Visiting In Between Stitches

I took my mom home the other day. She was released from the surgeon and felt well enough to go home. On the way, we usually stop at Peet’s in Castro Valley. I suggested we stop in Livermore, which is a little farther. I knew of a Peet’s there and I wanted to stay in the car a bit longer. As we got closer, she suggested we stop at In Between Stitches, a quilt shop in Livermore. I did a brief review of the shop in 2010, but haven’t talked about it since.

In Between Stitches - new location
In Between Stitches – new location

In Between Stitches was one of the places Mom and I would meet before all of the drama of the past year. They had a lovely shop on Main Street in Livermore near a few restaurants, some nice stores and coffee shops. I knew they had moved and was eager to see their new shop.

In Between Stitches street
In Between Stitches street

The new location is not far from the old, but a little hard to find if you are unfamiliar, as I am, with downtown Livermore. There is parking next to the shop, but we couldn’t find the address so we parked in the big lot behind the Main Street shops and walked over. There is plenty of parking within about a block. It turns out there is a small, one way street above the main street (N. Livermore) on which we drove. I think it has the same name as the larger street. Not sure about that. Anyway, in the photo above, the shop is on the street with the “Do Not Enter’ sign on it. We easily walked across the street from the parking lot and then down that one way street. I am not sure how one would access the shop’s parking lot or drive to the shop. 

Once we finally found it, I found the shop to be interesting and nice. They have morphed beyond quiltmaking to include yarn, lots of wool felt and, possibly felting supplies.

I was pleased to see the section on wool felt. The only other place with a good selection is Pioneer Quilts outside of Portland. This store is closer and more convenient, once I get my act together to start a piece with the wool felt I have. As an aside, I found some inspiration for a wool felt project as I went through my magazines, so this isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

The knitting section is right in the front of the store. I saw some yarn I thought my SIL might like, but it was $43/skein, which was a little rich for both of our blood at this time. Still, the section has a wide variety of yarn including Madeline Tosh, a yarn I really like.

In Between Stitches - embroidery - twds back of store
In Between Stitches – embroidery – twds back of store

In addition to yarn and wool felt, In Between Stitches has a fairly large selection of embroidery floss.

They have a few different brands including Wonderfil and regular DMC.  I also noticed they have a small selection of lapboards for handwork. The covers aren’t my style, but a cover is easily changeable for such a useful tool.

In Between Stitches - bagmaking
In Between Stitches – bagmaking

Did I mention that this shop is STUFFED? It is. In addition to yarn, wool felt and embroidery, they have a section of bag making patterns and materials.

They have a variety of patterns, some of which I have made, from different bag designers. I saw a few different Noodlehead designs, the Hello Pouch from Knot and Thread, some duffel patterns and a few others. I think the woman cutting my fabric mentioned a workshop on making the Oxbow tote. seeing they had some Noodlehad patterns, I asked about the Plover Pouch. They didn’t have it, but I think I would have bought it if they stocked it.

In Between Stitches - notions
In Between Stitches – notions

Of course, they had notions, which you know I love. I felt like kind of a lot of their notions were out of stock. They still had plenty, so I shouldn’t complain.

I was pleased to see the variety of Quilter’s Select rulers they had. The brand seems to be expanding the sizes they offer. I almost bought one as a gift, but the price tag was a little steep for me that day.

In Between Stitches - patterns
In Between Stitches – patterns

Near the check-out counter, the perfect impulse purchase location, were a variety of patterns. The Sew Kind of Wonderful pattern, Attic Windows (bottom of the photo, 2d from the left), intrigued me. I almost bought it but had already checked out and decided I had enough. I’m glad I didn’t because I found a copy when I eventually got home. I need to put it with my other patterns so I see it when I go through them.

The shop, of course, had quite a bit of fabric. They had it tucked in various places all over the shop, except in the front where there was only knitting. 

Behind the knitting, on the left of the shop was the first fabric I saw. They had some independent garment sewing patterns as well. 

In Between Stitches - fabric
In Between Stitches – fabric

In the back of the shop, I saw some novelty fabrics. There were some food fabrics and I felt myself slipping into that “I should make another Food Quilt” zone. I walked away. Been there, done that. I also saw a few solids in that same area. 

The fabric was mostly organized by color, so I saw blenders, tone-on-tones and solids all over the store.

In Between Stitches - notions, batiks
In Between Stitches – notions, batiks

The shop had quite a few batiks, which I am always surprised to see. Many of these were housed under the notions, but I saw them in other places as well. 

 

 

In Between Stitches - Kaffe Collective
In Between Stitches – Kaffe Collective

Of course, my man Phil (Philip Jacobs) and the Kaffe Collective had a good showing. The top shelf was all of the large flower and other types of KFC prints. Some were from the August (Fall?) 2025 collection, which was nice to see.  Under them were fat quarters of various, not just KFC, prints. Under that were more tone-on-tones and blenders. 

All over the shop were quilts. They were hung on the walls, from the ceiling, every where.

 

In Between Stitches purchases
In Between Stitches purchases

I bought a few bits and pieces. I thought the Kaffe dots would be good for the Maker tote’s pocket. Turquoise stripes will be good for a binding and I broke my needle threader, so I bought a new one.

I am glad Mom suggested the visit. I’ll have to go and visit again now that I know were it is.

 

  • In Between Stitches
  • Tel: 925-371-7064
  • 167 North Livermore Ave
  • Livermore, CA 94550

Book Review: Shape Workshop for Quilters

Fat Quarterly Shape Workshop for Quilters: 60 Blocks + a Dozen Quilts and Projects!Fat Quarterly Shape Workshop for Quilters: 60 Blocks + a Dozen Quilts and Projects! by Katy Jones

I am sure I have mentioned in passing that I am going through all of my quilt books. This book is one I rediscovered. I have a vague memory of buying it but had completely forgotten about it until this recent inventory.

The book is described as “…quilters of all skill levels will develop a deeper understanding of how shapes can be incorporated into a design while completing gorgeous projects. “- Cover flap. After reading the book and looking at the photos, I agree. I think, overall, it provides a breath of freshness when thinking about shapes.

The Introduction (pg.6) describes the Fat Quarter Shop and the Fat Quarterly, a former e-zine, which I don’t think is published any longer. The Welcome page (pg.8) follows with a description of the Shape Workshop, “…the ultimate guide to understanding and incorporating shapes into your quilt projects.” (pg.8). The book “presents six common quilting shapes used in dynamic and exciting ways. “(pg.8).

The About Us page shows the team responsible for the book. Some were associated with Generation Q magazine, so very modern quiltmakers.

The shape ‘workshops’ start on page 10 with squares and rectangles. There is a description of squares and rectangles followed by blocks (pg.11-21) comprised of squares and rectangles. Some blocks are renamed classic block patterns. For example, Owl in the Corner (pg.20) is really a Nine Patch with cool owl fabric. Each block takes up one page including the instructions for making the block.

The shape’s block section is followed by a project section with about two projects in each section. Each project features the chapter’s shape(s). The directions are about 2-4 pages each.

The shapes covered in this book, in addition to squares and rectangles, are circles, triangles, stars, polygons and diamonds. Each shape is described on one page that includes some quick tips. Each section has about 10 blocks covering one page each. As with the squares and rectangles section, there are two-four larger projects.

In the circle section (pg.30-49) I really like the Modern Wheel block (pg.34). It reminded me of the blocks in my Eye of God quilt. The Quarter Twist block (pg.36) is similar to the Flowering Snowball block. I also like the Joseph’s Coat block (pg.40). This block keeps coming up in various ways, so I might have to make at least one of these block soon.

Both Circle projects are fun. There are pizza placemats (pg.43-45), which would be great gifts for a young person flying the nest.

The Orange Soda quilt (pg.46-49) looks like a big challenge. The example uses fun fabrics. The curves are done with applique’ not piecing so not as difficult as the project first appears. It could also be done with piecing, but would need more planning. If I had been writing this section, I would have included both options.

Triangles make up chapter 3 (pg.50-67). Migration (pg.52) and Points Practice (pg.53) stand out, but the blocks are interesting in general. Points Practice is one of those blocks where a classic that has been renamed. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Mosaic #17 and is n.345 from Ladies Art Company. The Fast Forward / Rewind quilt (pg.64-67) is a fun variation of Flying Geese.

Stars are the featured shape in chapter 4 (pg.68-89). Different shapes make up the overall star designs. Scrappy Star (pg.71) immediately caught my attention as it is one of the blocks the Patchwork Palooza BOM. In the Patchwork Palooza Project, it is called Whirl & Settle. In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block is called Indian Star. It was originally published in the Kansas City Star in 1937.

Three in the Breeze (pg.75) is a good use of, or a different take on, the Friendship Star block.

Chapter five (pg.90-109) is all about polygons. In case your last geometry class was too many ears ago, a polygon is a many sided flat shape with at least three straight sides, but typically five or more (pg.90). The authors help readers out by saying ” some are made from pure polygon shapes, some are simpler shapes that together create a polygon shape. ” (pg.90).

In the block section Castle Walls is a winner (pg.95). Dresden Plate is included in this section (pg.96-97) and has great directions for making the petal points. I also like Bathroom Tile (pg.99), but I don’t like the construction. It looks like the authors tried to simplify the construction and just made it more complicated using applique’.

The Saw Blade quilt (pg.106-109) in this section is a classic and stellar. I’d love to make this quilt sometime. The authors use templates for construction, but I think there is a way to make the blades using strip piecing.

Finally, diamonds, which are the subject of Chapter six (pg.110-129). Most of the included blocks have squares on point or a group of shapes that look like a diamond rather than incorporating true diamond shapes. Still, there are a couple of blocks, like Diamond Pinwheel (pg.114) and Diamond in a Diamond (pg.119) that use a true diamond shape. I like the way the authors expand the way readers think about diamonds and all the shapes, in general.

Pinchers (pg.121) would make a really fun quilt. It would be easy using EPP. The Starry Hanging Storage (pg.122-125) is a fun and useful project. I might choose different blocks or motifs for the exterior, or even a really fun print with no piecing or applique, but I like the idea.

The final chapter is the ubiquitous ‘Quilting Basics” section (pg.130-143). It includes how to piece various units like Flying Geese, HSTs and Four Patches. There are also instructions on how to complete applique’ and EPP. Templates are also included. They need to be enlarged.

Overall, this is an inspiring book. The layout is innovative even though the book is a few years old (2011). I like the styling, especially the way the different chapters used different colors.

The teaching element was good and not heavy handed. See if your library has this book. It is worth a look.

View all my reviews

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.

BAM BOM 2025 – First Blocks

BAM BOM HSTs
BAM BOM HSTs

We introduced the BAM BOM last weekend at the guild meeting.

The first block is the HST and these are mine. For this block, I am using some fabric from a member who passed away. 

The rule is at least 6 seams, so I knew I had to make more than one HST. I used the 8-at-a-time directions I give to my students and made 8.

I have an idea in my mind to use HSTs in more places around my quilt. For now, I will stick with these, but I might make more later.

Handbag Sampler Returns

Handbag Sampler - ready for binding
Handbag Sampler – ready for binding

The Handbag Sampler is back from Colleen. She was able to drop it off for me when she did an errand in the neighborhood. It was great not to have to drive to her place. 

I wanted this ready for the BAM BOM start at the meeting yesterday. I had to stitch the binding on quickly. It was a little challenging, because I used a black and white diamond patterned fabric for the binding. That meant that choosing the thread to be invisible was a challenge. I ended up with white and was very careful about getting the stitches on the underside of the binding so they wouldn’t be visible. They were fairly hidden on the white fabric, but screaming against the black.

Handbag Sampler - quilting detail
Handbag Sampler – quilting detail

Colleen did a great job on the quilting.

She quilted a lot of different motifs in different places around the quilt. The swirls/spirals in the background of the New York Beauty are a particular favorite.

Working on this quilt and the Patchwork Palooza make me want to start another sampler. How many samplers are too many?

Patchwork Palooza Block 5

I am almost finished with the backlog of blocks.

Card Trick AKA Go Your Own Way
Card Trick AKA Go Your Own Way

I finally finished block 5, Card Trick, or, as the Patchwork Palooza people call it, Go Your Own Way. I don’t like this block. I always have trouble making it, which seems very odd to me. It shouldn’t be a difficult block, but for me, it is. Apparently, it didn’t like me either as there was a lot of ripping involved in finishing it.

In Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns**, this block, #1674, is called Crow’s Nest or Card Trick. Both names are from Beth and Jeff Gutcheon. In the Encyclopedia it is colored very strangely, so you can see the card effect. It looks more like an Ohio Star, but with half QSTs instead of regular QSTs.

In Jinny Beyer’s The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns, this block is #143 and also called Card Trick, but doesn’t have the QST in the center. It is listed as from The Perfect Patchwork Primer by Beth and Jeff Gutcheon. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.

Finished: Fold & Stitch Wallet

Fold & Stitch Wallet - front
Fold & Stitch Wallet – front

I finished the wallet very quickly. That was my goal and the pattern leant itself to the goal.

The pattern was free and didn’t discuss using directional fabric. If I made this again, I might put any directional fabric upside down, so it shows right side up on the flap. That means,the motifs would be upside down on the rest of the piece, such as the back. No good solution except making the flap separately, I guess.

Fold & Stitch Wallet - open
Fold & Stitch Wallet – open

I used a light grey batik I have used before for the interior.

Mom really liked it and I barely needed to explain my thinking to her. She loved the idea and immediately put it into use.

BAM BOM Start

SueG and I have been working for a few months on organizing a block-of-the-month (BOM) program for the guild. It starts in a few days. If you want to join, buy a membership in the guild. We will make the BOM program available in the group’s forum as well as at the meetings.

We wanted this to be a different kind of BOM. The participants won’t be getting one block that they have to make in a certain size each month. We are going with a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style. People will get a pattern, but there will be choices of  sizes. They can use any technique to make it and change the size if they want.

BAM BOM fabrics
BAM BOM fabrics

I have started to choose my fabrics. These aren’t all of them. I think I need some kind of citrus or sunshine type warm color and a turquoise as well.  Stay tuned for the additions as I evolve the fabrics in my own mind.

Another Sampler

SueG's Libs Elliot Sampler
SueG’s Libs Elliot Sampler

As you know, I am a fan of samplers. They can be so interesting to look at and very fun to make. This is one of the most unique sampler quilts I have ever seen. SueG has made this fabulous piece as part of a Libs Elliot online class.

She said the blocks are really hard, but the instructions were really good. She also said there were various options for making the blocks – different techniques and methods.

The flower in the bottom corner reminds me of that curve I struggled with on the Pearce Sling.

I was thinking as I talked to Sue about this quilt that Ruth McDowell’s Piecing book** would have been a great pre-work for this sampler. I am not sure Libs Elliot has heard of Ruth McDowell. 

Sue is fearless when it comes to piecing. She is one of the stars of my students. I am so proud of her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.

Patchwork Palooza Block 7

Patchwork Palooza block 7
Patchwork Palooza block 7

Block 7, North and True is finished!

It took me a long time, because I was sewing other things and using this as leaders and enders. It didn’t take years just longer than a small block should. I was working on donation blocks and sewing bits of the Country Revival/Sad Quilt together. So many projects happening at once!

I have to figure out if this needs to be trimmed. I think so, but getting the block done feels like an achievement.

Progress on the Country Revival / Sad Quilt

Country Revival Flower #2
Country Revival Flower #2

The piecing on this quilt takes a lot of time. I think it is because of the curves. That doesn’t mean it is difficult, just time consuming.

In the photo, the top left unit is pieced and trimmed. I wasn’t happy with the trimming. I ended up buying the SKOW recommended ruler, Sew Square 6**, though, despite my love for specialty rulers, I am fundamentally opposed to specialty square rulers. I would much rather the ruler I already have, the Quick Curve Ruler**, be marked well enough so I could trim with it. It isn’t impossible, but I found it to be very difficult. I haven’t decided if I need to make that upper left unit again. I don’t know if I trimmed too close to the green curved shape.

Sew Square 6
Sew Square 6

Except for the bottom row, the rest of the units have been sewn, but not trimmed. You can see how weird looking they are before they are trimmed. I bought the Sew Square 6** which I plan to use to trim the other units.

I didn’t buy the whole set; I just bought this one to see if I thought it was better than just using the Quick Curve Ruler.

Country Revival/Sad Quilt flower motif with leaves v.4
Country Revival/Sad Quilt flower motif with leaves v.4

Flower 1 is still unsewn. I am  not 100% happy with the color selection. I bought a few solids, which I am hoping will help fix whatever the problem is.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**N. B. : Obviously, you should shop at local quilt shops and small businesses. However, if you are too busy or can’t find what you need there, I use Amazon affiliate links and may be paid for your purchase of an item when you click on an item’s link in my post. There is no additional cost to you for clicking or purchasing items I recommend. I appreciate your clicks and purchases as it helps support this website.

Another Look at Gifts for Mom

Here are the various gifts I have made for my mom over the years. She doesn’t want more bags, but I can’t seem to help myself. I have made her 34 gifts over the past few years. 

Recently, when I took her home after the second surgery, I saw the Bright Cafe Apron in a box. I only saw a bit of it folded, but the fabric jarred something in my mind. I had forgotten I gave it to Mom. She said she is going to use it now to carry things around rather than carrying them in her hands. Yay for safety!

When I went to visit her on Wednesday, she was using the apron as she said she would. I was so happy! It make me super excited that the apron was useful.

The only failures were the Cane Chains. I couldn’t get the clamps tight enough to do their job. Not sure if a rivet press would solve that problem.

EPP Ball #9 Received

Noel with EPP Ball #9
Noel with EPP Ball #9

I forgot to post that I finished EPP Ball #9. I sent it off without taking photos, but my friend was kind enough to send me a few. 

My friend said that the toddler loves the ball, which makes me really happy!

I am getting really fast at making these toys and was thinking that adding some embroidery over the seams would slow the process down.