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2022 Block of the Week – Block 7

Welcome back! We are now on to block 7 in this sew along. You can still join in. All the patterns are free throughout. If you missed any of the weeks, here are the links to each blog post: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5 and Week 6. This week, I will share some interesting thoughts and tips on one block quilts and making them as dazzling as samplers. So lets get started!

2022 BOW Block 7 – Swing in the Center

The instructions to make the block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 7. This block will allow you to practice the stitch and flip technique a lot! I covered this technique earlier in the week 3 post if you need a review.

This block, first appearing in 1897’s LAC,  is also known by the names Mrs. Roosevelt’s Favorite, a name given by Clara Stone in 1906 and Roman Pavement, given by Nancy Cabot in 1938. And those aren’t the only two names! Others are Ladies’ Wreath (1943) and Eight Hands Around (1932). That’s about all I could find in relation to this block. If you have more information, feel free to share!

One Block Quilts

One block quilts are great because once you make one of the blocks and it measures correctly, it’s all smooth sewing from that point on. The cool thing with one block quilts is you can make them pop by playing with the colors used in each block. This week’s block even changes depending on where you place the color prints. Here’s a few examples:

Interesting! You can actually take the same block design, shift around where you have the color prints and tans and it looks completely different! That’s one way to make a one block quilt look like it has a variety of blocks.

Here’s one of my quilts, Marbles & Jacks, where I used the same block in a straight row setting but alternated the background between black and tan and also alternated color prints.

Two other ways to jazz up one block quilts are to add a fun pieced border or add sashing between blocks to create a secondary design. The quilt on the left, Star Wheels, is one where the blocks are all the same, just various color prints and it’s framed by a unique pieced border. The quilt on the right, Open Windows, makes a one block quilt interesting by adding sashing to create a secondary design and also flipping alternating blocks to make another pattern emerge.

An on point setting is another way to add interest to a one block quilt. Below is my quilt pattern, Stepping Stones, that has the blocks set on point and I’ve added appliqué around them to make it more unique.

To sum up, one block quilts can be just as exciting as a quilt with several different types of blocks. Other than making the blocks in an assortment of color combinations, jazz them up with pieced borders, sashing or appliqué!

Well, that’s it for this week. Enjoy creating this fun block and join me again next week. Let me know if you have any unique one block quilt ideas. Comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Until next week… Happy Quilting!
Deanne

2022 Block of the Week – Block 6

Hi! Welcome back to my block of the week sew-along! We are now on to block 6 in the series. You can still join in on the fun. Here are the links to the previous weeks: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4 and Week 5. The patterns are all free and you can download them all from those previous blog posts. As I did in the other week’s posts, I will share some tips. This week, color choice and color contrast. Now on to block 6!

2022 BOW Block 6 – Robbing Peter to Pay Paul

The instructions to make this block can be found here: 2022 BOW Block 6.

Most versions of Robbing Peter to Pay Paul are those that have curved seams like this one:

I was only able to find this one version that is pieced from the 1897 LAC (Ladies’ Art Company). This pieced version also has the name “Arizona” given by Nancy Page in 1936. It is thought the name for this block came from a phrase credited to King Edward VI. In his 16th century reign, he actually ordered St. Peter’s church in London to sell land it owned to pay for repairs to St. Paul’s church.

Interesting trivia, King Edward VI was a boy king and mostly a figurehead while those behind the scenes battled to rule. He was 9 years old when he became king and his reign ended at age 15 upon his death. It is thought he died of progressive tuberculosis, although it’s not clear because he also had the measles before that. 

Color Choice and Contrast

Well, enough of the history lesson on the renaissance years! Let’s talk color choice. Choosing colors for a block or an entire quilt should not be scary. In fact, if you understand how colors play off of each other based on their shade, tint and how they contrast, choosing color is fairly easy. One of the best tools to use is that simple color wheel we learned about in grade school!

Bring this tool with you to the quilt shop. You can choose general color families you want for before going and then use this tool to hold up to fabric bolts to pick the correct shade. Look at the photo above. On the left, you can tell the colors are “warm” and on the right they are “cool”. You can choose all your fabrics from the left side for a warmer look or from the right side for a calm, cooler look. The closer together colors are on the wheel, the less they will contrast for a calm, quiet look. The opposite is true of the colors are further away from or opposite each other. The contrast will be high and designs will pop more.

Here is a brief description of shade, tint and tone that will also help you in choosing fabrics:

  • Shade is taking the pure color, for instance blue, and adding black to it to make it darker, for a dark blue.
  • Tint is taking the pure blue and adding white to make it lighter, making a light blue.
  • Tone is adding grey to a pure color to make it less intense. Most colors around us in the world are tones of pure color.

Here is a real world example of color choice and contrast. This first stack has fabric very close in shade, so there is little contrast:

When I replace two of the fabrics with the same color, but lighter (tint), look what happens. More contrast!

The two above examples feature cool colors. Now, watch what happens when I take out two of the fabrics and replace those with warm colors:

Look at the contrast now!

Another tip on picking fabric: pick out a bolt that you want for the quilt and then look at the selvage. Yes, I said that!

On most fabrics, you will find a series of “dots” or other marks with the colors that were used in printing the fabric. Use these colors to find bolts of fabric that will coordinate nicely with your already chosen piece. And you don’t even need to stay in the same fabric line.

Once you have fabrics at home in your stash, here’s a simple way to choose what you want for your latest project. Pick out fabrics and lay them out on a table. You can either stand back and look at them all together or take a photo on your phone and look at that. A fabric that doesn’t quite fit in will probably “jump out” at you as you look at the stack. Take that fabric out and replace it with another. Repeat until you get the look you want. I call this “auditioning” the fabric.

Well, that’s it for this week. Come back next week for block 7 and some more tips and techniques.

Remember, comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

2022 Block of the Week – Block 5

Hi there! I’m glad you’re back to continue on with this block of the week sew along! If you are just joining us, we are on week 5 but you can access the blog posts and block patterns for the last 4 weeks by clicking these links: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 and Week 4. So let’s get on with block 5.

2022 BOW Block 5 – Odds & Ends

This is a somewhat easy block, comparatively, to the last 4 blocks. Only a few HSTs and the rest of the piecing is all straight seams. Since there really isn’t a new technique to learn, I’m going to cover some threads, machine needles and tools to keep by your machine.

The instructions to make this block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 5. I could not find any history of this block. My thoughts are that it was created from scraps from the sewing basket, thus the name “Odds & Ends”. You can imagine a quilter might have some HSTs leftover and worked out a way to make a full size block from using scrap strips from their stash. As a scrap quilter myself with a lot of tubs of scraps, this seems to be the most logical origin of the block name. Let me know if you have any other information.

Tips of the Week – Thread, Needles and Tools

Like I said above, since this is a fairly simple block, the tips I am sharing are kind of an “odds & ends” grouping. 

Threads:

Have you ever experienced problems with your thread and not know why? Here’s a handy little fact: the way the thread is wound onto the spool determines how you should use it on your machine. Most sewing machines these days come with horizontal and vertical spool holders. Certain types of spools are meant to be used on one or the other.  Using the spool on the correct holder allows the thread to unwind as it should.

First, there are threads that are cross wound. Look at your spool. If it looks like the photo below, that is cross wound:

Notice the zig-zag look. Tip: These spools are best used on the horizontal spindle that allows the thread to unwind from the top. Secure the spool with the spool pin (see photo below) that comes with the machine, making sure it’s snug so thread does not get caught between the spool and spool pin. That could cause tension problems.

The other way thread is wound is horizontally onto the spool. These are called stacked threads.

These spools perform best on a vertical spool holder so the thread unwinds at a 45 degree angle. This keeps the thread from getting caught in the space between the thread, the spool and spool pin causing tension problems.

Needles:

Sewing machine needles need to be changed often, not only when you break one. Needles get dull and develop damage not visible to the naked eye. A good rule of thumb is to change the needle after you finish piecing a large project or you have pieced two or three smaller ones. If you sew with a needle that should be changed, you can cause damage to your fabric. A dull or damaged needle can snag fabric and break your thread. Needles are fairly inexpensive so stock up the next time you are at the quilt shop and change it often.

Damage to a needle is not visible to the naked eye but under a microscope, you will see burrs and cracks. Click here to see what a damaged needle looks like. It can also be bent. Here are some ways you can tell you need to change your needle:

  • If you hear a “punching” sound as your needle enters the fabric. 
  • Your top thread keeps breaking.
  • You see snags develop in the fabric where the needle enters when you are stitching.
  • You can see the holes where the needle entered.

If you have not used up the needle but need to change it to do something else, put the partially used needle back in the case with the flat part of the shaft facing up so you remember which is used.

It’s also important to use the right needle for your project. Most piecing of 100% cotton fabrics can be done with a universal 80/12 needle. The two numbers represent the two sizing systems: metric (or European) and Singer (or American). The “80” is the metric and the “12” is the Singer. All you need to know is the numbers refer to the diameter of the needle. The lower the number, the finer the needle. Light to medium weight quilting fabrics can be pieced with a needle from 75/11 to 90/14. Most needles made for machine quilting on your home machine are 90/14.

Tools:

I like to keep several small tools by my machine while I am stitching blocks. I keep them in a shower soap dish that I attached to my sewing table.

Here are the tools I keep there:

I have a small rotary cutter, scissors, small rulers for measuring completed units (to make sure my seams are 1/4″), a pencil for drawing lines and, finally, a pressing tool to press seams on the spot so I can continue to piece a block without having to go to the ironing board after every one.

Well, that’s it for this week. Come back next week for block 6 and some more tips and techniques.

Remember, comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

2022 Block of the Week – Block 4

Welcome back to my 2022 Block of the Week series. Today we move on to block 4. If you are just joining the fun, all the patterns are free throughout this series. Click these links to go to the previous  posts: Week 1, Week 2 and Week 3. Let’s get started on this week’s block!

2022 BOW Block 4 – Irish Puzzle

It’s the return of the HSTs! This block is made up entirely of HSTs of two different sizes to make the individual units. You can really have fun playing with color here. I just used 2 different colors, but you can make each of the 4 units a different color for a more scrappy look.

The instructions for this block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 4. This is another block that was part of the Ladies Art Company and was first published in 1898. I have not found much other information on the block itself. However, perhaps those who named the block were paying tribute to the claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring, that is a type of puzzle ring. Since this block design is achieved by arranging the units in a certain way, it’s sort of a puzzle. The blocks can be arranged in different ways for a different look.

Well, that’s my interpretation anyway! If anyone of you have so more knowledge on this, I would appreciate it! Other names this block has been known by are: Bear’s Paw, Forest Path, Rambling Road and North Wind… these are a few of many!

Tip and Technique of the Week – Aligning Seams

Matching up seams when piecing the units of a block is an important step. If seams do not match, the block design may not emerge clearly. Matched seams also help in assuring your finished block measures correctly.

Here’s how I align my seams as I am stitching units and blocks together. An important step is pinning the units. The photos below are of two HSTs I want to stitch together. I lay one HST on top of the other and then I peel back the top one so I can align the seams. I try to bend it back to where the 1/4″ seam line will be to make sure the seams are aligned. Then I pin to keep those seams aligned.

Once I stitch the seam and press the unit open, you can see the seams create a perfect point where they met as I intended.

Now lets move onto units or blocks with several seams. In my example below, I am using two 4-patch blocks. I start out the same as above by layer the blocks right sides together, bending back the top block and aligning seams. I match sure to pin those aligned seams first before pinning any other parts.

Once those seams are matched and pinned, I will pin the ends of the blocks and then stitch them together. As you can see below, once the seam is pressed open, the seams align perfectly.

Here’s a mini video tutorial I made a few years ago on matching points and joining blocks, which includes aligning seams. Sometimes it’s easier to learn something by watching a demonstration.

So that’s it for this week’s installment. Join me next week as we move on to block 5. I hope you’re having fun!

Remember, comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

2022 Block of the Week – Block 3

Here we are at week 3 of the 2022 Block of the Week already. Time flies! If you are just joining, here are the links to the previous blog posts for the first blocks: Week 1 and Week 2. So let’s get started on block 3!

2022 BOW Block 3 – Cats and Mice

This week’s block is good practice for the technique tip of the week I will be sharing. The stitch and flip method is used often in creating many interesting quilt blocks. For the blocks to come out measuring correctly, it’s important to practice and master this skill. I hope my tips will help you. So here is the block:

The instructions to make the block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 3.

Interesting block, however… how did it get this name, Cats and Mice? This block first appeared in a publication by the Ladies Art Company (often referred to by the initials LAC) where it appears it received it’s name. However, in investigating this quilt block name, there are several other pieced blocks also with this name, so who knows?

More about The LAC. It was established in 1889 when it began publishing catalogs of quilt block patterns. The majority of the patterns they published were of pieced blocks. LAC published advertisements in a variety of home, farm and ladies magazines and had a far reach because of this.

Tips and Technique of the Week – Stitch and Flip

This technique has also been referred to as “folded corners”, so if you see that term in a pattern it’s referring to this technique. The key to success in making blocks with stitch and flip is measuring as you go. Since the seam is stitched on the diagonal, take care in accurate stitching because pulling out seams on the bias can distort the seam and the block pieces.

Stitch and flip can be done on any unit with a 90 degree angle like squares, rectangles and even the 90 degree side of a triangle. Here’s my explanation on stitch and flip along with photos. In this example, I started with a 2 1/2″ black square and a tan 1 1/2″ square. Draw a line on the wrong side of the smaller square as a guide for stitching:

Next, lay the small square face down and line up its edges with the edges of the bigger black square as shown. I like to pin it in place for stitching so the small square does not shift. Then I stitch on the line.

Now comes the important part. Do not cut off the excess fabric in the seam allowance yet. I like to finger press the small square open and measure the unit to make sure it still measures 2 1/2 x 2 1/2″.

If I determine it measures correctly, I can trim off the excess fabric in the seam allowance and take the unit to the iron for pressing. When you press these units, make sure not to iron back and forth on the seam so you don’t distort it.

You can repeat this step as many times as needed. The Cats and Mice block has units where all 4 corners of the block have stitch and flip corners. Some block units may only have stitch and flip corners on 1 or 2 corners. And if you make flying geese units one by one, you are using the stitch and flip method there too! 

Here is a mini video tutorial I did on stitch and flip several years ago:

Well, that’s it for this week. Enjoy creating this fun block and join me again next week. Remember, comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

2022 Block of the Week – Block 2

Welcome back to the 2022 Block of the Week! If you are just joining the fun, you can go to this link: Welcome to the Block of the Week! to start at the beginning. We are now on to block 2 of this BOW. 

2022 BOW Block 2 – Lady of the Lake

This week’s block has a lot of half-square triangle squares in it, so you’ll get a lot of practice with those. After I show you the block, I will cover some tips on making half-square triangle squares. These units are also referred to as HSTs so if you see that in a pattern, you’ll know what it is. So, here is the block:

The instructions to make this block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 2. This block is thought to be named after an 1810 poem by Sir Walter Scott. Men and women who traveled west in the 19th century were great fans of his poetry and the poem by this name. So, to pay tribute, this patchwork block was named for the poem and first published in the 1820s.

Because this block has a lot of units and a lot of seams, precise and accurate 1/4″ stitching is important for it to measure correctly. Below, I’ll talk about different ways to make HSTs and the importance of measuring all your units before piecing them into a block.

Tip of the Week – Half-Square Triangle (HSTs) Squares

Common Method:

There are a lot of different methods to make HSTs. The first I will cover is one step up from the traditional method of joining two triangles. This common method (as I call it) will give you two HSTs at a time.

For this method, start with 2 squares that measure 7/8″ larger than the finished size of your HST unit. Finished size refers to the size of the unit minus the seam allowance (how it measures when it is stitched into a block). For example, if your HST finished size is 2″, then you need to cut your squares 2 7/8 x 2 7/8″. Then when you make the HST, it will measure 2 1/2″ with the seam allowances and 2″ finished.

Draw a diagonal line on the wrong side of one of the squares, then lay the two squares right sides together and stitch 1/4″ on each side of the drawn line. It’s important to have an accurate 1/4″ or a scant (just under). If your seam is too large, your HST will come out too small. Cut the unit apart on the drawn line:

Press open the two halves and you have two HSTs. 

If you need to, you can trim your HSTs to measure the correct size. Just make sure to lay the ruler’s 45 degree line on the diagonal seam.

There’s a cool tool that allows you to trim the HSTs before you press them open. Then you only have to make two cuts instead of four. It’s call the Triangle Square Up Ruler by Quilt in a Day.

You simply choose the size your unit should measure (with seam allowance) and line up that line on the ruler with the seam on your unit. Trim the two sides, press open and you have your HST!

Alternate Methods

Method 1 – Makes 4 HSTs:

Determine the size of your HST you want (including seam allowance), divide that number by .64. Round up to the nearest 1/8″.  Then cut 2 squares of different colors that size. For example, for 2 1/2″ HSTs:

       2 1/2″ / .64 = 3.906, round up to 4″

Lay the two squares right sides together matching up raw edges so they are completely one on top of the other. Pin in place. Sew 1/4″ around all 4 sides of the square unit (see my finger pointing in last photo).

Cut the sewn square diagonally as shown and then press open each section for 4 HSTs.

Method 2 – Makes 8 HSTs:

This method is great when you have a scrap quilt that has lots and lots of HSTs.

Start with 2 squares that are each 2 times the size of the HST you are making plus 1 3/4″. For an HST that measures 1 1/2 x 1 1/2″ , here is the calculation:

                1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ = 2 1/4″

                2 1/4″ + 1 3/4″ = 4″.

Draw two diagonal lines on the wrong side of one of the squares. Place the squares right sides together with the square with the drawn lines on top so they are visible. Pin. Sew a 1/4″ on each side of each drawn line.

Cut the unit apart evenly into 4 squares and then cut each square on the diagonal line.

Press open and you have 8 HSTs!

So those are a few of the different ways you can make HSTs. It’s fun to try new methods once in a while. Enjoy making block 2! 

Remember, comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Welcome to Block of the Week!

Welcome! It’s time to start the 2022 Block of the Week project. If this is your first time visiting my blog, my block of the week project (or BOW as I call it) is made up of nine 6 1/2 x 6 1/2″ blocks. I release one each week for the next several weeks, starting today. You will get a link to the PDF instructions for free for each block. On the tenth week, I will provide free instructions for a setting for the blocks to make a wall hanging. You can use my idea to set the blocks or feel free to use your blocks however you like. I will also share some quilting tips that will be useful when making these blocks. So, how about we get started?

2022 BOW Block 1 – The Railroad

The instructions to make the block are found here: 2022 BOW Block 1. The block is made up of half-square triangle squares and four-patch units. Fairly simple units to piece even if you are a beginner.

Like a lot of traditional quilt blocks, this one also has been known by other names. Some of the other names for the block are the Underground Railroad, Jacob’s Ladder, Stepping Stones and Wagon Tracks. This block pattern dates back to the 18th century but was first officially published in 1884.

Tip of the Week – Strip Sets

Four-patch blocks, like those in the Railroad block, are one of the block types that can be pieced by starting with strip sets. What are strip sets? Strip sets are made from joining two or more long strips on their lengthwise sides. You can use width of fabric strips (40-44″ long) if you need a lot of pieces cut for your project, but I prefer to cut those in half to 20-22″ long. It’s easier for your strip sets to distort if you are using longer strips. The strips in this week’s pattern are 17″ long. 

To make a strip set, start by laying two strips right sides together and pin in a few places:

The when it’s time to stitch, do not pull on them or push them through the machine as you are joining them with the 1/4″ seam. Just gently guide them along. Doing otherwise can distort your seam.

Finally, press the joined strips open. Make sure to press and not iron. It is important not to distort the seam of the joined strips. If you iron along the seam instead of pressing, you run the risk of stretching the fabric or the seam or both.

If you are joining more than two strips together, alternate which end you start at when stitching. This also helps to limit distortion of the whole strip set. The diagram below shows what I am talking about:

To be safe, after adding each additional strip to a strip set, finger press open and measure to be sure your seams are accurate and the size of the strip set measures correctly. For example, if you are joining two 1 1/2″ wide strips, when pressed open, the strip set should then measure 2 1/2″ wide. Adding another 1 1/2″ strip on will then make the set measure 3 1/2″ wide. It’s important to keep the width size accurate, otherwise the segments you cut from the strip set will not measure correctly.

So that’s block 1 of the 2022 Block of the Week and the tip of the week. I hope you enjoyed this and will join me in the following weeks!

Comment or ask questions throughout this series. At the end, I will have a grand prize giveaway. This will include my book, two of my newer patterns, some fat quarters and sewing scissors!

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Quilting History: Story Telling & Patriotism

Since this post is on my blog on July 4th, the Independence Day holiday for my US readers, I thought I’d do a dive into a little quilt history to find some interesting nuggets on quilting and patriotism. I’ll also show some of my quilts that have a patriotic theme as well. For non-US readers, I’d love to see some quilt history from your country as well. 

Telling Stories

Throughout history, women have expressed themselves through quilting as an art form. From telling a family story to expressing a political view, quilts were the canvas. They are still that way today in many ways. Many of us have made T-shirt quilts. That’s telling a story! Collecting T-shirts from a child’s activities through their school years or from an adult’s vacation trip and putting them in a quilt is a recording of their history and a snapshot of the family history.

Here’s my version of a family history quilt. For both of my kids, I made picture quilts for their graduations from high school.

There are photos in the star blocks of all 4 years of high school. Hopefully in the years to come, they will look at those photos in the quilts and will be able to tell stories to their kids about their school experiences.

Here’s one of the most famous story quilts from history. I wrote a bit about it in my book, Blooming Patchwork:

This quilt was made by former slave, Harriet Powers and can be found at the Smithsonian’s Nation Museum of American History.

Have you made some quilts that tell a story? I bet you have!

Patriotism in Quilts

From the beginning of the country woman have expressed their patriotism and their political views through quilting, mostly because that was their only outlet. On viewing quilts in quilt history books, you will find everything from appliquéd eagles and flags to fabrics actually printed with patriotic symbols. You’ll find block names like “Whig Rose” and “Yankee Puzzle” to name a few.

A lot of patriotic quilts can be found in the Civil War era. Quilts were often made and raffled to raise funds for soldiers. Quilts were even made to raise funds for gun boats. Read Barbara Brackman’s blog post from 2014 with some interesting history about these quilts.

Quilts were also part of causes like the women’s suffrage movement. This movement for the women’s rights grew out of the abolitionist movement, which was often headed by women. Did you know Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the suffrage movement, was a skilled quilter even as a young girl? She often used quilting bee quilters as her audience for speeches on the movement. Here’s a link to a suffrage quilt, although not one of Susan B. Anthony’s. If you want to look at a lot of historical quilts and find out more information about them, the Quilt Index is a fantastic website to keep bookmarked on your computer!

My Quilts

So, here is a patriotic quilt of mine that is actually my first quilt pattern I designed. It was inspired as a memorial for 9/11.

You can’t see it too well from the photo, but I have written the words to America the Beautiful in the white portion of the stripes. I liked the stars & stripes motifs so much that I made 2 other patterns:

I then designed a quilt pattern (below) for quilters to use for Quilts of Valor quilts. 

I have a new pattern coming out soon. It’s at the quilter’s now and I hope to have it out by mid- summer. I call it Liberty Square:

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little quilt history interlude. It’s fun to delve into the history of quilts and see how they played a roll in some of the big events in this country’s history. Leave me a comment below and I will enter you into a drawing for my quilt pattern for Liberty Star Shine.

If you want to share photos of some of your patriotic quilts or family quilts, feel free to post them in the comments on this post on my Snuggles Quilts Facebook page. The post will be pinned to the top of my page beginning on Monday mid-morning. The drawing for the pattern will be on Monday, July 11th. Good luck! ** We have a winner! Congrats, Shirley!**

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Welcome to Snuggles Quilts’ Studio!

Hi! Last week I talked about maintenance of your sewing room tools like cutting mats, rulers and your sewing machine. I was asked if I would show my studio to you. You’ve seen those photos of designer’s studios in the quilt magazine features. They look clean, bright and beautiful. Funny thing is, my studio is definitely not glamorous like those. But it is very functional. I’m going to show it to you in photos and in a brief video. Since I am prepared and packed for a weekend show as I write this, my studio is actually fairly clean! So here we go…

First, I want to show you my design wall. I managed to claim a space on the wall that is about 6 feet wide and over 6 feet high. I covered some home insulation boards (found at the local home improvement store) with some felt and then bolted those to the wall. Great way to build a quilt, block by block! They stick up on the felt and I can move them around until I get the setting I like.

And these little homemade labeling pins come in handy to mark blocks and rows so I do not mix them up while piecing a quilt.

I just wrapped a piece of washi tape around the top of several pins and then numbered them. These are just 1 through 6. I have more.

Now we move to my cutting table/ironing board. My husband and I took standard lower kitchen cabinets (again from the home improvement store), positioned them back to back and topped them with a piece of counter top. We chose a large enough area so that on one side, I have my cutting area, with my rulers hung on the wall and on the other side, I have a big board ironing surface.

The pictures I’m taking conveniently cut off the cluttered areas… LOL!

Next  on to my sewing table. Once again, I created it from cabinets and a countertop purchased from a home improvement store. 

One of my ergonomic tricks is to tilt my sewing machine with door stops found at the local hardware store. This saves my neck. My project is tilted towards me while I am stitching to keep me sitting comfortably in my chair. I also attached a shower soap dish to the edge of the table with removable Command strips to put my little tools I use often within easy reach!

Fabric storage is a challenge in my small space. Once again those home improvement store cabinets came in handy (lots of tubs of fabric in there!), plus a few antique cupboards. If you have followed by blog awhile, you know I love to use antiques in my studio.

Looks like I need to do more shopping?

Now to where the pattern writing happens. Since I sit a lot while sewing, I decided to turn my pattern writing area into a standing desk by using an antique box to set my computer on. My set-up includes 2 computers, one for writing the pattern and one that contains my quilt design program. I also have 3 printers that keep the pattern inventory supplied!

I do have a high stool I use sometimes when I need to sit. There are days …. LOL!

As you can see, not too glamorous! I did make sure to have a heated floor installed since my studio is in the basement. Trust me, that is needed even in the summer and definitely in the dead of winter! So here is my little video tour of the studio.

That’s it for this week. After I return from my quilt show, I the blog will return to postings of quilting tips and more. 

Happy Quilting!
Deanne

Keep Those Sewing Room Essentials Ready!

Yes, I know all we want to do is create and sew. But… if you don’t take care of your tools like your rulers, cutting mat and sewing machine, the fun can be cut short. There are times I have been a bit lax on some of these tasks, especially if I am trying to get a project done. I recommend not putting things off if you can. The best time to do it is before beginning a project, survey your area and your tools and take care of maintenance then so your sewing experience is not interrupted. So let’s get started with my tips!

Cutting Mat Care

Tip# 1 – Storage: One of the first things you can do to keep your cutting mat in good shape is to store it properly when not in use, especially if you do not have a dedicated cutting area where your mat can always lay out flat.  If you don’t have a dedicated cutting area where it can be kept flat, make sure it’s stored flat, like under a bed or on a large shelf, if you have the space. If you are short on space, another way to store mats is by hanging them in a closet from clip hangers.

I folded a strip of scrap batting over the top of the mat where the hanger clips clamp on so there is no indentations made in the mat. This is a great space saving way to store your mats if you have a limited size sewing area.

Tip #2 Cleaning: Another cutting mat care tip is to keep it clean. Residue can build up on the mat’s surface that can interfere with fabric you are currently cutting. Here’s some cleaning tips:

  • You can remove bits of fabric fiber that get caught in cuts in your mat by rubbing a gum eraser (artist’s eraser) over sections you have just used to cut. You can also use a soft toothbrush. Make sure it’s soft so you don’t damage your mat.
  • You can also remove bits of fiber or lint from the surface by wrapping your hand in packing tape and lightly running it over the mat. Or a lint roller that you use to remove pet hair from clothing would work too!
  • Finally, you can moisturize your mat to keep it supple and healthy. Put 1/4 cut of white vinegar per gallon of cool water in a tub and soak the mat for about 15 minutes. Use a very soft toothbrush to remove the fiber bits. You can also add in a few drops of mild dish soap. Rinse with cool water, gently towel dry or lay it flat on a towel for drying.

Tip #3 – Usage: When you are using your mat, try not to continuously cut in the same place when you are cutting fabric. Yes, these mats are self-healing but they do wear out. To get your mat to last as long as possible rotate your mat often to avoid cutting in the same place. Some mats are even double sided so if yours is, flip it occasionally and use the other side. Taking care of your self-healing mat will make it last for years longer than expected. Finally, try to keep your mat from direct sunlight or extreme temperature changes. Definitely never iron on your cutting mat.

Ruler Care

Many quilters only think about their rulers when they want to use them. But they do need to be maintained just like your cutting mat and sewing machine.

  • Clean your rulers periodically by dusting with a soft cloth. Do not use anything abrasive like paper towels that can scratch the ruler surface and make the markings harder to read. Also don’t use any cleaning solution with bleach or ammonia. If you need to use a cleaning solution, use those that are meant for plexiglass.
  • Store your rulers, like your cutting mat, away from direct sunlight and not in areas of your home with extreme temperature changes.
  • Finally, make sure to store your rulers securely. If you drop them or they fall from a storage area, they will chip or break. I hang my rulers on a peg board that you can find at any hardware store. Mine was meant for a garage, but it works in my sewing room.

If you don’t have a dedicated sewing space, you can store your rulers flat on a shelf or under a bed. Just make sure to dust them off with a soft cloth before use.

Sewing Machine Care

Making sure your machine is ready for every time you want to sit down and sew is not hard to do. The main thing I recommend is to have it serviced every year, preferably at the shop where it was purchased. This yearly service is a good thing because the service person can get into the machine like you can’t (and shouldn’t) to make sure it’s clean internally and the parts are all in working order.

What you can do between yearly check-ups is a simple cleaning step that takes minutes. I do it every time I refill a bobbin or after I have just completed stitching a project. Your machine should have a small brush that came with it along with machine oil. 

Here’s some photos of me cleaning may machine (inspected by Addie!). Be sure to drop your feed dogs before you take the throat plate off.

Be sure to use the brush that came with your machine or you can use a small make-up brush. Never use anything sharp or stick the brush in deeper into areas you can not see. You can do some damage that way and then your machine will be in the shop for more than just a checkup!

Once you are done cleaning, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual on oiling the necessary parts. If you do this between check-ups, your machine will not let you down. 

Finally, I recommend not sewing over pins. Some quilters claim their machine is fine doing that and that some pins are fine enough to allow this practice. However, besides breaking needles, you can do actual damage to your machine if the pin is pushed down into the throat plate. You can also disrupt the timing. Trust me, I speak from experience! Take the time to stop before a pin and pull it out before continuing to sew a seam.

Have any tips to share? Comment below with them or ask any questions you may have. Keep your sewing room tools clean and ready to go for a fun sewing experience! This week, I’m giving away one of my favorite patterns, Scrappy Catz!

The drawing will be on Monday, June 27th. Good luck! ***We have a winner! Congrats, Corinne!***

Happy Quilting!
Deanne