Sister's Choice Quilts

Stars and Baskets

I got to thinking about appliqué yesterday.  I had avoided doing an appliqué block for the Moda BlockHeads project, thinking I needed to "gear up" for appliqué.  I made a pieced block instead.  I was a wimp.  Can't you hear me whining?  "Applique is too haaaaard".

I have had the kit shown in the photo above for a couple of years.  It is so darn cute, but involves appliquéd stars and basket handles as you can see.  It has been a nice decoration/eye candy on my book shelf since I bought it.  Time to change that.

To "gear up" for doing appliqué, I have been watching YouTube videos.  Honestly, you can learn anything on YouTube.  First I watched Kimberly from Fatquartershop make Orange Peel appliqués with a product called Heat and Bond (another one of those mysterious interfacings).  Then I watched Edyta Sitar and Kimberly make some super cute umbrella appliqué blocks.  I went to JoAnns and bought myself some Heat and Bond, then went home and watched more YouTube videos on how to do appliqué on my new Bernina 740. The best Bernina videos are by Heirloom Creations.  I cannot recommend them highly enough.  I learned about what foot to use, what needle position to use and a whole slew of other tips on how to make the most of my gazillion dollar machine.  

I won't lie, there is a lot to doing appliqué.  A lot.  I had to make a plastic template for my star shapes.  I had to get out my light box and trace my shapes on the Heat and Bond.  I had scissors for paper, scissors for big shapes, scissors for small shapes.  I had to find a pencil for Heaven's sake.

This is my pattern instructions on the light box.  You can't see it, but there is a circular shape for the basket handles that I am tracing onto the Heat and Bond.  I really liked the Heat and Bond by the way.  It is similar to Steam a Seam 2 I think.  It worked really great.  Lots of waste though, because you end up cutting away that whole center of the oval as well as the center of the star!

The Heirloom Creations video was so helpful.  I learned to move my needle position over to the far right, and therefore was able to use the "toe" of my presser foot as a guide to do the blanket stitch!  Go ahead and enlarge that star photo.  Those stitches are great!

Heirloom Creations also showed me where to find the proper blanket stitch on my machine.  I used number 1329, which gave me perfect results.  I swear I would not have even known the machine had that stitch except for the video.

I did a star with good results.  I did the basket handle oval with good results.  This Bernina 740 is such a dream to sew on.

So, my final thoughts on appliqué is that it IS a huge production.  These two blocks took me the better part of a day.  But if you have the right materials and a sewing machine that does a good stitch, you can achieve really good results and even have fun while you are at it.  

I am working on some ideas as to how to streamline this process.  I am thinking I should paper piece all my half square triangles in advance.  Then, get all the appliqué stars and handles prepped and ready to sew.  I can do the same color appliqués all in one go (so I don't have to change out the thread in the machine too much).  Then assemble the basket blocks.  If you break a job into smaller tasks, it doesn't seem so formidable.  And you know what?  With all this rigamarole involved in doing machine appliqué, I'd prefer it any day to fussing with hand appliqué!!!  But that's just me.  

WWCD?

This is Block #4 in the Moda BlockHeads Sew Along.  Only it really isn't.  Jan Patek had a turn to design a block this week, and her offering was an appliqué design.  I don't mind appliqué, but I have to get used to the idea of doing it in advance.  Quite a lot in advance.  The appliqué design was cute, but I just didn't want to do it.  As coincidence would have it, Lisa Bongean made an alternate block for the week, which I immediately wanted to make instead.  That is my interpretation of Lisa's block in the photo above. Check out Lisa's blog to see instructions for making this block as well as what the appliquéd block for Week 4 is supposed to be.

I have been enjoying reading the blogs of the designers who are leading the sew along for BlockHeads.  Everyone uses different fabrics, some folks are doing two different versions, and there are plenty of expert tips on construction methods.  Carrie Nelson (Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.) writes Moda's Cutting Table (for Moda), and has been giving some hints as to what she has in mind for a unique setting for these Moda BlockHead blocks.  I have followed Carrie since she started Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, and have been a huge fan.  I have purchased most of her patterns and books, and have even taken a couple of classes from her.  She is a super star.  And as funny and nice as she is creative.

Therefore, I have long adhered to the adage WWCD? and tried to follow it.  She has never steered me wrong.  Oh, what does WWCD? stand for?  Why, it stands for What Would Carrie Do?  And whatever that is, if it has to do with sewing, I tend to follow her like complete copy cat.  The point of all this is, Carrie has mentioned that each week when she makes her BlockHead block, she is making  a dozen or so flying geese.  How will these be used in the quilt?  I have no idea, but it is bound to be something wonderful, so in order not to be left behind, I am making flying geese as well.  

Thanks for your suggestions on various interfacings for baskets/bags/boxes yesterday.  I can't wait to go back to JoAnns and have a look and try some out.  Hope you are all having a great week!

Fabric Baskets

This past weekend I was experimenting with various designs of fabric storage baskets.  I have seen so many cute ones lately on Instagram, by people who are participating in 2017 Triangle Gatherings Sew Along, or the Moda BlockHeads Sew Along.  They use the baskets to hold the fat quarters they are using for their sew along projects.  So cute.  Some folks actually used yardage of the collection they were sewing with to make their baskets.  So cute and coordinated.

The first basket I made was from a tutorial on the blog St Louis Folk Victorian.  I used four different fabrics from my stash and some fusible quilt batting.  The result was not quite structured enough for me, and the basket seemed kind of floppy.  The fabric packed inside helped hold its shape, but I would have liked a firmer interfacing.

The second basket was so stiff I could hardly work with it.  I more or less used this tutorial from Birch Fabrics.  I used an ultra firm interfacing called PelTex, which I bought at JoAnns.  Oh my gosh, this stuff was so stiff!  It was like what you would use to make a hat or something.  It was so stiff I couldn't really sew it, but just kind of formed it inside the outer fabric and lining.  It was impossible to top stitch, and I ended up gluing the lining fabric in place rather than sewing it (where it overlaps at the top).  It was a proper little box, super stiff sided, but really hard to work with.  The final size was a bit smaller than I wanted as well.

My third effort was kind of a combination of the previous patterns and materials, and was a bit closer to what I wanted in terms of size, but since I was still trying to use the PelTex interfacing, it was really hard to work with.  I pretty much bent the heck out of the sides trying to wrestle it into shape.

So, do any of you know of an interfacing somewhere in between PelTex (which is more like cardboard) and the floppier fusible quilt batting we all know and love?  I was so mystified when I was shopping at JoAnns.  They had a ton of stuff in their interfacing section, but I had no idea really of what I was looking at.  There was a numbering system that was incomprehensible to me:  71F, 70, 72F etc.  Turns out the F stands for Fusible, which actually may have been useful, but who knows?  There sure wasn't any store personnel available to advise me.

I can still use these little baskets, but they weren't exactly what I was aiming for in terms of structure/sturdiness.  I'd love some recommendations from any of you who have made this type of fabric basket/bin.

By the way,  I discovered a YouTube instructional video on making these little baskets. Here is the link for any of you who enjoy a real visual instruction.



 

 

DIY Fabric Boxes

I can't tell you what my inspiration was for these little fabric boxes, but I got a notion that I wanted to make some storage boxes out of fabric, and started playing around on Pinterest.  Hours later, I had a list of tutorials and was totally jazzed to get started making something.

The first one I tried was a tutorial from a site called Seaside Stitches:  link below--

http://seaside-stitches.blogspot.com/2013/03/fabric-box-tutorial.html

This is a tiny little fabric box, and is perfect for so many uses, as well as a wonderful gift idea.  This may be my Christmas gift for 2017.  You can make it with two 10 inch layer cake squares, a ten inch square of batting and four buttons.  Seriously, that is it.  Who doesn't have a drawer full of layer cakes gathering dust that could be used for this adorable project?

The tutorial is excellent, and I jumped right in and made a number of these little boxes in various sizes and designs.  The one in the photo above is perfect for sewing notions.  There are little flaps that you tack down on the inside of the basket that are great for holding scissors, pens, and other small notions.

Or, you can scale the basket larger and make the little flaps on the outside of the container, and use them for your notions.

 I have a colleague who is expecting a baby, and I plan to make a larger version of this and fill it with pacifiers, diaper rash ointment,  a thermometer, baby wipes, a baby rattle,  and who knows what all else.  Isn't that a good idea for a new mom?

How cute would these be for the gals in your sewing circle?  You could add little items such as tiny scissors, packs of needles, seam rippers etc.

Your friends don't sew?  No problem, fill the little basket with tea bags or seasonal candy and you have an adorable gift for anyone.

This is possibly my favorite.  For your daughter or daughter in law---fill it with an assortment of fun beauty projects, either drugstore or high end.  Don't forget to add in the Sephora gift card!  You have an adorable container for organizing things on the vanity.  Now that would be a nice gift!

After you make the first one and you "get it", you can turn one out in 30 minutes.  Make a couple a month and you will have all the people on your holiday gift list covered.

 

 

Hit and Miss

It was one of those days.  I would think I was doing great, and then....Ooops.  My seam ripper and I were very close on Thursday.

I fixed it, but it kind set the tone for the morning.

The 2017 Triangle Gatherings block actually gave me no trouble, unless one of you sees a unit turned the wrong way around.  It could happen, it was that kind of day.

This was the stupidest mistake yet.  I hadn't made any Log Cabin/Courthouse Steps blocks in awhile, so I got out my strips and decided to make a couple of blocks.  As you can see, there is something very wrong with the block on the left.  I was happily stitching the logs around and kept wondering why when I trimmed I had no waste and the block strips seemed kind of big.  Duh.  I had picked up the 8 inch Log Cabin Trim ruler rather than the 6 inch Log Cabin Trim ruler.  It wasn't until I was on the last round that I realized my mistake.  The 6 inch ruler calls for 1 3/4 inch strips that are trimmed down to 1 1/2".  With my 8 inch ruler (which called for wider strips) I was getting no waste to trim and my quarter inch seam was really skimpy.  And obviously the block is a lot clunkier looking.  Arg.  That was a lot of seam ripping and re sewing, I tell you.

And my cleaning lady is sick and can't come for two months.  So I had to clean my house myself.  And I got called in to work for the afternoon.  Now I am grumpy and just want to go to bed.

Buzz Saw Finished

I was able to finish this pretty quilt early this week.  I have been calling it Buzz Saw, because I think that is one name for this classic quilt block.  The pattern is called Summer Wind (a dumb name if I ever heard one), which I cannot wrap my head around.  The fabric line by Kathy Schmitz is called Garden Notes, and has a bee motif running through it.  I am giving the quilt to Sara, and she says she hates the name Buzz Saw, which I think is kind of cute, especially with the bee fabric.

Any ideas for a cute name for this quilt, since we can't seem to agree here at home?

Just a Little Sewing

I have not been spending a ton of time in my sewing room, but have gotten a couple of things done.  The block above is Block #2 from the Moda Block Head Sew Along.  This one was designed by Betsy Chutchian, whose fabric lines I have enjoyed.  This Sew Along will provide free patterns for 48 blocks during the course of 2017.

I have also finished block #21 in the Lisa Bongean Triangle Gatherings Sew Along.  

And one more Pineapple block!

So, not a heck of a lot, but I have been reading and doing some fun things with Eva.  Taking it a day at a time.  The weather has been mild and it has been so nice to sit out on the porch again and read my books.  Hope you are enjoying Spring!

Pizza of the Week

Sara and I have been having one night of home made pizza each week when we are on our own.  I thought you might get a kick out of seeing some of the creations we have come up with.

The most recent one from last week is in the photo above.  I used a Pillsbury-in-a-tube pizza crust, which rolls out to fit a rimmed baking sheet just perfectly.  First, brush the pizza crust with some chili flavored oil (I should have used more).  I then topped the crust with smoked salmon, herbed goat cheese, red onion and dill.  Baked it at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.  It was delicious and took no time at all.

This unusual pizza was made with a home made basic pizza dough, which I rolled out into a circle.  I made an asterisk shaped series of slits in the center.  I spread the crust lightly with cream cheese, then topped it with sautéed steak bits, onions and red peppers.  I topped the meat and veggies with some sliced mozzarella.  Then you reach into the center of the dough, and pull up the triangles you sliced in the middle.  Press the dough together to form a ring.  Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes and serve with some nacho cheese sauce from a jar.

This easy pizza has a base of Indian Naan bread (now available at most large supermarkets).  I brushed the Naan bread with some purchased pesto sauce and some marinara sauce from a jar.  I toped it with a sautéed mixture of mushrooms, onions and peppers, and finished with mozzarella.  Baked it for 15-20 minutes at 400, then topped it with some arugula.

The next one I want to try involves grilled chicken, barbecue sauce, diced red onion and Gouda cheese.  I'll let you know how it turns out!

A Little of This and a Little of That

This week I have been in the mood to just make blocks.  I finished blocks 18 and 19 of the 2017 Triangle Gatherings project, hosted by Lisa Bongean.  I am enjoying seeing those blocks on my small design wall, but am afraid I will soon be out of space to display them all. She just released the 20th block pattern, so I need to add that to the mix.

They make such a satisfying sight, all lined up like that.  I wonder what sort of setting I will end up with.

Did you all see Lisa's finished Magic of Christmas quilt? Go check out the link, it is breath taking.  Don't forget you can use a dark fabric as your setting triangles--it can be so effective.

I brought my Red Pineapple project box and made four more Pineapple blocks.  I started these blocks five (!!!) years ago, and cut up my entire stash of treasured French General Reds for the project.  I really need to finish it up, it will be a stunning quilt when done.  The blocks each take quite a long time to make.  The four blocks up on the wall represent pretty much the whole day of sewing!

I was watching YouTube videos on various rulers that aid in the making of this block.  The ruler I am using is by Possibilties.  The instructions are confusing to me, but I have eventually figured out my method, and my blocks are coming out a consistent 12.1/2 inches.  Creative Grids makes a ruler, which looks like one I would enjoy--it is similar to the Log Cabin rulers I have been liking.  But the finished block is only 10 1/2 inches as I understand.  There is one other ruler EZ something, that has so many lines on it, my eyes went crossed looking at it.  Has anyone used it?  It has two sides, one with aqua lines and the flip side has pink lines.  How on earth do you keep it all straight?  

Since I started with the Possibilities ruler, I will stick with it until the bitter end.  My blocks finally are coming out great, so why change anything?  The main thing is, I need to finish this quilt.  This is the UFO that gives me the most guilt.

Hope you are all having a great week.  It seems like summer here, the weather is so warm and lovely.  It can't last, and I know we will be wearing our jackets and mufflers again before you know it.  Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow!

New Cookware. Again.

You know how we all have our little eccentricities?  And sometimes the people we love are a little bit nuts in some areas, but we turn a blind eye?  

Well, let me tell you about my husband.  He is super generous, and has many many wonderful qualities.  But he is a little bit crazy when it comes to cookware.  He likes to buy it.  Over and over again.

I cannot tell you how many sets of pots and pans we have had in our married life.  I like good quality stuff, and over the years have developed special relationships with certain pieces of cookware.  Like my beat up Calphalon Dutch oven that I have had for decades.  And my 12 inch high sided sauté pan by who knows what brand  that I LOVED, and which my husband got rid of when he purchased a new set of All Clad.  And don't get me started on how much I love my cast iron skillet, which over the years has become perfectly seasoned and holds a special place in my heart.

Over the years I have had sets of Cuisinart pans, All Clad, Calphalon, some Le Creuset, and most recently a nice set of copper cookware, that I resisted at first, but got to like eventually.  As my husband purchases these new sets of pans I have mostly been able to hang onto a piece or two of the old, of which I had grown fond, before he gave them away to make room for the new sets.  I keep my favorite mish mash of the Le Creuset bakers, the All Clad Dutch oven, the Cuisinart copper bottomed sauté pan, etc etc, hidden away in a side cupboard where he isn't likely to notice them.  HIs pans of the moment always have the prime cupboard space.  

Did I mention that my husband doesn't actually cook?  He just buys pots and pans.

What my husband cannot seem to grasp is that cooks grow fond of certain pots and pans, and actually have a relationship with them.  I can't make chile con carne properly if I don't make it in my beat up All Clad Dutch oven.  My rice pilaf won't work if I don't use my copper bottomed Cuisinart high sided sauté pan.  And don't even THINK of trying to use a double boiler that isn't my Calphalon set.

My cookware doesn't need to match.  I have my certain beloved pans that work for me for various dishes I make regularly.  I don't want  new pans.  In fact. I might get really cross if he tries to replace my pans yet again.

Which he did last week.  He brought home a large set of extravegantly expensive copper pans made by some French company I never heard of, but every gourmet cook in the world evidently covets.  And he wanted to get rid of the old copper pans I had just gotten kind of used to.

The new pans are beautiful.  Too heavy to actually be lifted by a woman of average strength, but they are objects of great loveliness.

And I had a fit.  "We don't need new pans.  I like the OLD pans.  You have to stop buying pans.  You are a little bit insane when it comes to this thing about buying pots and pans so often. These new pans cost a fortune.  I'd rather use the money to go to France for cooking lessons".

I stamped my foot and made a scene and generally acted quite ungrateful.  But we kept the pans.  I got to pull the one or two favorites from the outgoing set, but now the main pan cupboards contain French copper pans that Emeril would covet.

Luckily our kitchen has a lot of cupboards, and I can stash away my favorites from the umpteen sets of cookware we have had in our 48 years of married life.  Luckily I have a fairly mellow personality, which is probably why we have been married for 48 years.