Gauge, Mark and Clamshell

    Getting the hang of quilting motions stirred a fire in me to keep learning and growing in my skills. Once straight lines showed signs of relatively even stitches of equal tension my curiosity urged me forward. Over the years I have learned that quilting curves can be tricky. Taking is slow and steady is the key; never loading more than a couple stitches at a time and maintaining good position are key.
     Stitching is important to our hand quilting skills, but another task goes hand in hand- making the design work with the quilt. The gauge, or distance between rows of quilting stitches, determines the texture and the body of the completed quilt. After playing with various gauges I have determined two to three inches  fit my taste. This gives enough body to the quilt without stiffness, and adds subtle texture to the design.
      Once gauge is determined, marking needs to be done. Purchased templates got me started with my quilting, but often my designs are cut from cardstock/cardboard or found in common items, such as the canning ring used in this design. Whatever the stencil, I start in the middle and work my design toward the edge. Today's video discusses gauge, template, marking and quilting position.

        If you are planning to try out the clamshell design this week, bear in mind 'slow and steady'. Take a few stitches at a time to prevent boxy stitch lines and stop if you feel achy or frustrated. It's better to walk away for a bit than to have a bad taste in our mouth.

       As I work through this section of the sampler this week my plans are to work a video of quilting tips and techniques such as burying the knot, ending your stitches and preventing tangles. If you have a specific quilting question or problem I would be more than happy to try solving it with you. Leave me a comment or send me an email (pictures welcome) at simplyscaife@yahoo.com. Have a blessed day stitching something wonderful.

 

Visit us over at Dolly's Designs

Make the Sampler With Me

   When I set out to start this process, it never occurred to me anyone would actually be interested in working through the stitches with me. What a blessing to be wrong! For those who approached me about the sampler I made a little video to help get yours going.
     The sampler you see in the videos is two rectangular pieces of fabric 31x21". I used white muslin fabric and bright cotton thread to make the stitches pop on camera, but you can use any fabric and thread you like. Markings were made using a ruler and pencil.
     Let me note, I gave my sampler a two inch border all around in order to create extra space for the hoop to hold the quilt sandwich and to leave an edge where the names of the designs can be written. Four inch rectangular spaces are lined up and waiting for each week's quilt design...the first of which is the cross hatch.

    

    Whether you take this sampler journey with me, save it in your files for later, or find inspiration for other projects that may have been set aside for a while we want to hear from you. I am working on adding a group to my Flicker account just for sharing our quilting projects and inspirations. Hopefully we will have that link on the blog this week once the bugs get worked out of the process. 

     Have a blessed week, and, of course, let's stitch something beautiful!

Exploring the Cross-Hatch Stitch

   One of the first hand quilting designs I learned was the basic cross-hatch. My small quilt sandwich was placed in a hoop as I worked through across the lines developing consistency with every stitch. If you are just starting your hand quilting journey I encourage you to relax, take your time, and focus on one stitch at a time until the motion becomes natural to you. Once your hands move through the motion freely, set your focus toward stitch consistency. Length is not as important as consistency. I always tell people; stitch length is a personal preference, but consistency is a key.

   Over the years this foundational stitch has found its place in many a finished quilt. From baby to large bed, this design is sturdy and functional for a quilt that will face days of use, wear, and washing. As a quilter, this design is quick and works well for hoop quilting or large quilt frames.

   As you can see, my cross-hatch section is complete on my stitch sampler..the design offers nice stability to the layers while providing pleasant texture to the finished quilt. Let's take a look at our video where we look at marking, setting up, and working the design on our quilt sample.

   Would you like to have a live quilting session with us? Email me at simplyscaife@yahoo.com for details on group or private quilting sessions; custom quilt finishing or consultations. As always, please share your questions and experiences in quilting with us in the comment box..it's always an encouragement to me. Let's stitch something beautiful!

  

Let's Start: Rock and Hill

   Of the many people who talk to me about hand quilting, the most commonly expressed concern is the method. It's too hard..it causes pain...it's tedious. That very well may be, and the reason that may be is just not being taught. Until someone sat down with me, hand quilting was a struggle that often found me holding my breath until the end of the row. It shouldn't be that way.

   When you sit down to quilt, be sure you are comfortable and in good posture. Place the quilt on a table or on a pillow atop your lap so that elbows are comfortably bent and your work is at a good height. Sitting up straight and keeping the quilt at a good eye level reduces stress and strain on the neck, shoulders, and vision. I keep a small basket near by workstation with scissors, thread, and an extra thimble so everything is nearby.
   In the video below we'll take a look at thimbles, needles, and how to bury the knot. The key to hand quilting is rocking the needle and creating the hill. Without those two key actions, hand quilting is painful and a struggle. Rocking helps the needle grab the quilt layers while the hill works the needle back through the top preparing you for the next stitch. When we start our quilting stitches it is more important to aim for consistent stitches than it is to worry about stitch length.
   Take you time..breathe..and remember, it is okay. Don't stop and rip it out, but focus forward and keep on stitching. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at simplyscaife@yahoo.com or leave them in the comment section below.

   
  

My Thoughts on Cheater Cloth

One of my quilt 'cheater' panels. I hand quilted this little quilt out of my deep love for Holly Hobby.

   While picking out seedlings in a greenhouse a question was posed about cheater cloth quilts, and before an answer could be uttered opinions abounded from those nearby. It seems quite a stand off between the 'yeah's" and "nay's". The reality is, I never even got the opportunity to share my thoughts on the matter. Poor soul who asked had to be overwhelmed with the responses she got..and I doubt she was prepared for the fervor in which they came.  So, what do I think?
    Let's start understanding what it is we are talking about. Cheater cloth is basically fabric that looks like a quilt top. Sometimes it is sold in panels depicting an appliqued quilt top or an artistic image. Yardage of cheater cloth may be printed to look like a pieced quilt or be pieced squares. The idea is, it's a printed quilt top in need of batting, backing and quilting.
    I quietly listened to the strong comments made regarding these pre-printed items..some felt it a shameful fraud to use such a thing, while others praised their convenience and beauty. Being a teacher, I love any tool that helps you to get where you need to so you can learn best. Cheater cloths are always on hand in my sewing studio and serve a good purpose.
    If your heart wants to learn quilting there is no need to frustrate you with piecing a project.  Cheater cloths can provide a beautiful finished product for budding quilters, hand and machine alike. My early attempts at quilting found me using printed panels to practice how designs worked together to compliment different fabrics and images.
    A dear woman I cared for was loosing her vision. She could no longer see to match the fabrics and piece a design, but did well with cheater cloth- making hand quilted treasures for her family. Giving someone continued purpose and joy is never a bad thing.
    The only downfall I see to a cheater cloth is it could become a crutch when it would be better as a stepping stone. Getting too comfortable with them doesn't help us grow and stretch our skills. Like any other tool, use it wisely and don't stop growing, yet, if you love it..quilt it.  What about you? Do you have experience with cheater cloth? Would you be offended if someone gave you a cheater cloth quilt? Share your thoughts.

 

A Closer Look at Basting

 

   My first attempts at quilting were very basic and very small. This gave me freedom to work with fabric I wasn't emotionally attached to and work within a reasonable space. As my skills grew, my projects grew as well..from 12 inch squares, to baby quilts on up. Over those many projects I have worked with two basting techniques: thread basting and pin basting. 

   Thread, though a one use only method, has its advantages. It doesn't create bulk or interfere with the placement of the hoop or frame. The smooth surface is easily cut away as you work an area and thread does provide excellent stability. If your project will be long term or may be set aside for a period of time, be sure to use neutral colors that won't bleed onto the quilt fabric.

    Pins are great to have on hand and to work with. Reusable and easy to use, my pins have been through numerous projects over the years. A bit of adjustment can be needed when putting a pinned piece into a hoop..either adjusting the hoop or removing a pin. If left long term, pins can lead to rust if moisture is present. 

    In the video link below, I have basted a sample to help clarify the process. For demonstration purposes only, my quilt top is white and my baste thread is red. Hopefully this will help it show well on the video. As I mentioned, both methods work well, so if you are basting use what you have available to you and what you are most comfortable with.