Third Finish of the Year!

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Civil War Bride Quilt, Hand-Quilting Techniques, Owen's Quilt, washing my block by Simple Bird Applique

For some reason this post from yesterday disappeared:( So I am re-posting it. Thank you, technology, for keeping me on my toes…

We have had a couple of cool evenings lately, so it seemed like a good time to stitch the binding on Circle of Tulips. So this is my third (!) finish of 2014! My first finish was Owen’s quilt…

…and my second finish was Civil War Bride..

So, once I finished the binding, it was time to wash the quilt. I didn’t have the heart to put this quilt in the washing machine, so I decided on the bathtub instead. First, I filled the tub with cool water…

…and added half a scoop of Oxi-Clean.

I let the quilt soak for about an hour, swishing it around with my hands now and then. I used a wool batt so once the quilt was wet, it smelled very much like a wet dog!

I let the water drain out, rinsed the quilt under the tap (the quilt was very, very heavy) and pressed out as much of the water as I could. I carried it downstairs where I had laid out a thick, clean blanket. I placed the quilt on the blanket and smoothed it out, making the edges as square as I could.

Even though I squeezed out a lot of water, within minutes the water was starting to be absorbed by the thick blanket. I could have used towels, but I didn’t have enough clean towels at the time! As you can see, even after soaking for an hour, the marks left behind from the Frixion marker did not come out, but I had a plan for that!

Once the quilt was completely dry, I used my steam iron to remove the pen marks. I never touched the quilt with the iron, I just held the iron 1/2″ or so away from the quilt and let the steam do the work. So this picture is before I steamed it…

…and after I steamed it. Magical!

Til next time…

Kerry

23Jun2014

A bit about shrinkage…and stitching a binding!

Posted in Bruin, Circle of Tulips, Friends of Baltimore, Jenny and Bruin, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

I let my border dry overnight and this is what I woke up to! Oh well. That is why I keep a lint brush handy!

So once I removed the dog hair, I placed the border (wrong side up) on my ironing board (which has a really thick towel on it) so I could press the border nice and flat. I used a dry iron and just a bit of Best Press. I press the blocks and border on the wrong side so that I am actually pressing the background fabric, and not just the applique pieces.

Next, it was time to trim the border down to the correct size. I always cut my blocks 2″ larger than the finished size to allow for shrinkage during the applique process. I actually cut these borders 2″ wider and 6″ longer than the finished size. You may wonder exactly how much does a block (or border) shrink? Well, my border shrunk about 2″ in length….yikes! Which is why I am so happy that this pattern was designed with shrinkage in mind! More about that in my next post.

Some of you asked if I could show how I stitched the binding on Circle of Tulips. This is what I did…

First I made sure I could see the line that will eventually be the scallop because that is the line that the bias will be stitched along.

Next, I started stitching the bias along the marked line. It is important not to stretch the bias binding….trust me, it wants to stretch! In fact, you need to ease a little more binding into the quilt. I like to use my stitch ripper to ease the fabric in place. Don’t try to ease too much fabric in….
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…..you will get a pucker! Keep that stitch ripper handy!

So, when it came to the spot where the scallops come together in a point, I just inserted a pin to let me know where the exact point is.

I stitched up to the pin, then I pivoted, making sure not to catch the fabric that is bunched up under the presser foot. (You are allowed to swear at this point. I did.)

Those inside points should look something like this.

This technique works so much better if you lock the cat in the bedroom! Where did I put that lint brush?

Once the bias was stitched in place, it was time to trim off the excess fabric.

But first, I checked the back to make sure there were no pleats or puckers.

Now it was time to trim the excess fabric! These are not magic scissors that cut all by themselves!! It’s just that I can’t operate the scissors and the camera at the same time!!

I recently purchased some Wonder Clips designed specifically for binding a quilt. I love them…love them!

And, this is what that little pleat looks like. Sweet!

Yesterday was our last meeting of The Sunday Afternoon Applique Group until September. We presented Kathy F. (on the left in the photo) with a quilt we made for her daughter, Karen, who is undergoing cancer treatments. Each one of our members made a block. We did not decide on any colour scheme, except the background. It is lovely how it all came together! Thanks to Colleen at Elite Quilting for doing such a lovely (and speedy!) job!

And last, but certainly not least, if you attended Quilt Canada this month, you will recognize Brenda’s quilt. (Brenda is on the left in the photo). Brenda is an amazing applique artist (as well as an awesome quilter in general!). This is Brenda’s version of Aunt Millie’s Garden, although the inner border is her own original design! Congratulation, Brenda!

Til next time….

Kerry

18Jun2014

Finishing a border and starting a binding!

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Friends of Baltimore, Hand-Applique Techniques, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized, washing my block by Simple Bird Applique

I spent yesterday putting the finishing touches on the second border of Sue Garman’s “Friends of Baltimore”. All of the flowers and stems and leaves were finally stitched in place. So, it was time to add the little red berries…..

…and the embroidered stems. I like to use 2 strands of embroidery thread for the stems.

Each of the 13 roses has a (really tiny!) yellow center, so I prepped those, also.

Once the yellow centers were stitched in place, I did some more embroidery. Each of the roses and a few of the buds have these tiny little “hairs” stitched around them. They are stitched with just one strand of embroidery floss.

And now for the fun part! When I am finished stitching a block or border, I wash it to remove the glue and starch and the marks from my water-soluble marker. It is a simple process, really! I fill the sink with hot water and add a bit of dish soap or Soak (if I happen to have some on hand). Next, I just toss the block in and let it soak for about half an hour.

Then, I drain the water and rinse with tap water.

I leave it fairly wet and lay it out on a couple of thick towels to dry. Easy peasy!

Next on my “To Do” list was “Put Binding on Circle of Tulips”. To figure out how much binding I would need, I measured around each scallop and multiplied by the number of scallops.

According to my calculations, I need approximately 308″ of binding. I cut the bias strips 2 1/2″ wide and joined them all together in one long strip. Next, I pressed the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.

And, I started stitching. So far, so good!

Til next time…

Kerry

5Jun2014

Progress feels good!

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Friends of Baltimore, Hand-Applique Techniques, Hand-Quilting Techniques, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

I am finally seeing some progress on a few of the quilts I am working on. As you can tell, I like to hand-applique and hand-quilt. As we all are very aware, both are time consuming, and it can be a long time before any results can be seen. So when I get close to finishing anything, I get really excited

First, I woke up yesterday with one thing on my mind. Finishing the hand-quilting on Circle of Tulips! I am sooooo close! I must admit, though, I have been in my pre-mourning stage for a week or two. I start to miss the quilt before it’s even finished and I wonder what I will do to fill the void. Sad, but true!!

So, after a couple of hours of stitching and watching re-runs of Downton Abbey, I am finished! Yippee!!

Now, I just have to bind it! The pattern for this block is available as a free download on my website.

I have also been making some progress on the second border of Sue Garman’s “Friends of Baltimore”. This is the left side of the vase almost finished.

So, now it’s time to start the right side of the vase! I added the fern and a few roses and buds.

These borders have lots (I mean lots!) of bias stems on it. So I end up with lots of short pieces. This is how I use up those tiny pieces…

I find a spot on the pattern where I can inconspicuously hide the joins. Now you see the joins….

DSCN5703

…and now you don’t!!

To keep my (extremely unorganized) self from losing track of all those leaves and flowers, I prep them in my usual way and then I glue the pieces to the paper pattern. Also, when I cut the freezer paper shapes out, I place them on the paper pattern in the spot they will eventually be glued and stitched, just to keep everything nice and organized.

So, now I just pick up each piece and place it on the background. Easy peasy!

So…here is the right side of the border!

And, finally, the border is (almost!) finished…I just have a bit of stitching to do!

Til next time…

Kerry

16May2014

Prepping and prepping…..

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Civil War Bride Quilt, Friends of Baltimore, Hexagons, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

I have been spending most of my spare time prepping the second border of Sue Garman’s “Friends of Baltimore”. I must admit, it is a little tedious, however, I am sticking with it!! It isn’t long before this…

…and this…

….becomes this! For those people who have asked how I prep my pieces, you can see more here.

Once the pieces are prepped, I use a dab of glue and attach them to the paper pattern. I do this for a few reasons…one is so I can make sure I prep all of the pieces and don’t forget any. The second reason is so I do not lose any pieces (been there, done that!). And I can preview my fabrics, which is especially useful when doing multi-couloured flowers.

Once I get a section prepped, I am eager to glue it to the background and then I stitch it in place. I find it easier to break the process down into smaller chunks rather than to try to do the prepping all at once, then all of the stitching at once. That is just the way I work!

Yes, I have been hexi-ing! I have a special project in mind!

And finally, I am in the process of turning the last(!) corner of Circle of Tulips. So exciting!

Speaking of excitement…my Civil War Bride Quilt received a ribbon at the Plowing Match Quilt Competition! All quilts that received a ribbon will be exhibited in the Lifestyles Area at the 2014 Simcoe County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo September 16-20, 2014. Sweet!

Til next time….

Kerry

23Apr2014

Hexies Everywhere!

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Hand-Applique Techniques, Hand-Quilting Techniques, Hexagons, Ladies of the Sea, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized, washing my block by Simple Bird Applique

Recently, my hubby and I took a very last minute road trip to New York City, just for the fun of it. Of course, we did all must-do things when you visit NYC. See the Statue of Liberty…check. Figure out the subway system…check. Walk in Central Park..check. Visit The City Quilter…check!

When we visited Central Park, I couldn’t help but notice the sidewalk stones. Hexagons…everywhere. I was inspired!

So, when we visited The City Quilter, I picked up some paper foundations to make some hexies. Ok, maybe I went a little overboard!

I couldn’t resist a few charm packs, just so I could get started!

So this is how I spent the Easter weekend…making hexies! Very addictive! I am making them the old fashioned way…stitching the fabric to the paper template and whip stitching them together. Very relaxing! I am trying hard not to over think things and just keep them scrappy.

In between my new found hexie obsession and cooking Easter dinner, I managed to finish the Xebec block of Sue Garman’s Ladies of the Sea. Once the ship was complete and the flowers were stitched on, I started the skull and crossbones bones. I must admit, I love this little touch!

Next, I embroidered the ropes.

When I was finally finished, it was time for a bath.

I have just turned the third(!) corner of Circle of Tulips. Good times!

Til next time…

Kerry

6Mar2014

It’s all about the details!

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Friends of Baltimore, Hand-Applique Techniques, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

It’s all about the details! That is what I learned in Sandra Leichner’s class when I attended TESAA last month. This is the block we worked on in class.

Sandra’s quilts have an almost life-like quality to them, thanks to the incredible details, which include embroidery with just a single strand of thread around berries, fabric paint and choosing the perfect fabrics. You can see Sandra’s beautiful quilts here.

I like to use Ultra-Suede for really small, intricate shapes, like calyxes. I purchased some packages of Ultra-Suede from Faye Labanaris, one of the wonderful merchants at TESAA. Check out her website here. If you have any question at all in regard to using Ultra-Suede, make sure you take the time to watch her video. It may just be the best 10 minutes of your day!! Of course, I would have liked one of everything she had for sale, however, I played it safe and chose a green package and a gold package. Each piece measures about 3″ x 6″. As you can see, you get a lovely assortment in each package.

When using Ultra-Suede, simply cut out around the shape (no seam allowance is necessary). I stitch it in place using the same applique stitch I use for “normal applique”. Don’t tug your stitches too tight or you will end up with “dimples” around the edge.

I started to think about what I learned in Sandra’s class and thought I might try embroidering around the calyx, just to give it a more “finished” look. So, I used just one strand of embroidery floss close to the same colour as the Ultra-Suede.

This is a picture when the Ultra-Suede is just glued in place.

This is it after it is stitched with thread.

And, after the embroidery. See? It really is about the details!!

As you can see, I have been plugging away at the border of Friends of Baltimore. I am working on one side of the border at a time, just to make the stitching a little more manageable.

And, I am working away (slowly, but surely) on Rita’s block. I have an awesome plan for this block!

Til next time…

Kerry

15Feb2014

I know I should be packing…

Posted in Circle of Tulips, Hand-Quilting Techniques, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

It’s the day before I fly to Williamsburg to attend The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy and I should be packed by now, but I am not. I am too busy working out the rest of the border on Circle of Tulips and I want to get it figured out before I go….so I can relax!

So, in my last post I figured out how to center the swags and how to fill in the space between the swags.

My next step was to decide how curvy I wanted the scalloped edge to be. (Not terribly curvy, I thought, because I have to bind the curve.) So this is what I did…

I took a piece of upholstery vinyl and placed it on the already marked swag. Next, I marked some placement lines with a Sharpie marker. The vinyl is clear, but it really is there!

Next, I drew a curved line 3 1/2″ away from the bottom edge of the swag. Then I cut the upholstery vinyl on the curve, making sure that the Sharpie line was on the template, so I could see it.

Now I can line up the template and draw a consistent curve…..with a water soluble marker…not a Sharpie!!

My plan is to stop stitching at the drawn line, so that when I cut the excess fabric and batting off I am not cutting through the stitching.

Splendid!! Now I really must go and pack!!

Til next time….

Kerry

13Feb2014

So many blocks!

Posted in Bouquet For a New Day, Circle of Tulips, Hand-Quilting Techniques, Owen's Quilt, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

Finally! Owen’s quilt top finished. Notice the stars in the border actually look like stars? Yipee! These 16 blocks came from last year’s Barbara Brackman’s block-of-the-week, Grandmother’s Choice. I actually made 3 blocks every week, so let’s do the math…3 blocks for 52 weeks is 156 blocks…that’s a lot of blocks! I see a few more quilts on the horizon made from the remaining blocks.

I am busy getting the backing ready for Owen’s quilt so I can take it to Colleen at Elite Quilting before I leave on Sunday for TESAA. 3 more sleeps!! I have appliqued something special on the back, but you will have to wait patiently until the quilt is back from Colleen’s to see it. Just a hint…

As I was standing in line at the grocery store, I finally figured out how to tackle the border on my Circle of Tulips quilt. (I should mention that I am always thinking about quilting. Every waking moment.) I purchased a stencil a while back and wanted to use it on the borders.

My only problem was that the stencil did not fit the length of the border evenly and I didn’t want to fudge it, like I fudged the border of “Bouquet for a New Day”. You can see that here. So I had a bit of problem solving to do. First, I thought about how I wanted the finished border to look like. I wanted the swags to fit directly under each wreath of tulips, so I drew a line that extended from the seam into the border. That gave me a visual idea of the space I had to work with. I am using a Clover water soluble marker, so these marks will wash out!

Next, I centred the swag between the lines. As you can see, I have some space to fill. Hmmmm…

The heart in the stencil seemed to suit the space. It was a tiny bit narrow, so I made a template to round out the design. So far, so good!

Next, I decided that I would like some quilted lines to fill the space above and below the swags. Since I am a sucker for punishment, I spaced them 1/2″ apart. I must admit, it looks smashing!

So, before I mark the whole entire border, I am quilting a small section just to see if I like it. What’s not to like??

Here is the first block of Barbara Brackman’s new block-of-the-month, Threads of Memory. I am using a line of fabrics designed by Jo Morton called Amelia. Lovely!

Til next time….

Kerry

10Jan2014

So….I went shopping!

Posted in Annabelle, Circle of Tulips, Grandmothers Choice, Hand-Applique Techniques, Owen's Quilt, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

This is Annabelle…so far.

I have been working on Annabelle between other projects. The pieces are huge compared to anything else I am working on, so it’s a nice break.

It has an appliqued centre, surrounded by applique borders. I have chosen to use mainly browns, rusts and golds. At some point, I have to add some dainty hexie-flowers that are in the borders, as well as the centre.

Each time I made these little hexie flowers out of brown, they just weren’t dainty enough. So….I looked at my focus fabric, and saw this colour, (circled in red) which I can only describe as “not exactly grey…not exactly blue”. I think little hexie flowers in this colour would look lovely!

I don’t think I have any fabric this colour. Even if I do have some, I wouldn’t know where to begin looking for it, so it might be quicker just to go fabric shopping! So, I went shopping and I found exactly what I was looking for!! Dainty!

Of course, I found a few more pieces to add to the mix!

Also, I am slowly, but surely making progress on “Circle of Tulips”.

This is a little something I am also working on. Sometimes I like to sit at my sewing machine and not applique! I have a large stack of blocks from Barbara Brackman’s “Grandmother’s Choice” Block-of-the-week and it’s time to do something with them. Barbara has a new Block-of-the Month starting soon, called “Threads of Memory”. Check it out here. I made 3 blocks every week, (instead of 1) so I have lots of blocks! The 16 blocks I chose varied in size a little, so I added corner triangles to all 4 sides of the blocks.

Then I was able to trim them all down to a consistent size (12 1/2″).

This is what I have done so far. I am making this quilt for Owen, a little boy who has a place in a lot of hearts. Owen is just a little over 1 year old so he is still in a crib. But one day he will be moving to a big boy bed and he will need a quilt.