Quilting, It's a Good Thing

Many of the quilters that I know enjoy quilting as a way to express their creativity.  Now we may have another reason to enjoy quilting all the more.  

According to an article, Learning A New Skill Works Best To Keep Your Brain Sharp by Lauren Silverman, a study done at the University of Texas at Dallas, showed that learning to quilt can actually improve the person's memory.

So I want to send a big shout out to all my students who keep on learning new techniques!

Do we really need another reason to justify our passion?  Probably not, but let's keep on quilting--It's a very, good thing!-Linda

The Machine Quilters Showcase 2014!

This April I was selected to teach my beginning domestic machine quilting class, Meandering Methods, at the Machine Quilters Showcase.  The event was hosted by the International Machine Quilters Association, Inc., and held in Wichita, Kansas.

MQS Class Schedule

I had a full class with students coming from; Kansas, Nebraska, and even Minnesota!

They did a great job!  Just look at their class samples.

A special thanks to Midwest Sewing of Wichita, Kansas, for providing great machines for my class.

This is Michelle from Midwest Sewing sharing information about the machines.

It was great fun to meet with other teachers, share ideas, shop the vendors, and see the quilt show.  But the best part was working with a group of quilters who wanted to develop their machine quilting skills.

Special thanks to my helpers: Sheri, Elaine and Janice, you were loads of help, and a blast to shop with! (You don't have to share the last part with your husbands.)  Searching for our next adventure--Linda

Inspiring Friends

The January/February 2014 Issue

I want to share with you something wonderful that my friend, Linda Turner, has done.  First of all she has put me to shame, by machine embroidering 45 or more onesies for her first grandchild.  I have yet to embroider one! 

Then she took the onesies and created a fabulous quilt with them.  She even included photo transfers of the granddaughter wearing some of the onesies.

Linda Turner's article, "A-Very" Special Quilt

Next she wrote an article  about how she made the quilt, and had it published in the January/February 2014 issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery.  It is titled, "A-Very Special Quilt" and is found on page 62 of the magazine.  She does a great job of instructing you on how to create your very own t-shirt quilt. 

This was her second article that she has written for that publication, and she was featured on an episode of , "Inside Zede's Sewing Studio" where she explained how she does machine embroidery on a little onesies.

By surrounding myself with other talented and creative people, I am inspired to try new and unusual things.  By the way, she asked me to machine quilt Avery's Very Special Quilt.

May you always have inspiring friends! -Linda

Preparing Pattern Pieces

This January in Serge Ahead 2 we will be creating a serger cardigan using the Kwik Sew pattern number 3721.   

Kwik Sew Pattern # 3721

In this class we will focus on cutting out your project pieces and special considerations for sewing with knits.  This project is so easy using your serger; you will probably create more than one.

One of the steps that I request you have completed before coming to the class is to have your pattern traced.  This can be tricky since it is a multiple sized pattern.  So to help you be successful in class, I have compiled some tips to help you with this step.

 

1.       First of all, take your measurements accurately and select the right pattern size.  As you measure your bust and hips make sure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor—no angles!

Then using the back of the pattern envelope, identify the pattern size you need to trace based on your measurements.  Do not go by what you usually buy in the stores—it may be different.  Also on the back of the pattern is a list of recommended fabrics to use in this project, make sure you have the right fabric to complete the project.

2.       Open up the pattern and find the pieces you will need based on the guide sheet.  View A has four pieces, and View B has three.  If the pattern has lots of wrinkles and won’t lay flat, use a dry iron with no steam, and press them flat.

3.       Next lay your pattern tracing paper on top of the original pattern.  If you are having trouble seeing the pattern markings, I recommend getting a fine line black marker and retracing the marks on the original pattern so they will be visible through the pattern tracing paper.

4.       Now I lay my pattern tracing paper on top of the original and weigh it down using my pattern weights. Then using a ruler, I trace the outline of my pattern piece on my pattern tracing paper.  Once the outline is done, I then add the pattern markings.   

Some key markings that need to be traced on your pattern are:

• notches (Both the single and the double notches)
• grain lines 
• stretch lines
• the place on the fold directions
• the match points(this is the semi-circles with the letter A on piece #1 and on the other part of the sleeve for piece #1).

Single Notch

Match Point

Double Notches

Place on Fold Marks

Then I write on the pattern piece that I have just made the piece number, pattern number, the size, and how many pieces of fabric are cut from the pattern piece.  This can be a lifesaver if you find a stray pattern piece in your sewing room later! 

Very Important Pattern Piece Notes

Just a note, if I have made adjustments to the pattern, I write those on the pattern piece also.

5.       Continue until you have all the necessary pieces traced to create your cardigan.  I like to hang my pattern pieces on a coat hanger until I am ready to use them.

Bring your pattern pieces and the original pattern with guide your guide sheet with you to class and get ready to Serge Ahead!--Linda