Over the Kitchen Counter: Angie's Place for Cooking and Crafts

Craftsy January BOM

After what seemed like forever, I finally received my Boho fat quarter bundle of fabrics to use in the Craftsy block-of-the-month project.  I was 2 months behind at this point (that's 4 blocks) and anxious to get started after seeing everyone else posting their photos.

I love the fabric line.  It's very colourful and bright, but kind of retro, which I like.  I chose to use the exact fabrics the instructor demonstrated to create the blocks.

The first block is the asterisk and although it looked really easy to do, I had trouble with it.  It came together fine but when I went to square up the block I couldn't get a 45 degree angle in each corner and when I trimmed the block it is uneven.  I will have to wait until the end of the project to see what fabric I have left over (because we don't know in advance which fat quarters she will use in each month's design) and try the block again.  I was kind of disappointed after that first block and since many people were having problems with the 2nd block for January, I was worried!

The second design for January is the wonky pound sign.  People were having their blocks end up being 1/2" too small and were changing the measurements to accommodate that problem.  I decided to try it the way it was written and demonstrated and it actually turned out perfectly!  I was feeling much better about the whole process after the second block and enjoyed making it!

So that's January's blocks done and I am very excited to get going on February's (half-square triangles...my favourites (NOT!)...)

I really like having the challenge of creating 2 new blocks every month.  It's exciting to learn and try a new technique and/or design and it's a very manageable task.  While I found it a lot more difficult than I thought it would be to follow along with a video (I brought the laptop into my workshop and worked along with the video) rather than just a written pattern, it was nice to just have to do a small portion of the project at a time.  It took me a lot longer than I anticipated to make the 2 January blocks but then I was able to clean everything up and put it away.

Quilter's Preview Paper

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Quilter's Preview Paper is an ingenious product!  It's a roll of clear plastic that you can lay on top of your quilt top so you can preview quilting designs.

You simply use a permanent marker to trace or draw a design on the plastic (there are black lines to show the boundries of the sheet), then you hold the design over your quilt so you can decide if the particular pattern (both design and scale) works with your piecing.

It definitely helps to see what the quilting looks like before you actually start.  While there may be several designs which could be used you can certainly see which designs won't work!  I found this very useful when trying to choose a quilting pattern for my Arbor Roses quilt.  The Preview Paper is also great for deciding on applique placement on a block or quilt top.  You can find more information here and watch the video below to see how this very useful item can be used.

Arbor Roses Quilt Finished!

Last Sunday I showed you the completed Arbor Roses quilt top.  This week I'm showing you the finished, quilted quilt!  While the pattern suggested tying the quilt, I decided to use my machine to do the quilting.  I didn't want to quilt over the pretty, woven lattice of the arbor borders so I stitched in the ditch to secure the 3 layers of the quilt and emphasize the pink and blue strips.  For fun, I also stitched around the perimeter with a flower stitch using varigated thread.  I don't know if that is unusual or not but I like the way it looks and think it's pretty.

Next, I used my machine to free-motion quilt the small squares.  After previewing several design choices (using Preview Paper - more about that next week), I decided on a 3-leaf arrangement with some loops and single leaves thrown in.  It was kind of tough to even see the stitching on the busy floral fabric but the quilting really shows on the cream coloured backing fabric - I love it!  I actually like the back of the quilt better than the front!  While I'm not that accomplished at fmq yet it was fun to try it again.  Like before, there are some really good stitches and some really bad ones...but overall I'm happy with how it turned out.  This was my first attempt using my Horizon to fmq and we are still getting to know one another!

For the larger squares I settled upon a diamond satin stitch to tack the layers together.  The pattern recommended 5 ties for the large blocks so I added 5 tacks to each.  I programmed the Horizon to stitch out a stretched diamond, finish with a locking stitch, and then cut the threads.  Oh boy, do I love this machine!  It was super fast to stitch out - I simply marked my squares and then moved the fabric to each position under the needle and pressed the pedal - the Horizon took care of the rest!  Tacking was a new technique for me to try and I really like how it looks.  The small squares ended up being quite heavily quilted so the larger blocks are more puffy and soft by comparison.  Now, in some quilt books the way I chose to finish my quilt could be frowned upon because the quilting is not balanced (some squares are densely quilted and some are not) but I actually like the way it looks and feels having a bit of both.  I think since the squares are evenly balanced it distributes the quilting well enough that it doesn't look too odd.

I considered adding some more fmq leaves in the corners of the large blocks but decided against it in the end so as not to disrupt the flow of the arbor strips.  I called it a day and bound the quilt with probably my tidiest binding yet!  I used the binding tool once again - determined to make the darn thing work - and was very careful attaching the front of the binding using my new 1/4" walking foot (the 1/4" Accufeed foot on my Horizon) and it worked like a charm.  The finished (and washed) quilt has a very antique feel to it and I think it would be perfect for my sister.  The colours remind me of her and her name is Rose so it kind of fits!  I added a printed fabric label, designed with my StoryBook software, and hand-sewed it on.  The only thing I don't like is the colour it turned out to be but once the quilt was washed I wasn't about to remove it!  Good enough!

So that's another quilt done and I'm already itching to start another.  I've got fabric for a 16-patch quilt ready to go and I'm still working on the Craftsy block-of-the-month project.  I also want to design my own applique quilt so I can do some hyperquilting and thread work...plus I want to make another Crazy Quilt using those 250 stitches on my Horizon.  I'm going to be busy!!!

 

Snap Cases & Thread Organization

My friend gave me one of those plastic, stacking snap cases and now I'm obsessed with them!  She picked it up at Michael's and I've also found them at the container/organizer store.  I think I have about 4 or 5 of them so far, in varying sizes.  They are perfect for scrapbooking supplies (like hard-to-store paper ribbons and embellishments) and I love them for my sewing supplies!

I've got them organized based on the items they hold: one for all the feet and accessories for each sewing machine; one for fabric cutting items (scissors, rotary cutter, extra blades); one for quilt marking tools (Hera, markers, pencils, chalks); one for threads and bobbins; one for measuring tools; one for needles & pins, etc.  I love how they have several sections with different depths.  Thanks for the gift and idea, Kathleen!

Another great idea, which I got from a quilt magazine, is to store spools of used thread with their matching filled bobbins in tiny zippered plastic bags.  I picked up the bags at the dollar store and you get about 25 of them!  They are perfect (and cheap!) for keeping my thread organized - so simple!

Finally, I seem to have gathered quite a lot of new thread spools and organizing them can be a challenge as they multiply!  I started with some small Gutermann cases but quickly outgrew them (plus I am using larger spools now).  So then I moved to the plastic drawer system and it's ok for now (I'll probably outgrow that too!).  I like keeping the thread covered up so it doesn't get dusty but want to be able to see what I have at a glance.  I've organized the drawers based on type of thread and love being able to choose from all the great colours!  I stack the other containers on top to save counter space!

 

Quilt Ruler Storage

I have accumulated a rather large collection of quilt rulers.  I used to store them with my cutting mat, sitting on top of my rolling island tucked underneath my craft counter, but it started to become a pain to move them every time I wanted to either get my cutting mat or use the island surface for scrapbooking.

The logical storage solution was to hang up the rulers but since I don't have any real wall space for these very large rulers, and they are not the most attractive items to display, I had a great idea to use the sides of my island.

I bought some 3M Command hooks which would accommodate the hole in the rulers and could be removed without damaging the surface.  I adhered them to each side of my island, as well as on the inside wall of my cabinet below my work station.  I followed the application directions, making sure to wait the hour before adding the rulers (even though I was very excited to hang them up!).  I actually even weighed the rulers to make sure I hadn't exceeded the weight limit clearly marked on each package of the various hooks.  My DH suggested that NO ONE but me would actually do that...but really, how can you expect a product to perform properly if you don't follow the directions?

I have to say I am pretty impressed with myself!  Not only are the rulers out of the way yet easily accessible, they are actually better stored hanging from a hook to protect them and avoid warping.  My Olfa rulers are hanging together - the squares and the rectangles on separate hooks, and my June Tailor Shape-Cut rulers, which are quite delicate, are on another.  It is the perfect way to store these items and I'm so happy with the way the storage solution turned out.  I haven't removed one of the Command hooks but I assume I won't have any trouble if I need to...since I "saved the instructions for easy removal"!

Arbor Roses Quilt Top

Here's my latest quilting project, the Arbor Roses Quilt top.  While it looks like the trellis is linked and woven, it's actually the placement of two different quilt blocks which produces the effect.  One block has a small square bordered with strips and one has a large square with corner triangles.

The blocks were pretty simple to put together and I handled my first 'partial' piecing (one strip of the first block cannot be sewn all the way down until it is joined with the other strips).  I was determined to be as accurate as possible with this quilt and sewed very, very carefully.  While I still struggled to get the 1/4" seam perfect, it is probably the neatest job I've done yet.

There is a test to get the 1/4" seam as accurate as possible: sew strips together and measure the end product.  It should be the total width minus the seam allowances.  So, for example, if you stitched 4 - 2" strips together the result should be 8" minus 1.5" for the 3 seams, equaling 6-1/2" across.  Try as I might, adjusting my needle position each time, I could NOT get my blocks to equal what they should, even though my test strips DID equal the 6-1/2".  Confusing and confounding!  I gave up measuring the finished blocks and just kept going as well as I could.

I picked out all the fabric for this quilt by myself and also got to use my Rotating Cutting Mat (which I showed you yesterday) to cut the corners of the 2nd blocks - very helpful!  The pattern calls for 'bagging out' the quilt (sewing it all around and turning it right-side out like a bag) and finishing by using ties in the blocks.  Neither of these methods appeal to me so I'm still thinking about how I'm going to quilt it.  I just know I will finish it the traditional way with quilting and binding...

If you'd like to see how to test for accurate 1/4" seams, head over to this post at Because I Say Sew...she's got a great video explaining the technique.

Horizon How To Videos

I have just uploaded seven quick 'Horizon How to' videos on my YouTube channel.  I realized that the manual glosses over some instructions with regards to several of the features of the sewing machine and there are very few, if any, videos covering the questions I (and fellow Horizon owners) have.  I hope these visual explanations of some of the awesome things you can do with this machine will help some new owners take advantage of all their new machine offers. 

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Going to have to find me a field!

Well...after months of thorough research and mental anguish, I am happy to say I am the very proud owner of a Horizon 7700!  I was able to finally leave the sewing store with this beauty (after countless visits leaving empty-handed but more convinced it was the machine for me)...it only took re-mortgaging the house, selling the cars, and auctioning off a kidney on e-bay.  Ok, not quite, but the effort it took to convince DH the new Janome was a need, not a want, was almost as labour-intensive!

All kidding aside, I feel so honored and over-whelmed with joy to own this beautiful instrument.  I can't believe how wonderful she looks all set up in my workshop.  I negotiated the cabinet/table as well so she has a permanent home.  (My Gidget table's opening is too small for this large, professional piece of equipment.)  She purrs like a kitten, sews beautifully, has 250 fun and functional stitches and a ton of feet!  I have already added a spool stand and an Accufeed 1/4" seam foot (maybe THAT will help with my poor piecing accuracy)!  I have vowed to dedicate my life to sewing and quilting and can't wait to get started with my next project.  The sample free-motion quilting I've done already makes me look like a pro and the monogram stitches will be perfect for adding my initials to all my future quilts!

I really put so much into the decision regarding the purchase of this machine.  I spent hours and hours researching it - reviews, prices, pros & cons, comparisons with other machines, uses - that I was truly an emotional (do I deserve it? can we afford it? will the dealer accept my offer?)  and physical (no sleep, stress) mess when I finally came to my conclusion!  It was quite a relief to make up my mind and get the deal I wanted.  I am totally at peace and now just excited and happy - knowing with full confidence I totally got the right machine for my needs and budget.  Now...guess I'm gonna have to find a field like I promised!

Winding Stars Table Runner

I have wanted to make a table runner since I began quilting - it's actually a great small project to start with when learning this craft (but of course I initially went full-on with a quilt!).

The pattern came from my local quilt shop and a Christmas-themed runner was perfect since the holiday fabric was on sale for 40% off.  I realized when I got home with my spur-of-the-moment purchase that the pattern was star-point heavy and I hate matching triangles!  I also realized that you totally have to be in the right frame of mind to begin a project because the first time I pulled everything out and got ready to start cutting, I had no idea what the pattern was talking about!

Once I was rested and was in a better place mentally, it was easy to follow the directions and get my fabric all measured and cut, ready for me to begin piecing in the morning.  I tried to be as careful and accurate as possible but soon ran into some trouble.  The half-square triangles (where you match 2 squares of fabric, draw a line diagonally, and then cut 1/4" either side of the line) were NOT cut 1/4" from the centre.  Because I couldn't use the 1/4" foot to stitch in the centre of the fabric, my aim was really off using the edge of my foot incorrectly as a guide.  Fussy, fussy!  I cut apart the triangles, realized my mistake, and had to re-stitch 1/4" seams, now being able to use the 1/4" foot.  Then I had to pick out all the wrong stitch lines.  Hassle, hassle!

Everything else was pretty straight forward but I still ended up with a skew to the right when my runner was all assembled.  At that point I had already added my inner border so I wasn't about to take the whole thing apart to correct the problem.  Like all my mistakes, I just kind of hoped it would straighten itself out or get hidden once the runner was washed.  Nope.  Oh well...learned something with this project too!

It's actually quite a long runner and is really too long for my table.  Of course it doesn't lie flat and that drives me crazy so I'll probably end up using it on a buffet table at Christmas, covered in cake and baked good containers!  One other thing I did take away from this project was piecing together large leftover sections of batting.  I spent $45 on the fabric for my runner and didn't want to buy anything else.  I knew I had some larger pieces of batting but when I got the runner finished I realized I didn't have any batting long enough.  I googled whether I could join two smaller scraps and learned you can.  I butted the 2 raw edges together and used a large zig-zag stitch to join them.  Hand-sewing would probably be preferable but the seam didn't show in the end product and it was much faster to just use the machine.  Good to know I can use up those scraps and save money!

 

Favourite Quilting Books

When I get interested in something I like to learn EVERYTHING possible about it.  I get obsessive about research and love to use every possible resource for information - people, manuals, the net, and books.

I usually start with the library - full of every topic and totally free.  Even better, I can search the catalogue, choose the books I want, and reserve them on-line.  No need to remember the Dewey Decimal System since the books are pulled and waiting for me at the check-out desk.  Using the library is a great way to skim a stack of books on a topic and then decide, if any, which ones are worth buying.  (I really do like having an actual book I can hold in my hands, read before bed, tag with post-it notes, and refer to often.  Especially when the topic is something I will need to reference on an on-going basis.) Sometimes, the books are out of print but now with on-line used books available through big companies like Amazon, it's not really a problem finding them.

When I got interested in quilting I started with Quilting for Dummies.  It gives a good overview of the craft and has a few projects in the back.  The downside to the book is that it's in black and white.  I haven't actually made anything from the book but it has been a great resource for specific information I need to remember or if I have a question and really started me out with a good basis of information.

The next book I bought was Easy Machine Quilting.  It has an entirely different format in that it offers 12 lessons, each taught by a different teacher.  The range of topics covered go from basics, like starting and stopping, to stipple quilting.  Each lesson requires a sample quilt sandwich and you build on your skills as you progress through the lessons.  There are twelve projects to complete.  I really like this book but the projects seem more advanced and I haven't tried any yet.  There are very good instructions and plenty of colour photos.  It's another great reference book since each quilting step has a 'get set' box with the specifics you'll need: settings, feet, threads, etc.  As I learn new techniques I find myself going back to this book to re-read that section.

A book I got from the library and absolutely wanted to buy for myself to keep is Learn to Machine Quilt.  This one gives you basic information and has great photos for certain skills, like binding a quilt.  What I really love are the patterns provided.  There are material lists, cutting directions, diagrams, and quilt plans.  I have made 2 quilts from this book already, with fabric for a third, and many more on my to-do list.  They are very simple patterns that are very do-able for a beginner like me.  Since I wanted to make all the quilts in the book it was worth the search to find it used, since it's out of print.  I was really happy and excited when I got my own copy - and since I'd already renewed the one from the library 3 times...it was time to give it back!

Teach Yourself Visually: Quilting is another fine book.  It is very thorough and has excellent photography.  There is tons of information, everything is covered, projects, tips, explanations...it's just great!  You'd think things would get repetitive with these books but each one is just so different in its approach - each one offers something the others don't and that's why I've invested in owning all of them!

As I progressed with my skills and expanded my knowledge and repertoire I picked up a couple more used books which were more specific in nature.  Both are from the Rodale's Successful Quilting Library: Sensational Sets & Borders, which helps you decided how to arrange your blocks and add borders, and Choosing Quilting Designs, which helps you figure out what to quilt on your quilt.  Very different design choices and each book delves into endless possibilities for each task.  There are so many tips in these pages that I can surely answer any question I can think up!

The last four books I bought are very specific: Pathways to Better Quilting (building on 5 basic shapes to create quilt patterns); Freehand Filler Patterns (for free-motion quilting); Hyperquilting (for embellished quilting with decorative threads); and Crazy Shortcut Quilts (for an entirely different way to complete a quilt).

So these are the books I have purchased that work for me.  Combined they form a wonderful reference library and cover the full range of topics I need to learn about and practice.  I'm excited to expand on what I know already and grow with the craft until it really becomes an expressive art form for me.  That is my ultimate goal when I become good enough.  Research and projects have always been a very exciting practice to me and I think that's why I go through so many interests (and there have been a few!): I love to learn and continue to learn and once I feel I've achieved what I set out to do...I move on to the next topic!  I plan on keeping quilting in my life for a very long time so this is just the beginning!