Wednesday, October 29, 2014

D'dot's Jelly Roll quilt.

I just started to write a new blog post and realized I hadn't posted this from last week......

I'm one proud momma. My daughter decided last week to make her boyfriend a quilt for his birthday in two weeks.  We decided on a jelly roll quilt. She selected a number of 'masculine ' prints, cut them into 2 1/2 inch strips and sewed.  She had the top done in a couple  of hours.  

We ran out of  time to quilt it before she returned to Vancouver.  She did get it loaded on the frame before she left.  I quilted it on Tuesday.  Just for interest I timed myself. 

Look at that.  Less than an hour of stitching.  total time was about  1 hour and twenty  minutes - winding bobbins, changing bobbins and advancing.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

a good morning

It's  been a good morning.  I set my timer for 2 hours of sewing and went downstairs to sew.  I  completed this lovely table runner  as a sample  for a beginner quilting class.  Just finished and was curious to see how much time I had left....guess I didn't press start!   So now  I have no idea how long this project took me. ...sheesh!  

But at least I got something accomplished and it's not yet noon.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Free Motion Quilting - Basics

Yep, I'm teaching a class next Thursday evening at the WonderFil thread offices...actually in the Threaducation classroom next door.  6:30-9:30pm.    We'll be doing the first-basics-beginner FREE MOTION QUILTING class.



In this class we'll cover the basics...how to set up your sewing machine for Free Motion Quilting, the necessary and optional accessories, thread and tension issues and also (most importantly), the 5 basic shapes that make up ALL free motion quilting designs.  There will be lots of time to practice in class and I'll keep an close eye on everyone as they sew.  AND WonderFil thread is included!

I like to keep my classes small (8 maximum), so that everyone has enough room to work, but also so that I can get around to everyone in the class and give you some personal attention and tips and tricks.

If you are interested in this class, give me a call (space is limited) at 403-819-8126 to register.  $42 including GST.  You can register with your credit card.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

This week's sewing

I am spending the week with my very crafty (talented) parents in Winnipeg.  We are up early to have breakie and a short visit then head downstairs to their designated work spaces.

My Dad loves to putter...he is currently modifying his new shop vac.  Putting it on a wheeled base so that it moves easier and won't tip over!  This morning's task is a new batch of wine!!!!  Won't be ready by the time I head home, but I am enjoying the fruits of his previous labour.  Dad has also spent some time with a young mum from their church.  He is teaching her to do stained glass.  He is in his element!

My Mum is a knitter and quilter.  She spends most of her time downstairs sewing and if not at her machine, she'll be found in the kitchen (cooking great food) or sitting in her chair knitting.  The knitting is usually an evening-in-front-of-the-TV activity.  This morning we're heading down to design a table runner.  She found this runner pinned to the wall in a store and now we get to work out the design for her to sew!




I'm spending the week working remotely and sewing samples for the new Handi Quilter Studio.  I have decided to name each of our 4 machines with flower names that start with the letters A, B, C and D.  I had girl's names chosen, but after thought and discussion ended up with Aster, Bluebell, Calla and Daisy.

I have been working on some little quilts that we can hang on the machines....Not happy with Aster and Daisy. Will have to play some more and may end up re-doing them  They're not finished yet, but you'll get the idea.





I have found these projects to be quite relaxing.  I just stitch an all over design until I get bored, then move onto another design.   Stitched with WondeFil Accent, Spaghetti and Fruitti.  Will post better photos when they are complete.