March is UFO Month!

Hello everybody, Pam Cooper sent me that link from Quiltville Quips & Snips ... and I think it applies to our own UFO month.

Enjoy!

 

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Consider The Postage Stamp!

I love this quote! I’m a quote junky, but this one applies to me so much and helps me push things through even when I might be feeling a bit bored, and am getting antsy to move on to the next thing.

A recent discussion revealed that many quilters have "so many" projects in various stages, yet can't seem to make progress on any of them.

When asked how I get so much done, I realize I limit myself and mostly stick to one main piecing project at a time --unless it is something that is a leader/ender project like the cheddar bow-ties or little sampler blocks that are released only a couple times a month.

I like to see big amounts of progress and stay mainly focused on ONE THING in the machine piecing department---and of course having deadlines helps with that. I don’t have time to dawdle or be distracted!

I have ONE hand travel project --- the hexagons.

I had one machine travel project -- the Florabunda blocks --simply because I finished the Midnight Flight quilt last week and haven't cut anything else out yet. ;cD

I have two hand quilting projects that are basted and have some hand quilting in them, but am only pushing through on one of them until it’s done – the pink and brown Jane Stickle variation. I’m not switching back and forth. The other one will simply be “next” in line.

I have two quilts needing the binding stitched down – That’s for TV watching time as well.

So there are a few quilt projects in different stages that are perfect to grab and stitch no matter what I’m doing, but it is not so overwhelming that I feel buried or paralyzed by a list of 100 UFOs.

Just what is it that takes a project from the front line, and puts it back on the shelf for you?

What makes us give up and run after the next new shiny thing instead of persevering in completing that project?

Sometimes life requires that we stop and do something else, whether it’s a baby quilt for a new arrival, a wedding quilt for someone special, a comfort quilt for a friend in need – I know these kinds of things can stop us in our tracks and make us shift gears to make a specific project in a limited amount of time ---but what else happens that makes us such distracted quilters?

I was told about a lady who had 87 KITS purchased and on shelves in her quilting room closet. Complete kits! Was she sewing any of them up? Nope. Just kits. For some day. That would feel like a life sentence to me! LOL!

I think if I had a list of 92 UFOs on a spreadsheet I’d go NUTS! It would feel like I couldn't ever get to the end of it. And I know for some people, it helps to list them all out ---but how do you stop yourself from starting new things and getting more and more side tracked with a list that long?

At home I have a white board on the wall in my basement studio. I list a few projects, including those for up coming deadlines --- and now that Midnight Flight is pieced and quilted ((That’s one of the ones waiting for binding to be sewn down now)) I’ll be picking one of those ideas off the list and working it through until the piecing is done and it moves to the next stage. I’m working on the quilts for book 5. I have about 1.5 years to get them done. And I know I work best one at a time.

And there is enough variety for me to be happy when you throw in the leaders & Enders, the hand quilting, the binding, and of course, those traveling hexagons. I am NEVER bored with these projects!

Are you buried in UFOs? Do you find that you are happy with that many, or are you panicky when you consider all it will take to complete them ---start a discussion in the comments section! I have a lot of airport time today, help keep me entertained, won't you? :cD

Just random thoughts from a road weary quilter as I make my long Sunday journey home to NC ---

Needles from Superior Thread

I was reading this Newsletter from Superior Thread and I thought it would interest you too. So here it is.

EDUCATION: Needles


Have you ever wondered what a needle burr is? The eye of a needle is punched out in the manufacturing process. Sometimes the punch process is not clean and a microscopic fragment of metal is left behind (see photo at left of a new Universal #80/12 needle -- not ours!). As the thread goes through the needle, the burr snags it and causes problems. If it is a small burr and you are using a cotton thread, the burr will snag some cotton and pull out a piece of lint while the thread keeps going. If you are using a smooth polyester thread, the burr will snag the thread and result in breakage. This explains why sometimes a cotton thread might run well, but a stronger poly thread breaks. A large burr will cause problems for all threads. Burrs usually do not develop during use but exist in an imperfect needle. A burr in a smaller-eye needle (most needle styles) will cause more problems than a burr in a larger eye needle (Topstitch style).

During a visit with the largest industrial needle manufacturer in the world, I was surprised to see their catalog. It was as big as a phone book. There were hundreds of different needle styles, each offering a variety of sizes. I estimated a total of 4,000 choices. For the past 12 years, we have learned much from professional quilters, embroiderers, general sewists (I like this new word better than sewers), and educators. As far as needles are concerned, many tell us the needle they use in home machines is the Topstitch style needle -- regardless if they are piecing, quilting, constructing, or embroidering. (The only exception to this rule is when sewing on knit fabrics, and then a ballpoint needle is used.) FYI, the least favorite needle of professionals is the Universal needle.

There are three main advantages of a Topstitch needle.

1. The point is sharp, but not razor sharp. It has a very slightly rounded sharp point with allows the needle point to penetrate without cutting the fibers. Many needles have a similar point.

2. Wider and deeper groove. All needles have a groove which runs up the shaft of the needle. The thread lies in the groove rather than along the outside of the needle. The groove on Topstitch needles is wider and deeper than most other needle styles. This is beneficial especially for medium, heavy, decorative, and sensitive threads.

3. The favorite feature of the Topstitch needle is the extra large eye (see photo below). It is twice as large as most other needle styles. The large eye gives much more room for thread as it moves through the needle and greatly reduces stress on thread. (Click on the images to see close up details.)

In our sewing room, we have only four needles:

1. Topstitch #70/10 for very fine threads such as MonoPoly, #100 Kimono Silk, and Bottom Line.

2. Topstitch #80/12 for fine threads (50 wt.) such as MasterPiece cotton and So Fine #50 polyester.

3. Topstitch #90/14 for medium threads (40 wt.) such as King Tut, Rainbows, Art Studio Colors, Highlights, Metallic, and Glitter.

4. Topstitch #100/16 for heavier threads (30 wt. and heavier) such as So Fine #30, Perfect Quilter, and Poly Quilter.

But how about metallic needles? Here is the truth. The best selling brand of home machine needles in the world packages the Topstitch needle in a green Topstitch needle pack and also packages the same Topstitch needle in a gold pack and labels it as Metallic needles. They are the identical needle in two different packs. No wonder those metallic needles work so well! They are Topstitch needles.

How about titanium-coated needles? These needles are very similar to regular chrome needles but have a micro-thin coating of titanium nitride (a ceramic-like substance) applied. This micro-thin coating does not affect the overall strength of the needle, but it does make the needle last longer (5 to 8 times longer than a regular needle) and it costs only 20 cents more. Most factories around the world use titanium-coated needles due to their durability. If you have heard the rumor that titanium-coated needles can damage your machine, don't believe it. They do not create any greater risk than does a regular needle. Professionals and factories would not use them if there were a greater risk of damage. Use them and enjoy them. They really do last a long time. For scientific results of laboratory testing, please view the Organ Needle Company brochure.

You can have more information on this topic by visiting Superior Web Site http://www.superiorthread.com/

Christmas 2011 - Birth of a New Tradition

Christmas 2011 - Birth of a New Tradition


Did you start your Christmas Shopping yet ... I presumed you did ... me too ... but I thought that this year I will buy in small, local and Canadian stores. Buying local will allow our local economy to grow and ensure local stores and restaurants to stay alive.
Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Ottawa hair salon or barber?


Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.


Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.


There are gazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.


How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by local working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.


Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?


Obviously I also want to recommend that you purchase gift cards from local specialty shops, like your local quilt shop, for the quilters in your circle of friends. I’d like to give you the opportunity to make suggestions and to use this space to allow you to make additional suggestions of independent business that you recommend. Make a suggestion by leaving a comment.

Binding Tutorial

Here is a great way to do binding...

I almost always make continuous cross-grain beinding.  There are lots of great informative tutorials available online which are clear to follow.


I do have a few other things to mention that work well for me.


To determine the length of continuous binding needed, measure the quilt top and side, multiple by 2 and add at least 25 inches.  This is on the generous side side, but it will ensure that you don't run out!


I cut my binding strips 2.5" wide.  I also use cotton batting which does not have a very high loft.  Extra width would be required if you are using a high loft batting.


I join the binding strips with a diagonal seam just like this:

By piecing the strips together on the diagonal, you avoid having too much bulk in the one spot along your binding and makes the join less noticeable.  Once I have the required length of binding, I fold it in the half along the length, pressing as I go.


I then sew the binding to the top of the quilt by aligning the raw edge of binding with the raw edge of the quilt top, right sides together.  I like to leave an approximate 7" tail of quilt biding at the beginning, and then sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.  I miter my corners.  I use a stitch length of 3.0mm for this and use a walking foot.  


I join the ends together with a diagonal seam:

I like to leave quite a large gap between the start and the end of the stitch, say appropromiately a 12" tail.  

Overlap the two tail ends smoothly along the quilt edge.  Trim back the binding tails so that they overlap by the width of the original binding strip plus 1/4" (in most cases that works out to be a total of 2.75 inches).  Be sure to use a ruler and mark the binding for the correct measurement.

Unfold the binding and place the two ends right sides together, perpendicular to each other.  Allow the ends to overlap by a generous 1/8".  Secure the strips with a pin.  Mark the diagnonal line and the stitch along the line (which can be a bit difficult to do with the entire quilt attached).  


You can now test to see if the binding fits along the quilt edge.

Trim back the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.  Press open the seam.  Finish stitching the rest of the binding on the quilt as before.  

Works like a charm every time! 

A Quilting Oasis

by Yvonne Lance-Jodoin, October 2011

It's another world when you go through the door

Away from everyday strife.

The Running Stitch, welcomes and opens its arms

To encourage your "quilting life".

Creativity smiles with a capital "C"

And surrounds you everywhere.

Inspiration floods the mind and soul

Quilt "magic" with a flair.

A colour paradise treats the eye,

An explosion of visual delight

Magnificent fabrics and "fat quarter" haven

Ensure you get it just right.

Laughs and smiles permeate the space

And invite you to proceed,

Where patterns, threads and notions galore

Will meet your every need.

The classroom is a beehive of activity and fun

With instructors extraordinaire.

Come and quilt by machine or hand

With professionals who care.

Embroidery skills can be your own;

Learn by hand or by machine

From simple pattern to intricate design

And everything in between.

The "Batte Cave" is ingenious

A self-contained display

Of batte fillers in different sizes

Shelves burgeoning with their array.

If you want a new sewing machine,

To give your old one a rest,

This is the place to make your choice

The shop that does it best.

To complete you "sandwich" masterpiece

Just to go the room next-door.

Longarm quilting with an artistic flair

Will enhance it even more.

So if you want to sew a fine seam

Or learn to quilt "in the ditch"

Don't wast any time; just make a plan

To visit The Running Stitch.

Addicted to Quilting

She learned to quilt on MONDAY
Her stitches were all fine
She forgot to make us dinner
So we all went out to dine.


She quilted miniatures on TUESDAY
She says they are a must
They really were quite lovely
But she forgot to dust.


On WEDNESDAY it was a sampler
She says stippling is fun
What highlights what shadows!
But the laundry wasn't done.


Nine Patches were on THURSDAY
Green, Yellow, Blue, and Red
I guess she was really engrossed
She never made the bed.


It was wall hangings on FRIDAY
In colours she adores
It never bothered her at all
That crumbs were on the floor.


I found a maid on SATURDAY
My week is now complete
My wife can quilt the hours away
The house will still be neat.


Well, now its only SUNDAY
I think I'm about to wilt
I cursed, I raved, I ranted
Cuz the Maid has learned to QUILT!

Why Quilting Improves your Health in ways even Exercise can't Manage

Would you believe that quilting is good for your health?  Or maybe you thought so, but never had the proof.  Ann-Marie Waddell who is an avid quilter and a customer read the article below (from Mail Online from the UK published June 13, 2011) and wanted to share with all fellow quilters.  Thank you very much Ann-Marie for sharing!

"As devotees of a quiet and contemplative pastime, they would be the last to make a fuss about it.  But quilters, it seems, have every right to celebrate their craft after researchers found that it is 'uniquely' good for you.  

A study found quilting improved well-being in ways that physical and outdoor activities could not, and offered a creativity that had been 'stifled' in the modern world.

The University of Glasgow team concluded that all hobbies - 'from reading to train spotting' - should be looked at for their mental and physical benefits.

They interviewed quilters and found the activity helped their cognitive, creative and emotional well-being, particularly among older people. 

The use of bright colours was 'uplifting', the activity distracted from the stress of work, and quilting offered challenges such as maths and geometry.  It also increased confidence and had an important social side.

Professor Jacqueline Atkinson, co-author of the study and a quilter herself for for five decades, said: 'Doing something that engages you and that you enjoy is key.  As adults, we don't often do enough that includes fun and play.  We put a lot into studying the use of green spaces and that's useful to individuals and communities.  But maybe we need to say there are other things too.'

Graduate student Emily Burt interviewed 29 members of the group and transcripts were analysed for the study, published in the Journal of Public Health last week.  It concluded that: 'Whether it is growing vegetables, kitting a jumper or discovering a new scientific formula creativity may be fundamental for well-being and has received little attention so far within public health. 

'Exploring creativity and what people do in their everyday lives, which they deem creative, may be an important avenue for well-being promoters.  Additionally, more consideration needs to be given to all hobbies from reading to trainspotting, and their potential for enhancing well-being.'

Craft Scotland said interest in quilting amongst younger Scots was increasing but there was no measure for how people people take up the hobby individually or in clubs.

Emma Walker, chief executive of Craft Scotland, said the research backs up what they are seeing on the ground.  She said: 'We've definitely seen an increase in groups doing quilting socially but also individuals.  There's an emotive connection as well as financial need to recycle.  Historically older groups of women did quilting but women in their early 20s are getting together and children's groups are also taking it up.  People are investing in quality pieces of quilting, but also looking to make items themselves and re-use materials they have in their homes.  I can only see the popularity increasing.'

The craft industry contributes around £3 billion a year to the UK economy." 

On that note, I wish you happy quilting and enjoy the health benefits!