Everything has slowed down in my workroom, but I am still eeeking out some works. I have, again, made a few donation blocks in the last week or so.
February Donation Blocks
Month: February 2022
La Pass M7 Basting
I like cutting projects out at Sew Day and really struggled with whether I wanted to cut out a new bag or if I wanted to work on La Pass’ basting.
I ended up cutting and basting the rest of my La Pass M7 pieces during Sew Day. I had cut enough during a couple of work meetings on Monday to sew a bit in the evenings, but I really needed to finish the rest. Since I didn’t have any more of those types of meetings later in the week, I decided to do it at Sew Day.
I am glad I did. I am getting the first of the month 7 rosettes done, which is good.
As an aside, I put my A Place for Everything bag to use, as intended, and it was admired by a few people, which made me feel really good.
Half Hexie Progress for 2022
As I mentioned, I worked on the Half Hexie Star project while waiting for the next installment of La Pass.
These stars are made from the new fabrics I bought on my birthday. I love that dark blue dot even more.
I did notice that the papers feel significantly flimsier than the La Pass pieces. Pink Door cuts their own papers. They must use better paper? I wonder if I would notice if I glue basted this project? I might try it.
Regardless, I am happy that I made a little progress.
Glue Basting v. Thread Basting
Before La Pass started, I was determined to thread baste. That is the way I am basting the Half Hexie Star project and it was what I knew. I was also concerned about putting glue on my fabric.
The BOM came with glue. I wasn’t worried since I have a lot of thread suitable for basting. I read through the posts on the Pink Door private group and some people talked about thread basting. I watched various videos on EPP that were recommended and they all talked about glue basting. This was so puzzling to me. Weren’t people worried about the glue on the fabric?
I ended up using the glue and I like it. It is faster and time is of the essence with this project. As you have noticed, the BOMs keep coming and I want to keep up.
For the first time, I noticed the differences in basting as I got into the process at Sew Day. As I mentioned, I did a little bit of work on the Half Hexie project while I was waiting for the month 7 installment of La Pass. For the Half Hexie Star project, I am thread basting. For La Pass, I am glue basting. What I noticed is that I like the tightness of the glue basting.
I have used the Half Hexie pieces over and over. I am not sure I could do that if they were glue basted. I haven’t taken out the papers from the La Pass project yet.
I didn’t think it would make much of a difference, but it really does. It can be difficult to get the needle into the edge, but I really like the way the pieces come together.
This makes me wonder if I should start glue basting for the Half Hexie Star project? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try it. Do you have any experience?
Hello Pouches
After finishing the A Place for Everything bag, I decided to work on something fast. Angela and I had been discussing various pouches, including the Hello Pouches from Knot and Thread Design. I bought this pattern at Ocean Waves quilt shop a few weeks before the coronavirus lockdown.
The website and the model I saw in a shop really excited me. I love the look and the way the vinyl is combined with the fabric.
I haven’t made anything from their patterns before, so it was an adventure and an opportunity to find a new designer.
Sadly, I do not like the pattern. You may have a different experience and I urge you to keep an open min. Remember: I am *bad* at reading directions and that could have affected my experience. All that being said, the two I made look ok.
First, I thought the pattern was incomplete. One of the first things I noticed is that the finished size wasn’t anywhere on the pattern. There are yardage requirements and then a second section of yardage requirements if you are using ombre fabric. This is where finished sizes should be.
The pattern doesn’t say anything about finishing the side seam with fabric. It talks about sewing it closed, but that looks unfinished in my opinion. You can see what I mean by looking at an IG photo. It also affects the way the end of the zipper sits on the bag. I faithfully followed the directions for covering the top and bottom of the vinyl and could have easily done something with the sides at the same time. I didn’t think of it. I am thinking about whether or not to cover it with a piece of binding or some straight of grain fabric.
Also, the pattern does not say how to finish the end of the zipper beyond stitching. Mine is fraying so I have to do something. Since I still have to finish the side seam, I can include the zipper. The pattern doesn’t show a clear picture of the side seam or zipper, so I can’t really see what they have done.
Second, I didn’t like the way it was put together. I felt there was too much work to get a pouch done and some parts made the pouch hard to put together.
One of the first instructions is to quilt the panel that will eventually bottom. The pieces are necessarily cut larger, but 2 inches larger seemed like a waste of fabric and Soft & Stable. Next, the designer has you bind the quilted bottom. This creates a later problem with super thick pieces that need to be sewn and cut. I think a lining could have been created for the bottom and the quilting could have been omitted.
The method they use requires sewing over existing lines of stitching. It probably something I need to practice, but this technique never looks good on my bags. Also, binding most of the pieces means that there are flaps of fabric everywhere waiting to get caught on some of the contents at some point.
I could have stitched them down, but that means going over other stitching. See above.
The pattern requires boxing corners. The placement of the sewing line across the flattened corner is difficult to get precise, because of the thickness. If I make this pouch again, I would keep the pouch flat, cut a square out of the corner, then sew. The Jane Market Tote is put together this way and it makes more sense.
I made two at once. One was supposed to be a gift. I am not sure I want to give it as a gift, though I will send it regardless. I’ll get some feedback and have a good discussion.
I want to say some good things about this pattern, so I won’t just be a negative Nellie:
- I like the half vinyl, half fabric of the design
- They have a clever technique for the zipper. You can get two pouches out of one zipper
- The pouch will stand up nicely (if I could get the corners to box properly)
I did look for corrections on the website, but didn’t see any. After analyzing my perceived deficiencies of the pattern in this review, I am tempted to try making this pouch again using some of my experience and thoughts on how it could be different. I looked on Instagram and most of the pouches there look a lot better than mine, which means I could have not understood the directions properly. They do show the pouches from the best angle, of course, and I do see that some of them have the zipper problem that I have.
La Pass M7 Arrives
Month 7 of my La Passacaglia finally arrived. It seemed like it took forever. After months of being behind, I caught up with month 6 and month 3, which meant that I was completely caught up. During my La Pass break, I also finished two bindings and wrote a bunch of cards. I really missed the stitching of La Pass while I was waiting. What a change from a few months ago when I was feeling like it was overwhelming me!
I unpacked the bundle, washed the fabric and started in on basting. Bleah on basting!, but it is part of the process and I have to do it to get to the stitching.
Pink Door has done a masterful job using the ombre in this month. I am really glad I am doing the BOM.
Finished: Scrap Dash
As I mentioned when I talked about Gelato the other day, Scrap Dash has been languishing alongside Gelato while I worked on La Pass. I got it back at the same time I got Gelato back.
I don’t get to count the yardage in my 2022 spreadsheet, because I already counted it last year when I got it back from Colleen. I know I should have waited, but I have no self control.
This will be a gift for one of my SILs. She doesn’t know yet, but I’ll tell her soon. There is a method to the madness of the back of the quilt. The bluer print fabrics on each side of the fish are shells. There is a small piece of red-violet sea urchin fabric at the bottom making this is an ocean themed back. Except for the batik and the tone-on-tone blue, all of the back fabrics are from the Kaffe Fassett Collective. SIL swims quite a bit so I thought having this type of themed back would be entertaining.
I decided I want to make this quilt again, so I am back to cutting super tiny pieces. Of course, I can use the leftovers I didn’t use from this version.
Door Prize Bags
I haven’t gotten my act together for the BAM door prizes yet. I have a tote bag full of stuff ready to be sorted and nothing sorted. Part of the problem is that I only have canvas bags from a shop. I don’t have any handmade bags. I have several of the canvas bags and they are nice – thick and sturdy and great for something like the Farmer’s Market. I prefer not to give the same bag every month.
At the guild meeting the other week, Maria tempted me to take some canvas. The motif is a kind of Paris theme. I got out my Jane Market Tote pattern and this fabric and made some totes.
I didn’t use the exact pattern; mostly I just used the dimensions from the pattern. I didn’t want to line the tote, because the canvas was thick enough without a lining. That meant that I needed to sew French seams to make sure all of the raw edges were enclosed.
With the first one, I enclosed all the seams on the inside of the bag. Enclosing the seams on the inside when very smoothly and the bag went together really fast.The bag came out a little smaller than the already small Jane Market Tote, but I think it is a cute size and different from many bags.
After making the first one, I thought I would enclose the seams on the outside for the second one. I thought it would be an interesting design feature. This version also went together pretty well, but I had more trouble with the seams on the outside. I am not sure why. In this version, there is also a big lumpy seam on the outside of the bottom, which is not ideal.
So far I have made two and I think I have enough fabric to make at least one more. My sister might like one. The motif is up her alley. I think the size will work well for the door prizes.
More Gift Bags for 2022
I cut out a lot of gift bags from the fabric in which Friend Julie wrapped my Christmas gifts. I was happy about it initially, but then suddenly I had a whole lot of projects on my cutting a sewing tables that were unsewn. I was starting to get cranky and irritable and feel bad about my sewing.
After finishing the A Place for Everything Bag, I was able to free up some time to finish some things laying around my sewing room. Over the weekend I blew through several small projects including some gift bags and really felt good about myself.
Finished: Gelato
After months of not sewing down the binding, Gelato is finally done. Catching up with La Pass really propelled my quiltmaking forward. I was able to finish a bunch of projects that need a bit of hand sewing and I got to work on the Half Hexie Star project.
I got this quilt back in the middle of last year, then I got a job and the giant puzzle and La Pass and my schedule went to hell in a handbasket. I enjoy stitching down the binding. It is very satisfying.
Now it is finished. Hooray! DH held it up for me so I could take some photographs. Writing about it here really makes it done in my mind.
I originally made this quilt for my niece, thus the Chrysanthemum back. I think I will give it to a friend who has recently had his leg amputated below the knee. He had an accident about 10 years ago. After multiple surgeries and infections, he decided (and is at peace with) on this course. He will appreciate the front and the thought, I think and won’t mind the flowers. We’ll see.
Various & Sundry 2022 #2
Admin
I actually looked at my statistics the other day and was pleased that 517 views happened one day in mid-January. WOW!
Projects, Classes, Patterns & Tutorials
A few years ago I made a Scissor Cozy for my mom and one for Julie. Svetlana from Sotak Handmade now has a video to go with her tutorial. She has updated the instructions so do watch the video.
In looking for something else, I came across this easy project for carrying your yoga mat. You can probably adjust the length of the strap to carry other things as well. I am thinking of a rectangular folding workout mat I have. It came with an elastic strap that is losing its stretch. This is a great way to use some of the gorgeous ribbons and webbing out there.
Want to make your own bag kit? Check out Build-a-Box from Sew Hungry Hippie. You select the pieces you need. No more being subject to other people’s tastes.
From Pink Door re: managing a La Pass BOM:
Fun fact #2 of the week-
We have ordered (for months 1-6), over 8,700 yards of fabric. That equals 584 bolts of fabric, or 26,280 feet of fabric or 4.98 miles.
We’ve also ordered 1500+ lbs of paper.
Edited to add: the 8,700 yards weighs about 3,000 lbs.
I was reminded about LillyElla Stitchery’s tutorials. I still want to make that Mini Maker Station
Books, Fabrics, Notions & Supplies
Sue Spargo posted about some precision tweezers called Pinzettes. Made in Switzerland. I do sometimes use tweezers when I am seam ripping and I thought the larger finger area would make them useful and also great gifts. Unfortunately, they are $50 so out of my budget right now. They are worth the money and I plan to buy some, but not today.
I saw Brick Bubble on IG one day and took a look at her site. There were a lot of great tags, especially one that says “Handmade – See I’m not just hoarding supplies”. I think it is hilarious.
If you don’t want to make your own using a Sew Sweetness pattern like the Percheron available in Minikins Season 3, you can buy a Maker’s Train Case, also from Sue Spargo’s website. It is designed to fit under most airplane seats allowing you to store all your knitting, stitching, and crafting supplies.
SewFinity found me on IG for the 2 minutes I was visiting the other day. They don’t have tons of fabric, but if you like Kona, this is your place.
Friend Julie reviewed the Sewline Air Erasable Pen I gave her for Christmas. My experience mimics hers.
If you are looking for interesting novelty fabric (I might be starting another college pillowcase project), check out My Favorite Quilt Store. I saw a lot of Disney fabrics I could use as well as other ways to interpret themes for each month. They have a Disney female villains fabric I might have to buy to make something for one of the nieces. They have some Flintstones, Sylvester and Tweety, Baby Yoda, Mickey & Minnie, Hot Wheels, vintage diner signs, bird watching, vintage letters and stamps and a ton of other novelty themes. They have a great selection of fabrics you can use for gift bags. I was really impressed with their selection of birthday relevant fabrics. They also have fun Christmas fabric. I haven’t bought anything from them yet so YMMV.
Friend Julie has a quilt in the Curated Magazine coming out in April. She provides an affiliate code link which gives you 10% off, so read her post and get the code, then go buy the mag.
Articles
I saw an article on how to start knitting in the New York Times. You may need an account to access this article (check your local library). I like the way it talks about practical knowledge you need to know to get started, what the terms are, where to buy and the differences and benefits of a LYS vs Joann or Michael’s. There is also a getting started book recommendation.
I saw an article on the Cricut vs. Silhouette cutting machines
Design Walls, Furniture and Sewing Rooms
Christa Watson shows how to build a design wall. Check out the TikTok video on IG or the post on her blog. Can you believe how clean her sewing room is?
Inspiration
Letterlocking was the cyber cryptogography of Queen Elizabeth’s time. Check out the video to see how it worked.
Other Artists
Friend Julie posted her January Cornucopia. She has lots of great links, especially if you want to enter Visions or start a 100day project.
Sarah Goer sent out her recent newsletter, which is always filled with great links and projects. Sarah also has a 2021 wrap-up post. I enjoy comparing my same Year in Review posts with other people’s – not to compare who has finished more, but to compare the structure of the post. I don’t want to bore you so I am always looking for new ideas.
26 Projects 2022 #1
Another year and more projects to make. I am starting out the year with a fabric deficit. I expected it as I usually buy fabric on my birthday. I am determined to get to 100 yards this year.
Finished 2022 Quilt Projects
- Gelato – finished January 2022
- Scrap Dash – finished January 2022
Finished 2022 Small and Non-Quilt Projects
This category covers bags, toys, aprons and knitting as well as other non-quilt projects.
- A Place for Everything v.2 Bag – finished 1/24/2022
- Blue Journal #1 – finished January 22, 2022
- Blue Journal Cover #2 – finished January 22, 2022
- Christmas gift bags – finished January 23, 2022
- 6 months of La Passacaglia
- Scissor Cozy for Gerre – finished January 2022
- Scissor Cozy for Maria – finished January 2022
Looking at all of these accessories and small projects makes me excited to make more. It is really sad that I don’t have as much time to do as much sewing as I want. 🙁 Well, what time I have is better than nothing. 🙂
Doing Good
- Nothing yet
In Process or To Make
The ‘In Process’ is used to denote projects on which I am actively working or are on the design wall waiting for me to stitch. I am continuing to try not to put away projects. I find putting a project away ensures I never work on them, because I just lose steam.
Quilts
- The circle quilt is on the design wall, which is still folded up waiting to be re-hung
Small Projects to Make or in Process
Most of my progress involves thinking or just cutting.
- One Hour Basket for my stuff that tends to accumulate on the dining room table. I may switch to one of the Minikins projects or a Catch All Caddy for this purpose.
- One Hour Basket for DH’s stuff that tends to accumulate on the dining room table. I may switch the pattern to one of the Minikins projects for this purpose.
- Retreat Organizer – another project from the Crafty Gemini Organizer Club, also on my list, but not yet started. Recently, I saw one of these made up and I am not so nervous about it
- Superbloom tote using Hindsight fabric – not started
- Ultimate Project Organizer – another project from the Crafty Gemini Organizer Club, also on my list, but not yet started
- Westchester shirt – this is a Crafty Gemini pattern. I bought the fabric at PIQF in 2018. I have the pattern pieces cut out and ready to sew. I was held up by the supply list which wanted a Jersey needle. SIL #2 and Mary C said that a regular knit needle was fine.
Handwork
I decided that some of my projects are in a different class because they are hand piecing or embroidery or beading. They take longer. Thus I created a new category and have moved some projects here.
- English Paper Piecing Project– half hexies – I worked on this a little over the weekend while I waited for La Pass Month 7 to arrive and had no bindings to sew.
- La Passacaglia – I am up to date on this project and waiting for Month 7 to arrive.
Ready for Quilting
- Nothing at the moment
In the Quilting Process
- BAMQG Improv Round Robin – I am probably going to rip out the quilting and send this quilt to Colleen to quilt. I like the look of Big Stitch, but am not working on it and don’t really enjoy working on it.
- The Tarts come to Tea – no recent progress
In the Finishing Process
- Nothing at the moment
Still WIPs
I still have WIPs. Who doesn’t, after all? A project in the ‘UFO’ category means I am stalled. A nicer way of saying UFO is a WIP. The list is a lot shorter and the projects are newer, for the most part.
- Handbag Sampler – this is still the forgotten project. It should be on the UFO list. The blocks were teaching samples when I taught a sampler class some time before I started writing the quilt class sampler tutorials. I found one block recently, but otherwise I don’t actually know exactly where the blocks are hiding. I crawled up in the far reaches of my fabric closet to see if I could find them and they weren’t where I thought. I am sort of mystified as to where they could be. I haven’t even found a picture of all the blocks. WTH?
- Lobster – I think I might make this into a tablerunner for the buffet. I think that will be a good and fun use of the piece even if the colors aren’t quite right for the dining room.
- Pies and Points from 2016 Victoria Findlay Wolfe class. The last time I worked on it was when Julie and I had a playdate in April 2018. I brought this piece with me so I could cut more elements (Julie has a Sizzix). I lost my excitement about this piece shortly thereafter, but I am ready to work on it as soon as I get my design walls back up.
- Pointillist Palette #4: Fourth is a series of 6 quilts; needs tiny square patches sewn together. No progress.
- Self Portrait: started in 2006 at a class at Quilting Adventures in Richmond, Virginia. After a brief burst of inspiration, I am stalled on this again. As one of my oldest (I am pretty sure) UFOs, I put it on my blog and out into the Twitterverse and Diane suggested that I not consider this as a self portrait. I think that strategy is a great idea. I am now trying to think of a new persona for her.
- Serendipity Lady – I am still planning to take this piece to be framed. It might need a bit of quilting first.
- Who Am I? – This piece is still languishing. Perhaps having a larger design wall will help me regain momentum. The amount of satin stitching I was facing was a problem until I thought of BIAS TAPE. I am going to make the words with bias tape, perhaps different widths, then I won’t have to satin stitch everything. Red Scribbles and Friend Julie helped me come up with this solution. Now I just have to do it!
Blue Journal #2 2022
Sheesh! February already! January is never long enough for me.
This is the second journal cover I made the other day when I just needed to sew.
Most of the details are the same as for 2022 Blue Journal Cover #1. Most of the fabric was already made. I had to piece the flannel, but in this case, I used batting tape to keep the pieces together. Yes, that is an unorthodox trick that I haven’t tried before, but seemed to work ok. The older journals (this one is from 2005) won’t get much use until long after I am dead, so I am not to worried about the batting tape failing.
