Author: quiltstudio62

English Paper Piecing

100 Hexies In 100 Days!

quiltstudio62

I am joining the 100 Hexies in 100 Days 2017 challenge. It is totally for motivation! Check out #100hexies100days2017 hashtag on Instagram. Everyone’s work is amazing!

This English paper piecing project is made from some charm packs that had been laying around for a while. They are 1″ hexies and the quilt will definitely be scrappy!!

Longarm Quilting

My First "Real" Quilting Job!

quiltstudio62

I have completed my first customer quilt! Yay! It was king size and the biggest I have quilted so far. The customer dropped off the quilt top and I went to work! It was quite an experience and I am looking forward to my next customer! I used glide thread and it had just the right sheen and my Avante just loves Glide!  I just may be a “real” quilter!

Tools

New Design Boards!

quiltstudio62

Making my own design boards has been on my list for at least two years!! Today, I decided to try it! I used a tutorial located at The Fat Quarter Shop‘s site along with the link to the video included in the tutorial. The tutorial is by Lori Holt of Bee In My Bonnet.

It was a great way to use up my scraps of fabric and batting. The only thing I had to purchase was the foam board and I was able to get 4- 11″x14″ pieces at Five Below. It only took me about 2 hours to make all 4 (not counting the time it took me to find my glue gun!).

These will come in handy when piecing blocks or working on my english paper piecing!

Bags

Patchwork Pouch Play!

quiltstudio62

I recently purchased these cute patchwork pouch kits from Sew-Lux. Each kit comes with the pattern, fabric, and interfacing. The best thing is that each kit makes two pouches! All you need to buy is the zipper. I believe I bought the kit on sale for $9.95, but they regularly sell for $12.95 (I believe).

This is the start of the first kit called ’30’s Playtime Pouch’. You have several fabric choices when ordering and I chose Gooseberry. I will post some pictures after I complete them.

Free Motion Quilting

Leah Day's Machine Quilting Block Party!

quiltstudio62

Leah Day’s 2016 Machine Quilting Block Party is a wonderful opportunity to improve piecing skills as well as free motion quilting on a domestic machine. You focus on one block a month and there is a Facebook group to share your progress, get tips, and support. This is in addition to the videos Leah has for the group. It is a mystery quilt so you purchase the block pattern each month. Here is a big hint: Purchase during the first few days of the month for great savings :).

I will continue to post progress, but you should check it out!

General

Welcome 2016!

quiltstudio62

2015 was a challenge, with my Mom passing away unexpectedly in July and juggling the crazy work schedule alonge with trying to find a sense of balance in my life.  I am very fortunate to have a large family and a very supportive husband!

I did manage to squeeze in some sewing and have found a new passion in vintage sewing machines.  Maybe it is because of my Mom’s passing and the stories she used to tell me about her and my grandmother sewing on her 1924 Singer 66 Red Eye treadle machine.
Tonight I am cleaning my sewing area and my sewing machines!  Starting the new year off clean, organized, and ready to go!
While I am cleaning, I am watching a cool video on vintage sewing machines called ‘Still Stitching’.  If you are interested in vintage sewing machines, I highly recommend it.  I rented it for Vimeo, but just ordered the hard copy tonight. Check it out here at Still Stitching.
Till next time – wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year!!