Teapot Cozy: No Math

Teapot Cozy

Keep Your Teapot Warm

No Pattern Needed

Quilters are made to believe they "need a pattern" for the most basic of things, but breaking out of that thinking is incredibly freeing. We don't need a set of numbers or directions for everything we want to do or make. The makers before us drew mainly on their own ingenuity, imagination, and make-do attitude. If you've never done worked with a pattern, I encourage you. There is a satisfying feeling of creating with your own ideas! 

If something doesn't go as planned, it may be reframed as a positive design element instead of a mistake in understanding poorly written pattern instructions. It stimulates your critical thinking, and creates a one-of-a-kind object. Whatever the outcome, it's a feel-good-thing, and we all need that now. Right?

Let's get creative!

The Family & Pets Issue

The Anna Quilt

I have said before I come from a long line of Anne's, and one Anna. Edyta Sitar has a line of beautiful reds, pinks, and creams right now called Anna, and a quilt pattern to highlight them. It's simple, and perfect for the not-quite-a-jelly-roll I had from a Tim Holtz line. (It was closer to 2 5/8" than 2 1/2".)

This quilt is for a son who never asked for a quilt because he didn't need one. I do think it's finally he would like one from me more than than a need to stay warm now, and that makes me very happy, if you must know. When he asked, I started sewing. The fabric had already been bought, and I was just waiting for the cue. I knew he'd come around sometime.

Secret Surprise Quilting on Back

ABC Child's Quilt

I realized the other day I had not posted in some time. I'm keeping very busy quilting for clients, and at a time like this that's good. Each day seems to bring a new twist with the sunrise. Ohio has had rising Covid cases like most other states, and it has inched closer to my circle. Many members of the extended family, and our children's families have it, and we are hoping for uncomplicated cases. I'm thrown back to the days in the past when I'm sure many women felt helpless with the diseases that swept through their own lives, and like them am finding relief in turning fabric into something useful.

Having so much on my mind makes me long for simple projects, and small quilts. When a few last minute Christmas quilts came in, I was tickled with this small one. It was for a little boy, and he loves trucks of all kinds. Instead of a basic E2E, I wanted it to be special when he flipped it over to the red backing.

Kansas Troubles Block: Improving Accuracy

Kansas Troubles Block 

Do you want to be a better quilter, and improve your accuracy? It's not as hard as it seems. Think while you sew. Keep your brain engaged, and focus.

• Don't depend on a pattern or directions to tell you everything because most often they don't. 

• Use logic and geometry to figure measurements out. It's a few formulas, and pretty standard stuff.

• Watch for bias edges.

• Square for accuracy as often as necessary.

Little Blue Baskets Block

Little Blue Baskets

I don't know how I missed the fact that this sampler was the 1865 Passion Sampler, but I did. So giving credit to France Aubert who blogs at Passion Patchwork is due. She combined the blocks from Barbara Brackman's Civil War book along with 40 others to create a sampler quilt which was also published in the recent edition of Quiltmania magazine.

That said, I'm sticking to the block schedule loosely. Where I can substitute a block that pushes me to work harder, I am. That's how the Little Blue Baskets block came to be. It's fallen in line with some of the other things I've been working at in skill building: accuracy, and working in a smaller scale.

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Bride, No. 17

Farmer's Wife 1930s

Bride, No.17

This week has been a flurry of cleaning up leaves, and summer. Rarely do I cut down my perennials preferring to leave them to wither on their own schedule, but something made me go through the gardens and tidy this year. The saying, "Never leave for tomorrow what you can do today," pops up over and over. My compost and leaf piles are enormous. It will be a rich spring for fertilizer.

Civil War Blocks: Round 2

 

Civil War Blocks: Round 2

Indiana Puzzle

I've had an internal dialogue going whether to write much about these Civil War blocks, or just let them stand on their own. Because it's supposed to be joyful sewing only, I've decided to say little. I won't titter on about missing points or meeting seams. I'm sure that wasn't so much of an issue in those times as I have some of those old quilts, and I've seen it firsthand. I would venture it was much more about the fabrics then, and how they added so much color to fairly plain interiors in many cases. The fabric and quilts might have been the stars of the room all their own so I will try to allow these blocks do the same unless necessary.

Enjoy!

Modified Paper Piecing: Farmer's Wife 1930s: Blossom, No.15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s

Blossom, No.15

Years ago I was involved in a round robin, and introduced to a modified paper piecing technique that didn't require me to sew through the paper. That was a revelation because I hated that part with a passion. I had avoided all paper piecing projects. But the idea of folding back the paper, and sewing beside the seam made a lot of sense, and saved the paper to use again. No ripping!

Yesterday I posted on a Facebook site for Farmer's Wife 1930s blocks, and another poster mentioned a book called Painless Paper Piecing by Marjorie Rine. This is a modified version of her technique, I believe, by the little bit I can read in the look inside option on Amazon. I learned it from another quilter, and will pass on the rough details I used. The book is still available used, and I suggest you purchase it if you want the exact details of that method.

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Bea, No. 11

Farmer's Wife 1930s:

Bea, No. 11

This week has flown by. I've hustled to get customer quilts out the door, and also a quilt pieced for one of our sons. The Civil War blocks have been fun, and there's a lot of crossover between those blocks and these. But the Civil War blocks are 8", and the Farmer's Wife blocks are 6". You can feel the difference when there's so many little pieces to fit together.

Also, approaching a new block pattern every time you sit down to sew requires concentration. The need for accuracy as you scale down makes you pay close attention to your basic skill set: fabric prep, cutting, handling the fabric, sewing a proper seam, and how and even when to press. All have been scrutinized, and tweaked in the past weeks. It makes me want to try some even smaller blocks still. I guess it's like the limbo. 

Civil War Sampler Blocks

New England

Civil War Sampler by Barbara Brackman

My conscience is saying, "Have you no shame?! Yet another quilt along when you have two out there hanging?" And I answer it with, "I need this! I need the adrenaline, the frenzy, the routine." And honestly, I think that's true. I crave joyful sewing right now. I need camaraderie. I want to hear and feel the struggle of other quilters moaning about a difficult block, and not thinking about the world at large for just a tiny bit! 

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Ava, No.10

Ava, No. 10

I know I said I was going to do a block a day to get my out from behind the grind of my Farmer's Wife 1930's project, but I'm choosing steady progress over a killer plan. It's a little like a busman's holiday to come home from quilting all day to piece blocks, and yet it's a pleasant segue. There's usually a few spare minutes between my through the door, cooking, and dinner, and find this works like eggs in coffee. Sweet!

Quilt Roll Catch Up

Modern 9 Patch

Oh, the quilts I see! I'm so lucky to be surrounded by inspiration daily. It's been a whirlwind, and they keep rolling in from so much summer sewing. Let me show you a sampler of recent highlights. 

Rosann Triner sent me this supersized, modern beauty several weeks ago. It took us a while to decide how to quilt it. Between talking and texting ideas, we came up with this simple, yet elegant design. It adds softness with the curves, yet keeps it both modern and minimalist. This proves that often the simplest designs require the most planning. It's fantastic!

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Autumn, No.9

Autumn, No.9

What an appropriate block name to show today! Are you deep in the leaves, perusing pumpkins, and lapping up lattes? 😉 Oh, yeah, there's no doubt of a seasonal shift now. Isn't it funny to have to open your door or check the weather to see if it's shirt sleeve or parka weather? I feel like the height of the color change is already here, but a pilot friend who flew over the trees last weekend told me it's only beginning. Brace yourself for a race through some weird holidays to follow. 2020 isn't over yet for sure!

Come on, Doxie girls.

Let's go sew.

Logs & Stars Fall Table Runner

Logs & Stars Table Runner

Oh, I have a story to tell about coming in under a deadline, and bleeding fabric! It's worth repeating. 

Wash all your fabric! If you don't prewash, then test your fabrics for bleeding and shrinking before you start! 

I had all the blocks made for this project last Sunday night, gave them a good press with steam, and watched my pressing cloth turn orange. 

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Augusta, No.7

The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt

Augusta, No.7

Just a quick post to show you sweet Augusta! I made this block with Marti Michell templates, paperless paper piecing, and rotary cutting with a ruler. The more I work with modified paper piecing, the more it's growing on me. It's quick! Holding those tiny templates in place, and working hard not to cut myself with the rotary cutter is trying. Note: It's far easier if you don't remove the adhesive paper from the back of acrylic templates. Add some adhesive dots to give them a little stick-to-it-ness if they get too slippery. So far, so good.

Farmer's Wife 1930's Blocks

Are You Ready for the Farmer's Wife 1930s Version? 9/27/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 1: Blocks 8,12,16 10/6/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 2: Blocks 20, 14, 18 10/12/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 3: Blocks 13, 24

10/19/15

1930's Farmer's Wife: Week 4: Blocks 49, 78, 94 10/25/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 5: Blocks 41, 45 11/1/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 6: Blocks 1,57: & Christmas in My Heart Blog Hop with Giveaways

11/8/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Week 9: Blocks 2, 39, 46, 57, 62, 76, 79, 80, 90 11/28/15

The Farmer's Wife 1930s: Blocks 3,4 5/18

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Anne, No. 5 10/10/20

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Augusta, No.6  10/15/2020

And on to the next one!

Come on, Doxie girls.

Let's go sew!

Linking up with~

Sarah over at Confessions of a Fabric Addict

Finished or Not Finished Friday

Friday Foto Fun

Peacock Party

For the Love of Geese

Farmer's Wife 1930's: April, No.6

Farmer's Wife 1930's: April, No.6

This block was a bit of a trial. I'm still getting back into the swing of working small, and realizing I need to be consistent. I'm used to piecing with the mind set of "work a little big, and cut down or trim when done." These blocks do not work that way. They are precise, and will teach you to be that way if you want them to come out right. I'll show you how that works.

Farmer's Wife 1930s: Anne, No. 5

*Anne, No. 5

1930's Farmer's Wife

No drama, no whining, but I start to fall into those traps when I pull out old projects. Don't you? Do I really want to invest the time to finish a project I've started, stopped, and reshelved so many times? Will I  find value in it? 

How do you approach some of your long term WIP's or UFO's these days? 

Custom Christmas Quilt Finish

Intensive Custom Quilting

There is tremendous satisfaction in finishing a beautiful quilt, and I felt both exhausted and pleased at the same time with this one made by Connie Karlowicz. Custom quilting is a marathon experience. It takes a great deal of pacing, perseverance, and attention to detail for everything to come out right. And then there is the artistic element, the combination of designs, and hope that everything you've chosen works where it should, and supports the rest. I find it a little daunting at times.

Planning Custom Quilting: Christmas Wall Hanging

Christmas Wall Hanging

Around here a wall hanging might be referred to as a "wall hanger". The first time I heard it I had one of those eyebrow raising moments, but it's a common way of saying it for many local people. I accept it now. When I first typed out the title, my fingers magically typed "wall hanger". Obviously my brain has accepted it, too. 

This is a client made piece by Connie Karlowicz, and I think it's just the prettiest thing! I found myself singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" more than once working on it yesterday. Thankfully, I was alone. 

Charity Quilting: Gnadenhutten Quilt Project

Local Needs

Many of the comforters made by the Gnadenhutten Quilt Project lately have not stayed in our local area lately, but were sent where they were needed most. They were taken to MCC Connections in Kidron, Ohio, a thrift store, and collection site for Mennonite Christian Committee. Donated comforters follow the path to people in need through Mennonite Disaster Relief. Our little group has 8 at the moment ready to donate. That's wonderful!