CleverQuilter Blog

Your Coolest Edition to a Quilt

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

"Cora Bell" is done!! Thank you to one of our blog commentator's for the name: it fits perfectly!

During the completion process, I added some yarn from a scarf project my daughter started a few years ago during a "knitting phase" plus about 18" of beaded trim used when I made curtains about 8 years ago. Saving odd ball tidbits of colorful things that "could be used some day" is all part of owning a crafting horde. I can't wait to find a use for the heavy, glass beads I bought in bulk at one of the craft super stores on a whim!!

What's in your crafting / sewing stash which is fun that you've used in a project? Was it unexpected and unique? Tell us about it!

One UFO Completed!

2012-01-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

Sponsoring the UFO Challenge with Quilting Gallery has given me the umph to finish up some projects. Although I have a beautiful shop and plenty of space there to create, there's something about sewing at the dining room table, in the house, cat nearby, tea cup full, and stereo playing: I really prefer it to sewing in the shop. Here's the catch: I have very little space there to store quilting paraphernalia in the house. If I want to start a new project there, I have to clear out other projects first.

In order to make room for the Hawaiian applique quilt blocks, I pulled out this project I started in April of 2011. My friend, Carol Britt, of Batiks Etc. gave me the pattern as a gift and I immediately feel in love with it. She designed the pattern, the really cool technique for creating the blocks AND (I love this part) it is a quilt-as-you-go project! What is NOT to like??? Here's the link to her shop and the patterns.

Anyway, it took 1.5 cups of coffee and about an hour for me to FINALLY finish up piecing this table runner this morning. Max, my kitty, helped which is why it took an hour verses 30 minutes....

If it only took an hour to finish up, why did it take over 8 months for me to pick it up and finish? That's a topic for another day... Thank goodness for Quilting Is Murder and Quilting Gallery's UFO Quilt Challenge, though: who knows when we'd have this lovely table runner on the dining room table???!!!

Ellie Update

2012-01-17T12:55:00.000-08:00

Since I can't do just ONE project at a time, here's some pictures of Ellie. I'm almost done beading and have to return to doing the little zig-zag stitches around her pieces. For whatever reason, I can only do those little zig-zag stitches for a bit them my machine decides it has had enough and starts goofing up the bobbin thread. Oh well: I just turn back to the beading!!

I added close-ups of her feet and eye. My camera isn't very good ~ I'm wondering if my iPhone takes better pictures... You get the idea, though. She is certainly getting lovely!!

Her ears are just not zippy enough: the beads are not showing up enough. The next update may show more there!!

Now where to hang her when done....

To Add the Yarn or not: That is the Question

2012-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of the yarn I'm considering attaching around the border of the quilt. It is just draped here. I love how it is fuzzy, colorful and not too "big". What do you think? Add it to the border or not? Maybe just add it as a fringe to the bottom?

Ideas and thoughts? I'll pull out the beads in the next posting ......

My New Years Project - the Cow

2012-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

First - this project is "in Process" - heck, I don't even have a name for it other than "Cow"!!

This year, I started something I'd wanted to start for years: a project that involves taking a paper picture and creating my own fabric picture. This is about 21" square and not done yet. There will be beads and maybe fuzzy, fun yarn.....

What I've learned so far:

Lesson #1: Contrasting thread is your friend. I found my sun and flowers do not show up at all: I was worried if I used darker threads, they'd over power the cow. NOT!!

Lesson #2: Just start and do it. I must have sat there 15 minutes before I started the flowers on the bottom. Then, I sat there another 15 minutes, frozen, before I started the sun. Grab the project, hit the pedal and GO!!

Lesson #3: Beads rule. I can't wait to start adding beads. Blue beads for the "sky" and green for the "grass".

Should I add decorative yarn to the outer border? Let me know!

Have you started anything - tell us about it.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

In our final Holiday Cheer installment, we'll display the best of the best, IMHO, from the Houston Quilt Show, West Coast Wonders. Thanks and enjoy!!

Wave Rider by Monika Scola

Summer Dreams by Mary A. Tabar

Elf Owl by Terry Waldron

My absolute favorite is "Elf Owl". The whimsical aspect makes me smile each time I look at that cute little owl! I love how the sky is a patterned blue ~ I never would have considered using fabric like that. What makes viewing really spectacular quilts neat, to me, is the "Oh wow - I'd never have thought to do that" factor.

Which were your favorite quilts and did you see any in our series that made you think "Hey, I never thought of THAT." Please share!

Happy New Year a bit Early!

2011-12-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

And a few calorie-less treats for you. Drink up these images and enjoy the smiles they bring to you!

Roadside Poppies by Denise Oyama Miller

Tsunami Rattles California by Ann C. Sanderson

Deception Pass by MonikaScola

Holiday Eye Candy Cheer

2011-12-28T05:14:00.000-08:00

Viewing quilts from award winning designers never gets old!

View from the Verandah by Katie Mackin

Railton Trees - Daytime by Denise Oyama Miller

There's more! Woot Woot!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T05:05:00.000-08:00

Enjoy some absolutely lovely quilts this season. Our Holiday Cheer series continues!

The Quilt Show was called "West Coast Wonders 2011".

California Dreamin' by Judy Laird

California Beauty by Felisa C. Lyons

Seeing these quilts in person gives you the ability to admire the tiny pieces, the stitches, and embellishments which don't show in a blog posting. I've written Bill Gates about this and asked for 3D and touchable screens (so you can feel the fabric) and he has assured me that his engineers are working on it. Maybe next year.....

Holiday Cheer - Enjoy!

2011-12-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

From the quilt show at Quilt Market, Houston I bring you more fabulous quilts. :)

Point Buchon by Sara Kelly

Malibu Beach by Sherry Davis Kleinman

Clean more Glasses - More Holiday Cheer to go!!

2011-12-20T04:56:00.000-08:00

A few quilts on display in the Quilt Show at Market. Original, lovely and guaranteed to give you a touch of happiness ~ holiday cheer.

Wish I Was There, by Barbara A. Daniel

Santa Barbara Riviera by Ranell Hansen

Holiday Cheer #10ish....

2011-12-18T04:38:00.000-08:00

Love, Love, Love Batiks!

When I took this picture, I figured I'd remember who made it: I can't. My memory is not like an elephant's! Wish I remembered: this was such a cute guy. I can see appetizers perched on his back ~ he'd be a centerpiece for my next party.

Let the Fun Continue! More Holiday Cheer

2011-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

Images from quilts entered into various contests at Quilt Market and displayed in the Quilt Gallery.

Blazing Autumn Trees, by Terry Aske

Beach Scenes, by Mia Bloom

Jingle Jingle - More Holiday Cheer!

2011-12-14T04:30:00.000-08:00

I love how Sarah has mixed colors to make the elements pop!

This is a Swirly Girls Designs pattern - "Zig Zag". I reached out to touch it when I saw it - looked 3D!!

Cheerful Holiday Quilt Candy

2011-12-12T04:25:00.000-08:00

Black and white never go out of style.

Yes, it is made of fabric - it is simply incredible what creative minds can think up, write down then translate to fabric.

Holiday Cheer - 7th Installment

2011-12-10T03:37:00.000-08:00

Makes me think Arabian Nights! (And start humming Aladdin tunes...Thank goodness you can't hear me sing in a blog posting - lol!)

This is part of Ty Pennington's booth. I rode from the airport to my hotel with a woman who helped design the booth and made the guitar you see above.

Go Grab Some Eggnog

2011-12-08T03:33:00.000-08:00

I've never worked with animal skin-type fabric: wouldn't it be fun??

I never got his name.... And no, just like at Disney, he doesn't talk. (What fun!!)

Holiday Cheer - part 5

2011-12-06T03:26:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Sampou's booth: it won best of show.

Time to book those flights to Hawaii!!

Candy Canes For Everyone! More Holiday Cheer from CleverQuilter

2011-12-04T03:19:00.000-08:00

The Dutch Quilter previewed this absolutely lovely amaryllis bulb. Incidentally, this image reminded me to pull my bulbs out of the basement so they can get going for Holiday blooming. So far, my four bulbs have lasted 3 years but I think two will be "retired" this year as they looked very unhappy when I put them in the basement for their dormant period in September. It's always a surprise which color will bloom first. In Upstate New York, winter color is simply wonderful!

One of my passions: flowers.

Eye Candy - No Calories!!

2011-12-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

This quilt is all fusible applique and inspired me to replace my old, beat up (and holey - not holy!!) teflon ironing sheet. Creating lovely things requires good tools, after all!!

Kaffe's booth always makes me smile. Two years ago I saw him working on a hand embroidery piece in hie booth. The designers do create what we see at market, with their own hands!! It's pretty neat.

Holiday Cheer - CleverQuilter Style!

2011-11-30T03:05:00.000-08:00

Dimension was added using machine embroidery - can you image creating this?

Whole cloth quilting using fusible applique plus one heck of an Advent calendar!

Holiday Cheer

2011-11-28T03:05:00.000-08:00

Take a break from your holiday shopping, cooking, cleaning and enjoy some Holiday Cheer, CleverQuilter style!
During December, I'll be posting images from Quilt Market, held in Houston on Oct. 28 - Nov. 1, 2011. Lovely, inspiring images that made me smile or simply filled me with awe when my eyes rested upon them. Relax and enjoy..

I can picture my daughter, about 10 years ago, making tea for her Dolly in this house.

Lovely!!

The Eyes Have It

2011-10-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

It feels like I've been working on Ellie forever! This is the beading stage: the part where I pick up the quilt while watching TV and add bling. Lots of BLING!! The problem is who has time to watch TV? I certainly don't ! Looks like Ellie will be a work in progress for the next few months, at least....

Here's what I've done to her eyes - first the left then the right. Her tusks are also done with glossy, clear beads and I'm planning her toenails next. After that, I'll start her floppy ears. Since there is sooooo much body on an elephant, it's hard to get my mind around what to do there. Instead, I'm knocking off the small, more manageable parts first. Does that ever happen to you? When you get involved in a big project, do you pick it apart and tackle small pieces, one at a time? It has helped me feel like I'm accomplishing something during my "TV time". :)

One more thing I want to add: we have a new kitten in the house. Beading a quilt is pretty tricky with a curious cat batting at your thread each time you move and the bead tray: oh, what a mess!! Here's a picture of my "helper":

He only LOOKS asleep......

Random Quilting

2011-08-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

I love this type of quilting. Just doodle, filling in the area in a directional pattern. The challenge is how to fill the area without crossing threads! I'm almost done with this quilt top. My plan is to add beads and sequins to make the quilt sparkle. You can see the kit here . Elephant Thunder - kit includes fabric and full size pattern. Perfect Saturday project. It looks like it would take days to do but not if you use fusible applique and a hot iron. "Ellie" has been on our work table for a few months. It feels wonderful getting her completed and ready to hang!!

Up next is quilting Strolling Giraffe. I did a blog entry on her a while back you can read here. Quilting "Guy" the giraffe will be more structured.

Which do you prefer: doodling quilting or structured, patterned quilt designs? Which do you LIKE to do yourself verses see on quilts? I think there is a reason I like doodling myself but seeing structured quilting on others quilts: it's much harder to do the structured quilting!!!

Barn Raspberries

2011-07-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

Behind the shop, a patch of brambles has grown. They seeded in naturally. Over the past three years, I've been going through the patch and pulling up non-berry plants. The result is a wonderful patch we harvest each year, starting with red blackberries and then blackberries. I've made jam with these - its wonderful!! Getting enough berries to survive the trip from the shop to the house is a problem: they tend to get eaten as they are picked!!

The "Coneflower"

2011-07-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last fall, I transplanted a coneflower in this spot. I've been watching this grow for several weeks, very proud the "coneflower" survived the transplanting and is thriving. When my buddy Linda came by this week, I proudly showed her my "coneflower" - it was originally a transplant from one of her gardens. Linda owns a flower farm and was very tactful when she pointed out that this plant looks nothing LIKE a coneflower - LOL!!

My rather large weed, which I now call my "coneflower weed" is about to flower. I'll know what it is then!!

How many of you have carefully cultivated lovely "flowers" in your gardens, only to find out they are actually just really happy weeds?

Bunny in the Garden

2011-07-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Humm, I'm thinking this is where several of my new seedlings went.... I do love bunnies though. They are adorable!

Do you see the fawn?

2011-07-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hint - she's up in the woods. So cute and blends right in! One of the pleasures of Spring in Upstate NY is seeing fawns in the early summer.

Which Came First

2011-06-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

Which Came First??? I bet it was the chicken - but only because I *LOVE* my chickens!!
We completed the fabric kit and created this wall hanging to share with you. There are beads and really nice thread quilting on the wall hanging: some things just look better in person verses on the computer...

Click for details and (drum roll) the first dozen orders receive a bling bag of beads in the kit! What fun!

Kit includes pattern, fabric for top, binding and backing ~ pretty neat.

Here's a neat tip on how to speed up the pattern tracing process for fusible applique: let your printer do all the work!

First a disclaimer: this may not work with your ink jet printer. Please try a test print first, let it dry and see if the transfer worked or not before going through all the steps below and THEN finding out the ink does not transfer well.

Okay, here's what I did:

First, I made a copy of all the pattern pieces needed to create the fusible project (ie: all the chicken and egg parts). **** Be sure the pattern is reversed: McKenna Ryan always has her pieces reversed in the pattern, ready to trace.
Grab your fusible web and cut it to paper size so it fits through your printer.
Tape your pattern pieces to a piece of copy paper. It will probably take several pieces of paper but tape them on there.
Put your fusible web into the printer so that the printer prints on the paper side of your fusible web. I use Steam-A-Seam2 lite and there is one side paper, one side webbing. Some products have 2 sides of paper: I did not use this type fusible paper, so try running a piece through first to see if it will work without jamming.
Copy the paper with the taped pattern pieces on to the fusible web. If you can, adjust your printer to a darker copy setting: just a bit darker ~ it helps outlining the pieces.
Wait for your fusible web with printing on it to DRY thoroughly. Mine wiped off if I did not let it dry for several minutes. Black ink - yuck!! Patience: if it drys and works, you'll be :) just like me!!
Now you have exact copies of the pattern on your fusible web!! Cut them out and fuse to the back of your fabric and complete your project.

Here are a few pictures I took while going through this process:
Here's the copy pattern pieces which I taped to a piece of paper beside the printed version. In this copy, I did not darken the print and it is a bit light.

On to fusing!! My well loved Teflon Pressing Sheet is ready to go.

The chicks and flower are coming together...

The completed center panel has been peeled off the Teflon pressing sheet and permanently ironed to the background. Yes, it is upside down: I'm not sure how to flip it in this program....

Using the copier to "trace" for me saved time and each piece was exact, labeled and ready to go. Give it a try on your next applique project!

Fresh Peas at My Shop!

2011-06-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

My peas are almost ready to pick - I love walking by my veggie garden on my way to the shop: I get to pick fresh whatever-is-in-season snacks right from the fence!

I've never had my peas grow so tall: I think it was all the rain early this season. Lots of pods this year as well: ummm ummm good. :)

Our New Feathered Neighbor

2011-05-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

A junco has moved into our side lawn! Usually they nest in the woods or my "field" by the bee hives but this Mama Junco has decided to nest 10 feet from our back door. We no longer have cats so she should be safe.
Here is the nest on Wednesday, the day we found it.

When we looked yesterday, there were more eggs!!

This afternoon I was lucky enough to snap a picture of Mama Junco in the nest.

This is really neat!! I hope they all hatch - I'll keep you updated.

The Hats! The Hats!!

2011-04-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I'm not a royal fan: I did not get up at 4am to watch Kate wed William. I did however just take a peek to see her dress. All I can say is....

The HATS!! I LOVE the HATS!!! If we could wear hats like that in the US, I'd be in heaven. What fun! Take a peek at the royal wedding ~ there's tons of videos out there: just pull one up and look. Watch Kate and Will for a second then focus on looking at all the women with hats in the chapel. How cool!! Now watch this montage from CNN's website on the hats:
CNN Hats Galore!

Time to start a trend here in the US: I'm game and ready to dedicate part of my closet space as well!!

Something New to Crow About!

2011-04-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Something new to crow about around here: Maggie Walker's Roosters. A three pattern set which ruffles MY feathers!

Click image to see close ups of the blocks and to order. :) Receive $5 off when purchasing the pattern set by answering this question: What came first, the Rooster or the Egg? Put your answer in the comment section of your order until April 15th and we'll take care of the rest!

Try This - It Tastes Like a Chocolate Covered Glazed Donut!!

2011-03-31T04:31:00.000-07:00

Driving home yesterday from a retreat, I had a bag of Simply Naked Pita Chips with sea salt, a jar of Nutella, an apple and a water bottle. I couldn't cut the apple to put into the Nutella and felt that my finger wasn't clean enough just to stick into the jar, soooooo, I started dipping the pita chips in the Nutella.

It tasted like a chocolate covered glazed donut. No joke. Not believing what I was tasting, I tried it again in West Virginia, then in Maryland, Pennsylvania and again in New York State.

You have to try it. Now I can get my donut fix without going to the bakery!!

Maple Syrup Time in Upstate NY

2011-03-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

It's almost time to start thinking maybe about the snow going away and spring starting here in Upstate NY! I know from experience that we could get snow as late as May 15th but I also know snow or not, March is maple sugar time.

About three years ago we tapped a few trees, bought some cinder blocks and began boiling sap into syrup. I love it. Well, when it isn't sleeting and snowing while I'm boiling.... When the days rise above 32 degrees and the nights go into the 20's, it is time. This year we have 10 taps out on trees which gives us up to 30 gallons a day if sap is running full bore.

Here's our boiling station made up of our 3 year old cinder blocks. There is flame shooting out of the chimney in the back - the camera did not catch it. Our cinder blocks may not make it until next year: 3 crumbled when I was setting up the fire pit. At $1.32 a piece, they did well for threes years of fires!

Here's the result of 20 gallons of sap and 10 hours of boiling. Yummy!!

I'd invite everyone over for some pancakes but alias, we only have 10 chairs!! Enjoy the last few gasps of winter - Spring is on its way!

An UFO No Longer!

2011-03-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

Honestly, I can't remember when I promised this quilt to my sister: she asked for a simple quilt with minimal piecing and some Celtic designs on it. She picked Nature's Notebook fabric, designed by April Cornell and it was a breeze (I remember) cutting and piecing this. There are a total of 16 pieces, not counting the Celtic designs. So, what took so long? Why did this become one of the shop UFO's for several months? In a nutshell, it was the Celtic designs. I couldn't figure out how to do them.

Enter Simplicity Bias Tape makers. You cut strips, feed them through the bias tape marker with the pre-cut adhesive strips, use a steam iron to iron them together and you have beautiful, uniform bias strips!! I know own three in different sizes.

This is how I created the center design. I found a Celtic knot, blew it up to size and put my trusty but really worn teflon sheet over it. Using just about all the pins in my quilting box, I pinned the bias tape down directly through the teflon and paper. I steam ironed it, peeled it up and transferred it to the quilt top for another steam iron session.

Voila! Center Celtic design finished and on the quilt.

This is a king quilt, which means I have to put it up on the frame to quilt. I'm just admiring it here AND checking for size and design issues. She'll LOVE it!!

Tell me about your last UFO and if you have already or plan to finish it off.

Buy a bias tape maker or three: they helped *me* finish up!!

Orange Elephant Thunder: Almost done!

2011-02-17T05:31:00.001-08:00

Ready for quilting..... Ellie is LOVELY!!!

Big News!

2011-02-14T17:54:00.000-08:00

Ken and Barbie are back together!! WooHoo - 50+ years of TRUE love....

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

My Elephant is coming together!

2011-02-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

I think I'll call her "Ellie O", short for Elephant Orange. She's coming together beautifully!!

I've traced the pieces and am laying them out on the background to test the colors here. Once I like what I've chosen, I'll trace the pattern on the background and fuse the pieces permanently in place. Next, up is piecing the colorful bottom border followed by loading Ellie on the Grand Quilter for final quilting.

My son has his eye on her... We may need to rename her to Elvis O, if she goes into his room.

You can see the pattern and fabric kit here and try your hand at Ellie O (better known as Elephant Thunder, Orange fabric kit) on our website. Truly, it is quick, fun and so satisfying to work with lovely bright colors right before spring. As I write this, I'm seeing glitter, glam, diamonds around her ears... Ellie may need some bead work. Her toes definitely will need something. Time to dive into my embellishment basket! This is turning out to be more fun than I first thought ~ cool. Enjoy!

Just Because I Feel Colorful!

2011-02-10T01:36:00.000-08:00

Today I had an overwhelming urge to work with fabric. Colorful fabric. You all know what I'm talking about. I've been eying this pattern ever since I saw it at Quilt Market in November. Elephant Thunder, here I come!!
Elephant Thunder is a large, fusible applique project but really does not have that many pieces. First thing I had to do is trace the pattern in reverse.

Here's *my* light box. Low tech and effective.

Color - I wanted color! Light and dark gray just isn't my cup of tea. Orange: now that's a color I rarely work with. There are a quite a few lovely Lakehouse fabrics I could have chosen. Here's what I picked with the Steam-A-Seam outlined pattern pieces ironed on the back. (Notice I said "back" - I had a bit of a problem with that concept when i created the Last Rose! )

Since I started this today, its not even close to done. I'll continue with the pictures and we'll all see how it turns out.

If you haven't tried one of these patterns from The Pattern Place, they involve tracing, fusing, and some cutting. Typically, only the borders need piecing. So if you are in a no-sew mood or you are out of sharp needles or if your machine is on the fritz, a project like Elephant Thunder, Strolling Giraffe or Zebra Crossing are perfect. I like perfect!!

Until I get more done!!

Home Tweet Home is Here!!

2011-02-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

McKenna Ryan's newest pattern set is almost here! We received notification from UPS that our order is on its way. Click to order yours today - we'll be shipping the middle of next week. I can *not* wait to open these up and start pulling fabrics for our own unique kits. We'll keep everyone posted: what a perfect project for spring!

Hawaii UFO

2011-02-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

Look what I pulled out of my UFO pile today? Six, 20" blocks I made in 2004 using needle-turn applique. I designed these blocks after a trip to Hawaii with my family, They are so lovely! Problem is, I don't know what to do *with* them!!
Any ideas?

Just in Time for Valentines!

2011-02-01T06:36:00.000-08:00

In about an hour, you can make two lovely, soft, heart-shaped pillows for your loved one. Less time sewing, more time for romance!!

Kits $14 each. Fabrics vary but all are lovely and from April Cornell's Spring Magic collection. Kit includes pattern.

Sign up for our Stashbusters Club and receive this pattern and others free each month! Click to join the fun today.

Romeo is here!

2011-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day!!

Create a "Romeo" for that special person in your life. We've pulled together hand-picked fabrics to make this a fun and fabulous kit! "Romeo" includes a full sized pattern and is created using fusible applique. This means less time creating and more time for romance.....Regularly priced $66, use coupon code "Romeo" and receive 10$ off this lovely kit. Well be running this special through February 14th.

Get in the mood: buy yours today!

Last Rose - Finally Up!!

2011-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I loaded my Pfaff with Sulky 60wt. thread in a lite pink and simply went to town on the rose petals. After that, I attached the backing and finished the wall hanging. Whew! Here's a close up of the flower showing the detail of the thread work. It was scary just sewing without a set pattern but as I went along, I loosened up and relaxed. The petals looked better after I relaxed and just let the lines flow.

Now to finish Guy the Giraffe. Or start something else.... :)

Ancient Chinese Proverb

2011-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

"Be sure garage door is up before backing car out."

No real damage done: just scared the heck out of me!! LOL!!! Some days, I could use a mulligan.....

Cat Owner Question

2011-01-24T06:43:00.001-08:00

Does anyone have a cat that does this? My girl, Larry, puts her paw in the water dish and licks it off. She switches paws and seems to drink this way for a while. We end up with a puddle under the water dish and wet kitty prints all over!! What a goof cat. Has anyone else seen their cat drink with their paws?

Radical Roosters Rule!

2011-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas, the shop received delivery of the Radical Rooster series of patterns. As you know from previous posts, I have a soft spot for chickens ~ especially roosters. With the pattern for Rob Roy (one of the Radical Roosters), my trusty teflon sheet, some Steam-A-Seam2, several pairs of scissors and 2 fabric packs, I went with my family down south to visit with my parents and sister's family. Little did Mom, my niece and my daughter know, they were going to be guinea pigs over vacation!!

Here's what we did: one afternoon, I laid out all the fabrics, the pattern and asked them if they wanted to create a rooster - no sewing required. Of course they did! I wanted to see how easy it was to create a Radical Rooster and if an 11 year old, a 15 year old and a 73 year old could do it with minimal help.

Follow along below to see how it turned out.

First we traced the pattern reversed on the Steam-A-Seam2 and cut out the pattern pieces. Here's my daughter deciding which fabrics go with which feathers.

After the fabrics are matched with pieces, the Steam-A-Seam pattern pieces are ironed to the back of the fabric and carefully cut out. Here's my daughter, with help from my Mom, placing the pieces on the teflon sheet, over the pattern.

Once everyone is happy with where the pieces are on the teflon, it is ironed in place. If you look carefully, you'll see the pattern under the teflon. Thankfully, no one in my family is too worried if it isn't "exactly" on the lines - LOL!!
What a fun afternoon! Here's a peek at their roosters, side by side:

My daughter and niece decided they wanted theirs fused to pillows. Cool!! We purchased two pillows, removed the cases and fused their roosters to them.
You can see our Radical Roosters and fabric packs here. you'll note we have them on sale for 20% off through 1/22/2011. You'll see the discount when you checkout.

What fun!! Get Radical today!

Thread Painting the Last Rose

2010-12-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

When I'm stressed, I sew. When there's 10,000 things on the list and tea doesn't settle me, I sew. Last weekend, I sewed. The Last Rose was the "victim". To finish this piece, first I have to thread paint the leaves and petals and then I can quilt it. I like the quilting part: I have a definite plan in mind for that stage.

I didn't have a definite plan in mind for the thread painting stage when I started last weekend. The last time I painted with thread, well, lets just say that quilt isn't up on the wall....

Okay here's what I did: to stabilize the applique, I fused Pellon Craft-Fuse 808 to the back of the Rose; collected the threads I wanted to use; changed my needle (gotta have a sharp needle!); did some practice doodling and then I dove right in. I had to stop after about 15 minutes as my machine apparently makes quite a racket when people want to go to bed in the room above the dining room table. Peace must be maintained in the household....

Thread painting is incredibly relaxing. The more lines I did, the more confident I got. I can now visualize what I want to do. Just have to time it so no one wants to go to bed 15 minutes after I start....

Stay tuned!

Too Much Eggnog....

2010-12-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

I Love PopTops!

2010-12-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

I should be finishing up the Last Rose. I should be finishing up Guy the Giraffe. I should be decorating the house or baking things or even .... cleaning.

Instead, I made 2 Pop Tops - two gals who just make me smile! Over Thanksgiving, I stopped at Quilting Adventures in Richmond. My friend, Joyce, and her daughter, Phoebe own the shop and of course, I purchased some fun quilting stuff I don't carry at CleverQuilter.com. One item was the pattern for these gals - Pop Tops. (If you click, you'll go their shop where you can see the pattern.) They are my first dolls!
My daughter was with me while we shopped and she bought the pattern for Phoebe - Melly and Me. Adorable!! She made one in about 2 hours.

So that's what I do when I have projects 85% complete...I make something else!! Now what to name them... hummmm...Enjoy the rest of the week.

Shop Chickens are Laying!!

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited! One of the "chicks" I received in August is laying eggs. As you look at the picture, the back four eggs are from a local farm: not mine.... :( BUT the front two eggs are from my girls. The one on the left (odd color, huh?) is from one of the new girls and the one on the right is from an older hen who joined us in August. The older hen, Blackie, has been laying for a few weeks. As hens age, they lay bigger and bigger eggs. When they first start laying, they lay a few tiny eggs (as you can see!!) then they hit their stride and lay the size they are bred to lay. I'm so curious each morning when I go out and check them: did anyone else begin laying? What colors will I find? It's the simple things in life that make living so worthwhile!!

Strolling Giraffe - full size

2010-12-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

I named him Guy. Almost named him Jerry but I know a woman named Jerry and she does not remind me of a giraffe!! Guy it is.

I wanted to give you an idea of just how big Guy is. I'll be adding borders and grass tomorrow.

The pattern come with the quilting design included. The pieces are full sized as well: no enlarging required. The Pattern Place has made Guy easy ~ love that!

Our Giraffe Gets Spots

2010-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's a head!! This is so easy - cut a piece, place it on the background and iron. Voila! A puzzle where you know where to put everything - pretty neat.
On to his back leg spots....Now he really can be a "Strolling Giraffe"!!

Almost done and all in just an hour.

It's a Giraffe!!

2010-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:00

I saw this pattern from The Pattern Place at quilt market in Houston. Loved it!!
We're kitting it for sale on the website. Just to show you how incredibly EASY these applique quilts are, I'm going through the steps to make one.

Before we start, I have to say, this guy is huge! The quilt finishes at 40" by 59". I'm considering adding more borders and making it a throw quilt for my son's bed. It certainly would work for a crib quilt. :)

First: fabric selection. Who wants a single color giraffe??? Not me! We picked a lovely patterned batik from Moda to be our giraffe body patches and contrasted it on an off-white cotton background. The background has teeny, tiny leafy patterns. Cool. Giraffe's like leaves! The tan and dark browns are both Hoffman batiks.

More tomorrow!

Last Rose: Fused & Ready for Borders

2010-11-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

I went ahead and picked out leaf fabrics and took my daughters advice and got rid of the chicken wire fabric. Additionally, when I was putting the final pieces on the background, I saw some leaves just were not needed. Hey, I thought, I have scissors and I know how to use them - LOL!! Off with part of the far left leaf and the far right leaf disappeared all together.

I see I'll have a lot of "thread painting" to do to make the leaves look more life-like. The light green I used should have been much darker than what I ended up using. Next time, I'll know better!

This will hang above a beautiful flo blue pottery piece my mom gave me. I've been thinking of just putting a blue border inside of the background ~ it'll "float" about two inches in. I have a nifty tool from Clover: a Fusible Bias Tape Maker, which applies fusible web to thin strips: when I do that, I'll put up pictures and show how it works.

Hopefully I'll finish this up before Christmas....

Last Rose: Deciding on Leaf Fabrics

2010-11-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

Since I know this is going to be displayed in our dining room, I decided to tape it up on the wall and see what I think. There are possible leaf and stem fabrics around it - I have to decide which to use. The more I look at it, the more I don't like the fabulous chicken wire fabric as a background. Hummmm. I may just have to go pull some bolts and look at them up against the rose. Then look at them up against my dining room wall.

Am I "thinking" this too much??!! Have you ever paralyzed a project by thinking it to death? I really, really like this rose. Could I be afraid to do the FINAL fuse on to background fabric? What if I did not choose the perfect color? Urgh!! Okay: I'm only going to give myself 1 day then start cutting the stems and leaves. That means I HAVE to have decided on the background by then.

Wish me luck!

Last Rose: A Lovely Flower

2010-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's done! It looks better than I hoped!

I've placed it next to the orginal photo and on top of the backing I think I want. Now that I see the backing, I'm not sure.... it may be too dark. But I LOVE the chicken wire pattern...There are 2 other fabrics from McKenna Ryan's collection that may work.

Last Rose: Putting the Petals Together

2010-11-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

To quickly locate the pieces, I've put them in piles: the 80's in one, the 70's in another, etcetera. Now to start placing the petals on the teflon.

I'm starting on the outside and working my way in to the center. I saw a new teflon product at market I want to try. My sheet is ready to be retired: it no longer lies flat. Note to self: get a new teflon sheet or try a new brand for the next project.

Almost done. The Last Rose of the Season is coming together!

Join Us for a Pantie Raid!

2010-11-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Join us to help those in need November 23 - 29 with a donation of women's or children's undies for our regional Red Cross Homeless Shelter. For each $5 donated, we'll send over a package of new panties to help women and children in need. You'll receive the warm fuzzy feeling of having given to those less fortunate and we'll send along a free fat quarter to you as a thank you.

I love my customers - you all are the best people in the world! Here's the link to donate on our site.

The 12 shops participating in this generous promotion are:
Batiks Etc and Sew What Fabrics … Wytheville VA
Clever Quilter … Newfield NY
Cotton Patch Quilt Shop … University Park FL
Keepsake Cottage Fabrics … Bothell WA
Kelly Ann’s Quilting … Warrenton VA
Log Cabin Quilt Shop … La Vista NE
The Quilted Kitty … Lincoln NE
Quilting Possibilities … Forked River NJ
Rosebud’s Cottage … White Bear Lake MN
Shiisa Quilts … Bloomington IN
Sweet Home Quilt Shop … Conyers GA
Wish Upon a Quilt … Raleigh NC

If you live near any of these shops, stop in with your own new packet of undies - they'll give you a fat quarter!!

Last Rose: Ironing on Fabric

2010-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, the "fun" part. In this step, I iron the 158 pattern pieces of fusible web to the back of the fabric and then cut them out. When you work with actual patterns (by real designers), each piece is separated on the pattern. You trace the piece on the fusible web, cut around it leaving about a 1/8" on all sides and fuse it to the fabric. Then when you cut, you have nice lines to follow. I now see the benefit of this in spades! Since I'm winging it with a picture I took, I have no edges on the traced pieces. I'm losing detail as I cut.

Click on the picture and take a look at the light colored section. (Yes, I like Tootsie Rolls) I can barely see the edges of the Steam-A-Seam. Again I am wondering if this was a good idea!! Back to cutting.

Oh, how to keep these pieces in some sort of order... Envelops? Piles on the table? By number? We'll see.

More on Wednesday.....

Last Rose: Putting Pieces to Fabric

2010-11-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

All the pieces are cut. Here they are laid back on the Rose. My plan is to look at the color picture, pick up a piece from here and match it to the fabric.

My plan is one thing, my gut is telling me there's wayyyy too many pieces here! I've grabbed my tweezers, cleaned my reading glasses and poured a glass of wine. Am I crazy? Time to quit for the night. Things will look less impossible Monday.....

Last Rose - Fabric Selection

2010-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

Picking fabric, even though we're only talking 3 colors, took me about 25 minutes. That's just crazy. Every time I pulled a bolt, I saw another that would work or another that would've worked with the one I pulled 3 bolts ago. To be honest, I'm not totally sold on the backing but there's time to change. I don't have a fabric with a brick pattern but have 3 different chicken wire fabrics - maybe a brick colored fabric and I can quilt in the brick pattern.... Like I said, I've got time on the backing.

Saturday: putting the pieces to the fabric.

Last Rose: Tracing on Steam-A-Seam

2010-11-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

I was right: tracing on Steam-A-Seam Lite would be hard: I couldn't see the lines when I tried tracing it on the table. Hummmm, I need a light box. Witness my side door window. Perfect! I lightly taped the Steam-A-Seam to the image. I used a few very sharp pencils. Worked perfectly. Below is the result. Note to self: Cut Steam-A-Seam Lite LONG enough for your project... Mine was about a 1/2 short - LOL!

On to cutting the pieces and choosing fabric - read more Thursday.

Last Rose: Adding Numbers

2010-11-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

As I was numbering the pieces, I started weighing if I really needed that microscopic piece or that accent arc about a 1/16th wide... Some did not make the cut. And thank goodness they didn't! Read on.

Beginning with the rose, my numbering of pieces went through the seventies, into the eighties. I then started at one again when numbering the stem pieces. About at number 3 on the stem, it dawned on me....

Why on earth would anybody put together a complicated 158 piece applique for their very first DYI applique??? Am I NUTS???!!!!

More next week.

Last Rose: Adding lines

2010-11-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

With the black and white rose in front of me, I saw details I couldn't pick out with the color image. My eyes simply don't see the same changes in contrast. Wow, I feel like an artist! This truly is fun. I drew lines around the "pieces" of applique in this step. Each segment will be a piece of colored fabric in the final piece. As I draw in the lines, it begins to dawn on me I may not be able to see these when I tranfer the lines to Steam-A-Seam. :)

I think this looks cool - the variations in color I could only see in black and white. Click on it to enlarge and see the lines.

More tomorrow.....

Last Rose: Starting the Project

2010-11-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

This was soo pretty, I decided to make it into a quilt. Inspiration hits and you HAVE to answer! So, how to turn this into a applique wall hanging.... I've never done this before but imagine my first step is to blow the picture up, in color and black and white. Black and white will clearly show the tone differences and be the copy I work with. Here it is: 24" wide by about 32" tall. Taping the pages together, this is the result. You can see the flash of my camera reflecting in the tape.

More tomorrow.....

Last Rose of the Season

2010-11-09T06:54:00.000-08:00

Beautiful. Photo taken 10/18/2010. An added bonus: these roses smell as good as they look!

You Know it's a Nice Hotel When...

2010-11-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Give me a fluffy, over-sized robe and a soft pair of slippers and I'm in heaven! We stayed at the Four Seasons in Houston for Quilt Market last weekend: you can see my very happy toes above. I was tempted to wear these while going booth to booth in Quilt Market but common sense won out. I wore my felt shop clogs instead!

Have you ever stayed at a hotel and been delighted with their amenities? Tell us your story: the good, the fun and the unexpected! You may win something good, fun and unexpected from CleverQuilter....

The Perfect Secret Santa Gift

2010-11-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

We all know the feeling: it happens when you open the paper which holds the name of your secret quilt guild santa. Your tummy tenses as you realize you have no idea what to get that person! It's got to be nice, something quilting related, something that special person will like.... Well, here's the perfect gift!! Grab a few yo-yo makers and wrap them in some pretty fabric, add a ribbon and you'll be good to go.
Yo-yo's are like potato chips, you can't have just one. And like potato chips, everyone LOVES them and quilters make yo-yo after yo-yo after yo-yo until ALL the fabric is gone. Can't beat it for a fun, low cost gift that matches any stash in the world. Yo-Yo's: grab some today!

Yes, It Snowed

2010-11-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

It's Offically Almost Winter. OAW, for short. Need I say more?

Be your Own Santa

2010-11-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

I love comfy PJ's. Who doesn't? Pop this pattern in your stocking this Christmas along with a few yards of lovely cotton prints: ahhh, wouldn't THAT be nice! Cindy Taylor Oates is know for easy to follow, full size patterns any sewer can do. Surprise yourself and make a few pairs of jammies BEFORE you put the pattern in your stocking - now that's a Christmas morning anyone would love to get up to!

Click here to see this an other fun patterns just for you this Christmas.

Your Granddaughter will simply LOVE this!

2010-10-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Stuck for a gift to give that wonderful granddaughter? The talkative, bright, funny gal who is 12 going on 25? Or that gal living in the dorm room, in need of a little home, sweet home? We've got a quilt as colorful and bright as she is in colors that are NEVER out of style!

Krakow looks complicated but sews together easily. Our kit comes with all fabrics you will need for the quilt top and pattern PLUS matching backing fabrics. Quilt measures 59" x 76" when finished. Click here to learn more and order.

Granddaughters are special - make this Christmas one to remember!

Hint for the Day

2010-10-27T11:29:00.001-07:00

Hang a crystal in a sunny window. When the sun is out, watch all the beautiful rainbows dance across your room!

Wouldn't Your Sister Love a Holiday Table Runner?

2010-10-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

I know my sister would!! One less gift to get ready for under the tree come December 25th. The Royal Holiday Table Topper and Table Runner is a totally do-able quilt kit: totally do-able by Christmas, that is. Each kit comes with patterns and fabrics for this table runner as well as a 44" square table topper to boot. You could give the topper to to sister #1, and the table runner to sister #2! See kit details here and buy yours today - they're specially priced and we only have a few left on our shelves.

HO HO HO!! Buy for your sister today!

Food for thought....

2010-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was at the bank yesterday and saw this on the side of a Cuba Cheese truck parked out front. Earth, wind, fire, water and cheese make up the universe, after all. It made me smile. Then it made me think about all the cheese "flavored" fabrics in the shop. Below is a sample ~ including a cheese color for a block that has been in the back of the refrigerator too long.... :) "Experience the power of Fabric" and click to see all the different fabrics available by color on our site.
Cook up something fun today - definitely food for thought!!

Yummy!

2010-10-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Which is more yummy: a pack of batiks from McKenna Ryan's Sand in Your Shoes Collection or chocolate mousse with strawberry sauce? Register your opinion in our poll - can't wait to see what you think!

Wild Cranberries!

2010-10-15T06:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday I spent a beautiful, sunny fall afternoon in a bog with water up to my ankles picking Oxycoccos palustris - native wild cranberry. For this nature-loving girl, this was a rare treat! By my own estimation, my boots have logged a few hundred miles hiking in the woods of Upstate NY over my 29++, okay 29+++ years. This is the first time I've ever seen a wild cranberry bog! Judging by the trampling, something big had already gone through and had a few meals: definitely deer and I believe bear. No worries though, my favorite hiking buddies and I picked enough for about 3 batches of cranberry sauce and did not see hide nor hair of anything big and black coming back for a snack!

Certificate of Incredible Awe

2010-10-12T16:10:00.000-07:00

Time to brag.... Maria won Honorable Mention in the Quilter's Home Mojo Doll Competition. She's awesome!! Read all about her and Gloria, her sister, on pages 26 & 27 of Quilter's MoJo Doll here at Quilter's Home.

Making her was wonderful. Have you ever entered a contest in a magazine on a whim? Did you win? Even if I did not win, the creative process was so rewarding: look for more contest entries from me!

10/10/10 Quilting Party

2010-10-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

You can't pass this up!

Starting 10/10/10, CleverQuilter.com is throwing a 10 day, 10/10/10 virtual quilting party for all our quilting buddies - up to 30% off everything!

Here's how it works:

Receive 10% off your purchase, before tax and shipping, if your cart total is between $30.00 - $49.99.

Purchase between $50.00 and $149.99, receive another 10% off your total purchase, before tax and shipping, for a 20% total.

For especially CleverQuilter's purchasing $150 or more before tax and shipping, receive another 10% off for a 30% discount on your total purchase! WOW! That's a $45 savings on fabric worth $150!

What a party! This is good for everything in the shop. It begins 10/10/10 - don't be late....and runs for 10 days only.

Stock up on Christmas gifts and be sure to stuff your own stocking now. EVERYTHING is included in this party!

10/10/10 Let the party begin....

October Stashbusters - A tease....

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

What is the MOST popular pie in October?? No, not pumpkin - that's November. It's Apple Pie. Join StashBusters and see the whole quilt Oct. 8th.

Remember, the pattern is free, reducing your stash: priceless!

Fall In Upstate NY: The Colors!!!

2010-10-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

You just can not beat Upstate NY for fall color ~ and I'm not even talking about trees here! Fall is my favorite time of the year. Asters, goldenrod, black eyed susans, snakeroot, more asters and seed pods of every shape and size decorate the scenery. Ahhh, time for a walk!!

6 yds of Fabric... Just Think of the Possibilities!

2010-09-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

We received an offer from Kona Bay fabrics we could not refuse: 6 yard bolts priced at $36 each. They ship directly from Kona Bay and they refresh their offerings frequently. To see the fabrics available, click here and you'll be brought to their 6 Yard Bolt Sale section. Be sure to use promocode 7438 during checkout. Kona Bay will know we sent you and they'll send a surprise to you with your fabric!

What makes this a really cool opportunity for us (and you) is Kona Bay stocks Asians ~ Asian Fabrics, that is. All their fabrics are 100% cotton, quilt shop quality. They have priced them at $6/yard, up to 40% lower than regular pricing. AWESOME!!

6 yards is plenty for backings, bindings, and probably some left over for a pillow case or dust ruffle trim. There is a link on CleverQuilter.com to this sale. Explore the page and bring home some bolts!!

These would be wonderful for our StashBuster Quilts - think BACKINGS!!!!!

A purrfect thought for 9/11

2010-09-11T04:52:00.000-07:00

Meet Taupo, my 17 year old furr ball. As soon as she sees you within 5 feet of her, she purrs. Well, first she'll plop over; then she'll purr. No one passes her without a pet, scratch or thorough rub down. She's an equal opportunity lover cat.

Taupo reminds me that you have to give love to receive it.

Throw some random purrs out today, no matter who is near ~ maybe you'll receive some in return!

StashBusters Begins!!

2010-09-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

Our first quilt - Puddin' & Pie. I love how the colors POP! Finished quilt is 54 1/2" x 72 1/2" ~ perfect for a college dorm room. Join our free StashBusters eNewsletter for free patterns, finishing kits and more.

Things are "Buzzing" Around Here!

2010-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Our shop borders about 200 acres of woods. Look what has been growing and growing and growing out in a tree nearby: it's a wonder the branch hasn't broken!!

This is a bald faced hornet nest, also called white faced hornets. I googled "white faced hornet" just to see what they eat. Interestingly, they eat mainly "live" prey, meaning people - just kidding - flies, gnats and other small insects. People are NOT on their preferred lunch menu.

Pretty cool designs on the nest, too. I love how the "paper" swirls and twists in on itself. Wish I could get a closer look.... NOT!!!!

Needles - Part III

2010-09-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Quilting Needles - a primer, CleverQuilter style:

When you quilt, you have options: a Sharp Point Needle (HA!! Are all other needles DULL points??) will sew a perfect straight stitch. (Yup, that's what they say. A perfect straight stitch. I'm wondering if you have to make a curve what happens...) Use size 80/12 for general quilting fabric and please use a 60/8 if you are using thin, tiny threads. This needle, also known as a Microtex, works wonders with high thread count, fine fabrics. We have Schmetz 80/12's available for you to try for $4.40/pack. :)

If the Sharp Point isn't cutting through all the layers of your quilt sandwich, time to switch to a Quilting Needle. The shaft of this needle is stronger than a Universal Needle and the tip is slim and tapered to really do a job getting through all the layers. Select the size based on your thread: if your thread is thin, go for a small needle (60/8, 65/9). If you use a thicker thread (30wt or 40wt even) go for a larger needle (90/14, 100/16). Amazingly, we also stock a 5-pack assortment of Quilting Needles for $5! Wow, who'd have thought that!

And finally, if you use invisible thread when you quilt and it just isn't working, try the Metallica Thread Needle. I have a bunch on order and will trying this myself. I hope it works better than the Quilting Needle I've been using. If not, you'll hear about it in a future post!!!

Stashbusters - Tease #2

2010-08-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Wow. It is almost done!! Don't miss out - sign up for our StashBusters Newsletter Club today!

Beach Walk Just Came In!!

2010-08-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

BEACH WALK!!! McKenna Ryan's newest art quilt collection is here and ready to ship to YOU!! The beach - holy cow, what a fabulous collection! Or should I say "holy sand castle"?

Maybe "holy towel" as we all have one of those in our closet!! :)

The fabrics McKenna designed for the kits should be here within a month. This is almost as good as going to the beach!

Needles: The Sequel....

2010-08-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

We know sequels are generally not as good as the first volume. Think Star Wars I, II, or III verses the original IV, V and IV. I apologize up front for this post.

The low-down on needles: (cue trumpets in background)

For general piecing, the consensus is use a universal needle sized 80/12 for medium weight fabric (quality cotton quilting fabric) or 90/14 for thicker fabrics like flannels. If you are piecing silks - and who doesn't love silks??? - use a 60/8 needle. Making that darling quilt for your mother-in-law out of old couch fabric you bought at a yard sale? Try a 100/16 - it'll handle tough, thick, yucky stuff like her. Oh, did I type that? Sorry. Meant to say a 100/16 size needle is good for tough, thick fabric. We have a nice Universal Needle Assortment pack available at our shop for $3.

Next week: Part III - Quilting Needles

StashBusters: A Teaser...

2010-08-24T12:11:00.000-07:00

Done cutting: on to piecing.

Here's a quick taste of our first StashBuster Project.... WOW - this is going to melt in your mouth!

Our Motto is: Eat up your Stash, Not your Budget!

Join our free StashBusters Club today. We begin September Ate-th (8th).

A "Skip-Free" Needle? Send me a case!!!

2010-08-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

Did you know there are over 15 different types of needles used in just regular sewing and quilting? Frankly, some sound a little funky and sci-fi. Consider the "Skip-Free" needle. Okay. Right: like I truly believe there is such a thing. Send me a case of those!!! How about the "Sharp Point" needle??!!! Are the other 14needles listed "DULL" point or something?

I did learn something really helpful while researching. First, I learned how to spell Schmetz. There is no "D" in there. Secondly, I use invisible thread a lot when I quilt. It sometimes is nice and friendly: most of the time, it isn't. According to the very cool "ABC Pocket Guide" by Schmetz, I should be using a Metallica Thread Needle! It has a Teflon coated eye so metallic and mono filament threads glide easier. When you get a chance, read this guide - its easy to read, concise and hey, Schmetz has been making needles since 1851: they know what they are talking about!!

Incidentally, we just started carrying Schmetz Universal, Quilting and Microtex Machine Sewing Needles. See them here.

Here is a picture of ancient bone needles: if you have any in your sewing case, me thinks new needles are in order. Just sayin'...(Do I see a Schmetz code on the middle one...!!!)

More next week: a Clever summary of which needles to use for what purpose. I know, you just can't wait.... HA!!

Got Thread Blockage???

2010-08-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

You've got too much roughage in your thread diet! Get Thread-Imodium, the revolutionary quilting notion .... Or would that be Thread-Lax.... Just kidding. Seriously, though - read on.

Thread Roughage: You see it as *fuzz*, thread shreds as it goes through your needle, your bobbin case glops up more than usual, the fibers are separating as your thread moves through your tension discs - ugh!. Cleaning and re-threading the machine - not to mention the needle - become an every 5 minute affair.

What causes rough thread? In a nutshell: poor quality thread is rough (aka: bargain basement brands or deteriorating old thread). Quality quilting thread will keep your machine quilting and piecing regular (and you don't have to wait overnight to see results...LOL!).

Pull out a few different threads from your sewing basket and take a look at them through a magnifying glass. See if there are variations in fuzz levels and thread widths. I've taken an image of a few threads here to talk about. Right click the image to enlarge it to see what I'm discussing next.

The thread on the far left is from my Mom's 1967 Singer sewing machine. The thread in the middle is a "bargain" thread. Fuzz City on these threads. The middle thread has been wound unevenly, starting thin and then bulging like a virtual Buddha belly. The thread to the far right is Mettler 40/3 quilting thread. Standard width, smooth with limited fuzz.

Remember, thread moves through your machine at high speed and volume. Roughage causes fuzz build-up and is harder to move smoothly through your needle. Roughage causes thread blockage. Thread blockage? Change to a good quality thread. :)

Next up: the perfect match between Needle and Thread.

Now if you'd like to add more roughage to your own personal diet, there's this new *and* tasty, 10 grams of fiber per serving dark chocolate bar I found you might be interested in..... :)

If You Were A Cat, What Would You Miss?

2010-08-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's 9am and the best Larry (one of my cats) can do is lay in the middle of the driveway, in the sun. I'm here, in the shop, honing my stitch removal skills to a fine art form and she's just sleeping, in the driveway, right where I can raise my head and see her!! Oh, life as a cat. Lately, I've been having a heck of a time quilting. Threads breaking, fraying and generally being uncooperative. Something has got to give. Seeing Larry (who is still in the driveway) has led me to think becoming cat would solve all my thread and needle issues. Cats, after all, just attack thread, avoid needles and sleep in the sun. Problem solved!

Since my husband really doesn't like cats, if I become one, that will cause a whole new set of problems. How about this: for the rest of the month, we'll focus on thread and needles. You know, the boring stuff about quilting that we always put off becoming really knowledgeable about. The stuff we don't want to learn until one day, while ripping out stiches, we look out the window, see our cat sleeping in the sun: you already know the rest of that sad "tail"!!

Each week, I'll focus on a different aspect of thread and needles and I promise to make it fun *and* educational. Hopefully, by the end of August we'll all be able to put a quilt on the frame and confidently begin stitching with no thread worries..... :) And I'll stop dreaming of becoming a cat.

I'd miss chocolate if I became a cat anyway. And coffee. Ever thought about what you'd miss?

Paint Colors are Up!

2010-07-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, we've started the painting! The shop looks refreshing and lovely. No more boring cream / tan / puke colors for me - mint, purple and raspberry! Two more coats and everything goes back in the shop.

How Sad: an Empty Grand Quilter..

2010-07-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

It looks depressing. No quilting frame should ever be empty. I don't even want to think about taking it apart to move it out. Murphy's law: when we put it back together, there *will* be extra pieces.

On a happy note, I set the Grand Quilter up in my dining room and will continue to quilt small projects over the next 2 weeks. Looks like we'll be eating outside - which is *not* a bad thing!! It's lovely in Upstate New York in the summer.

There's a jar of Jelly on the Shelf!

2010-07-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

What the?? Where did this come from? Looks like PB & (mystery) J for lunch today! The cleaning and packing continues... Only 3 more shelf sets to go and the fabric will be safely moved out. WooHooo!!!!

Too Heavy to Move

2010-07-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

What a bear. The cutting table is not moving. Period. I bought it at a bank about 20 years ago. They were cleaning out their basement and this desk was / is awesome. A 1 1/2" solid top. Absolutely perfect for cutting and doing all sorts of things. We change the curtain in the front depending on the season. Who wants to look at shipping supplies!!

Anyway, I think it took 4 of us to get it up the stairs and into the shop. It is not going back down. We'll have to work around it. Or on it....

What IS this?

2010-07-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

Things you find when you clean and move the furniture in a shop.... Any ideas??

I don't remember anything like this - maybe the kids will have an idea. It doesn't cut, iron, fuse, measure, fold or even look pretty. Odd.

We're taking a break in July

2010-06-25T16:16:00.000-07:00

It's time to sort through everything in the shop, move everything out, clean, paint, re-organize and move everything back in. Remember the scrap bags I introduced a month or so ago? That was the tip of the iceberg!! Since I opened, I've been collecting - not intentionally, but it is hard not to - demo patterns, fabric for projects that did not quite make it - all kinds of saleable new items that need a new home. The square footage of the shop isn't growing: I need to re-claim my space!!!

Yes, the infamous computer dude is coming to upgrade me as well. I'll going to be Wife version 9.10: just kidding!! (A year or 2 ago there was a joke going around about guys upgrading from girlfriend 1.0 to 2.0 the being upgraded against their will to wife 1.0: guys loved the joke: gals not so much....) CleverQuilter is getting brand spankin' new hardware and software: I *will* get a new pair of sandals, too :) !!

Follow us as we post along our progress here and on Facebook. Hopefully not major disasters....