I'm a pattern designer?

Well, I guess I'm a pattern designer.  How does this happen you ask?  I got a jelly roll of the Kahuna fabric line to plan out a BOM for the shop I work in.  The owner asked me to bring it into the store so she could show the fabric to potential BOM participants.  Since the roll was out of the packaging, I decided to make it into a quilt top before taking it to the shop.  I scoured through my patterns only to find that I didn't have everything I needed for any of them and unfortunately this fabric line isn't released yet, so there was no way I could get any additional fabric.  This has happened to me before and its frustrating.  I know it is hard to believe, but there are just times when you don't want to (or can't) purchase additional fabric to match.

It was then that I resolved to come up with my own pattern...and I also resolved to come up with several patterns using jelly rolls that don't require background fabric.  My goal for the patterns it to be visually interesting, fun to make, and customizable depending on fabric choices.  So, here she is, my first pattern...Kwik Kahuna.  The pattern is available for sale on my Etsy site.

Kwik Kahuna Pattern for Sale

My UFO Log

I saw another quilter with this type of blog post a while back and it inspired me to take some pictures of my current WIPs (Works in Progress) and post about each of them.  This is to say nothing for the hundreds (I'm not exaggerating) projects I have fabric for yet haven't started and the hundreds of patterns I have which I really want to make.  I'd better get to work!  I also finished 5 UFO projects in March, so I'm making progress.  Here goes:

Bits n' Pieces 2013 6" Strip BOM:
This BOM makes two blocks from a light, medium & dark 6" strip.  I'm a little more than half finished with the blocks.  I've had some problems with the patterns and it is frustrating at times because I've lost points and had to remake sections of the blocks and guess what size due to the sometimes poor dimensions given. Probability of finishing in 2014: 75%

Craftsy 2012 BOM (Black AND White Versions):
These quilt tops are complete...I just can't find a picture.  I've been waiting for my quilting skills to improve before tackling a custom quilt job on these.  The time is drawing near! These quilts use the "Good Fortune" fabric collection from Moda.  I wasn't sure whether to use a black or white background, so I decided to make one of each!  I like how both of them turned out.  This was my first time making a quilt with a black background.  Probability of finishing in 2014: 70%

 Pile O'Fabric 2013 BOM:
I really enjoyed this BOM until I got totally stuck on the EPP blocks.  I haven't been able to recover.  This is my first ever quilt-as-you-go project.  I also went outside the box and chose this very modern/manly blue/green color palette.  This is my first quilt using solids.  Probability of finishing in 2014: 15%

  

Buggy Barn Quilt:

I LOVE Buggy Barn and their "crazy" patterns.  I had bought the Lilac Parade fabric collection and the book and when I saw that one of my local quilt shops was offering a class I signed up even though I was super busy and overloaded w/ projects at the time.  I cut everything and finished one whole block in the class and that's as far as I've gotten.  Probability of finishing in 2014: Virtually Zero %

Patriotic Quilt:
I started this on or maybe even just after the 4th of July in 2013.  I was feeling very patriotic at the time.  This is my first patriotic quilt.  The quilt is a sampler and is supposed to finish at a double size. I decided to make the quilt half-size so that I could use it as a wall hanging.  I was feeling patriotic, but not patriotic enough to have a large red, white & blue quilt.  The blocks have been fun to make so far, but man, they are small.

Inner City EPP Wall Hanging:
This is my first full EPP project.  I wanted something small as this is quite tedious.  I'm realizing EPP is not my favorite technique...b/c I procrastinate on it terribly.  I don't even know when I started this, but it seems that it is going to take me many more years to finish.  Probability of finishing in 2014: Virtually Zero %

Cat Embroidery:
I've said many times that embroider/red work is just something I'm not interested in taking on.  I bought this pattern for my friend to make for me.  Then I kept watching everyone at the local quilt shop work on their own embroidery projects and decided I should try it.  It is pretty fun and relaxing.  I definitely like it more than EPP.  I like to work on this from time to time though, not plug away at it for days and days, so this project will likely take me a while to finish.  I plan to make all three of these into a small wall hanging.  Probability of finishing in 2014: 100%

Snowman Table Runner: No photo..no rush to finish b/c Christmas season is far away!  Probability of finishing in 2014: 100%

Modern Traditional Web Quilt Challenge Contest Mini Quilt:
I started this project this month when I saw the contest online.  Great, just what I need, another rush project to stick in with all these other UFOs.  The quilt is 20" square and I need to finish it and submit pictures by 4/30.  I'm doing micro quilting on it and will probably have about 15 hours invested just into the quilting on this baby. Probability of finishing in 2014: 100%

Just quilt it already!

This post is about my journey as a quilter.

Echo & Stipple on DSM

I started quilting my own projects many years ago on my DSM (Domestic Sewing Machine).  I even took a course at a local quilt shop.  Over the years (and it took YEARS), I built up my skills and finished many projects myself.  I became pretty good at stippling, echoing, and even stitching in the ditch (FMQ style). 

Let's talk a little about the learning curve involved in FMQ.  It takes a LONG time to "master" even the simple stipple and every time you try a new shape/design/pattern its like starting all over again.  I can tell you I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who have truly mastered this art.  Though I'm confident enough to complete my own projects and proud enough of my skills, I only dream that someday I will consider myself a great quilter.  Right now I'd call my skills fair.

More Echo and Stipple on DSM

I bought a Sweet Sixteen sit-down long arm machine a little less than a year ago.  As far as learning curve, it was pretty much back to the drawing board.  I believe I had a HUGE head start since I had done so much quilting on my DSM, but learning this machine has definitely been a challenge.

Kitty Cat Table Runner, Quilted on Sweet Sixteen

When I started I had major tension issues.  I thought it must be something with the machine, but after time, the tension improved only to show that it was something w/ my crappy technique causing the problems.  After several months with the machine, I can keep my tension in check.  I also had major trouble with the stitch regulator, which was unfortunate as this was a very pricy option on the machine.  Because of my relatively poor skills and the crazy learning curve, I didn't think I should quilt anything good, or anything for another person.  I mainly stuck to things of my own, kitty cat placemats and such (my cats think my quilting skills are AWESOME!).  I'd even send quilts off to my mother to quilt (she's got a computerized long arm machine and quilts for a living) because I just wasn't good enough to quilt my own work.

Center of Paper Pieced BOM quilt

Now I'm getting to the point and the title of this post....
My last project was a paper pieced BOM.  I'm really proud of it and think it came out very nice.  I really wanted a beautiful custom quilt job to make it stand out.  I debated sending it to my mother.  Eventually, I said screw it, I'm going to do this myself.  I wanted to also take charge and finally learn how to successfully use ruler templates with my machine, so I went to the quilt shop and bought half circles and football shapes to work on this beauty.  Again, since I had never really used these very much, there was a learning curve, there are plenty of large stitches, and places where my brain and hands didn't communicate properly and I'd drift completely away from the ruler.....I ripped out more stitches than I can count.  Though after just diving in and taking this project on, I think it actually came out pretty decent.  Unless you really stare at it up close, it looks pretty awesome.  And if someone does stare at it up close...hey, I'm a beginner quilter, what do you expect...I've got to learn somehow!  I'm not entering my work into a national quilt show and my skills are only going to improve by practicing, so here I go!

My Latest Quilting Project - Rulers, FMQ and Stitch Regulator

The moral of the story is that quilting really well takes a LOT of time to master.  Unless you really want to spend all your time (years!) quilting projects for you cats in order to become really good, just grab a project and start quilting it!  I'm not saying to start working on an heirloom quilt your first day out, but once you consider yourself a fair quilter, get out there and start really challenging yourself and work on some of your nicer projects!

My latest project incorporates FMQ and use of rulers, but this time I also decided I'm not going to let that expensive stitch regulator go to waste.  I took my time and used it pretty successfully.  It still gives me a small headache, but I feel much more comfortable using it now than ever before.

After I finish my current project, I'm going to dig a couple quilts out that have been waiting for well over a year for my skills to improve enough to quilt them.  I could be waiting forever if I wait to become awesome before quilting them.  I'm good enough now and I'm only going to get better by tackling them head on!

Write it down.....

I recently read an article about the sins we commit as quilters.  One of them I am very guilty of is not writing things down or not writing them down in an organized fashion as I go.  I hope this post will motivate me and many others to commit to not sinning in this way any longer.  Our quilting lives will be better for it.  We rush and think we'll remember, but I never do.

What don't I write down?  I keep track of project costs in an electronic log (my computer is not near my sewing room).  I'm terrible about writing down how much background fabric I used, etc.  I think I will remember and I NEVER do, or I write it on a little scrap.  When I find the scrap weeks later, my note-to-self of 25" white never jogs my memory.  Was I doing math, or was I writing down how much I used and which project was this for?  

The second thing I don't write down in an organized way is my quilting math.  Whether I'm resizing a pattern or doing something simple, I should keep a spiral notebook and clearly write the pattern I'm working on and clearly show my math and what I'm doing.  I should be flogged for this with my engineering degree, it was beat into me to show all work.  I guess I get a -D minus in this category now.  When I write down my calculations it usually looks like a mad scientist has stolen my notebook. I can never go back and figure out what I was doing.

Third, when working a project, it's a good idea to use the electronic log or the notebook page mentioned earlier to write down what yardage is being used (manufacturer and collection), if of course, it is printed on the selvage.  I'm usually pretty good about remembering this info, but I did recently have to help someone search the web for a white on white that they didn't have enough of to finish a project.  The person was in a bit of a tizzy over it.  luckily I found it, but it made me paranoid and resolved me to write this post and start a new spiral notebook where each project will have its own page for notes and math that will be clear and organized.  I've realized that taking a few minutes to be organized will only make my projects come out better and make me a less manic quilter!

Point to Point Method for Perfect Paper Piecing

I'm relatively new to paper piecing, but I really enjoy it.  I've frequently been frustrated with the working and thinking backwards and general guesswork which is typically required.  While working on my latest project I had a giant ephiphany.  I haven't seen this method before, so to me, I invented it.  Until someone points out that this method has been used for years, I will continue to feel like a super-quilting-genius!  I hope that this method will be new to a lot of people and will take a LOT of the stress and guesswork out of paper piecing.  Using this method makes it virtually fool proof and very simple.  I hope you all enjoy!

Please note that this post is for people who are generally familiar with paper piecing.  This is not a full how-to instruction.  There are tons of great tutorials out there for newbies and I really hope that what I've come up with will encourage more newbies to try paper piecing because it can be really fun.

1/2" Applique Pins

First, you will need to purchase some very short pins.  I got the ones pictured here online.  They are 1/2" long.  If you do a web search for appliqué pins or sequin pins you shouldn't have trouble finding these.  They came in a 500 pack, which is basically a lifetime supply.  Note, you can use flat head pins, but having the short length makes this method much easier.  I used the really long flat head flower pins until these arrived.

In using this method, there are several important things to keep in mind.  In paper piecing you are always sewing a straight line from point A to point B.  You are also always sewing in numerical order (1, 2, 3, 4, etc).  If you keep these things in mind, you can't go wrong with this method.

Step 1

Step 1: Place the line you are about to sew horizontally in front of you.  In the picture to the left, I am about to sew the line between 10 and 15.  Always keep the higher number closer to you (remember as stated above 1, 2, 3, 4).  Insert the pins pointing down (towards the higher number) at each end of the line you need to sew.  The 1/2" pins are a little tricky to pick up and deal with but using them pays off in the end.  Stick the pins in about 1/2 way (1/4").  Push the pins down so they lie pretty flat.  Keep the pins perpendicular to the horizontal sewing line (as much as you can).

Step 2

Step 2: Flip your piece as shown in the picture.  Now the pins are facing up and sticking out of your project approximately 1/4".  Note, one of things that makes placing your pieces difficult is the odd angles that the previous pieces end up at.  This can create an optical illusion which messes up your placement and often causes me to have to re-sew (grrrr).  Even a very small angular mis-alignment of your next piece can cause you to have to rip it out when it doesn't properly cover the area it needs to.

Step 3

Step 3: Place the the fabric piece you need to sew by aligning the edge with the tips of the pins.  Make sure you center the piece between the pins as well (same amount sticking out on either side of the pins.  Note, if you know you pins are sticking out a little too far or not far enough (more or less than 1/4"), you can adjust the position of the fabric in relation to the pins.  Remember that the pins are there as a guide.  They are little arrows pointing your way.  Pin your piece in place using a long flat pin.  If the piece I am pinning is quite long, I will use two pins.  Once you've so nicely placed the piece, you don't want it to move.  Additionally, ensure that you place the flat pin well away from where you will be sewing.  As you can see in the picture, my pin is far away from my guide pins and won't interfere when I sew the seam.

Step 4

Step 4: Flip your piece carefully and remove the first small pin.  Sew your seam and remove the second pin as you go. As you can see in the picture to the right, you end up with a nice straight piece, which will flip into the proper position.

Step 5: Fold your paper back and trim your piece.  As you can see below, most of the time you'll barely be trimming off a small sliver of fabric.  This means that when you flip the piece you just sewed, you're basically guaranteed that it will be in the right position and cover the entire area it is supposed to.

Step 5

And there you have it.....I'm so happy to share this with you and hope it helps people.  On a final note, I've included a picture of my paper piecing workstation setup.  I keep a small cutting mat and ironing board to the right of my sewing machine so that I can quickly trim, flip and iron without getting up.  I also keep my scrap catcher nearby as paper piecing creates a ton of fabric and paper scraps.

Paper Piecing Workstation Setup

I'm brand new, what do I need to start quilting?

I've wanted to post about this for a while and since I've had numerous requests I'll finally indulge.  I've taught several people and I start everyone off the same way.  This isn't the only way, just what I've found to be effective.
Please note I've edited this post to include a couple more items in the misc. category.

#1.  A sewing machine or access to a sewing machine: 

If you don't already have a machine, I recommend borrowing one until you decide if you like this little hobby obsession.  I do not recommend going out and buying a machine until you are more educated on what you want/need from the machine, unless money is no object, then by all means, go out and purchase the most expensive machine you can afford (Bernina 820QE anyone?).  The reason I recommend this is that most people will go out and buy a relatively inexpensive machine, thinking that "We're just sewing straight lines, why do I need fancy features?".  For example, my first sewing machine was about $75.  I used it for years and originally used it mainly for making clothing. It was a workhorse and over 10 years later its still going strong but as soon as I started quilting I quickly grew to hate using my little manual Kenmore machine.  Almost everything about this machine made piecing quilts more time consuming and difficult and forget about trying to use this machine to actually quilt a quilt (free motion or otherwise).  So, I recommend waiting and saving up for a really nice machine that has the features you need even if its not the Cadillac I mentioned above.

If you do have a machine or access to one, by all means, use it to get started.  This will help to keep your initial investment low and you can get started right away.  If your machine hasn't been used in a while I recommend taking it in and having it professionally cleaned/serviced (usually costs between $65-75).  There's nothing worse than working with a temperamental machine that hasn't been properly serviced especially as a beginner.  

One more note for those who fall into the category of digging an old machine out of their closet or a friend's closet, for the love of God, buy a couple packs of new sewing machine needles.  They're cheap and aren't meant to last for years.  Using an old needle or the wrong needle for the fabric you're working with can cause a catastrophic failure which can be quite scary.  So, if you have no idea how long the needle has been in the machine, or what type it is, its time to just throw it away.  You can use general purpose needles for quilt piecing.  I often buy Singer or Schmetz brands.  I keep quilting, general purpose, heavy duty and topstitch needles on hand at all times, depending on what I need to sew (yes, it does make a big difference).

#2. A 1/4" presser foot for your sewing machine: 

This is the MOST IMPORTANT THING!!!!!  If you do not have this, do not begin.  Most older machines or machines not sold as quilting machines will not come with this foot.  You can google around and find the one that fits your machine.  They're not expensive.

Unlike sewing clothing, where a 5/8" seam is standard and corresponds to a line etched into your machine's bed, in quilting, you line up your fabric edges with the presser foot of the machine.  If you're in doubt about the foot, sew something with it and measure the width of the seam that comes out.

#3. Cutting tools: 

It can get out of hand w/ the cutting tools...

If you start sewing with me you're in luck because I have almost every cutting/measuring tool known to man (I'm a gadget freak).  I even have some rulers in duplicate (b/c I forgot I had it) and several that aren't even opened or I haven't used!  If you're not that lucky and are starting from scratch, you need 3 basic things: a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, and an acrylic ruler.  I recommend newbies purchase this set.  You can get it on Amazon or at JoAnn fabrics for half price.

The 4th tool you will need is a 12.5" square ruler.  My favorite brand is Creative Grids.  I buy this brand whenever possible.

Always ensure you also have at least one extra blade for your rotary cutter on hand.

#4. Thread:

If you talked to 100 people they'd have 100 different favorite threads.  I've used a ton of different ones.  My only recommendation here is get a good quality one (you usually get what you pay for).  Don't buy the el-cheapo ones.  You can use cotton or polyester for piecing.  In the beginning I recommend having white, cream, grey and black on hand.  And those tiny little spools don't go far in piecing, so get larger spools if you can.

#5. Misc. Items:

You'll need some small scissors for trimming and a seam ripper (sorry, but you WILL need it).  Get some 1 1/4" pins and if you're feeling ambitious get some of the 2" fine pins that have flat heads (usually w/ flowers or butterflies).  You will also need some hand sewing needles (a variety pack is probably good) and a thimble.  You will also need to get some curved safety pins for basting your project.  It is also worth it to pay a little more and get the better quality ones.  You will need quite a few of these.

There you have it, I believe this is all the basics.  I'll do a follow-up post talking about good candidates for a first project and how to get started.