Karen Quilts Life

A Trip Back in Time... Sewing a "Portrait"

2012-01-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

Happy 2012... another year! Rather than a list of resolutions, a list of UFO's (unfinished quilting objects) to be tackled, I think I just decided to dive right in.
I want to continue honing my quilting skills this year, and am going to continue taking workshops from our AAQG (Austin Area Quilt Guild) speaker series. I've always benefited greatly from the offerings. On Sunday, I attended a workshop by Lola Jenkins, on Portrait Quilting. And it turned out to be not only a good exercise, but gave me some reassurance that skills long unused can be resurrected.

As a child, I remember admonitions that you'll never forget "how to ride a bike" or "how to use a hammer"... etc. I once learned the technique of rendering a portrait, in pastels, watercolor, and even the talent of cutting a silhouette from paper. I wish I could say this lead to a career in the arts, but alas, these talents were buried away, largely unused in my business life that ensued. I learned and used these skills for 3-4 years in my late teens, as I worked for a subcontractor at Six Flags Over Texas, a "theme park" in the Dallas area. The contractor provided artists for "Art studios" located around the park.

As an "artist" I did quick portraits, in pastels, and watercolors of park visitors who were cajoled into taking 10-20 minutes of their day long park visit to sit for a portrait. Often the motivation was simply to take some weight off their feet and sit down for the time it would take! Young high school and college students were recruited for this largely summer work. Anyone who exhibited enough ability to make a decent line drawing during the job "interview" was hired. A short class on portraiture and the quick technique and we were on the job. I enjoyed the work, and got to be pretty good - if you could catch an individual's defining characteristics, you could end up with a line of people waiting for your work. As commissioned work, the money was good - much better than the usual teen work fare, and it kept me in college tuition for several years...so adapting those skills to that of my current tool (the sewing machine) and technique (free motion quilting) seemed natural.

Throughout the class, I was pleased to see that my old skills of not just drawing, but working on the human face were not lost. Here's the original picture, and the first result on fabric:

The exercise gave me some ideas on working in a little different style - more like "sketching" with the machine rather than just doing outlines. It is exciting to see the picture emerge.

Here, you can also see my pencil work on the fabric that serves as my guide for the sewing. I doubt I would ever get comfortable "drawing" directly on the fabric without pre-drawing, but who knows... if I got comfortable enough with the tools and my skills - it might be possible... stay tuned!

For those wondering what's going on here, it's really not as hard as it looks. I "Photo Shopped" the digital picture above into a"posterized" photo to reveal critical outlines. Printed to 8.5 x 11 inches in B&W, I traced the outlines for stitching in fine Sharpie (above) and pencil (version two below).

The prepared fabric was stabilized with a fusible interfacing, then layered with a thin cotton batting, and a backing layer. No pinning or basting. Then the drawn lines are sewn over in black thread with black bobbin - using free motion technique.

Overall, I'm pleased so far, though getting those eyes right are always a big challenge, but very important to success.

For more on Lola Jenkins work, visit her website: www.lolasdesignerquilts.com I would highly recommend her for anyone compemplating doing more "out of the box" quilting. A self-taught quilter, she isn't bound by all those "rules" that long time quilters have floating around in our ethos. Her unabashed enthusiasm for her art, and for sharing it others was an inspiration. Her personality was refreshingly different from the usual, more sedate one more typical of those of the past. I applaud the guild for going out on a limb to showcase a talent that doesn't fit the more typical quilter mold.

It's good to get out of the box - even if sometimes it means digging deep to pull out some new/old skills.

Happy New Year Y'all - may your 2012 be full of discoveries and re-discoveries!

A Good Quilt - That "Finished!" feeling...

2011-06-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

"Log Cabin for a Friend"

One of the best days a quilter has is always the day the quilt is finally finished. It's a day for pictures (for posterity mainly, but also to jog the aging memory down the road!), and also for reflection.

To that end, I'll post several pictures, and share a bit of my thought and work process on this quilt. It started as a means of using up some scraps, and a bit of a guilty feeling that I have not used some new tools bought at last year's Quilt Festival. I also wanted to make a longtime personal and family friend, who's visited with us in the fall.

I've always wanted to do a log cabin based quilt, and My new year's resolution this year was to hone some skills and try to make a dent in the huge collection of scraps from years gone by and that regretful purchase some years back of a defunct long arm business' scraps (what a mess - and another story).

A friend staying with us began the genesis of the desire to make a quilt for a gentleman... and so it began. He was allowed color choices, and he favors blue and tan/browns. And, since I like Reds, the red in the cabin centers and borders were a must. Let the quilt begin!

I used Marti Michell's Log Cabin Ruler and highly recommend it. Her book, Log Cabin ABC's was my source for technique. The "logs" are 1" which required 1-1/2 inch strips. Cut lengthwise, and cut to fit. This meticulous method really results in a flat, straight quilt. This sort of thing appeals to my occasional need for precision and control...something which I'm sure I must have inherited from my father - a meticulous Sign Painter. You haven't see precision until you've watch someone hand paint and gold leaf a name on a door... that today would rival something laser cut! I also think I was looking for a bit of control during a time of a bit of personal chaos... a quilt with lots of small pieces, requiring precision seemed just the Rx for the times.

The Quilting Begins

The piecing, 48 squares, with 15 strips each resulted in 720 pieces. Starting before Christmas, it took almost a month of evenings to piece, I originally was working towards at least 64 (8x8) blocks, but the routine nature of the project wore me out... and I decided on a timeless quilter's solution - the replacement of another round of blocks with a nice large border - the better to frame those lovely blocks - right!?

Several AAQG Workshops in this spring inspired my finishing: A Day long workshop with Sharon Schamber got me thinking about how to add quilted feathers to the quilting design. I went into her workshop thinking to do a feathered border, and simply walking foot the blocks. Surprisingly, I came out of the workshop inspired to do something completely different: The blocks are quilted in free motion feathers, with the border done in an all over grid. Only the spines of the feathers were marked, with the feathers themselves entirely freehanded. The strips are used as a guide for each. It went fairly quickly. The grid posed other problems though. I decided to bury threads, and spent almost as much time hiding those ends as it took to do all the quilting! Next time I will do as Sharon advised, and just get it over during the quilting rather than waiting til the end.

Corner Detail

I was very happy with how easy the quilting went though, and how great it turned out. My Viking MegaQuilter performed perfectly. I am soo happy with this machine as my go to quilter. Yes, I miss "red" my 1929's Singer 31-15, but she was just too temperamental to continue using. What is sad is that Viking had discontinued production of this model. I hope they aren't deserting the quilting machine market. Perhaps they'll just replace it with something better!

Finishing the Binding off with Piping and Blanket Stitch!

A workshop with Susan Cleveland on her great finishing techniques resulted in a tiny blue piped edge and a really, REALLY nice binding. I also used one of Sharon Schambers tricks: the use of Elmer's WASHABLE School Glue to temporarily hold the binding in place on the back while I used a decorative blanket stitch on the front using my Designer Diamond. Using a tiny bead of glue and ironing the binding to the back provides much better hold than using pins. It's virtually impossible to keep thing straight. Every time you pull a pin out, you get a tiny wobble... The "edge joining foot" kept everything in the right place as I sewed a blanket stitch from the front. How's it look?

I decided to back the quilt with some appropriate odds and ends from my stash, with the musical fabric by Alexander Henry and the cherry prints "Life's a Bowl...." a nice bit of symbolism for my friend who loves music and life! My longtime friend, Russ Barnes will get his quilt AFTER I do the July AAQG July Show and Tell!

Back side of "Log Cabin for a Friend"

Label - A spare block, Machine Embroidered.

Feather Quilting Detail: Back

There must be a joke for quilter's about

the "Two Best Days"... and one of them certainly is the day you finish a quilt... I'll think the other day is the day you see it hangin' in Houston. I'm happy to know both those feelings! - Karen

Learning a "New" Thing or Two: Cotton Theory and a Good Teacher

2011-05-15T22:04:00.001-05:00

I had the great pleasure to attend Austin Area Quilt Guild's "Gift of Quilting" workshops on Friday evening. Unfortunately, I only was able to extricate myself from a single day's work to attend. This wonderful two day event is put on every other year - in between "Show" years. The idea is to provide member-taught workshops, as a reward to volunteers (and members) who work so hard to make the biennial Quilt Show happen.

The workshop I signed up for was a 3 hour reversible quilted Table Topper, made using the Cotton Theory technique. Offered by veteran sewing and quilting teacher Nancy Voegele, I was hoping to not only pick some new quilting skills, but also to see an expert in action. I was not dissapointed.
Here's my finished piece:

Table Topper: Dinner "Side"

Table Topper: "Breakfast" Side

The project entailed creating a reversible table quilt, the completed size is 15" x 26.5" wide. The technique is very unusual. The individual patchwork pieces are layered, front to back with quilting in between, then quilted, and combined in a most unusual way. Entire quilts can be constructed in this way, with the quilting done in concert with the piecing - eliminating the need to layer and piece the entire quilt - a difficult prospect for many quilters.

So, if you are having difficulty quilting a large quilt, this may be a great way to complete a quilt with just any resonably good quality Sewing Machine.

Another fun aspect to the technique is that it allows you the fun of using those often ignored decorative stitches to provide further embellishment as part of the assembly technique. I used several of the mock "hand embroidery" stitches in the construction process. I also used some of my new found piping skills (from my workshop in March with Susan Cleveland ) to add a small corded piping edgeing to the binding, To further gild the rose, I embellished the binding with a varigated blanket stitch...

I am VERY happy with the way "DD" performed in this somewhat tricky maneuver. I used the "blind hem" foot - which rode smoothly over the uneven piped edge with ease. The piping foot handled that chore wonderfully too! If you've always wondered what those special feet can do for you, this project provided me with pretty compelling proof that the foot makes the difference in stitch quality. Here's a close up of those embellishments:

Decorative Stitch and Quilting Detail

Piped edge and blanket stitched binding - how about those corners?!

I give a big thumbs up to teacher Nancy Voegele, who really kept the class moving along (inspite of one totally unprepared student!). She handled the situation with grace and actually had at least one finished, ready to bind quilt done by a student. I had to add the final two parts to mine - so felt like I really did well in class. Nancy teaches at a number of locations around Austin, including that cool new hip sewing lounge, Stitch Lab.

I was REALLY happy to have a completed project today - I am so close on several projects, including one full size quilt - stay tuned for an update as they get finished!

- Keep on Quilting...
- Karen

It's Fashion Week...

2011-02-17T22:37:00.000-06:00

http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

A wonderful Blog... scroll down a bit to see the bit about Bill Cunningham. I've gotta get that documentary! Fashion - it's something we live with, and see every day.

"We're all blank canvases when we get up in the morning and we paint ourselves."

"Fashion is the armour, to survive the reality of everyday life..."

An interesting view of the world far from the those of us out here in the "hinterlands"...

Winter Day Piecing

2011-01-16T15:53:00.001-06:00

It's one of those days. Even in Austin we will see some dreary, cold (er, well cool - in the 50's!), cloudy and wet days - now the third in as many days. And, to really improve upon the mood, a cold - the sort that makes one want to stay in bed, pull the covers up, and hope for a better day tomorrow.

But, I get up anyway, and start the day with a good breakfast, mainly to spend a few civil minutes with my partner - though we quickly part into our own methods of dealing with the depressive weather and lingering congestion and coughs. He to make a pot of some sort of simmering stew, me to work on some mindless piecing.

A few months back I embarked on cutting up the last of several large bags (giant garbage bag size) of scraps into 1-1/2 inch strips. The idea was to make up a nice basket of scraps to use in the creation of truly scrappy versions of "Trash to Treasure Pineapple Quilt" blocks. This block design, by Gyleen Fitzgerald (Gyleen's Colourful Stitches Web Site) is a great way to use up those pesky 4" of so strips of fabric left over from finished tops. Gyleen designed a great ruler to make the task go fast, and has a nice book that get's right to the point - with clear illustrations and inspiration!

I still had a good quantity of these strips left over from my purchase some years ago of a going-out-of-business long arm quilter's scrap bags and fabrics. So it was easy to convert it all to 1-1/2 inch strips for pineapple blocks!

So, the day is going well... I'm taking a break to share my method for coping with a dreary winter day off...

The cockpit - stocked for a rainy day sew-in...

Here's the cockpit - (yes, that Is a NEW machine at the dashboard - the Topaz got traded up to a Designer Diamond!), the basket of scraps it at my feet, with a nice cutting area to the left for trims. While it may look crowded, there's plenty of room for work, with both the table the machine rests on and the table to the right covered with cutting board mats. The serger fits perfectly to my right when I need it, or I can set up an ironing station there temporarily. Today I was to lazy for that, so am using the big board, which is against the window to my back...

"Necessaries" for optimum creative results!

To the right - other necessities! Chocolate, hot tea, and completed blocks for inspiration. Not pictured: a small space heater to chase away chills... my sewing room faces south, but my windows are the best in the house, and it always seems drafty in the cold weather!

Pile O' Scraps!

Note the basket of scraps...

So, I'm set for a good day of piecing. Hope you get some sewing fun in today!

Keep WARM!

- Karen

One UFO Down! Working the "List"...and those "Resolutions"...

2011-01-06T12:32:00.000-06:00

How many of us have a list of Unfinished Quilts (also known as UFO's unfinished objects)?
Each year, I find myself reviewing my UFO list, with mixed emotions...

The feeling of satisfaction is so very great as I strike a finish project off the list - not only finished, but gifted to the recipient. This time, My oldest niece, Ginger, received her quilt, the first, (I hope) of one for each of my 7 nieces and nephews. I felt like I really needed to make a quilt at least for family members... and so embarked on working on these quilts. She was thrilled, and, I'm sure had forgotten my question to her long ago... "What is your favorite color?".

Lavender Dance - DONE!

The answer, "purple" resulted in "Lavender Dance" a swirl of purple scraps that turned out quite nice, if I do say so myself! I showed it at the Fall 2010 quilt show in Austin, and if sure looked great on the wall... h

However - reviewing that list always causes me to look at all those yet to be finished, and inevitably to add new quilts to the list!

I keep the list handy, in my datebook, which, though in writing, is fairly well hidden at the back of the book... I decided to move it forward, placing it at the front... the better to see it each time i use the date book.
I've found that, since I'm no longer involved in managing a business, with crucial deadlines, I have not been using the book daily - something I resign to get back to this year - so let's see if 2011 can be the year I get more quilts done.

Next up for Hand Quilting: "Kodachrome Dresden"

Here's a peek at a project that is one of my earliest piecing projects - something I've really been wanting to hand quilt - which will mean the big frame will need to find living space in the house... more on that later! (Sorry about that photo... I'll try to spiff that up... ). Working title is "Kodachrome Dresden", the fabrics are all colorful tiny calicos - those lovely prints from the 80's that are getting pretty hard to find. Each "plate" has colors arranged a la color wheel... I plan to quilt a coordinating "plate" across the 1 inch sashing in between each plate...and, while there was a lot of machine work here, the plates were hand appliqued into place! I remember I was quite proud of myself when I finished the top. It will hand quilt easily with so few seams.

On the machine now, is the blue and tan log cabin- basted and ready for quilting for R. Barnes!

2011 is sure to be a busy quilting year - Here's hoping you too have a "Pieceful" 2011...

- Karen

2010-11-27T07:46:00.000-06:00

Small Business Saturday

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2010

I don't know if you've heard of this yet... but I think it 's a GREAT idea, and today I plan to stop by one of my favorite local quilt shops to do my part...

I believe that if everyone started devoting a larger portion of their normal shop shopping budget away from the big boxes to a local shop, we'd all be soooo much better off!

See you at The Quilt Store, Honey Bee, or Ginger's Needlework in Austin today - I'm not sure if I'll make them all, but I'll give it a good try!

For more details:

http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/

Here's the scoop:

The day after Black Friday will now be known as Small Business Saturday, where the focus will be on Christmas shopping at small businesses all over the country. Small businesses, especially in this part of the country are very important to our local economy. In fact, small businesses are the backbone of the entire country’s economy. The mom and pop stores across the nation account for over 70 percent of merchants and retailers. Spread the idea of seeking out and supporting our favorite independent shops this weekend!

Here's What Happens When You Shop Local

You keep dollars in our economy. (a retail study explained that if even half of the employed population spent a mere $50 a month each, at any 3 independently-owned stores - instead of at the big box/chain stores, this economy would turn around in the blink of an eye! AND ... You can save a business from closing! (this same study further explained that if you spend minimum $12.00 a week at each of 3 favorite independently-owned retailers, those 3 businesses would be saved from closing.)

You embrace what makes us unique.
You create local jobs.
You help the environment. (buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging)
You nurture community. (studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains)
You conserve your tax dollars. (These taxes go to building our infrastructure, salaries, education and funding police and fire departments.
You create more choice. (your local business picks the items we sell based on what we know you like and want.)
You take advantage of our expertise. (we're passionate about what we do. Why not take advantage of it?)
You invest in entrepreneurship (creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon)
You make a destination. (the more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests - this benefits everyone)

Another Quilt Festival...2010

2010-11-14T12:44:00.001-06:00

Well, I haven't anything to say for myself as a blogger. While I've been busy with many projects (including "quilty" ones), I've definitely NOT been keeping up with my blog - so here goes...

A Baby Quilt EVERY Month...

I continue to work on charity baby quilts for the guild... my ever-favorite pattern for these quilts is still the "Super Sized Nine Patch" pattern by Anita Grossman Soloman... nothing is simpler! Two cuts (and trim) on three yards of fabric results in three lovely 42" baby quilts. Of late, I've taken to putting them together "pillowcase" style - top and backing placed right sides together with the Warm and Natural Batting on the bottom. I trim and sew almost all around the edge, leaving about 6-8 inches open and turn it inside out. The opening is sewn closed with machine stitching. The result is a neat edge that needs no binding! I use my sewing machine's (Husqvarna Viking Topaz 30) decorative stitches to sew a "faux" decorative "binding" around the edge, and quickly quilt with an all over pattern. These little quilts can be put together in just a couple of hours, and are WONDERFUL PRACTICE for your free motion quilting!

Here's a link to download this little pattern... it deserves to be in every quiltmaker's quick quilt projects "bag of tricks"!

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=184

Another QUILT FESTIVAL - Houston 2010

Yes, another fall means it's time to soak up the biggest quilt show in the world - or at least in the US... The International Quilt Festival occurs at the end of each October - this week for the first time AFTER Halloween, so no quilters were dressed in Halloween finery - which, in past years adds to the creative interest. As always, there is so very much creative energy, so much to look at, so many colors, one almost get's "overdosed" with it all. With over a thousand quilts to see... it results in a rewarding but tiring day. This year I was accompanied by my good friend Writer Russ Barnes, who is exploring Quilting from his perspective as an active board member of the American Creativity Association. Look for more info with links to his work on this subject in the future.

This time, just a day trip, so my pictures of the event were limited, but, I was lucky enough to see Sharon Schamber standing in front of her unprecedented THIRD "Best in Show" winning quilt. Titled "Mystique"... the stunning work, while quilted on a long arm machine, exhibited a stunning amount of hand work, with tiny bias cording tubes arranged lace like to hold the sectioned, medallioned quilt together. The applique work was soooo fine! visit the http://www.quilts.com/ web site to see the professional pictures.

Here's my favorite of Sharon turning the quilt back forward for us to take a peek - of course the back was almost as exciting as the front!

Here's Russ in front of what was a pieced and appliqued work.

And my personal favorite, a work of whimsy (and PERFECT appliqued circles) by Becky Goldsmith. It won a Judges Choice award!

Again - visit the Quilts Inc website: http://www.quilts.com/ for really great pictres of the winners!

- Until next time - Karen Alexander, Austin, Tx

Sewing the Dog Days Away...

2010-08-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd write eloquently about the difficulty of getting through those last hot days of the summer..but someone else has beaten me to it quite well. Almost no one (IMHO) writes of American life these days as well as Garrison Keillor. heres a GREAT Link for you: http://www.publicradio.org/columns/prairiehome/sundberg/2010/08/12.shtml

I love that beginning - "the heat rising up like a wild creature"... it does almost seem alive, and it certainly gets your attention. Causes me to step faster getting through a hot parking lot to the workplace. Makes me turn on the fan in the sewing room - even though I'm in the relative cool of the air conditioning. Don't know what's worse, trying to stay cool enough, but not so cool as to feel the angst generated by worry about that every higher electric bill that comes at the end of August!

Unlike Garrison's thunderstorms in Minnesota, we are past the unusually wet and somewhat milder weather we enjoyed in June and early July and are into the throws of the great Texas summer "bake off". Unrelenting sun and heat - 100 degrees or highter with no relief in sight. An afternoon shower is now pretty rare - generally the result of some tropical activity at the Gulf shore that really never quite get's to us. And any rain just magnifies the oppression with stifling humidity. Thought processes slow. Cooking no longer has any appeal. Clothing is indeed pretty optional... the less the better!

Like Garrison, we await with impatience that first hint that a break in the heat will arrive... At least we do have the benefit of air conditioning!
I really have machines to work on, and a quilt to finish up in time for the Austin Show... but staying on target is just so difficult. I've cut back on my hours at work by stepping out of the Manager position to try to refocus on my quilting and vintage machine work... but focus seems illusive at this time of year.

I think just getting in front of the machine and doing ANYTHING is a creative and productive strategy that I'll try to stick with.

On a lighter and more quilty note... I am still continuing my first time ever membership in a Block of the Month activity... Gyleen Fitzgerald's "Canal Street Tiles" group project. I finished blocks three and four this week:

I think they came out nicely, and will continue with these, although 5 and 6 won't get tackled until my Show quilt is finished... I have one month to finish it up! Come on cool weather!

- Karen

A New Life for an Old Girl...

2010-06-26T22:59:00.000-05:00

My latest fun project has been the restoration of a Singer model 15 Treadle Sewing Machine. With Tiffany Decals, this old girl has some real class. Her commission date gives her a "birthday" of February 13, 1914. So, she is just a few years shy of 100.

She has a lovely new home in my 4 drawer Victorian Singer Cabinet. I bought the cabinet many years ago (at least 25), and it became something of an inspiration. I acquired it initially strictly because of it's looks, restored it to learn something about preserving these lovely old oak pieces, and eventually started learning about these old machines. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was dragging home other old Singer machines and restoring them to working condition. The cabinet originally came with a terribly hard worn "Sphinx" Decaled Model 27. I looked high and low for suitable replacement, but never really found one that I liked. Early on, I knew I wanted to return the treadle to working condition - with a period machine. The find of the Tiffany was fortuitous, as a collector show. It had grubby plates, and was a bit dirty, but seemed to show good potential, with a good bit of it's decals still extant, and wear not beyond the realm of further use. It did not have suitable plates for the rear and side, so after further search last year, a good set in a period design were found.

Last week I finally got the restored head up and running. With a new belt, she purrs along, and I pulled out the purple "Texas Two Step" quilt I've been working on to give it a go. It will take some use and practice to get smooth at using the treadle... it takes some getting used to! A bit like patting your head and rubbing your stomach in terms of the coordination needed to pedal with your feet and guide with your hands. The right hand has to stand at the ready to help stop the machine, I never did get the hang of that manuever.

The purple top is one I've been working on off and on now for two years. I've only worked on it at Mom's house, using her mother's model 66 treadle, which I also returned to good working order. I want to at least have a top that I can say I produced by "foot power". I'm thinking it would be fun to demonstrate the treadle at some fairs or such.... hmmm? Enjoy the photos.

Waiting for Snow...

2009-12-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

The forecast today calls for a 60% chance of Snow... indeed a true "chance" occurence here where snow is a true novelty. The clouds of the morning however seem to be lifting a bit, and we have reports of snow SOUTH of us... so, we may miss it. Here's a nice picture of the fall leaves from the studio a few days ago... The leaves have all but fallen now, but the light was gorgeous that day, shining through the brilliant remains of fall. It is an Eastern Gum, and despite the terrible heat and drought of summer did put on a nice "show"...

But with the morning off, it was time to start on cutting those charms for an upcomind workshop with Gyleen Fitzgerald. Called Humble Tumbler, we'll learn to make a simple, small charm quilt, choosing two expanded "colorways". What else could I have picked but red and green! My collection of Christmas fabrics (and red and green in general) will more than fill the bill.

I'm hoping to learn a lot from Gyleen, I'm especially interested in her color theory, but even more so on her self-published works. She has some lovely books for children, and a book of quilts and poetry that looks like a great addition to the library - maybe even a nice gift for someone special!
Here's a link to her website ... http://www.colourfulstitches.com/
She also has a book on "finishing" something I've been struggling with of late. More on that subject soon.

Here's a look at the worktable today: a typical spread of tools. The reds, the greens and those that might go both ways.

We are supposed to think about "expanding" the color way to include adjacent colors on the color wheel, but I think it may go to far beyond my Christmas theme.. will see where it goes tomorrow.

I'm trying the ergonomic rotary cutter of late (upper left of the pic) to try to reduce pressure on those joints that are NOT likeing the advent of winter!

Well, as my hubby says, it's off to "sewing machine world for an evening of work...still NO SNOW :-(

Making it to "The Show"... a Quilt at IQA Festival

2009-11-03T22:50:00.000-06:00

What a whirlwind! It's taken a few weeks for me to finally calm down enough to try to write about my feelings and the incredible events.

The that I made for Mom and Dad was accepted at a special exhibit at this year's Houston International Quilt Festival.

I entered the quilt into the exhibit sometime in June. A friend in the quilt guild passed along to me the call for submissions. Festival was looking for quilts to show at an exhibition of "Traditional" quilts. When I first looked at the requirements, I was pretty surprised to find that indeed my quilt might qualify. Even better, the exhibition was not judged, simply a "special exhibit", and best of all, NO entry fee was required! The only requirement was that the quilt be one that had won an award at a Texas Quilt Guild in the last few years.

A few clicks, an attachment of a picture of the quilt, and the submission was made. I soon forgot about the entry. Imagine my shock at getting a phone call one Saturday afternoon in late September, from an IQA staffer. She asked a few questions, (What award had the quilt won? ) and informed me that my quilt had been accepted for the special exhibit, and advised me that I'd receive an acceptance letter with instructions for shipping the quilt to the show in a week. I was stunned. I told no one, I almost thought it was some sort of a fluke...surely someone would sort out the error. The letter from IQA (International Quilt Association - the organization behind the annual International Quilt Festival) arrived as indicated. A never spoken dream of showing a quilt at Festival was simply made, with an email, a letter and a phone call. One sticky detail was yet to be ironed out. I would have to "borrow" the quilt back from Mom in order to ship it to Houston....

Would Mom allow me the use of the quilt? What kind of condition would it be in? Could I make time to make the trek to Dallas to retrieve it in time to make the show deadline?

The pieces fell into place much more easily than I originally guessed. Mom simply required that it be "back by Christmas"...I was a bit surprised that she let go of the quilt so easily...

I found it in lovely shape, though I just had to wash it once more to try to remove those stubborn marks that gained a minor critique at the Austin Area Guild Quilt Show where it won an Honorable Mention in 2008. Some of the marks stayed - they will probably always be there, though they are now faint. Packaging the quilt and shipping it was done with only a brief amount of concern... I somehow felt comfortable that it would make it to back to it's place of creation (Houston) without problems...

I put together a trip to Houston with my friend Cindy, who had never attended Quilt Festival (I can't remember how many years I'd been going... at least 10 or 12. I had not attended last year, and will never miss it again. The rejuvenation of the creative spirit that results from viewing the great works of so many quilters keeps one's spirit and mind working through even the toughest of years.

Cindy and I planned a two day visit - one day to view the vendor booths, and a second to take in all the quilt exhibits. We decided to check out the commercial goods the first day, and to take notes and decide upon purchases to be made after viewing exhibits the second day.

We arrived without incident, leaving early on a Thursday morning, arriving in Houston just in time for the opening of the doors. Entering nearest the vendor end of the building, We stuck to our guns, working the vendor booths with all the diligence of women at the grocery. No booth was left unseen. No tool, fabric, pattern or new gew-gaw was not paid due attention. I took notes on what booths would be revisited on Friday afternoon for those all important purchases. But as we worked our way through 20 aisles of the huge convention center steadily towards the exhibit area, my own level of tension mounted.

Houston Skyline - from the Convention Center

I was pretty convinced, based on some pre-show buzz that the show was continuing it recent track of becoming a venue for "contemporary" quilting. Machine quilting, "Art" quilts, and very untraditional works were fast becoming the majority of works presented in both the judged show, as well as the special exhibits. To try to keep hand pieced and hand quilted works in the mix, the show had fairly recently added a "Handmade" category, specifically to try to keep somewhat traditional quilt entries in the show, even if only in a more and more limited way. I was sure that this special exhibit had been added (late to the show, and not detailed in the program at all!) to try to add at least some traditional, although, contemporary works. The show has always had some exhibition of vintage or historical quilts. I was sure that this exhibition would be probably be stuck somewhere at the back of the floor... a quiet respite from the "buzz" of the modern works.

After all, the exhibit, entitled "Texas Guilds' Awarding Winning Traditional Quilts" must surely be a sleeper of "Sunbonnet Sues" and Dresden Plates sleepily dozing amidst a world of modern quilt chaos...

Imagine my surprise, when I purchased a program which indicated that the exhibit was near the front of the show floor. At around 4 o'clock, we had worked our way through the entire floor, and decided it was time to spend time "looking" for my quilt. At the show, the vendor area is divided by a wall from the exhibit area.

As we rounded the "wall", and I almost died from shock. There was my quilt... paired with a lovely Pieced colorwheel quilt - literally the first quilt you saw as you rounded the corner from the vendor exhibit hall.

"50 Years of Love for Nancy and Harold" (left) at the entrance to the special exhibit: Texas Guilds: Award Winning Traditional Quilts"

My quilt (and it's neighbor) served as the introductory quilts at the entry to the special exhibit! "50 Years of Love for Harold and Nancy" - MY QUILT, (myhusband reminds me is it now "Mom's Quilt"), was literally only yards away from the Best in Show Quilt... not to be missed by any one of the 50,000 plus quilters who would enter the exhibit hall to view the top winners at the show over the entire week of Festival.

I had to sit down. A convenient bench allowed Cindy and I to sit just a few yards in front of the quilt and watch admiring quilters. I can't tell you how hard it was to keep from just pulling out the hankie and losing it in front of them all! Cindy, her first time at quilt festival must have been impressed at my ability to stay upright! I had to resist the urge to yell out "THAT'S MY QUILTS"... to the meandering crowd...

The following day, we spent the day looking at the "real" show entries... the money winners, (Did I mention that my quilt was literally only a few yards away from the "Best In Show" winner!?), the incredible, emotionally stunning beauty, the great political statements, the humorous experiments, the quilts that make you cry.... all of them, showing themselves to us in all their glory... along with my best work to date...perhaps the best quilt I will ever make. And quite possibly the only quilt I may ever see shown at such a prestigious event....

We ran into guild members, friends, many who gave me congratulations, and said they were so happy to see my quilt there... what a great, affirming day for any artist.

The quilt arrived back in Austin this past week. More carefully packaged than I was able to do. None the worse for wear, but ready to resume it's gentle life on Mom and Dad's bed, where it will be by Christmas time.

I thought you'd like to see once more their photos... One taken just prior to their wedding in 1953, and another, at their 50th wedding anniversary. What more could I ever need to inspire the creation of a great quilt?

A Beautiful Day for Poetry and Sewing!

2009-01-22T12:45:00.003-06:00

I hope all of you had the opportunity to hear the Inaugural Poem offered by Elizabeth Alexander (no relation that I am aware - unfortunately!).

Here's a link to a transcript at the NYTimes:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/20/us/politics/20text-poem.html?_r=1&ref=books

The lovely reference to sewing, as a means of renewal, and repair:

"Someone is stitching up a hem,
darninga hole in a uniform, patching a tire,
repairing the things in need of repair."

These words brought the great significance of the day to heart for me, with sewing and quilting taking such a big role in my life these days.

Since I began working full time for Husqvarna Viking, running their little shop here, I've had a wonderful time meeting so many people, making new friends, and yes, helping with a lot of "renewal and repair". It's great to see so many people turning to sewing (or turning back to it after many years) - not just for liesure or retirement activitiy, but to be a bit more frugal - looking at making things last, or even making things rather than buying them! Many more young women are buying machines, inspired a bit by the creative, DIY type shows on fashion, but also by the idea that they can indulge their creative interests by making something they can actually wear or use daily....

I have kept to my quilting (somewhat) making my monthly charity baby quilt, and actually put the big project up at the Fall Quilt Show (I promise to write that up eventually). However, my time left for posting, internet communication, and other more pedestrian pursuits has slowed a good bit. One of my New Years resolutions has been to get back to my boards and blog... thus this post!

I also though you might enjoy this post on Garrison Kiellor's Daily Writer's Almanac the day of the Inauguation... another poem by Elizabeth Alexander. I am soo happy to share at least her surname!
Here's a link:
http://www.elabs7.com/functions/message_view.html?mid=630942&mlid=499&siteid=20130&uid=b800efa02a

This is one of my favorite internet newsletters. Most NPR stations broadcast Garrison reading the Almanac daily... this is an important daily routine for me. If I can't hear it on the radio, I always check my email to catch it... Can't recommend it enough - a great way to keep learning a bit about the language, and get some poetry into you day, every day!

See you at the sewing machine!
- Karen

C'est Finis... Musing about Finishing a Quilt... and Winning!

2008-10-28T22:04:00.013-05:00

I realize that I have indeed been away from my blog for some time, and for that gentle reader, I do apologize! I have no good reason other than a busy life, and, making a living - among other incredibly time consuming pursuits!

I AM happy to report the completion of a major work in 2008. The draft of this post has been languishing in my "draft box" for some time...so I felt it had "ripened" enough for a post.

I finished (at long last!) a great quilt work that had been underway now for 5 long years. That seems like such a long time. How many times in one's life does one work on a project that will take 5 years to complete?

(Mom & Dad at their 50th Anniversary)

(Mom and Dad at their engagement - has he got a hold on her or what?!)

The "great quilt" is a quilt started in early 2003. My mother and father's 50th wedding anniversary scheduled in August of that year inspired me to begin a quilt I thought I would fininsh in 6 months! I considered that it should have to fit on my parents queen sized bed, and, that it MUST be hand quilted. How little did I know when I began the project how long it would actually take. Shortly after completing the top (in a wedding ring design of course!), I realized that my hand quilting skills were inadequate to the task. I began signing up for various workshops that year, and shortly decided to put away the quilt and put a "learning" quilt on the frame to hone my skills. The "Learning" quilt took a year itself - it was a vintage top that I sandwiched and hand quilted.

(Here's the Learning Quilt: )

The great 50th wedding anniversary event took place as planned and was a great success... with the quilt top shown and a great quilt promised. My mother, who followed somewhat the progress of the work finally tired of asking about the quilt, and began to foist vain threats on me... "you'll have to wrap me in my coffin in it if you don't finish it soon...".... that sort of thing!

But, as I soon learned, a great project, and a great quilt can NOT be hurried.

Through good times and bad, a son's graduations, a downsizing and move, the emptying of the nest... through all, there was always the quilt.

(- The Quilt underway in the frame... Little "Tadpole" a brief visitor to our household, he loved to "help" me quilt. An unknown illness took him away from us too soon.)

The steady, soothing work, the quiet progress. Some trama resulted when I no longer was able to continue using the family frame (too large to set up in the smaller digs!)... but I adapted to a lap frame and continued... the quilt none the worse for wear...

Finally, the quilt was ready to bind, a month's chore, and then... the final wash! I decided not to agonize over the removal of the marking - I knew they might not entirely come out after having been on the quilt for so long, but decided to enter the quilt in the guild show in September before taking it to Mom at Thanksgiving, and a cleaning would be necessary to get it show-worthy.

(Detail of quilting and the Binding being attached! ALMOST DONE! )

It was with great trepidation that I left the quilt at the Show site... it's first time away from me for more than a day or so!

But the joy of seeing it hanging in the gallery, with admiring people walking by... the excitement of people discovering the hand work (wow!) was only matched by my amazement at winning a ribbon! Honorable Mention in the Large Piecing category!

Most gratifying, were the kind words of the judge, who praised the "lavish" hand quilting... and provided gentle critical remarks... not at all what I expected - having heard stories of the dangers of the judges critique!

(Adoring husband took this picture of the proud quiltmaker at the show:)

Here's a link to the guild site where you'll see many more lovely quilts...

http://www.aaqg.org/

Hmmm.... what's next?!

My UFO list has 14 pieces (I wasn't JUST working on that big quilt all those years after all!), I think the next one will be for ME! Here's a lovely dresden plate top I finished some years ago (before the wedding ring) that has been patiently awaiting a quilting. It will HAVe to be done by hand!

(A Dresden Plate Top at a workshop - hmmmm, what pattern to quilt?)

A Night to Shine - COMPLETE!

2008-04-02T21:48:00.003-05:00

After some minor delays, and a few late, late hours, I was able to turn this little lap quilt over to Joe to take to Trinity. This quilt is part of their annual fundraiser - my contribution... I named it after the event. For more details, or to bid yourself... visit http://www.trinitykids.com/.

I had great fun making it. I used the great new pieced border technique I learned from Sally Schneider, and used up a lot of really glitzy, sparkly fabrics - I'll never know what possessed me to buy such garish stuff... but it's perfect for the theme of Star shine! This one was machine pieced on the 15-91...

Here's some pictures...

Shameless Commerce & Camera Breakdown!

2008-03-28T15:01:00.002-05:00

More about the Shameless Commerce at the end of my post today.

I was amazed to see how long it's been since I've posted. A lot going on at the old house. I just got back from two weeks in Cleveland... at a Manager Training Program for Husqvarna Viking (the sewing machines, not the Chainsaws!).

No, I'm not abandoning my affinity for all sewing things vintage.... I'm just falling in love with some new machines. I'm going to be managing a new H-V Gallery Store in the N. Austin Joann!
Yep... shiny, new plastic wonders - some computerized - that will do almost everything except heat you coffee. I have to admit that after spending 10 days playing around with them that I was getting awfully used to the ability to do need up and down, and did not miss the lifter at all! They really do sew by themselves.

I wish I'd taking the camera - though actually, IT's not broken down, but my floppy drive took a dump, and I'll have to go to the "old computer stuff" store to get a "new-old" replacement. My Sony Mavica, once the premier (and first) digital camera still works wonderfully, but I do go through floppy drives - as the camera puts it's pictures to floppy disk - yes, those little 3.5" plastic guys! Amazing isn't it. How the floppy drive in the camera has lasted through (conservativly) 25-30,000 pictures for my eBay biz over 7 or 8 years, while a floppy drive unit for a computer is lucky to last a year or so...? So, I KNOW they CAN be made to last, they just aren't! I wonder how many things we buy today are made to fall apart or stop working on a schedule... what a waste of resources eh?

Yes, it IS my Shameless Commerce Division! And it's spring sweep time, so I must point out that EVERYTHING in my Ebay store is 30% OFF through SUnday, April 27th... so click on the link to the left, and PLEASE take some of this fabric off my hands!!

Pictures of the Star Quilt next week, final quilting is underway this weekend!

Karen

Keep on Working...

2008-02-28T08:36:00.006-06:00

Just a minute to post the now finished top for the "auction" quilt... I think it turned out quite nice.

All sparkly in various Hoffman Fairy Frost and other prints from the stash. The theme of the event it "A Night to Shine" and it's done in school colors (blue and grey). I added the bits of turquoise to spice it up a bit. Now... how to quilt it? I'm thinking about "McTavishing" it... but then again, some more traditional feathers round the border? We'll see.

I REALLY enjoyed the pieced border technique, the pattern is by Sally Schneider (http://www.sallyschneider.com/). Called Laurel Wreath. She has one done in jewel tones, with the "beads" around the border all done in different colors. The entire quilt is actually just made of 12 in. blocks, all pieced on the diagonal. The colors make the pieced border look like something really difficult to manage. If you look closely, you'll see the diagonal seams in the border. After it's quilted, they will be even less apparent... making the quilter look like a real genius! My favorite kind of quilt pattern. One that looks fancy, but has an "easy" secret!

Imagine how wonderful it would look done up in Christmas Colors. Sally was at our guild last month, but I was unable to make it to her workshop, but I'm glad I bought the pattern and one of her books, and was able to put it to such good use so quickly... Here's a close up.

I cut the backing last night. My piece was too short to cut in half, so I did a diagonal back...

If your backing piece is at least 1-1/2 times longer than the top, you simply cut it in half diagonally. Then slide the pieces off set until you have a piece wide enough for the quilt width! Sew them together on the diagonal seam and voila! you have a back with a piece of fabric only 1-1/2 times the length of your top! And the nice thing about a diagonal seam is it's easier to quilt over, and doesn't show through as easily as a single center seam. It's really nice for hand quilting. I picked up this idea from John Flynn's website... http://www.flynnquilt.com/ It's under the free lesson menu. There's actually a mathematical forumula for the brave at heart (or of mind?) to help in calculating the needed length of fabric to make a diagonal seamed back. It is very cost efficient, as you don't end up with a big hunk of fabric, just two small triangle scraps (and who can't use scraps!).

Now, I have to spend the day pin basting (ugh), but, while I baste, I can think about how I want to quilt it....!

The quilt (a lap quilt size 54" x 70") will be auctioned off at the Trinity Episcopal School fund raiser April 5th in Westlake Hills in Austin!

FYI... the backing is an older blue sparkly Christmas fabric. Kind of a toile design, blue with grey scenes of angels... it's not obviously a Christmas theme - but definitely religious... will work wonderully for this donation quilt made for an Episcopal school don't you think!

Blue and Grey

2008-02-21T09:26:00.004-06:00

What have I gotten myself into?

Dear Husband has been working at a local private school for several months, and recently commented that the school's big fund raising event is coming up in April. He slyly mentioned that there would be a silent auction, and, that it would be awfully nice if he had something to donate for the auction.

Silence.

Of course, he could donate one of his hand made knives, but a quilt done in school colors might go over better right?

More Silence.

I finally have to reply - you know I'm trying to finish up mom's big quilt - right? And I've volunteered to take on the publicity for the guild's quilt show (an unbelievably large task)... right?

Even More Silence.

But how can I refuse... of course I'll just whip something together. So inspired by this month's guild speaker, Sally Schneider, I decide to use the pattern that I bought at the meeting to make a fast, quilt.

The event's theme is "A Night to Shine" so, stars it is. And I'm using a pattern that includes a pieced border... that is incorporated into the block piecing. When finished, it will look incredibly complex, when in fact, it is just diagonally set blocks, with a build in border...

Here's a picture of the work in progress:

Two strips are done, and are being pinned together for sewing...

It did go together fairly quickly - probably have about 12 hours total into it... I'll give you an update next week... due date: April 1!

A Quilter's Work is Never Done....

2008-02-20T14:58:00.005-06:00

Way past time to post my Charity Quilt turned in at the February guild meeting. With all the mess going on last month, I made it the easy way, with one of the little "kits" our guild "Baby Bundle" committee make available. The kits are made using Anita Grossman Solomon's fabulously simple "Super-Sized Nine Patch" pattern. yep, 9 pieces, easily cut from strips across the width of a yard of fabric, or from fat quarters... sooooo easy. A great way to put together a quilt in an afternoon. If you do a "pillow turn" rather than a binding, and tie rather than machine quilt it's even easier. Though I feel like I can free motion something like this as fast as my fumble fingers can tie it!

These little quilts, under 42" square, are a great way to practice your free motion quilting too!

I decided to quilt some "cloud-like" puffs... and a few balloons in the corners to go along with the pattern in the fabric.

This simple pattern can be found for download online in the free patterns at the Quiltmaker magazine site:

http://quiltmaker.com/patterns/patt230/

By the way, this site has a fabulous collection of various simple patterns for charity quilts - all easily downloadable. Many are soooo simple! You have no excuses not to make that pattern for your guild's charity effort this month!

Thanks to Anita for sharing this pattern with the guild!

(Quilting) Life Goes On...

2008-02-01T16:45:00.000-06:00

After a couple of weeks of trauma, I hope to get back to writing about some of the nicer things that happened over the month of January... and what's up for February... Thanks to those you who send condolences over out loss of our old kitty friend. One of these days soon, I'm sure we'll have room again for another...

Before all the grimness of the end of the month, I actually had some pleasant quilting experiences that I feel I need to share. As a Christmas gift to myself, I signed up for two quilting workshops last fall, they happened early in the month, unfortunately, with all the other goings on, I didn't really get a chance to report.

The first was a two day workshop with that "Dear Jane" lady, Brenda Papadakis, who incidentally, has recently moved to Texas - we told her it was OK that she got here as soon as she could! The workshop was courtesy of the Chisholm Trial Guild, with a membership in the areas of Georgetown and Round Rock - just north of Austin. With an invitation to Austin guild members to attend the workshops, how could I forgo such a wonderful opportunity.

If you aren't familiar with Brenda or the Dear Jane phenomenon, its all about a fabulous sampler quilt, made up of 4-1/2 inch blocks, by a lady named Jane Stickle, "in war time 1863". While we don't know a lot about the quilter, her work is incredible, with over 250 small blocks, each almost an entirely unique design... Brenda published a book on the quilt, and it has garnished a following of quilters around the world, who make quilts as copies, or in honor of this quilt. The quilts made in the spirit of this quilt are often referred to as "Baby Janes". The quilt, all hand made of course, includes pieced and appliqued work, and every block presents a different challenge to the quilter.

Many of the attendees were "followers" and brought their existing works in progress and finished. Just looking at those was a great experience and very inspiring.

We spent one day doing hand work, and the second working by machine. I decided, in the spirit of Jane to modify the 5-star block known as "Papa's Star" into the form of a "Texas Star", in honor of Brenda. The workshop was great fun, and very informative, though Brenda expressed a great deal of weariness at all the moving mess. expressing that her sewing room was still mostly packed! I hope Brenda get's settled in, and is able to unpack her sewing room and enjoy living in the Great State, an I hope we see her in the Austin area again soon.

Above is my work from the class...THREE blocks!

And, I also was able to attend the Austin Guild workshop with Denise Lipscomb... I think I mentioned this earlier. I've finished 3 rows towards this quilt - which will need 12... not sure yet who will end up with this one... perhaps another neice?! The braid is very simple to do... but doesn't it look complex? It's so simple, that it gets a bit too repetitive. It's going to be a project that I can pull out anytime I just want to sew, without complications! Denise was a very easy-going teacher, no stress, just simple easy instructions, very helpful.

And finally....

SHHHH! Don't tell mom - but the 50th Anniversary Quilt is getting a Binding. Fairy Frost Gold in the thinnest of bindings - 1/4". Those scallops are a bear... but one side is finished!

ALMOST there!

KEEP QUILTING!

OLOK - R.I.P.

2008-01-29T09:33:00.000-06:00

Alas, the last of the family pets from the childhood home has passed on. I hope there are plenty of nice fat meecsies wherever he may be.

Meesies What I Love to Eat,

Meesies Fat and Oh, So, Sweet

Bite they little heads off,

Eat they little feet

Meeses, (little!) meesies - What I Love to Eat....

Thank you Olok!

Quilting Hospice

2008-01-23T08:46:00.001-06:00

OLOK is sick... this week, I combine my quilting, (and work) with - nursing. The ravages of time appear to have caught up with our formerly tough old tom cat. Named "Our Little Outside Kitty" by my then young son, OLOK (rhymes with "o-lock) has always been our not too familiar - mostly outside cat. As the years have passed, he's grown fonder of staying "in", especially in bad weather, no longer living up to his unusual name.

He's more than paid his keep - a champion mouser, no vermin stayed long around the premises - often such deeds were highlighted by a special "offering", laid neatly at the back door, as though offered in payment for room & board. Such offerings being rare, however, as he had a serious taste for mice... rarely sparing one for a "giveaway"... I once watched him somewhat incredulously as he finished one off (it was barely dead) with great relish, leaving nothing but the tail - ugh! He was always my husband's cat, as Joe "rescued" him from a no doubt shorter, and harder life as a feral cat. As a very small kitten, he was noticed roaming the garden and back yard - coming and going in and out of the street drain. Our home then backed up to a very old farm - where a few cats were always to be seen around the old barn and nearby pond,(Frogs being apparently almost as good as mice - legs only please!) cruising quietly at the feet of the elderly woman who lived there in those early years. It was always an idyllic scene.

- OLOK in better times...sneaking into

the sewing room...

The appearance of the little cat was not welcome, as our other cat, TC (the Ten Dollar Cat), was very territorial, and, a fight would be sure to be in the future, if the little kitten were not caught and tamed (or - given away). My husband set about to trap the little orange striped tabby...

It only took a couple of days, and one day, the kitten was to be found in the trap - baited with sardines - at the back of the lot... I remember watching my surprised husband trying to pick up and carry the cat - inside the trap - back to the house. The cat, seemingly so happy, and friendly in the garden chasing frogs, had turned into a tiny Skil Saw... actively trying to attack my husband through the bars as he carried the trap by the small, to-close-for comfort handle! Not a happy kitten - and a surprised husband.

He brought the cat (still in the trap) and, decided he could "tame" him... sitting, still hissing and spitting in the trap, and looking VERY untameable - now, in the corner of the kitchen.

Throughout the day, he offered up tiny bits of tasty things - which the kitten at first refused, but later, young hunger won out, and he ate them, only when no one was looking.

Joe spent the night sleeping on a sleeping bag, next to the trapped kitten - by morning, the door was open, and, hand inside the cage, the dirty deed was done - the kitten (somewhat) tamed...

So, OLOK was never REALLY my cat, or, my son's though, he often would deign to allow me some seemingly reluctant (don't touch my feet!) lap time. Most days he could be seen spending the lazy summer days in his favorite spot in the yard or garden. He never forgot that street drain - always a quick spring away in the event of any alarm. Never tolerant of any other people, he could disappear in a heartbeat at the appearance of any visitor to the house or yard.

I was concerned about our move into the city from our "almost country" suburban location in June of 2006, but he seemed to adapt to closer quarters fairly well. Spending more and more time indoors, especially cold winter days. He discovered that the hunting, while not quite as good, was still possible here, with baby pigeons replacing the field mice of his former haunts.

He's always been protective of his territory. Despite being neutered, he still was known to spar from time to time with any other cat with the misfortune to step over whatever invisible line separated HIS world from the rest of it. Only a few of these encounters ever resulted in any damage needing any care. OLOK was always an impressive (and beautiful) creature. Strong, and big, but never really overweight. If he didn't want you to hold on to him, he was quick to let you know it was time to put him down...and you knew you didn't want to argue. He could turn instantly into an armful of sharp claws! A bit of a "macho" man, he would never back out of a fight.

Last spring, he finally got involved in a contest that resulted in an abscessed wound and a vet visit. The vet then remarked at how healthy he was for his age... I wonder what the other cat looked like...?

The neighborhood, unfortunately has many feral, and sort of tame cats - many living at one unfortunate old soul's home... none are neutered, all look in bad shape, and several seedy looking tom's are seen frequently haunting our yard. I began keeping OLOK inside nights - he was NOT happy... favoring staying out at least until our bedtime each evening.

A few weeks ago, he apparently got into another scuffle - but this time, kept his wounds secret - hiding in front of, and under his throat - two chest bites. They festered, and, finally, when I noticed him turning down food, I knew what was up and forced a search of him - by then the abscess had already swelled and drained. He's been on a downhill slide ever since. The vet can find no real reason for the refusal of food - says it's just something they do naturally - he may just start eating again - he may not.

He has been spending days in the sewing room (which he normally is not allowed in), taking over my old rocking chair, seemingly enjoying the hand feeding (sometimes forced though). Drinking water, but refusing solid foods. The vet says, he may snap out of it, or he may not - we could have him force fed regularly, but have decided not to force him to endure such an ignominious treatment.

So, the sewing studio has become a "hospice" of sorts... day by day, the hoped for recovery seems further and further away, though I hope that the next plate of special fish, or tuna or kitty milk, might suddenly be accepted by my old friend.

At least, I have a nice, but somewhat mindless quilt pattern to work on.

I enjoyed a wonderful class last weekend by Denise Lipscomb, owner of Common Threads Quilting Shop in Waxahachie . She taught an easy, (but complex looking) pattern called "Pioneer Braid".

All the pieces are cut, there is a lot of chain piecing, and repetitive work, with the only decisions being which color to pick up next. A great way to get rid of scraps, though I decided to stick with a single color scheme - light and dark purples. Doesn't it look complicated? It's so simple, it's silly... for the pattern and a virtual visit to her fine shop: www.commonthreadsquilting.com

OLOK gets to hang out with the first two rows. The rocker holds many memories - it was my favorite place to nurse my young son so many years ago...what better place for a kitty hospice?

- Karen 1/23/2008

Quilting a Holiday

2007-12-25T21:18:00.000-06:00

What better way to spend a few hours on a quiet Christmas day than to work on a Rag Quilt?

A couple of years ago, I made 5 or 6 of these easy, but arduous quilts. They were all the rage - patterns were everywhere. I looked them all over and settled on the RagTime pattern from Quilt Country in Lewisville looked simple enough. As you can see, it's just alternating plain blocks with 4-patches, with a 1 inch seam that is sewn on the front, then clipped to turn into a lovely raggy chenille like surface.

The problem is the heft of the flannel, which makes the final sewing of the heavy batting filled strips a real bear wrestling match. And then, there is the clipping.....

One of the scissor companies came out with a scissor especially designed to make the work a bit easier on the hand, but it's still requires thousands of snips... tick, tick, tick, goes the life clock.

I discovered an old pair of electric scissors in my collection of old sewing things, and discovered that it is the simplest way to clip those seam allowances - no wear on the hands, and does the job in a fraction of the time required with manual scissors!

I had two large blanket-sized bags full of pre-cut blocks, that have not been touched for two years - last year I laid off, and decided I'd given away enough Rag quilts for a while!

But, alas, one important member of my family had NOT received a quilt - my baby brother! 10 years my junior, he's just not someone I think of as one who sits around needing a lap quilt...

But that said, he recently commented that he "had NEVER been given a quilt".... and so, the mighty bags of flannel squares were resurrected from the depths of my stash closet. Some uncut yardage, which included some darker, more manly, and less Christmas-like fabrics were also enlisted in the efforts.

The old 1927 Singer 31-15 was more than up to the task of constructing the quilt, and those old electric scissors still work as well as I remember. If was a fun task to work on over the holidays.

So, for the past few days, I've tried to finish off the quilt. Tomorrow, I'll post a picture of the finished quilts.

I do hope you were able to take a few hours out to enjoy doing a bit of quilting this Holiday Season - and wish a Very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

2007 Challenge MET!

2007-12-05T09:22:00.000-06:00

First apologies for such a long sabbatical. A lot has been going on, some good, but some that can only be described as "challenging"... lets start with the good stuff first OK?!

In mid 2006, I joined the Austin Area Quilt Guild, and after a few months of participation, decided that the best way to give back a bit to the group would be to challenge myself to make a baby quilt each month for the guild's charity "Baby Bundle" project. I made my first quilt for the January 2007 meeting, and challenged myself and others to make a quilt each month in 2007...

I'm happy to announce that I met the challenge (actually ended up making a few more than 12 - but sort of lost count)! Last month's quilt didn't get pictured... it was actually made in a bit of a hurry, as I'd been on the road to and from my Mom's in Dallas and so it was finished at literally the last minute - and almost didn't make it to the guild meeting - as we had a flat tire on the way there! So no picture was made. I used some older red/blue cheater fabric designed for pillows, and turned the pillow panels, which has a lovely folk artsy "heart" design into a 4-block quilt! But this month's was made at a more leisurely pace. The crazy log cabin blocks were made some months ago, an outgrowth of a workshop by Gwen Marston that led me to her book "Liberated Quiltmaking". I decided to make up a free-pieced "crazy" log cabin blocks. Then, I took the smaller scraps and strip pieced them to a 3" x 12" foundation for a border. I really liked the end result, and plan to do some more such quilts... great, great fun!

Here's a closer look at the blocks and border.

To set the log cabins, I just put 5 inch borders around them, and used my 15" Omnigrid square to rotary cut them into true squares... keeping the log cabins a bit "twisted"

I chose a cool design cam and stitched the binding down to the front with the lovely old 1971 Elna 62C.

One of these days, I'll take pictures of all my sewing machine collection for you... this machine makes the loveliest designs, all with little cams. Those Swiss do make good machines.

I used the Singer 15-91 to do the quilting... all was done free motion.

And what about the other challenge? I spent over a week in late October in Dallas, while Mom went through Triple Bypass Open Heart surgery! After returning home, she went back to the hospital for a couple more days to treat some atrial fibrillation that developed after the surgery. At 72, it's been a real challenge. My father, who's 76, never imagined that he'd be caring for mom - he was supposed to be the one with the heart problems! He had a stent put in place in an artery over 10 years ago, but I know always thought mom would be caring for him... After two full days at the hospital, Dad & I decided to split our time there - he in the morning, and me in the afternoon (he can't drive after dark).

So, another trip and a lot of time spent in the aftermath has been tiring, and, well, not fun.

Mom is recovering well, though suffering a bit from some confusion, and short term memory loss, we are hoping that she can work through some of this and regain her former vigor. Right now she's thrilled that she lost 10 pounds through all this and has worked herself back down in size and is fitting into some of her smaller clothes!

So - even in the darkest of times... there is hope!!

And now, back to that big old Wedding Ring quilt that MUST be finished in time for my next trip to Dallas!

Here's wishing you and yours a Happy, Happy holiday!

Monthly Baby Quilt

2007-10-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

Still on track with my goal to produce a charity quilt each month... Here's this months (October turn in).

This was a true scrap construction, using up only the tiniest amount from my true scrap collection!

I machine quilted it, using Signature's 40 weight pastel variegated thread.

If you look closely, you'll see that I machine quilted spirals in each block! Just did a couple of lines of walking foot work round the border.

Check out the little decorative heart stitches used to hold down the french binding... I like to sew the binding to the back, then fold to the front. Gives one more opportunity to decorate the front with a decorative stitch. Use the "Heart" cam and my 1977 Elna 62C Supermatic! Here's a detail:

Isn't that cute! I really think piecing these little quilts each month is really helped me improve my piecing tremendously. I'm now seeing more straight seams and joins than crooked ones!

This one went out Monday nite as a Baby Bundle Donation for the Austin Area Quilt Guild's charity quilt program.

PIECE and HAPPY SEAMS all!

- Karen

Quilting to Soothe the Soul

2007-10-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

Well, as though things weren't busy enough, I had to take a brief detour last month and spend a week away from home. My mom went to her Doctor with a complaint of feeling tired, and breathless when working in her garden. Her Osteopath sent her to her heart Doctor THAT AFTERNOON, and he promptly put her in the hospital. She "failed" the stress test, and further tests indicated serious blockages in three arteries needing immediate attention. Mom is a heretofore healthy 73 years old!

A Triple Bypass later, she spent a week in recovery. I arrived a few days after the surgery, to help dad in the daily slog to and from the hospital, about 30 miles away in nearby downtown Dallas (they live about halfway between Dallas and Ft. Worth. At 77, Dad no longer enjoys driving far from home, and can't drive at night. We ended up doing a "split shift" which him at the hospital mornings, and me there in the afternoon and evening. It left me with some time to kill at their home, and after I spent a few days doing some cleaning chores around the house, I ended up with a little time on my hands (they are on a dial up connection - using the Internet too time consuming to be attractive!). What to do?

Of course, not to be without some quilting work, I had taken my trusty Elna 62C and the bag O' Purple - a large blanket sized bag of purple quarters, yards and scraps that has been the source for one purple quilt, and now is serving as the source for two additional tops - for nieces. I have to admit that this is not MY favorite color. To that end, I've decided to use the colors to put to use in learning new techniques. Last spring, I used the purples at a Pat Speth workshop on Nickle quilts, and recently, I took it to a great workshop by Lynn Roddy Brown of Houston.

She taught a wonderful technique for a pattern she called "Texas Two Step", a variation of a fairly common block that involves two 4-patches, and two half square triangles, set in a particular way.

However, rather than set up the Elna on the dining room table, I decided it was high time I cleaned up my Grandmother's treadle operated Singer 66. Mom inherited Grandma's machine and brought it home sometime in the early 90's. My Grandmother, Birdie Lee Fillette, though not a woman of means, lived a long and fruitful life, raising 8 of her own children, many of her years as a single mother, her husband being not the best of father figures - as they used to say "he drank a bit"... at any rate, she sewed clothing for all the kids, and in 1946, just after WWII, she purchased, new (on "time), at the local Singer Dealer in Alexandria, Louisiana, the Singer. A model 66, is a no-frills model, with a "Godzilla" crinkle finish, and a plain 3 drawer cabinet. It has seen so much use, the crinkle finish is worn smooth across the bed... it turns over with great ease. Mom rescued it from the small home her mother was living in when the family moved her into a nursing home in the early 1990's. My grandmother lived to be 95 years old, passing on in 1999. I remember visiting her many times, and seeing her using the machine. She often credited the use of the treadle as a reason for her long life. She said it was great exercise and one of the reasons for her great "legs"! Indeed, she was always a trim woman!

Mom said she bought the treadle rather than an electric model as that was what she had before, and she said she saw no reason to waste electricity when she could sew perfectly well without it.!

At any rate, sometime last year I had fitted it with a new belt, and oiled it up, but had not had time to take it for "a ride".

I decided to take all the pre-cut pieces and try putting them together with the Treadle.

While my technique probably needs help, it wasn't too difficult to work the machine, and I was soon sewing at a clip. By the end of my visit, I had finished a good number of blocks... I'll post them when I get them all put together... Here's a picture of just one block, and a postcard of the pattern I made as a thank you for Lynn...

By the way, she has a new book out, which I highly recommend - this pattern is in the book, called Simple Strategies for Scrap Quilts. Her web site is http://www.lynnroddybrown.com/. There you can see a full size version of this quilt done scrappy. It's a great pattern, and can be set in many different ways. Because you have the half dark, and half light, it's easily adapted to any settings you've seen for log cabin patterns...

The work was not only good exercise, but it was very relaxing, especially helpful in dealing with the stress of visting mom daily at the hospital - what work that was! So difficult to see loved ones suffering, and so out of sorts. Though it is truly miraculous the work that Doctors can do now for such problems that once would have meant a shorter life, and an end of suffering.

Mom went home, and is recovering well... I hope this is her last visit for big "work" for a while!
I saved the purple blocks, and will finish up the next group next time I visit. As for now, I am still working nightly on finishing up the Wedding Ring quilt for mom by Christmas. Now only tiny hearts hand quilted in the rings to finish up - then BIND!

PIECE and Happy Seams to all
- Karen

Baby QUilts as Coping Mechanism...

2007-07-31T12:59:00.000-05:00

OK... the nest is STILL empty...

...and, I have to admit, that the odds of my baby bird returning any time soon (as seems to happen quite a bit these days), seems terribly remote.

I was blessed with an "explorer" the kind who (sorry Trek fans) "boldy goes"...with nary a look back. He left home for culinary school, and promptly built a great life for himself - already ready a Sous Chef and turning twenty this month - albeit in a great town about 1200 miles from home (boo hoo).

The prospect of any enlargement to the family, likewise seems remote - though there does seem to be a fairly steady gal pal arrangement these days. One which I have not yet met, though, who seems, (after an accidental chat on son's AIM last week), to be quite nice. And any gal my son picks must be pretty good - he's always had an eye for the good things in life. And, at twenty, there's plenty of time for that later -No worries - right?

Oh, but, as anyone who's learning to live with the empty nest knows, there are some days when the nest is emptier than others.

The quilt shown above is this month's "baby bundle" quilt. At the beginning of the year, I challenged myself to make at least one each month, and so far, so good... actually, with about 9 quilts done, I'm a bit ahead of myself for a change! The quilts are fun, non-stressful creations, as challenging or easy as I like. They are as enjoyable to give away as to make... Each also provides a ready palate for testing new skills or patterns - in this case, the new walking foot for "Big Red", which worked admirably, and a great continuous like pattern for the border - from Janie Donaldson's "Add-a-Line Continued More Continuous Quilting Patterns" -it can be found on page 12 in the book.

Note in the picture above though who looks over my every quilting job, both blessing every quilt, and (gratefully) quietly ignoring all faults... my son's picture hangs as that of the "saint of the sewing studio" (please pardon - no damage intended to the devout!). He was always a bit of a cynic where organized religion is concerned, so I think he'd enjoy the irony of the comparison.

A closer look indicates that this is a very young picture (Jr. year in H.S.) still sporting that adolescent skin, and in a somewhat awkward pose for the camera (er, uhm, for mom actually - because he would ONLY sit for a photo at that time if forced too by me of course !). But, it's one of my favorites, because it is such a great picture, still hinting of the innocence of earlier years.

It's funny how just little things can set me off to a place of sadness though. What started all this musing (and missing) was the discovery, tucked away in my old treadle cabinet's drawers, of 3 items from son John's rock collection. Just three small bits, a few of many, which still, somehow, continue to clutter the house here and there. Though we moved away from the boyhood home last year, and have packaged up (or so I thought) or sold off, or shipped off to him every thing that was designated as HIS... still somehow they turn up. Usually I find them in the unlikeliest of places - as in this case, Whilst searching for a wayward walking foot for "Big Red" the 15-31.

The small rocks are a bit of turquoise - bought in an unusual touristy place no doubt. A smooth reflective piece of hematite - bought by me on one of my many trips to a far away museum, back in the days when my life was filled with business travel. I always tried to bring home some new thing for him...more for the enjoyment the anticipation gave me - knowing that even the smallest little thing brought from far away gave him great pleasure!

And last, but certainly not least, a real small piece of meteorite - found long ago on the shores of Lake Buchanan. A true bit of pre-John history, that we shared.

No telling how they ended up in the old cabinet... probably picked up from the carpet at some point, and put there for safe keeping.

I think, I'll keep them just a bit longer, as they provide pleasant memories of a shelf full of found things... all that John kept for his own enjoyment. He can have them whenever he likes... but I have them, and my memories, NOW!

- Karen

That FIRST Quilt

2007-07-14T10:15:00.001-05:00

Anyone who's ever quilted has a FIRST quilt. And, as a quilter, it has great importance.

If you ARE a quilter today, then that first quilt set you on the path you find yourself today - whether still a beginner, working on that NEXT quilt, or an experienced quiltmaker with dozens under your belt! That Quilting Journey begins with a first quilt...

Perhaps a sewing machine was involved - but perhaps not. Hand quilting is a time-honored tradition, and the method isn't really important is it?! The fact that is got DONE is what's important!

Lately, my mom has been doing some serious "downsizing", which prompted some musings on the beginnings of my sewing, and quilting journey. This all started with the "return" of some most unlikely, and somewhat forgotten items from my quilting past.

The year must have been 1968, or more likely 69... when I was a Freshman in High School. The item, a patchwork, drawstring pair of bell bottom pants! The patches are about 3 inches square to boot - nothing shy about these babies! Paired with a muslin and red bandana patterned peasant top - they are a sight to see. I had COMPLETELY forgotten about this endearing piece of Karen's sewing and teen years history. Yes, this get up would be right at home at any "Flower Power" costume ball... all I'd need is the floppy canvas hat (with matching red bandanna print band), to make the outfit complete. The hat is long gone, but mom kept the costume for some bizarre reason - wisely deducing that it might some day provide humorous reminiscense, as well as proof of some difficult and rebellious years (to mom mostly...).

I'm grateful she saved them, as I only have a vague memory of making and wearing this get up...! At this point, I can't cheat you out of a picture...

How about the close up of the patchwork in the pants... check those intersections! No doubt this was made AFTER my first quilt... where I got practice piecing those squares - more about that later.

Not at all bad eh? The drawstring was also handmade with an "Inkle" loom. My last project before leaving Girl Scouts... The inkle loom was "found" recently, but alas, it was no longer useable...not to mention the fact that instructions on how to use it were long gone...

However, my inexperience in fashion/sewing technique shows... note the bottom of those pants! I was obviously working my way down from the waist, and just wacked off the bottom to make the right length, leaving that untidy remnant.

I just CAN'T imagine that I wore this, but mom says she has PICTURES (aaaargh!?!)... and that she'll give them to me when she finds them - if she's smart, she'll hold them for some appropriate ransom!

But back to that first quilt... I had to share the outfit just to give you some background for the times... Along with "Flower Power" came an interest in getting "back to nature", and, along with that, a renewed interest in handcrafts. Building your own furniture, weaving, and, of course sewing, though sewing your own clothing was not really all that cool...

The inspiration for making a quilt came with the times, but also with some exposure to the quilts of my grandmother, who at the time was in her early 60's, was very active, and still sewing on her 1940's Singer model 66. Never electrified, it was a foot powered treadle - she preferredi it to electric to the end - sewing on that machine all her adult life, until well into her 80's - despite the constant efforts of her 8 children to provide her with a "modern" machine. She still made most of her own clothing, and made quilts for the grandchildren, and others with scraps from her sewing bag. All would be called utility quilts today, nothing at all fancy, usually tied, or occassionally machine quilted in the ditch. She lived about 8 hours away by car, in Alexandria Louisiana, so we were able to visit her several times a year. I have many early memories of enjoying "helping" her sew at that treadle.

Oddly, my mother was never interested in making a quilt. At the time, I think purchased bed covers (and the ability to AFFORD to purchase them) was much preferred by her. She grew up the 7th of 8 children, in extreme poverty, a child of the Great Depression. To HAVE to make quilts - well, she has left all that behind. (Though making children's clothes to save a few dollars was acceptable, and no doubt provided a creative outlet!).

So the choice of my first quilt design was very much influenced by Grandma's work...

The Trip Around the World was pieced from scraps from mom (and my) scrap basket, I remember some of the clothing represented in it's squares even today! Mom always saved her sewing scraps for our doll clothes, and so I had plenty of fabric for the top.

It is large enough to cover a twin bed with a nice drop, or a full bed just so. The squares were cut the old fashioned way (this was long before rotary cutters!), with templates made from the cardboard from a cereal box, and all cut by hand with scissors.

The quilt was pieced by machine - the squares into long strips (rows) that were then sewn together. I do remember the batting being Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon Cotton (on Grandma's orders), and the backing was a "not-quite-new" sheet sacrificed for the job. No binding, the backing was just cut big enough to fold over to the top (though mitered!), leaving a nice red border round the quilt. I did sew a nice feather stitch round the edge of the border - simply for decoration!

The quilting was strictly "in the ditch", no marking. And yes, quilted with that old Featherweight...something I DON'T recommend. I remember it was rather like wrestling a bear to get it through that little machine...

After that quilt, I didn't make another quilt until my son was born, in the summer of 1987. My interest in quilting was renewed, and many quilts came on the heels, of that baby quilt, along with a deep interest in improving my skills, learning ALL the techniques, and a returning interest in old sewing machines!

Today, I find myself wanting to share and teach these skills to others - so they can know the joy of creating something with your own hands... for yourself, and for others.

Karen's "Trip Around the World" ca. 1968

Whoa... Long Time No Post! Today a Quick Tip!

2007-06-11T14:24:00.000-05:00

OK... what the heck was I thinking? I started this blog, and seem to have been relegating it to the bottom of the priority list (of coursed, like all women's lists, it is impossibly long!). Time to remedy and get caught up...

But, I HAVE been doing a lot of work lately. Quite a few quilt tops have flown off the sewing machine for the guilds up coming August Baby Bundle charity quilting date. Quilts and tops are due in July, with a date set at a local quilt shop to layer quilts, then a quilting and tying will be held en masse at the guild hall in August - ready for September give aways!

I also attended some great classes recently, and will do another post on a great, easy split nine-patch pattern I learned this past weekend.

And some sewing machines are coming out of their "spa" treatment (several pretty Hand Cranks) and going at auction at the store - see the link to the "Shameless Commerce Division" at left

HERE's THAT TIP:
HOW MUCH FABRIC IS ON THAT BOLT?
Ever pull a skinny bolt of fabric off the shelf at the quilt shop and wonder just how much fabric is left on the bolt? You can figure a very close approximate amount like this:

Look at the bolt end with the FOLDED fabric (not the selvage) edge showing.
Count every TWO winds of fabric - that will equal about a yard!
How so? The bolt is 7 inches wide, add a couple of inches for the wrap around each side, and you have 9 inches - or 1/4 yard on a side. So, two folds, or two complete wraps (both sides) around the bolt equals a full yard!
You'll be amazed next time you figure the yardage remaining on the end of a bolt, and have it measured... you'll be accurate within an inch or two. I'm always amazed at how many folks working at shops have never learned this old five and dime store trick!

I fold my fabric that I buy in yardage (mainly for backs - but occasionally just because I love a particular design or find a good buy) in 9" widths or flat folds so I can quickly eyeball the yardage in my stash too.

OK... I feel a bit better catching up with my blog... this week I'll try to update with a picture of my stash, and that split nine-patch pattern...

- Karen

Quilting with the Vintage Singer 15-91

2007-05-13T18:34:00.000-05:00

FIRST - HAPPY MOTHER's DAY.

I was sooo happy to get my "call" this morning first thing.

Thought I sure do miss my "little one"...

Someone was asking about the Singer 15-90 on one of the quilting boards I frequent, so I said I'd post my favorite 15-91... The 15-91 has the geared motor - sometimes called a "pot" motor as it sits in a little "pot" stuck on the back of the machine head. The 15-90 is the exact same machine, but is belt driven with a bolted on motor...

Here she is working on a Quilt of Valor this past month for our guild:

And here she it again in her swell No. 42 "Deco" Singer Cabinet!

And a close up... this is one of my best restoration jobs - but she was also really "minty" to start with! - NOT FOR SALE!! But you can come over and play with her anytime!

I do have a centennial model for sale at "the shop"...(the Shameless Commerce link to the left) and have several more in for "SPA" treatment that will be out and looking for new homes in the next week or so. So visit there and see if you'll find something you might like!

PIECE!

My Sewing "Domain"

2007-05-10T14:11:00.000-05:00

OK... for the edification of a few curious types, here's a picture of my sewing "space"... and a couple of my favorite machines.

When we sold the "big house" last year and did the downsize, I still ended up with a spare room... And, it seemed silly to make the largest bedroom into a "master" bedroom - when all we do is sleep there for 8 hours or so in 24! What a waste of space when that room could become Karen's sewing studio eh?

I am one of those wild creative types... although I DO have a "place" for everything, I also am not real crazy about being neat for neatness sake, so there are always several project laying around, patterns and books ready for a quick look, and way too much paperwork laying around.

These are my "users" the "go-to" machines I use every day. On the left above, a Bernina 830, for dressmaking, er, well pants and shirt making - haven't worn a dress in years! and (mostly) quilt piecing. The 830 was a great estate sale find... in a fairly well off woman's sewing room. The Bernina was in a fancy electric lift cabinet - but was entirely unused. The old Singer 66 also in the room was worn smooth out - no decals left on the bed! Apparently she purchased the Bernina (even went through some of the classes as demonstrated in her workbook), but never really got used to it enough to use it. It was loaded with over 25 feet, The BIG workbook, and every thing! Just love it... though I still go to my older Star series Elna 62 when I want to do some cool decor stitches (blanket or feather stitch for example!). So although this is a 25 year old machine, it is basically new!

On the right above, and at left here, is "BIG RED"... my restored 1927 Singer 31-15. A VERY heavy (50+ pounds) industrial Singer in an original Maple topped Singer table! I don't run it as an industrial with a clutched motor however. Right now, it's belt driven off of a bolted on 1 amp PFAFF 130 motor. The lamp from the 130 (which was broken - sniff, sniff - in shipment to me.... another story!) is mounted on the business end. I use an artists rotating carrel to store my fiddlies, and the serger is on the table opposite under the blue cover. This is the oldest working machine that I use regularly!

The old Dayzor lamp from the 1950s (or so...) that's between the two machines swivels to give me plenty of light on the subject. It's an old government surplus lamp that has a brass government tag indicating it came from the Joliet Arsenal!

I'll try to post pictures of the rest of the studio (including the stash!) next time!

Spring, The Empty Nest and...

2007-05-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well, it's finally happened, I'm afraid the emptiness of my "empty nest" had hit me hard this spring. Last year, our son was still in school, and we were way too busy selling off the "big house" that had been our home of 13 years, preparing for the move, making the move to Austin - another words, way too busy to think too hard about the consequences of successfully raising our son to adulthood...

And an adult he has become. He was only here a month ago. Exploring Austin with us, preparing his polished, culinary creations. Fresh from finishing culinary school AND his first full year on a single job, (he was celebrating not only his graduation, but his first full WEEK of PAID vacation!)he is, alas "All grown up"...

To me, it was only yesterday that we carried him home so clumsily from the hospital. He arrived way too easily, and was just too, too good of a baby, child, and even teenager. Somehow, we managed to survive any of the potential for damage or horror that seems to dog every parents back-of-mind concerns about child rearing these days.

Just last week I was sorting through one more box from the move - eagerly seeking to flatten just one more box and ditch another pile of uneeded, once wanted goods. Only to stumble across the crib set I made for John. Worn, but not too much - as he never was the sort to drag a quilt around - he was more likely to have a toy in hand - with the crib ruffle and bumper almost like new., the quilt - all done in red "cheater" ABC blocks - only a little worn.

Has it really been 19 years? In August it will be 20! Unbelievable... Life just whizzes by...

I made him the prequisite T-Shirt quilt to take with him when he moved away... filled with T-shirts from his early days (Boy Scouts, Nickelodeon, and MTV) to those cynical teen years (Skinny Puppy and Edgar Allan Poe) which he says he enjoys so much so far away in Pittsburgh.

But I've hesitated to finish up the Hawaiian medallion I made several years ago in his favorite blue batik colors. It is a breadfruit pattern - symbolic of new beginnings, and, traditionally given at a wedding... perhaps I'm still just not quite ready for the next stage of his and my life!

As I tried to figure out why the funk, it finally dawned on me that I am mourning the "loss" of my "little boy"... As the calls get fewer and far between, and we must depend on an occasional email or even watching his blog to keep up, he seems farther and farther away. And worst of all, he has been talking more and more about a (gasp) girl... when I always thought of myself as just his... he is after all an "only" child. Doted on, spoiled (though not rotten!), and the center of our attention... and of course no other woman's to have or hold! But don't all mother's think that of their precious sons? Oh well...

I'm sure I'll survive, as will he, perhaps it is time to find that Hawaiian top and get it done! What was it my mother alway said about idle hands...

The BEST Geese EVER!

2007-03-25T16:17:00.000-05:00

I'm always trying out new techniques to improve my quilting. And, while I'm not normally bowled over by the "fastest" or "most convenient" new way to cut, sew or mark... a technique obtained from one of my message boards (Stashbuster on Yahoogroups) really got me excited as it is such an improvement over the traditional techniques for a classic patchwork block.
This weekend I checked out a new technique for making the classic "Flying Geese" patch that purported to result in "No Waste", and allowed one to adjust it to "any size". Flying geese, when done well, can make a lovely addition to any quilt... put in lines, in the resemblence to their namesake flying birds, they provide wonderful movement for the eye to enjoy.

Check out Caryl Bryer Fallerts innovative use of Flying Geese in her contemporary quilts:

http://www.bryerpatch.com/index.html

As anyone who's ever made flying geese knows, waste and adjusting the patch to the proper size are the most difficult aspects of making these little buggers. At first glance, this appears to be one of the simplest patches to construct - just three triangles - right? But, those triangles involve BIAS edges - yep... those wonky, stretchy cuts that involve cutting fabric on the diagonal or BIAS.

The integrity of the weave, provided by the comforting, sturdy WARP threads that run the length or GRAIN, and the less firm, but still much less stretchy WEFT which runs back and forth across the the fabric is immediately compromised when you must make a cut across the diagonal of the fabric... Making any further work with the fabric problematic. That resulting "stretch" is what makes sewing any patches formed by triangles a challenge. Paper pieceing is one way to make these patches en mass while keeping those bias ... or hand piecing for liesurely (time consuming) perfection.

Cutting each triangle, and sewing it separately each other triangle, especially with the sewing machine, usually will result in some amount of stretchin of one or the other of the diagonal edges - and a patch that is ever so slightly off it's exact result when complete. Fine if you are only putting together a 4 patch potholder, but not good at all if you need several hundred patches for a quilt. Every 32nd or less off is multiplied as the quilt is pieced... resulting in wavy edges, crooked lines, or worse!

So, since all the inside lines of the Flying Geese patch are on the bias, they are a potential source of problems with this patch construction.

There are several "quick" methods for making this patch, but most require a final "truing" or "trim" of the patch to make it just so, or they involve a great deal of waste... below is a link to a method created by Pattie R. Anderson (of Patchpieces.com) that involves the cutting of one big square, and 4 small squares - the resulting construct ends up with no wasted fabric, no trimming, and TWO finished geese! It's also easily made in any size desired.

I got so excited playing with Patti's technique that I made my own excel spreadsheet showing the appropriate size large and small squares for any patch size I could envision. I finished up 16 geese in less than 30 minutes, and put them around a central medallion for a baby quilt that will go into the charity batch to the quilt next week!! Here's a picture of the medallion:

Isn't that cool? And aren't those fine geese? No chopped off points, all so even!

So, next time you need to make geese, visit Patti's website and download the FREE (the best part) .pdf pattern for NO WASTE geese. It's at the bottom of this page link:

http://www.patchpieces.com/Sharing.html

While you are there, shop Patti's great site for other wonderful quilt patterns! Well, I'm off to make more GEESE - THANKS Patti! (email me and I'll send you my Excel spreadsheet in a pdf form with all the calculations already done for you to use Patties method to make geese in any size you wish)!

PIECE!

- Karen

Celebrating National Quilting Day

2007-03-17T19:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy to report that I did my part to forward "National Quilting Day". In keeping with my current desire to start limiting my fabric purchases (the closet is full!), I decided to add go to the Austin City-Wide Garage Sale and see if I could find some suitable additions to my store inventory (click on "Shameless Commerce Division..." link to the left if YOU didn't get your change to celebrate yet.

I came a cross a delightful 1930's-40's era quilt in a lovely pastel orange... not a color you see in quilts very often. A nice generous 94 x 70, it should make up to a nice queen size with a good border.

I'd never seen the block pattern, which is actually very simple.

Draw a square block, then segment it by drawing eight lines across the center creating equal sized wedges around the block.

But... do not start your lines by drawing corner to corner! The starting points for the crossing lines is actually on a 5 x 5 grid! (See a block close up below).

Isn't it nice how the block is totally lost in the new pattern formed when the blocks are put together (see above).

I now have in the Karen Quilts Texas library the TWO great reference books for quilt block research: Maggie Malone's 5,500 Quilt Block Designs, and Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. The only similar design is "The Thrifty Wife, a Kansas City Star PAttern from 5/10/1939"... but, it's not EXACTLY the same. The KC Star pattern has it's design lines crossing in the corners... on a 4 x 4 patch grid... The Maggie Malone book has another very, very similar, which is also drawn on a 4 x 4 patch...with smaller print wedges and larger background wedges - these are equal "background" and print. Those two patterns names are calle "Endless Chain from Laura Wheeler and Crazy Star from Grandma Dexter. Here's a close up of a square:

It is so expertly hand pieced... I don't know that I've EVER seen such even stitching. But even so, it does have a problem. The quilter ran into difficulting trying to piece those pesky centers.

She pieced the block in two halfs and then sewed the two halfs together... rather than leaving the centers free to be swirled into a relatively flat center. As a result the centers are a big lump... possibly the reason the top was abandoned. Those lumpy centers will never be right... some are better than others. But you can see in this detail that the center has been mashed down forming those little circular puckers all round the center. This sort of block is best pieced in quarters, and then the quarters put together, sewing just to exactly the quarter inch end of each center, and leaving the center loose. The resulting fabric can be swirled in a little pinwheel, and will almost seem to lay flat... and the points will match fairly closely.

At any rate, it's a lovely addition to my 30's collection, and it gives me a challenge to go on my "to be quilted" list! I think I'll sacrifice something else to store inventory, as this is just too unusual to sell.

I did also do my part to benefit the fabric biz too... buying 15 yards of 3 different backing fabrics from the nearby Hancock... using my special 40% off coupon... woo hoo - and another special 10% off everything too...my justification... backing fabric my dears!

Happy Quilting Day to you all!

Finished at Last

2007-02-16T12:51:00.000-06:00

Ce finis! I am done...

This is my first completely finished large HAND quilted project . The top is one I purchased at Quilt Festival in Houston quite a few years ago. I bought it because a. it was really lovely and bed sized, and b. because I wanted to learn hand quilting and thought that if I bought an "old top" I wouldn't be heartbroken if it didn't turn out well...

At the time, I had the urge to make a quilt for my mom's 50Th wedding anniversary - that was at that time, still several years away. I wisely (I use that term loosely) thought that I could learn hand quilting faster if I had something BIG to practice on.

There was a LOT to learn. One of the first things I learned was how difficult it is to quilt something that has been poorly pieced. From a distance, the quilt looks so very flat - doesn't it! But there wasn't a "straight" seam on the top! Hand pieced, it was all there, undamaged, and made of a very nice quilt able Nile green cotton - probably a 1930's - 1950's fabric. But the quilter either was a beginner at piecing, or perhaps visually challenged. The curved piecing was so poorly done that many of the circular "hearts" were what is commonly known as "b" cups... they were not put together properly and didn't lay flat... each one had a bit of a "cup" to it.

I would just "quilt it out" as I had read about that in some older quilting books. Seam allowances also did not lay flat or in similar positions from block to block. Since many were stitched down the wrong way, they could not be pressed to a good position either.

And, the worst decision on my part was to "stitch in the ditch" - much easier in my mind, since no marking would be required. THIS meant that I would be stitching (at least half the time or more) THROUGH the 6 layers of top//seam allowances/batting/and backing.

The process was also going to serve as my first use of my husband's family quilt frame - which his mother left me when she died several years earlier - as there were no quilters in her family.

So, Unfortunately I didn't keep a record of when I purchased this top, and started quilting on it probably in about 1999 or so... It stayed in the frame almost 7 or 8 months, and then I pulled it, with about 3/4 done, and worked on it intermittently over the years... learning very quickly how mistaken I was at many of my original assumptions. A look at the quilt quickly shows my improvement over time from rough and crooked stitches to fairly consistent ones - though the difficulty of stitching through so many layers will never make this an award winner.

But, it is done, and IS now a lovely old quilt in the "Hearts and Gizzards" pattern, one of my favorites. Also known as "Dutch Windmill"... probably because that is a much more polite term! And Nile Green, so popular in the 30's, is just such a calming color. I fell in love with this top the moment I saw it. It will go out on my bed for use in the spring, and will give me something really spectacular to show off at our guild's next show and tell.

Here's a closeup of the work, that shows a relatively flat area, check out the wrinkles round the top right "heart" and look at how inconsistent the curved pieces are!!

Ta Da!

2007-02-05T17:17:00.000-06:00

Today I finished my FEBRUARY Charity Quilts, resulting in a SECOND month of quilts COMPLETED.

TA DA indeed!

My resolution for this year to do one small (45" x 45") quilt each month for the Austin Area Quilt Guild "Baby Bundle" project is 2 quilts closer to completion.

What great satisfaction is gained when one puts that last stitch into a quilt!

This quilt also came from the "Sew One and You're Done" book by Evelyn Sloppy. (Yes - that's her real name... the book does not elaborate!). The idea is to take classic single blocks, that normally would be done in a 12" inch size, and blow them up to a size that makes them a single quilt. It's a great way to try a quilt block design to see if you might like to do it in a small size. Though after working this large, it might seem to be a miniature.

These big quilts have few pieces, all of simple design (square, triangle, etc.), with no fancy work, so they go together well. This quilt used up a small amount of flannel that I had in pastels. The back is pieced of the remaining pieces, so it's almost two quilts in one...

I also was able to make use of the wonderful training in machine quilting I received from Sue Nickles at her workshop here on Saturday.

And finally, this was my first use of "Big Red" my 1927 vintage industrial Singer model 31-15 in her new table.

Last week we purchased an old 1944 Singer 143 - another large commercial machine - this one with table, motor and all the "fixins". I'll probably sell the 143, as it is a REALLY heavy duty machine - for canvas, leather, upholstery, etc.... a constant oiled machine! And the traditional clutched motor will also probably end up on eBay. The 31-15 is still powered in this picture by the old PFaff 130/Weber motor (not seen - but mounted behind the machine. NOTE that fabulous Hard Rock Maple Table! It's almost 1-1/2 inch thick... like butcher block. I wish I'd taken a picture of it in original condition - it was almost black with grease and wear. DH sanded it down and I will finish it to give me a nice slippery surface for quilting. Next, I'll be in the market for a new SERVO type motor - no clutch - unlink traditional commercial sewing machine motors which run constantly, the servo motor only runs when you need it. I'll try and get a picture of the complete set up when it's finished.

Yes, this is the same quilt with machine quilting underway... note how I safety pin baste for machine quilting. When I hand quilt, I use thread basting. The problem with thread basting a machine quilt is that the quilting foot get's caught up in the threads, and you don't want to sew over the threads anyway, as it will make it harder to remove them. Stopping to trim them away from the sewing path serves to interrupt my "rhythm" when quilting, especially when doing free motion work. With pin basting, I can pin "around" my quilt marking, limiting the amount of interruption to the work as I sew!

QUILTER's TIP of the DAY: You can use a size E or zero (0) crochet hook to open or close safety pins when pin basting your quilt. Saves your fingers which will get raw if you try pinning a large (or even a small) quilt. You can also buy a tool, called a "Quick Clip" - for a little more than what you'd pay for a Crochet hook! I have a very old crochet hook that has a wooden handle, that is REALLY comfortable. I can do a full sized quilt in just a couple of hours (ugh - this is one of quiltings most boring, un-wanted jobs!).

Work, Work, Work...

2007-01-22T13:48:00.000-06:00

(1950s Singer undergoing "SPA" treatment)

Lest all good readers think the Karen is a woman of leisure, or perhaps retired... I must intrude upon our happy conversations about quilting with a bit of reality. You know, bill paying, grocery shopping, dog care, income production, well... life.

Though the nest is empty, life does indeed go on for woman. Last week I spent the week doing a bit of early "spring cleaning" of the computer, and my book keeping records, readying myself foir tax season (major UGH!), and re-opened the doors of what I fondly call my "SPA" for old sewing machines, er, excuse me, "vintage" sewing machines.

I have a fondness for old sewing machines, it probably started in my very early years. I was lucky enough to enjoy a childhood in which I was able to visit my maternal grandmother often. She long outlived a husband, and raised 8 children (losing one in childbirth), most of those years without the benefit of a husband (he was an alcoholic who,gratefully, left her when she was in her mid 40's). To make ends meet, all the home textile needs, and almost ALL clothing was sewn by her. She worked as a PBX operator (that's a private telephone system operator), nights at a hotel, so her days were free to care for her large household!

All her sewing, for her entire adult life, was done by way of a Singer model 127 treadle. (that's a machine that works with NO electricity gentle reader.... it is foot-powered by means of a pedal).

Despite the expense to her health of all those childbirths, she lived to be 95, and passed on in 1999. She used her machine (eshewing every effort to give or provide an electric machine), until she was well into her 80's. Some of my earliest memories of visits to her home involve watching her sew with great fascination. Eventually, I was allowed to use the machine, as she loved to teach all her grandkids how to use the fascinating machine. No hand made quilts for my grandmother, all were sewn as efficiently as possible, pieced from dressmaking scraps in simple squares on the machine. They were always tied, the batting a good bag of Mountain Mist from the F.W.Woolworths.

So, back to that fascination with sewing machines...

So, about 10 years ago, I began to relive my earlier fascination with machines, when I bought an old machine and decided to take it apart, and see if I could make it work again...(I've always been a bit of a geek/mechanic... tinkering - that came from my dad...more on that on another day). I was pretty proud of myself when I was indeed able to not only make it run, but found (in more recent years as I got involved in machine quilting) that the machine was a fabulous free motion quilter! The machine, an old Singer 15-91, has a wonderfully forgiving size 15 bobbin and oscillating shuttle mechanism (your Bernina most likely uses this same design!), that handles variation in thread, work thickness, and mishandling with ease. It has a good amount of arm space - even a queen sized quilt can be carefully worked under the harp.

Of course the bug bit me hard, and soon I found myself acquiring old machines, which of course mean't I needed to "restore" them... I liken the process to a "SPA" treatment - involving an oil soak, a serious buffing, and, ending with a nice polish!

Of course, given my recent decision to downsize and simplify my life, I decided to trade off some of my own growing machine collection, and, ended up with what has become a fairly active "trade" in machines.

On Sunday I delivered a lovely 1937 Singer 15-91, that I had restored to working order for my good friend Babs - who has a hankering to start doing some sewing. I also sold a lovel old 1936 Singer 221 Featherweight... one of my favorite models.

And later this week, I'm heading back over to Houston to attend a Sewing Machine repair course taught by nationally known OSMG (old sewing machine guy) Ray White! After 3 days with Ray, I expect to move my "meching" skills up a huge notch...

(Machines lined up awaiting SPA Treatment)

So, you ask, what has this to do with "work", well, along with my trade in vintage linens, the sewing machine restoration has become a rather prosperous little enterprise which I think I will continue to push along... as I also examine other means of enterprise that have to do with my other favored pastime: quilting! I much enjoy working for myself after so many years working for others, and hope I can keep this going...

A New Years Quilting Resolution

2007-01-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

Another year... Wow!

And so, it seems appropriate to make a New Year's resolution. Of course I could come up with a dozen issues that need improvement, or acts that need accomplishment in this year, but all would really be fairly predictible and mundane.
Weight to be lost, exercise to be increased, communication to be improved... Ho HUM!

But this year, I thought it might be interesting to up the ante on my interest and involvement in quilting by putting forwards some small challenge. Something to improve my skills, but also to contribute. Quilts for all!

Last month, I attended a fun Ami Simms workshop - the emphasis was on fast, easy strip quilting. Ami had a great saying to add impetus to the completion of the work:

"The Babies are Getting Cold..."

Doesn't that say it all! Those quilts need quiltin' cause somewhere out there, there are Babies that are Getting COLD!! They need covers!
And winter it is indeed.

SO, to that end, my challenge is to contribute at least ONE quilt to the Austin Area Quilt Guild's "Baby Bundle" project EACH MONTH. This is a great program in which donated handmande quilts are given to women in a number of charitable programs aimed at new mothers who need a hand dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, or have limited resources.

How hard can it be!? One small quilt each month - Can be simple, in any design. I am going to use this to try out some new patterns and techniques... should be fun!

Here are my first two quilts - turned in this week!

SO, in 2007 - NO MORE COLD BABIES!!

A simple purple stripe quilt, produced by another unknown guild member - Layered, machine quilted and bound by me!

And a flannel quilt made by me - machine quilted "in the ditch". The design is from Evelyn Sloppy's book "Sew One and Then Your Done". A GREAT book by the way - the idea is to make a single block pattern, in a large size to result in a child or lap size quilt.

Making these is a good way to decide if you want to make an entire quilt of multiple blocks in this pattern. The pattern is called :Porcelain Star.

Both are shown as presented at Monday's Guild meeting!!
I also attended (a last minute decision to take someone else's place) a WONDERFUL workshop by Laura Wasilowski, more on that in the next blog!

Happy New Year everyone!

Quilting as Meditation - Reflection on Life & Death

2006-12-18T13:17:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, we euthanized our 9 year old Blue Heeler, Sarita. Though the event itself was quick, and relatively untraumatic for our dog, (who had been very ill for three weeks) we suffered greatly. It was a hard decision to make, and one which, I'm sorry to say, we agonzied over much too long. Hoping that the dog would recover, we kept trying different remedies, even though, I think from very early in her illness, I knew that this would probably be it. At any rate, a wonderful mobile vet arrived on Saturday early afternoon, (it truly was very quick for Sarita), and DH left to bury her at the deer lease camp ground.

So, left with our small dog buddy, and old cat OLOK (Our Little Outside Kitty) I turned to my quilting as a means of grief and recovery last evening.

I think that quilting, as it was done many years ago, may very well have served as a respite for many women. A quiet time (when done alone, as opposed to in a group - an altogether different experience), giving the hands release to work and create while the mind has time to reflect, wander, or focus.

Becoming a meditation of sorts, the work, whether the relatively thoughtless and routine stitching of the quilt sandwich, or the more challenging work of piecing, the working of the quilt provides a steady background for the work of the mind needed to recover from stress.And indeed, I can think of nothing more stressful than dealing with the loss that only comes with the death of a loved one. Even the death of "only" a pet provides the avenue of thought down which we must confront our own mortality. Something we do so reluctantly, and rarely. It is, after all, the only sure and certain thing in this life.

Converting the grief, into constructive, and non-threatening, even a life enhancing direction for our meditation is difficult, at least for me, and I am sure for most.
The focus tends to drift back again and again to the recent, the illness and loss, rather than back, to the happier times that formed the entire span of the relationship - if we were lucky. With Sarita it was so very true. - many, many happy memories will remain behind, after the grief subsides.

But, I also had a fear that I might quilt my grief into my existing hand quilting project, or, at a minimum, be unable to quilt well.

So, it was that I worked last night I tried playing with Eleanor Burns wonderful Flying Geese technique. I bought her book yesterday, during a visit to my little brother (another tale of woe, as he fell off a ladder, and suffered some painful, though minor, injuries on Saturday...). Fortuitously, the pharmacy was, well, in the same shopping center has Joann Fabrics! And that 50% off coupon was burning a hole in my purse!

I knew the technique involved sewing squares together, in a special way, to result eventually into the old classic "flying geese" patch.
And, the technique is indeed VERY simple - recommended highly for any beginner.
But, the book only gives sizes for a single, overly large geese patch - something to be easy for the beginner, with only a few needed to make a big quilt!

So, a small bit of math was required, to downsize a bit, so I could make some small patches. I'm happy with the result, though the project involved some consideration of the math involved. The graphic artist in me wanted to downsize proportionately.... however, that created serious problems with the need in quilting to have that never changing 1/4" seam. This first effort was the result of calculating the proportions exactly, and converting the decimals to inches.... It worked, in a way, but there was not enough seam allowance... too close, so the square up in the end was, well just not quite precise - off by 1/32nds in places...

It sewed up OK, but certainly not as precise as the original technique - which is VERY forgiving, the resulting geese have enough extra in them to allow for a nice neat square up... For some reason, I have a real OCD type need to learn ALL quilting techniques....
The first try, posted (in my first attempt to insert directly from my new Photobucket album... sorry if it isn't quite working right...)

The final assembly resulted in some lot points for those geese (maybe more like ducks?), and not a perfect result. More practice needed.

Tonight, I will try by working backward from a completed patch, adding the seam allowances, etc....

Overall, a good distraction from a weekend of sadness.

Karen Quilts Life

2006-09-06T23:35:00.000-05:00

Working ON...

Have three nearly finished quilts that I turned into the Austin Area Quilt Guild's judged show, which is coming up Sept. 27th.... I'm sure I'll have at least one finished... Here's the run down:
1. Nile Green 1930's "Heart's & Gizzards" pattern top that I bought in Wimberley at the trade days many years ago...Hand pieced, with lovely scalloped triangle edges, however, the piecing was not terribly arccurate. The original maker had GREAT difficulty with the curves, so there were lots of "c" cup areas, and other small defects throughout the quilt that had to be dealt with during the quilting. I decided it should be finished traditionally, and so did a quilt in the ditch.... This was my first hand quilted top, and I learned very quickly why quilt in the ditch isn't such a fun thing! What a challenge. I put it aside with just the binding and scallops to be quilted about 3 years ago to make:

by karenquiltstexas

Finished the final binding tonight. just need to add a hanging sleeve to the back!

2. The queen sized gold "wedding ring" pattern for my mom's 50th wedding anniversary (in 2003!). The rings are entirely done in gradations of gold flecked fabrics that I collected over several years. Been at it for almost 3 years now... it is a tremendous undertaking. With a brilliant white background, and a Michael Miller Fairy Frost boarder. Quilted with elaborate feathers, and with appliqued swag borders... I am doubtful about finishing this in time. I told mom that if she wanted to, we can enter it in the STate Fair, but I don't think I've made that deadline either!! The fair is usually in October I think! Maybe next year. You can see pictures of these on my Webshots site...

http://community.webshots.com/user/karenquiltstexas

Probably won't be finished. Still needs about 18 inches quilted... another month. Oh pooh....!

and 3. A lovely all lavendar print pieced quilt for my Neice Ginger... it's a secret, so I won't show a picture here.
Needs machine quilting and binding... probably will finish. Will see if "Big Red" is in the mood for some quilting tomorrow!

So, onward to my first quilt show entries... can't wait!

Long Time No Blog...

2005-01-10T10:19:00.000-06:00

Wow... hard to believe I haven't touched this blog for over a year... Well, that's how it goes sometimes.

Finishing up a quilt for my son's silent auction... Klein HS Choir Chorale. Fund Raising for their trip to sing at the National Cathedral in March. It is lovely. Here's photo of the design...

I'll try to post a copy of the work in progress. It is to be machien quilted on my DSM (domestic sewing machine), in an allover pattern over the triangle squares, and with a feathered star pattern around the border. Will quilt in free motion technique using my Singer 15-91... she doesn wonderful work. Size is 73 x 73. It grew from my original 60x60 size, when I decided the triangles were too small to easily be signed by the kids. All 66 choir members and director are included!!
This is my first quilt designed with Electric Quilt and I am very happy with the process.

Well, it is Monday, and have some Ebay sales to deal with, and need to get that quilt pin basted up! I'll try to get back to my weblog more frequently!

Well?

2004-05-21T23:17:00.000-05:00

Yes, I've started another blog... apparently Blogger doesn't save your blog unless you post frequently. Previous Blog is, well... just not here anymore. Bummer.

Waiting for my 16 year old son to return home from his end of the school year choir banquet. Went out with lovely Emily... a red head, catholic girl. He, dressed in his father's vintage custom pin stripe grey suit circa 1965, and she in beautiful red and black satin. They both looked great.

Meanwhile, his previous long love (recently broken off) is making his AIM go wild upstairs looking for him.

Well, this is late enough for this gal, so I'm off to hit the sack.

Good nite.