Tag Archives: sewing

Quilt Tours and Why you should go Part 2

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Well, I’ve been back from my first trip to Ireland and have gone through all the photos with relish (and a cup of tea).  So many terrific memories and meeting great people.  So here are a couple of my favorite areas.    Now some people told me that you shouldn’t go to Belfast -too many fights, bombings, etc.  Well, nothing could be further from the truth.  Yes, they have had their differences.  But the people have worked out some differences and the 30′ high gates are open.DSCN0423.JPG.  Here is how one side decorated the fence.  The gates/fence were all about 30′ tall.   This was to keep the Molotov cocktails from being tossed.  You could view this as graffiti or as artwork.

They have the Black Cab tours which are conducted by the locals and give you a tour of the City.  The City is continuing to work out differences and rebuild.   We did tour the Titanic Museum which was sad but very informative.

This photo was taken at Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. (I’ve tried to get it posted the portrait way and not landscape but have failed) Giants causeway 2.jpgThe landscape is truly amazing and that day we had terrific weather.  The stones are not carved.  The shape juts up and is amazing.  You can get an audio tour which tells you the history and folklore of the area.  I could have spent all day there hiking on the rocks and just breathing the ocean air.

From there, we headed back towards Ireland.  Each hotel was top rated, great staff, wonderful food and very accommodating. Now this tour was listed as a Quilt tour but we went to so many historic places, museums, famine ships and castles.  One party was a Grandmother, Mother and 2 daughter group.  Since one of the daughters didn’t quilt, she was able to do a horseback ride while we were at a famine/workhouse tour.  So you can do other things as long as they fit into the time schedule.  Just be upfront with your tour people and things can be arranged.

My favorite city was Galway.  It is so vibrant and filled with art and music.  Again, friendly people, great food and the locals are wonderful.  We went to the Aran Islands (Inishmore) and was able to climb to the top and look over the cliff.  It was the perfect boat ride over and back.  Again, great food, wonderful people and some great shops.Aran island castle.jpg  I just followed the others and got on my hands and knees to creep up to the edge.   However, I did creep to almost the edge for a photo.DSCN0723.JPG It’s a far drop below , and it is a stunning view.DSCN0712.JPG  The photo below is the hike up to the former castle.

We also visited Malahide Castle, Kylemore and the Rock of Cashel.  Each one so full of great photos and history.

If you have the chance, save up your money, get your passport ready and go visit.  I would love to go back right now but have decided to do Scotland next year with the same tour organization (www.celticquilttours.com).  Our group consisted of Canadians and Americans.  We ranged from hand quilters, long-armers, designers, wool workers, appliquers, etc.  Just remember to get pounds and Euro’s before you go and get a Horizon VAT card.  You get money back when you swipe your card at the airport before going home.  Also this trip was made special because we had an awesome driver.  Tony, from Kerry Coaches, knows the roads, the histroy, the jokes and how to keep the tour on time.  He was the best,

So to keep my Irish feel going, I watch Quiet Man, Secret of Roan Inish, The Commitments, and listen to the Merry Ploughboy band (they have a great Pub in Dublin that is worth the visit).  I also have a cuppa Irish Afternoon tea as well.  DSCN0640.JPG  I leave you with this photo of foxglove from the Kylemore Abbey.

Thank you for reading.

 

Challenges

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Challenges come with many faces – it could be not biting someone’s head off on Facebook for skewed political statements, song lyrics, etc.  I enjoy challenges – like doing the crossword puzzle with a pen, baking a new and somewhat complicated dessert or even trying to come up with a budget that works.

In one of the AQS brochures, there was a picture of two quilts looked like it was more than straight seams.  The quilts were designed by the Guilty Quilter in Portland Oregon.  And it had my favorite saying on it “No Y seams”.  For non-quilters think of putting another fabric in a 45 or 60 degree angle.  You stitch to 1/4″ from the edge, stop, pull the fabric out and start 1/4″ on the other side.  If not done correctly, you can get a pucker or a wavey mess.Labryinth purplr 2014

The first one I did was Labyrinth.  It is a wonderful 3-D effect,  One thing I found challenging on this was you need to cut two angles – top right and bottom left.  I should have quilted it first and then cut the corners off.  The challenge was getting it  placed on the long arm correctly.  The first try at it was so off, I had to rip out 4 rows of stitching and start over.

The next challenge from the same designer came out like this.  San Marcos  Once you break down the pattern, relax a little, you realize “I CAN DO THIS!”  So my goal was to get this top complete prior to my week up in Oregon.  To quote Rebel Wilson’s character in Perfect Pitch “Crushed it”.

If it seems like you can’t possibly do it, remember to break it down into small bites.  It can be done!  It may take awhile.  The blue quilt fabric was purchased in 2014 and it sat in my sewing room for over a year because the I froze reading the pattern.  Not the right time for this one.  Then I remembered a sign that I use to have in my office cubicle ‘Time to put on your Big Girl panties”.  Sat down with a cup of coffee and read the directions from first to last page.  Got it on the first try……

Challenge yourself and reward yourself.

Twist Around Hawaii

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This is the name I gave my last quilt. As I have stated before, going to Road To California is the highlight of every January. Held in Ontario, it is a week of classes, shopping, meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

I have also previously blogged about Breast Cancer, Race for the Cure held in Newport Beach and the quilts I have raffled off to raise money. Some quilts I give away, but some are donated for a raffle.

Well a co-worker, who is so awesome, recently told me that not only had she just recently had her thyroid removed due to cancer, but her latest mammogram came back with signs of breast cancer. She had thanked me earlier because I sent out an email to our office staff that said when getting dental x-rays or mammograms, to ask for a neck guard. So to be told that she was facing potential cancer treatments, I did what I could do. I made a quilt.

This co-worker loves Hawaii and visits there when she can. So while running around the vendor mall at 2014 Road To California, I had to stop by Beyond the Reef. They have the most extensive selection of Hawaiian/surf/turtle/palm tree fabric. There was a bolt of Hawaiian fabric with a pink background. I immediately bought 3 yards, came back the next day with a Judy Martin pattern book. Twist around the Garden was the perfect pattern. I’ve made it before so it would be snap to make. The next day (yes, I took 4 classes at Road this year) I went back, and their staff help me select 2 colors for the Twist part plus I bought 2 more yards of the pink background. Look, when the fabric speaks to you, purchase at least 4-6 yards.

This would be my next project – I put away the class projects and started cutting. Here it is:
Twist around Hawaii

Happy to say, she loved it. I would like to close with if someone tells you they have breast cancer, tell them they can beat it. By keeping a postive attitude, getting second opinions, talk to others that have gone through it. Another co-worker found that when going through treatment, she was often cold, thirsty, dry mouth, etc. So she put together bags for others that included a lap blanket, Jolly Rancher candies, water bottle, socks and positive affirmations.

This is one of my long writings but just be there for those going through cancer treatments. Look at them and think “THAT PERSON WILL BEAT THIS!”

Thanks for reading

My Bernina is back home!

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I purchased this fabulous machine (the 440) at the Ricky Tims, Alex Anderson, Libby Lehman Super Show in Downey in 2009. It has enough bells and whistles that you can really add some great embellishments to your quilt. The reason it was away from me was I hit the 2,000,000 stitch mark.

I have been a Featherweight sewer for so long that I actually left the Bernina in the box for over a month mentally telling myself, “Oh that machine is too much for me.” Finally, I took the plunge and started up my new machine.

Now it is time to try some new techniques.
new techique
With all those great Bali Pops that are out there, this is a quick and easy pattern for gifts. You just take the precut 2 1/2″ strips and sew 7 together (either do 2 at a time or start at opposite ends of each new addition – that way you do don’t get the curve).

Mark from the edge 1 1/2″, then in increments of 1″ to the other side. Pinch on the line and stitch 1/4″ straight down, then 1/16″ from the edge. Iron to one side and stitch in the ditch the rows facing down. The next seam stitch the rows the opposite way. Add some fabric in the middle and then another wavy end and you have yourself a nice placemat.

Many of us are working long hours and usually end up eating at our desks. Why not make a nice placemat for your office or for your office mates? Quick and easy! Pattern found in April/May 2012 The Quilter Magazine. I found it as I am starting to weed out some of my magazine collection. The ones I don’t want to keep will be past along to a local Senior Living apartment complex that displays quilts on their walls.

Again, thanks for reading. I appreciate your comments.

Puzzle Quilt

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Hi – I found this Free Pattern at Jukebox Quilts. It is so easy and all you need is 10 fat quarters, some freezer paper, a little fabric glue, and your imagination.
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Kelly Abbott Gallagher runs Jukebox Quilts and I met her at a Crazy Quilt Conference in Omaha. She and her husband are the Midwest dealers for Gammill Long arm machines.

This is one pattern you really need to pay attention when sewing the blocks. I have made two of these and it really is an easy pattern. Plus I read that some autistic children love puzzles so this is the perfect quilt for them or actually any child.

Have fun with your fat quarters while making this.

Thanks for reading.

Road to California Quilt show

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Let me tell you about Road – it is the most fun, people packed week for quilters. It is held in Ontario right around Martin Luther King Day. There are classes with long arm machines, hand piecing, crazy quilting, paper piecing and many others. Check out the webpage http://www.road2ca.com for more information.  The quilt in this picture was done by the instructor, and this is one class I was hesitant to take.  Curves have never been my friend – either in quilting or on the body (little humor).  I am blanking out on her name but she is in the San Diego area and has published a few books of patterns.

new york beauty004  But I took the class and really enjoyed it.  I have conquered curves – at least with fabric.  And speaking of fabric….

I spent New Year’s Day putting away fabric I had purchased earlier this year and also any fabric I had sitting out. Then I put together a top with some borders (picture later) and pulled together fabric for one of my classes at Road to California.  Normally I will go to the fabric store and buy specific fabric for the class. This year – I am working through the stash of fabric.  In two of my three classes, it will be stash fabric.  My third class is done with felt and the kit will be sold by the instructor.

So if you aren’t busy January 24-27th, stop by the Ontario convention Center.  This is for quilters, crafts people (you should see the crystals, buttons and stencils that are offered), dress designers, or anyone who likes to sew.  Plenty of sewing machines, both regular, long arm, embroidery, etc.  Hope to see you there.  Also, the most amazing quilts on display – it is an overload of color and wonderfulness.

Thanks for reading.

 

Italian Marble

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Italian5

Sometimes you see a bolt of fabric and just have to purchase a couple of yards. You think to yourself, “I don’t know which pattern I’ll use, but this is something I have to have.” So you buy a few yards – with me it is usually around 4 yds. I the main fabric at Center Diamond in Cannon Beach, OR.

This pattern is called “Twist around the Garden”. I think the designer called it that because they used a large floral print and used green to frame it. My main fabric looked like it belonged in an Italian palazzo so I named my quilt “Italian Marble.”

Previously I have made this same pattern with cowboy fabric and the addtional fabric was done in bandana farbic and some with horseshoes. The accent (which would be the dark green in this picture) had fabric that looked like hay bales. It makes a cute kid quilt. If you use “baby” type fabric, use Minkee as the backing – makes it super warm. I used the longarm Gammil quilt machine at Quilter’s Garden in Anaheim to finish off the top. Someday, I will take the plunge and use my Bernina 440 – but that’s another story.

Thanks for reading.

Star Quilt

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star quilt 2010
Points were never my friend. As hard as I tried, my points sometimes got cut off, sewn over or were too far from the seam.

I tried a paper piecing class at a Road to California class and loved it. My points are perky and the instructor (whose name escapes me because I’m typing this before work and the pattern is at home) made the class so easy.

So if you are a novice quilter, try paper piecing. There are some great products out there that don’t dull your needle while sewing.

I love the color purple so that is usually somewhere in my quilts and I found this fabric at Bear’s Quilts in Garden Grove while waiting for Earlene Fowler to start her talk. Earlene Fowler is a local author and writes the Bennie Harper mysteries.

Not much else to write – have a great Christmas and a wonder New Year. Do what you like, learn what you don’t know and be a nice person.

Thanks for reading.

Long Arm Quilting Machines

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When I started quilting, it was on my Great Aunt Margarite’s 1957 Singer.  It must have weighed about 40 pounds.  Straight stitch and zig zag and a lot of attachments.  I then purchased my first Featherweight (weighs about 2.5 pounds). What a joy to take to classes with the Featherweight. 

To finish my quilts, I just did Stitch in the Ditch.  Occasionally, I added some hand quilting but I really wanted  more.  At a Road to California show, I met a long arm quilter from Astoria (I was a white glove lady-wear white gloves and pull the quilt up so people can see the back).  I took the plunge and asked Linda to do my next quilt.  I would bring it up to her in Oregon when I did my annual trip to Seaside, Oregon.

Linda did a fabulous job.  She is still in Astoria quilting and teaching.  You can see her work at Homestead Quilts on 10th in Astoria.

Back to the picture – yes, I tend to wander sometimes.  I found a local quilter in Orange County. Diane Beachamp, who like Linda did a great job on custom quilting.  Diane opened up her own quilt/fabric store.  She put her Gammill long arm machine in the store and advertised classes on the machine.  If you wanted to rent it, you had to take a class.  I was in the first class and was immediately hooked and frustrated.

It takes time to get use to threads breaking, running out a bobbin thread, finding the right pattern for your quilt, the right thread color, etc.

But once you get the feel for it, it such a treat to watch your quilt just pop.  You the backing on the right roller, add the batting and then the top.  Baste it so that it doesn’t move, add the clips on the side, check for any pins, and hit “Start”.  There is a lot more to it but if you want to learn, find a store that rents the machine and take a class.  I have been very fortunate that Quilter’s Garden has 2 machines and a terrific staff that is there to assist you.

Now when I want to quilt my quilt tops, I can schedule time on the machine, peruse the store for more fabric, meet new people (there is always someone asking about the machine) and just relax.  There are many long arm machines but I really like the Gammill.  You can order one with a computer or without.  Without the computer, it is easier to do freehand quilting.  If you decide to buy a long arm, go to a large quilt show like Houston, Paducah, Chicago, Road to California, Long Beach show and try out all the machines.  The ease of working the machine and the cost vary.

Thanks for reading.  The quilt on the machine is called “Dressed to the Nines” by Lynn Mann.  The top quilt is Road to Oklahoma (I think.  It was made in 2002)

Tiddliewinks

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This pattern is great for leftovers to bust your stash down.  I chose solid colors.  Nice size large lap quilt but smaller than a twin size.

Cotton batting and quilted by  Diane Beachamp of Quilter’s Garden.  Very colorful and I just can’t give it up – at least for now.

Thanks for reading.  Any comments greatly appreciated.