The Holidays are coming Fast. Are You Ready?

Ladies, As the holidays approach, I find that I want the create gifts for others, but, time always runs away. So this year I have a proposal.

Are you interested in meeting weekly for a social sewing group until the end of December?

The weekly group will meet at Joann. Everyone will work on their own independent projects, supported and encouraged by each other.

Rules: Buy your supplies at Joann, when possible. Pay a weekly fee (only way to use the classroom). Arrive anytime after 4:00 pm, leave by 8:45. Bring your own machine. I have received authorization for a weekly fee of $10, provided we sign up for a minimum of 3 weeks at a time.

We can do Wednesdays or Thursday nights in December, or if there are a minimum of 4 people in each, both. Beginning 1st week, until the week leading up to Christmas.

Meet at Joann's back classroom, on Wednesday, November 17 th, 6 pm. To sign up and for an organizational meeting (bring information about what you will be working on to share with and inspire others). Karen Burgess

Saturday, Nov 6th, Open House

Hi all,

This Saturday, is open house at Joann's. That means classes are 50% off on Saturday only. Ill also be there from 1-3, as well as most other teachers, hawking our classes. Stop by and see me.


There is also a class on Saturday that is not on the schedule. Machine Basics. So if you have a new machine that you want to learn to use. This is the class for you. From 4-7 pm Saturday, November 6th. Register the day of the class for this unscheduled class and get the 50%discount.

Karen

Quilting Retreat - In February

As a member of the Honeybee Quilters Guild, I attend the retreat they do every February. They always bring in national quilting teachers, and have classes from local teachers. At this time the national teachers classes are full, but there is room on the waiting list for these classes. The local teachers still have room.

To check out the retreat, (which is held at the Ramada Inn at 295 and San Jose Blvd) check out the website. http://www.honeybeequilters.org/ The weekend is so much fun and very educational. maybe some of you will attend and we can swap stories.

Longarm Quilting Resources

Last nights class was an opportunity to poll my students about what they wanted on this blog. The answer was clear what needed to come next. Longarm quilters. They wanted the Who to use.

Although I have not uses many local longarmers myself I can say that for Custom Work, Mr.Bob at Country Crossroads, rocks. He created a masterpiece for me by customizing a Double Wedding Ring quilt, that enhanced the beauty, and jsut simply put thrilled.

I have also had a double sided quilt (My Mother Daughter quilt) done by Lynn Graham. She used the statler stitcher and it is really nice. I have had one other quilt longarmed, and will not recommend that business. There were knotted messes on the back, not a quality job. I will not name them by name publically. I have a no bashing policy.

So here are a few, that I have found online contacts for, please call each for their specific requirements.....

Mr. Bob - Country Crossroads, Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL, 904.276.1011
Longarm Quilting by Lynn Graham - Hartley Road, Mandarin, FL, 904-463-8601

A recommended resource comes from more that one of my quilting friends is Schotz, I have not used them, but they are reputed to do a good job, and reasonable.

Schotz Longarm Quilting, Orange Park, Fl, 904-278-6953

Feel free to add your recommendations by leaving feedback. Pictures of finished quilts are also welcome.

To Pin or not to Pin, That is the question?

During the sewing process, when assembling clothing, pins can be your best friend. They will stabilize the fabric, prevent slipping, and generally make the stitching process easier. I have been known to pin the "be geezers" out curves and setting sleeves. Sleeves are much easier this way.

So when I pose the question about pinning,it is with quilting in mind. When do you use pins in the piecing of a quilt top? As a rule I don't pin as I piece. The exception to this is when dealing with "opposing seams" at intersections, and when adding borders.

Opposing seams are when the seam allowances are pushed in opposite directions to create a fabric movement block, therefore, keeping intersections straight and clean. By placing a pin down through the stitching at these seams and not removing until the seam allowance is under the pressure foot, seams will stay put and look great.

Applying Borders Successfully

Borders on the other hand can be quit the challenge. For a very long time, I could not figure out why? when the borders were attached that the waved and pleated during the quilting process. Originally, adding borders, meant stitching borders onto the top starting at one end and after stitching the whole length, trimming the other end even.

OK, experience has taught me, this was a less than appropriate way to attach a border. Why? As you stitch, the feed dogs with stretch, ever so slightly the fabric on the bottom. Very helpful if you need to ease in extra fabric, not so great for keeping fabric flat and even. Knowing all of this, still, in error, borders were applied this way. I even taught that they should be attached that way, in the first class session.

Then, the quilted projects started coming back and it was not pretty. Embarrassed and more than a little befuddled, I went on a "technique" scavenger hunt. Searching magazines, reference books, and asking a lot of quilters, I wanted to know what to do different. The first, suggestion from a sister Honeybee Quilt Guild member, was to measure the length of the side, and cut the border to the same size. This should have been obvious, sorry to say, obliviousness popped into my thought process and a "duh" moment flashed.

Let me say at this point, I had concentrated on perfecting my block piecing, as I built my skills, and borders had seemed to be a no brainer. WRONG. Time to backtrack and concentrate on learning the skill involved in adding borders. Quickly, learning that each step of the quilting process has certain "skills" and knowledge levels. Assuming that block to block construction was the "technical" part, was naive. Humble Pie, in large portions were served to me at this point. Feeling that I had really let down my students, was awful.

Moving on, borders were added that were cut to length in advance. Ready. Then the results. Ugly with a capital Ugly. The first attempts were sewn with out pins. No one mentioned pinning. Why were the borders still stretchy and wavy.? Grrrr. Sometime between my "duh" moment, and new found confidence, the borders were conspiring against me. God works in mysterious way, unfortunately, mystery was the key here. Now again, I was stumped. Back to the research phase.

Frustration, sent me scurrying for answers. After all there were students counting on me. I really was at a loss. Then out of the blue, the answer was right there in front of me. Pin. Pin? are they kidding. No one pins while piecing. Except, those with successful borders.

What I learned.

• Measure the side of the quilt top where the border is being added.
• Cut a strip that length.
• Pin the border to the top starting in the center.
• Second, pin at each end.
• Continue pinning, dividing the area between the pins and center the next pin.
• Pin until the border is stable and sufficiently pinned (every 4 inches or less).
• Stitch, at a slower speed, and carefully.

Enjoy the success of flat, straight borders that will not give you trouble when you quilt it.

Machine Quilting Resources - take 2

Let’s try this again.

After learning an awful lot about piecing a quilt top, the next logical step in the process should be to learn to quilt the layers. There are several quilt tops floating around my UFO Unfinished Object drawer. My question to myself is this, is a quilt top a finished quilt. I’d like to think so. Some of the blocks I have been made into really wonderful tops. The problem is that I have no idea how to quilt them to enhance the design. The last thing I want to do is layer and machine quilt in a way that takes away from the artistry of the piecing and materials used to piece the top. One particular top that still stumps me is a Pineapple Quilt called Jelly Beans. I created this top in 2006 and it still remains in the top only stage.
The first attempt at machine quilting came during a home machine quilting class at Country Crossroads. Several ladies were in a class that introduced us to Stitch-in-a-ditch, stippling, grid work and free motion quilting. The name of the instructor escapes me, but she was very knowledgeable. After taking that workshop, I rushed home and was so excited to practice and begin. Then BAM, a mental road block slammed into me.

I was petrified. What if I mess up, what if I don’t like what I come up with, where do I start. Normally, I am a confident, focused and competent person. But this challenge sent me screaming for the hills – so to speak. The only thing that I was sure of was that, I Karen Burgess was not ready. So I did what I always do. I went shopping. Don’t laugh. Okay, go ahead. I think we all have these coping strategies.

During the workshop, several resource books were pointed out. Before the class, I had purchases a Primer on Quilting, called Machine Quilting by Sue Nickels. The step by step instructions were very helpful. Still, my confidence was less than stellar. So I practiced, got pretty good and liked what I saw on Muslin squares. Could I move past that? No sir, so back to the shopping thing. I went searching for two books that showed the same quilt top, quilted a couple of different ways. Lee Cleland’s – Quilting Makes the Quilt, and Christine Maraccini’s – Machine Quilting Solutions. Now I was armed with wonderful examples of quilts that change their attitude based on the quilting. What fun it was to explore the subject, and allow myself the time to learn about the process.

I have said many times that the best part of quilting is the process. Cutting, piecing, and quilting are all different processes, each in their own way, wonderfully creative and satisfying. Now the challenge became, what designs would I use and where. I am still collecting books of patterns to assist with this part. Still there is a drawer full of blocks and tops. My next adventure came at a retreat. Harriet Hargrave's was coming to town and I was in her class. Two full days of instructions by “the mother of home heirloom quilting”, and all of her knowledge. Wahoo. I was in heaven.

Harriet’s take is that it takes the brain 6 hours of practice to train your fine motor skills to automatically do a task. I can attest that she is on to something. During the two days, she showed us how to train ourselves to create a feathered wreath. It hangs on my sewing room wall and it is nearly perfect. Her book, Heirloom Machine Quilting, is a fabulous resource for all the little details that when used together help create a comfortable environment in which to stitch. Still the idea of tackling a large quilt top is beyond me. So I am allowing myself to do the projects I want to do (laps and table runners), and sending out to long arm quilter anything larger.

Home Machine Quilting - Resources

Gees, I spent a couple of hours writing about my machine quilting experience, as I was spell checking, it disappeared. (sigh).

I'll write about it again later. I am defeated right now.

Sewing 101 Weekend Class full of beginning sewing enthusiest

Sunday's class was wonderful. A Class like this is the reason that I love to teach. There were 8 enthusiastic ladies, eager to learn to sew. The signed up for the Sewing 101 class which to many, are surprised that it is not a hands of class. In this class I do a floor walk explaining first how to read the end of a bolt of fabric and what to do with the information.

Next stop, is the pattern tables and files. We check out the pattern books, I show how to find the patterns in the files. After finding the pattern, I dissect the information on the back of the pattern. The amount of information shared at this point has many people glazing over. Not this group. I saw huge smiles and some "Aha" moments.

From there we head to the different fabric areas. Stopping at the cutting counter if they are not busy, (RARE) talk about the Viking center, and end up in the notions isle. At this point I discuss machine needles and pins and when to use which of the many varieties available. On the way back to the classroom I point out Buttons, zippers, and thread. More on threads and this group was pumped.

Back in the classroom, I answered lots of thought provoking questions, that helped bring all of the information together. Then we go into pattern direction information. Pattern layout point, and specifics. By the time we finished with patterns, out 2.5 hours was gone.

For those that were interested, I demonstrated, threading and bobbin winding on the machines that 2 ladies brought. Luck had it that one was a hook and the other a drop in bobbin. We discusses what to look for in a machine. With emphasis on "what do you plan on sewing with your machine... clothing, home interior, quilts?, what restrictions do you have? etc.

At the conclusion of the class, we scheduled a Machine Basics class so that they can bring in their machines and together work thru the details. the class will be on November 7th from 4-7 pm.

This was one of the most enjoyable classes in recent memory.

Quilting Class - has a ball.

Last Night's class was fun, with an interesting blend of students. Basically, there are 2 new quilters and an fairly experienced quiltier who is speedy McGraw. Last night was the 2nd of a 4 part class that I am extending to 5 parts because, the first night of the class was the first time I was teaching the Serene Shores quilt and quite honestly, the directions received from corporate that I used to teach from, were lacking. The cutting directions were not as accurate as I thought they should be, so I was struggling as an instructor.

That class was so frustrating for me, so I knew the ladies were also. The only fair thing to do was to add another session. Last night, everyone received the written revision of the cutting directions. All but one student was contacted earlier in the week with an update, so we were cutting fabric and labeling it. So they of course have homework. The get to complete 18, Square-in-a-Square units and begin the 70 something flying geese. These were the units that I was unhappy about with the original directions. When using the original measurements, the points would be buried in the seam allowance.

So off to my handy, dandy, graph paper and I worked out better demensions. Now, I am happy to say the points will not be buried, and they will not float too far into the block either. Whew! they will have better pieced tops than my sample. I actually made my Sample in July, and had forgotten about the problems with the cutting.

Quilter's hint:

• When you are doing flying geese and square in a squares, add 1/8" to the logical dimensions so that you don't bury your points.
• Your quilt block will only work if you accurate with your cutting as well as piecing.
• For better piecing, press (and starch) as you go. Don't wait until you have finished the block. Units that are presses as they are created, are easier to piece into a block. Same goes for garment construction.
• Keeping an iron and pressing surface within reach of your sewing machine, makes pressing as you go, a breeze.

Do you have a hint to share, let me know and I will add it to my blog, giving you credit, of course!

Live, Love, Laugh and Stitch, Stitch, Stitch.

Karen

What A Beautiful Day we are having

The sun is shining, the air is pleasantly tepid (in the 70's) and life is good.

I am watching the Chilean mine workers being brought to the surface. They have just brought up the 23rd. Life is good.

This evening I will be joining a small group of ladies to sew. Hopefully, I will finish my big shirt. We will also be learning how to use a embroidery machine. I don't have one, and I sincerely hope that seeing one a work won't make me crave one. Time will tell.

So how many of you have embroidery machines and how often do you use them? Also, what kind of machine do you have?


keep on stitching...

Karen

She so Cute

Here is a picture of Bella, she is so petite that she can fit into a planter I have in the screen room.

Class cancelled again.

That's the downside to working at Joann Fabrics. Classes get cancelled due to lack of enrollment. Way too often, it seems, but hey, if every class I have scheduled worked out, I'd be in trouble. I'd never see my hubby. My next open classes is Sunday,Sewing 101, run, sign up! Next Tuesday is the last chance for the Folded Log Cabin block class.

Today was a great day. I spent it at my friends sewing. She's working on a top, and so am I. Mine is "The Big Shirt" from Taylor Made Designs. It is like to boyfriend shirt, that is coming back. It was on the Runway last month. Although, if you know me, it won't be a regular shirt. I am using 4 different batik prints in aquas, and of course purple. Everything but the collar is done. When it's finished, I"ll post a picture. For now here is the cover of the book that the pattern is from. You can get the book from http://www.SewThankful.com/taylormadedesigns.html and no I don't get any money from the company. Shucks. I'm making the short sleeve version.

My next project is going to be the sample for the Giftable Applique. That class starts in November. For January, I need to create samples for the next quilt and the Misses Top.

On a personal note, I'm feeling a bit better. My knees are still killing me, but the all over aches and pains seem to be subsiding. I think it was the medication. I'm back in light treatment for my Psoriasis, it is in a break out again. 3 times a week for now. I really like the new facility. My Dr. switched practices and his new offices are very nice and the Light Treatment room has a much nicer narrow band box. Should prolong the onset of skin cancer.

The girls (Lulu and Bella) are fine. They are enjoying the cooler evenings. Bella would stay out all night if we let her. They are allowed out in our screened on Pool room. Lulu wants in when we go to bed (hubby and I). She likes to curl up or should I stretch out, on his side of the bed at the bottom. In my next life I want to return as one of my cats. They have such a tough life.

Keep On Stitching, Karen

Good day to you all, I thought I'd share a picture of one of my regular students showing off her project. Elaine took the Adult pillowcase class this past summer and in one quick class created this wonderful custom pillowcase. This project features French seams and invisible seams. It is very professionally finished. Much nicer that what you can currently buy and only 1 yard for a standard/queen size.

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Check out all of the quilts and stuff hanging in the background, that is my classroom. Or should I say 1/2 of the classroom at Joann's where I teach. It is a great space.

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The Schedule of upcoming classes, that I will be teaching at Joann's includes 4 part quilt top classes, introduction to sewing, introduction to quilting, Technique quilting classes, and sewing classes.

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On Thursday nights, I have a small group of that is working on the Serene Shores Quilt. It is a 4 part class, and they jell so well. It's a great time. Hopefully they won't mind me taking some pictures to share. We will see.

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For the rest of the year I will be teaching the following classes...

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Tomorrow night,

Tuesday, October 12th, Backing and Basting your quilt 5:30-8

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Sundays

Sewing 101, Introduction to sewing, October 17th, 11am-1:30pm

Quilting 201, Applique Tote Bag, October 24th, 11am-1pm

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Tuesdays

Quilting ???, Technique - Folded Log Cabin Block, October 19th, 5:30pm-8pm

Quilting 201, Applique Tote Bag October 26th, 5:30-7:30pm

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In November, the Folded Log Cabin, and Applique Tote Bag go away, and are replaced by an applique gift bag class.

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I'll also start the last chance to take the 4 part Serene Shores quilt top on Sundays, beginning the 7th, and Tuesdays the 15th.

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Introduction to Sewing, Introduction to Quilting, Patterns in Depth and Sewing an Apron will also be offering through the end of the year.

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Beginning January, I'll change it up and offer a new quilt, lazy Pants, a Misses top, how to make a T-shirt quilt, and a new class for me, Machine Basics will be on the schedule. I've already turned in my January and February schedule. So look for the details soon.

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Here comes Bella to keep me company. Lulu is in seclusion (probably under a bed).

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Ta Ta for now.

Begginning the Blog

Beginning a blog seems a daunting task for me. I'm chatty as can be, but what do I basically say to myself? That appears to be the jist of Blogging. So Off I go. Blogging away.

My kittie cat Bella, loves to be outside. She also likes to raid my quilting supplies. Currently, her favorite notion to steal is my Emory Filled Strawberry. I use it to remove sticky stuff from my straight pins, and to remove rust, or sharpen.

Fortunately, My little doll baby can't hurt herself on this borrowed toy. My other cat, Luna, who is affectionately called "LuLu" on the other hand was fascinated by a Christmas Gift I received from one of my fellow Honeybee Quilt Guild members. She made a beautiful felted wook Pin Cushion, with a Tatted Doiley on top. (think Pumpkin Shaped).

Lu, would grab this pin cushion everynight. Unfortunately, it was full of pins. So I would stuff it under things in my sewing basket, shove it under the free arm of my machine, lay fabric over it, you name it she would find it and play with it at night. I'd wake to find it somewhere in the house. It was like "Where's Waldo" with my pin cushion. Fortunately, she would most often bring it to my room.

I finally gave up and took the pins out and just gave it to her. She never played with it again. Go Figure? I think she was playing with me. She is such a cool cat. The Dog however, promptly tore it to pieces. Pin cushion all gone. Now she has decided that the scraps from my sewing can that I keep next to my machine, make wonderful decorations for the floor. She drops them all over the Sewing Room, hallways, kitchen, and my bedroom. Drives my Hubby Crazy. I refer to her decorations as "the results of LuLu's current interior design".

She also likes to adorn my sink in the master bathroom. If it's hot inthe house, she curls up in the sink. Or If I'm in there, she keeps my company. Lately, she will follow me from room to room. Since I haven't been feeling well lately, she lays with me on the bed, "just out of reach" for a cuddle. Neither of my girls are lap kitties. They are very tollerant, when we grab them and hold them for about 30 seconds. After that, they turn into wiggle worms. Who knew cats were such fun.

Bella and The dog Bisquette are buddies. When we got the cats the idea was that we would adopt sisters, so they would play with each other and leave my dog alone. He's going on 10 years old. So much for saving the dog from a kitten's playful energy. Bell decided that he was good fun and the two of them run around and play. She taught him to Clean her hears, he taught her to come running when he jumps up to greet someone. Whenever we arrive home, both the dog and Bell greet us at the door. It's a hoot. He also licks his paw like a cat and cleans his coat. Silliest thing I've seen in a long time. So I have a dog, who acts like a cat, and a cat that acts like a dog. She also eats his dog food instead of the cat food we put down. Geeeze!

So now you have been introduced to my babies.

I also have two adult children, who are in college, but I am undecided as to whether I am going to include them in my blog. I'll have to discuss this with them before I share their life with anyone. So for now, I say Live, Love, Laugh...and eat chocolate!

bye-bye.