Creative Folk Quilting

Seaming Batting Sections

2011-12-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me while piecing together a batting that learning quilters might like a photo or two of how it can be done. The batting I used on my last quilt is 100% cotton needled batting and to widen it, I attached a strip. You'll have to do your own figuring for sizes according to your individual project. Make sure the two sides you will join are straight-edged, and place 2 together, straight edges aligned. Hand baste a running stitch all along the edge (don't pull tightly--just enough to keep edges snug together). By leaving just a little slack in the tension, when you lay out the batting flat, the thread will flatten into the batting and appear "seamless". Hand sew your batting 4 or 5 inches and give it a test flattening to make sure the tension is suitable.

Dreams of Spring

2011-10-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, I suddenly realized I've had a blinding love affair with Pinks! Glad I got that out of my system. This quilt is featured in the recently released (October 2011) Best Fat Quarter Quilts from Quilters Newsletter. The pattern for the quilt is included in the issue--click the photo above if you'd like to acquire a copy (likewise you can click the QN magazine image with Coming & Going to order magazine containing pattern. Even when using traditional patterns such as the long-honored Log Cabin, there is always creative room for exploring new block arrangements and embellishments. See full articles in these two Quilters Newsletter publications for detailed construction information. Now then, think I shall move on to the color aqua!

Coming & Going Modern Wall Quilt

2011-10-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

In this post, you can see more clearly the versatile use of the Cathedral Window pattern. I have sewn the rounded edges of the "pancake" block to side one. Further design variations can be developed by forming patterns on each of the sides using the rounded "flap" edges. Topstitch some down on side one, some on side two.

Creative Visualization

2011-10-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Just when you think everything's been done that can be done in the way of piecing quilts, another idea comes floating down the stream. Check out the cover photo of the "Coming and Going" (get it--two sides, you can look at one side coming and the other side going) quilt on the Quilters Newsletter April/May 2011 issue above and you will realize it is composed of the Cathedral Window pattern. By taking this pattern and piecing each of the sides, patterning opportunities are endless with just this one pattern. You can view the photo below to understand the process of strip piecing the initial squares that make up the circular "pancake" blocks. or contact QNM for the full pattern for the pictured quilt. Now set your minds to studying on other blocks that you might piece to change the entire look of a quilt!

What You Can Do with White Elephant Blocks

2011-03-06T06:58:00.001-08:00

Have a white elephant block or two that you can't bear to get rid of, but don't have enough to make a piece? Use the blocks to make small clutches or bags. The bags shown are made with 15" blocks in the pineapple pattern using the Twinkle fabric collection by Yolanda Fundora. To achieve the tailored look (with a stable batting), I recommend Warm & Natural 100% needled cotton batting. Fold your completed block (lined and bound) in half diagonally, tuck in the sides and stitch. One remaining corner can be fashioned as a closure, the other is tucked inside on my bag and stitched down. Use velcro, magnetic closures, or snaps to secure closure. Now you can put those leftover blocks into service as gifts for lingerie bags, casual carry-alls, or even sewing accessories--perhaps a carry bag for your scissors or rotary cutter.

Beginners Getting Started on Quilting

2011-03-06T06:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not really much of a "quilter", although I prefer the feel of a piece that is hand-quilted. That is to say, I don't get involved with fine quilting, feathers, and all that fancy work so many other "real" quilters do so impressively. When I do hand quilt, it tends to be outline stitches or straight line stitches--very easy, quick, and usually does not have to be marked (and require that those marks be removed). For you beginners out there, you may want to try a technique that relies on using easily removable painter's (masking) tape. You can see in the photo at left that I am placing strips of 1" wide tape along sewn components to mark the stitching line for quilting. Simply align one edge of the tape next to a seam line and stitch along the opposite edge of the tape. I do place pins perpendicular to the tape to hold the fabric layers in place. Of course, this method won't work for every situation--it does well here where I have large expanses of solid (not pieced) fabric. You do have the availability of widths from which to choose, and the masking tape does not have to be painter's tape. If you want to get your feet wet quilting simply, give it a try.

Creating One-of-a-Kind Projects

2011-02-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

Occasionally, you may want to create a project for which no pattern exists, such as the wall quilt pictured. I started with a graphic image selected from the works of M.C. Escher for a long-ago contest I entered sponsored by Quilters Newsletter Magazine in which contestants interpreted their favorite artist. The cut-away sphere and background are both designs of the brilliant Escher. I hand pieced the background, then appliqued the sphere on top. Blenders and other fabrics that seem to "read" as solids are great playgrounds for experimenting with depth and value, such as Yolanda V. Fundora's Twinkle fabric line.
Tip for producing a wall quilt that doesn't sag: when cutting backing fabric, ensure that the up and down grain (as it hangs on the wall) is cut parallel to the selvage edge. It is the direction of grain that is most stable. Test this by tugging, with both hands, the direction of the selvage grain, then the cross cut (or width of fabric) direction.

Sharing Design Ideas--Diamonds

2011-02-01T04:11:00.000-08:00

,Sometimes all we need for
inspiration to embark on a
new design challenge is an
image of someone else's project.
The wall quilt below uses 60
degree diamonds to produce
the Lone Star, using leftover
pieces for the top edge header
and the bottom edge accents.
The dangles at center are
beads strung for a little
something extra.
To copy the table pad at left,
simply count diamonds and
substitute your preferred
fabrics, then piece together.

Using Patterns to Expand Possibilities

2010-12-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

Use patterns that you purchase to expand design opportunities. When designing "Simple Elegance Table Dressings", I did not include directions for table pads or runners since there are so many different types of table sizes and shapes. Using the basic pattern and directions, the placemats will fit round, square, or rectangular tables. You can easily design your own desired shape, width and length for a pad or runner using the techniques explained within the pattern. For the pad shown, I started with a basic square (a bit smaller than desired) and applied the borders in the manner as for the placemats. You will need to shape the corners of the square before sewing on the borders. Simply cut off the four corners (right angle triangles) all equally. Cut small at first to visualize the shape of the pad. You can always increase the cut. Just remember to cut the four corners equally. Use the same method to create a runner to accompany the placemats, or smaller serving dishes pads. See earlier posts below to discover how to use cuttings from your original placemats for pads, using up your cuttings.
Something more on possibilities...............shown at left is the Business Card Caddy from the pattern "Sophisticated Trio of Handbag Accessories". Many of us do not need or carry business cards. I use mine when I want to travel light and not carry a purse. I place my driver's license, bank card, and a couple of greenbacks inside. Fits nicely in a shirt pocket while jogging or attending busy events.

Shown at right, gifting ideas using stash fabrics and the eyeglass/sunglass pattern. To ensure your projects sew up as in the photos, I recommend Warm & Natural needled cotton batting.

Something a Little Different

2010-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Decided to break away from the usual and try a little experimenting. I'm fascinated lately with fusible tapes--my fave is the Warm Company's Steam-A-Seam 2, which comes in 1/4" and 3/16" widths. I have used the tapes in past years for tasks involving sewing clothing, but now that I largely use sewing time to quilt, I find ever new uses for this time-saving notion. Two of my most recent patterns that you see in the sidebar, Leafing Lovely Tableware and Harvest Pumpkin Tableware both use the fusible tape instead of sewing together the sectioned components and not only just instead of sewing, but sewing a more difficult task--curved seam sewing. I use the tape to fuse edges (turn them under 1/4", tack the tape on, overlap edges and fuse) for a speedy and accurate joining of assymetrical edges. Using the 3/16" width in this sort of application ensures the tape is hidden within the seam allowance. You will also find that several cuss words will be eliminated from the sewing session using this technique--frustration free sewing! Super speedy, super accurate, you'll love this application of the tape.

A Word About Working with Woven Cottons

2010-09-01T07:09:00.001-07:00

A little background information can be useful when working with cotton woven fabrics. Fabric is woven by setting the warp threads securely, then weaving the weft threads in and out of the warp. I remember the distinction of those two terms in this way: warp threads run parallel to the selvage edge and could (theoretically) go on to infinity, hence, warp speed like Star Wars. The weft, or back and forth from selvage to selvage, filler threads, I liken to left (weft) and right. Anyway, that's how I roll. So what does this gibberish have to do with quilting, you are wondering.
It's the nature and mechanics of the weave that affect the behavior of the fabric as you work with it. Because of the process of setting the warp threads of the weave first, it is a more stable, taut set of threads. The process of adding the cross threads (weft) results in the up and over and down and over crossing of the warp threads (weaving action) that by it's very nature adds some slack in the weft. What this means is that when you are cutting fabric, the cuts that parallel the selvage will be quite stable. The cuts that are perpendicular (right angle to) the selvage will be a bit stretchy, or have "give" in the weave. You can use these properties to your advantage when cutting and sewing. For example, by cutting long strips for, say, Log Cabins, you may want to make the length cuts parallel to the selvage, and sew with these cuts on top when sewing. If you sew with cross-cut (weft cuts) on top, you can experience distortion of the pieces as the pressure of the sewing foot, steam pressing, and other motions add to changing the original cuts of the fabric pieces. Pooh, pooh, you say? Factor in small distortions, then multiply by several pieces in a quilt before you discount the importance of considering how you will cut and sew fabric pieces.
This knowledge of cutting can be used to work to your advantage even when some cuts (often necessary to conserve fabric) are cut parallel to weft. When the option is available and some cuts are on the warp, some on the weft, simply place the stable weave on top to keep the stretchy cross cut under control while stitching.
Use this knowledge when pressing. Steam can distort your components, especially if you use a pushing motion with the iron. Lift and move your iron if you must press while sewing, or better yet, reserve steam for final pressing. Now that you realize the right-to-left motion is not a stable weave direction, move your iron in the direction that is, when such might be an issue.

More Handy Gadgets

2010-08-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

Two more handy-dandy items I repeatedly use are Dritz Fray Check to discourage thread whiskers (this for small projects like the Sophisticated Trio of Handbag Accessories--small projects where thread whiskers growing would be noticeable) and the Clover Mini Iron. The Mini Iron is also suited to the small spaces, such as turning under 1/4" hems where your full-size iron can more easily burn your fingers or block your vision. As I mentioned in a previous post, I use The Warm Company's Steam-A-Seam 2 quite frequently, and the mini iron is ideal for tacking strips into position.

Frequently Used Tools and Products

2010-08-10T06:06:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what sorts of products and tools different quilters use to produce the looks they want? Follows are a few of my old faithfuls--and a note why or how I use them.

The old stand-bys are obvious--good shears and scissors (don't forget a separate pair of paper scissors to keep the fabric shears sharp!). I also keep a rotary cutter that's devoted to paper use--it's a lot faster, of course, and neater to cut patterns with a blade and straightedge. Don't forget a small pair of snips or scissors for thread cutting--the tips have to be sharp to get a clean, close cut--no thread whiskers for me!

As for rulers, well, they collect faster than dust bunnies. Those that I use the most are 24" x 3 1/2", but any 24" is handy, especially when it's time to cut width of fabric strips. I also own a 24" x 6" and find that the extra width adds that much more stability when I'm trying to keep the fabric still for a cut. Throw in a smaller length ruler for the cuts following the WOF, smaller lengths, for which I keep on hand a 14" x 4". I find that trying to wrestle my 24" ruler here is just plain aggravating to be nimble. There are so many occasions that a square ruler comes in handy and for those jobs I keep a 15" square and a 9 1/2" model. If I had to choose only one, I'd keep the larger square for those jobs of squaring quilt corners and everything in-between. Two other rulers I would be missing like coffee without cream is a couple of metal rulers, 6" and 18". Ever use a small metal ruler to slide between layers of sewn piecing to flip one open to press? Insert between layers, back the ruler right to the seam line, and flip the fabric over with the metal edge. Press. That baby comes out oh, so crisp, straight and even in a world where distorted components will make your hair turn gray! Same with the larger ruler, plus has the advantage of the thin surface when I'm tracing lines, making patterns, etc. I can see better with a thin diameter ruler.

Speaking of rotary cutting and mats--well I'm speaking of it now--I made an important discovery recently while making a trade show quilt. I was rotary cutting 2" strips for the project, piecing, pressing, when I stopped to take a measurement. It was the sort of block and project where accuracy was important and I decided to stop and measure the finished 15" block, consisting of nine strips. Yep, it was off. I checked my directions for strip measurement, checked the strip measurement (flipped it on the gridded mat right quick), even checked the depth of my seam allowance. Everything checked out. Got out the calculator--check! Have you guessed yet where I went wrong? I used the gridded mat as the measurement for 2" strips, that is, I lined the fabric along one line on the mat and 2" away followed the line on the mat to cut. After much head scratching, I finally measured the lines on the gridded mat with an architect's ruler and found the fly in the ointment. The mat is a well known brand, but I'm guessing that after years of life, the plastic, which is not inert as, say, glass, apparently shrunk a bit--which I should have figured out more quickly since I am shrinking a bit too in my older life. Friends, check your mats occasionally and if off a bit, don't throw them out, just rely on your ruler to produce the measured increments. A last eye opener--I have also purchased quarter-inch graph paper in which measurements have been inaccurate. Who can you trust, huh? Where's the quilt police when you need them?

Redneck walking foot--this little gem everyone has, aka seam ripper. Yep, when you get to shoving the quilt layers under the presser foot and have no walking foot, take your seam ripper (or similar small tool) and flatten the layers of the fabrics just in front of the foot. This also works if you are sewing strips cut on the cross-grain (the straight grain that has a little "give" to it). The cross-cut grain, and of course bias cuts, will always have a tendency to stretch, wreaking havok with those tidy little pieces meeting like you had planned. As you are feeding fabrics into the machine, keep the flat side of the ripper near at hand to constantly flatten and assist feeding. You'll be amazed how this helps.

Knitting needle, of the blunt variety. I don't knit and I've never knitted because I don't have the patience. (Can you believe a quilter just said that?) I do own a knitting needle (it's a cool fuschia color) purchased at a discount store that is invaluable as a turning tool (no pencil poke-throughs for me!) and is great for working out sewn corners and seam lines.

Batting used to be purchased according to what was available in my area--quality, of course. That was, until I discovered Warm & Natural needled cotton batting. It is a product with a dimensional stability that I love for the projects I make. I love a tailored look because I am nuts about trying to get everything perfect, which I never do, of course. Anyway, this batting stays put while working with it and keeps it shape--so much so that I have made several projects, one a full size quilt, in which the batting is used as a template and saves a step during construction. Use the fleck side of batting (there is very little of it, not like in the old days) facing the quilt top. All the projects in the side bar of this blog use Warm & Natural needled cotton batting.

I discovered the other "gotta have on hand" product years ago when samples were being handed out at a quilt show in Florida. It's Steam-A-Seam 2 fusible bonding web. It's so handy for closing seam allowance openings and for hemming--my two most often performed tasks. I just finished some patterns for Blank quilting website, 2 of which are aprons, and I used the SAS2 as a template. Place the paper strip along the raw edge, paper side up, press 1-2 seconds with a dry iron just to make sure the position stays while working with it, then fold the fabric over using the paper liner as a template and crease the edge. That baby makes a nice clean edge and holds nice while you topstitch or whatever. I have also used the SAS2 to bond the binding to the quilt edge during finishing. If I sew the binding on the top side, fold it to the back and want to topstitch from the topside in the ditch, SAS2 makes you not hate binding. Apply strips to the underside of the back binding and fuse to the back, confining iron to the edges. Here's the ticket to smooth the binding into being a good girl and sitting still while you sew from the topside. I find so many uses for this product, it would just be boring listing them all--and take the fun out of it for you. One last mention--the fusible tape comes in 1/4" and 3/16". (The 3/16" fits within a quarter inch seam allowance--you'll know when you need each size). I keep both sizes on hand all the time, like a selection of thread, ya just gotta have it there when you need it.

Since my fingers are tired, I'm going to go with this story, and stick to it for now. Next time I'll share some knowledge of fabric behavior and control--basics of handling woven cotton textiles. Until then, check your cutting mats!

Innovative Quilt Women in Business

2009-08-24T05:24:00.000-07:00

I am constantly in awe of amazing and talented women in the quilting business like Cindy McCoy, who has most recently established Find A Quilt Pattern.com. Cindy's new service lists patterns in a comprehensive database with descriptive information and pattern pictures. Quilters use advanced search features to find patterns. Every pattern is linked to the designer's website where patterns can be purchased .

Says Cindy, "As a quilting designer myself, I know how hard it is to let the quilting world know about us. For most of us advertising is too expensive and way out of out budget. I have done searches with Google and had to go thru a lot of web sites before I came even close to what I was looking for. I was thinking there had to be a better yet economical way. Then it came to me: we need a single place to optimally search for quilting patterns. I had the technical skills to set up the web site so I did. I was hoping other designers would see how valuable this resource could be and jump in with me to set up the best comprehensive database of quilting patterns.

Cindy already maintains the established QuiltCampus.net, an online teaching resource where you can enroll in a variety of quilting classes from teachers around the world, network with students, share experiences, ask questions, and more--all from the comfort of your home. Online classes and live chat!

http://www.findaquiltpattern.com/

http://quiltcampus.net/

Napkin Folding Fun

2009-08-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I would post a few photos of Napkin Fun--fiddling and folding napkins that I created in pattern form and that are available in Simple Elegance Table Dressings. The photos here don't nearly show all the combos and looks you can create for party, holiday, or everyday table fashions. Make several Christmas tree napkins and fan them around in a circle on your holiday table--let your imagination fly! Don't forget--you can introduce even more combinations of color play by using 2 different fabrics for each napkin. All textiles shown here are from the work of Yolanda V. Fundora--the blues from the "Garden Party" collection, holiday fabrics from the "Holiday Splendor" collection. Have fun!

Simple Elegance Table Dressings Debut

2009-07-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome Creative Folk! I want to celebrate the debut of a new pattern, Simple Elegance Table Dressings, a 5-pattern set to dress your dining table. The pattern includes designs with unique styling for plate mats, table pads, scarf (runner) and 2 unique napkin styles. Wait til you see what the table layouts look like--graphically stunning! What else is cool about this pattern is that one sewing operation produces 2 distinct looks for your table--the pattern is reversible! Considering that there are no bindings to fuss with and no hand sewing, you'll want sets for each season--the pattern is beginner-easy and includes discreetly placed metric measurements for our far-away friends.
The pattern images feature "Holiday Splendor" and "Garden Party", the textiles of Yolanda V. Fundora for Blank Quilting (see sidebar for acquiring the Fundora textiles). The "Holiday Splendor" line makes a truly splendid table setting for the holidays--plenty of time to get started now.
The images below this posting show various combinations of layouts for cuttings generated from making pattern components. I'm sure you can think of several more combinations to make up an additional little project or two. The pad shown above is one such project I whipped up from cuttings using the same techniques in Simple Elegance Table Dressings. You'll get plenty of mileage out of this pattern for years to come. Happy Sewing Travels!

Simple Elegance Table Dressings Pattern Cuttings

2009-07-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

2009-06-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

My focus on design gravitates toward projects smaller than full sized quilts: wall art, table dressings, bags and such. I have a couple of favorite products that I find myself using over and over again on my projects and thought I’d share them with you. Mind you, there may be other products just as useful and reliable, but these are a couple that came across my path.
The batting I find myself using again and again is Warm & Natural 100% needled cotton batting (www.warmcompany.com). For my purposes, I like the 100% cotton make-up, but most appealing to me is the dimensional stability it offers for my projects, that is, it holds it shape while working with it. My pattern, Sophisticated Trio of Handbag Accessories, is a set of three accessories: eyeglass/sunglass case, checkbook cover, and business card caddy. They are small items to sew and using batting with a soft, fluffy, malleable hand would not help achieve the tailored look sought after for this project. I also used this batting in constructing Fab Frame, a fabric photo frame available on www.urban-amish.com, (see Textiles, Sketchbook Entire Line) and a soon-to-be-released table dressings pattern: Simple Elegance. Again, shape retention is important to me in these applications, and I find this batting fills the need.
Another product, also made by the Warm Company, that I use for numerous applications is Steam-A-Seam 2, fusible bonding tape. A few of the uses (I’m sure I’ll think of more after I’ve posted this)
To tack pieces for stitching, as in the band on the business card case in Sophisticated Trio
To "baste" openings in seam lines closed to hold for topstitching. I find that using this product tends to lessen the fabric rippling or "scooting". You folks with walking feet probably don’t have this problem.
To substitute for pinning. On occasions when I cut bindings on the cross grain, which has more give than the lengthwise grain, I use SAS2 to fuse the binding to the quilt, then stitch. Again, it holds the seam line in check to prevent the presser foot from pushing the top layer of fabric ahead and distorting the fit of components.
Another "basting" application: on the most recent project, I’ve designed a bag which has an angular medallion of sorts, that is applied (sewn) on the face of the bag. By applying SAS2 to the edges of the medallion and fusing to the bag prior to topstitching, it is a no-fail application—no stretched corners or cross grain distortions. The puppy sits and stays!
I also use the ¼" fusible bonding tape for turning under ¼" hems. The paper lined tape acts as a template to yield a uniform hem depth. Position the tape on the raw edge with paper liner on and press 1 or 2 seconds to melt it a little into the fabric fibers. Take care not to overdo this step, I find the paper can get difficult to peel if I overheat it. Turn the raw edge over the paper--the paper acts as a template with which to delineate the hemline. Once creased, remove paper liner, fuse according to manufacturer’s instructions (longer than the 1 or 2 seconds to tack I mentioned) and, voila! Hem marked and done.
The application that follows is similar to what I’ve already listed, but a specific application. On the bag medallion I spoke about, I applied lines of ¼" wide fabric strips criss-crossing the face. I used the SAS2 3/16" tape to hold the strips securely in place prior to topstitching. Another basting application, and the 3/16" tape is easily hidden beneath the ¼" wide strips.
Note: I often apply the tape/paper and fuse just a second or two for "basting" or melting the adhesive just a bit into the fibers to position elements on the project,. However, you must follow manufacturer’s instructions for fusing to get the permanent bond and to prevent the adhesive gumming up your machine needle. Visit the Warm Company website for further information.
Well, enough prattling on for today. Hope there is information some of you Creative Folk can use.
Happy Quilting Travels. Deborah

Welcome Creative Folk

2009-06-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Creative Folk Quilting has been established to share creativity with other quilt folk. I design patterns (Patterns for Creative Folk) exclusively for the textile designs of extremely talented artist, Yolanda Fundora (www.yolandafundora.com). I specialize in smaller than full-size quilts (most of the time), unique styling, easy sewing, and great design. I believe pairing fabulous fabrics with simple shapes produces the most elegant, striking finished work. I'm also a fan of Yolanda's genius: the Urban-Amish concept. Must check it out at www.urban-amish.com, truly brilliant. I won't spoil the surprise by blurting it out here. Urban-Amish rocks! and you will be seeing a project or two in the future using this concept in my pattern designing. There are lots of interesting things planned for the Creative Folk Quilting website--innovative design and some freebies for our followers, of course. Check back soon for details.
Quilters Rock!
www.quiltersrock.blogspot.com