Scrapspiration

I got this box of scraps from my awesome friend Chantry ... (who also just threw me the loveliest baby shower ever!).  Cute, fun, bold, sweet fabrics!  

I am feeling inspired.  And, I found this - it WILL make its way into whatever comes out of the scraps:

Inspiration is a beautiful thing.  
And now, maybe this will inspire you to do something silly:

Mom, me, Cousin Becky, and Sheri - woohoo! 

Whoops

Where have I been for the last three months, you ask?  Well, for one, I've been growing a baby (if this part of it is so exhaustingly hard, I REALLY have a lot in store for once it comes).  I also started tending to the garden a little more (errr ... well ... weeded once, watered a few times, and put up some deer fence).  Along with that came produce.  And more produce.  We've got tomatoes out our ears and are hoping to eek out some peppers before the first frost.  Then work started back in full force and I could no longer continue my blissful experience of sewing for 30 hours a week at work.  My machine got serviced in North Carolina at the end of July, and then it was visiting my mom.  I've got it back now, but still have yet to bust out anything incredible.


But also, I've been working on finishing up commissioned quilts.  I ended up doing SIX commissions this summer - yes, six.  One baby quilt, two large rectangular lap quilts, one wall hanging, one large square lap quilt, and a twin.


Pictures, you say?  OK, fine.  I guess it's the least I can do, since I've left you hanging for months now.  


Here is the large square lap quilt - I think it ended up being somewhere around 50"x50".  I made it for my college friend Lauren F. and was able to give it to her in person, when we had a girls' reunion at Lauren's family's lake house in Tennessee.  She did all the hard work in picking out the fabrics, and I had the fun job of putting them together.  

I opted for a modified "rail fence" pattern - modified because the strips in each block are different widths.  The most challenging part of the whole thing was placing the blocks in such a way that the patterns in each block did not touch the same pattern in any other block.  


And the back - I really love it ...

(feel free to ignore the fold/crease lines.  Whoops.)


And kindly, Lauren sent me a picture of the quilt in its real, live home (which sounds awesome and tempts me to visit):

I have to confess, I am WAY more interested in this inviting rug than I am in the quilt, but that's just me.


I.  Will.  Post.  Again.  Before.  The.   Next.  3.  Months.  Have.  Passed.  I promise.

Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #6 - The Last One!

Last week you finished your quilting, right? 
If you (still) need inspiration about what quilting pattern to use, look at Val's quilt here ... check out those groovy grid lines that form a diamond pattern.  I'm so excited about how hers turned out!

Feeling a little more adventurous with quilting?  Look what Andrea did:

Talk about groovy!  I love the swirls! 

Alright, this last binding tutorial is actually going to be a combo my-tutorial/other-blog-site-tutorial.  I don't feel the need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to binding tutorials.  And Amanda Jean over at Crazy Mom Quilts happens to have an excellent, step-by-step binding how-to.  So, check it out by clicking here, then come back to visit me so we can talk through it again.  (By the way, while you're there, look at her other quilts and be inspired!)

The binding is the very last thing you do to your quilt.  It finishes and hides the edges of fabric and batting that are still exposed, so it's worthwhile to do a quality binding.  If you haven't already, read through CMQ's tutorial and then read on:
Step 1: Measure the four sides of your quilt, add it up, and add 12.  Cut enough 2.5" wide strips (she does 2.25" but it's your choice - either width, just be consistent for all strips) to add up to that measurement.  Sew them together on the short sides so you end up with one long strip.
Step 2: Iron the long strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together.  You should have a very, very long, very, very skinny strip.
Step 3: Match unfinished edge of quilt with raw edge of binding strip, and sew on around all four sides and corners.  (crazymom's tutorial is excellent for this step, especially for the corners.  Haven't read it yet?  You know what I'm going to tell you to do.  So just go do it.)
Step 4: Trim the edges of the quilt even with the binding strip edges.  Fold the binding over onto the other side of the quilt around the edge and sew it down with a needle and thread (by hand!)
Step 5: Enjoy this awesome quilt you just finished, and graciously accept compliments from your friends who can't believe how crafty and cool you are.

Alright, well that's it for this 6 part tutorial on how to make a wonky log cabin quilt!  Hooray for friends and quilting classes!  And thanks to the lovely women who have great taste in fabric and incredible talent - I loved working with you all!

A few more pictures:

Laura's quilt - still in progress

(she was out of town for a couple of weeks without a machine)

Caitlin's quilt (picture from last week)

Caitlin sews on her binding strip

A second wonky log cabin quilt that I'm working on finishing up

(the green border now goes all the way around the quilt)

Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #5

Look at how far we've all come!  This is Val's quilt top, ready for basting and quilting:

For the last tutorial, we talked through the basting process, remember?  Basting is securing all three layers of the quilt together - the quilt top, the batting, and the backing - prior to quilting.  You have basting options - straight pins, curved quilting safety pins, or adhesive basting spray - and your choice just depends on your personal preference and style.  I started out using the basting spray, and LOVED it because it kept all the layers very secure while quilting.  I started moving away from using it because I couldn't afford it for all the projects I was doing.  But, whatevs.  It's your preference - try all three and see which you prefer. 
Check out Caitlin's quilt, all basted and ready to go (she used basting spray):

Alright.  This tutorial is about quilting.  You're probably thinking, "Isn't that what we've been doing all along?  Doesn't quilting mean 'to make a quilt'?"  Well, yes.  But it also means to sew through all three layers (top, batting, back) so they stay together.  A lot of traditional quilting is done by hand.  If you have the patience for that, kudos to you.  I do NOT have the ability to do that kind of thing by hand, so I always machine-quilt my pieces.  Side note: I typically use a regular 1/4" presser foot for quilting straight lines.  I have used a walking foot too, but really I don't see any difference in the quality of the quilting.  There's lots of debate research out there about regular vs. walking foot quilting.  Just do what you want.  It'll be OK.
Basically, you'll take your 3-layer basted quilt, and feed it through the machine, stitching in a pattern of some sort over the entire quilt.  There are a variety of pattern options out there.  Caitlin chose "stitch in the ditch," which means she sewed straight lines in each of the seams.  It doesn't really stand out on the front (because it's in the ditch, silly), but it shows up on the back.  I think that is a fun choice for a wonky log cabin quilt, because it adds some wonkiness to the back of the quilt too.  Just make sure you backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam - you don't want your masterpiece to unravel.

Others have decided on straight lines in a grid pattern - shows up more on the front and makes the quilt look "quilty" from both sides.  I'm a sucker for a soft, awesome quilty-quilt.  The more lines you stitch, the more quilty it'll look. 
You have tons of options - sewing a line down the middle of each strip, quilting a diamond or triangle grid pattern, only quilting the middle strips or outer strips, quilting 1/4" off the seam lines ... and on and on.  If you're not sure what to do, look around at what other people do, find quilts you like in magazines or on blogs, or allow the shape and pattern of the quilt to guide you.  It's fun to come up with new patterns, but it's good to know that you can just do a grid too.
Another side note: if you want to branch out beyond straight lines, and if you feel comfortable with your machine, you might want to try free-motion quilting.  Free-motion quilting gives you more control over the pattern, and you can do loops, circles, meandering patterns, or words.  I won't give you the tutorial on that (because it overwhelms me), but there are lots of good ones on other blogs (like this one or this one).  I will say, however, that you need to feel pretty comfortable with sewing and your machine before tackling a big quilt with free-motion.  Maybe try it out on a few potholders first.
Quilt the entire quilt - some readjustment may be necessary in the basting as you go along, but that's to be expected. 
Come back soon for Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #6 ... the final step!

Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #4

Two of five class members were away this week, so it was somewhat of a catchup/mishmash week as those of us who were left were at very different stages of quiltedness.  So, what I'm going to post is what we were scheduled to do this week, which two of the three got to.

Review from last week: finish adding fabric strips to each of the four squares and trim them to exactly 20"x20".  Sew them together - 2x2 - and iron seams.  This is your quilt top, and it is now complete!

This week: Press your batting.  The supply list calls for 1/2 yard of 90"-wide batting - a long, narrow strip.  Our trick is to cut the batting in half lengthwise and place the two halves next to each other to form a large 45"x45" square.  If the edges you line up are not straight, trim them so they are.

Using a zig-zag stitch set to the widest stitch width you can, stitch the batting together along the middle.  Do not overlap the batting, as it will create extra bulk in the finished quilt - just slide the batting pieces up next to each other and feed them through the machine.  Also, take care to evenly feed it through the machine - uneven feeding can cause gaps or bubbles.  If it does bubble, try steam-ironing the seam after sewing to see if it will press out.  And ... tada!  You're done with batting.

The next step is basting the quilt, which does NOT mean marinating it in its own juices during the course of cooking.  It DOES mean putting the back, batting, and top of the quilt together and securing it with pins or adhesive spray.  I've heard this called a "quilt sandwich" ... think of the basting as the toothpick in the sandwich.  (wait, can you tell that I'm getting hungry?  A giant BLT sandwich on toasted sourdough sounds incredible right now.  Toothpick required). 

Press the fabric you're going to use for your backing.  Depending on the size of your quilt, you may have to sew together some pieces to use for the backing.  For this tutorial, you want a square of fabric approximately 45"x45" - bigger than your quilt top by at least 2" on each side.  Most fabric on the bolt is 44 or 45" wide, so you should be just fine and not have to piece anything.  (As you'll see in the pictures below, I am making my demo quilt bigger than 2x2, so don't be thrown off and think you were supposed to be doing twelve squares when really it's just four.)  Because of the size of mine, I had to piece together some green and white fabric for the backing. 

Lay this backing fabric right side DOWN on a flat surface (floor or large tables work great).  Line your batting up about 1" in from the top right corner of the backing, and spread it out evenly over the backing fabric.  Use your hands to spread out any creases or folds or bubbles in the backing or batting. 

You may have some extra batting hanging over the edge of your backing - not a big deal.  It's good to have extra in case things shift.  And you'll always go back at the end and trim things up.  So, just leave it.

One more step to make your quilt sandwich - lay your quilt top, right side UP, on top of your batting about 1" in from the batting.  Smooth it out with your hands, working from the top right corner.  Make sure there are no creases, bubbles, folds, or other funny things going on. 

Now to baste the quilt (which I did not get any pictures of, sorry.)  You can use straight pins, curved quilting safety pins, or adhesive basting spray (all of which are sold at some Wal-marts and all sewing supply stores).  If you're using pins, secure a pin about every 10" in a grid on the quilt.  Make sure you're pinning through all three layers.  Also, you will probably have to adjust both the backing and the top a couple of times during the process, as you want both to be tight and without any slack (this is why it's good to have a little extra wiggle room with the batting and backing fabric).  If you are using the basting spray, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Alright ... see you next week for quilting!

Busy little bee

I have been sewing and quilting like mad, trying to make it through a bunch of projects that I had put off until summer.  There are three different projects below.  The first one - Red and White Whirlygiggle - was the very first quilt I saw on crazymomquilts in early 2009, and I've been wanting to make one ever since!  I quilted it in a window pane pattern - just about 1/4" from either side of each seam - and I am absolutely in love with it.  It measures about 40"x50", so it's not too big but would make a nice picnic blanket for two!  I thought about putting it up for sale in the shop, but I can't part with it.  I love it too much.

Front

Detail of front with window pane quilting

Back

The second quilt is one that my friend Dixie asked me to make for her.  She requested "purples" and "masculine" (she's so kind to her husband!) so I hope it delivers!  I really like the gray and the dark indigo.  The yellow on the back lightens the quilt up a little bit, but isn't too bright or feminine in my opinion.  It measures about 45"x45".

Front

Back

Quilt number three is another commissioned one - a baby boy quilt in blues and greens!  I was inspired by, of all things, a diaper bag (don't be weirded out, Allison!).  From the front, you can't see the quilting but I followed the lines of the center panel.  It shows up better on the back, and I am in love with this little softie!  Final size is approximately 42"x42".

Front

Back

I'm a busy little bee!  I've got three more commissions I'm working on ... one top is completely pieced.  The other two are in varying stages of planning.  I'll keep you posted!

Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #3

You are reading a blog post by what may be the world's worst blogger.  I forgot the camera at class AGAIN.  I don't have it with me today either, to take staged "class" photos.  I read so many blogs that are just incredible, with all the guest postings, and professional-looking photos, and fancy schmancy things like frequent posts, that it makes me feel inadequate.  But really, I don't care too much.  Alright, I'm over it now.

For class #3, we continued sewing the fabric strips around the wonky square.  Depending on the width of the fabric strips you're working with, you may end up with between four and seven "layers" around the middle square.  For this particular project, I worked all the measurements out to (hopefully) end up with a 40" square quilt, which means each block needs to be at least 20"x20".  So, for each of the blocks, add a strip to the top, then the right, then the bottom, then the left of the middle square, ironing each piece down before sewing the next one on.  When you've completed a full round (four strips around the block), "square off" the block by trimming the uneven edges with a straight ruler and rotary cutter.  You can continue to make it very wonky by tilting the ruler when cutting, or not.  It's up to you.  Play around with the angles you cut and how much you cut off - it's fun to see the block shape up and get more interesting with each layer.  

Keep doing that until a block measures a little bigger than 20"x20".  Iron well.  Repeat for each block.

Trim each block to exactly 20"x20" square, or, if you're wanting to make smaller blocks, whatever size you want.  A good rule of thumb is that a baby blanket should be at least 36"x36".  This is the time when the phrase "square off the block" actually does mean make it square.  I promise I'm not trying to confuse you.

OK, you're done for this week! 

Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial #2

Yesterday was Class #2 with the 5 guinea pigs friends who are letting me teach this wonky log cabin quilting class.  So fun! 
Last week we cut wonky center blocks (approx. 2.5"ish by 2.5"ish) and fabric strips (from 1.5" to 3.5" wide).  We also discussed the basics of making a Log Cabin block, which means adding strips of fabric around a center square in the order of Top, Right, Bottom, Left.

(the "Top" I'm referring to is actually on the right in this image, so in this picture the order of adding is Right Bottom Left Top.  But don't tell my class that it can be any other way than TRBL, because I say it at least every ten minutes that a log cabin quilt should be pieced Top Right Bottom Left.)

This week's agenda: piece log cabin squares and then add some wonkiness!

Start with a center block (the large white one).  Lay a strip of fabric on one side of the block and trim it to equal length.  Sew right sides together (you don't have to backstitch!).  Iron seams to one side (away from the middle block, towards the outer fabric).  This is your "Top:"

Choose another strip of fabric, either the same width as your Top strip, or a different width.  Lay it on the Right side of the block, and trim to length.  With right sides together, sew the fabric strip to the block.  Iron seams away from the middle block.  This is your "Right:"

Continue to do the same process two more times, on the "Bottom" and "Left" sides of the block, ironing after each seam.

This is the part of the blog where I apologize for my picture quality.  Oh well, I'm inside under fluorescent lights.  What can I say?  If you want stellar photography, look somewhere else.

Alright, back to the block - now one whole round of block-making is completed!  The next step is to "square off" the block, which doesn't actually mean making it a square at all.  It means hacking off the uneven ends, and making the block a little more wonky - but with straight edges.  So, line up your ruler along one side (doesn't matter, as you'll be doing this on all four sides) and tilt it a little, so that it's not running parallel to the middle block.  If you look closely, you can see that mine is off by about 1/2 inch.  It's a WONKY log cabin square, people.  This is how you make it wonky - don't give into your urge to make things match up and be straight.  Just tilt and cut with a rotary cutter to make a straight edge!

Trim all four sides.

In class yesterday, we made four of these blocks.  Then time ran out ...

Hint/preview of next week: make the blocks bigger by (do you want to guess?) adding more fabric strips to the TOP RIGHT BOTTOM LEFT and then square off!

This versus that

Yellow diamonds?

or blue ones?

Time for Class: A Wonky Log Cabin Tutorial in 6 weeks

Today was the first day of my Wonky Log Cabin class - I am teaching some friends the improvisational techniques used for piecing wonky log cabin squares, and then we're going to go through the process of finishing and binding the quilt!  It felt OFFICIAL, in a really cool way ... I even drew illustrations on the chart paper in the room.  We all agreed that the Women's Center on campus that is letting us use their conference room is awesome.  The room is ideal and the space is perfect!  Woohoo, Women's Center!

For just in case you're interested in doing the project with us, I am going to post after each class what we do and hopefully include some pictures.
Here's the supply list:
-2 yards of coordinating fabric (in ¼ yd. or more sections – so, 4-6 different fabrics to make a total of 2 yards.)

-1 ½ yards fabric for backing
-1/3 yard fabric for binding (backing and binding fabric can be the same, in which case you could get 1 yd 28 inches fabric to make the backing and binding. Or, you can piece together fabric for the binding. Depends on if you want a “scrappy” look or a whole, seamless look)
-¾ yd. of the 90” wide Warm & Natural batting (or Warm & White), off the big bolt, or batting scraps that you can piece together.
-coordinating thread (I’d say go for at least 250 yards. I usually get “coats and clark all purpose thread” but you can get whatever you want.)
-sewing machine, bobbin, spare needles, pins, good scissors, rotary cutter, mat, and ruler.  Oh, and a good seam ripper.

Today's steps:
-Talk about the basics of making a log cabin block.  It's actually really simple, and you do the same step over and over until the block is as big as you want it.  You start with a middle square, and then add strips around it in the following order: Top, Right, Bottom, Left.  More on this later.

-Iron all fabrics.

-Re-fold fabrics so that they look like they did on the bolt.  This means that the selvedge (already finished) ends match up.  You may want to fold it again (matching the first fold with the selvedge ends), depending on how big your mat and ruler are.

-Now you want to "square off" the fabric.  This means cut off the frayed, uneven edges at a 90-degree angle to the fold, so that your fabric is square.

-Cut the fabric into strips of varying widths - I suggest anywhere from 1.5" to 3.5".  Cut straight strips (we'll make them wonky later).

-Repeat for each fabric.

-Come back next week!

Tuesday Giggle

I've been wanting to make one of these ever since I started quilting.  I love the name.  I love the pattern.  

And I love red and white.

 Oh, goodness.  What a start to summer quilting, huh?  I'm in love.

I'm using the tutorial that CrazyMomQuilts posted , only I'm not going with her templates (I think templates are a waste of time when rotary cutting is an option).  One of her readers left this comment in response to her tutorial, and I've found that to be most helpful:

"Amy said ... The way I did it, which is SUPER super quick was to cut it all with the rotary cutter... I cut slight rectangles, ie 6" by 6 1/2"... this is from both the coloured fabric and the white fabric... then lay the rectangles down on my cutting mat. I then lined it up to cut my diagonals (which will be cut across the long side)... i just lay my cutting ruler across the block 2 1/2" inches in from either alternative side and sliced across the block (this makes the diagonal shape)... i was able to cut several blocks at a time like this without using a template at all... and because you have added the 1/2" the both blocks they end up a square with no trimming... i think i cut a whole quilt in under an hour! Hope this helps others (I don't have a blog to show you) but hopefully you can understand from my instructions! Cheers, Amy 5:15 PM "
 
I'll be posting more SOON!

Big deal(s)

First exciting news of the day: my quiltblog idol and favorite modern quilter, Amanda Jean of Crazy Mom Quilts, is coming back to her readers after a 4-month break.  I thought she was gone forever, and I seriously grieved a bit when she announced in January that she would no longer be blogging.  My modern-quilting inspiration is back though, and I'm so happy!!

Second exciting news of the day: I finally finished a commissioned quilt called "Windowpanes" ... though it probably doesn't look like it, it took me a whole month to finish!  There's a lot more piecing in that sucker than you think ...

I experimented with the quilting on this one - don't know if you can see it from the front or not, but the "+" in each block is left without quilting.  It shows up on the back a little better ...

Here's a close-up:

I am really pleased with how this turned out.  The finished quilt measures 52"x66" - a great lap quilt or picnic blanket size!

Third exciting news of the day: I have forced invited my friends to a quilting class this summer that I'm going to teach ... they are kind enough to let me treat them as my student guinea-pigs, as I learn how to plan and execute a 6-week course in quilt-making!  I'm looking forward to spending some summer mornings with sweet friends, and I can't wait to show off their amazing handiwork!

Stitching Hope Giveaway!

STITCHING HOPE GIVEAWAY! 

Win this awesome cafe apron - the Blue Jolie - one size fits all, perfect for yourself or your special someone! 

You just need to do one of the following: 

(a) post the giveaway info on your facebook profile and tag me in the post (you can do that by typing @ Katherine Lile), 

(b) tweet about it and tag @stitchinghope in the tweet, 

(c) send an email to someone telling them about the giveaway and CC/BCC me (k.lile.quilts@gmail.com), or 

(d) blog about it and send me a link to the blog (to the email address above). 

Who knew that supporting Heifer International's relief efforts in Haiti could be so rewarding and easy?  

GIVEAWAY ENDS MONDAY 3/15 AT 5:00 PM EST!

an exciting find

So.  It's been just about a month since I last posted ... and just about a month since I started the Stitching Hope shop!  With every item that has been donated to the shop, I just can't help but think, "Man.  I want that," or, "I wish that were my size," or, my favorite, "I could just go ahead and buy it to give away."  I keep reminding myself that the money goes to a good cause, but it can't all be MY money.  It's all exciting, nonetheless.


A few weeks ago I stumbled on this website: The Modern Quilt Guild.  If you have time, read the essays posted by different prominent quilters who are known for their modern style.  I'm really excited about this because these quilters are helping me to put into words how I feel about quilting.


Word.

spring break

RWQ is going to take a break for the spring.


I'm going to keep things going over at Stitching Hope - I've started a blog there and will be updating shop information and projects there.  


I'll be back, though!  Pretend that I'm just moving to Florida for the winter and will be back with the sunshine in May.

Stitching Hope Shop

The Stitching Hope shop is opening ... soon!

Right now I am looking for donations of items to sell.  All the proceeds from the sales will go to Heifer International's ongoing recovery projects in Haiti.

I ... am ... so ... excited!

Check out the (soon to open) shop at http://stitchinghope.weebly.com and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

softies

I've been working on this baby boy quilt and finally finished it!  It features a really cute turtle fabric that I had picked up a while ago, some stripes that I love, and fun white-on-orange polka dots.  This quilt pattern I used is a SUPER easy one, and it was the first quilt pattern I ever learned.  The backing is a soft blue flannel.


Sorry, but for some reason I can't get it to rotate.  So stand on your head and check it out.

Close up of a happy turtle, anyone?

This is a matching burp cloth to go with the blanket.  It measures about 17" x 12" and is made of the same soft blue flannel from the quilt back.  This is the first time I've tried a blanket and burp cloth set and I'm really pleased with how they turned out!

Photos taken indoors at night ... I'm learning my lesson.  I don't like the yellowish tint to everything!