Tip #3

#3

Use a diagonal seam when joining strips to create the length you need for a binding strip. That makes your connection flatter and less bulky. It also makes the join 'disappear'.

Place strips good sides facing. Sew a diagonal line.

Cut off the triangle leaving 1/4 seems allowance.

This is what it look like on the back after ironing.

This is what it looks like on the front after ironing.

Fold the bindings strip in half and iron.
You can barely see the join.
The bulk of the fabric is 'spread out' so the strip lies flat.

Tip #2

#2

A binding strip should be cut at 2 1/2 inches wide. Fold and iron in half, lengthwise, before attaching it to the quilt. Two reasons; 1) the binding is a section of a quilt that over time gets used up so having a double layer of fabric there is a good idea and 2) the folded edge helps you achieve a clean look when you roll it over to the back and blind stitch it to the backing.

  

Tips (tip #1)

I imagine most of you are doing more quilting than usual as we all stay home and isolate.

When I teach, I sprinkle my classes with lots of tips to help my fellow quilters. 

I plan to share these with you on my blog over the next few weeks.

Tip #1

When sewing a binding strip to the quilt, it is best done using the walking foot. That's because of the thickness. Using a walking foot will ensure all layers (top, batting, backing) feed into the machine together.

Fabric Strips

Years ago, I learned a technique invented by Sharyn Craig. Half log cabin block.

I use her 'old' method. I have seen recently she has a new one, like from a few years ago, where she cuts the strips to the sizes needed.

I guess that was her tweak for her first method. When using her first method some of the blocks come out wonky.

I have figure out a way to use her old method and still get a pretty square block so I am sticking with that.

These are not quilts to put into a juried show. Not all the seams coincide. These are the quilts I make to use up all the strips I have. I guess they become memory quilts because I remember the other patchworks I've made using those fabrics.

I love putting all the colours together. I've made several using this method. Love them.

These are blocks I found while reorganizing the shelving in my studio.

They were already made, just sitting in a shoe box. I think I originally wanted to make this one large which is why they were still in the box...waiting for me to make more.

I decided to sew them up to whatever size it gave me. Turns out it's 40" x 50", or 104 cm x 128 cm approximately.

This one will be quilted in a few days. Then the relaxing part of sewing on the binding- one of my favourite steps in quilt making.

Small Squares

I love the look of a scrap quilt. Scrap just means little bits of fabric leftover from other quilt projects or clothes that are used up or grown out of. Bits of memory, I guess.

I have been sewing these little squares together for several years. A few at a time. Today, I got a chance to sew on another chunk.

As I picked off the bits of thread from the quilt-top I got an opportunity to really look at it!

I love it!

Butterflies.

Red birds and invisible birds.

A fox, a chick and a goose.

A few spools of thread, of course.

There is lots to discover...and I didn't even plan it like that.

In this time of isolation, take the time to see the nice things. You might be surprised.

Isolation

Since the corona virus broke people have been self isolating. I have had many people call or email and 'check' on me and that's nice but I do tell them that my life hasn't really change that much.

I normally work from home, isolated in my studio, alone. That part of my day is the same. I have had no "adjustments" to make. I chose to work this way because for me sewing is meditative. I want to be by myself.

If these restrictions are new to you you are probably saying, "How does she do it??? I am going crazy and it's only been a week!"

The home has many distractions! Beware.

One thing is for sure. I am very disciplined. I wake up at the same time every weekday. I either run on my elliptical or go outside (could be a walk or a viewing of the garden) then I "Go to Work". That idea of "Arriving at the Studio" is a good one. I enter and start working. It helps you feel you are not still at home. I close the door and work. Note: never work in your PJ's :-)

I vary my activities. I work with fabric so I section off time for cutting, time for sewing a particular project for my artwork or my quilts, time for designing. Then I may write up class notes for a new idea. (I have so many ideas!! Too many for my lifetime, I fear!!) I also stand up often and do some stretching or movements so my body doesn't cramp up.

I am a big believer of timers! Especially when I have to do something I don't like. I give myself a time limit and a "prize' after the time is up even if the entire job isn't finished. The prize could be a tea or some knitting time, small stuff like that.

Normally, I squeeze in some teaching and I guess that is my way of connecting with people. I have so much experience and sharing my expertise and empowering people is something I love to do. It's exciting to me to see students, even beginner ones, soar after they have been given an opportunity to create their own quilt design! If you have taken a class from me you know there are no set patterns. You do not need a teacher to read you a pattern! You need a teacher to teach a technique and inspire you to create your own quilt and tell your own story.

The Spring classes I had booked at Artscape Youngplace in Toronto have been postponed. The landlord has given me a credit for the 2 rentals and I hope to reschedule the classes in the late Fall.

I have made so many new friends while teaching all those years.  That's such a nice part of teaching. Some of those friends have accompanied me to Italy and enjoyed a real (authentic) Italian experience, meeting quilters, socializing with my neighbours, having classes taught by Italian artists and immersing themselves in the culture. Those trips have been postponed as well.

DING!! My time to write to you is up. Got to get back to my sewing.

Think positively.

You are in charge of your day. Make it a great one.

Teaching Schedule

Back to teaching a few classes.

Please check this link (teaching schedule) for details. Triangles, quit-as-you-go and squares.

I hope to see you!