Stack and Slash

There are many aspects of creating a quilt top I’ve yet to tackle. Two techniques come to mind immediately. One is the Stack and Slash method. The other, is creating a T-Shirt quilt.

Today, I’m researching the different tutorials available for the Stack and Slash (also called Stack and Whack) and want to share my findings with you as well! Have you created a quilt top using this method? I would love to hear any points and tips you’d like to offer! Please, leave a comment!

I’m a visual learner. Or, I can listen to someone explain how to do something, and remember the instructions ~ usually! Reading the instructions and then following them to the T, is a struggle for me.

Understanding this about myself, I need to find different ways to get to the same end.

This diamond quilt was ~ sort-of ~ using the Stack and Slash technique –

But not really…

I’d like to create something catawampus and fun!

The Stack and Slash technique is different from how I created this crazy quilt:

At Svetlana’s blog, S.O.T.A.K. Handmade, I found an informative tutorial (complete with photos!) using 6 different coordinating colors. This is her quilt top:

To start, each piece is cut 16” x 16” (so, I’ll pick up 6 fat quarters during the upcoming quilt shop hop *road trip!), then perfectly stacked together with the right sides of all the fabric facing the same way, up!

I know when I try this, I will need to go very very slowly, with no television on in the background, and follow the step-by-step instructions she provides.

This slowness will be especially important during the restacking aspect! You’ll understand what I’m talking about once you’ve read her tutorial underneath her picture:

I went to Pinterest and searched “Stack and Slash tutorials” and found many more ideas and methods!

The bright reds and pinks caught my eye on this one by Ms. Elaineous (isn’t that a clever name!):

It has fewer pieces to cut (only 5 times rather than the 9 on the one above) and just may be an easier one for me to start with when trying this new-to-me technique.

Then I went to Youtube! I’m so thankful for folks taking the time to create videos for those of us visual learners!

Oh! My!



This looks like a good one… I don’t have the bandwidth here at the ranch to watch it myself – not until I get somewhere with unlimited wi-fi availability!

Anyway, this is something I’m going to try out. I know I can!

Will you?


*road trip set for September 13th (one week from today!!!)... stay tuned!

Love the Idea!

Remember back, during the first week of National Sewing Month, when I wrote about adding my own flare to something I’ve seen others create? Well, I’m doing it again!

I stumbled upon the idea of a Fidget Book the other day. Of course, I would refer to them as an Action Book for adults with Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, or traumatic brain injury. As I’ve mentioned before, “Fidget” is a derogatory term in my mind.

I’ve never created a “fabric book” before! Of course, I did a google.com search first, then moved to Pinterest to gather some ideas! Oh. My. Goodness. I found LOTS of fabulous ideas!

Not being blessed with having children, through this search I learned the term “Quiet Books” - that is, those that are for children! But, I did find lots of additional ideas (that I pinned) of how and what to incorporate that can be used for adults!

Lella Boutique shares a wonderful photo tutorial on the basic book structure. It’s for a little boy, but can you just imagine doo-dads for an adult – like I do on an Action Quilt??!!! This example has frayed edges…

I’m thinking I want a smooth, finished edge… but how to join together? I really don’t want to use rings, but maybe I’ll have to rather than stitch it together – depends on how thick it is.

BINGO!

Pictures are worth a 1000 words…

Although I found on Pinterest, a website in Russian (I’m sure google would have translated), Baby Blog shared lots of photos that speak VOLUMES!

I believe “Mother Load” is another saying that fits the bill here!

Now, my creative juices are flowing… I’ll figure it out!

Creating Doodads

Creating doodads for Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts) gives me a variety of things ~ something productive ~ to do when I can’t be at the sewing machine or at the longarm machine. Although making small items - something I usually don't do anymore - but by using the different techniques naturally limits long time hand repetition – which is a bad thing for us all!

I’ve done a few already (have only quilted, hand washed & air dried, this first one)…

I kept mulling over what craft supplies I have on hand. Oh, so many! I’ve had so many “moods” and attempts…

Anyway, I went to my favorite place on the internet – of course – Pinterest! I first created a new board Action Quilts (aka Fidget Quilts). This is where I put all the great ideas I come across on the Internet for future reference! Yes!

I've search(ed) for ideas on each “type” of craft objects I have on hand. Some things I know how to do, others I’ve yet to learn. Lots of my “pins” are reminders. I want to share with you what I found:

Plastic canvas – Messing with plastic canvas was one of my “phases” of doing/creating things – years ago! But, I still have a bunch! When using, however, I'll make sure the edges are covered securely so not to scratch anyone.

Oh, my! I just saw a lovely pin of a heart (for Valentine’s Day)! I never thought about working to totally cover a canvas (albeit small!) with the yarn, then embroidery – say an outline of a heart – on top of it! Maybe add a few French Knots here and there! Cuteness!

I pinned a plastic canvas bookmark that has fringe on the bottom! That would work nicely on an Action Quilt!

What about adding beads (I have so many!!!) to the design? I bet that would look amazing!

Oh, and I just saw a clever way to evenly mark where stitches need to go when working on trimming felt or fabric! I Wanna Build A Memory blog shares how! She’s talking about faux stitches on paper (for scrapbooking), but I will apply to real stitches on fabric of some sort!

Which brings me to…

Scrapbooking

– yes, another phase that quickly went to the way-side – of course after I bought a lot of supplies! I realize I won’t be using the paper on the Action Quilts, but the trims I have may work. I’ll have to check them out. In the meantime, I’m searching Pinterest for the embellishment techniques. I can certainly incorporate them into doodads!

Flip photos – I have a fabric that has individual days of the week printed on it, it's really cute! I cut out the rectangles, then have wondered how/what to do … this pin gave me an idea to try! I’m excited!

Weaving – if using ribbon, it must be washable! Most of my ribbons are grosgrain, but some are poly satin (therefore, will go through a gentle hand wash). I just saw where someone weaved a beautiful piece using lace hem tape! All the finds will be suitable to use on an Action Quilt! I just need a variety of ideas to use up my stash. Of course, Pinterest has lots!

The different headband instructions would work nicely. I could also add beads to the 1/8” wide satin ribbons like they show when making bracelets.

I just saw a T-shirt with ribbon weaving done on the upper front area… evenly slicing the holes would be a challenge for me, but in small areas, I could do this! Felt should work beautifully as well!

Oh, and a small chain (made from material that won’t rust!) to weave the ribbon through and use the ribbon ends to stitch down on the Action Quilt!

Using folded, or unfolded fabric strips to weave a textured doodad – certainly! This is a great idea!

I never would have come up with weaving small ribbon through the edging loops of another ribbon! Yes! I saw it on Pinterest!

I need to come up with a small weaving loom. I found one on Pinterest made out of popsicle sticks. That may work since my projects will all be small. I thought about finding an old picture frame and carefully hammering evenly spaced nails along the top & bottom. Or, I’ve seen an embroidery hoop used. I’ll come up with something.

I used a piece of Styrofoam and a bunch of pins to make this one, but it was a pain to hand stitch the perimeter to get it off in one piece. 

I knew then the next one would have to have a “loom” of some sort. Once I stitch it down to a piece of fabric, I’ll remove my tacky hand stitching, and trim the ribbons to equal distance for someone to fiddle with.

Hand Embroidery is always an easy project to do while watching television! It’s one of my favorites, to embellish something by adding a bit of texture here and there. Needless to say, over the years, I’ve collected lots and lots of embroidery floss!

Thanks to My Arts Desire, there are many fabulous ideas in this one photo… even creating “notebook paper”!!! I never would have thought! I’m so thankful for Pinterest and the clever ideas others have and share!

Photo source: My Arts Desire 

Fabric (puff) Paint – not that I’m an artist like my Mother, but I can follow a drawn (traced) line! I don’t recall why I bought the paint, but I have a few and would like to use them, before they totally dry up!

Crayons – Since my nieces were toddlers (over 40 years ago), I’ve had crayons in my home! In fact, I think I still have their original crayons & their boxes! I remember when the step-grandsons came along, I got new ones… but they, too, are past the coloring phase. What to do? I’ve heard about using them on fabric, but haven’t yet tried. So, I went to Pinterest.

From the photos of pins I’ve seen I like the transparency that melted crayons give rather than the opaque coverage of paints. At least, it offers a different look for the Action Quilt user.

D-Rings ~ I have several in my supply stash. I’ve used a few already, but would like a few new/different doodads using D-Rings for using on future Action Quilts. I just saw one… I never thought about adding fringe on the curve side! That’s clever! Oh, well, I didn’t find many fresh ideas. I’m glad I don’t have all that many!

What else can I do with my collection of Yarn….

Fork pom poms! Yep! Using a fork makes teeny tiny pom poms! Keep them separate, individual, or string together!

Oh, I can make yarn dolls, or tassles, or maybe a small basket to stitch on to the Action Quilt.

Zippers –

Oh. My. Goodness… I have bags and bags filled with zippers! Momma also cleaned out her stash and gave them to me several years ago!

So many clever applications, especially when also incorporating felt!

Well, these should keep me busy (and from falling asleep in my recliner) at night while watching television! I'm thrilled beyond words to know what to do with all my various supplies I have on hand! It will be so nice to know ~ when my craft room is empty ~ that others will have found some comfort for their once busy hands.

I would love to know any ideas you have!

I also hope this has inspired you to create a gift of an Action Quilt for someone with Alzheimer's or Dementia. I'm told the caregivers sure could use something like this for their Loved One! We also need to take care of the caregivers!

Lanetta

Orphan Blocks

It works out this way sometimes - I make too many blocks for a quilt top! Maybe I counted wrong in the first place, which is not unusual for me! Or, I’ve decided after-the-fact to make wider border(s) rather than another complete row of blocks. But, now I have orphan blocks! What to do? I can’t waste the fabric, or the time involved to make the blocks. I just can’t do it.

I also like to “play” with different designs with the scraps, but they end up differing sizes. That’s not a problem. I simply add a “sashing” around the smaller one(s) to get them all the same size. That’s what I did to make this banner….

Sorry it's a fuzzy photo! But you get the idea!

One day while playing around, I used one inch scraps to make a couple of braided star blocks...

I may make more, someday. Every now and then, I glance over and see them, and think, what can I do with them?

I’m thinking “out loud” here…

Maybe coasters? My sewing machine sits on an oak desk. I will not place a coffee cup, or an Iced Tea glass down on the wood without protection. Right now I’m using an up side down tin lid! Tacky, I know! A quilted block with extra protection from liquids will be just the thing to spruce up my sewing room!

Maybe a pincushion? Momma came up with a great suggestion! She thinks I ought to make a pincushion to hang from my neck to use while I’m loading a quilt top on the long arm frame! I have it on my “to-do” list!

Maybe a placemat? We have an antique repurposed library table with a glass top sitting between our recliners. I use an old yucky placemat now for our Iced Tea glasses (and my wine glass). I do believe a quilted orphan block with a nice border around it would be lovely there!

In fact, I made a wall hanging for our living room…

This picture was taken shortly after I made it! It is not hanging here permanently!

I have a much better spot, but don't have a picture of it right now.
This was a quilt-as-you go technique I was attempting to learn!

And have two blocks left over (as the wall hanging was long enough!) and they would make the perfect “placemat” for the coffee table! Where's my to-do list I started?

Maybe potholders for smaller, say 6 inch block leftovers… I have the insulated stuff needed for heat protection!

Which reminds me – I need something that when taking my iron to a sew-in gathering, that I have a bag large enough to carry a hot iron back home! Again, I have the heat insulation stuff needed! A couple of orphan blocks would be a perfect thing to use!

Then there are table runners. I wouldn’t mind a new quilted one for my oak buffet!

What else?

Oh, totes! Of course! Set your timer so you don’t lose track of time, then check out Pinterest for all the wonderful ideas!

  

Some folks are into pillows… I personally am not… but ~ again ~ Pinterest is full of ideas on quilted pillows!

What do you do with orphan blocks?

The Fabulous Four Patch

When you see what creative minds have already done for us, you’ll think Fabulous Four Patch as well! I had so much fun looking up the different possibilities to share with you, and also have ready-to-find place in the future that’s packed full of ideas!

Of course, I went over to Pinterest and searched “four patch”… wow! I’ll just share a few of my favorites and let you explore further later!

I like the mixing of small four patches, with bigger ones (some call it “Double 4 patch) to make an over-all four patch block design.

This is a good picture from All People Quilt, to show what I mean...

Taking the four patch to the next level ~

Making it disappear… Sarah Did It shows you how she did it!

Oh, my! Check out this “twist” I found on the What comes next? blog! Another one on my to-do list! I’m really liking the diagonal business! This is just the beginning....

Or, mix bunches of four patch blocks with half square triangles and you have something lovely like a reader of Quiltville put together and shared:

The patches don’t have to be square…

Mix the little & big and they can be set on point…

You know me, I could go on and on, but will stop here!

I hope I've Inspired you to explore and Create!

Fabric Origami

Creating fabric origami is a new-to-me endeavor. I’ve never attempted this technique before using fabric, but I have added to my to-do list! I don’t remember where I first saw accents or whole projects created using ribbon or fabric origami techniques. I remember finding them beautifully intriguing. I wanted a quick reference point with the how-to’s. Hopefully, you’ll find them inspiring as well.

I’ve created uncomplicated paper origami projects before. Maybe the process is similar…

I may start off with something small… just to get the feel of working the fabric folds… maybe a butterfly! Google would not translate the Chinese site for me, but the pictures are worth a 1000 words anyway… 

I found these bright cheerful colored butterflies on Pinterest made the same way! Just goes to show what a bit of imagination can do!

Rowley DIY shows us how to do an Origami Ruffle…

Threads shares a picture tutorial How to Make a Striped Origami Belt. 

It’s all in the fold… Fabric Origami Wallet

And, it’s in the bag…

I’m sew doing these! Which one will you try?

I Wouldn't be any Other Place

It’s interesting the way things happen. I wrote my last post, Things in Order, exactly ten days before the Lord called my daddy home. Between then and the phone call at 6:10 p.m. on January 28^th, I worked and worked, getting my things in order. I’m still not finished, but that’s okay. I’m now working on getting things in order for Momma.

I wouldn’t be any other place.

Although I’ve set my ArtFire Studio to “vacation” mode right now (due to timely shipping issues since I’m away), I so appreciate customers contacting me via email. Several places, such as Facebook and Pinterest, have pictures of my products, with links. I am receiving inquiries and continue to receive special orders.

I’m grateful to each and every one of you!

It’s a nice break from paperwork to create an apron (or 4!) for a special occasion!

Thank you!

Lanetta

Pinterest for Sewing

This morning I wanted to simply share a thought provoking quote about sewing. I went on a search for the perfect one. Then I got distracted! Not surprising, I get distracted quite easily! However, during the distraction phases I usually stumble across amazing information I wouldn’t have found otherwise. This is a good thing. But, I can get seriously behind doing the things I really want to be doing! 

I’ve heard Pinterest has opened up to the masses. Originally, you had to have a way in from a friend’s invite, or get on their long waiting list. That must have been during their beta time. Anyway, if you’re not yet on Pinterest, I highly recommend the amazing resource! WARNING: Very addictive!

If you’re not on Pinterest, the following won’t make a bit of sense… sorry!

If you are, I have a few boards! 

Remember, I was searching for sewing quotes...

The first listing on Google happened to be a Pinterest link from Hayes Sewing. I immediately clicked “Follow All” as their 18 packed-full boards with amazingly beautiful inspiration and will be a place I will return, and return! This is a perfect example of the huge benefits of Pinterest!

Then I searched within Pinterest for “sewing” – forget today’s perfect quote – pictures say a 1000 words.

Okay. Now I really need to get off of Pinterest and get busy sewing!

Hope you have a perfect Sunday!

Friday Fun – Shopping



Photo by Coolinsights



What could be more fulfilling than a Friday Fun filled day shopping? Don’t want or need anything? “Window shopping” is also fun because it plants seeds for future gifts ~ upcoming birthdays, special occasions, and Christmas! For which ever purpose, the convenience of shopping without leaving the comforts your home, not having to use expensive gasoline, deal with fighting crowds, or spend precious traveling time, shopping online is an awesome experience!

Besides Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, and of course, my ArtFire store, there’s a new place in town: Pinterest!

Oh my goodness! Pinterest is amazing! If you don’t yet have Pinterest, send me your email and I’ll be happy to send an invite! It will take forever (if ever) if you send them a request to join!

If you are an online business, you may want to check out this informative video:

Once you’re in Pinterest, click on “About” then “Pin It Button” and follow their instructions to add the button to your favorites bar. This button makes it very convenient to “pin” something amazing you found on the internet for future reference. Now to organize your findings, you’ll create “boards”.

You’ll see on my Pinterest site, I’ve created 24 boards. The photo only shows a smidgen worth! I can add more if I have the need.

Besides finding things on the internet, others will also find things and share on their boards! You can “shop” other people’s Pinterest and “repin” something you like. It’s a domino effect… running viral!

Caveat: Pinterest is addictive! Set a timer!