Calculating the Bias

 

     Quilting this took me way longer that it should have! Being less familiar/confident with machine quilting and school starting definitely slowed me down. Despite the fact I would rather have hand quilted it, the stitching looks amazing and the pattern is beautiful. Time to trim the edges and set the binding in order. Over the years I read several books and blogs with tips and trends for determining binding length; taking bits and pieces here and there to make my own way.

   First let me say I generally use the continuous bias binding method; two inch cut. After piecing the fabric strips together the continuous binding strip is folded in half and pressed. Raw edges are sewn to the front edge of the quilt with mitered corners and a hidden overlap at the ends. The binding is now turned to the back and hand stitched in place. To find how much is needed a little math comes into play.

* add the measurements of all four sides of the quilt
* to that # add 15" for joining seams and finishing edges
   this # gives the length of binding needed for the quilt
* to this # multiply the width of your binding (mine is 3")
* find the square root of that # and you have the yardage needed

   Like I said, I have no idea where this formula came from but it works wonders! Also http://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/bias-binding.html has excellent charts for yardage yields for bias cut bindings. I keep a copy in my binder for shopping trips; this makes remnant bin opportunities mindful purchases:)
   Now, I'm off to finish the bias binding on the spring picnic quilt because so many other projects are calling my name!!!

Practice Before You Start

 

    A quilt takes hours upon hours to piece together making it somewhat valuable and precious, to me anyway. After all that work I am in no hurry to quilt a design I am not fully comfortable with, especially if I am using my machine. Due to the possibility this quilt will receive wash and wear I decided to machine quilt it instead of hand quilting..meaning, I need to practice before I start. 

    

    Before quilting a design, I sketch it on paper several times running the pencil along the path my needle with take. This works with machine or hand quilting designs, helping me determine the most efficient path to follow for fewer thread breaks and stable quilting. I have hand quilted the Baptist fan design before, but this will be my first ever machine version. 

    Today's video gives you a glimpse over my shoulder at my machine set up and pattern of stitching. 

Setting the Machine

     While it is true that I am primarily a hand quilter, machine quilting does cross my workstation from time to time. Early in my quilting days there was absolutely no place for machine work- I was quite biased in my stance against it. These days, modern convenience and consumer request have made it necessary to learn the skill.
      The first thing I learned early on it that any machine can be used for quilting any size project and I have quilted all kinds of sizes. True- smaller projects are easier, however, larger ones are just as successful. Let's look at a few items I have come to love in machine quilting and set up the home machine before we work.

How I Determine a Quilt Motif

     Once a quilt top is pieced, basted, and ready for the quilting stitches we really need to have a plan for those anchoring stitches. I admit that planning the motif, or design for the quilting stitches, begins as soon as my fabric is chosen. While I cut and piece the pieces of a quilt I am also familiarizing myself with not only the piecing design, but the design of the fabric as well.

      The first spring picnic quilt was made as a prototype for simplicity. I wanted this quilt to be very basic and an example of how easy a quilt can be. With that purpose in mind, the quilting was done in the most basic pattern- stitch in the ditch. This motif can be done by hand or machine depending upon the purpose and usage the quilt might face. Quilts used by children or infants may face more wear and washing than a throw or decorative quilt. Large bed quilts are not generally washed on a regular basis and lend well to hand work. This orange quilt was machine quilted since it may face regular laundering.

      Let's take a look at the blue version of our spring picnic quilt. The fabric here has many circular elements; paisley, flowers, etc...yet, the actual piecing design is angular. Considering this, we could stay in the ditch accenting the piecing...or we could ignore the piecing lines accenting the fabric design. If we really wanted to go crazy and creative, we could ignore the whole thing and design quilting that creates a scene such as boats, a flower garden, picnic items with ants marching along.

      To keep it simple, I have decided to stitch this quilt with an all over, edge to edge, design known as 'Baptist fans'. This design offers a softness to the angular design, yet leaves the circular fabric designs in tact. This motif can easily be stitched by hand or machine and is rather quick to complete. Being round in nature, I would not hand quilt this design in a quilt frame, but use a hoop for ease and flexibility.

       I encourage you to take time deciding your quilt motif..be sure you are comfortable stitching the angles or curves, and feel free to practice the design before trying it on the actual quilt. Next week I will demo two methods of machine stitching and how I set my machine for those tasks.  

Time for Basting!

     This weekend found me tearing out the dead parts of our vegetable garden and watching another one of my kids pack up and prepare to leave. Needless to say, I have been very distracted lately with little attention to the things I enjoy- like quilting. Time to set aside the crazy and get down to business. We have a quilt to prepare.
      First things first. One the quilt top is complete, batting and backing chosen, the task of ironing must be done. I dislike ironing with great disdain, yet, it is necessary here. Previously I mentioned never starching a quilt set for hand quilting. I tried it and it worked just fine, so starch if you feel the need; it won't hurt either way. Ironing aside, tumble the batting in your dryer a few minutes on a light or air setting to shake the creases out.

      After the video I realized there was a nasty crease in the back, so I had to take pins out and do it over again. It happens to all of us, so don't be discouraged if it happens to you. I will post the previous video on basting just in case anyone needs a review. I'm off to plan the quilt design...let's go baste!

Let's Talk Backing

    This week has already started with ridiculous heat and a very tired me. A good pick me up or any dreary mood is quilting, and today we need to wrap our mind around the subject of quilt backing. I always believed the back side of a quilt was the one nobody really cared about.

    My heirloom antique style quilts are backed in traditional muslin. This rather natural and neutral approach feels light and homey, lending well to the thousands of tiny hand stitches that span it's space. For years this was my only backing plan; colors or pieced back fabric was not even a consideration.

    Recently the back of my quilts sported print and pattern. Staying close to my comfort zone, the fabric was mild in tone and very lending to the stitch patterns. When planning our spring picnic quilt, I left the back rather open and unassuming, unsure where your tastes may lie.

    These days many quilts sport flirty fun prints all over their backsides. My orange version of spring picnic hosts a soft cream back with small circular patterns- just a faint hint of yellow and brown. So how do you plan for a back? Well, you have to look hard.
    First things first. What are the dominant colors of the quilt top? Above, orange seems to jump out at me on first glance, followed by the blue pieces. Generally, I don't use the dominant color from the front allowing that to be the entire quilt's focal color. Instead, I look for the lighter elements. Here yellow, green, and a hint of brown are present as well as spots of cream.
     The reality is- it is your quilt and how or what you place on the back of it is entirely up to you. Some quilters add an applique or even a pieced strip into their backing as a way of giving a new unique touch. Here is where you could use the left over scraps from cutting the squares. My blue version of spring picnic didn't have much excess to speak of, so that isn't an option for this back.
      A few key points others have shared:
     **when in doubt, yellow always pulls it together. It seems the soft hint of yellow goes well with any quilt top color pallet.
     **decide your desire. Do you want it to seem almost reversible? Or a blended complement? My thought is- stick to the color pallet.
     **confidence is key. How confident are you with your quilting. Patterned or figured backing fabric will forgive any error and hide awkward or uneven stitches.
     **there are no rules. If you like it..use it. The quilt police will not come to your door and charge you with poor fabric choice.

      Take time this week to play with the idea of backing your quilt; no need to rush. Consider the elements, the colors, even the motifs on the top and settle in good with the choice you make.

Putting it Together....

   Last week found me rather put out with ragweed levels high enough to disrupt my sense of accomplishment. Despite the tissues scattered about my sewing room, I managed to stack my neatly squared blocks and get some stitching done. Let's get started, shall we?
 

     With my layout in mind, the blocks are stacked and ready beside the sewing machine. The most important thing to remember with a spit rail design is to be sure the blocks alternate direction. Mine starts with a horizontal block..I will place the vertical block right sides together, lining up the corners. With my 1/4 inch foot still in place, I will stitch the blocks together four across. In the end, I have four rows of blocks four blocks across. Here is a video with some hints and tips for stitching the rows.

     My rows are pressed and set out making sure the blocks are neighbored by opposing blocks: horizontals next to verticals. As you will see, each row has consistent opposing blocks up and down as well as across. Once we are comfortable our blocks layout, it's time to sew the rows together completing the quilt top. Let's meet in this video to stitch those rows together.

      You may notice, the pictures are of an orange based quilt and the video shows a blue and pink quilt. I worked a yellow and orange sampler before starting the videos; they are two different quilts. Hopefully this hasn't been too confusing.
   

       Take a deep breath. Lay that quilt top across the machine and just admire all the hard work you have accomplished. Next week we will take a look at choosing batting and backing as we prepare to baste our quilt together for quilting. Share your pictures and posts- I would love to see your beautiful work!

Come Piece with Me: Square and Style

  Once all our strips are stitched together, we are ready to cut our blocks. Each block will measure roughly 10 1/2 inches by 10 1/2 inches. I use a ruler and rotary cutter, however, you can use a template and traditional scissors if you prefer.

    Layout one section of pieced strips, lining up the bottom. Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut the rough edges to make a clean end. Move the ruler ten inches over and cut a ten by ten inch square. Set it aside, and continue measuring and cutting until you have finished the section. Notice, I have some extra leftover. Set those aside for an optional use later. 

    Once you have all your pieced sections cut, take a sigh of relief and revel in the moment. Look at what we have accomplished! Isn't it beautiful? Set your blocks aside, turn off your iron, and reward yourself with a glass of tea or a dip in the pool. 

     Here is a little video if you need a little more help cutting your sections.

    Once the blocks are squared up, it's time to decide how they will look in the quilt. In the orange version, my quilt blocks are displayed in the typical 'split rail' layout; vertical next to horizontal. 

        In the picture we see the first two rows. Notice here the blocks alternate; stack one, stack two, stack one, stack two. In the video we will see two different layout options for the quilt blocks. Once you determine the layout you want it's time to stitch those blocks together row by row.

         Next we will stitch each row, and then stitch those rows together. Let's get stitching!

Come Piece with Me: Stitch the Strip

   Today we embark on a new journey together as simple strips of fabric magically become colorful quilt blocks. Before we get going, we need to set our stitch length and fill our bobbins. Let's head to the machine for a few quick checks before we start.

    Now that we are all set, let's get our strips going. I will be working my block left to right as the strips are set out. Taking the strip laying on the left, we place the strip to the right of it on top; right sides together.

   At the machine, we stitch top to bottom with a 1/4 inch seam. Try  to be consistent in the seam allowance. Set the seam with our iron before pressing the piece open..keeping our seam allowance to one side. 

   Place the next strip, right sides together, on top of our inner strip. Stitch in place before setting the seam and pressing open. Stay consistent in the direction our seam allowance faces, this helps in the quilting later. 

    Continue the process until you have all five strips stitched together and pressed. Set that section aside, and work the next stack of strips. Note: you may notice some 'rough edges' where the end of the fabric strips are odd lengths. Don't worry. I noticed my jelly roll strips ranged from 42" to 45". We will clean that up in a little bit. Here's a little video help if you need it.

   Breath a sigh of relief and enjoy the rewards. Next week these sections will be squared up and cut into blocks ready for styling. 

Unrolling the Roll

    It's that time. Time to get up close and personal with some fabric. It is a well known fact that anyone can tell when a new quilt top is about to come together when you walk into my house and fabric is draped here, there, and everywhere. I like to take time and get to know my fabrics before piecing them into a quilt. Let's take a moment to lay out some fabric together.

     This week the layout comes together for us. Let's make sure we are happy with the color progression and the way the motifs fit together. Next week we are stitching the strips and cutting the blocks! See you then:)

Come Piece with Me: Intro

       When I began my quilting journey, my projects were whole cloth and hand quilted. Once I reached a comfortable place with those skills my journey into piecing started. It's a whole different world with different areas and dimensions to travel through. Over the years I have stayed rather simple; keeping to the traditionals much more than the moderns; it's my style and I'm okay with it.

        I talk to so many ladies who long yearned to piece a quilt and see it to completion, but found frustration and disappointment in their path. It breaks my heart. That is why I started teaching quilting and why the "Come Piece with Me" series came to be. Let's tackle quilting once skill, one project at a time; moving forward when we find confidence and completing instead of quitting.

        Meet the 'Sunny Summer Picnic'; a simple quilt with plenty of personality. All we need is a jelly roll, our cleaned and set up sewing machines, and a little time each week to pull this project together. Simple straight lines will join us as we stretch toward cutting, squaring, and piecing large blocks. Random patterns help us relax a bit by masking any imperfections.

         While piecing completes the top of the quilt, we will journey forward with basting and on to quilting both by hand and by machine. Nothing fancy needed; we can quilt in a hoop or on our home sewing machine using a quick 'in the ditch' pattern. Before you know it, we will have it basted and ready for use.

           Join me next week with a jelly roll in your colors of choice. My has 20 strips each measuring 2 1/2" by 42" and making a 36" by 36" quilt top. Gather your fabric and come piece with me.

      

Prepping Those Machines

    Alright everyone. We have worked some hand quilting stitches onto a sampler, set up our machines in a small space, and looked at the larger possibilities. It's time to stretch ourselves a bit and start a new project. Over the next few weeks we are going to dive into the area of piecing a simple quilt using a purchased jelly roll pack. Before we begin we need to take a look at our machines.

    Whether your machine gets regular use or has sat dormant for a while, a little TLC goes a long way. Most of my machines have a manual with clear instructions for care and cleaning; I use them regularly. For those without a manual, basic care can be done without harm or hindrance. Let's take a look at this one.

    I start my sewing machine maintenance with an unplugged machine. If you have ever run over your finger, you know why unplugging is really handy. For basic cleaning I use a lint brush (small paint brush works beautifully), small screwdriver, and a soft cloth. With my tools in hand, it's time to remove the needle, bobbin, and unthread the machine. Setting all that aside, I use the soft cloth to wipe down the entire outside of the machine removing dirt and lint.

    I dust out the grooves and tracks in the thread guides before removing the flat bed arm off. I use  the small screwdriver to remove the bobbin casing. Now the lint brush is used to sweep the bobbin area clean preventing build up that could disrupt or damage the machine. If your machine requires regular oiling, consult the manual for directions.

    Lint free and ready to go! Bear in mind, some fabrics create more lint than others. This will determine how often the machines needs cleaned. As a quilter, my machines are checked after large projects and cleaned rather often.
    Join me next week as we introduce a summer quilt project just right for a sweet little one or a pretty picnic seating.

     Video Tutorial: Cleaning the Machine

Large Space Sewing Set Up

    After many years of small space sewing my patience paid off allowing me a larger, more permanent set up. The room which once held my home classroom now contains fabric and notions rather than desks and curriculum. Let me first say any space, any machine, any location can be used for piecing and quilting a quilt; yes, any. Last week we looked at the smaller spaces I used for quilting; this week let's take a look at the larger set up.

    Working in a larger area opened the door for larger tables which help support the weight of larger projects. As you can see, I prefer setting up an 'L' shape layout using my sewing machine table and two folding tables. Tables support the bulk of fabric as it moves through the machine, while the walls prevent the fabric from falling off the tables. This prevents 'drag' from the weight of my project.

     One key in table set up is a flush surface. My sewing machine table is not quite as tall as my folding tables allowing a flush surface. Since my tables didn't match exactly, small wooden blocks were added under the folding tables to raise them flush. I really like the flush surface preventing 'snags'; pins and fabric glide over the table surfaces making maneuvers easier.

     The cutting and ironing surface still rest next to the machine allowing quick access when piecing blocks. Notions and thread are on hand, while machine accessories are in a sewing box beneath the table along with my crumb box and small trash bin.

     A comfortable chair and an extra lamp are always on hand making the workspace even more comfortable; an Ipad offers videos and music as well. Today I cleaned my space preparing for next week's project introduction; a pretty picnic quilt just right for beginners, rusty stitchers, or even a seasoned sew-er.
     What are some things in our sewing set up? Share your tips and techniques.



Shared at Dolly's Designs

Small Space Set Up

    Those early days of quilt piecing often found me without any real space. The machine sat where ever a little corner could be carved out for a machine, a pressing surface, and a chair. When my children were babies the little quilting corner found it's way into their playroom where stitches were done as they sat at my feet. They grew into students bringing my quilt corner into their home school classroom..and then the main living space.

    When we set up our sewing space it can be large or small depending upon availability and comfort. The picture at the top shows a very early sewing area basically consisting of a machine and a chair. The little table was sturdy and just the right height for my reach.
     The next picture shows a little bigger set up that moved with me from the playroom, to the classroom, and even the living room for a time. Set down in an old sewing cabinet, the machine was flush with the surface giving me more space to work. A TV tray became a small pressing area..and fit nicely under the table for quick storage. On the floor, unseen in the picture, is a trash bin and a sewing box.

      Now we have looked at the set up, let's take a little look at the elements. First we have a little tray to catch our clips as we pull them out..I tend to tuck a small pair of scissors in it as well. A pincushion would be here if I were sewing clothes, but I don't pin my quilt pieces...I use old metal hair clips.

    On the corner of the table area sits a 'crumb catcher'..just a bowl where scraps of fabric land. Beside it is a tool cup equip with larger scissors, seam ripper, tweezers, and a few pencils in case I need to mark something

    Next to me on the TV tray sits a little mat for pressing and cutting. I can' tell you how important and nice this is to have for setting seams and quick trims.

    Tucked between the legs of the TV tray is an old sewing box where my machine accessories, manual, and extra needles/bobbins are stored. Before I had the sewing box, this was simply a cardboard box..my how I've grown. Either way, the tray and box slip neatly under the table when not in use. Let me note..the larger cutting mat is tucked against the wall behind the sewing table to be pulled out as needed.

     Today we have seen a few of my early sewing set ups..little cubby holes were simple piecing was put together. In my current sewing room, this set up remains as a second piecing station for teaching or my own stitching when my main machine is in use. Next week we will take a look at the larger sewing area I have been working on these days..including my cutting corner.
     If you have questions or tips to share..please feel free to leave them in the comment box or email me at simplyscaife@yahoo.com. Let's set up a cozy place to stitch something beautiful!

Moving Toward a New Project

    Well, we've hand stitched a sampler and discussed the various elements of working quilting into the spaces of our quilts. It's time to move forward. I learned quilting before I learned piecing. My early whole cloth quilts were the canvas my quilt stitches were honed on, but the quilting journey didn't end there..and neither will ours.
   

    The next few weeks will find us in set up mode. I will share pictures of some of my sewing spaces as it has changed over the past few years. We don't need an elaborate studio or even an entire room to piece or quilt, however, we do need some key elements and a little planning.
    From there our journey will take us to piecing a simple quilt top using color and creativity. Hopefully you will join me for a Fence Rail picnic quilt from either a colorful jelly roll fabric pack or some pieces you choose yourself.
     When our quilt top comes together our online classroom will find us exploring quilt finishing as we baste, quilt and bind our way to completion. One class will show simple machine quilting and another will work a hand quilt design. The finishing touches are nearly finished as I complete the sample and work an outline.
       I hope you will join me in the classroom gaining confidence as we walk step by step together through an entire quilt..readily available for questions and online assistance. We'll share each others' progress and encourage one another on the way. I'm so excited! See you next week!

Looking at the Border

    A quilt is a beautiful work of art pieced in love and worked in fiber. The borders of a quilt offer a dose of stability as well as a finishing framework showcasing our creativity and hard work. Once a quilt top is complete, choosing a design leads us to the question..what about the borders?

 

    If we decide to 'edge-to-edge' quilt a design, then our borders are simply ignored, allowing the stitched motif to spill over from one edge of the quilt to the other. Stitch lines are invalid and the quilting assumes a life of it's own. One option to this is a partial edge-to-edge design where the design flows within the main area of the quilt stopping at the border area. This gives us freedom to pursue some unique framework stitching for our quilt. In the Dresden quilt above the main quilt area is quilted edge to edge with a cross hatch design. The leafy outer border was given a trailing leaf design offering contrasting texture as well as a muted design element.

      Often a border dictates its own design. The Holly Lane quilt, above, is bordered with pieced leaves and berries. Outlining the existing motif enhanced the design while leaving soft texture and body for the bed size quilt. Quilts with obvious design elements, such as flowers, leaves, or even geometric image, can easily be outlined for a border that adds beauty and texture without distracting from the main design.

    Here we have a quilt with plenty of design element, except in the border area. The main piecing has stars and triangles dancing about with plenty of color and texture, yet the borders sport solid, plain fabric. When I consider this quilt, two thoughts come to mind..1. continue the theme: allow the stars/triangles to be stitched along the border to include them in the design..this will hide the obvious plainness of the fabric. 2. soften the blow: add some curve or circular stitching to the border softening the sharp angles in the main design. Adding another border would work as well.

      Framing our quilt with borders leaves a clean finish to our central design. I generally try to contrast my outer frame quilting with the inner quilting..for example, if the inner quilt design has plenty of lines or sharp angles, my border quilting will generally be softer curves and rounded shapes. Some standard designs for quilting borders are feathers, gables, fans, and spirals. Any design can be a border design: repeating hearts, leafy vines, even our cross hatch. Remember, when filling our quilt spaces, we are only limited by our own imaginations..grab your thimble and let's stitch something beautiful!