Friday, March 22, 2019

Getting Started Series: Seams to Me



If, like me, you came to quilting with a history of sewing garments, moving from a 5/8 inch seam allowance down to a 1/4 inch seam allowance was a big thinking adjustment.  When my quilting Auntie told me to use a 1/4 inch seam, I actually argued with her. (When sewing garments now, that 5/8 seam allowance looks SOOOO big! AND, I think of all the fabric I'm wasting!)

So, how important is a 1/4 inch seam in quilting?   In my opinion this is the most important thing to master.   It makes ALL the difference! If you're sloppy about your 1/4 inch seam your points won't match, your seams will be crooked (especially at the end), the blocks won't line up and your whole quilt will be wonky.

Of course there are many helpful blog posts and YouTube videos about sewing the perfect 1/4 inch seam.  I've read six blogs just this morning and have even learned a few things.  Here are a couple that I think are the best:

Understanding the 1/4 seam, sewing a 1/4 seam and measuring for accuracy:  HERE

Test your 1/4 inch seam:  HERE

Bonus site: HERE  It is very short and to-thge-point post.

Good Video with helpful hints:  HERE

Tools that will help:  I do use a 1/4 foot on my sewing machine.  They are worth the investment, but they may not be accurate. Make some test blocks.



QTool sewing edge.  I have not used this product, but it looks promising.  I found this on Amazon.



Bonus tip:  I like Marci Baker's videos.  Check her out HERE

TTFN  Sew Happy!

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Inter-National Quilt Day

If you follow any of the Facebook quilting pages such as Quilt Along with Pat Sloan, Jen Kingwell, or Quiltville (to name just a few) you'll notice posts from around the world. 

In this day of unrest, there is one thing that can bind us together....Hug a quilter today.



I am dedicating this Quilt Day to my favorite quilting Auntie, Nyla Stoughton.   
(She has not been able to quilt for many months due to health issues.)


Friday, March 1, 2019

Her Name Shall Be Called "MaMoo"

How many sewing machines do you actually need?  The truth is, ONE...and maybe a backup when that ONE is at the spa for an R & R .  Well, and maybe another one for guest sewers...and don't forget the Featherweight.  Everyone needs a Featherweight. And maybe just one more....

...the one your friend found in a thrift shop on her trip to Tahoe, and  brings it back for you.

Her Name Shall Be Called MaMoo (pronounced "Ma - MOO")


Singer 201-2



MaMoo was my Great Grandmother's nick name.  Mary Elizabeth Graff was the very first quilter in my life.

I can remember as a little girl spending weekends at MaMoo's house.  Her friends would come over and they'd sit around a big quilting frame set up in the dining room and quilt and gossip.  I'd sit under the frame and just watch the needles moving in-and-out (and listen to all the gossip.)

All In The Family
Happy Birthday to Me!  (March is my birthday month.)

Yes, I do have five sewing machines!  It's like a sickness....
Miss Ellie is my traveling companion.
Millie and I spend the most time together.
The Twins are for guest sewers (we have a group that meets once a week.)
Now we have The G-Ma...pulling the family together.