Quilt Show Take-Aways

Vendor Hall
It really did look like this.

I went to the show knowing I'd find gobbs and gobbs of fun, wonderful quilt stuff.  And, I was not disappointed.  But, I also had a budget (my money tree has not started producing yet.)  My strategy was to visit the booths, and yes we do look in every one...mostly, and mark down on the map what I liked and the booth number where it was found.  It actually worked pretty well.





I only came away with two things. But, I still managed to go over my budget. (sad face goes here)

The Oregon wall hanging pattern speaks for itself.  As I am a Portland girl, I just could not pass it up.

Before I talk about my other purchase, 

I need to give you a bit of background.

The first two quilts I ever made were QAYG **.  One, a simple 4-patch and the other  a BOM* from Cool Cottons in Portland, Oregon.  Back then I knew so little about quilting that when the group was talking about sashing I thought they were saying slashing!   I thought that was a bit strange, but oh well ...  the group did eventually correct me. Imagine my embarrassment.

I  did not like the finished result of QAYG at all. They looked sloppy and wonky.  I've never done one since.  But, I did not think I would EVER pay to have someone else quilt them, either...too expensive.  That, of course, changed because if you don't QAYG and you don't send them out the only thing left is to tie them.  I have tied a few....functional but not as pretty as quilting. (You could quilt them yourself on your domestic machine...I learned a whole new vocabulary quilting them myself.)

Simple 4 patch for my son.
QAYG

BOM that I gave to my friend, Peggy.
QAYG

Enter Mr. Flynn.  At another quilt show (I think it was Paducah)
 I met Mr Flynn and purchased the Flynn Method for free motion quilting.

Think of it as the poor-woman's answer to a sit-down quilter, like the Tin Lizzie or the Handi Quilter Sweet 16.

It looked so easy!  I was so motivated!  It is still in the box 10 years later!!!

Every show I attend I stop and talk to Mr. Flynn, as I did this year.  I promised him THIS year, I would take it out of the box.  And I will keep my promise.

Now, back to the present time:  as we were perusing the vendor booths (I'd only purchased one item so far and feeling pretty proud of myself)  I happened on a booth with a sign "THIS METHOD FOR QAYG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE."   Being the smart-aleck that I am, I scoffed.  But, I gave her a few minutes of my time.

IT DID CHANGE MY LIFE....AND TOOK ME OVER MY BUDGET! I bought her kit.

All the Instructions

All The Tools

I could not possibly describe how this works, so here is a link to the website with videos on how this works.
Here is a link to a very short  demo video.

The process in a nut shell.
The last circle is the finished sashing.

The result is very attractive, looks really easy and I  think I'm going to liked it very much.

One more post tomorrow to talk about some Honorable Mentions.
Things I would have purchased if I hadn't already run out of money.

Ciao.




*BOM = Block of the Month
**QAYG = Quilt as You Go

Getting Started Series: What Now?

It's been a rather crooked journey down this "Getting Started" road ... hopefully somewhat informative.
Some of the basics have been reinforced for me, that much I can say.

 

Where have we been?

We learned about the proper use and technique of a Rotary Cutter. 

All about Fabrics.

Whether we want to Stash or not Stash.

Not all Thread is created equal.

How to Square up fabric.

And finally the most important of all, that 1/4" seam.

We haven't yet discussed other "stuff" you'll need.... I have blogged about STUFF in the past; 

Follow these links:  More about rotary cutters and mats,  and other helpful stuff.

"So, now what?  We have a bunch of random bits of information, how do I actually MAKE a quilt?"

You have to start by picking a pattern.  The very, VERY first quilt I made was a simple four-patch lap quilt for my son.  I honestly can't remember where the idea came from or why I even had the chili pepper fabrics on hand, but I did....and he was impressed (me, too, truth be known.)

Over the years I've accumulated LOTS-O- patterns; both purchased and free, plucked off the internet or acquired here-and-there.  There is lots of inspiration "out there."
 

Pat Sloan, of course.  She has both for-purchase patterns and free patterns. 

Easy Quilting Corner

Quilted Twins 

Moda Fabrics

Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company has a ton of tutorial videos on YouTube.  Many are no- pattern-needed.  

And don't forget Pinterest.  Many of the links lead to free tutorials and patterns.

And, speaking of YouTube.... you could get lost in the world of quilting tutorial videos on YouTube.  Anything you would EVER want to know about quilting is there.  Get a coffee (or a wine...depending on the time of day) and have a look.

Instructables.  This is the most fun website.  You can learn ANYTHING from this site.  And, look what I found! Quilting 101.  EVERY SINGLE step for making a simple quilt!  Have a look. (Disclaimer, I don't necessarily agree with every technique, i.e. using sheets for backing.  But, it's a good place to start.)

If you can stand just one more, Art Gallery Fabrics' site is amazing!

Also, check out your local quilt shops.  Take classes.  The second and third quilts I ever made were the result of a Block-of-the-Month class I took at Cool Cottons in Portland, OR. 

Even though I was following the directions, exactly (or so I thought) I managed to put EVERY SINGLE corner on EVERY SINGLE block on backward.  I didn't even notice until someone in the group said "Oh, look, how interesting your corners are...."  There is a verse in the Bible that says "Even a fool looks smart if he/she keeps their mouth shut."  I didn't say a word.

There are aspects of this quilt I like even now, I try to over look the many mistakes.  My g-sons cuddle up with it all the time, still, even though their little feet stick out.

 

You've heard the saying "If I can do it, you can do it."
Ya just have to get started.

Once Upon A Time....

...in a city far, far away (Portland, Oregon) a sad woman (a non-quilting, sad woman) at the encouragement of her quilting Auntie joined a Block-of-the-Month group at a local quilt shop (Cool Cottons). After a bad break up with a boyfriend, she needed something.

The first BOM lead to another and the adventure began.  But now she had a stack of blocks and too many other ideas she was anxious to try -- the blocks were set aside.  (Her very first UFO.)

Then, a few years later at the siren call of "The Babes" (grandsons) there was a big move to another state. While many household items were left behind, not much left behind was from the sewing/quilting room. (And by now there were more UFOs.)



Fast forward 5 more years: American Patchwork & Quilting issued a challenge for 2018....complete 12 UFO projects this year.  The now-happy woman signed up. (Read January 8, 2018 and February 10, 2018.)

 

Each month a number is published on their Facebook  page. That number corresponds to the number on your UFO list. That is your assignment that month.  May was #6.

Here it is July, but FINALLY, my #6 is ready for the quilter.

The layout is not any particular pattern.  My quilting friend, the "other Charlotte", has a computer program that will figure out layout and fabric requirements.
Quilt Pro.

How cool is that!





Recognize the triangle setting blocks and the outer border fabric?  I've used this fabric in other projects, one being my Nephew's Tee-Shirt Quilt.

You just can't beat a good blender! I did have to search the internet to find more of this fabric.  The original yardage was purchased in Portland at  Fabric Depot a year ago.  

That is why it is always a good idea to keep the a piece of the salvage with fabric information.

The result is both BOM blocks combined

 
This will be for my sister; for her birthday later this month.  She mentioned a few years ago she wished she had a quilt big enough for her bed....this should do the job nicely; 80" X 124.

I realize it is pretty long.  I didn't pay attention to the layout...oh well, it is long enough to go up over the pillows when (if ?) she makes her bed.

Because I didn't pay attention, I ended up with two blocks left over.

Quilters do not make mistakes, they make variations...and pillows.

Happy Birthday, Peanut.

Thelma and Louise

Two weeks ago I traveled to Portland, Oregon for work and play. I am originally from The Rose City so not only do I have a lot of friends in Portland, but my daughter still lives there, as well. I fell like I am "home."

Portland in the Spring, west side of the Willamette River, looking east.

I spent time with my daughter celebrating our birthdays; time with the C.O.W.s (Company of Women, my Portland Bible Study group) AND I bought a car!!!

My colleague recently moved right downtown. In Portland, where you don't actually need a car. 
You can  pretty much get anywhere on a bus, a train, zip car, a pedal bike, the street car or by walking, not to mention Uber.

So, I bought his car.  Mind you, I did not actually NEED a new car, but isn't she pretty?

Now I needed to get her back to So. Cal.  My friend and quilting buddy, Charlotte-the-Tall,
flew up to Portland to drive back with me.



Just call all us Thelma and Louise!

We did not zoom out of town, however, before visiting Cool Cottons
to kick off our very own shop hop.

Cool Cottons is a small shop in SE Portland.The proprietor has a wonderful collection of fabrics!  I bought a blouse pattern (and fabric.$$)  When you are in Portland, this shop is a MUST.  Tell Marie "The Charlotte's sent me."


Next Stop, Spokane, WA to see the quilting Auntie...only 350 miles in the wrong direction, a slight detour. We helped Auntie clean up her sewing room (setting aside a generous pile of quilting junk stuff to haul back to Calif.)  Even though the visit was short, we had time to visit one of my favorite quilt shops in the Spokane area, The Bear Paw Quilting in Coeur d'alene, Idaho.

Yes, we did pick up a few items at The Bear Paw. $

All too soon it was time to say goodbye and head for Bend, Oregon and The Stitchin Post in Sisters ... 368 miles.

We picked up a few BUGS along the way!!!

All over my new car!  EEEeeekkkkkk!

OK, we did spend a few coin at The Stitchin Post. $$$$$
A "fat quarter bundle" for The Gypsy Wife.  It was the first time I've ever purchased an entire FQ bundle but I wanted The Gypsy Wife blocks to coordinate.  (More about this project in a future post.)



Bend, Oregon is so beautiful and we are not just talking about the quilt shops.

Melotius River

There absolutely IS more to life than quilting.

I could SO live here!

 The Three Sisters

Heading out of Bend with Sacramento, CA in mind, we stopped at two quilt shops in Klamath Falls, experiencing wind, rain, dust and more bugs along the way!

The credit card did not get any activity in Klamath Falls.$$

Spending the night in Sacramento, we were pretty much ready to be home, but we had 423 miles between us and our own little beds.  Off we went....

And, you guessed it, we did stop at one last quilt shop.  This one in Bakersfield, CA.  Thimble Town.  This shop is in a very out-of-the-way location but worth the scavenger hunt.  We did whip out the 'ol credit card for a few purchases. $$

All-in-all we made pretty good time UNTIL...dun dun dunnn...we hit Santa Clarita and the infamous Los Angeles rush-hour traffic.  It was U-G-L-Y to be sure.

Two-and-a-half hours later we pulled into Charlotte's driveway in Huntington Beach.  Thankfully the hubs had a dinner reservation for us at their favorite Italian restaurant...WITH wine.  So, the day ended on a good note.

1,718 miles, 4 hotel rooms, a visit with the Auntie & Unkie in Spokane; 8 fabric stores along the way; 7 episodes of Car Talk; picked up a bushel of smashed bugs on the front of my new car; too many restaurant meals (not enough veggies)....but, what an adventure.  I can honestly say my wander lust has been satisfied for a while.

$$$$$ Oh, and the damage to the pocket book?
$212 for me, double that for the other Charlotte. $$$$$

National Quilting Day

It is National Quilting Day... So, do YOU quilt?  No?  Do you want to?  Don't know where to start?

I've only been quilting about 5 or 6 years.  I started after a bad breakup with a man... I was sad and had a lot of time on my hands.  My Auntie invited me to her house for a visit...she is a quilter.  I remember she took me to a quilt show at The Buggy Barn.  I was awestruck!  How on earth did they make such beautiful creations!

I bought my first "kit" that day and in true quilter fashion, it is still in my UFO stack to this very day (she said, sheepishly.)

My next step was to join a Block of the Month (BOM) group at Cool Cottons.  I was hooked and have not looked back...even when I moved from "the city of bridges" to the O.C. three years ago...I ditched a lot of stuff from my house....but not much from my sewing room.

To get started, join a BOM group at your local quilt store, and/or join a local quilt guild.  Pick an easy pattern and start sewing... it is that easy.  Go back to day 2 of this blog and read about getting started.
Watch videos from Missouri Start Quilt Company...Jenny makes it VERY easy (and fun.)
Even my 9-yar-old grandson is making his first quilt.  It is a simple pattern, just 5 inch blocks all sewn together.

You can do it!

Stuff, Stuff and More Stuff

We're coming to an end of the "must-have stuff" list.  Thank Heaven!!!
If you haven't realized it before now, quilting requires a lot of "stuff."  Some stuff is a "must have" and some stuff is a "it would be nice to have" and some stuff is "I MUST HAVE" because it just looks like fun!

And, people are out there thinking up more cool quilt stuff all the time.
That's what makes quilt shows so much fun...all the vendor's booths!

Road To California Quilter's Showcase
January, 2015 Ontario California

I came home from the Road to California Quilters Showcase with a nifty gadget, which I will show you later in this post...

Ok, enough of that rabbit trail.

Quarter Inch foot: Unlike constructing clothing items, quilt seams are 1/4 inch (sometimes a "scant" 1/4 inch.)  Using a quarter-inch foot is very helpful.

Here is a You Tube video on using the Quarter-Inch Foot (everything you ever wanted to know, eh?)


Quarter inch seams are SOOOO Important!  If you are even a smig over or under, your block will not measure accurately. So, check the accuracy of your quarter-in foot.  (Follow this link)

Seam Ripper:  Only God is perfect, you will still need one of these.

The very first quilt block I made was part of a BOM (Block of the Month) I participated in at a GREAT store in Portland, OR,  Cool Cottons. 

They gave us the fabric we'd need and the instructions for that month's block.  I went back to the store 8 times for help!!!  (Absolutely true)  I ripped it out so many times the fabric began to fray...I had to buy more fabric!  (I did eventually catch on.)
So, you will still need a seam ripper...We lovingly refer him as "Jack" (as in Jack the ripper.)

BOM Blocks from Cool Cottons

Here is my one and only gadget I bought at
The Road to California last weekend.
I'll let you know how well it works.

The next big thing is RULERS

We use rulers to cut the fabric that will make up the blocks.  There are hundreds of sizes of rulers.  Ok, I may be exaggerating just a bit.  But there are a lot of sizes of rulers and lots of specialty rulers.

You do need a couple rulers to start.  I have about 12 or 15 rulers.  But I didn't accumulate them all at once.  I started out with a nice, long, wide ruler and a square ruler.

A "good sized" ruler will be 6" wide and 25" long. (Look Here)

A ruler this long can be hard to control.

♫♪♫♪ Slip Slidin Away ♫♪♫♪ 

So I use a handy device called a "Gypsy Gripper" to help hold the ruler in place (and keep my pinkies out of the way.)

Gypsy Gripper

A Gypsy Gripper "suctions" to the ruler.  When using your rotary cutter, using slight pressure on the Gypsy Gripper will hold that ruler just where you want it. Very nifty.

Pick one up at Jo-Ann's-- use your coupon.
(Are you seeing a pattern here?  Jo-Ann's and her coupons are good for quilting "stuff.")





Bobbins and A Bobbin Holder:  Not much to say about these.  You want to have enough bobbins that when you run out of bobbin thread you don't have to stop and wind a bobbin.  I have about 20.  They are not expensive.  If you do need to buy more, take one with you to make sure you get the right kind for your machine.

Sewing Machine Needles:  I use two kinds: Schmetz or Klasse (Just depends on what store I am in when I decide I need them.)  The main thing to remember is the size; 80/12 Sharps and don't buy the cheapest brand.

A lot of quilters I know use "Universal" needles.  They are OK...they are not as sharp as "Sharps."  Sharps will glide through your fabric better (I was told by a published quilter, Lauren Smith.)



Marking Pens:  You need two kinds; one for marking light fabrics and one for marking dark fabrics.  Here are the two I like:


For marking light fabrics nothing beats FriXion Pens.
 I have black, blue and red.  The touch of a warm iron will magically "erase" the markings.  I can't say enough good  about these pens.

For marking dark fabrics I use a Bohin mechanical pencil, white.  I just like  the feel of it in my hand. (And, the Bohin man in his booth at the Road to California gave me a free pen because I mentioned in passing the one I had was broken... how nice was that!)

Straight Pins and a Pin Cushion:  You probably already have these.  Long-ish pins are great.  I pin my pieces together before sewing.  It is so frustrating to get everything situated under the presser foot and right at the last minute the pieces shift...arrrrrggggg!!!!
 

Ginghers

  Thread Snips:  I should have posted this with the Scissors.

  While not a "must have" these really make quilting life sweet!

  These are my favorite.  They are spendy, but you are worth it!!!  I have two pair; one pair at my sewing machine and one pair at my ironing station.


 

And, finally, you need some place to store all this junk...ah... I mean "important stuff."
You know that old tackle box from Uncle Mel?  There ya go.... (as long as it doesn't smell like fish bait...just sayin.)

Any storage box will do

That's it!  Whew!  It is not everything you will acquire in your quilting life, but these are the items I really like and tend to use the most (keeping in mind I am still a "baby" quilter by most standards..)

See ya next time...