The Steps in Making a Quilt

 

There are 16 processes in making my quilts.

Here they are listed :

1. Have an idea

2. Select fabric 

3. Do the math to calculate sizes of fabric pieces

4. Cut fabric 

5. Sew geometric design (by hand or by machine)

6. Make the back

7. Layer using batting 

8. Baste three layers

9. Stitch (or quilt) three layers together (by hand or by machine)

10. Trim edges

11. Sew binding strip

12. Attach binding strip by machine

13. Turn edge and sew to the back by hand

14. Sign quilt using machine

15. Make label

16. Sew label on by hand

So much attention goes into selecting the right fabric.

So much care goes into making my quilts.

I write the number of hours it takes to make a quilt on the gift card.

How much would you pay for an original hand-made quilt?

Wrapping your Gifts

I am certain you have spent some time sorting out your fabric stash during your COVID lockdowns.

I hope you didn't throw anything out! You can up-cycle the pieces of fabric you think you won't use in a quilt.

Here is one idea as a wrapping material for a square gift. I used some quilter's cotton but you can use a silk/polyester scarf you never wear! A thin-weight fabric makes better knots. How about a new tea towel? Just fold it up to create a square and proceed.

Start by placing your fabric square, good side facing your table, with points facing North, South, East and West and your box in the centre.

Pick up the East and West points of your fabric and make a double knot. 

Try to keep the "petals" pointing out to the East and West.

Then pick up the North and South fabric points and make a double knot over the other knot leaving the "petals" pointing to the North and South

Doesn't that look great? 

The technique is called Furoshiki. For more ideas check out this link. I've used this to wrap (rectangular) books as well. Looks great

I got these ideas from the Textile Museum's Sustainability Workshops they ran over the last month. They made me remember my work trips to Japan in 1982 and 1984 when I saw Japanese women with their purchases wrapped up so nicely! 

Presents

Do you need any ideas for gifts this season? 

How about a pillow case? It folds up flat, weighs practically nothing making it perfect for mailing. AND it is perfect for any age!!

I've made lots over the years. You can see how it is done by clicking here. Easy for any skill level.

A tip: Use really good quality cotton fabric as this is an item that gets washed lots. I use quilter's cotton from reputable quilt stores.

Another tip: For your first one best stick to non-directional fabric. 

I've made this one for one of my kids...kids! He's in his 30's! Well, technically he is still my kid ;-)

It is to remind him his family members that live all around the world are thinking of him.

Great fabric! Post cards, stamps, fabric with words on it and that perfect highlight band- the air mail stripes.

Try one out!

Tip #13

When using your walking foot to attach the binding strip to a quilt or to sew many layers, it is a good idea to have both legs of the walking foot on the fabric.

Notice in the above image that the foot is in line with the edge of the fabric. So both legs are on the fabric. This will help bring the fabric layers forward in an even way. Only problem is the needle will hit the fabric quite far from the raw edge making your seam allowance abundant! 

There is a simple solution. Leave your foot where it is and move your needle to the right until you have an acceptable seam allowance. (see photo above). 

Many of the newer machines have the option of moving the needle to the right. 

Textile Museum Visit

I took the leap. I went somewhere that wasn't my own house or wasn't my friend's garden! 

An artist friend, Ginette Legaré and I went to a museum. OMG. The Textile Museum of Canada.

It's a small museum. It was perfect. I wore a mask. There was 2 other people in the entire museum because of their preordered tickets and timed entry. We saw them once but technically we didn't pass them as they were sitting down in one of the rooms. I walked to the museum and back. Good exercise!

We went to see Anna Torma's, Permanent Danger. Thirteen large-scale works. 

The gallery blurb says works from 2011...But exhibited was Party with Dionysos which was started in 2008 and finished in 2015. 

It's difficult to say when you start piece, there is much thinking and planning before you actually start and then sometimes the piece gets pushed aside for even a few years before you take it out again to finish it.  

The artist is from Hungary but immigrated to Canada in 1988. She lives in New Brunswick. I have been following her work for more than 15 years now.

My friend said when she and her sister go to see an art exhibit, they select one work they'd like to own. Mine was this one below.

Permanent Danger, 2017
Hand embroidery, reverse appliqué on three layers of linen fabric,
silk thread.

reverse side of Permanent Danger

I love all the embroidery on this piece. I love the back...maybe even more then the front. I'd hang it so you could see both sides. 

Artist Judith Martin often has the backs of her works hung so they are visible and are part of the message. 

Been Busy

 What's in the bags you ask?

TEN finished quilt tops! Ready to be sent to the long arm quilter's.

I'm not big on purchasing fabric on-line but I bit the bullet and went for it. I was so pleased with Sew Sister's website. The colours they show on the website are exactly what you get! I put in another order yesterday for the back fabric of two more finished tops! I'm on FIRE!!

I Love Colour

Funny I love colour yet I am often wearing black! 

Working on more scrap things...this time knitted socks.

These are the two leftover bits I decided to put together.

Who would have thought I'd get such a fabulous fabric!!

They're gorgeous!!