Feels So Good

When you are away from the things you love for far too long....it almost feels like starting over...

You might even have to get the manual out to remember how to thread the thing!

Believe it or not, even though actual sewing has not been happening, collecting sewing projects has been happening.

Two wall-hanging panels later:  One for the music room (corner) and one for the Studio.

It looks so good in this corner, even though it's not yet quilted and bound. Where it was actually purchased escapes me ... 
it was before the big move (almost two months ago, now!!!)  and I've slept since then, so I cannot remember.

LOVE, Love, love this.               

Machine Maiden

 

 

 

I just could NOT help myself.  Machine Maiden.  Isn't she lovely and funky? 
It's that Steam Punk style.  You'll find the whole pattern and a kit at eQuilter.com.  HERE

And now to some actual sewing; started and almost completed this week are placemats for my new table.

People all across the nation are on the move, it seems.  (One good thing Covid gave us was the ability to work from anywhere.)  This wonderful table was purchased from a family moving to Indianapolis. 
I have not had a proper dining table in many-a-year...almost makes me feel like a grownup. 

The glass top just screamed for some pretty placemats.  

Not Yet Quilted and Bound - the goal is to have them all done by the end of this week.

The pattern is Charming Star from Donna Jordan. Click HERE for  the FREE pattern and click  HERE for the tutorial on YouTube.

 

 

The fabric line I chose was Best of Morris by Moda.
The coordinating fabric is from the same line.

And that wraps up the month from the little-house-in-the-tornado-watch zone
(we've had some crazy weather.)

May The Mask Be With You

Just when you thought it was safe to put all the mask-making paraphernalia away .....  the daughter asks for more.

It does look like masks will be a must have accessory in our wardrobe for a long time to come.  Ana wanted a variety.  And, truth be told, I could use a variety, myself...and the Babes, should they ever go back to school.

I decided to try a new pattern, and I must say I really like it.

Daisy Multifacetica on YouTube.  Click Here for the YouTube tutorial 

and click Here for her website to download the free patterns. 

Her patterns come in various sizes from child small to adult XL.

I like her choice of fabric, too....

This style seems roomier than the pleat-style masks I've made.  It is easier to breath when doing my power walking in the morning with Miss Kate.

Pleat-style masks

The little adjusters on the ear loops can be purchased on Amazon.  It does take an engineer's degree to figure out exactly how to get the little tabs on the elastic .... just sayin, the directions are not that clear.  Click HERE for the link to Amazon.

If you are still making masks, here are more styles to consider:

Special Occasion

For the Bride

Even Moda has printed a mask panel.   I'm tempted.

This panel makes a combination of adult and children size masks.

One place to get it is the Fat Quarter Shop.  Click HERE.

Everyone, stay safe out there.

Keep your head down and your mask on.

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.