little bit Country, little bit Rock & Roll

So ... I have been sewing my brains out lately ... which explains so much about the state of my brain. These pictures are of my latest pattern ...

"sum sum summertime".

I had so much fun with the paper-pieced houses and the applique, but my favorite part was the quilting on the border where I managed a fake scallopped edge. I used a larger zig-zag, but the same yellow variegated thread as the suns. It made me shine, for sure.

Then ... let's not forget my other paper-pieced ... more colorful ... friends that would not usually be hanging out in the same neighborhood as my summer houses. I cannot tell a lie, these two took some serious time committment, but it was all worth it. I also have a Helpful Hint where the curved seams are concerned: If you are lucky enough to have a Bernina and have to sew some curved seams, then use the #57 foot (a quarter-inch foot with a bar along the right edge.) They came together like butta, I tell you. That was the easiest part of all.

So after all this sewing and the fact that I spent 8 hours on my feet today helping out at the Seis de Mayo Event ...

Any suggestions for the retreaval of my brain?

helpful hints up the wazoo ...

So ... I am finished with the Patchwork Pilot Club quilt ... finally. Keep in mind also that I started this particular project when it was over 110 degrees. And now it's almost down to the 80's! Sheesh. That is a long, long, time.

But my point is this: Study the first picture and tell me what is weird about it. (Other than the fact that none of the fabrics in the border would appear to go together. That's the point, people.) No ... what I am trying to point out is that I am quilting on it and the binding is completely attached. What the heck!?!

Helpful Hint #1: I was furiously working on the quilting and had all the straight lines (around the sashing strips) done. Then I desperately needed an all-day-hand-project. So I applied the binding, sewed it down as my project-du-jour and then went back to the quilting. Can I tell you how easy it was to do without all the extra flaps on the edges? Sooooo much easier to work with.

I would definitely do that again.

Helpful Hint #2: If you think that another advantage was that I didn't have to deal with any pins ... well I never had to in the first place. I never baste my quilts and I never pin-baste my quilts. I use 505 spray to get those 3 layers to stick together. Always have. Always will.

And Helpful Hint #3?: If you live in the western US and haven't voted yet ... get out there NOW.

So ... I hope your wazoo isn't feeling too cramped.

Flying Lessons

So ... with not much more to blog about ... I still have my birds. And I thought I would offer forth the following tip to those who, like me, might not have optimum space to pack ones sewing essentials.

The best tip of all is that I managed to make a template for the applique by using permanent marker on a plastic-paper-holder-thingy (which can be flipped to use either direction) which also serves as a carrier for the fabrics and applique pieces.

And here are a couple of my latest feathered friends. There are more, but let's face it ... I have to draw this out as long as possible.

Unless, of course, you are interested in pictures of the umpteen kajillion crossword puzzles I have also done.

Don't Sass the Teacher ...

So ... it was my plan a couple of days ago when I last blogged, to post pictures today of my latest red/green project.

Uh .... not so much.

Truth be told I haven't touched it in the last two days. But trust me ... it will be charming and delightful when I do.
And that is because the intended recipient is more than charming and delightful.

So, in order to buy myself some more time because I am not yet done (or even a whole lot further along) with it than I was two days ago, I offer the following tutorial. I love to use this trick on any ruffle that is longer than a breadstick and thicker than a breadbox. Who wants to put deep grooves in ones hands while trying to gather with one or two strands of basting thread? Not me, I'm telling you.

The trick is to use string. As you can see I have my two-years supply of string because I consider it an essential part of my preparedness program. Attach the string to the fabric (which is a double thickness btw) with a large zig-zag stitch. (If it's too small the string won't pull through it with ease.) I love to use my Bernina #31 foot which holds everything nicely in place, but a simple open-toed foot would work. Then ... pulling just on the string and not on the threads ...

Voila! Gathering with grace. Ruffles with refinement. Pillows with panache.
Now that's your lesson for today. You all get stars on your foreheads.

Any questions?

More Stuff

So ... I was perusing my newest issue of Quilt Sampler Magazine when I noticed (I believe on page 27) in the bottom right hand corner that this particular quilt shop was showcasing the Foldover Bag ... a fablulous pattern by my friend Renee. I made a sample of this pattern and taught it at Grandma's Club last year.

I made mine with some fun kid-friendly fabric and even put a pocket inside that was shaped to hold a baby bottle. But, let's be honest ... I have only ever used it to hold ...

... STUFF. As you know, I have a lot of stuff. And I don't mind advertising it. I was quite thrilled to find these letter buttons here and felt they were perfect to make my statement. The pattern is mucho easy and as a small hint I will say that instead of using a stiff interfacing, I used fusible fleece which worked like a dream.

In other ... less crafty ... news: It was 110 here yesterday. Yes ... degrees. Yes ... in May.

Yes ... I have lived to tell the tale.

Skirting the issue ...

So ... it's done. The bedskirt is done. I realize that this picture cuts off the fabulous, famous, finials (which, by the way, were voted most likely to be pineapples) and for that I apologize.

Seriously, wouldn't you want to be my guest?

In the way of helpful hints on sewing bedskirts, I offer the following:
HH #1: When sewing the veeerrrrry long hems -- use a "walking foot" as not to end up with a "triangle" at the end where the top fabric got pushed over ... and
HH #2: When gathering for veerrrrryyy long stretches -- use string attached with a large zig-zag stitch. Much easier, faster and stronger to pull on than thread.

In the way of other long stories. PDaddy and I are about to embark on a veeerrrryyy long roadtrip to deliver birthday gifts to our precious Miss Dub. I am hoping to be able to post along the way.

I know Mrs. Dub and I are planning a side trip to Wisconsin. Who knows? Maybe I will have some interesting pictures of cheese.
Any requests?