a roll) that was purchased at a big box fabric store wasn't producing the effect I desired. My sewing machine needed a professional tune-up and cleaning.  The backing (a small pink floral pattern) gave a pink shadow to the white sections of the top.  I was becoming cranky and it would only get worse if I pushed forward; yet all the while, I kept telling myself it would get better.

After a good night's sleep, I decided I would not be happy nor would things be alright during the quilting process and final result. Therefore, I removed one row of machine quilting and all the basting stitches. Tone-on-tone white fabric for the backing was purchased, a better quality batting was found and my faithful (but neglected) sewing machine was taken in for an overall cleaning and tuneup.

While waiting service on the machine, I replaced the batting and backing and am doing a better job of board basting. Yesterday, I got a got good start on it and will work on it today while I join many others at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching. There are some awesome projects out there being stitched by hand.

This photo shows how the basted stitches look from the back when everything is done following Sharon Schamber's method on Youtube.

I am using No. 12 perle cotton, Tulip Basting Needle, my trusty needle threader. Fortunately, the eye of the needle is large enough to accommodate the perle cotton. The perle cotton snuggles amongst the three layers of the quilt sandwich and the basting process is smoother than when I used thread to baste. The Tulip basting needle is long and sharp as it pierces the fabric without leaving a hole like a chenille needle may do.

May you have smoother stitches than I recently experienced.  

Jill

Basting Dolly Dress Quilt

Finally, the quilt top is done and I have begun hand basting the layers together as I join other kindred stitchers at Kathy's Slow Stitching Sunday.

Per online classes and youtube tutorials, I have prepared the top and backing by starching. It has a nice smooth finish and the basting is going well. This is the second time using the board basting method as presented by Sharon Schamber. It is much easier on the knees! I actually find it more relaxing than boring.  It is easy on my eyes today as I have natural light coming from the window. Despite it being another cloudy day in Michigan, there is a brightness from a recent dusting of snow.

The plan is to have it all basted today and ready to machine quilt the sashing with a walking foot. Personally, the thought of free-motion quilting is intimidating, and I do not desire this fun quilt to be my practice piece. Each dress will be outlined quilted by hand which was practiced and mentioned in the previous post. The hand quilted outline makes the dress stand out better in my humble opinion. Practicing on extra panels was quite beneficial.

May you have smooth stitching this week.

 Jill

Basting Dolly Dress Quilt

Finally, the quilt top is done and I have begun hand basting the layers together as I join other kindred stitchers at Kathy's Slow Stitching Sunday.

Per online classes and youtube tutorials, I have prepared the top and backing by starching. It has a nice smooth finish and the basting is going well. This is the second time using the board basting method as presented by Sharon Schamber. It is much easier on the knees! I actually find it more relaxing than boring.  It is easy on my eyes today as I have natural light coming from the window. Despite it being another cloudy day in Michigan, there is a brightness from a recent dusting of snow.

The plan is to have it all basted today and ready to machine quilt the sashing with a walking foot. Personally, the thought of free-motion quilting is intimidating, and I do not desire this fun quilt to be my practice piece. Each dress will be outlined quilted by hand which was practiced and mentioned in the previous post. The hand quilted outline makes the dress stand out better in my humble opinion. Practicing on extra panels was quite beneficial.

May you have smooth stitching this week.

 Jill

Slow Sunday Basting

Yay! I am delighted to be back with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching in 2017. Today, I hand basted a practice piece for my Dolly Dress-up quilt that was started last January.

The top has been finished for several months as I pondered on how to quilt it. Since it is a child's quilt, I considered machine quilting to be the best choice. I wanted to quilt it myself, but as a hand quilter (usually), I was not excited to learn free-motion on my home sewing machine. Thus, the top waited for me while I made up my mind.

A Holly Holderman pre-printed panel with embellishments.

I decided to do a combination of hand and straight machine quilting.  The sashing will be machine straight stitched and the background will have a gird pattern. Each dress will be outlined by hand-quilted stitches.  The practice piece will hopefully eliminate goofs. By next Sunday I would like to be working on the the actual quilt top.

Jill

Slow Sunday Basting

Yay! I am delighted to be back with Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching in 2017. Today, I hand basted a practice piece for my Dolly Dress-up quilt that was started last January.

The top has been finished for several months as I pondered on how to quilt it. Since it is a child's quilt, I considered machine quilting to be the best choice. I wanted to quilt it myself, but as a hand quilter (usually), I was not excited to learn free-motion on my home sewing machine. Thus, the top waited for me while I made up my mind.

A Holly Holderman pre-printed panel with embellishments.

I decided to do a combination of hand and straight machine quilting.  The sashing will be machine straight stitched and the background will have a gird pattern. Each dress will be outlined by hand-quilted stitches.  The practice piece will hopefully eliminate goofs. By next Sunday I would like to be working on the the actual quilt top.

Jill

Crochet Fleece

Many stitchers have participated in some form of charity sewing. Unfortunately, I have not until recently being presented with an opportunity. My church has a prayer blanket ministry and all they ask is for people to add crochet edges to precut fleece. The fleece, yarn and prepunched holes are provided. Today as I join others for Slow Sunday Stitching hosted by Kathy, I will be working on a blanket.

To be honest, I had not done any crocheting for years. I went to youtube to brush up and found the Linus Project video. Easy peasy. In the past few weeks, I finished two lap-size blankets which were a great project for me to refresh my crocheting skills. It went so well that while shopping at Joann's I purchased fleece to make another one which will be donated. 

Prior to starting the blankets, I disciplined myself that I would finish my current project.  And I did!

Have a good week!

Crochet Fleece

Many stitchers have participated in some form of charity sewing. Unfortunately, I have not until recently being presented with an opportunity. My church has a prayer blanket ministry and all they ask is for people to add crochet edges to precut fleece. The fleece, yarn and prepunched holes are provided. Today as I join others for Slow Sunday Stitching hosted by Kathy, I will be working on a blanket.

To be honest, I had not done any crocheting for years. I went to youtube to brush up and found the Linus Project video. Easy peasy. In the past few weeks, I finished two lap-size blankets which were a great project for me to refresh my crocheting skills. It went so well that while shopping at Joann's I purchased fleece to make another one which will be donated. 

Prior to starting the blankets, I disciplined myself that I would finish my current project.  And I did!

Have a good week!