The Fence Post: 2010-06-13

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

Fantasy Flowers Instructions

Margaret Patty Angie and Mary can't wait to get started on their quilt so here is a jpeg of the pattern

A pdf of this, along with pictures will be posted shortly on the website and linked to the blog

A New Mystery Quilt from my Cupboard

While cleaning out my stash cupboard for the new mystery quilt I have been working on, I was reflecting on recent visits from my sons.

Whenever my oldest son came home from university he would point out the dated salad dressings and condiments in the refrigerator. We had to point out that we don't use these things as much now that the boys are all away from home.
Now, before my oldest comes home to visit, I check the "best before" dates on everything in the refrigerator and cupboards so as not to get him thinking his parents are losing it and he should be making plans for them.

I was determined to use up fabric from my stash for a new mystery quilt and realized that fabric probably has a "best before" date too, although it probably won't do as much damage as the old food in the refrigerator. This is a common theme we hear at the shop--"I have more fabric than I will ever use" This quilt is a great way to use some of those wonderful "mature" fat quarters taking up space in the cupboard that have passed the "best before" date.

Watch this space for details about this quilt. It is big and easy and a bit like a seven layer dip but without the calories! Now to come up with a name.

52 Steps to better quilting. One a week.

Sew any leftover binding strips together as quilts are completed, and use this scrappy binding on a scrappy quilt.
Cut and prepare binding strips when cutting out your quilt and store in a zip lock bag with your project.
Tape your package of sewing machine needles to the side of the machine. Easy to find when a replacement is needed.
Keep a pair of inexpensive readers near your sewing machine for threading needles and ripping out seams.
Check how much thread is on the bobbin before you start a chain piecing task.
Have extra bobbins filled, ready for a quick change when the thread runs out.
Sew any fabric left over from a project into a backing. It will reduce the amount of fabric you have to purchase.
Clean your bobbin case before starting a new project. use a soft makeup brush to clean the lint. The bristles will grab the lint easily.
Use the correct needle in your machine for the task at hand. The right needle will carry the thread through the fabric so that you won't have issues with tension and thread breaking.
Use starch when pressing applique pieces for a crisp edge.
When using small acrylic templates or rulers, draw a few lines of a water soluble glue stick on the reverse side of the ruler. This prevents slipping when cutting. The adhesive is easily cleaned off with soap and water when you are finished cutting.
Keep fabric, thread, specialty rulers and pattern together in a one container. When you start the project you won't waste time looking for something you need for the project.
Measure twice, cut once. Become familiar with your rulers. Some have an added extra half inch which can make your cut too small or too large.
Use the right pin for the job. There is a pin for every task--short applique needles that don't get in the way of hand sewing, fork pins to pin nesting seams, quilting pins for pinning blocks, silk pins for fine work.Instead of a pin cushion,store them in a clear stacking container at your work table, available at quilt and craft shops.
Replace your rotary blade often to prevent fatigue. A dull blade requires more physical exertion to cut through fabric.