Curating sewing and quilting talent, techniques, and tutorials, since 1997.

October 2008 Blog Posts (9)

A little more about me

Hi everyone. I just started two new quilts. I love stars and with left over Thimbleberry fabric I'm making one with different color stars. So far I have 8 eight inch squares completed. I'll show a pic of it later. I'm not sure how I want to join the squares yet.

I also started a Christmas Quilt. I like working on a couple at the same time. Once in awhile it seems like nothing goes right while working on one of them so I change over to the other one. I'm pretty sure this happens to a… Continue

Added by Threading the Needle on October 29, 2008 at 1:48am — No Comments

Machine Gathering

Gathering is the sewing technique used for many applications in different sewing projects. Ruffles are an example of gathered fabric, as are puffy sleeve caps. Gathering is accomplished by first applying long stitches, called basting, and gently pulling up on the threads to gather the fabric.

*To machine baste, set your sewing machine to its longest available stitch length. *Stitch this basting stitch along where your seam line will be, on most commercial patterns 5/8… Continue

Added by Susan on October 29, 2008 at 1:00am — 1 Comment

How To Sew A French Seam

Many sewing projects that you encounter will have you sewing two panels of fabric together creating a seam. Unless you have a serger, the edges of your seam are going to be ragged and possibly unraveling.

If you're sewing a lined drapery panel or sewing a pillow, or a sewing project where the seams will end up being hidden, then the ragged edges are no big deal.

But what if you plan on sewing a sheer drapery panel? Those seams would look unsightly. What do you… Continue

Added by Susan on October 28, 2008 at 6:00am — 2 Comments

Panels

I was wondering what you do with the panels that are for sale. I bought one it has a large picture in the middle and four smaller pictures two on top and two on the bottom. They are a Fall theme. Do I cut them up and then put together with sashing, batting, and backing. The pictures are thrimed around with a black band. I was thinking that I should cut them up and make a wall hanging and possibley two table squares to sent on the table. Let me know what you think and thank you. Nancy Jean

Added by Nancy Jean on October 24, 2008 at 3:50pm — No Comments

wiling away the day in a sketchy way

It’s amazing how much can be said
For the mesmerising powers of paper and lead
With a story bouncing round my head
And creative hunger being fed

With a little writing and a little sketching, Nora Andrews came to be…

http://rellacafa.blogspot.com/2008/10/wiling-away-day-in-sketchy-way.html

Added by Caf on October 23, 2008 at 10:26pm — No Comments

seeking distraction in south east melbourne

it’s been a while

since i was able

to crack a smile

and turn the tables

but here i am

back again

and sharing my little

hunt for distraction

feeling a little

out of touch

trying to catch up

though there is so much

please don’t be sad

that I’ve not been around

sometimes i work through things

with my head in the ground

i’m almost ready to surface again…

Continue

Added by Caf on October 20, 2008 at 9:50pm — No Comments

Quilting Fabric

Beginner quilters are often mystified by the selection of quilting fabric. Rest assured that once you have a quilt or two under your belt, selecting quilting fabric gets easier. If you are still uncomfortable selecting quilting fabrics, here are a few tips to keep in mind. 1. Who will the quilt be for? If you are making a baby quilt, don't choose open weave fabrics in which tiny fingers might get entangled. If you are quilting for a… Continue

Added by Susan on October 15, 2008 at 5:30pm — 2 Comments

Stretching Boiled Wool

I just purchased a beautiful, used boiled wool jacket from Austria on Ebay. The quality is excellent. The only problem is the sleeves are too short! Has anyone had any luck stretching thick boiled wool? I thought I'd wet the sleeves with a little water and hair conditioner mixture. Any ideas? I've had fairly good luck with regular wool sweaters because I'm patient and spend a lot of time streching and pulling before they dry.

Added by Lori on October 14, 2008 at 5:59pm — No Comments

pretty paintbrushes and the princess of tiger lilies

Once again that special day
Came along in its special way
With gifts & cards & lots of cake
To leave a little belly ache
When mixed with just a little wine
Bubbling in the bright sunshine
So nice to get outside and play
And to feel mostly normal, almost anyway

Come see my pretty pressies…

Added by Caf on October 7, 2008 at 2:50am — No Comments