Sending a quilt to a quilter

A couple of weeks ago, someone asked me, “…tell me what I need to have in place before sending a quilt to a quilter.”

I know how I would answer this straightaway, but as a new longarm quilter, I decided to see what the professionals had to say.

After looking at numerous websites, I found over and over, and totally agree with:

1.     Quilt top needs to be squared, trimmed of loose threads, and pressed.

2.     Backing needs to be at least 4” to 6” larger than the quilt top on all four sides. The backing also needs to be pressed.

 NOTE: Everyone charged a fee for ironing and trimming threads! I wonder why? Duh! Because it takes time!

 For me, however, rather than cutting the backing to size, when someone is using the wide backing – 108” wide fabric, I like the selvages to stay on while I’m quilting it. I’m able to line up the selvage on top and bottom much easier.

This same person had asked me before what size was my ironing board or surface that I press my finished quilt tops. My answer: I only use a regular sized ironing board throughout the process. I don’t press the huge top because by the time my quilt top is completed, I have thoroughly pressed every inch of it ~ as I go. (Oh, and I never put water in my iron!)

I had a professional, experienced, LA quilter make the remark, “I would quilt one of Lanetta’s quilts anytime.” This is the top she quilted... and did a beautiful job on it!

We all have our own way of doing things, this is my process:

Use 100% quality cotton (it tends to fray less)

I rarely prewash my fabric now. I do “set” the colors during the completed quilt’s first washing. (Specialty products are available, or a tablespoon of Dawn dishwashing soap added to the washer works magically!)

Just saw this article & wanted to insert here to share! The National Quilter's Circle explains nicely "quality" of fabric. 

Cut accurately (measure twice, cut once!)

I never ever use the cutting mat to measure. Their lines are only guides to keep fabric straight, not to measure with. If the printed lines distract, I flip it over and use the solid mat.

Sew ¼ inch seams – accurately! All patterns are geared to ¼” seams.

Press the stitches to blend, then press either open or to the side – whichever is needed for the smooth joining to the next block. I never ever sew over an unpressed seam.

Once a block is finished and pressed from the back side, I flip it over and mist with spray starch and press again. This is also when I clip any threads that may have gotten caught within the stitching and is seen on the front side.

I square up each block before sewing to the next block.

This continual process of pressing continues throughout the entire quilt top. So, by the time I’m finished, it’s all pressed and ready to hand off to a longarmer!

Does my arm get tired picking up the iron so much? Yes.
Do I get tired getting up and down and walking over to the ironing board that I purposely have several steps away? Yes. (My form of exercise on a sewing day!)

Is all this worth it? Yes!

It is indeed worth it to have a nice, quality made quilt top, ready for quilting! Any longarm quilter will be pleased, thrilled beyond words to work with your quilt!

National Quilting Day

The entire month of March is National Quilting Month, but today is the day! According to the National Quilting Association, the first National Quilting Day was observed in 1992. Now it’s a global celebration!

NOTE TO SELF: It is always the third Saturday in March.

Maybe next year, I’ll not be under the gun in organizing, creating, encouraging others to help, in getting 30 quilts finished to honor our local Veterans! Hopefully next year, I am able to organize a local public celebration of quilt making! I will, however, celebrate today through service by finishing quilting a top, and hopefully load another one on the longarm frame.

Thanks to the National Quilting Association, they offer a variety of ideas, of ways to celebrate National Quilting Day. Here are a few I will certainly keep in mind while planning next year’s celebration!

1. Make it a service day – maybe schedule a local sew-in on 3/19/2016
2. Organize an exhibit at the library – invite folks to share their quilts! I would love to share the one my maternal grandmother made me over 45 years ago!
3.  Start a “quilt documentation” project! I’d never heard of this until today! I did a google and found a site “Texas Quilt Search Project” and will check into it further, later! Wouldn’t it be fun to do a local project and produce something like those local recipe books but have it about Quilts! Just thinking out loud here!
4. Organize several of my fellow quilters to each demonstrate a quilt block technique to a group, set up at various locations, where ever they may be!
5. Oh, I like this idea… contact a hospital (before hand) and donate a quilt to the first baby born on National Quilting Day!

So many other great suggestions… 

I agree with what they wrote in the article: 

The possibilities for National Quilting Day

are limited only by your time and energy!

What are your suggestions on how to celebrate next year?

A Patron and a Quilt Show

Texas has quite a few major quilt shows! I went to the Houston International Quilt show about ten years ago with my cousin. We had a fabulous time! We were there the three full days and I don’t think we saw it all! We didn’t “stick” together, but would meet up every couple of hours for a “show and tell” of treasures we found. We’d have lunch together, then go our separate ways until the next meet-up. In my opinion, that’s the only way to experience a quilt show when a family member or friend also attends. They are “with” you, but not with you!

I can’t see ever going back to Houston. But, I never say never! It’s just too big for me. Now, the Dallas Quilt Show – I’ve been several times and am planning on attending this Friday – is just the right size. Although there are hundreds of vendors, the variety is amazing. I can hardly wait to get there!

I keep thinking… what should I wear… what should I carry to put my goodies in that I know I’ll have to have (since Dallas has a pay for a bag ordinance that applies to the quilt show as well)… where will I stash my cell phone, money, keys, lipstick, driver’s license, as I don’t want to be bothered by a purse!

The only thing I know for sure:

My roper boots – the most comfortable shoes I own! I wore them all over touring Ireland and never had sore feet!

And, I will wear red... I always wear red on Friday's to "Remember Everyone Deployed"!!!

Do I take my backpack and have it hanging on my back all day long?

Do I take my rolling sewing machine thingy, and get in everyone’s way like those small luggage things others use, or a baby stroller that mom’s forget is a tripping hazard?

What do you use?

What do you wear? 

Inquiring minds what to know! 

Make it Happen!

Today is International Women’s Day. Although every day is Women’s Day in my world, it is the internationally recognized day to celebrate the achievements of women! Oh, yes! We have come a long way baby! Do we have more to go? Certainly!

This year’s theme is Make it Happen, “…encouraging effective action for advancing and recognizing women.”

I found a slew of current and past videos on their “resources” page. They appear to be inspirational, informative, and inspiring. I’ll watch myself the next time I’m somewhere with unlimited bandwidth! Let me know if one in particular has special meaning for you.

Past or Present, what woman has inspired you? 

Bite Size Pieces

Are you interested in making a quilt, but find quilt blocks intimidating? Well, some are for sure! When I look at award winning quilts at the State Fair of Texas, and online, many are certainly far above my skill level! However, I don’t let that stop me from creating others, less complicated yet beautiful, quilts!

September of last year, during National Sewing Month, I posted daily articles focused on making quilt tops. “It’s that time again” begins the series. Click “newer post” at the bottom to read the next day, then so on and so forth. 

Anyway, I met Linda M. while working the Elections. She and I worked together several days during the early voting period one year. Because of the low number of voters coming in, we had a bit of “down time” between citizens exercising their right. I had brought several quilting magazines. I believe she brought a crossword book ~ I’m not sure ~ because we both ended up looking through my magazines, together!

NOTE: Please cast your vote when the time comes!

Linda shared she hadn’t really done much sewing since her now grown children were young. She does beautiful embroidery/cross-stitch work – as she brought a “show and tell” piece one day. While looking through the magazines, it was fun hearing her recall how many of the designs brought back memories of quilts her mother had created.

She commented on a quilt she saw, something about it being too difficult for her to ever create. I took a pencil, drew hard lines around each block, and suggested, “Break it down into bite size pieces.”

I could see the light bulb going off!

This is my process when I see a “free” quilt pattern. Because of having limited bandwidth issue, I cannot download patterns. So, I print off a sheet of graph paper, sharpen my pencil, find a straight edge, and go to work. Although I have a picture, I need to “see” the block on graph paper.

So, the next time you see a fabulous quilt, break it down into bite size pieces to see how it is put together. Make a spin off, to make it your own!

When you’re ready to create a quilt, I found an amazing site chalked full of invaluable information at about home. I highly recommend it, even for the experienced quilter!

"The Quilt Lady"

Someone I’d never met before gave me one of the nicest compliments I’ve heard in a long time! Before a meeting, we were sitting around a table introducing ourselves, and when I said my name to a lady, she immediately said, “Oh! You’re the Quilt Lady!”

I must say, it took me by surprise! What a nice way to be known!

With the arrival of March yesterday, this Quilt Lady is celebrating National Quilting Month!

For me, I celebrate quilting every day, every month, every minute I possibly can! Quilts bring back many fond memories. I remember sleeping underneath a pile of quilts (long before electric blankets or electric mattress pads came along in my parent’s or my grandparent’s home). I remember spreading a quilt out, for a wine and cheese picnic next to Turtle Creek when my husband and I first began dating. Now, a quilt always covers me while curled up in my chair reading a good book.

Why do quilts matter?

It’s a transformation process filled with prayerful love that is hard to explain. Those that create quilts will understand this. Those covered with a quilt will feel the warmth, literally and figuratively.

Quilts matter.

I am blessed to be known as “The Quilt Lady”.

I am blessed my Mother taught me how to sew.

I am blessed now I can give back...

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

Action Quilt (aka Fidget Quilt)

Several weeks ago, a friend called my attention to a newspaper article about a lady creating Fidget Quilts. La Mon knows me well. She knew it would interest me. I went on a Facebook search, and found Fidget Quilts, by the same lady the article featured!

I then did a Pinterest search… oh my goodness, lots of folks are making them! What a great idea ~ to help those with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s keep their hands busy, things to fiddle with while they still can.

Even “Sewing with Nancy” has a blog entry “Sew an Alzheimer’s Activity Mat”. I like the clear plastic pocket where a photo could go. I understand zippers are important, and I like the way Nancy used different machine embroidery stitches to attach the zipper.

As long as the felt is washable, and doesn’t fade, I like the different textures this provides:

Several folks on Etsy are creating “fidget” something or the other quilts… and they are charging outrageous prices. I’m sorry. I just can’t see doing this, charging anything other than minimal shipping and handling to get it to the caregiver.

I did an Internet search and found a blog article called Nancy’s Beginnings from a couple of years ago on a quilt guild creating the Fidget Quilts for community service! Yes! She’s also provided lots of fabulous ideas.

And, I found other articles going back to 2009. So, I’m late to the party… again!

However, I personally don’t like calling it “fidget quilt”.

I believe it sounds more positive for an adult to call it an “Action Quilt” … and is what I’m calling those I create! Lord knows I have the supplies. I’m thrilled to discover productive ways to use the materials I readily have available.

January has been a weird month…

I wrote it all out, then deleted… just trust me!

Suffice it to say, time spent in Dallas so far this month I couldn’t sew, so I did the next best thing – I planned! I created a Pinterest board, Action Quilts, where I’ve been pinning different ideas to incorporate. I’ve also learned about adding different tactile attributes to the quilts. Sometimes it’s a simple embellishment like ribbon folding or weaving, or using ruffles or scallops, in a variety of fabric textures. So many ideas! It keeps me going when I can’t sew…

I know I have several quilts to quilt for our Veterans (and a few tops under construction to finish), but I so want to make at least one Action Quilt very soon. Maybe, once my energy level returns to normal after also experiencing the flu over the past couple of weeks, I can gather supplies together and make a “kit” for the next time I’m off to Dallas to be with my mother! I can weave ribbon without sewing. I’m sure there are a lot of things I can do without having a sewing machine… all in preparation of creating Action Quilts!

Fabulous Support Group

As 2014 comes to a close, I’m thankful it’s been a great year of discovery, of finding like-minded folks! In October, I created a “closed” group on Facebook, the Lone Star of Texas Quilts for Others. The membership is full of supportive and encouraging people sharing the same goals as we journey through creating quilts for national and community based service endeavors.

The collective group creates quilts to honor and comfort our Veterans and Active Military, for children and adults in need of a hug, and even Veteran Service Dogs who are instrumental in the emotional wellness of our veterans.

Sometimes we have questions, or someone is looking for something specific…

Like this morning… I had a longarm stitching question… wondering what I was doing wrong writing with the machine and within minutes, two members explained what I was doing, and what I needed to do!

I can’t recall how many times someone has requested specific print fabric needed and someone else has it in their stash – ready to mail it out if it will work!

Oh, and don’t forget the math questions…

And, the wonderful tips to make a quilt design easier…

And, oh, all the creative ideas that runneth over!!!

I’m thankful for this fabulous support group!

Are you like-minded? Join us!

Daily Journal Writing

I know it takes discipline to write a daily journal. I wonder ~ will I be able to maintain such an endeavor? We’ll see. I started one on the 10^th of December. It’s been 10 days today. So far, so good.

The focus of the daily writing is simply to log what I’m doing ~ basically how I spend my time ~ and what’s going on around me. I decided when I started, I would omit sharing any feelings or rambling thoughts I happen to have that particular day/time/moment. It’s just the facts, Jack!

In addition to the daily journal, on December 10th I also started an excel file, recording time spent creating/working on quilts for others. This is not only for my personal information, but also for the local Texas Extension Education Association group I recently joined. They need a monthly report from members as to time spent on community service, and the other mission aspects.

The mission of the Texas Extension Education Association, Inc. is to work with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service to strengthen and enrich families through educational programs, leadership development and community service.

I’m using MS Word to keep the daily journal. I now click SAVE after every bloomin entry ~ already learnt the hard way to do this!!! After 3 days, I decided rather than go to the bottom for the current day, to always use the first page (which is what automatically opens up) to add the new day. Okay, did you get that? Hope so!

Do you keep a daily journal? Do you hand write or type it? How detailed do you make it? This inquiring mind would love to know!