tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558301802717858652024-03-17T20:03:12.656-07:00Faeries and FibresA blog about quilts, fibre arts and curiosKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.comBlogger686125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-65585205012515352072017-09-07T08:52:00.005-07:002017-09-07T08:52:47.841-07:00English Paper Piecing WorkshopI'll be teaching a full-day English paper piecing (EPP) workshop in Pickering, Ontario on Sunday, September 17, 2017. The workshop is being hosted by the <i>Twisted Stitchers Quilt Guild</i>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My workshop is called <i>Easier Than Pie & Beyond</i> because my methods and techniques make EPP easier than pie! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been using EPP to make quilts for 35+ years and developed my "beyond" methods in the late 1990s. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is fun and exciting for me to see others get excited about the possibilities using my basic techniques combined with "made" fabric methods. It takes EPP beyond the basics and launches it to the next level. Although this workshop focuses on hexagons the knowledge you will acquire can be applied to any shape. These are my class samples that demonstrate the techniques that I teach.</span><br />
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If you are interested in attending the workshop feel free to send me an email (my address is on the sidebar on the right) and I will forward your message to the organizer. She'll be able to provide you with all the details including location and cost.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
KarenKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-71057450868474153282017-08-27T08:25:00.003-07:002017-08-27T08:25:44.346-07:00Antique Wedding Sampler Blocks 3 and 4Today I'm sharing pictures of blocks 3 and 4 of the <i>Antique Wedding Sampler Quilt</i> blocks made by Paula and me. The pattern is from the book <i>Primarily Quilts</i> by Di Ford Hall. These blocks were relatively quick to make. Perhaps the most challenging component was the little compass in the middle of block 3 but in my next post I'll share some tips on constructing both blocks.<br />
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I chose to use a different arrangement of HSTs in my block. It's always fun to be able to personalize a quilt block by making changes!<br />
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Karen's Block 3</div>
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Paula's Block 3</div>
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For block 4 I went with the pattern including the little appliqued bud in the corners of the star in the centre however Paula chose to do some broderie perse instead and I think that the result is beautiful.<br />
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Karen's Block 4</div>
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Paula's Block 4</div>
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Until the next time, happy sewing!<br />
KarenKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-12864835878746118952017-08-23T11:51:00.000-07:002017-08-23T11:51:14.491-07:00Antique Wedding Sample blocks 1 and 2 - oh silly me!Oh silly me! I know that Paula had revisited her first two blocks. She replaced the broderie perse in the corners of block 1 and she completely remade block 2. Unfortunately I published pictures of the original blocks and not the final versions of the blocks in my August 21, 2017 post. I've updated the post so you can see both versions. Click <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2017/08/friendship-and-antique-wedding-sampler.html" target="_blank">here</a> to go to the post.<br />
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Until the next time, happy sewing!<br />
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KarenKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-83430305411843404552017-08-22T09:25:00.002-07:002017-08-22T09:26:14.806-07:00Antique Wedding Sampler - block 1 construction tipsYesterday I wrote about blocks 1 and 2 that Paula and I made for our <i>Antique Wedding Sampler</i> quilts. There were a couple of questions/comments about block 1 that I thought I would address today.<br />
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Leslie (sorry but you are a no reply blogger so I couldn't send you a personal message) asked about the <b>broderie perse</b> (the floral applique in the corners). She wanted to know if there are tutorials or books available. I did publish a tutorial on broderie perse and you can find it <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2016/02/broderie-perse.html" target="_blank">here</a>. There are several on YouTube however many seem to use fusible web and that is not something I wanted to do. I have searched for books specifically about broderie perse but there are very few available. One that I do have in my library is <i>Broderie Perse</i> by Barbara W. Barber. It is an older book and can be difficult to find. It is an interesting and informative book but honestly the information that you really need can be boiled down to a few points.<br />
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When I do broderie perse there are a few things that are important for me and I thought I would share them today.<br />
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<li>When I cut my shapes I leave roughly a 1/4" seam allowance. I position the shape on my background fabric and then trim seam allowance down to a scant 1/8". I generally trim down my seam allowances as I sew. I might trim an 1" or 1 1/2" and stitch most of that down before I trim more excess seam allowance. I do this because I find that if there is a lot of handling of the applique it can fray and you may not have enough seam allowance to turn under.</li>
<li>I use a slim, sharp needle. My preferred needles are #10 milliners needles.</li>
<li>I use a fine thread that either matches my applique or the background. My preferred thread these days (introduced to me by Paula) is DMC machine embroidery thread. It is cotton and very lightweight. I find that a taupe colour works well for many of my appliques but I also have other colours in my thread box.</li>
<li>I used a tiny dab of inexpensive glue to temporarily tack my shapes in position. I look for a glue that is washable, fabric safe and acid free. For those who live in Canada you can buy Studio Glue from Dollarama. It costs $1.25 for four sticks. Bargain!</li>
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To stitch down the shapes there are a few stitches that can be used. A blind stitch (the traditional applique method where the seam allowance is turned under with the tip of the needle) is my preferred method however the applique can also be done with a buttonhole/blanket stitch in which case the raw edge of the applique is <i>not </i>turned under but is instead covered with the stitches.<br />
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The compass in block 1 is<b> English paper pieced</b> and I have a couple of tips for piecing the compass. You will notice that the large brown diamonds have tiny cream diamonds (with a red print) at the inner point. I appliqued the cream fabric to the brown fabric before I basted the paper to the brown fabric (inside the green circle).<br />
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I stitched a red triangle to either side of the diamond. When I got to the point inside the circle I made sure that the cream diamond was a couple of threads shy of the point of the red triangle. I added the red triangle at the left and took an extra stitch to keep the points of the red triangles together (inside the red circle). I then continued sewing the red triangle to the other side of the diamond.<br />
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I stitched the curved shapes to either side of four of the brown diamonds. Those curved edges must line up or you won't have what appears to be a circle behind the compass points.</div>
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In order to make sure that the curved edges did match up I made a registration mark on my paper so that I knew where the curved edge should be positioned.</div>
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To sew the units together I made sure to line up the curve with the registration mark on the paper template and when I got to the inside edge I made sure that the cream diamond was a couple of threads shy of the point on the red triangle (at the red circle) so that when I added the next unit with the red triangle I could take an extra stitch to pull those points together. As you add pieces to make the compass be sure to open it up and ensure that the curved edge is even on either side of each large diamond.</div>
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I hope that these little tips will be helpful! Until the next time, happy sewing!</div>
Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-87755093606929731922017-08-21T08:50:00.000-07:002017-08-23T11:46:18.986-07:00Friendship and the Antique Wedding Sampler QuiltIt's been almost a year since Paula and I struck up an online friendship. We have very similar tastes when it comes to fabric, quilt styles/designs, cats and food! Paula found me via my blog and after corresponding about various projects we were working on Paula asked if I would be interested in working together on a project and I thought it was a fine idea. She had previously mentioned that she had made four blocks from the <i>Antique Wedding Sampler</i> quilt designed by Di Ford Hall, a quilt that I admired greatly. The pattern is in Di's first book, <i>Primarily Quilts</i>. Each of the quilts in the book is inspired by antique quilts.<br />
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I believe that the quilt that inspired Di Ford's <i>Antique Wedding Sampler</i> is a Quaker quilt made by Charlotte Gillingham c 1842-1843. It is part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection. You can read more about the original at <a href="http://www.quakerquilthistory.com/2012/09/quaker-aesthetics-and-album-quilt-made.html" target="_blank">Quaker Quilt History</a>.<br />
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I had seen the <i>Antique Wedding Sampler</i> quilts made by Carole of <a href="http://wheelsonthewarrandytebus.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Wheels on the Warrandyte Bus</a> and the <a href="http://ginandthreadsisters.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">G'nT Sisters</a>. Their blocks and quilts are very inspirational and exciting. Carole had assured me that the blocks were very doable.<br />
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Paula wasn't happy with her first four blocks so I suggested that she address her concerns with those blocks and while she was doing that I would make the first four blocks. Thereafter we would work on two blocks a month. We figured two blocks a month was manageable and we would be able to support and encourage each other and more importantly there would somebody with whom we could problem solve. There are twenty five blocks in the quilt and as it turned out we decided that when we both completed our two blocks we would move on to the next two. While the blocks did present some challenges, they were not as difficult as I had originally thought.<br />
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Over the next little while I plan to share our 12" blocks with you. Without further ado here are the first two blocks. I'll discuss some of the methods we used and areas where you can get creative!<br />
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<b>Block 1 </b>- The compass looks difficult but we English paper pieced it and then appliqued it to the background. My points are a little bit wobbly (I can live with that) whereas Paula's are perfect! The motifs in the corners are done in the <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2016/02/broderie-perse.html" target="_blank">broderie perse</a> method of applique. I chose to applique a butterfly in the middle of my block and Paula chose a lovely circle print.<br />
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<b>UPDATE #1:</b> I posted a couple tips on constructing the compass and sewing the broderie perse flowers in the corners. You can find them <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2017/08/antique-wedding-sample-block-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>UPDATE #2:</b> I just discovered that I posted versions of Paula's first two blocks which she later changed. In block 1 she replace the broderie perse in the corners and block 2 was remade. Notice that she substituted a hexagon rosette for the tiny 8 point star that the pattern called for! I've updated the post with both revised blocks.<br />
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Karen's block 1</div>
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Paula's block 1 (first version)</div>
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Paula's block 1 (final version)</div>
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<b>Block 2 </b>- This was a simple pieced block with some traditional applique in the corners. The centre of the block called for a tiny star which I English paper pieced and then appliqued in position. I thought it needed a little pizzazz so I appliqued a little circle in the centre. Note that it is the same fabric I used for the circles in the north-south-east-west positions in block 1. Paula didn't relish the idea of making the tiny little star so instead she fussy cut a beautiful birds and flowers piece of fabric for the centre.<br />
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Karen's block 2</div>
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Paula's block 2</div>
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Paula's block 2 (remade)</div>
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Next time I post I'll share blocks 3 and 4. Until then, happy sewing!<br />
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Karen H<br />
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Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-77972924201313659432017-08-08T08:24:00.002-07:002017-08-08T08:24:58.436-07:00Tiny Stems: two more methodsIn my last post I wrote about tiny stems.<br />
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A reader left a comment describing another method for making those tiny stems. In case you don't read comments I decided to share her suggestion in a post. Thanks for taking the time to comment and share with others. I've said it before; a quilt maker can never have too many tips, techniques and skills in her tool box!<br />
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This is what Eloidastitches wrote:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Those tiny stems are quite the trick Karen. I would like to share a method I read in a book by Jane Townswick (Artful Applique, the Easy Way). In this book she shares her method of marking seam lines on skinny bias stems using a Hera marker (page 109). Before she cuts the strips, using a quilting ruler, she lines up the 1/8th inch mark along the cut edge on the back of the fabric, and then scores along the edge of the ruler at the 1/8th inch mark. Then she moves the ruler to the 1/4" mark, for the second score. After that you can cut it at the 3/8" mark (or like I do, I cut it at the 1/2" mark to give myself some wiggle room - and I actually do make another score line at the 3/8" mark as well then, which makes it easy for trimming off later). I finger press the first score line before I pin it down on my background fabric, and find this method works quite nicely, the seam allowance just nicely rolls over. The score line for the other edge can also be finger pressed before stitching down. If I have cut the strip at 1/2", then I trim it after the first edge is stitched down. I think I have gained enough confidence now, that I may cut my strips at 3/8" next time.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">For all of you back basting fans, that method can be used for tiny stems and you don't have to deal with bias edges. The technique is describe by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeanakimball/" target="_blank">Jeana Kimball on Instagram</a>. The description of her method can be found <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BXTC3Eqj3pV/?taken-by=jeanakimball" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Until I post again, happy sewing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Karen</span></span></div>
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Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-15278249009144035452017-08-01T08:43:00.000-07:002017-08-08T08:15:43.364-07:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt and Tiny Stems TutorialAgain I apologize for the silence but it doesn't mean I don't think about you! I have recently started posting pictures on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faeriesandfibres/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> so if you are interested you can pop on over and have a look. My address there is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faeriesandfibres/" target="_blank">@faeriesandfibres</a>.<br />
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I've been working away on my <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt </i>designed by Susan Smith of <a href="http://www.patchworkonstonleigh.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Patchwork On Stoneleigh</a>. There are lots of stems to be appliqued and for the most part they are a mere 1/8" in width. There are eight pots of flowers on each of the four borders and most of them have more than one stem. That's a lot of little stems! <span style="color: red;"><b>UPDATE:Eloidastitches left a comment and she described another lovely method for making the tiny stems. I've added it to the end of this post so do read on!</b></span><br />
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Now I know that there are tools for making bias strips but the 1/8" size is so difficult if not impossible to find (not to mention expensive if you do find it). There are tutorials on how to make bias makers with cardstock and I tried them but had varying degrees of success. They seemed to work fine for bias strips of 1/4" or larger but the 1/8" size was next to impossible. So here's what I came up with and it works like a charm.<br />
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I cut bias strips that are 3/8". For tiny stems I could have worked with strips cut on the grain but when it frays, long threads come loose and it makes it difficult to turn under the raw edges when stitching so bias strips work better.<br />
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I fold under one edge by 1/8" and press with a hot, <u>dry</u> iron. Steam can distort the fabric and you are working with such a tiny seam allowance that there will be problems if you use steam. An alternative is to spray your fabric with a little starch and press it <i><b><u>before</u> </b></i>you cut your bias strips. The little 1/8" seam allowance will fold and press much easier than it would without the starch.</div>
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Folding and pressing can be a little tricky so an alternative is to fold and thread baste as you fold. I baste only a half inch or so at a time. This is my preferred method because the fold doesn't open up at all. I can baste a longer strip, cut off what I need for a stem and applique it. The remainder of the strip is basted so the fold stays nice and crisp.</div>
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You may find it difficult to fold under 1/8" so there is another method. Cut a 1/2" bias strip. Fold the strip in half and press with a hot, dry iron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J9gGfNEgX9Wx-8DiFonp-00GdG9vDM1ogQ7WRgWGVnSPuWqtpx4Fb7fq7rVKky-BSydL-iIOitaWKrjQqkoIh1oD4CuUQGNQ0hyZRkY0YQOzCCwY0BLrdK78RV6RFdAS9IzflCHbb0aG/s1600/stems+4+half+inch+and+folded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="900" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J9gGfNEgX9Wx-8DiFonp-00GdG9vDM1ogQ7WRgWGVnSPuWqtpx4Fb7fq7rVKky-BSydL-iIOitaWKrjQqkoIh1oD4CuUQGNQ0hyZRkY0YQOzCCwY0BLrdK78RV6RFdAS9IzflCHbb0aG/s400/stems+4+half+inch+and+folded.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trim down one side leaving a 1/8" seam allowance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l-JK87aeieyLWpxzjqtarLseJz-4M8oX1Tvw4AopV70Pof2Npv1r7GKBDwabUxkgBYzCrIbU65ruRvdG_Ikq9W3eBb5KPPk5vzYCR30g1F6IKcL_2lWj7_OGHTx5BRjc_jBHg8ogGe6m/s1600/stems+5+folded+and+trimmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="776" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9l-JK87aeieyLWpxzjqtarLseJz-4M8oX1Tvw4AopV70Pof2Npv1r7GKBDwabUxkgBYzCrIbU65ruRvdG_Ikq9W3eBb5KPPk5vzYCR30g1F6IKcL_2lWj7_OGHTx5BRjc_jBHg8ogGe6m/s400/stems+5+folded+and+trimmed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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To applique the stems I place a stem on the fabric. I generally pin the stem to my fabric with tiny applique pins. I stitch down the folded edge first. In the pictures I've used white thread however I would normally use a colour to match the fabric that is being appliqued which in this case is green.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHSDmh5ta-5xn8UebGQcmrlhEXaphcQIMuEtsn5OGq3qX-DyAKXMzEZABjU_0h-cRhrH4eiTc4VfdKESUmtHn8-zuz_Kvixl6-EZR5q0oNLPe7uLQotiI1ipR30i9Aoq6QDNxR01ZwINO/s1600/Stem+applique+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="965" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHSDmh5ta-5xn8UebGQcmrlhEXaphcQIMuEtsn5OGq3qX-DyAKXMzEZABjU_0h-cRhrH4eiTc4VfdKESUmtHn8-zuz_Kvixl6-EZR5q0oNLPe7uLQotiI1ipR30i9Aoq6QDNxR01ZwINO/s400/Stem+applique+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tuck under the raw edge of the bias strip with the tip of my needle and stitch it down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHSdAxLTMvhdfS2UcpByeq7SCBw8L98jQTU8SXjsKjrQOPF-yA7ET6UbBvH6Q2uXBhBqUbvPioAu4a_faCBdzC3-GLhgNsvODgfgptoFzyYtsHbV0kIL3UpREWaI1_qIb61bGc56vRikX/s1600/Stem+applique+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="971" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHSdAxLTMvhdfS2UcpByeq7SCBw8L98jQTU8SXjsKjrQOPF-yA7ET6UbBvH6Q2uXBhBqUbvPioAu4a_faCBdzC3-GLhgNsvODgfgptoFzyYtsHbV0kIL3UpREWaI1_qIb61bGc56vRikX/s400/Stem+applique+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I only tuck under enough fabric to take a couple of stitches. This helps to minimize or eliminate any fraying.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAXKGy4grxTd5ptivKytvad9ktg-SdRmvMrDdRq0vEkcIZ7f5cwDpRsAxaIB0_s-oQ97-yP8D84xnztZ4C1u7tu4kHL1j2X4iCY8Xtxi5wzX97L41twEMDfXoQrf_4ZCevZZM3B2Z9kkv/s1600/Stem+applique+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1000" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAXKGy4grxTd5ptivKytvad9ktg-SdRmvMrDdRq0vEkcIZ7f5cwDpRsAxaIB0_s-oQ97-yP8D84xnztZ4C1u7tu4kHL1j2X4iCY8Xtxi5wzX97L41twEMDfXoQrf_4ZCevZZM3B2Z9kkv/s400/Stem+applique+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The result is nice, tiny little stems!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkom6Td_uV2ALyQAtfH_BryFHxmZMawSdOR5ztXXPq8cq6zORFXY0onm28NnxL9UBuzmiFOeH7sLsyOE12DixcfRb3JYRFEj1sZonq-Ujg8gD0MSXPJ7L823P2MUmRVP0B4S1XDXUcch5/s1600/stems+5+appliqued.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="800" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkom6Td_uV2ALyQAtfH_BryFHxmZMawSdOR5ztXXPq8cq6zORFXY0onm28NnxL9UBuzmiFOeH7sLsyOE12DixcfRb3JYRFEj1sZonq-Ujg8gD0MSXPJ7L823P2MUmRVP0B4S1XDXUcch5/s400/stems+5+appliqued.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm often asked what thread I use and there are a couple that I like. Gutermann 100% cotton thread is lightweight, very inexpensive and it comes in a wide variety of colours. My favourite thread is DMC machine embroidery thread. It was recommended by my friend Paula and it works beautifully. It has a soft sheen and although it is the same weight as the Gutermann if feels so much finer. It virtually disappears. It comes in the same colours as DMC embroider floss. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">UPDATE: </span></b>As promised above I am adding the comment from Eloidastitches in which she describes another method for making tiny stems. A quilt maker can never have too may tips, techniques and skills in her tool box! Here is the comment: </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><i>Those tiny stems are quite the trick Karen. I would like to share a method I read in a book by Jane Townswick (Artful Apllique, the Easy Way). In this book she shares her method of marking seam lines on skinny bias stems using a Hera marker (page 109). Before she cuts the strips, using a quilting ruler, she lines up the 1/8th inch mark along the cut edge on the back of the fabric, and then scores along the edge of the ruler at the 1/8th inch mark. Then she moves the ruler to the 1/4" mark, for the second score. After that you can cut it at the 3/8" mark (or like I do, I cut it at the 1/2" mark to give myself some wiggle room - and I actually do make another score line at the 3/8" mark as well then, which makes it easy for trimming off later). I finger press the first score line before I pin it down on my background fabric, and find this method works quite nicely, the seam allowance just nicely rolls over. The score line for the other edge can also be finger pressed before stitching down. If I have cut the strip at 1/2", then I trim it after the first edge is stitched down. I think I have gained enough confidence now, that I may cut my strips at 3/8" next time.</i></span></div>
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I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. Until I post again happy sewing and I hope to see you all over at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/faeriesandfibres/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>!</div>
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Karen</div>
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<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-57411230293170508772017-06-17T09:42:00.000-07:002017-06-17T09:42:03.396-07:00Tutorial: Finishing a hexagon quilt with a facingI shared my polka dot quilt with you in my last post. Unlike most of my other hexagon quilts I chose to maintain the hexagons right to the edge of the quilt. So how do you finish the quilt? You make a facing. The next question is so what is a facing and how is it different from a binding?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiymVreiFJciGz1P_Hhmfq-bDroeVODMOQEG5DiYmYSp8Yv5Php1u9xdhXdxDueZCEH5H05agAheTnZ81bDmAbo_Is_pa44C9aNGvlJuPyYKs72S494AowKAec6l5eDXRacEBQDPyrNaF/s640/Polka+dot+finish+P6130283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="516" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiymVreiFJciGz1P_Hhmfq-bDroeVODMOQEG5DiYmYSp8Yv5Php1u9xdhXdxDueZCEH5H05agAheTnZ81bDmAbo_Is_pa44C9aNGvlJuPyYKs72S494AowKAec6l5eDXRacEBQDPyrNaF/s640/Polka+dot+finish+P6130283.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Tea Dot</i></b> by Karen H 2017</div>
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Let me start out with this qualifier: I'm not an expert but I'll explain it in my own non-technical way. Both a facing and a binding can be used to finish/cover the raw edges of a quilt. A binding (usually cut on the bias) is typically folded in half. The raw edges of the binding are lined up with the raw edges of the quilt and then it is stitched to the quilt. Once done it is folded to the back and the edge of the binding that is folded is stitched to the back of the quilt. With this method the binding shows on the front of the quilt. Attaching a binding to a quilt with a straight edge is easy although there is some care needed at the corners to ensure that the binding is folded at a 90 degree angle to create a mitered corner. If you were to attach a binding to a hexagon quilt you would need to create MANY 60 degree or 300 degree angle folds and this is just way too difficult for me. That's where a facing comes in handy!<br />
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A facing is a method of finishing the raw edges with a piece of fabric that is stitched to the quilt and then folded to the back of the quilt such that the facing does not show on the front of the quilt. It creates a smooth edge and no stitching will appear on the front of the quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVn4bEGgp01NoJ7qK8yejfpUZc-3s5TvMq_4WkcAEN0E8UbztJpmxObL_gD07xOpNUH5Etr9VcCkb1ETTsnB4SvjbPETJICM0gPwgMVW2LCFxx5zEXSoxkEonOTlo79gIolbmk8xStcrU/s640/Polka+dots+with+facing+P6130280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="640" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVn4bEGgp01NoJ7qK8yejfpUZc-3s5TvMq_4WkcAEN0E8UbztJpmxObL_gD07xOpNUH5Etr9VcCkb1ETTsnB4SvjbPETJICM0gPwgMVW2LCFxx5zEXSoxkEonOTlo79gIolbmk8xStcrU/s400/Polka+dots+with+facing+P6130280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you've ever made a sleeveless blouse you will notice that the armhole is typically finishing with a facing that is made from the same fabric as the blouse. The same is true for a neck hole in a blouse that doesn't have a collar or a jacket that doesn't have lapels. Using a facing to finish your hexagon quilt gives you a lovely finished edge. There is a disadvantage to a finishing with a facing and that is that the edge of the quilt is more susceptible to wear. A double fold binding provides two layers of fabric protection for the edge of the quilt whereas a facing provides virtually none. If you make a hexagon quilt that is going to be heavily used and well-loved then I recommend adding a border to create a straight edge and then bind it with a double fold binding. I wrote a tutorial of adding a border and you can find it <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2014/07/the-godstone-grannies-hexagon-quilt.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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So let's get started with the tutorial. I like to baste hexagons from the back so that the thread remains in the quilt. If you aren't familiar with this method you can read about it <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2014/08/basting-hexagons-from-back-and-removing.html" target="_blank">here</a>. This is what a hexagon looks like basted from the back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgognifo_ZqgT8UTvj-9zPJcF1yrOYdJupI3LCMfHCoPu4YEX8BBHQzeI-kkkDbbOrksGdMPBiEXuqOAozgLnk_QbFSBofgo5dx0NcSycgKVd86P-nlqVzATyRIQbA1hAKMKui8h29DKxv/s1600/Basting+hexagons+on+the+wrong+side+only+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgognifo_ZqgT8UTvj-9zPJcF1yrOYdJupI3LCMfHCoPu4YEX8BBHQzeI-kkkDbbOrksGdMPBiEXuqOAozgLnk_QbFSBofgo5dx0NcSycgKVd86P-nlqVzATyRIQbA1hAKMKui8h29DKxv/s1600/Basting+hexagons+on+the+wrong+side+only+(6).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All papers are removed from the quilt top before it is sandwiched and then quilted. If you miss a paper it can be difficult if not impossible to remove! I know whereof I speak because I missed one paper in my <b><i>Tea Dot</i></b> quilt and had to quilt through it because I couldn't get it out! Quilt your top as desired. The next step is to baste the edge of the quilt. I've marked the basting lines with green. This step is optional but I found that it was much easier to trim the excess backing and batting/wadding away if the edge was basted. The basting thread can be removed at any point after the trimming is done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IoiDjdELCK-oBLXiB-D9V3utvO8Cj6CzKUgeGfEs3FXpGW0HZY48S6qNsjr-z5TR1_6Ay_NOFBaFLoebqduRnaLP25lwnpz-hWaf-3dbgr8FACHvy-w89HkpuPHPnpXkKnxzJ1jEdcZu/s1600/Baste+and+trim+P6050247_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="800" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IoiDjdELCK-oBLXiB-D9V3utvO8Cj6CzKUgeGfEs3FXpGW0HZY48S6qNsjr-z5TR1_6Ay_NOFBaFLoebqduRnaLP25lwnpz-hWaf-3dbgr8FACHvy-w89HkpuPHPnpXkKnxzJ1jEdcZu/s400/Baste+and+trim+P6050247_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The facing is made of hexagons that are stitched together to mirror the edges of the quilt. The edge that looks liked dentil moulding will be stitched like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLsH9fDOvhyphenhyphenn31emEC_CoLbN3_vVqZ7GX6gb6I_KZIaTiHxn3aB1yi235VyfzQFgF6cvkN8IzcjOSWMRigKVkefLo5zoUj8XIj5lrBkob6PlInF3dk6Opt4fmpmhYqjkUvv82jxiwdSVV/s1600/Dentil+facing+P6050247_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="800" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLsH9fDOvhyphenhyphenn31emEC_CoLbN3_vVqZ7GX6gb6I_KZIaTiHxn3aB1yi235VyfzQFgF6cvkN8IzcjOSWMRigKVkefLo5zoUj8XIj5lrBkob6PlInF3dk6Opt4fmpmhYqjkUvv82jxiwdSVV/s640/Dentil+facing+P6050247_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The edge that is a simple zigzag will look like this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrWSmbLNxir4faPmri_EB_R1hxNnz5i3Ts8LPbxMxDHEX-qtORP3k64XAV4UZQcutHq0fJht5Cr63unfYWQ2-NCkM0cEcJ9LBr38jnR9EOayW1PV9l-Vqo0bHlbKPJLspp8v5c5a3b607/s1600/Strainght+edge+P6050250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="700" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrWSmbLNxir4faPmri_EB_R1hxNnz5i3Ts8LPbxMxDHEX-qtORP3k64XAV4UZQcutHq0fJht5Cr63unfYWQ2-NCkM0cEcJ9LBr38jnR9EOayW1PV9l-Vqo0bHlbKPJLspp8v5c5a3b607/s640/Strainght+edge+P6050250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The following diagram shows the hexagons stitched together to make the facing. There are less hexagons in the diagram than there were in my quilt. The purpose of the diagram is simply to give you an idea of how the hexagon facing is stitched together. It will look identical from the front and back. I leave the papers in the facing until it is stitched to the quilt. Once attached the paper can be removed. I find the paper gives the hexagon body and makes it easier to line up the edges that are to be stitched. If you prefer to remove the papers <i>before</i> attaching the facing by all means do so!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w8Mag0SVXOBxwP7n9jN77sxMaXWqCr0wwLueyo3hsouoFI1479L1Kb2SuEu82AgGAA8B6TfSPm4gfDrVWoZgAXfm9MGRGc8jLXwLSWpYzpBiEEj2_pmY5PSbbr773QUB25muqKyxJAgW/s1600/facing+diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="700" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4w8Mag0SVXOBxwP7n9jN77sxMaXWqCr0wwLueyo3hsouoFI1479L1Kb2SuEu82AgGAA8B6TfSPm4gfDrVWoZgAXfm9MGRGc8jLXwLSWpYzpBiEEj2_pmY5PSbbr773QUB25muqKyxJAgW/s400/facing+diagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The facing can be stitched together to make the facing for the quilt however I found it easier to stitch the facing to the quilt in sections. Place the facing on the quilt with right sides together. I begin attaching the facing three or four hexagons in from the edge (I start at the red arrow) using the simple whip stitch. The hexagons to the left of the red arrow are left loose until I've stitched most of the facing to the right side of the quilt. It makes it easier to join the side face to the top facing. I used a neutral colour thread for stitching.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtTwD1zKS31TtM3l2pERzNm1xWbQXMYDLJd21i-XSkXsVGa7jYPglsSzkudUjIEfW7hETQKA2lHX4dv7TDxXdXKPRJ6LsXstzkym68v7UUZZFvmWz7d3FnZb0L0PBaItnAbYpuyaP3R1j/s1600/attaching+the+facing+P6050248_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="795" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtTwD1zKS31TtM3l2pERzNm1xWbQXMYDLJd21i-XSkXsVGa7jYPglsSzkudUjIEfW7hETQKA2lHX4dv7TDxXdXKPRJ6LsXstzkym68v7UUZZFvmWz7d3FnZb0L0PBaItnAbYpuyaP3R1j/s400/attaching+the+facing+P6050248_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once the facing has been stitched to the quilt it is flipped to the back. I used a blunt edged instrument to poke out the points of the hexagons. This is what it will look like from the front.<br />
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This is what it will look like from the back before it is stitched down.<br />
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The facing is stitched to the back of the quilt and you are done! I found it helpful to use little applique pins to hold the facing in position while I stitched it to the back. I would pin five hexagons and stitch four of them down. I would then pin the next four hexagons before stitching again. I did it this way because if the last hexagon was not flat and smooth a bubble would happen. If I stopped sewing before the last hexagon in the facing and that bubble was starting to develop I could reposition my facing without having to do any reverse sewing.<br />
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So there you have it, finishing a hexagon quilt with a facing. I hope this was helpful. It all makes sense to me but I know that sometimes it may not be clear to others so if there are questions or comments feel free to let me know and I'll do my best to explain how or why I did it this way!<br />
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Until I post again happy sewing!<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-77926056968391544642017-06-15T13:01:00.002-07:002017-06-15T13:01:41.295-07:00A polka dot finishAll is well here but I've been more than busy doing trunk shows and teaching. Teaching means making samples so I've made quite a few quilt tops and am itching to quilt at least some of them! I've also been working on projects for myself.<br />
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Do you remember these blocks? I used two different polka dot fabrics. One has a slightly smaller dot than the other. Both had stark white backgrounds (nothing that a pot of tea couldn't fix)! Although I'm partial to fussy cutting there is no fussy cutting in the blocks since there is enough going on with the dots and chintz print I used for the path that will connect the blocks.<br />
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After many hours of stitching the blocks were put together to make the quilt top. My friend was hand quilting a quilt and it made my fingers itch to do some hand quilting. There's just nothing like the feel of a hand quilted quilt so after many hours of work the itchy fingers have turned into sore fingers but at least the quilt is hand quilted! The photo doesn't do it justice. In real life the colours are much warmer and it looks old and loved. I test drove the quilt on my bed last night and the cats gave it the seal of approval! So what do I call this quilt? I call it <i>Tea Dot</i>!<br />
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I didn't want to trim the hexagons and I didn't want a border so I finished the edges with a facing made of hexagons.<br />
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It is a time consuming way to finish the edge but it was the look I was going for so it was worth the effort. If anyone is interested in a tutorial for this method let me know and I'll write one and post it here!<br />
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Until I post again (hopefully sooner rather than later) happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
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<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-70123353578300245952017-02-04T10:51:00.001-08:002017-02-04T10:51:01.885-08:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt Block 3I am having so much fun with Susan Smith's <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt </i>pattern. Block 3 is finished and I am really happy with it! There are lots of little details like birds, bugs and flowers. This little bird is totally adorable! I cut him from a piece of fabric from an old charm pack. My goal was to centre one of the little flowers to create her eye. She measures about 1" tall and 1.75 wide. That is tiny and it also gives you an idea of just how small the leafs are. At first I didn't think I would be able to make such tiny appliques but I've found over the years that the best approach is to focus on just one small piece and take your time with it. When you focus on the whole it is overwhelming. I made the little rosy breast and that went fine so I then moved on to the bird's body. I just worked slow and took my time.<br />
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The is a caterpillar in this block too!<br />
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I cut the caterpillar from a leftover scrap from my quilt <i>Mom's Flower Bed</i>. This is the fabric I started with.<br />
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It made all of the stars in this quilt (except of course for the dark green stars) and it made the caterpillar in my <i>Rowdy Flat Library</i> quilt.<br />
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<i>Mom's Flower Bed</i> by Karen H</div>
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Another little scrap of this same fabric was used to make a snail! I wanted something that mimicked the swirls and curls of the snail shell.<br />
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This is my finished block 3.<br />
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For me the hardest part of making a quilt from another person's pattern is fabric selection. I am so influenced by the fabrics the designer used and I find it very difficult to make my own choices. I don't have that problem when I make my own quilts. You may recall my hexagon quilt along called <i>Value Proposition</i>. I did publish colour pictures of each block but I also published black and white pictures. When the colour is removed you see the value (the relative lightness or darkness of one fabric when compared to another). This little trick often helps me make fabric choices because I can search for a fabric that is lighter or darker and colour is much less of an influence.<br />
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Time to get back to sewing my polka dot hexagons and prepping for teaching tomorrow! Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-59502532527320918522017-01-31T12:11:00.004-08:002017-01-31T13:34:08.756-08:00Naughty or nice? A little bit of bothI'm so sorry for the silence. That puts me in the naughty category I guess! I just seem to have lost my blogging energy over the past few months but I have been sewing, teaching and doing trunk shows. Thank you to everyone who dropped me a line to make sure all is well. That was very nice and very much appreciated. All is indeed well with me.<br />
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This is one of the quilts I've been working on. The quilt is made of hexagons that are just over 1/2". I folded it up and put it on my sewing machine. Every rosette is fussy cut and I'm thrilled with how it looks. My plan is to add pieced borders to this quilt. Jinx decided this would be a great place to roost. Definitely naughty but I have to admit that he looks nice on the quilt!<br />
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In February I'll be doing a trunk show for the <i>Region of York Quilters' Guild</i>. February is <i>Pieceful Quilters' Guild</i> and April is <i>Twisted Stitchers </i>(what a nice name for quilt makers). Trunk shows are nice and I do enjoy sharing my work with others! I've been teaching at <a href="http://countryclothesline.ca/" target="_blank">Country Clothesline</a> / <a href="https://fabricspark.com/" target="_blank">Spark Fabrics</a> in Toronto (very nice). I know that registration is open if you are interested. There are two different workshops so far. The first is an introduction to English Paper Piecing and I call it "<i>It's Not Your Grandmother's Flower Garden</i>". The workshop is on Sunday, February 5. I designed two quilts for this workshop and patterns for both are included in the registration fee. The first one needs a border but the English paper piecing is done. It is called "<i>What The Hexagon</i>". This quilt was a great way to use up leftover scraps and that always feels nice.<br />
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The second quilt is called "<i>Cotton Candy</i>" because of the juicy candy colours! This isn't my usual colour palette but it is nice!<br />
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The second workshop is <i>Fussy Cutting for English Paper Piecing</i> and it builds on the first class. The quilt that Jinx is sitting on is one of the quilts that I will show at the workshop. It is scheduled for Monday, February 13. You will find more info <a href="https://fabricspark.com/collections/workshops" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I've also been working on another project - very naughty when there is so much to do! I do love hexagons so here I go with yet another hexagon quilt. I saw an old quilt on Pinterest. It was made of rosettes surrounded by hexagons made of polka dot fabric and the path was made from a chintz print. I managed to find some polka dot fabric. Actually what I found were two different polka dots so I bought them both and mixed them together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZk2B4BaYidKObMyYFSg_I0hbzb8px4wkX0ro4AkYYOcJL8GLRxVaeaPT4w41aj81mH3dPAw0TF2WlLXQydAJ-QkaLp9wG5OmFzHh_Uss3-PtZmkT3zMQQbPB2mpYwC9EZDgOdKqcyuLu/s1600/P1300247+polka+dots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZk2B4BaYidKObMyYFSg_I0hbzb8px4wkX0ro4AkYYOcJL8GLRxVaeaPT4w41aj81mH3dPAw0TF2WlLXQydAJ-QkaLp9wG5OmFzHh_Uss3-PtZmkT3zMQQbPB2mpYwC9EZDgOdKqcyuLu/s200/P1300247+polka+dots.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The white background was not nice (too stark) so I boiled a pot of tea and in went the fabric. Well actually, in went the pieced blocks that I had made so far, paper and all! I soaked them for a bit and then rinsed them in cool water and the result was very pleasing to my eye....nice! So I tossed the rest of the dot fabric before cutting it up for piecing. I'm really happy with how these hexagons are looking and can't wait to make more. This quilt will be all about the colour and print with no fussy cutting at all! Can you see the naughty fluffy toes in the upper right hand corner of the picture. He figures that he is being helpful but I have a different point of view!<br />
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I didn't have a suitable chintz but came across a new line of fabric, Pumpkin Pie by Moda. I had received a free pack of charm squares and the toffee colour background print worked perfectly with the blocks I had made. I received a 20% coupon from an online quilt shop that carried this line so I ordered the fabric for the path. I think this quilt is going to be very nice when done! I haven't decided how the edges will be finished but am mulling over a number of ideas all of which are nice.<br />
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So there you have it - a little bit of naughty and a little bit of nice. I'll try to be more regular in my posting. Until the next time, happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-12153867022942070922016-09-24T08:51:00.004-07:002016-09-24T08:52:26.262-07:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt Block 2 (The Beekeeper) and a reader makes a quilt from one of my patternsI'm sick of renovations because one thing just leads to another. The attic space has been cleaned, repaired and new insulation installed. In the process some electrical work was done up there and as a result it was necessary to knock two holes in my bedroom wall to run electrical cable. That would not have been so bad but for the fact that there is wallpaper on the walls so this means I have to pack up my bedroom, strip the wallpaper, repair the walls, repaint and so on. I had planned on putting my sewing room back together and will do so but once that is done, all of the bedroom stuff including furniture will have to be packed up and stored in my sewing room. Oh well, I had best stop my moaning and just get on with it!<br />
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During all of the commotion I've finished block 2 of the <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt</i> designed by Susan Smith. She calls this block "<i>The Beekeeper</i>" because as you will see it is loaded with bees! Here is my start.<br />
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At the base of the wreath the pattern called for the quilt maker's initial but I just loved the bees sooooo much that I added a bee instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDAavWLj2D-j6iWr5_RCJgC9pA67v654Zc9fbbc2wFEzbPCXIajZrCbFK68gLBBxSCtKRvv1221q2LO-E5KB9joEEsfh8H2aZ-5AGJq8Pc3Eg3PahQI3Y5eGrBqfbb_Bol6-QHX5h7uWK/s1600/IMG_1902+Bee+at+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDAavWLj2D-j6iWr5_RCJgC9pA67v654Zc9fbbc2wFEzbPCXIajZrCbFK68gLBBxSCtKRvv1221q2LO-E5KB9joEEsfh8H2aZ-5AGJq8Pc3Eg3PahQI3Y5eGrBqfbb_Bol6-QHX5h7uWK/s400/IMG_1902+Bee+at+bottom.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Susan's quilt design calls for a variety of fabrics for the bee bodies but I plan to use the same fabric for all of my bees. I like the warm honey colour and think it works well. All the little details such as the legs and antennae are done with a pen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml9Ck3nc2eXk5QnXXznr_rncYzuG_S-I3HuC9ftk0cP1cOWojdyjZLqk10yMxmeStoIG3lbxK39b9vdMx2WBVzsOZZXnenJIlWue4QNv0m9fwgEkHn3wksoIsN3Iid8FIHjpT8iApT4bc/s1600/IMG_1898+Bee+at+bottom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml9Ck3nc2eXk5QnXXznr_rncYzuG_S-I3HuC9ftk0cP1cOWojdyjZLqk10yMxmeStoIG3lbxK39b9vdMx2WBVzsOZZXnenJIlWue4QNv0m9fwgEkHn3wksoIsN3Iid8FIHjpT8iApT4bc/s320/IMG_1898+Bee+at+bottom+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The flowers in the three corners were appliqued in place. The pattern calls for flower centres made up of two circles with one being smaller than the other.<br />
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I have this fabric in my stash and thought it would make perfect centres for the flowers so I cut them out and positioned them on my flowers. They really sparkled so I didn't need to go the two circle route.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrolvCO3yoY_oEGenc5owhnYveEIhbzqqb7g2VVblO8j6mPCcbsC5V4HGtczwEXtGwIFgeKvu4BNSxm52oIU6tMI5F9s-Yxz8Mb_QzC5j9Ln9k2fKTcvUx-NRyfkEoK7qtAn7ObRFAmp_/s1600/flower+centre+fabric+P7270069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrolvCO3yoY_oEGenc5owhnYveEIhbzqqb7g2VVblO8j6mPCcbsC5V4HGtczwEXtGwIFgeKvu4BNSxm52oIU6tMI5F9s-Yxz8Mb_QzC5j9Ln9k2fKTcvUx-NRyfkEoK7qtAn7ObRFAmp_/s320/flower+centre+fabric+P7270069.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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I love the effect of this fabric. for the flower centres!<br />
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Finally, here is my finished block....<i>The Beekeeper</i>! Notice the honeycomb in the upper left corner.<br />
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I recently heard from a reader, Gretchen, that she had made a quilt from one of my patterns, <i>Cherry Blossom</i>. The pattern is available in my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/8941222/pattern-store?_ct=fqjjuhd-ijehu&_ctp=158237,8941222" target="_blank">Craftsy store</a>.<br />
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Gretchen made her <i>Cherry Blossom</i> quilt larger than the pattern and she added a pieced border. All I can say is WOWIE! <i>Cherry Blossom</i> is one of my favourite quilts and I love her version. Isn't it interesting to see how a border can change the look of a quilt? You can read about Gretchen's quilt on her blog <a href="http://gretchenslittlecorner.blogspot.ca/2016/09/two-finishes-vintage-candy-cane-snowman.html" target="_blank">Gretchen's Little Corner</a>.<br />
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Gretchen added her own personal touch (I love doing that myself and am really pleased to know that Gretchen did her own thing too) by adding the pieced border!<br />
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I've procrastinated long enough. Time for me to start packing up the bedroom and think about stripping wallpaper. Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-46359265307703086862016-09-24T08:51:00.002-07:002016-09-24T08:51:41.177-07:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt Block 2 (The Beekeeper) and a reader makes a quilt from one of my patternsI'm sick of renovations because one thing just leads to another. The attic space has been cleaned, repaired and new insulation installed. In the process some electrical work was done up there and as a result it was necessary to knock two holes in my bedroom wall to run electrical cable. That would not have been so bad but for the fact that there is wallpaper on the walls so this means I have to pack up my bedroom, strip the wallpaper, repair the walls, repaint and so on. I had planned on putting my sewing room back together and will do so but once that is done, all of the bedroom stuff including furniture will have to be packed up and stored in my sewing room. Oh well, I had best stop my moaning and just get on with it!<br />
<br />
During all of the commotion I've finished block 2 of the <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt</i> designed by Susan Smith. She calls this block "<i>The Beekeeper</i>" because as you will see it is loaded with bees! Here is my start.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjxDm1HkYFLGxUpAVG232bCP3UM3H2jh-ZPkl4hYt6zeAGZ91z64Yg7Y1J9EivFLj8X4vxRyuF2d9c8OamDV-o7NrtQDyDau-Kcar7ATI-BIwhgcI29BLHv4cL61QqnKfv8zZLfXBjY5Y/s1600/BLock+2+P7270073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjxDm1HkYFLGxUpAVG232bCP3UM3H2jh-ZPkl4hYt6zeAGZ91z64Yg7Y1J9EivFLj8X4vxRyuF2d9c8OamDV-o7NrtQDyDau-Kcar7ATI-BIwhgcI29BLHv4cL61QqnKfv8zZLfXBjY5Y/s400/BLock+2+P7270073.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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At the base of the wreath the pattern called for the quilt maker's initial but I just loved the bees sooooo much that I added a bee instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDAavWLj2D-j6iWr5_RCJgC9pA67v654Zc9fbbc2wFEzbPCXIajZrCbFK68gLBBxSCtKRvv1221q2LO-E5KB9joEEsfh8H2aZ-5AGJq8Pc3Eg3PahQI3Y5eGrBqfbb_Bol6-QHX5h7uWK/s1600/IMG_1902+Bee+at+bottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDAavWLj2D-j6iWr5_RCJgC9pA67v654Zc9fbbc2wFEzbPCXIajZrCbFK68gLBBxSCtKRvv1221q2LO-E5KB9joEEsfh8H2aZ-5AGJq8Pc3Eg3PahQI3Y5eGrBqfbb_Bol6-QHX5h7uWK/s400/IMG_1902+Bee+at+bottom.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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Susan's quilt design calls for a variety of fabrics for the bee bodies but I plan to use the same fabric for all of my bees. I like the warm honey colour and think it works well. All the little details such as the legs and antennae are done with a pen.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml9Ck3nc2eXk5QnXXznr_rncYzuG_S-I3HuC9ftk0cP1cOWojdyjZLqk10yMxmeStoIG3lbxK39b9vdMx2WBVzsOZZXnenJIlWue4QNv0m9fwgEkHn3wksoIsN3Iid8FIHjpT8iApT4bc/s1600/IMG_1898+Bee+at+bottom+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhml9Ck3nc2eXk5QnXXznr_rncYzuG_S-I3HuC9ftk0cP1cOWojdyjZLqk10yMxmeStoIG3lbxK39b9vdMx2WBVzsOZZXnenJIlWue4QNv0m9fwgEkHn3wksoIsN3Iid8FIHjpT8iApT4bc/s320/IMG_1898+Bee+at+bottom+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The flowers in the three corners were appliqued in place. The pattern calls for flower centres made up of two circles with one being smaller than the other.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jpbp-3TtlrikLfHzIjB2AuUUkXGjTWWYSfyNyE6QYCOimmAwCMJotgwlofzSA2I3wqey7-odYAfnPnbhInmexPhwZr_dKloaDkA5Ko1x2aT4lMoHqqPQRtJXO6YlccsCHWoCxyoZlcqW/s1600/Flowers+P7270076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jpbp-3TtlrikLfHzIjB2AuUUkXGjTWWYSfyNyE6QYCOimmAwCMJotgwlofzSA2I3wqey7-odYAfnPnbhInmexPhwZr_dKloaDkA5Ko1x2aT4lMoHqqPQRtJXO6YlccsCHWoCxyoZlcqW/s400/Flowers+P7270076.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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I have this fabric in my stash and thought it would make perfect centres for the flowers so I cut them out and positioned them on my flowers. They really sparkled so I didn't need to go the two circle route.<br />
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I love the effect of this fabric. for the flower centres!<br />
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Finally, here is my finished block....<i>The Beekeeper</i>! Notice the honeycomb in the upper left corner.<br />
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I recently heard from a reader, Gretchen, that she had made a quilt from one of my patterns, <i>Cherry Blossom</i>. The pattern is available in my <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/user/8941222/pattern-store?_ct=fqjjuhd-ijehu&_ctp=158237,8941222" target="_blank">Craftsy store</a>.<br />
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Gretchen made her <i>Cherry Blossom</i> quilt larger than the pattern and she added a pieced border. All I can say is WOWIE! <i>Cherry Blossom</i> is one of my favourite quilts and I love her version. Isn't it interesting to see how a border can change the look of a quilt? You can read about Gretchen's quilt on her blog <a href="http://gretchenslittlecorner.blogspot.ca/2016/09/two-finishes-vintage-candy-cane-snowman.html" target="_blank">Gretchen's Little Corner</a>.<br />
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Gretchen added her own personal touch (I love doing that myself and am really pleased to know that Gretchen did her own thing too) by adding the pieced border!<br />
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I've procrastinated long enough. Time for me to start packing up the bedroom and think about stripping wallpaper. Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-42487973183009246472016-09-09T08:38:00.002-07:002016-09-09T08:38:21.898-07:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt Block 1 is Finished!We've had more house problems. In the most recent heavy rain the roof started leaking so getting that addressed has been my priority. We now have a new roof (I would rather have had new fabric) and the next step is to have someone go up into the attic to check the state of the wood, the insulation and the ventilation. There is some damage to the ceiling in one room so it will have to be repaired so I think that when that happens the entire room will get a fresh coat of paint. I see more dollars being spent in the near future and they won't be spent on sewing stuff.<br />
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I finished Block 1 of the <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt</i> designed by Susan Smith.<br />
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The block measures 22" finished. Some of the pieces, like the butterfly bodies are quite tiny but I simply focused on the one I was working on rather than think about the entire quilt. It is a little mind game that I play with myself but it makes the project less daunting!<br />
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This is the fabric I used for the body.<br />
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I drew the body with a fabric safe marking tool.<br />
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I cut out the body leaving a 1/8" seam allowance and on the sides and bottom I left a generous seam allowance.<br />
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I carefully needle-turn appliqued the top edge of the butterfly's body and then trimmed down the rest of the fabric and finished the needle-turn applique. It made it possible to use a pin to hold the body in place while I appliqued the top edge.<br />
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Work is now underway on Block 2. The toile skeleton fabric is tinted with my markers and embroidered details added. This is one of the blocks that I first saw that REALLY appealed to me because it had oodles of bees, one large and 18 small! Here is the large bee.<br />
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And here is the block with the toile and the big bee.<br />
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Next step is the wreath with lots of green leafs. There are flowers in the corners and the last step with be the 18 little bees! I will use the same gold and brown striped fabric for all of the bee bodies.<br />
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I have been working on the pattern for The Empire Quilt. It is taking much longer than expected but I'm hoping to get it to you soon.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-71683142136335767482016-08-26T09:37:00.001-07:002016-08-26T09:37:09.897-07:00Block 1 of the Rowdy Flat Library Quilt and Barbara BrackmanMy quilt <i>Stars in The Loft </i>was recently shown on Barbara Brackman's blog <i><a href="http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Material Culture</a></i>. You can read the post <a href="http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.ca/2016/07/tessellations-hexagons-elizabeth.html" target="_blank">here</a>. What an honour and a thrill that was! This quilt remains one of my favourites!<br />
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I continue to work on my Rowdy Flat Library Quilt designed by Susan Smith. The yellow petals are stitched down and the raw edges covered with bias binding. I used a very lightweight cotton. It is like a lawn or a batiste and it was very easy to work with.<br />
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I used the same fabric for the next component which is four bows and a small heart.<br />
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Once the bows were stitched down I was able to proceed to the next step which was to add a wreath. The stem is made of bias tape and once again I chose to use my lightweight cotton. The pattern calls for scraps of all colours for the leafs but as much as I like scrap quilts I found it difficult to use random scraps so I chose to make the leafs with green fabrics. The lighter greens are at the top and the darker greens toward the bottom.<br />
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There are flower pots in each corner. The pot in the lower right is stitched down as are the little stems which are 1/8"! I thought that they would be difficult but in the end they were so fast and easy to do. I had considered using different fabrics for each pot so you can see that the pot on the left is a different fabric. In the end I decided to use a single print but cut out the pot from different parts of the print. The flowers will all be cut from different parts of the same fabric. The method I used to make the circles is not unique but it works for me. You can read my tutorial <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2013/11/making-circles-to-applique-and-love.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I like to cut out all of my circles at once. In this case I needed 20 of them. In the evening I basted them so the edges could be gathered and I just left a long tail of thread so that I could draw it up when I pressed the circles. There are butterflies to be added to this block and their bodies are small and I thought they would be REALLY difficult but I had an idea about a method that might made it easier so I tried it out and it worked like a charm. I plan on showing you what I did in an upcoming post.<br />
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I'll leave you with a close-up of the ink and embroidery details in the toile fabric.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
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<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-77988852311856089632016-08-12T07:33:00.003-07:002016-08-12T07:33:36.865-07:00Making large circles for my Rowdy Flat Library QuiltDo you ever have to draw a large circle of a specific size? I needed to make circles of varying sizes for my <i>Rowdy Flat Library quilt</i>. There are tools that you can purchase to draw circles of different sizes but why spend money when you can make the tool yourself for nothing?<br />
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The first step is to understand the circle. Most often patterns will call for a circle of a particular measurement. That measurement is the diameter of the circle. The diameter of a circle is the measurement through the middle of the circle from one side of the circle to the opposite side. If your pattern calls for a 5" circle the distance from one side of the circle to the other through the middle of the circle is 5".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBldXg7aT8bwiOBVk1Y_Z-8iLY0N-BqoNBmbM_OBE-4h4qGYZ1_C57WLbsYf0cX-to_yO1QgjOLCBOloxGxPrj1YgvQIFAUw145bNdO1Rp8Mf-bNU59GySRaJll-uSJskhTIo5fe_17b7a/s1600/P8110102+diameter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBldXg7aT8bwiOBVk1Y_Z-8iLY0N-BqoNBmbM_OBE-4h4qGYZ1_C57WLbsYf0cX-to_yO1QgjOLCBOloxGxPrj1YgvQIFAUw145bNdO1Rp8Mf-bNU59GySRaJll-uSJskhTIo5fe_17b7a/s320/P8110102+diameter.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<i>Diameter of a circle</i></div>
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To make your circle maker tool you will need to know the radius of the circle. The radius is the measurement from the midpoint of the circle to the side. You simply divide the diameter by 2 to come up with the measurement. If you need a 5" circle the radius is 2 1/2".<br />
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<i>Radius of a circle</i></div>
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To make your circle maker tool you need only a few supplies: a strip of lightweight cardboard, a ruler, a slim darning needle and a mechanical pencil. The glossy bookmarks used to advertise businesses or quilt shows work really well!<br />
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I was lucky enough to get a bookmark that has a little ruler printed on it. If I didn't have this I would just cut a strip of lightweight cardboard that is roughly 1 1/2" wide. Along the length of the strip of cardboard I would draw a line that is 1/4" in from the long edge. Starting roughly 1/2" in from the end I would make marks in 1/2" increments.<br />
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To finish my circle maker tool I take my slim darning needle and pierce the cardboard where the 0" mark intersects with the line that is 1/4" in from the long edge of the tool. If I want to make a 5" I will pierce the cardboard at the measurement that equals the radius, 2 1/2". That's it! The tool is made and ready for use!<br />
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How do you use it? Simple! Take your square of fabric. Make sure it is pressed flat and smooth. If you press it with a little starch or sizing it will ensure a nice flat finish. Find the middle of the square by folding it in half in both directions and make a soft crease at the centre point to create a little cross.<br />
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Place your fabric on your cutting board. Take a pin and slide it through the hole at the 0" mark on your circle maker tool. Place the pin on the middle point of your fabric. Hold the pin in position so that it is perpendicular to the fabric and place the tip of your mechanical pencil through the hole at the 2 1/2" mark.<br />
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Slowly and gently begin drawing the circle.<br />
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I like to draw half the circle and then reposition my hands and the circle maker tool in order to draw the other half of the circle. When you do this be sure to check that the lead of the pencil is lining up with the line you've already draw. If they don't line up your pin at the midpoint may have moved in which case you will need to be reposition the pin.<br />
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I used this method to make the circles on the toile fabric I plan to use for my <i>Rowdy Flat Library Quilt</i> designed by <i><a href="http://patchworkonstonleigh.typepad.com/patchwork-on-stonleigh/" target="_blank">Susan Smith of Patchwork on Stoneleigh</a></i>. I showed you the skeleton toile in my <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2016/07/straightening-edge-of-hexagon-quilt-top.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>. It is a great print but it was black and white and so I added colour with ink pens and then I added some embroider details! I should have taken the picture with my camera rather than my tablet. Oh well, at least you get the idea. I won't need to use all of the circles but I had so much fun making them that I just couldn't stop.<br />
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Here is a close up of one of the coloured circles!<br />
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Once the toile circle is placed on the background fabric and a surrounded with little petals - 32 of them!<br />
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The next step will be to make 1/4" bias binding that will be appliqued over the edges of the petals. Stay tuned because there are more pictures to come.<br />
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I'll leave you with a close up of my pretty little pincushion that was made for me by my friend Paula.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-65973487904077942222016-07-25T10:01:00.002-07:002016-07-25T10:01:59.844-07:00Rowdy Flat Library Quilt and a Tutorial for straightening the edge of a hexagon quilt topOnce again I'm sorry for the silence. All is well but I've been distracted by a variety of happy events and captivating projects. I recently saw some blocks that really caught my attention. There were made by an Australian quilt maker, Susan Smith of <a href="http://patchworkonstonleigh.typepad.com/patchwork-on-stonleigh/" target="_blank">Patchwork on Stoneleigh</a> and she is offering the patterns as a block of the month. The blocks will be made into a quilt (which is yet to be revealed). The name of the quilt is the <i><a href="http://patchworkonstonleigh.typepad.com/patchwork-on-stonleigh/2016/01/the-rowdy-flat-library-quilt-bom.html" target="_blank">Rowdy Flat Library Quilt</a></i> and when I saw the bees I was hooked.<br />
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The pattern calls for toile and I have been saving some scraps of a toile that I used to make my <i>Lazy Punk </i>quilt.<br />
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Lazy Punk</div>
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The toile looks like a typical toile until you have an up close look. It is skeletons! I've been saving this scrap waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it and this is just the quilt! But my plan was to transform the fabric to add my personal touch and transform it I did. More to come on the transformation in the coming days.<br />
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For now I thought I would do a little mini tutorial about another way to finish the edge of a hexagon quilt. There are so many ways to finish the edge of an English paper pieced hexagon quilt top and today I thought I would share one of the methods that I like to use to create a straight edge.<br />
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There are two different edges on a hexagon quilt top. The first is an edge of "Vs".<br />
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This one is easy to straighten because you just trim the points with a rotary cutter and ruler and the result will be a nice straight edge. The other important factor is that in trimming this edge you will not be cutting through your stitching so the seams will be intact. I leave the papers in my quilt top until I am ready to trim the points. This prevents stretching.<br />
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The other edge looks like dentil molding.<br />
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You could simply trim the hexagons 1/4" beyond the mid-point (the red circles) to give you a nice straight edge.<br />
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When you open up the seam of the lower hexagon the problem is that the 1/4" seam allowance area is not stitched closed (see inside the red circle). I like my seams stitched right to the end of the seam because I know it will be secure. If it is not stitched to the end my fear is that eventually the seam may open.<br />
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A second option is to open the seam allowance at the top of the innermost hexagons (at the red arrows) and then trim the them on the red dashed line. What I don't like about this method is that when you add a border or binding the seam will be 1/4" in from the edge (the black line) and so the outermost hexagon will be less than a half hexagon. This just looks wrong to my eye.<br />
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My preferred approach is to add half hexagons to fill the space. Normally I baste my hexagons from the back so that the basting will remain in the quilt however when I make half hexagons to fill the dentil edge I prefer to baste <i>through </i>the paper.<br />
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I like to work with a larger seam allowance because it makes the basting process so much easier. I dislike cutting fabric slowly, especially if I need to cut lots of fabric for the path between the hexagon rosettes. I wrote about my rapid fire cutting method <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-lots-of-hexagons-for-path-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. When making half hexagons I will trim the raw edge after I've basted it to the paper. There is a precise 1/4" seam allowance that will allow all raw edges to line up.<br />
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My next step is to clip the basting basting threads at the top edge of the outermost hexagons and trim the outer edge so that there is a precise 1/4" seam allowance.<br />
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Once the outermost edge is trimmed I can set in the half hexagons.Notice that I've used some tiny applique pins to hold the papers in position. This is optional but I find that retaining the papers helps maintain nice, crisp edges for sewing.<br />
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The finished product is a nice straight edge that makes it easy to add borders or binding.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
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<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-28608227586906184582016-06-06T06:52:00.001-07:002016-06-06T07:00:12.794-07:00For Little-What's-His-Name and answers to a reader's questionsOn Saturday evening I took the last stitches in the baby quilt I made for a friend and her baby who is expected on June 21. I call the quilt "<i><b>Counting on Little-What's-His-Name</b></i>". When the baby is born and they've settled on a name I'll finish the label and replace "Little-What's-His-Name" with the actual name! The quilt was delivered to the Mom-to-be yesterday and she was delighted with it!<br />
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I don't normally work from patterns but this quilt was just so darned cute and so much fun to make that I've now made it twice (19 years apart)! The pattern comes from a book by Chuck Nohara. It is an old book that is out-of-print. It is loaded with great ideas and designs. If you come across a copy snap it up. There are many quilts in the book as well as lovely gift items for everyone in the family!<br />
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I hand quilted Little-What's-His-Name's quilt; I've got the sore finger joints to prove it! In a <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2016/05/nifty-tools-for-quilting.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> I wrote about a couple of nifty tools, one of which I used to help with the marking of the quilt. The tool was a Hera Marker. It scores (or creases) the fabric thereby creating a quilting line. It worked like a charm and was perfect for all the straight line quilting in the sashing. A reader asked what quilting thread I used, how I keep the stitches even and any other tips that might help so here I go!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thread Used - </b></span><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;">I used YLI hand quilting thread. I like it because it doesn't twist and tangle so I can work with a longer length. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;"><b>Needle Used</b> - As for the needle I used a Roxanne applique needle which is longer and thicker than a between which I find very hard on my fingers. The needles are in the little pouch in the upper left corner of this picture.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;">For me a bigger, thicker needle tends not to flex as much and I find it easier to get consistent stitches. Don't feel that you have to use a particular needle for a particular task. Experiment with different needles until you find the one that is comfortable in your hand and that allows you to achieve the desired result.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;"><b>Even Stitches</b> - For this quilt I am did a bigger stitch. To keep the stitches as even as possible I took only two or three stitches at a time. I'm not sure how people count stitches but what I count are those that show on top so if I'm taking two stitches that means two stitches show on the front of the quilt but some quilters would consider that four stitches since there are two on top and two on the back. I find it is easier to gauge the size of the stitches if there are fewer on the needle; I can compare what I have on the needle to what I've already done.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;"><b>Hoop or Frame?</b> - I use neither! I've tried a frame and didn't like being tied to it plus in my little house I have no space for a frame. I've tried working with a hoop and it is just plain uncomfortable plus it is hard to use a hoop when you pin baste. So I dispensed with the hoop. I pin baste my quilt so that everything is tight, smooth and flat. If it isn't basted tight, smooth and flat it won't quilt tight, smooth and flat. I start from the middle out and anchor all the major seam lines, just as I would if I were machine quilting. Once this is done I can quilt the border, trim the excess fabric and bind the quilt. In doing it this way the excess fabric is removed making the quilt lighter, smaller and easier to manage. Once the quilt is bound I go back and fill in the quilting. It works for me and I get excellent results.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;">I hope this was helpful. Until I post again happy sewing!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.8px; text-align: justify;">Karen H</span><br />
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<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-69466556546802400192016-05-31T09:16:00.002-07:002016-05-31T09:16:55.232-07:00Nifty tools for quiltingI'm busy hand quilting the baby quilt for my friend. I'm using the same method I use when machine quilting which is that I first quilt the major seam lines where the blocks abut. Once the centre is stabilized in this way I can quilt the border and bind the quilt. This reduces the bulk of the excess batting and backing and makes quilting the centre of the quilt much easier. You can read a more detailed description of my method <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2013/04/oodles-of-teasers-and-machine-quilt-big.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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In the process of hand quilting there are two tools which I've been using and I thought I would write about them today. The first is the <i>Clover Soft Touch Thread Pick</i> and the second is a <i>Hera Marker</i>.<br />
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I've had a <i>Hera Marker </i>in my tool box for more than twenty years and have used it for pin tucks and such but never thought about using it to mark a quilt until I read about it in Hilda's blog, <i><a href="http://everystitchblog.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Every Stitch</a></i>. She has written about using a Hera Marker to mark straight lines on light coloured fabrics. The beauty of the Hera Marker is that it scores the fabric to create a visible line on the fabric but there is nothing to wash out.<br />
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Hera Marker</div>
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It is simple to use.<br />
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I had quilted the triangles in the border along the edge of the seam allowance so I didn't need to mark but I wanted to echo those lines of quilting with straight lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtxF0oxv0dvwIH4qm7G55GeRYyyb0BLfzu8kR_KggSH_mV1AupaKJ6Uw0NvC3tIiN7qoJ61fFK6y0rMCEFXOQuxgAd2Snt1IJtQ-18YROlE4WhT-vfr_XOWLHG4oXhSFNJl627XZyKHPE/s1600/P5290165+Hera+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtxF0oxv0dvwIH4qm7G55GeRYyyb0BLfzu8kR_KggSH_mV1AupaKJ6Uw0NvC3tIiN7qoJ61fFK6y0rMCEFXOQuxgAd2Snt1IJtQ-18YROlE4WhT-vfr_XOWLHG4oXhSFNJl627XZyKHPE/s400/P5290165+Hera+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used my Hera Marker and a small Omnigrid ruler. I lined 1/4" mark on the ruler on the quilted lines and then scored the fabric with my Hera Marker. I made sure that I had my quilt on a hard surface and that it was smooth and flat. I scored the lines slowly and carefully. I find that if you go too fast it can create little pleats in the fabric which will skew the line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkl0NOC42VZSH_CL_pn36bah5QF9l2SNab87xer97P4LmenT4szJF7JjK1y-veJX21_NJhjdGV-baBsHizH6D-lYdjdQqlwNbB50u3AOSMbnTku8F2iVrTP1ZnFCmFTUO6cDWQI_EB5Jn/s1600/P5290166+Hera+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkl0NOC42VZSH_CL_pn36bah5QF9l2SNab87xer97P4LmenT4szJF7JjK1y-veJX21_NJhjdGV-baBsHizH6D-lYdjdQqlwNbB50u3AOSMbnTku8F2iVrTP1ZnFCmFTUO6cDWQI_EB5Jn/s400/P5290166+Hera+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I did this on each triangle along the length of the border and then hand quilted. It is the perfect tool for marking straight quilt lines. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYIYYCzqEptSdDS2t_HAuNVcH_PnuXy8H82JoU4hTlsP1CKN4d1xv-SPXxW_2Z_Q5KmVakfyZbCnkDnm6Ro_Jd3cfG2t7oqwb-vbHBRA0Z6ymsmoxCVlrUsghViOl77TMls8p98AlrkFV/s1600/P5290171+hera+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYIYYCzqEptSdDS2t_HAuNVcH_PnuXy8H82JoU4hTlsP1CKN4d1xv-SPXxW_2Z_Q5KmVakfyZbCnkDnm6Ro_Jd3cfG2t7oqwb-vbHBRA0Z6ymsmoxCVlrUsghViOl77TMls8p98AlrkFV/s400/P5290171+hera+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The second tool that has come in handy is the <i>Clover Soft Touch Thread Pick</i>. I was working away on the baby quilt and discovered a dark thread trapped between the top and batting. I stuck out like a sore thumb so I used my Soft Touch Thread Pick to remove it.This tool comes with a protective sheath which you remove in order to use it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC1fhgl8qHLnaBtoPDM7o7XkTEttEmvLJxebBSXJMTxfRhe1qwEL9Ofk3GsTewFGYgcexgHQfpyRfNvjtC-EH3FhD0nFWGqj6Kaw7P5GuIUlaKXcUICCN3pgnmUpSl94oHk1Bop3i0CoL/s1600/P5300188+soft+touch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC1fhgl8qHLnaBtoPDM7o7XkTEttEmvLJxebBSXJMTxfRhe1qwEL9Ofk3GsTewFGYgcexgHQfpyRfNvjtC-EH3FhD0nFWGqj6Kaw7P5GuIUlaKXcUICCN3pgnmUpSl94oHk1Bop3i0CoL/s400/P5300188+soft+touch+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Clover Soft Touch Thread Pick</div>
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At the tip is a very tiny crochet hook.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ZkLGwu5eV6Ek4nzrLKLvWSNz_drJ9-TREXtB44BvkI0nqmxuDS3UYrRg4P3anOJBNrL7vobduUFh54lb1yHvq-sBR1sL5yfFBwQRHk2fJo7EubW2YYVqcgO1pzlX5Dh_ABIJH5YWSAT/s1600/P5300179+soft+touch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7ZkLGwu5eV6Ek4nzrLKLvWSNz_drJ9-TREXtB44BvkI0nqmxuDS3UYrRg4P3anOJBNrL7vobduUFh54lb1yHvq-sBR1sL5yfFBwQRHk2fJo7EubW2YYVqcgO1pzlX5Dh_ABIJH5YWSAT/s400/P5300179+soft+touch+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here you can see a trapped dark thread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GKpGg7zj3irTf4o073ZxGL6vvhyphenhyphenyYyYizvItW7LRWW3e089DthoIVleSo0Um1D1zXkBdiAJHx7kFp2E-MlFcFKJYEC5f3Spif7pgaLSeznHgbEZ2eZ8axIc27bXEUILabOvJqR6e0krO/s1600/P5300179+soft+touch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GKpGg7zj3irTf4o073ZxGL6vvhyphenhyphenyYyYizvItW7LRWW3e089DthoIVleSo0Um1D1zXkBdiAJHx7kFp2E-MlFcFKJYEC5f3Spif7pgaLSeznHgbEZ2eZ8axIc27bXEUILabOvJqR6e0krO/s320/P5300179+soft+touch+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Slide the tip of the hook through the quilt top and hook the offending thread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrj2wMXqzGJrBW9nyNMF12hISInTO2EQR344raQnUy2IcMRGEua6ULuaaqGKJCJxMOPD7Nwq6L34fbwozNlsbyhFM2PgK3Nm9W0nY42Muz59NwThJbvihlVXzhnUisEuL9uUNqr9qJ1WS/s1600/P5300181+soft+touch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrj2wMXqzGJrBW9nyNMF12hISInTO2EQR344raQnUy2IcMRGEua6ULuaaqGKJCJxMOPD7Nwq6L34fbwozNlsbyhFM2PgK3Nm9W0nY42Muz59NwThJbvihlVXzhnUisEuL9uUNqr9qJ1WS/s320/P5300181+soft+touch+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Carefully draw out the hook through the point of entry and the thread will come along with the hook.<br />
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Time for me to get back to work on this little quilt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofvP9OkXMrzGp-2-4vRCxgP3NmZK5sxVZT-kUtsiZb5IqIdyvoGFmF6O9LkWUDXV3kizWTBHNbUJsT4vM4DwO0t5mKFS9esD-4TXeqQTrX-T1qW_pAn7SZY-WDfTpvtrJ3cG1DMcJZwjV/s1600/P5300200+sarahs+baby+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofvP9OkXMrzGp-2-4vRCxgP3NmZK5sxVZT-kUtsiZb5IqIdyvoGFmF6O9LkWUDXV3kizWTBHNbUJsT4vM4DwO0t5mKFS9esD-4TXeqQTrX-T1qW_pAn7SZY-WDfTpvtrJ3cG1DMcJZwjV/s400/P5300200+sarahs+baby+quilt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-34867585882290291592016-05-28T10:07:00.002-07:002016-05-28T10:07:44.612-07:00It's baby timeA friend is expecting her first baby in a few weeks. Although I've know the baby is coming for many months, I've postponed making the quilt until it was crunch time. I'm not really a baby quilt kind of person so I've been casting about for an idea. In the mid-1990s I found a patchwork book in a clearance bin. It was jam packed with ideas and so I bought the book. The projects inside the book are the designs of Chuck Nohara and the instructions were translated from Japanese.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7_X_QM-57tyFPnUdC59HXW3_lFdKbFvyDpnCN6wG-oHnvmxoUZLLr5enMYv1HZR5pc2J0_EALBN7cBo0_jZHnIQcAZKd15qXME_x12NcbUeFG2FBgnQe7TEboFju6MY5WOehWNnjsoSF/s1600/P5200124+book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7_X_QM-57tyFPnUdC59HXW3_lFdKbFvyDpnCN6wG-oHnvmxoUZLLr5enMYv1HZR5pc2J0_EALBN7cBo0_jZHnIQcAZKd15qXME_x12NcbUeFG2FBgnQe7TEboFju6MY5WOehWNnjsoSF/s320/P5200124+book+cover.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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I used one of the patterns in the book to make a quilt for a friend who was expecting her first child in 1997 and really enjoyed making the quilt although I modified the pattern by eliminating the pieced border and instead used a solid subtle neutral plaid for the border. This time I decided I would piece the border (more about that in a moment).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhZ1wj6un0zDDZLxHc1WZoJmhUhHdFo78cG2_RfsoVUvNntlVekIJcVxfzJsBqGKBqZjjP-zml-bU4GeYpOMQNbu4oO_79XGc417RlB6EbWQoG497z-cVJ9FyP1NfdXEIJzm2Gh3-meoT/s1600/P5200126+quilt+in+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhZ1wj6un0zDDZLxHc1WZoJmhUhHdFo78cG2_RfsoVUvNntlVekIJcVxfzJsBqGKBqZjjP-zml-bU4GeYpOMQNbu4oO_79XGc417RlB6EbWQoG497z-cVJ9FyP1NfdXEIJzm2Gh3-meoT/s400/P5200126+quilt+in+book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The instructions for making the quilt are "scant". In fact they fit on a single page! They are accurate but you need to be an experience quilt maker to understand them,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZeVuKQvJMup7P-XH8cHSHjeJlKmpYp2m1_M5bXFjYkZhTiurWFGbPX46I2sZ7zkweNEiUaTaR_HbD9SnlXVP-oxoONj3PBVasp7EqPyidbBiDa9rdltYdHTIZWfD5VmuFbVnD_5XRoRk/s1600/P5200127+instructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZeVuKQvJMup7P-XH8cHSHjeJlKmpYp2m1_M5bXFjYkZhTiurWFGbPX46I2sZ7zkweNEiUaTaR_HbD9SnlXVP-oxoONj3PBVasp7EqPyidbBiDa9rdltYdHTIZWfD5VmuFbVnD_5XRoRk/s400/P5200127+instructions.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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The quilt is made up of 20 blocks twelve of which are numbers 0 to 9 (some of the numbers are duplicated) and eight of the blocks are stylized birds. I decided to make the number blocks without repeats so there were ten of them and I made ten bird blocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BKPRS-s8zhlgpyUEteoN6ov4pYVSb2fe-IVTCEx_BzX0IFcbV3ko7EcKyzMRkgYoFi3Zdq-SfCvVyvSKcuyYlcXbXDdzNPi0H3QQ61QnppKFeX5p13PnRn2cU4yojUA6Gh6bLBHhuoOX/s1600/P5200121+bird+block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BKPRS-s8zhlgpyUEteoN6ov4pYVSb2fe-IVTCEx_BzX0IFcbV3ko7EcKyzMRkgYoFi3Zdq-SfCvVyvSKcuyYlcXbXDdzNPi0H3QQ61QnppKFeX5p13PnRn2cU4yojUA6Gh6bLBHhuoOX/s400/P5200121+bird+block.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>
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I embroidered the plumes on top of the bird's head and topped each one with a colonial knot. The eyes were cut from a dotted fabric and appliqued to the face. I used a marker to make the dark pupil in the eye.<br />
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The feet were outlined with a stem stitch. I though they were dull and didn't stand out enough so I used a Sakura Pigma pen to add some shading to the legs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdL0IbpdGGJsOIuzejfO1nQTJX6dSj-qAkL0PJr5WvyyR_gLfJj9rNiJPfgSgQaHFM51gY9B4kPWKmbSJTq-mTYVOTeMCT6Qi7_d-liRN8RB8YyEMvV6vXuTMxGRE_tqZMMnepN4cIKMg/s1600/P5200119+bird+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdL0IbpdGGJsOIuzejfO1nQTJX6dSj-qAkL0PJr5WvyyR_gLfJj9rNiJPfgSgQaHFM51gY9B4kPWKmbSJTq-mTYVOTeMCT6Qi7_d-liRN8RB8YyEMvV6vXuTMxGRE_tqZMMnepN4cIKMg/s320/P5200119+bird+feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The blocks were sewn together with sashing and cornerstones in a soft grey-green print. I made the pieced triangle borders and added the side borders to the quilt. I stepped back to have a look and realized that the border on the right was attached the wrong way! Argh. I little reverse sewing (i.e. ripping out) and it was ready to be reattached.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckbNYyV89U0G4O-tLa-bFpbSAh7c3LpYtnJwsMmuQkcfvcHroTLm1FR_DJHnrJEQcvSEjDT1_tZSGFGawPPfBvifrwNGZJvcFX58Ux8Zf4Brelx9FMxeC8Go_q33HZmLa22E_rCAqu1HH/s1600/P5230131+border+mistake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhckbNYyV89U0G4O-tLa-bFpbSAh7c3LpYtnJwsMmuQkcfvcHroTLm1FR_DJHnrJEQcvSEjDT1_tZSGFGawPPfBvifrwNGZJvcFX58Ux8Zf4Brelx9FMxeC8Go_q33HZmLa22E_rCAqu1HH/s400/P5230131+border+mistake.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Much better, don't you agree?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKkhyWYXph3WMwP2W7wJwjQ8HN-IWJa6D2L6QZUHWsIEMryWKaNqi9LDATnK3qLi9BxtJtrWUOEtYaXJux-GcjCU6blcDpsJBJ7XsrBMAcGB-sKMEukf2YyO1UQYbh9kIT0arfwakGNGV/s1600/P5230139+border+mistake+fixed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKkhyWYXph3WMwP2W7wJwjQ8HN-IWJa6D2L6QZUHWsIEMryWKaNqi9LDATnK3qLi9BxtJtrWUOEtYaXJux-GcjCU6blcDpsJBJ7XsrBMAcGB-sKMEukf2YyO1UQYbh9kIT0arfwakGNGV/s400/P5230139+border+mistake+fixed.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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The last step was to make the corner patchwork units and attach them to the top and bottom borders. TA DUM! The finished quilt top. It measures 44" x 54".<br />
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I wasted no tine in making the quilt sandwich and pin basting it. This one will be hand quilted with a larger stitch. I think it will make for a nice soft baby quilt. There is a baby shower next weekend and my goal is to have it finished in time for the party. Keep your fingers crossed for me!<br />
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Meanwhile Jinx has found himself an nice place to sleep out in the solarium ..... he is curled up in a flower pot with a Mandevilla vine! Silly little boy!<br />
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Time to get back to hand quilting. Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
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Karen H<br />
<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-16631369625868330872016-05-18T07:35:00.004-07:002016-05-18T07:35:37.180-07:00The Empire Quilt - top and bottom rowsToday I have the top and bottom rows of <b><i>The Empire Quilt </i></b>to share with you. As you can see the four applique bird blocks are used in the corners. They were reverse appliqued to a white background to set them off. I chose to use the owl and the kingfishers for the top row because they are my favourite bird blocks.<br />
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I used the remaining two bird blocks in the bottom corners. When I have a block that I really like I either place it closer to the centre or at the top of the quilt because I find that these are the places where my eyes are naturally drawn.<br />
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These rows will be added to the centre panel. I just love all of these hexagon blocks and can't wait to get started on another quilt that is a variation on this hexagon quilt. It will allow me to use up the leftover solid green and green print.,<br />
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The quilt will have a border of the solid green fabric to frame the whole thing and to pull it all together. I had hoped to have the border on it by now but the sewing room is still partially packed up from the kitchen and bathroom renovations.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
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Karen H<br />
<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-46226822427846560262016-05-14T08:14:00.001-07:002016-05-14T08:14:08.392-07:00The final three blocks for The Empire QuiltToday I'm sharing the final three blocks that will make up my hexagon quilt that I call <b>The Empire Quilt</b>. There will of course be some filler bits to fill the gabs but they don't involve much in the way of sewing. Without further ado here is the first block.<br />
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The star in the centre is English paper pieced and then simply appliqued to a background. I like to repeat some fabrics in blocks to give a quilt a more unified look. The fabric in the centre of the star was used for the broderie perse in some of the bird blocks.<br />
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The leafy fabric was used in the kingfisher block below. I added the leaf at the top, the leaf below the branch and the blue flowers at the left end of the branch. They all come from the same piece of fabric.<br />
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They were also used in this bird block. I tried to select background fabrics that were similar to the background in the floral print so that the broderie perse applique would blend in.<br />
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Here's a close-up of the broderie perse. For a more detailed explanation of what I did you can read <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2016/02/broderie-perse.html" target="_blank">this post</a>.<br />
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Right, back to the blocks I am sharing today. I also made this eight point star block. I English paper pieced the eight point star made of diamonds and then appliqued it to the background. The print I used is quite large and I've struggled with what to do with it. It has been in my stash for many years. I finally decided to turn it into what I call a <i>sacrificial </i>yard of fabric. I cut into it to make this star and have decided that the entire yard will be used for fussy cutting. It will eventually look like a slice of Swiss cheese but that's okay because it will be used to make beautiful things. The first cut is always the hardest but now that it has been done it will be much easier to cut it up! I really love the look and feel of this block.<br />
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The last block is an applique block that features an owl and again I used my floral print to do some broderie perse applique. I chose a background that worked relatively well with the background on the floral print so that the broderie perse just blends in nicely. The pieces for the owl and branch are relatively large and very easy to applique. The talons were embroidered with a chain stitch. I figure if something is too small for my fingers to applique I'll just embroider it!<br />
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This is one of my favourite blocks in the quilt. I like it so much that it is inspiration for another quilt that I plan to make. It will be a variation on <b>The Empire Quilt.</b> I've sketched it up and will eventually start working on it. For now it is just on the drawing board but when I get started you know I will share it with you!<br />
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That's it for today. Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen H<br />
<br />Karen Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-39316536674344335392016-05-12T07:11:00.000-07:002016-05-12T07:11:17.129-07:00Small quilts at the auctionI'm back and thank you to everyone for the lovely emails I received. All is well but with the upheaval of renovations I kind of lost my blogging mojo. The renovations are for the most part complete. There are a few small jobs left but they won't require rearranging or packing up. The big job now is removing all the dust from the renovations. I clean it up and the next day it reappears! Oh well, I have a lovely new kitchen and bathroom.<br />
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My Guild has does a fundraiser every two or three years. Members make small quilts which are then auctioned off and the proceeds are donated to a local organization. This time we chose <i><b><a href="http://416community.com/" target="_blank">416 Community Support for Women</a>.</b></i> 416 is a warm and welcoming place located in downtown Toronto. The staff provide a wide variety of programs and services to women who are dealing with mental health issues, addictions and social isolation. Several years ago I visited the centre; the place radiated warmth, caring and respect for all who entered through the doors. This organization gets no government funding and so relies on events such as our Silent Quilt Auction and donations from the general public to fund activities and services.<br />
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My Mom (Anne H) made three pieces for the auction. The first she called "<b>Spring 2016"</b>. She dug into her stash of hexagons to make the small quilt. She tells me that the tall stalks are hollyhocks and you can see that she added a variety of embroidery stitches to "jazz them up". I don't know what the hexagon rosettes on the fence are supposed to be other than pretty! The centre of each is embellished with French knots. I machine quilted it for her and then she bound it with a facing.<br />
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The second piece was an orphan block made by a guild member in 2005. It was hand appliqued and machine pieced. It was machine quilted and bound with a facing. Mom called this one <b>"My Little Chickadees".</b><br />
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The third piece is an African themed quilt. Mom called this one <b>"I hope I'm not late!"</b>. I love the little baby in the sling. This small quilt is machine quilted and once again finished with a facing. She really likes the effect of a facing because it she thinks it makes the quilt look like a page torn from a magazine.<br />
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<br />There are lots of tutorials on finishing quilts with a facing but a really good one is available at Terry Aske Art Quilt Studio. If you are interested you will find it <a href="http://www.terryaskeartquilts.com/Studio/tips-tutorials-and-more/my-new-favorite-quilt-facing-technique/" target="_blank">here</a>. It included an updated method of reducing the bulk of the quilt at the corners.<br />
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I know you are all itching to see more of <b>The Empire Quilt</b> which will be my next Quilt Along design so I am sharing the middle section with the sides attached. I sure hope you like where I'm going with this quilt! I repeated the green fabrics from the centre panel in the outer borders of the quilt. My plan is to attach an narrow solid green border to the quilt once the other two sides are attached. Although it is a scrap quilt with lots of different colours it reads as a green quilt because I've repeated the fabrics in the centre and the borders.<br />
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I'll get back to work on the pattern shortly so that you can start sewing up your own <b>Empire Quilt</b>! Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-19591946719453993382016-04-01T05:47:00.001-07:002016-04-07T12:07:01.159-07:00Hexagon blocks of a different variety for The Empire QuiltSo why the silence? I was to have a bathroom renovation done. The work should have been done in four days but once the walls were opened there were problems with the plumbing. Major, costly problems. The result? Part of my kitchen had to be demolished to do the repairs so in addition to the total renovation of the bathroom, the kitchen must also be done. I had already packed up my bathroom and then had to pack up the kitchen AND worst of all I also had to pack up my sewing/computer room so that the workers could access the attic for the electrical work. The work is still not done. For the next couple of weeks I will be living out of boxes. I can't wait for this to be over with.<br />
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I've managed to tunnel my way to my computer in order to do a quick post about <i>The Empire Quilt</i>. I had said that there would be some different hexagon blocks for <i>The Empire Quilt.</i> Today I'll share two of them. Both are made with simple pieced blocks and hexagons. I dug into my stash of basted leftover hexagons. I never throw them out because they might just come in handy one day. The pink and green print in the pieced block is not at all in keeping with the scale and style of other prints used in the quit thus far but it works. Don't be afraid to combine your fabrics. If it doesn't work just do a little reverse sewing and try something different!<br />
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I think there are lots of possibilities for creating dimension with colour and value in this one but I decided to keep it simple. For example, I could have swapped out some of the grey fabrics for darker greys to create shading.<br />
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You be surprised at how fast and easy it was to make these blocks which combine traditional piecing with English paper piecing. It would be fun to make an entire quilt with blocks like this! Hey, I just gave myself a new idea. Maybe there's another quilt in the making!<br />
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There are two more hexagon blocks to share with you and they are bobby-dazzlers for sure! For now I have to work my way out of my sewing room because the contractors will be back shortly. There is white drywall dust and construction mess everywhere. I'm so done with it and eager to be done so life can get back to normal.<br />
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Until I post again, happy sewing!<br />
Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355830180271785865.post-17729661092122956272016-03-18T05:40:00.000-07:002016-03-18T05:40:10.804-07:00Cutting stripes for hexagonsAngie in SoCal saw the striped prints I used in the hexagon blocks I showed in this post and she asked "do you cut them in order?". There are many things in life I don't like and cutting fabric slowly is one of them! I use <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2014/02/cutting-lots-of-hexagons-for-path-and.html" target="_blank">my rapid fire cutting technique</a> when I need to cut multiple patches from a single fabric. In the following block there are stripes (white and beige) and a directional prints (the beige crosshatch) both of which were cut from a single strip of fabric. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cut all of the hexagons for that block at one time. I have a large sheet of cardboard covered with a scrap of batting so that I can arrange the hexagons on it to get a feel for how they look. Once they are all cut out and I am satisfied with the arrangement I take a picture to help with sewing the hexagons together. The hexagons go in a little bag so that I can baste them at my leisure! </span></span><br />
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In the example above the stripes are all running from a straight edge to a straight edge so that made the cutting easy (I just cut them all from a single strip of fabric). You will notice that the rosette in the middle is also made with a stripe fabric and again the stripes are all running from a straight edge to a straight edge. Let me demonstrate with one of my <i>Road 66</i> blocks. The centre hexagon is fussy cut and then the first round of hexagons that make the rosette are cut from a directional chevron striped fabric. In this example the stripes all radiate out from the centre.<br />
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Notice how the stripe runs from a straight edge to a straight edge. I use regular printer paper to make my hexagons. The beauty of paper is that you can write on it. If you are a beginner draw an arrow on the wrong side of your paper so that once it is basted you can use the arrow to position the stripe.<br />
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The second round of hexagons were also cut from a directional fabric. There are twelve hexagons in this round. Notice how the six hexagons that are attached to the straight edge of the previous round have the stripe running from straight edge to straight edge.<br />
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The remaining six hexagons that fit in the "V" are cut so that the stripe runs from point to point. Again drawing an arrow on the paper will help orient the hexagons once they are basted.<br />
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If the stripes were to circle the central hexagon the placement of the hexagon on the striped fabric will be reversed. Take a look at this <i>Road 66</i> block. The fabric that surrounds the central hexagon is a border print.<br />
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The hexagons cut from the border print are placed point to point.<br />
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The second round is cut from an ombred stripe fabric. The six hexagons whose straight edge connects to the straight edge of the first round will be cut from point to point.<br />
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The remaining six hexagons that fit in the "V" are cut so that the stripe runs from straight edge to straight edge.<br />
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With each subsequent round the number of hexagons needed will increase by six so the third round would require eighteen hexagons. A fourth round would require twenty-four hexagons. In each round there will be six hexagons cut exactly the same way as those in the first round and any remaining hexagons would be cut the other. Let me demonstratre.<br />
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If the stripes were radiating outwards, six hexagons would be cut from straight edge to straight edge.<br />
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In round 2 which is made of twelve hexagons, six would be cut from straight edge to straight edge (red arrows) and the remaining six from point to point (green arrows).<br />
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In round 3 which is made of eighteen hexagons, six would be cut from straight edge to straight edge (blue arrows) and the remaining twelve from point to point (gold arrows).<br />
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A fourth round (not demonstrated here) would be made of twenty four hexagons, six of which would be cut from straight edge to straight edge and eighteen from point to point.<br />
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If the stripes were circling the central hexagon, round 2 would be made of six cut from point to point (red arrows) and six cut from straight edge to straight edge(green arrows). In round 3 there would be six hexagons cut from point to point (blue arrows) and twelve cut from straight edge to straight edge (gold arrows).<br />
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When I construct my rosettes I make each round an <a href="http://faeriesandfibres.blogspot.ca/2014/03/sewing-hexagon-flower-video.html" target="_blank">open donut</a> and add it to what I've already stitched. It makes for fast and accurate sewing!<br />
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Was this helpful? I sure hope so! Until I post again, happy sewing.<br />
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Karen HKaren Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01166374693095867682noreply@blogger.com14