What I enjoy about blogging is the ability to change the focus and direction of my posts. At my blog's inception I posted my thrift shop finds and participated in writing and photography challenges. Over time, I included my thrifted fashion ensembles and this past year my interest turned to quilting.
My sewing interest began in childhood. I routinely "repaired" my friends stuffed animals that had become threadbare. My mother sewed many of my childhood outfits. Even my Barbie had mom-made couture clothing.
My return to machine sewing is after a 30-year hiatus. I had been hand sewing repairs and fixes during that time. In my quilting journey, began in May of 2015, I discovered chain piecing and rotary cutters. One a great time-saving concept, the other a wonderful invention.
My essentials tips for the newbie or wanna-be quilter:
1. Initial investment is less than you think, I spent around $200 for materials (a Brother CS6000i computerized sewing machine) and thrifted the majority of the fabric and thread.
2. Don't cut through more than 4 layers of fabric with a rotary cutter.
3. Better to overestimate when it comes to fabric needs, those small pieces can be used in scrap quilts.
4. Being precise is the key - keep to the 1/4 inch rule.
My sewing interest began in childhood. I routinely "repaired" my friends stuffed animals that had become threadbare. My mother sewed many of my childhood outfits. Even my Barbie had mom-made couture clothing.
My return to machine sewing is after a 30-year hiatus. I had been hand sewing repairs and fixes during that time. In my quilting journey, began in May of 2015, I discovered chain piecing and rotary cutters. One a great time-saving concept, the other a wonderful invention.
My essentials tips for the newbie or wanna-be quilter:
1. Initial investment is less than you think, I spent around $200 for materials (a Brother CS6000i computerized sewing machine) and thrifted the majority of the fabric and thread.
2. Don't cut through more than 4 layers of fabric with a rotary cutter.
3. Better to overestimate when it comes to fabric needs, those small pieces can be used in scrap quilts.
4. Being precise is the key - keep to the 1/4 inch rule.
Quilting goals for 2016 by quarter:
Q1: Corn crib quilt for mom birthday in February. Rectangles are cut, this time around I will be more careful keeping to the scant 1/4" rule and perfecting assembly.
Q2: Begin work on a scappy bear quilt. This is a bear paw pattern utilizing fabric scraps. My inspiration is this blogger's creation at Onthewindyside.co.nz which she has named Squid Ink and Sorbet quilt. I have fallen in love - the gray a perfect backdrop to the color.
Q3: Prepare Hawaiian shirt material for strip quilts in attempt to "bust my stash." I already have two bankers boxes full of thrifted material that I hope not to SABLE - stash accumulation beyond life expectancy.
Q4: Begin work on a Christmas quilt - pattern to be determined. This could be an opportunity quilt, meaning a quilt made specifically for a fundraiser.
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I have reached my goal of finishing the trailer quilt top at the year's end. Link to original project The-trailer-quilt-log-cabin-style.
Free motion quilting is my next technique to learn. I figure if I know how to applique, it can't be too hard to learn. Quilting is an art, something that is perfected like any refined skill.
\I have reached my goal of finishing the trailer quilt top at the year's end. Link to original project The-trailer-quilt-log-cabin-style.
Free motion quilting is my next technique to learn. I figure if I know how to applique, it can't be too hard to learn. Quilting is an art, something that is perfected like any refined skill.
Welcome to Quilting Journey 2016!
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